The Friends of St Mary Abbots Church Kensington
The Friends 150th Anniversary St Mary Abbots
Improved Accessibility Appeal
I am writing to you as Founding Patron of the Friends of St Mary Abbots. Last year the church celebrated its 150th Anniversary of our beautiful Sir George Gilbert Scott designed church, opened on May 14th 1872.
As part of our commemorations and celebrations of this historic anniversary we launched an Appeal to raise £50,000 to create a new point of accessibility at the Cloister Door to replace the unslightly, and not totally safe, temporary ramp which seems to have stayed in such a central position for far longer then anyone ever thought!
The new accessibility will be architect designed and in keeping with the surround of building materials at the steps. It will give greatly improved access to those with mobility issues, parents with children in buggies and prams, and those using forms of disabled people's transport. An update of the Design of the new ramp and excavations can be found HERE.
As part of our commemorations and celebrations of this historic anniversary we launched an Appeal to raise £50,000 to create a new point of accessibility at the Cloister Door to replace the unslightly, and not totally safe, temporary ramp which seems to have stayed in such a central position for far longer then anyone ever thought!
The new accessibility will be architect designed and in keeping with the surround of building materials at the steps. It will give greatly improved access to those with mobility issues, parents with children in buggies and prams, and those using forms of disabled people's transport. An update of the Design of the new ramp and excavations can be found HERE.
To fund this long needed project The Friends of St Mary Abbots, last year celebrating their own 20th Anniversary, agreed to run an Appeal to raise the £50,000. In a major donation from the Friends it was agreed that for EVERY £1 YOU DONATE, THEY WOULD MATCH YOUR £1 WITH A FURTHER £1 up to a value of £25,000. In effect therefore the parishioners needed to donate £25,000 and the Friends would double it!
In Summer 2023 the Friends presented a cheque to Mother Emma and members of the PPC having raised their target of £50,000. Especial thanks to Waitrose on the High Street who donated £1,000 towards the disability ramp as well as J.H.Kenyon, funeral directors, Hornets, the gentleman's outfitters in Kensington Walk and the Hotel.
While this donation covers the building of the ramp fundraising continues for the rehanging of the doors and creation of wheelchair area in the Holland Chapel.
If you would like to help with our efforts can use the QR code here:
Alternatively you can arrange a transfer direct to our bank account by contacting Steve HERE.
Or lastly a cheque can be made out to "Friends of St Marys Abbots Church Kensington" and handed to a member of the Friends or clergy at the church or sent by post to 'The Friends of St Mary Abbots' , c/o The Parish Office, St Mary Abbots Centre, Vicarage Gate, London W8 4HN.
Thank you for considering making your own contribution in this way. There can be no greater gift we can give those who wish to worship in, or visit, our fine church then to enable them painlessly and in comfort to do so!
Kindest regards
Steven Atack, Founding Patron,
Friends of St Mary Abbots
steveatack@aol.com / friends@stmaryabbots.org.uk
If you would like to help with our efforts can use the QR code here:
Alternatively you can arrange a transfer direct to our bank account by contacting Steve HERE.
Or lastly a cheque can be made out to "Friends of St Marys Abbots Church Kensington" and handed to a member of the Friends or clergy at the church or sent by post to 'The Friends of St Mary Abbots' , c/o The Parish Office, St Mary Abbots Centre, Vicarage Gate, London W8 4HN.
Thank you for considering making your own contribution in this way. There can be no greater gift we can give those who wish to worship in, or visit, our fine church then to enable them painlessly and in comfort to do so!
Kindest regards
Steven Atack, Founding Patron,
Friends of St Mary Abbots
steveatack@aol.com / friends@stmaryabbots.org.uk
Who are the Friends of St Mary Abbots Church Kensington?
The Friends is a lively association deeply involved in the St Mary Abbots church community and undertaking a range of projects which we support through fund raising, bequests and sponsorship of events.
Membership of the Friends of St Mary Abbots Church Kensington is open to people of all faiths and those of none who care about and have an interest in this beautiful church in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Chaired by founding member Steve Atack, the Friends are made up of parishioners of the church, residents of the Kensington community, local businesses and associations and members in other countries who wish to be associated with the work of the Friends in helping to maintain the fabric and fittings of this fine example of Sir George Gilbert Scott's distinctive church architecture.
The Friends is a lively association deeply involved in the St Mary Abbots church community and undertaking a range of projects which we support through fund raising, bequests and sponsorship of events.
Membership of the Friends of St Mary Abbots Church Kensington is open to people of all faiths and those of none who care about and have an interest in this beautiful church in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Chaired by founding member Steve Atack, the Friends are made up of parishioners of the church, residents of the Kensington community, local businesses and associations and members in other countries who wish to be associated with the work of the Friends in helping to maintain the fabric and fittings of this fine example of Sir George Gilbert Scott's distinctive church architecture.
Previous Friend's Projects
Projects funded by the Friends include the installation of a new Chiming Bell in the church tower (the first new bell since 1872), provision of new carpeting around the altars, improvements to lighting inside the churchyard and windows (a millennium project), donation of a new set of surplices for both the adult and children's choirs in support of the excellent musical traditions of St Mary Abbots and many other works to repair and maintain this splendid and vibrant church.
Our active team of Patrons includes: The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Richard Chartres; The Bishop of Truro, The Rt Revd Tim Thornton; The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; The Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP; The Rt Rev'd Michael Colclough; The Revd Preb Ian L Robson; Prof Lord Alton of Liverpool; Councillor Christopher Buckmaster and Mr Guy Heald.
Our active team of Patrons includes: The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Richard Chartres; The Bishop of Truro, The Rt Revd Tim Thornton; The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; The Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP; The Rt Rev'd Michael Colclough; The Revd Preb Ian L Robson; Prof Lord Alton of Liverpool; Councillor Christopher Buckmaster and Mr Guy Heald.
Joining The Friends of St Mary Abbots
What benefits do I receive if I join the Friends of St Mary Abbots Church Kensington?
- The grateful thanks of the people and parish of Kensington for your support and membership of this world-wide group will include invitations to major events held throughout the year including the St Mary Abbots Summer Fête, the Patronal Festival held in the church and our famous Kensington Christmas Fair.
- The opportunity to take part in a lively programme of events which include musical and cultural events, lectures and visits, the AGM Reception and a Summer Cocktail Party held in the garden of the St Mary Abbots Vicarage.
|
How do I join the Friends of St Mary Abbots Church Kensington?
Please download and print the attached application form and send to the Hon. Membership Secretary, Friends of St Mary Abbots Church Kensington, Parish Office, St Mary Abbots Centre, Vicarage Gate, London W8 4HN. A hard copy of the application form may also be obtained from the same address. |
| ||
Legacy - How to remember the Friends in your will
You might consider making a bequest to the Friends of St Mary Abbots Church Kensington and help ensure that a church stands on this historic site at the heart of Kensington for a further 1000 years! Should you require any guidance, the Friends' Legal Adviser is available to assist you in total confidence and can be contacted HERE.
