Friends | St Lawrence Chapel W

The Friends of The Chapel of St Lawrence (FOCSL)

The Friends of the Chapel of St. Lawrence (FOCSL) was formed in March 2008 to provide support to the Feoffees with the restoration, preservation, repair, maintenance, improvement and beautification of the chapel and its monuments, fittings, fixtures, stained glass, furniture, ornaments and chattels in the chapel and grounds.

What is the role of the Friends?

The Friends organise regular fundraising events such as cake sales, children concerts and travelogues as well as creating opportunities to open the chapel for community experiences, for instance Warminster Heritage Days.

Although fundraising is a prime function of the group, we are committed to raising the profile of the chapel within the community and reminding people that this unique building belongs to the people of Warminster, by connecting with the younger members of our town and their families.

The most recent project has been contributing £1800 towards the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Garden which has created a more usable space for the Chapel and the community. We have created the role of Head Gardener where Harriet Andrew will work with volunteer gardeners to maintain this fabulous green space for years to come.

Thank you to everyone that recently attended the cake sale and cream tea event which helped fund the service of the Grade 1 Listed Scudamore Organ. This historically important musical instrument is used at religious services and public events and will require a major restoration within the next 25-30 years which is expected to cost £18,000 +VAT. The next tuning will be required in July 2025 at a cost of £250 +VAT.

Please look out for notice of upcoming events throughout the year as we aim to raise £1000 per year towards the 2o year goal!

Friends Gardening

Cream Tea Fundraising Event

Projects funded by the Friends

A few of the Chapel projects funded by the Friends since 2008:

£3,120 towards the Tower Appeal

Floodlighting
Kneelers

Altar Frontals
Chairs

Microphone & speakers
Prayer

£1500 towards LED Lighting
Altar carpet

Organ service and repair

Stained glass window (designed by a local resident)

The FOCSL Working Group

Sheila Pomeroy - Friends Nominated Trustee

Elaine McNicholas - Working Group member

Heather Parks – Treasurer

Harriet Andrew – Head Gardener

Kerry Bishop – Working Group member

Marion Thomas - Working Group member

Betty Howard - Working Group member

Ann Knight - Working Group member

Helen Landry - Working Group member

Liz Smith - Working Group member

Judith Halls – Working Group member

Members of the FOCSL Committee

We are looking for new members to help us maintain this historic building through membership subscriptions

and volunteer support at both fundraising and community events

What you’ll get as a Friend:

Being a Friend of the Chapel of St Lawrence can be incredibly rewarding. Not only will your membership subscription support the work of the Feoffees of the Chapel of St. Lawrence with restoration, preservation, repair, maintenance, improvement and beautification of the chapel. But you’ll also get:

A welcome pack filled with lots of ideas to make the most of your membership
Your own copy of Membership News, our bi-annual membership newsletter with features on upcoming projects, fundraising events and members stories.
A bookmark designed by one of our members
4 free tickets to a Chapel event
The chance to vote for committee members and to become a committee member yourself.

How much does it cost?

Annual membership costs £12 for an individual, £20 for a family and £100 for a business.

Being a Friend means being part of the legacy of the Chapel.'s history.

Will you join us?

For membership or donation information please contact

Heather Parks - treasurer@stlawrence-chapel-warminster.co.uk

Membership form: please click here