St Michael’s has been part of Betchworth for nearly 1,000 years, serving its community as a centre for worship, refuge, celebration and mourning. To enable the Church to continue this work, it is essential that the burden of maintaining its building is shared by the wider community.

Contrary to popular belief, churches in England do not receive any funds from the Church of England or local/central government for the upkeep of their historic buildings. Any money spent on maintenance and major repairs therefore needs to come from private fundraising.

Given the building’s age and architectural importance, it is no wonder that the costs involved in its upkeep are substantial. Currently, there are a number of immediate and urgent restoration projects which need to be carried out with estimated costs of £100,000. Whilst these essential repairs will forestall further dilapidation, more repairs and restoration must follow.

Examples of work needed: high level repointing; replacing broken stone cross; and refurbishing failed rainwater system.

The Pillars of St Michael’s Betchworth is an independent organisation and registered charity (number 1200594) created solely to help raise much-needed funds through a series of community events to preserve this beautiful historic Grade I listed building for a further 1,000 years and to enable it to become a frequently used community resource. Any funds raised are eligible for Gift Aid and will go entirely to maintaining and improving the fabric of the church.

Thanks to everyone’s remarkable generosity in becoming a Pillar; taking part in the lively Auction of Promises; and/or singing numerous carols just before Christmas, the Pillars have raised a magnificent £20,000 since its launch in 2021!  Coupled with the PCC’s sterling efforts in raising grants and other funds, these funds now enable the most urgent works of preservation to proceed.  These will include the repair and renewal of the rainwater system, rotten timbers, defective flashings, render and stonework.

However, there is much more to do!  We would therefore like to urge you to become a Pillar and to (continue to) support our future events.

If you are interested in becoming a Pillar of St Michael’s Betchworth and help raise the much needed funds, please complete and return the attached form.

Please click here for the leaflet  AND here for an application form.

Future events – please put dates in your diary. More details to follow.

• An evening with actors Alison Steadman and Michael Elwyn – Saturday 10 June 2023 at Betchworth Village Hall.
• “Stars in their Eyes” – Betchworth’s very own version of “Stars in their Eyes” will come to the Village Hall on Friday 29 September 2023.
• Christmas carols at Betchworth House – The Hamilton Family is looking forward to welcoming all singers for an evening of carols, mulled wine and mince pies at Betchworth House.

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Latest News:

Pillars of St Michael’s Betchworth – Notice of AGM on 29 April 2023 at 17.00-18.00 p.m.

You are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of “The Pillars of St Michael’s” on Saturday 29th April 2023

Place:  St Michael’s Church, Betchworth

Time: 17.00-18.00 p.m.

Agenda:

• Welcome Drinks
• Overview and update of the fund-raising to date by The Pillars of St Michael’s Betchworth
• Approval of the 2022 Accounts and Annual Report
• Election of Pillars’ Committee
• Future events
• AOB

Following the AGM, you will have an opportunity to discover little known facts about St Michael’s Betchworth over a glass of wine.

RSVP by 26th April 2023 by email to joosje@betchworth-estate.co.uk

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Thank you for participating in the preservation of this beautiful and ancient building for future generations.

Best wishes,

The Pillars Committee

Committee members:

• David Rodin (Chair) – rodindc@btinternet.com
• Andrew Lynch (Treasurer/Membership) – andrewpatricklynch10@gmail.com
• Joosje Hamilton (Secretary) – joosje@betchworth-estate.co .uk
• Pam Armitage (PCC representative) – armitagepam@hotmail.com
• Martin Higgins – Martin-higgins@outlook.com
• Charlie Smith – cws@gassafesurrey.org.uk