The Friends of St Mary’s
The Friends of St Mary’s Church Fittleworth exists to raise money ‘for the repair, renovation and improvement of the church building and associated structures’.
The tower and chancel of St Mary’s are Grade 1-listed, with the rest of the building being Grade ll. Although we are guided by the PCC about the repairs or improvements needed, the Friends of St Mary’s is not associated with the religious side of the church: it seeks to preserve a beautiful building that has been part of the village for over 800 years.
Since its formation in 2002, the Friends have helped fund repairs to the church ceiling, chancel windows, floor tiles, ringing room and tower. There have also been contributions to the installation of the hearing loop and audio visual equipment, re-fitting the vestry kitchen, and providing a lantern by the path and lane.
We are always grateful for donations, but mainly raise funds through social activities, which we take very seriously! Events have included race nights, jazz evenings, beetle drives and progressive dinners.
To become a member costs £10 for one person, or £15 for two people at the same address. If you are interested in joining the committee or becoming a member, you can email deborahkverndal@gmail.com.
Fittleworth Village School
St Mary’s works closely with our brilliant Church of England village school, where David leads weekly assemblies.
Children and their teachers regularly visit the church for services at Christmas, Easter and Harvest, or to learn more about the church building and what happens inside.
Dear God
Fittleworth CE School Prayer
This is our school
Let it be a place filled with love and learning
Thank you for our teachers
Thank you for all who love us and keep us safe
We pray for children everywhere
That they may feel safe and loved
Today and forever
Amen
St Mary The Virgin Stopham
Our lovely sister church in Stopham is a beautiful church with some incredible history and certainly well worth a visit.
This ancient church is dedicated to St Mary the Blessed Virgin. It is situated on the Stopham Estate, home of the Barttelot family. The Barttelots have been connected with Stopham since John Barttelot married Joan de Stopham, heiress, in 1379. The family’s distinguished military service over the centuries, as well as during both World Wars whilst serving in the Coldstream Guards, is reflected by memorial tablets in the church and on the war memorial on the nearby village green. St Mary the Virgin is rooted in the Church’s rich past, following the 1662 Order of Service every Sunday. They welcome worshippers from near and far seeking strength through their traditional form of worship.
Chichester Cathedral
Chichester Cathedral is a beautiful cathedral based in our diocese of Chichester.
With many brilliant events happening weekly, we encourage you to visit, to spend time in the peaceful presence of God in such a historic building. After a wander round, check out their lovely cafe attached to the cathedral.
If you would like to know more about the cathedral, its history and events then visit their website.