Friends of Long Sutton Church

About Friends of Long Sutton Church (FOLSC)

FOLSC was established as a registered charity back on 16th February 2005 by a group of forward-thinking villagers, with the objective being ‘to contribute towards the cost of projects for the preservation and maintenance of Holy Trinity Church, Long Sutton, Somerset.

 

What we do to look after Long Sutton Church 

The main activities are the raising of funds from membership subscriptions, donations, and social events in order to make grants to the Parochial Church Council (PCC) for projects covered by the objective.

 

In less formal terms, the Trustees aim to raise money by having fun, so that we can keep our beautiful Grade I listed Church open and in fine usable structural condition for the enjoyment of current villagers and for the generations that follow us here in the years to come.

 

The importance of FOLSC

Sadly, more than 350 churches have been forced to close in the last decade and a further 900 are currently at risk of closure in the next 5 years, with a shortage of funding a key factor.

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It is estimated it will cost around £1billion to fund repairs to the remaining 16,000 C of E parish churches in the next five years. The cost of repairs and maintenance of church buildings has to be found mainly from their congregations, as little help is provided by church authorities or central Government. This is particularly difficult for churches in rural communities with limited worshippers. Hence, the critical importance of FOLSC to lend a helping hand!

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Projects we have helped finance

Since our formation, we have been proud to assist the PCC in helping finance many key projects within the curtilage of Holy Trinity and here are a few examples:

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2009 - General Church structural repairs £4,000

2010 - Church heating/boiler repairs £ 686

2011 - Roof repairs after lead theft £5,500

2011 - Purchase and installation of security system £2,831

2012 -Electrical works & further roof repairs £ 620

2013 - Repairs to historic Rood Screen £ 260

2014 -Quinquennial survey costs & works £3,460

2018 - Groundworks in Churchyard £2,370

2021 -Essential repointing of parts of Church tower £30,400

2022 -Additional tower works, removal of shrub/repairs £ 3,531

2023 -Upgrading electrical wiring to current standards £ 9,404

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Future projects

​In the last couple of years, we have had minimal demands for assistance from the PCC, which has enabled the charity to rebuild its fighting fund. This may soon change, however, as they are looking to upgrade the ancient oil-fired heating system in Holy Trinity and FOLSC has been asked to become involved in the project. We will be on hand to help with financing when help is required.

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We can only speculate where we would be today if a select group of villagers had not had the vision to create FOLSC back in 2005, but today, as illustrated here, our services are needed more now than ever.

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Become a Member of Friends of Long Sutton Church (FOLSC)

If you are not a member, we would be delighted if you would consider joining.

 

Membership fees are modest

Annual single £15

Annual family £25

Lifetime single £150

Lifetime family £250

 

Likewise, if over the years you have had any association with our church (and particularly if you have been married or have had a family christening in Holy Trinity), you can keep in touch with a very special building by means of our regular news updates.

 

Membership forms are available from the FOLSC notice Board at the entrance to Holy Trinity Church or just speak to any of our Trustees for further details.

In addition, we have attached a downloadable form here. So, if you are not already a member, we would be delighted to have you join us! Otherwise, legacies or donations are always very welcome, and we can guarantee, as a not-for-profit charity, and with no paid officials, all monies received are carefully managed and spent where they matter!​