FRIENDS OF ST. MARY'S

Over the centuries St. Mary's parish church has been the centre of Christian worship in Alverstoke, providing a place for the prayers of the community, both corporate and private, rejoicing in new birth at the baptism of children, celebrating marriages, and committing loved ones to the eternal presence of God.

Previous generations made great sacrifices and efforts to ensure that the church building here in Alverstoke has been maintained for us today.

Will you therefore help share in the task of handing it on to our children in as good, if not better, condition than we received it?

St. Mary's Parish Church belongs to the whole community of those who live or work in the area.  The doors are kept open as much as possible to allow easy access for those who want a quiet moment, perhaps in the chapel, for prayer, or to soak up the history and sense of continuity from just being inside.

The Friends Of St. Mary's are a group of people who appreciate the importance of the building to the community and who want to conserve it for future generations.  They also meet socially for walks and day trips.

The "Friends Organisation" is a Registered Charity and all funds are therefore restricted to use in the upkeep of the church building itself.

By joining the "Friends" and making an annual subscription.  This can be done by either Cheque or Banker's Order, and, if you are a tax-payer, A Gift Aid declaration will enhance your contribution by another 28p in the £.

There is no fixed amount set for an annual subscription, but as guidance it is suggested that a minimum of £5 is realistic.  Whilst this is the suggested minimum it must be emphasised that any donation, large or small is always most welcome.

Click here to go to the enrolment form

Another way to help the "Friends" is to include a Legacy Bequest in your Will, or add it as a Codicil to an existing will.  A suggested form of wording is given below.  If added as a codicil, the addition must be signed by the testator and witnessed by two independent persons.

Form of words:-
I bequeath to the Charity known as "The Friends Of St. Mary's Alverstoke" (c/o the Hon Treasurer, The Parish Centre, Green Road, Gosport, Hants. PO12 2ET) the sum of £..... (in words......) free of all taxes and I declare that a receipt of a Trustee of the Charity for the time being will be good and sufficient discharge of it.

Recent Works Financed By The Friends

• Redecoration of the External Doors
• Redecoration of the Lych Gate
• Painting of the North and South walls internally
• Provision of new Bell Ropes