Why Friends are vital for the future of Shoreham's architecturally-significant town church

The Friends of St Mary de Haura are very clear about their objectives – they raise funds for repairs, maintenance and restoration of this important Norman church at the heart of modern Shoreham.

Most recently, for example, the charitable trust has given £1,600 to the Parochial Church Council to fund repairs to the clock, an important asset for everyone in the busy town centre.

Jayne Crompton, secretary, said: “The Friends were set up in 1981 and the thought behind it was that a group of people who weren't necessarily interested in worship but were interested in this beautiful building could support the PCC in caring for it. It is about the community. We do stick to that quite rigorously.

“We would absolutely like more members. In the olden days, people used to leave bequests to the church and that came to the Friends. Historically, it was a way of funding churches but these days, we very seldom get bequests.

“People subscribe and it is only £10 a year. The thought behind it is that it is inclusive. Anyone who can afford to give more can make a larger donation.”

The Friends are not responsible for monitoring the church but they do have a love for it and focus their efforts on fundraising.

Jayne said: “We have a monthly coffee morning to coincide with the farmers' market, we try to have a quiz once a year and we try to have an outing as a thank you for supporting us.

“We have heritage lectures linked to the theme of the arts festival and we run the Christmas tree festival each year. All the money raised goes into the building, it is literally for repairs and maintenance to keep the building going for the next millennium.

“There is something special about this building. The architectural style is fairly unique, although Steyning and Boxgrove have similar churches. It is a very popular with people to sit, especially at lunchtime.”

Features include Crusader graffiti like the Cross of Lorraine and Puritan carvings in the Lady Chapel from 1660, showing the plain church as they thought it should be, without stained glass.

Dennis Nothdruft, who joined the Friends a year ago after moving to Shoreham from Broadstairs, said: “A lot of people come into the church and many light candles. It is a nice oasis of calm.

“It is a landmark in the town and loved by the people. It is quite hard for the PCC to run the church and keep it going, so it makes sense to have a Friends group raising money to help. We do a lot of good work to keep the Grade I listed building going and it would be great to get a lot more people in the area to become a Friend.”

There are currently around 150 Friends but with repair costs rising sharply, more are needed to support essential maintenance and restoration works.

St Mary de Haura Church was founded around 1103 and is widely recognised as one of the most architecturally-significant parish churches in England.

Dennis said: “The church’s exceptional Norman and Transitional features have been described as 'absolutely without a fellow in England'. Its upkeep is dependent on community generosity and the fundraising efforts of the Friends.

“The Friends maintain the fabric of the building and fund essential repairs. The imminent withdrawal of the government VAT reclaim scheme will increase all repair and maintenance costs by 20 per cent, intensifying the need for public support.”

Membership is open to all at £10 per year for individual membership, £15 per year for household membership. Additional donations are warmly welcomed and directly support vital conservation work.

Contact Friends of St Mary’s at the Parish Office, 1A New Road, Shoreham, or email [email protected]. More information is available on the website www.stmarydehaura.org.uk