The Friends of St. Michael’s was inaugurated in August 2002, with the purpose of promoting and encouraging the upkeep and care of the Church and to assist in the Church’s spiritual development, understanding and fellowship.
It was also agreed that 10% of all income raised would be given to good causes outside the parish to ensure that the “Friends” did not just have an inward looking focus, and to work closely with the Parochial Church Council who are ultimately responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of both the church of St. Michael’s and St.George.
From those early beginnings the membership has grown to 60 and a total of £ 28,000 has been raised to fund the following projects
- Restoration of the wood block flooring.
- Replacement of the old broken pine pews with 100 modern chairs.
- Erection of new fencing at rear of Church Hall.
- Pollarding of the horse chestnut tree to prevent vandalism of the Church windows by youngsters throwing conkers.
- Major repairs to boiler and chimney.
- Installation of new wardrobes and cupboards in belfry.
- Boxing in of the heating pipes in the Crèche.
- Repairs to lych gate.
- Upgrade of outside lighting.
- Restoration of the War Memorial.
- Purchase of new piano keyboard.
- Major contribution to replacing of the church room flooring.
- Contribution to choir funds towards new robes.
- Replacement of the old lighting system with modern multifunctional system
- Painting of the South entrance doors.
In addition to these, several other tasks have been carried out regarding the upkeep of the fabric of the church.
The “Friends” have also contributed to church fellowship by arranging two fellowship dinners, an Easter Sunday family tea and a summer barbecue, all were very well attended. We have also held a 60’s night in the church to which many came and had a thoroughly good evening, grateful thanks to Mark Chandler and the band.
In addition to the upkeep of the church and fellowship activities we have given 10% of our income away to a number of good causes outside of the parish in accordance with our founding Mission Statement.
Most of our efforts over the last two years have been spent in raising the funds and obtaining the necessary faculty for the new lighting system.
Now we must look forward to ensuring that, whilst we have been able to worship and enjoy the fellowship at St. Michael’s since it was built in 1890, we continue to keep the building in a good state of repair in order to serve the needs of the existing and future community of Partridge Green.
The most pressing item will be the replacement of the boiler and or the oil storage tank both of which will need replacement in the near future. Also work is still needed on the bell tower, internally and externally, and the West entrance double doors.
We are most grateful to all the “Friends” of St. Michael and All Angels for their valuable support both financial and by words of encouragement, for without their help most of this work would not have been achieved.
To the Glory of God, may his love continue to Shine.
Geoff Bird
