THE ST. EDMUNDS CHURCH BUILDING TRUST
The St. Edmund’s Church Building Trust, Founded 1996
Charity no 1063891
TRUSTEES- Mr. David Poore, Mr. David Simmonds
ABOUT THE CHURCH
St. Edmund’s Church, Church Road, Wootton was built in 1087 AD as a private chapel for the nearby manor and so has been a place of worship and a major feature of the community for over 900 years.
Due to changes within the Church of England there was in the mid 1990s, a possibility that some churches would have to close. Wootton, having two buildings serving the same Parish was vulnerable.
St. Edmunds Church building could not be expanded, so that the sister church of St. Mark’s would become the main worship centre, and St. Edmund’s would be made redundant.
In response the St. Edmund’s Church Building Trust was founded.
WHAT IS THE TRUST?
The St. Edmund’s Church Building Trust is a registered charity.
The objects of the Trust as stated in the Constitution are:-
“To maintain, repair, restore, preserve, improve, beautify and reconstruct for the benefit of the public, the fabric of the Church of St Edmund’s, its monuments, fixtures, fittings, furniture, stained glass, ornaments and other chattels, and its churchyard.”
The Trust was launched at our first Annual Open Weekend, August Bank Holiday 1996.
Any member is welcome at our Annual General Meeting, which takes place at St. Edmund’s Church in early summer. See forthcoming events.
THE FRIENDS OF ST. EDMUND’S
The Friends are the fundraising arm of the Trust. The Management Committee sees to the day-to-day running and administration.
WHO CAN JOIN THE FRIENDS?
Any member of the public is eligible to join the Friends. You should be over 18.
The basic subscription is a minimum of only £5 a year. Members will have the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping maintain this spiritual and historical treasure.
HOW DO I JOIN?
Simply print out the enrolment form and send it to the address given along with your subscription.
Or if you prefer contact the Secretary on 01983 883126, Or E mail – trustsecretary@btinternet.com
GIFT AID
Did you know? If you are a UK taxpayer and Gift Aid your subscription/ donation it will increase its value by around another third, at no extra cost to you, since we will be able to claim back tax. Please request further details.
FUNDRAISING
Most of our income is raised via membership subscriptions and donations, both from members and from the wider community.
In addition we hold various events. We also sell souvenir items, histories, cross-stitch patterns, postcards, greetings cards etc.
THE TRUST SO FAR
Summary of projects we have helped to fund:-
Replastering and renovation of the interior. Since St. Edmund’s is a listed building we were required to use specified materials and methods.
Repairs to the path to the main door.
Restoration of the bell, which was in poor condition and could not be rung.
Repairs to the churchyard wall.
Fitting a CCTV system and purpose designed security window grills.
Restoration and repair of two lancet windows in the chancel (part of a set of 4 installed in 1894). The work was carried out by Southern Lights, a local firm. The project was completed to a very high standard in December 2009. The next project is under consideration.
None of these projects would have been possible without the help of the Friends and supporters among the wider community. We, the Friends always bear in mind that we are simply the temporary custodians of this lovely spiritual and historical treasure. It is in regular use for worship and services including the increasingly popular mid week communion. In addition various kinds of events open to all take place here. It is up to us, the present generation to see that it is preserved for the future.
St. Edmund’s receives visitors from all over the world. All are welcomed.
Some of the comments in our Visitor’s Book
- A beautiful place, full of God’s peace.
- Welcoming – peaceful, serene.
- Obviously much loved.
- Thank you for leaving this beautiful church open.
- This church makes you feel all is right with the world.
- From a child- I enjoyed myself. “I drawed” the stained glass.
- Or most simply “Wow”.
Why not pay us a visit and see for yourself?
CONTACT DETAILS
For any queries please contact the Secretary on 01983 883126
Or E mail – trustsecretary@btinternet.com
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