The Friends of Hartest Church (FOHC)  is a secular group of local residents who actively fundraise to support maintenance and restoration projects for the fabric of All Saints Hartest. In addition Friends are very generous in offering free professional advice and physical help for
maintenance as well as cleaning and flowers. In recent years the Friends have contributed significantly to the repair of the Bell and other items including new gates at the Church installed last year.

I am delighted to report that the long-planned installation of a kitchen, disabled loo and staircase to the Bell Tower have now been completed.

This work was carried out by local craftsmen under the direction and guidance of Ralph Carpenter (architect) and David Leeming (engineer) with help from others in the village. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has helped to bring this project to its conclusion. The work
was financed by the Friends using the funds accumulated over the past twelve years, about £15,000. The balance of remaining costs came from private donations. Once restrictions lift the Friends look forward to resuming hospitality following our Services and welcoming parishioners
back into the Church.
Very sadly, because of the Covid restrictions, the events planned for 2020-21 have been postponed and will be rescheduled as soon as permitted. These include a concert and the annual Harvest supper.
Nonetheless, the 50/50 club has continued monthly and will have contributed about £700 of funds by the end of the year. We are so grateful to Arabella and Freddie Michel, together with David Turner, who have kept the show on the road. Also the sale of books in the Church (to be resited in the Lady Chapel) had to cease during Covid although £54 was collected from the box in January. We thank Peter and Brenda Griffiths for taking care of the books, along with Yvonne Hebditch. We hope they will soon be available for sale once again.

Having used all available funds for the building project the Friends account currently stands just below £100.

Gill Leeming
Chair
April 2021