Friends of Rattlesden Church (FORC)

BACKGROUND

Rattlesden Church is a mediæval building, Grade 1 listed since 1954 dating mainly from the 14th and 15th centuries with some 13th century features.

The building is a village asset which is open for everyone, even if some only attend for christenings, weddings, funerals and the occasional concert.

Regular worshippers have faithfully maintained the building but it is becoming difficult to raise the amounts needed as there is little or no help from the Church or the State.

The Friends of Rattlesden Church (FORC) is non-religious and was set up in 2012 to do two things:

• Fundraising, to make grants for the restoration, preservation, repair, upkeep and enhancement of the fabric of St Nicholas’ Church, its contents, churchyard and ancillary buildings.

• Maintain a “Time and Talents” register, to bring together people who are willing to be called upon, when and if available, to help with the practical side of maintenance and similar work

 

EVENTS.

Forthcoming.

Our 2019 events are in the early planning stages. Once ideas have firmed up, there will be announcements here, in the church, around the village and in Rattlesden’s Revelations.

Autumn 2018.

The FORC Autumn event was a FLEA MARKET and TABLE TOP SALE which raised £327.00 after expenses.

This will go towards the restoration of the clock face on the church tower.

Summer 2018.

The walking treasure hunt attracted several teams who undertook the course despite the very hot conditions.

Two teams tied with a score with 42 points. The prize went to the team with the fastest time - 84 minutes.

The third placed team was also very close with 41½ points.

A big thank you to everyone who took part.

Spring 2018.

Our Race night on Saturday 28th April was a great success.  We made a surplus of £560 to add to our funds. 

Thanks to everyone who supported the event and for the comments afterwards. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the event and we hope that they will spread the news amongst their friends and acquaintances that a Race Night is great fun and well worth attending.

 Dave Ward,  Events Organiser. 

 

F.O.R.C. IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY RATTLESDEN COMMUNITY SHOP

If you would like to sponsor us, either as an individual or through your business, we can offer you benefits in return. Please contact us through the Email address below

 

 ACHIEVEMENTS

 Since formation in the autumn of 2012 FORC has provided:- 

2013 - 4 - Labour to help re-hang the 6 bells and other tower work. Under the direction of the Tower Captain (Dave Ward), the saving on labour costs was in the order of £21,000 on a project that cost in the order of £70,000. 

2015 - £5,400 for the refurbishment of the rainwater goods and downpipes. 

2016 - £2,500 for repairs to the Church roof, internal high level cleaning of windows and walls including some  re-plastering.  

2017 - £600 a contribution towards repairs to the churchyard wall which runs alongside Church Walk.

2019 - £3,340 to refurbish the clock face. This was completed with re-installation on March 18th 2019.

 

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2018 are available and a copy is attached.

Electronic copies in .pdf format are available by Email, or printed copies upon application to the contact point below.

There is no charge for either version.

SUPPORT

Would you like to help?

The Working Group who manage FORC is currently just 4 individuals.

There is a vacancy for a Secretary the main functions include setting up quarterly meetings and AGMs including agendas and minutes as well as tracking agreed activities and support for events. You do not have to be an elderly retired male like the rest of us. 

If this is something you feel you can do, and are prepared to give the time and effort required we would be pleased to hear from you.

If you want to have your name added to the list of volunteers who are willing to assist in running the fundraising events or can help with maintaining the church and its grounds, we would like to hear from you.

Other ways you can help us are by making regular donations, sponsoring events to get your local business recognised and, not least, by coming to our events.

If you want more details, or would like to be added to the ever growing list of those who want to be kept up to date with our activities, please contact us at rattlesdenchurch@btinternet.com

Thank you - The FORC team.

Chairman - Tony Brain

Vice Chairman - Stephen Collins

Treasurer - Stephen Drury

Event Manager - David Ward 

Secretary - Vacant

CONTACT US:-

Telephone 01449 737541 Email: rattlesdenchurch@btinternet.com