Friends of St Mary's

Over £1000 was raised on Saturday 29th January 2011 at the inaugural concert in aid of the new Friends of St Marys charity which was launched this week.  At a public meeting on Thursday a constitution for the charity was proposed and approved by all present and an executive committee formed to start the work of the new organisation.  Expressions of interest in membership are now being received and once a bank account has been setup, membership applications will be accepted.  An annual membersip fee of £10 per annum (minimum) was proposed and agreed upon at the meeting.  Registered Charity status will be sougth in due course.

Friends of St. Mary’s will promote the restoration, preservation, repair, maintenance and improvement of  the historic church building, contents and churchyard.  It will promote and organise fund-raising events and, in due course, grant funds to the Parochial Church Council who, with the churchwardens are legal custodians of the church building and have responsibility for its upkeep.  Contrary to popular belief there is no central government or church funding for the maintenance of buildings such as St. Mary’s—work is funded partly by small grants from various charitable trusts but most money currently has to be raised by the church congregation.
 
There are many people in the village and beyond who would be willing to support the aims of the ’Friends’ but who would not see themselves as part of the worshipping church congregation.  Membership of the ‘Friends’ and becoming involved in its activities will allow
them to show their support for an important part of the village’s heritage.  ‘Friends of St Mary’s’ will be about celebrating and encouraging interest in the church building and its history.
 
As well as helping to raise funds, it is hoped that the ‘Friends’ will take an active role in caring for the church and churchyard.  The task of maintaining a 13th Century Grade 1 listed building and over an acre of churchyard can be an onerous and financially demanding one
and it is hoped that ‘Friends’ will feel able to join the existing voluntary effort of church members to keep costs to a minimum by joining occasional maintenance working parties.
 
The churchyard itself is an important space—primarily for grieving—but also a significant opportunity for wildlife conservation.  Recent investigations have shown the presence of long-eared brown and pipistrelle bats using the roof spaces of the church as a summer roost
and a project is under way in association with Aylesbury Vale District Council to encourage swifts to nest in specially designed boxes.  Promoting  wildlife conservation is therefore another area in which Friends of St Mary’s could become involved.   

At this early stage we are seeking expressions of interest from those who would support the aims of the Friends of St. Mary’s and would be prepared to join us in caring for this significant building and surrounding land in this most picturesque of villages.

If you would like us to send you furhter details of membership please send Friends of St Mary's an email