Who are we?
The Friends of Ottery St Mary Parish Church was inaugurated in 1952 by a small group from the Parish Church.
The organisation became a registered charity (No. 1084453) on 10th January 2001. Our Patron is the Lord Bishop of Exeter.
our Aims...
To advance the Christian Religion and to preserve and enhance for the public benefit the Church of St Mary of Ottery, its churchyards and precincts, by assisting with their maintenance; and providing, improving and enhancing their fabric, fittings, monuments, furniture and ornaments.
Our Funding
We have approximately thirty to forty Life members and fifty to sixty annual members who pay a yearly subscription. In addition, over the years, we have received generous donations, legacies and retiring collections from funeral services. Membership is open to all who love and value this church, whatever their religious beliefs and wherever they live.
At present the Life subscription is £150 with £10 minimum for an annual subscriber.
Contact us
Chairman :
David Roberts - 01404 813961
Hon Secretary:
Carol Bennett - 01404 812031
Hon Treasurer:
Arthur Passey - 01404 813615
Fundraising events & activities
Members are always invited to attend our Annual Festal Evensong and the October Annual General Meeting and receive a copy of our accounts.
We arrange numerous fundraising social functions/events during the year – for example wine and cheese evenings, wine and raspberry /strawberry events, afternoon cream teas, and food raffles.
Each year, The Friends arrange and steward a very successful Christmas Tree Festival over five days in the Church and this raises a good amount of money.
We also have trips out for members to places of religious interest (e.g. minsters and abbeys). The Exeter Cathedral Choir have visited the Church on many occasions for our Annual Festal Service, at our invitation.
Some examples of how our fundraising has helped Ottery St Mary Church over the years include the purchase of Lady Chapel kneelers and padded seats for the choir stall; help with buying an electronic keyboard; re-carpeting of the church Nave area, and the Choir and Vicar’s vestries; a safe for the Church Office; side aisle altar frontals and backdrops; a new flag (St. George) and rope. We also contribute towards larger projects such as re-ordering sections within the church and plans for new facilities. Annually we also contribute towards the electricity used to floodlight the Church.