Who we are and what we do
The Friends of St Mary's Church, Sundridge
The Friends of Mary’s was formed in 2004 and became a registered Charity on 8th September 2004, registration number 1105791, with the purpose of helping with the preservation, maintenance and embellishment of the fabric, interior decorations, ornaments, furnishings and churchyard of St Mary’s Church, Sundridge. Its principal aims are to promote public interest in St Mary’s Church, its history and work, in order to achieve this the Friends raise money from fundraising events, membership subscriptions and donations. All money raised by the Friends is used solely for the benefit of St Mary’s Church, Sundridge to help fund the preservation and maintenance of the fabric of the building and its embellishments.
We always welcome new members; the minimum subscription is only £10.00 per person per annum and you will receive advance notification and priority bookings to all events.
President: Sir Michael Fallon, Vice-President: Sir David Milman, Chairman: Kenneth Ludlam, Vice-Chairman: Jane Belle, Secretary: Ginny Ashworth, Treasurer: Gary Davison, Committee: Neil Arnott, Lyn Campbell, Andy Cook, Barbara Lockey, Mary Shephard, ex officio member: The Rector (Rev Lynette Leithead-Priest in Charge)
Previous fundraising events
The Friends have held and will continue to hold a diverse selection of events, this is to give an insight into the range of events the Friends have held, click on title for more details:
2023
AGM & talk by Nick White on “The Isleys of Sundridge”
Open Church Event to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and exhibition on “Royals, Rectors & Rogues”
See the Gallery page for pictures
Afternoon Tea Party at Spring Shaw Church Road Sundridge
Lucky Dip, Ice creams and supervision of the Bouncy Castle at “Funstock”
See the Gallery page for pictures
2022
AGM and talk by Nick White on “The Charge of the Light Brigade”
Visit to Chevening House
Open Church event to celebrate Platinum Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II
Tombola Stall at “Funstock”
2021
Life of your Church Architect a talk by John Bailey
Flowers on the Doors Festival 2021
Talk by Bob Ogley, My Life as a Journalist
See the Gallery page for pictures
2020
Flowers on the Doors Festival 2020
Party to Celebrate the new toilet facilities
See the Gallery page for pictures
2019
Girl Power, a talk by John Bailey
Trekking in Nepal, a talk by Nick White
Tour of Rochester Cathedral led by John Bailey
See the Gallery page for pictures
John Bailey Rooftop tour of Rochester Cathedral
2018
Private escorted tour of The Guildhall
2017
Come and Sing day with John Rutter
See the Gallery page for pictures
Created and sold DVDs of John Bailey’s talk
Published and sold Beilby Porteus second lecture books
Talk by Bob Ogley Doodlebugs and Rockets
2016
Private escorted visit to Lambeth Palace
Tales from our Past, an illustrated talk about Sevenoaks
John Baliey talk St Mary’s Architecture
Only UK performance by the German Dancing Diamonds dance group
2015
Talk by Bob Ogley Biggin Hill and the Red House
2014
Bob Ogley talk Poets of the First World War
2013
2012
Jazz evening
Kirtlington Stud & Blenheim Castle visit
2010
Village Green Stompers Jazz evening
Choral Concert
2009
Published Margaret King’s book on the history of Sundridge
Village Green Stompers Jazz evening
Talk by the Bishop of London, The Right Rev’d and Right Hon. Richard Chartres
2008
Published a Guide to St Mary’s Church, Sundridge
Village Green Stompers Jazz evening
Talk by Bob Ogley at the Red House
Choral Classics concert
2007
Sales of Guides to St Mary’s Church
David Killingray talk
Proceeds from Coconut Shy at Chevening House
Jazz evening
2006
Sales of Guides to St Mary’s Church
Visit to House of Commons
Stud farm and Racing stables visit
Thomas Clark Quire concert
Sale of Christmas cards
2005
Sales of History of St Mary’s books
Robinson Chapel Choir concert
Halstead Concert Band evening
Projects supported by the Friends
The Friends are proud to have supported, amongst other things,
2023
Contribution to Phase 2 of Project WaterLoo
Contribution to installation of wi-fi system
Purchase of new Bell Ropes
2022
Purchase of CCTV unit for Church
Coir matting for Tower Room
2021
No expenditure due to Covid
2020
Repairs to the Candelabrum
Carpet for the Tower Room
2019
Substantial contribution to the cost of toilet
See the Gallery page for pictures
Deep clean new toilets
Handrail for Tower staircase
2018
Paint Vestry
2017
Initial plans for Toilets
Investigation for toilet drainage
Paint security camera towers
2016
Repairs to outside lights
New lock for Vestry door
Security camera system
2015
Boxes for storage
Door stop and Bean bags
Showboard and Literature rack
Bean bags
2014
Road signs to Church
Advice from Browitt & Smith about Church toilet
Purchase of Pew cushions
2013
Purchased mower
Paid for repairs to mower storage shed
2012
Donation to Church Roof restoration fund
2010
Repair to Lychgate
2009
Purchase of new Oak door