Friends of Friendless Churches
St Eloi’s Church, Llandeloy ©Nigel Summerley
Many churches fall by the wayside these days, but a good number of them are rescued from the brink – thanks to the work of the Friends of Friendless Churches (FoFC).
This brilliantly named organisation was set up nearly 70 years ago by a group of concerned folk led by Welsh journalist, sportsman and politician Ivor Bulmer-Thomas. Early supporters included Sir John Betjeman, TS Eliot and Roy Jenkins.
The group’s credo was: “An ancient and beautiful church fulfils its primary function merely by existing. It is, in itself, and irrespective of the members using it, an act of worship. A beautiful church… is a perpetual reminder of spiritual values… such churches are ‘sermons in stone’, and their message is delivered – not for half-hours on Sundays – but every hour of every day of every year, and not merely to those who enter, but to all who pass by.”
The success of the FoFC was brought home to me on a recent visit to the rugged little church of St Eloi in Llandeloy. It;s one of several Pembrokeshire churches to have had the benefit of FoFC intervention.
The organisation says: “Since 1957 our mission has been the same: to save disused but beautiful old places of worship of architectural and historic interest from demolition, decay and unsympathetic conversion.”
At least Wales seems to value its threatened churches more than they are appreciated over the border.
“Maintaining and repairing churches is a considerable financial challenge. Despite taking on new churches every year, we do not receive any public funding in England,” says the FoFC. “In Wales we are grateful for the enduring support we receive from Cadw and the Church in Wales, who help fund our work. Without us, these buildings would simply no longer be here or open to the public.”
The simple interior of St Eloi’s ©Nigel Summerley
St Eloi’s at Llandeloy originated in the 12th century, but by the 19th century it was a ruin. It was given new life in the 1920s by Arts & Crafts architect John Coates who went for a simple design using locally available materials. Today it is preserved, thanks to the FoFC.
The stone font at St Eloi’s ©Nigel Summerley
Other Pembrokeshire churches supported by the FoFC include:
St Andrew the Apostle’s, Bayvil;
St Lawrence’s, Gumfreston;
Free Chapel, Hodgeston;
St Decumanus’s, Rhoscrowther;
St Michael’s, Castlemartin.
Information on membership and donations: 020 7236 3934; https://friendsoffriendlesschurches.org.uk.
