The Friends were founded in 1980 to help (in the words of our constitution) "maintain, repair, renew, improve and enhance the structure and fabric, furnishings, memorials and fittings of the Church of St.Michael, St.Albans. Over the years they have raised some £100,000 for this purpose - hard work, yes, but also good fun.

The appeal of the Friends has always been to people who, while not necessarily churchgoers, nevertheless feel the presence of St.Michael's Church to be of vital importance in the local community. The appeal finds response from far and near.

Fund-raising events have included a Victorian Evening, a Lamb-Roast, Chariot Races, a Gala Evening at Gorhambury House and numerous other occasions in which the serious fund-raising object is well concealed beneath the sounds of people thoroughly enjoying themselves. And It is fair to point out that the St.Michael's Flower Festival, by far the Parish's largest initiative in recent years was a Friends' initiative. That, with other funds accumulated by the Friends, raised £30,000 for urgently needed roof repairs.

More recently, occasions such as the concerts held in St.Michael's Church under the auspices of the Friends, often in collaboration with the Society of St.Michael's and Kingsbury, have been an outstanding success - artistically, socially and financially. Future activities are now being planned by The Friends' Committee, and we invite you to become a member yourself and to play your part in safeguarding St.Michael's Church for future generations.

The association is managed by a small committee under the leadership of the present Chairman, Alan Allkins. Membership is open to all with the annual subscription of £5.00. Each year an informal report is given at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners held before the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

Newsletter

The next Friends Newsletter will be published later this year.

Future events

Events for 2012 will be published later this year.

Patron: The Earl of Verulam

Chairman: Alan Allkins
Treasurer:  Mike Western
Committee members: 
      John Shiner
      Helena Biddle
      Ann Dean