The
Friends of St. Martin’s,
Eynsford (FSME) was registered as a charity in March 1998 (charity number 1069450). Its
purpose is to preserve, improve and beautify the church building
and the churchyard. By law, it must use its income solely for this
purpose, and not for any part of the day-to-day running costs of
the church’s
activities (which are funded by contributions from the regular
congregation).
There are many people, village residents and visitors, church-goers
and non-church-goers who value the church as an integral
and important part of the village scene. FSME exists to collect money
and make sure it is directed towards maintaining the church building,
preserving this essential aspect of life in the village
and making sure it does not fall into disuse or decay. Perhaps reassuring
for non-church-goers, is the assurance that any money received will
be spent solely on the preservation and enhancement of the church
building and surroundings, and not directed towards any other part
of the church.
So far we have raised £164,000! Thank you all for all your help in this fantastic achievement.
Q. What have we spent it on?
A. So far we’ve spent £113,000 - on a new central heating boiler; a new organ; a sound system with hearing aid loop; and the first phase of the planned improvements. This included repairing the porch ceiling and stonework, making more space in the inner porch and installing glass doors there. The photo here shows how much light the new doors let in. Also people outside the church can see what's going on inside.
Q. What’s happened to the other £51,000?
A. It’s earmarked for the second phase of improvements to the church building, and is gathering interest in a special investment account.
Q. Why haven’t we spent it yet?
A. The second phase of the plans for improvements to the church building have yet to be finalised and approved by the Diocese authorities. These were delayed by the interregnum but now we have a new Rector we can resume work on the project.
Q. What improvements?
A. Toilet and kitchen facilities; disabled access; flexible space for meetings and social gatherings; and adequate heating. These improvements will benefit everyone who uses the church for any purpose – not just Sunday services, but weddings, baptisms, funerals, interviews, meetings, etc. Our aim is that St. Martin's should become a versatile facility for all villagers.
Q. How much will all this cost?
A. We don’t know the exact cost yet, but it’s likely to be around £400,000 ...
… so we still need your help please!
There are number of ways in which you can help:
- Please consider making a direct donation.
- Donate to purchase a specific part of the development. e.g. the new glass doors or a chair, perhaps in memory of a loved one. A list of all the relevant items will be available.
- Buy a share in the FSME 200 Club Draw - see below for more information.
- There are always fundraising activities being organised. We cannot put into words how much your help would be appreciated with those!
- How about becoming an FSME Trustee? At the moment there are only four of us and we would be very pleased to welcome another member or two.
For more information please email the Chairman of the Trustees,
Alan Cremer.
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