In 2006 a secular and independent registered charity was formed to help maintain the fabric of the building of St. Laurence Church.   The Friends of St. Laurence Church, Blackmore, has the specific objective to assist in the “maintenance, repair, restoration, preservation of the fabric of the church building and outbuildings, its churchyards and its immediate adjacent surroundings.”    

 

We are rightly proud of the beautiful historic building which, to give it its full title, is known as the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore and was once part of a small Augustinian priory founded around 1160 by Richard, Bishop of London and the church celebrated its 900th anniversary in 2014. 

 

The Priory Church of St Laurence is a ‘Grade I’ listed building and has recently been added to the 'Heritage at Risk Register'.   Such a structure as old and as historically important as this needs considerable funds to keep it in good order, so that it can continue to be enjoyed today and into the future.  This is where The Friends of St. Laurence comes in.  

 

We are a small group of volunteers who over the years have raised over £100,000.    All of this money will go directly to maintain the church fabric, rather than the day-to-day running of the church.   Of that total figure, more than £20,000 has been donated to the Fabric Fund of the Parochial Church Council, the remainder being retained in the Tower Fund. The tower is one of the most striking features of the church and, apart from being the largest in Essex, it is considered to be one of the most impressive timber towers in all England. Unfortunately, it is a favourite with wildlife, particularly woodpeckers and squirrels and it is likely that, in the not too distant future, the tower will need repairs to damage caused by their fondness for the cedar shingles!

 

The money donated to the PCC over the years has covered expenditure on interior painting of the church, fencing, a new kitchen, the restoration of the 18thcentury St. Laurence stained glass window, lobby door repairs and, more recently, exterior repairs to the east wall.

 

Friends of St Laurence hold a series of events throughout the year to raise money to go towards projects identified by the PCC.  These events include concerts, quiz nights and art exhibitions.  The money so raised would not have been possible without the generosity of members of the Friends of St. Laurence and others who have joined in our fundraising activities and all those who have given freely of their time to help us stage the events.   We currently have over 130 members but of course we would always welcome new blood.  Annual membership is £15 for adults, £10 for concessions (over 60's and students), and a family membership of 2 adults and 2 children is just £30.  Also, a one off payment of £300 allows you to become a life member.   If you are a tax payer, then Gift Aid enables us to reclaim tax from HM Government.   

 

Subscribing as a member of the Friends of St. Laurence allows anyone, regardless of faith or belief, to help preserve this historic building.