Churches in need of restoration & work done by FoFC May 2025

[QuentinDeakin]

At their meeting on Monday 19th May, the society's guest speaker, Dr Elizabeth Green, the National Trust's Senior National Curator for Architectural History, gave a delightful talk entitled 'Old churches in need of friends' on behalf of the society Friends of Friendless Churches, of which she is a trustee.

Founded in 1957, this society rescues and renovates redundant churches and chapels throughout the UK, sensitively restoring them to their former glory, thus rescuing them from dereliction. The leading light of the Founding committee was Welsh MP Ivor Bulmer-Thomas and other members included T S Eliot and John Betjeman. Another keen supporter was the artist John Piper. This society has managed to obtain large grants from organisations including CADW. However, full credit must be paid to a small army of enthusiastic local volunteers. Sensitive modern additions such as new stained glass windows have been installed in several of the properties, which are are generally situated in remote areas, as listed on their website. All are open to the public. The nearest property in our local area is at Brithdir.

Elizabeth's talk was beautifully illustrated by photos of the exterior and interior restorations. The TDHS also accompanied the talk by a display of large brass rubbings. The speaker was warmly thanked and a donation was made to the FoFC.
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