Come and see churches through the eyes, and hands, of a master stonemason in a talk that beautifully complements this year’s Rural Strides walk theme, Legacy of Belief.
Most of us step into a church and admire the beauty, but few of us truly see it. Stonemasons do. Working inches from extraordinary art and architecture every day, they notice the details the rest of us pass by and understand how buildings are put together, breathe, age, crack, settle and survive. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Andrew Ziminski to Petersfield for a special talk on his work and his acclaimed book Church Going.
Andrew is one of the most respected stonemasons in the country. His hands have worked on Salisbury Cathedral, St Paul’s, the Roman Baths in Bath, and even prehistoric monuments like West Kennet Long Barrow near Avebury. For decades he has read Britain’s greatest sacred and historic spaces in stone.
His book, Church Going, has been called the “church-crawler’s bible” – and for good reason. Published last October, it was named Book of the Year by The Times, Telegraph and BBC History Magazine. It’s thoughtful and packed with stories you won’t find in guidebooks.
This evening isn’t just about masonry. It’s about why churches matter, how they are built, how they age and how they’re saved. Whether you love history, architecture, walking or simply beautiful places, this talk will deepen your appreciation of churches as extraordinary heritage assets – and why they need our support.
All profits to support church conservation, with funds being split between St Peter’s & Hardham in West Sussex, whose remarkable frescoes are threatened by rising moisture levels. Even if you can’t attend, please consider donating via the link on the event page.
Event Details
When: Weds 4 March 2026
Where: St Peter’s Church, Petersfield
Time: Doors open 7pm for a 7.30 start (with option of earlier church tour with Rev Hughes)
Tickets: £5 via Rural Strides website
Other: paid bar and One Tree Book selling copies of Church Going on the night
