About the Friends
Restoring the Church For All of Us
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Our Story
In the very centre of Folkestone between the shops and The Bayle lies the beautiful Parish Church. A priory was originally built on the site in the 12th Century and though that building itself was destroyed and rebuilt in the 13th Century, St Eanswythe’s relics remain at the church to this day.
The Friends of St Mary and St Eanswythe Parish Church began on 21st March 2014 and is dedicated to the preservation of St Mary and St Eanswythe’s church as a place of Christian worship and a focal point of historical interest for residents and visitors to folkestone. All the funds we will raise will be devoted to the upkeep of the building and to the furthering of public understanding of its history, architecture and significance.
Our first target is to raise substantial funds for repairs to the church roof and resultant damage to the walls and fabric of this beautiful church through water penetration. Over the years both time and weather had taken their toll and after inspection the situation was found to be much worse than anticipated. Suggested costs were anything up to £150,000.
Membership is open to all and we welcome friends locally and throughout the world. Become a friend of St Mary and St Eanswythe Parish Church and help us to preserve and protect this wonderful building.
You can also help us by offering an hour or two a week stewarding in the Church which would enable us to keep our doors open as often and for as long as possible so that as many people as possible can enjoy this inspiring building.
Our Top Priorities
efficient heating
We all know that churches can be cold places due to the scale of the buildings, but it's not much fun to shiver in! The more efficient and cost-effective the heating system, the warmer we'll be.
the tapestry
The church is full of beautiful and intricate tapestries surviving so much through time and our aim is to make sure that survival is continued for many more visitors to enjoy.
The roof
The roof is obviuosly the most important strucure on the building, protecting all inside. We crucially need to complete all necessary repairs to make this 100% watertight.
Fundraising
Our constant. We are always looking for new and innovative ways to raise money. Join us and be part of the proud team looking after just one piece of Folkestone's heritage.
With Your Help, We are Restoring The Church for Future Generations
The Friends of St Mary and St Eanswythe Parish Church began on 21st March 2014 and is dedicated to the preservation of St Mary and St Eanswythe’s Church.
Our sole aim is to raise funds all of which will be devoted to the upkeep of the building and to the furthering of public understanding of its history, architecture and significance.
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We Folkestonians cannot let neglect succeed in destroying our Church - the focal point of the town and it’s history - where fire and wars have failed. Once the Church has gone it will be gone for good. For the love of Folkestone we need to act now.
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who we are
The Friends of St Mary and St Eanswythe Parish Church began on 21st March 2014 and is dedicated to the preservation of St Mary and St Eanswythe’s Church.
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1161358
what we do
Our sole aim is to raise funds all of which will be devoted to the upkeep of the building and to the furthering of public understanding of its history, architecture and significance.