Friends of Burford Church

Friends of Burford Church

An important part of the St John the Baptist Church family, the Friends of Burford Church -  founded in 1946 -  are committed to supporting the Parochial Church Council by undertaking improvements to the church that do not come within the normal scope of funds for the maintenance of its fabric.

Lady McClintock, a former High Sherriff of Oxfordshire and a Friend of Burford Church for many years, is President of the Friends and her support is much appreciated by the Friends' Committee, whose meetings she regularly attends.  For the current year the Chairman is the Vicar, the Rev'd Richard Coombs, the Treasurer is Mr Peter Harris and the Secretary is Miss Fenella Pearson.  Mr Derek Cotterill, Mrs Penelope Leaf, Professor David Loades, Mrs Diana Peters and Mrs Lindsey Worvill, all of whom contribute their own particular talents, are also committee members. 

Some of the Friends' most notable projects in recent years have been the purchase of comfortable chairs for the entire congregation, the restoration of the Jacobean table that now serves as the nave altar, the installation of a fine oak cupboard for the flower arrangers' equipment and of a metal grille to protect the magnificent Christopher Whall window in the south wall of the church.  In 2009 the Friends initiated a generous annual grant for the purchase of flowers to decorate the church at major festivals and paid for the fabrics used to clothe the three-quarter life-size figures for the beautiful nativity scene created by a small team of church members.  Less eye-catching, but of much importance, is the Friends' regular funding of the maintenance of the church bells, and last year for improved signage both inside and outside the church building.

The funds for the work of the Friends are raised through subscriptions and donations and from the sale of items on the Friends' stand at the south door of the church.  These include postcards, an attractive range of illustrated guides to the church, leaflets - among which is one on The Levellers and another about the bells - and very popular Christmas cards taken from the Nativity painting at the east end of the church.

The 150 members of the Friends extend across the globe, but for those living within reach of Burford there was an opportunity to participate in a visit to Tewkesbury Abbey in May 2009 and to attend the AGM in November at which members enjoyed a fascinating illustrated talk given by Dr Simon Townley, editor of VCH Oxfordshire, on "Building Burford Church: Builders, Patrons and Townsmen, 100-1500".  A visit to Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, is planned for May of this year.

Anyone who is interested in our lovely "Queen of Oxfordshire" church is welcome to join the Friends.  Life membership costs £30 and the Friends of Burford Church Book stands as a timeless record of members' support, dating back to the very first members. 

If you would like to join the Friends, please contact the Secretary or Treasurer via the Church Office on 01993 823788 or at www.burfordchurch.org