The Friends of All Saints’ is a charitable organisation formed to assist in the preservation, protection and improvement for the public benefit of Brightlingsea’s historic All Saints’ Church.
The Friends oversee the maintenance of the church and its surroundings, from the day to day essentials such as preparing the church for services, to major projects including essential maintenance of its historic structure.
Maintaining a church of such architectural and historic significance is an ongoing battle and one which the Friends face with endless enthusiasm and determined commitment. As part of their role the Friends assist with fundraising and grant applications. Alongside their ongoing maintenance programme, the Friends are currently working towards two special projects.
The first is the construction of permanent toilet and kitchen facilities. As regular visitors to All Saints’ will know, the church currently relies on a portaloo toilet and there are only makeshift facilities for refreshments. A key objective is to ensure All Saints’ is used as widely as possible for appropriate community events, as well as for formal services, and such permanent facilities will greatly enhance its usability for all.
The second is major restoration work on the Great Tower. Built in 1500, the Great Tower has withstood the elements for nearly 600 years, but ensuring it remains standing for another six centuries will require a significant programme of restoration.
To find out more about the progress of these projects please click here.
To find out more about the work of the Friends of All Saints’ or to arrange to visit the church privately please contact Janet Russell on 01206 305552.
friendsofallsaintsbrightlingsea.com 