The Friends of St Andrew’s (FOSA) came into being in 1993, as a village-wide society of people interested in preserving and enhancing the fabric of our parish church. It was launched in connection with an appeal for urgent restoration work in the church, an extension to provide a new meeting room (the North Room) and an extension to the churchyard. In 1997 FOSA organised a successful appeal for restoration of the organ. In the early years money was mainly raised by pledged donations from registered Friends; there was also an active programme of frequent events.
FOSA then became more informal. A small committee continued to raise money mainly by holding several events a year. The continuing generosity of supporters provided funds for other restoration needs and projects to enhance the church, chief among these were the conservation of the chancel screen, provision of cupboards, pew cushions and carpet, improvement of the internal lighting, installation of floodlighting and a new south door.
FOSA also made a contribution to meeting the cost of organ repairs, bought a new carpet for the vestry, paid for the installation of acoustic ceiling panels in the North Room (all in 2011-2012) and provided adaptable staging for performances in the church (2014).
In fulfilling the fundraising role for St Andrew’s FOSA also strived to reach out to the whole village community with events which were enjoyable social gatherings, such as concerts, pre- or post-Christmas parties, coffee mornings and quizzes.
Page last updated on Tuesday 7th March 2023 by Nigel Deacon