The main purpose of The Friends of St Mary’s, FoSM, is to raise funds for the restoration and maintenance of St Mary's Church and its surrounds.
St Mary's Church dates from the 13th century and is a Grade Two listed building of significant historic importance. Unfortunately it is constantly in need of work to preserve it in a satisfactory state. Around £100k is needed for the foreseeable future for various restoration projects, and the church simply is unable to produce that sum of money. Its income from the regular church congregation is declining and now does not cover its daily operating costs. Neither the Church of England or the Church Commissioners have any legal responsibility to provide financial support.
In order to help raise the necessary funds for the restoration and maintenance of the Church, FoSM was established in 2011 and is a registered charity. In particular it appeals to all those who do not attend St Mary’s but value it as an integral part of the village heritage and landscape and wish to see it preserved for this and future generations.
Since its inception FoSM has raised over £130,000 through individual donations, legacies and fundraising events. It holds an AGM, issues newsletters and holds an annual fundraising event. One of its key objectives is to engender a community spirit and once again make the church a focal point in the village for concerts, lectures and other community activities.
Fundraising events held so far have been well supported and have included concerts in the Church and suppers in the Morrell Room with such themes as wine tasting, quizzes and singalongs. Other fundraising events held have been coffee mornings, lunches, teas after concerts and dog-walks.
FoSM has already granted over £44,000 of funds raised to date for repair and maintenance projects needed by the church and regularly considers others proposed by the Parochial Church Council. It has committed a further £25,000 in future funds for pending repairs to the organ, chancel flooring and the roof structure. In addition the PCC are currently carrying out a comprehensive survey to identify further necessary repair projects which FoSM can consider funding.
Major projects already completed have been the replacement of the Celtic Cross on the roof which was in a dangerous state, the restoration of the historic Lych Gate, installation of a lightning conductor and the auto-winding of the church clock.
Minor projects completed include repairs to the roof, chancel and stained glass windows and regular maintenance work to the churchyard. A multitude of miscellaneous small projects have also been funded.
Running a charity such as FoSM takes a lot of time and effort but is very rewarding. However it can only continue to be a success if sufficient individuals come forward to support it. The benefit would be that St Mary’s is safely preserved for the future and thus remain a fundamental part of what makes the village so attractive to those who live here.
The Friends of St Mary’s welcomes membership from those who support our aims irrespective of religious creed or belief. We include those who live in the village and surrounding area, those who have moved away, those who have family ties with the Church, or those who are just visiting to appreciate the beauty of the building in its position by the River Thames.
If you are sufficiently inspired to find out more, or make a donation, then please pick up a leaflet in church or contact the FoSM Chairman at fosm.streatley@btinternet.com. Alternatively speak to the Church Warden, John Rogers, who will be able to help.
Graham Harvey, FoSM Chairman, March 2023