Parish of All Saints
Cheltenham
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Parish of All Saints Cheltenham
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THE FRIENDS OF ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH Many different organisations now seem to have associated Friends Groups. Not only buildings on the heritage trail, but also country parks, community charities, welfare providers and environmental projects find it helpful to create such bodies. The aims of these groups are varied, but they include both fund raising and the development of constituencies to support the overall objective of the parent organisation. Friends Groups can enable people who have been actively involved with an organisation to keep in touch. They can lead initiatives to purchase additional equipment, which would not otherwise be available to the parent organisation. They can assist change or help to retain existing facets of the parent organisation that are of value. Two years ago the Friends of All Saints’ were formed. It was hoped that the Friends would be able to help maintain our Grade 1 Listed Church, that they would help promote the musical history of All Saints’ and that they would encourage continuing links with those connected with the parish in the past. The Friends were successful in pursuing these aims, but recently the amount of activity involving them has declined. In addition the first phase of the building work on the church has been completed. It may therefore be a good time to refine objectives a little, without departing from the original broad aims. Clearly, in doing this we must consult the Friends themselves. We will shortly be writing to them about subscription renewal and the Annual Tea Party. This will give us a chance to consult and gather ideas. However, two or three thoughts might be worthy of consideration. Firstly, this area of Cheltenham is blessed, like many a country parish, with having an architectural gem within its boundaries. Can we increase membership of the Friends in the local area and involve such members in a greater use of the church building? Secondly, with the refurbishment of the organ, what additional links can be made with the musical community in Cheltenham and beyond? Thirdly, can we be more proactive in demonstrating the links between our beautiful building and its primary purpose? When the Friends’ group was formed some members of the congregation felt that they were already a friend of All Saints’ and there was little point in joining. I can sympathise with this view and perhaps the Friends organisation is most use to those with less definite links with the church at present. However, in as far as it is always difficult to find ways to keep in contact with the more loosely connected or to make contact with strangers, I believe that the Friends can fulfil a very useful task within the overall purpose of All Saints’. I would hope that members of the congregation could continue to support the organisation either by maintaining their membership or by supporting events.
We need to be aware that people can have experience of spiritual things in many
ways. Among these are fine architecture, good fellowship, thoughtful discussion
and beautiful music. The Friends of All Saints’ Church have contributed and can
continue to contribute to this end. If you would like to discuss the future of
the Friends or would like to take a more active role in the organisation, please
contact me on PETER WARWICK |
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