The Friends of St. Martin’s, Eynsford (FSME) was registered as a charity in March 1998. 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 over £75000! Thank you all SO MUCH for all your help in this achievement.

Q. What have we spent it on?

A. £25,000 on a new organ and a sound system with hearing aid loop.

Q. What’s happened to the other £50,000?

A. £25,000 is earmarked for the first phase of the planned improvements - repairing the porch ceiling, making more space in the inner porch and installing glass doors there. The rest 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 are still being finalised and approved by the Diocese authorities.

Q. What improvements?

A. Disabled access, a toilet, meeting rooms, tea-making facilities, more space for social gatherings. 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 £300,000….

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 shortly.
• 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 five 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.

The 200 Club

One of our fund-raising schemes is the FSME monthly draw. We are allowed by law to have 200 members each subscribing £1 per week. This subscription has to be paid in advance either by cheque for six months or one year, or by standing order paid quarterly or annually. With the receipt for your subscription you will receive your unique number which will go into the draw every month for one of three cash prizes. Half of all the income goes back to the shareholders in prize money.

The size of the prizes depend on the number of participants. There are 3 monthly prizes of up to £70, and twice a year bumper prizes of around £300. Of course, the more people who join, the larger these prizes are.

This is a marvellous source of funds for the church, particularly as it is regular, recurring and predictable. Please join! Or ... if you already have a share increase your prize winning chances by taking another one!

Simply download the application form, fill it in and post it! Couldn't be easier and you could be the next winner!

Click here to download the application form
for the FSME 200 Club Monthly Draw
(Adobe Reader required).