The Charity which preserves and enhances the historic church buildings for future generations.
Have you seen one of the oldest buildings in Biddenham? St James’s Church, a listed Grade 1 building dedicated to Saint James the Great, has been here in Biddenham village – in your parish – since the 11th century.
Have you opened the door and looked inside? The door is always open and everyone is very welcome, adults and children alike. Perhaps your children or grandchildren have visited the church with their school groups or been alongside you there at a family christening or a wedding? But it doesn’t have to be an ‘event’ for you to visit this ancient building.
The Friends of St James Biddenham is an independent charity, separate from the Parochial Church Council (PCC), which invites anyone from any background, of any faith or none, to join them to value the presence of our historic church, churchyards and church barn as a focal point in the community, to join the charity with a focus on the preservation, repair, maintenance, restoration, improvement and ornamentation of the Church and the Church Barn.
Anyone – religious or not – is invited to join the Friends to support the upkeep of these historic buildings that serve as the backdrop to so many of our shared milestones.
The Friends have funded a range of vital projects, from restoring the weathercock and weather vane, upgrading the sound system and organ, to repairing stonework, leaded windows and even replacing the church clock mechanism.
We’ve also improved accessibility by removing the front pew and refurbishing St James’s Barn floor to better serve community events. In a time when historic buildings across the country face uncertain futures, the Friends of St James are ensuring that the Biddenham loop’s spiritual and architectural heart continues to thrive for generations to come.
You will find more information about us on our Facebook pages. If you and your friends would like to support the historic and beautiful church buildings in your parish, please contact us.
Membership is open to all with annual subscriptions set at £20 for individuals and £30 for couples and families. Members receive newsletters, discounted entry to events like concerts, quiz evenings, church tours and open gardens and the satisfaction of knowing they are helping to preserve the cornerstone of our heritage in the communities within the parish.
Come and join us.
fosjbiddenham@gmail.com
The Friends of St James Biddenham on Facebook