Registered Charity no. 1083561
For more than 850 years this ancient church, dedicated to St. Thomas à Becket, has stood at the centre of our community. Local people built it. Generations have worshipped in it and for centuries kept out wind and weather. Most of them are buried in its churchyard.
Friends of Tilshead Church is a registered charity, formed in the year 2000 to help the Parochial Church Council in the maintenance of the fabric and churchyard. The charity relies for its income almost entirely on the annual subscriptions of its members, currently £5 a year. It does, however, sponsor local events including the Church fête in June and an annual croquet match in September.
Objectives
The Friends is established to beautify and assist in the maintenance of the fabric of the Parish Church of St Thomas a Becket, Tilshead in the Diocese of Salisbury and its churchyard and to preserve and protect the Church as a place of Christian worship.
What the Friends do
Money collected through membership (a minimum annual subscription of £5) is used solely for repairs and renewals. It is quite separate from and cannot be used for running costs or religious purposes. Over 80 people, mostly from the village, already subscribe. More than 60% of them do not attend church regularly.
Because of the church's great age and quality, it has been listed as Grade 1 for purposes of conservation. The Parochial Church Council is obliged to employ skilled craftsmen using traditional materials in renovation and repair work. Costs are correspondingly high.
The very small number of regular churchgoers' gifts must pay for the day to day running expenses, charitable giving and the annual contribution to Salisbury Diocese, which helps towards our vicar's salary and pension. But it need hardly be said that nowadays few people regularly attend church, contributions are dwindling and there is little left for major repairs.
If you live in Tilshead
There may be times when you or your family want to use the Church, for a Christening or wedding or funeral. You may simply believe that this beautiful building needs to be preserved as part of our village heritage and for future generations to enjoy its peace and tranquillity.
If you do not live in Tilshead, but are nonetheless interested in the preservation of England's outstanding parish churches, please pay us a visit if you are nearby and if you wish, support us in our efforts. Membership leaflets are available in the Church.
New Work
At the time of writing (December 2007), we have been fortunate not to have had major repairs to undertake for some years, although the Friends have given over £4,000 to minor works. Our church architect has, however, highlighted the need for interior work over the next five years, which has been broadly costed at well over £30,000. Replastering, redecoration, possibly some rewiring, all need major work. There is also always the possibility of structural damage (the stone tiled tower roof is particularly vulnerable) through violent weather. Thus, while the charity's executive committee will be as generous as possible in helping finance the interior work, its members will be mindful of an unexpected need.
Michael Teale
Chairman
If you would like to become a member of the Friends of the Church of St. Thomas à Becket, Tilshead, please register your interest by sending an email to the Content Administrator, who will be pleased to forward your enquiry to the Treasurer.
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Please visit the Image Gallery where you will find some photographs of our church and the churchyard.
