Friends of Axbridge Church (FOAC):
Save a little piece of history
The Friends of Axbridge Church (FOAC) is a registered charity, formed in March 2002, with the express purpose of raising funds to maintain the fabric of this historic building and help preserve it as part of Axbridge's heritage. It draws its members from the local community and beyond and from those who have an interest in the town's history and its heritage irrespective of their personal beliefs.
Since 2002, FOAC has raised over £60,000 through donations and social events. We have funded and supported many projects including the engraved glass doors at the entrance to the Church, the refurbishment of the south porch, replacement of the external tower doors, replacement of the boiler house roof, the re-lighting of the Church through the purchase of two pendants, the replacement of the boiler in 2013, the repairs to the tower in 2014 and the replacement of gypsum plaster in the sanctuary with lime plaster. A recent project has been to help in funding the development of access for less mobile visitors. We are currently raising money to support the restoration of the Church organ; see below.
Membership and Donations
You can help by joining FOAC. You can subscribe as an annual or life member and take part in the fund raising and social activities. Annual membership is £7.50 per person or £10.00 for a couple by bank transfer or cheque (or standing order for annual payment). Life membership is available for a one off subscription of £75 per person or £100 for a couple.
Click here to download a membership form and send or email it to the address on the form. Cheques can be sent by post and made payable to Friends of Axbridge Church. Please use Sort Code: 30-91-84 and Account Number 00871868 for bank transfers and standing orders and pay to the account of Friends of Axbridge Church. If you pay tax on inco me or savings and complete the Gift Aid form we can recover the tax paid at no additional cost to you.
Thank you for your help. We will update you with news of FOAC in our regular newsletter and look forward to seeing you at future FOAC events.
For more details about membership, please contact the FOAC Secretary: foacsecretary@gmail.com
Organ Appeal
Over the last few years, the Friends have supported priority repairs to the fabric of the church, including the rooves, masonry and windows. We are now proposing to focus on our beautiful church organ, which needs considerable work and repair. The work would allow full use of the amazing acoustics of the building for recitals and concerts for the enjoyment of the local community.
A little bit of history
The Axbridge Church organ was built in 1884 by W G Vowles. Vowles was an English pipe organ maker and refurbisher based in Bristol. He established his own practice in 1856, building and renovating organs across South West England and South Wales. Additional work to the Axbridge organ was carried out by Geo Osmond, Taunton between the wars and there was a major restoration by Percy Daniel & Co in 1971. Much, howeve,r of the original Vowles organ remains, despite changes made to the sound to suit a more modern audience.
Work needed
The last major work took place 50 years ago. The former organist, Martin Latham, carried out regular maintenance during his 50 year term. Since his retirement, work has been limited to tuning and minor repairs. Recently there have been two instances of damage in the organ loft, which were repaired with pipes which do not match the others. Visiting organists have suggested that the organ is underpowered and that we should consider adding one or two stops or changing existing stops to create a more versatile instrument.
Plan of work
Our organ builder has suggested a plan of cleaning and restoration work to bring the organ back into full operation. The plan has been broken down into four phases, the first three of which involve removing different parts of the organ to their workshop and undertaking extensive cleaning and restoration, at an estimated cost of around £15,000. This now sets the target for the Friends’ fundraising and donations over the coming months, with support from other Axbridge organisations and grant applications by the Church Council.
To donate
Cheques can be sent by post and made payable to Friends of Axbridge Church. Please use Sort Code: 30-91-84 and Account Number 00871868 for bank transfers and standing orders and pay to the account of Friends of Axbridge Church. Thank you.