The Friends of St Mary’s Church Beaminster
The latest news and events from The Friends of St Mary’s Church Beaminster.
Anniversary Service
The Friends of St Mary’s Church Beaminster warmly invite you to a special 25th Anniversary Service on Thursday 19th June at 2:30pm.
The service will be a joyous occasion to celebrate the inception of the Friends, formed 25 years ago to support our beautiful and historic Church. It will be followed by an illuminating talk by Murray Rose titled, “Changes the Church has seen in recent years”.
After the service our Chairman Peter Brook invites you to join him in his garden for tea and cakes and time to socialise.
Please put this special date into your diary.
If you would like to become a friend, or learn more about us, please email Tim and Susannah Hills at hillsusannah@hotmail.com. We are always delighted to welcome new members.
2025 Annual General Meeting Report 20/02/2025
The Annual General Meeting of the Friends of St Mary’s Beaminster was held on Thursday 20th February 2025 at 2:30pm.
Acting Chairman of the Friends Peter Brook opened the proceedings by warmly welcoming all those who were attending. This was followed by Reverend Canon David Baldwin who thanked the committee for their hard work and generous contributions towards the refurbishment to the Church over the past year.
Peter then explained in more detail that there had been two very successful events; a Jazz Concert in April which proved very popular, and a Flower Festival which was held in the Church during harvest. The latter brought many local traders and organisations together to create a colourful and meaningful occasion.
Two major projects were supported in 2024; with £50,000 being allocated towards the refurbishment of the kitchen and new toilet, and a further £10,000 for the installation of a CCTV system. Peter particularly mentioned Judith Hansen and gave his heartfelt thanks to her for all the hard work and dedication she’s given over the past year in managing these projects.
The election of the committee took place and the result was as follows:
- Chairman: Peter Brook
- Secretary: Amanda Fairchild
- Treasurer: Brian Ridley
- Events Manager: Jane Evans
- Members: Sally Mallinson, Evelyn Snell, Sue Corner, Susannah Hills, Tim Hills.
The committee was re-elected as a whole apart from Dan Rootham, who has temporarily stepped down, and James Oldfield who has agreed to join the committee.
After the business side to the meeting was finalised we were treated to a personal and very informative presentation by Tim and Susannah Hills on their Uganda-based charity Fingerprints. A delicious tea with sandwiches and homemade cakes concluded a very interesting afternoon.
Peter took the opportunity to remind us of all of a special date to put in our diaries. This year the Friends of St Mary’s celebrate its 25th anniversary and to mark this important occasion the Friends will hold a church service in St Mary’s Church on 19 June at 2:30pm followed by tea in Peter and Maggie Brook’s garden.
Committee Secretary Confirmed 17/06/2024
The Friends recently advertised for volunteers for the position of secretary on the committee. We are delighted that this position has now been filled and can confirm Amanda Fairchild has joined the committee in place of Coral Dakin, who will be leaving Beaminster shortly.
Jack Barnett Retires 17/06/2024
Jack Barnett has announced his retirement from the position of Charman of The Friends of St Mary’s after many rewarding years. Vice-Chairman Peter Brook has agreed to step into the role.
The Sunset Cafe Stompers Jazz Band Concert – A Huge Success 16/05/2024
The Friends of St Mary’s Church, Beaminster are delighted to announce that the Jazz Band Concert held in St Mary’s Church on 20th April 2024 raised approximately £650.00 (final printing costs TBC).
The evening was a huge success and the audience delighted in a variety of Jazz, from Blues to Ragtime, performed with zeal by this electrifying band.
The money raised will go towards the refurbishment of the kitchen and The Friends would like to thank you all for your continued and valued support.
If you’d like to become a Friend of St Mary’s Church, Beaminster, please call Gill Sansom on 01308 862719
The Friends of St Mary’s Beaminster
St. Mary’s Church Beaminster has been a place for people to pray, to admire, and to love for hundreds of years. Today it continues to serve the town and surrounding area. As well as being open on Sundays for a variety of services it is also available throughout the week for gatherings of one sort or another. But there is no getting away from the fact there is a cost involved. The Church has its own fundraising events and the Friends joins in with attempting to raise cash for the church’s needs. The Friends maintains a link between the church and the people of Beaminster.
The invitation to join The Friends is open to everyone and anyone who is interested in this church regardless of religious persuasion. Becoming a Friend is one of the best ways to help keep this church open for today’s people and for those of tomorrow.
By joining the Friends of St. Mary’s you will help us financially, and help to preserve and enhance this important Beaminster landmark. There will be fundraising events for you to support and the committee will always be grateful for any help which might be offered at such an event.
