ABOUT
THE FRIENDS OF SNAPE CHURCH

Registered charity no. 1202538

"The FoSC raises money to help with maintenance and upkeep of Snape’s 13th-century church." 

The FRIENDS of SNAPE CHURCH (FoSC) came together in April 2022, with the aim of raising money to preserve the Church of St John the Baptist.  A little north of Snape Village on the A1094, this Grade II❋ listed church has been a place of worship since the Middle Ages.  It remains so, and is open during daylight hours.  FoSC is now putting the building and its excellent acoustic to work as a platform for secular arts and entertainment too.  Entry to these events is by donation and all proceeds go towards the building’s repairs and upkeep.

FosC was awarded charity status in April 2023, but began arranging and hosting concerts in July 2022.  The officially declared "objective of the Charity is to raise funds for the maintenance and improvement of the fabric of the Church of St John the Baptist, Snape, and to develop community use of the church.  It does this through the organisation of performances and activities in the church and elsewhere in the village of Snape, and by creating a network of Friends who are willing to be involved in raising funds."

Our first event, in July 2022, was The Walled-Up Woman — a one-woman play.  Next came the Goldcrest Ensemble — a musical trio; an open rehearsal by Jubilee Opera; and the bass baritone, Ben Goble.  For reports on these, and subsequent events as they occur, please view our «Blogs of upcoming/past events» webpage.

Maintaining Snape’s historic and charming church now, and for future generations, is important.  The interior boasts an unusually well-preserved font (c.1500), one of the finest in Suffolk, and an Arts & Crafts stained-glass East Window by Mary Lowndes (1857-1927), who was Chair of the Artists’ Suffrage League.  (For more about the History of the Church and/or to visit suffolkchurches.co.uk's webpage, please click on the relevant link, top left above.)  However, despite rebuilding of the east wall in 1920, millennial improvements to the balcony and vestry and a new organ, not all is ship-shape.  The church needs continual attention and funds are required to support this work. 

Like many of England’s beautiful and historic places of worship, our church at Snape continues to require investment to maintain the fabric of the building and to improve facilities.

Several major areas of work must be carried out in the near future, over and above normal day-to-day maintenance.  These works are vital to ensure that the building remains sound for future generations.  We have identified a need for about £70,000 to replace guttering (and associated works), redecorate the interior, and replace the louvred windows in the bell tower.

Whilst some grant funding might be available to assist us, these essential works will not happen without money being raised from the local and wider community.  Our charity, ‘The Friends of Snape Church’ will support the Parochial Church Council in their fundraising plans.
 

We would be interested in talking to anyone who would like to support this appeal.
Please e-mail us at friendsofsnapechurch@gmail.com, and we will be delighted to get in touch with you.

If you wish to make a donation, please visit our «Become a Friend» page.
Our bank account details are also available here.