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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.
Future events
We shall be helping to welcome visitors to the church during this year's Heritage Weekend from Thursday 10th
to Sunday 13th September.
St.Michael's Church will be open as follows:
Thursday & Friday: 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Saturday: Closed all day
Sunday: 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm.
On Sunday, light refreshments including afternoon tea will be available
in the Parish Centre.
Our next concert in the church will be held on the evening of Saturday 10th
October. The Mill Ensemble will be travelling from the Isle of Man for a
special programme of classical music. Further details and booking arrangements
will be available soon. |
Patron: The Earl of Verulam
Chairman: Alan Allkins
Secretary: John Bethell
Treasurer: Mike Western
Membership: Gill Huckerby
Committee members:
John Shiner
Gail Payne
Victoria McIlwraith
For Membership enquiries, please contact Gill Huckerby on 01727 862469
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