The Friends of Arkesden Church is a non secular group that was inaugurated over 35 years ago for the purpose of raising funds to maintain the fabric of our church building and its grounds, to assist to keep it in good order. The Friends is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission.
Every 5 years the church undergoes a quinquennial inspection by the church architect who advises the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of essential items that need remedying. The PCC in turn will approach the Friends to assist with the funding of some of the works such as rectifying damp, roofing, new notice boards, decorating etc.
In December 2016 the PCC requested the church architects to prepare a feasibility study to re-order the church to create a more flexible church and community space. Over the following years much work was undertaken to create and review potential schemes, identify and understand the costs, understand the needs and wishes of village residents and local communities etc. This extensive piece of work, which was completed after COVID, concluded that although there was a lot of support from the local community and church goers, the significant cost, even of reduced schemes, could not be justified or indeed met. The PCC and the Friends have focused instead on building the strength of the PCC and a new Fabric, Finance and Grounds Committee to help run, maintain and grow the church and its usage. This continues to be strongly supported by The Friends.
The Friends is a small group of enthusiastic village residents who plan and run fundraising and community events. It is an informal committee, helped by a wider group of residents, who are very happy to welcome new members. Recent events run by the Friends have included Gardens Open, a Brass Band summer picnic on the green, scarecrow trail, Christmas Tree Festival, Bridge Drive, Christmas wreath making evening …to name a few..
Current officers:
Chair: Tina McLean 01799 550448
Secretary: Allison Poultney. 01799 580861