Friends of St Mary and St Eanswythe

The Friends of St Mary and St Eanswythe is a UK nonprofit organisation dedicated to the preservation and upkeep of St Mary and St Eanswythe’s Church in Folkestone. The group was established on March 21, 2014, with a focus on maintaining the church as a place of Christian worship and a focal point of historical interest for both residents and visitors to the area[1][3].

Objectives

The primary objective of the organisation is to raise funds, all of which are used for the maintenance and beautification of the church. This includes restoration, repair, and improvement work on the building and its fixtures, such as stained glass windows and monuments[4][5]. Additionally, the group aims to enhance public understanding of the church's history, architecture, and significance[3].

Activities

Since its inception, the Friends of St Mary and St Eanswythe have been involved in various projects, including the refurbishment of the church organ and the cleaning and care of stained glass windows[2]. Their efforts have led to an increase in visitors to the church, contributing to its overall enhancement as a community and historical resource[2].

Cooperation and Impact

The organisation maintains a strong relationship with the parish church, and their financial support enables the church to undertake projects that would otherwise be unaffordable[5]. The Friends' activities also contribute to the broader community engagement efforts of St Mary and St Eanswythe’s Church, which include outreach and involvement with local charities like the Rainbow Centre[5].

Charity Status

The Friends of St Mary and St Eanswythe are registered as a charity in the UK with the charity number 1161358[1][2].