The Benefice of Blenheim
Begbroke, Bladon, Shipton, Woodstock & Yarnton
The association of Friends was formed in 1962 in order to raise money to help maintain and embellish the fabric and fittings of our ancient church of St. Mary Magdalene.
Currently we have around 140 members living locally and some who have moved away.
The Friends' activities range from those with a strong social dimension – for instance the annual outing to a cathedral for choral evensong – to those with a more specific fundraising element – e.g. music recitals, harvest suppers, bric-a-brac sales, all geared towards raising funds for the church and enabling the Friends to provide financial support when needed.
Over recent years we have been able to provide the sound system for the church, a new nave carpet, an exterior light, new flags and flagpole amongst other items, and have contributed to the refurbishment of the west end of the church. The book of remembrance in the Lady Chapel is another Friends initiative.
We also try to maintain the physical appearance of the premises by, for instance, organising working parties in the church yard.
We have a yearly outing to a cathedral or church of interest, culminating with sung Evensong. In 2008, we visited St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, by way of a river trip from Maidenhead and in 2010 we visited St Paul’s.
Friends receive an annual newsletter with details of events and achievements.
Membership costs £20; there is an application form at the back of the church.
For further information about joining The Friends, please contact:
The Hon. Secretary, Sandy Rasch. Email: [email protected]
or Chairman, David Shepherd. Email: [email protected] 01993 813594
or see The Friends table in St Mary Magdalen's church.
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