Parish OfficeFriends of St Wilfrid's
The Friends inaugural meeting was held on 9th February 1993. The purpose is to provide a means by which people near and far can have an involvement in the life of the church. They assist in the maintenance and enhancement of the fabric and furnishings as well as the regular worship at St Wilfrid's. Over the years the Friends have provided many useful and decorative artefacts for the church, some of which are listed here – installation of chamber organ, oil candles (to replace wax), altar frontal, Psalters and covers for same, new girdles for servers, contribution to the cleaning of the Rood screen, Rood screen spot lights, two radio microphone systems, church road sign, new kneelers for the front pews, and a CCTV camera to visually link choir master with organist. Most recently the Friends bought the new chairs for St Wilfrid's Chapel. We hope to continue this good work over the coming years. Committee meetings are held to discuss and arrange fund raising events, such as coffee mornings and garden parties. We hold Friends Open days and also arrange for Parish Outings to places of religious and historic interest i.e. Cathedral cities. Members will receive a newsletter and an invitation to attend the annual celebration, around St.Wilfrid's day in October.
We encourage local residents and people who use the Church or the hall to join The Friends. These may be people who do not necessarily attend services, for example members of the uniformed organisations, or businesses that use the church. Whilst we are particularly keen to make contact with all those who live in the Duchy Estate and environs, we welcome anyone who has an interest in the Church. We have a brochure available from the tables by the exits to the church.
If you are interested in supporting the work of the Friends please apply for an application form to the Secretary - Mrs Jane Gill via the Parish Office. The membership fee is a minimum of £10 a year.
Friends of St Wilfrid's
Report of Annual General Meeting
- ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
FRIENDS OF ST WILFRID'S
Meeting held on 10th October 2009
Twenty-three members of the Friends were present at the meeting, with thirteen apologies being received. Fr John Thompson-Vear led the opening prayer.
The meeting opened in the absence of a Chairman, following Fr Mark's appointment as Bishop of Horsham. It was proposed, and was unanimously agreed, that Fr John Thompson-Vear be asked to act as Chairman pending the appointment of a new Team Rector, and he kindly consented to his election.
As Treasurer, Christine Hopper presented the Accounts and explained in her report that the Christmas card sale had generated income. The main expenditure had been the production of the newsletter, and the purchase of the chairs for St Wilfrid's Chapel. Some of the monies held in the account were reserved for the purchase of the Holy Water stoops.
The Treasurer and Committee members were all re-elected, and a new Secretary was elected, Mrs Jane Gill.
There then followed a discussion of suggestions and questions for the committee.
It was observed that the Friends no longer seemed to be promoted, and it was questioned whether newer members of the congregation are aware of its existence. They were told that the PCC has been made aware of the work of the Friends, and this information would be shared with others through the PCC meeting minutes. It was confirmed that there are currently about 100 members of the Friends. Leaflets had been sent to all houses on the Duchy and some people had joined as a result.
Fr John suggested that the monthly church newsletter could be used to publicise the Friends, and he said that he intended to use his next newsletter to talk about the events of the Patronal Festival weekend so he would include information about the existence and purpose of the Friends then. The Friends are included on the website information. It was recognised that the Friends had raised a lot of money for the church over the years.
There followed discussion about the provision of the new chairs in St Wilfrid's Chapel, and of the intention to proceed with the installation of the Holy Water stoops.
It was noted that some visitors to the church had expressed to their disappointment that there were no souvenirs for sale in church, e.g. postcards. It was agreed that this was something that the Friends Committee could consider when they next met.
It was reported that the PCC has in mind to set up a fund raising committee as part of the regular life of the church, and it was intended to involve not just the congregation but also the wider group of users of the church, who come from across the town.
Following the meeting, the Friends heard a very interesting address by The Revd Canon Paul Greenwell.