SANDWICH ST MARY'S COMMUNITY TRUST

Since Sandwich St Mary's Community Trust was registered as a Charity in September 1997, the Trustees and the Executive Group have been working hard preparing the way ahead

Negotiations for a Lease

The Trustees are negotiating a lease for St. Mary's. At the moment the Churches Conservation Trust is responsible for the Church and, from time to time, lets it as a venue for concerts and activities: for instance during the Sandwich and Deal Music Festivals. But the facilities are minimal and it would be unrealistic to expect the Churches Conservation Trust to improve them. We need better lighting, emergency lighting, fire and safety equipment, ramps for the disabled, seating, toilets, heating, blackout curtains, a loop system for the hard of hearing..... the list goes on. What we can provide depends on the amount of money we can raise.

The lease will enable us to improve the interior and ensure the safety of equipment by closing the church. We expect that access for visitors will be available by individual arrangement or at certain prearranged times. The upkeep of the fabric will remain the responsibility of the Churches Conservation Trust. The cost of the preliminary work needed to obtain a public entertainment licence is likely to amount to some £10,000-12,000.

Supported by Sandwich Town Council and Dover District Council.....

All this time we have been enthusiastically supported by Sandwich Town Council and Dover District Council who know that many Official groups and bodies are involved. In August and September 1997, for example, future Trustees and members of the Executive Group met representatives of the Churches Conservation Trust, English Heritage, the Diocese and Dover District Council. It was obvious that people were impressed with the size and potential of St. Mary's. Everyone agreed that we were on the right lines though a great deal of work needed to be done.

Positive and encouraging signs.....

Since then there have been further meetings: with South East Regional Arts to discuss our forthcoming bid for Arts Council Lottery funding; with representatives of the Archdeacon, the Church Commissioners, the Redundant Churches Advisory Board, English Heritage and the Churches Conservation Trust. All these meetings were positive and very encouraging. We will continue to keep in touch with these bodies and we will contact other groups and Organisations who can provide help and advice.

Friends of St Mary's

If you would like to be associated with our efforts and keep more closely in touch with the Trust, please consider becoming a Friend of St Mary's. There are a number of ways you can join:

• Individual membership £15 a year
  
• Family membership £25 a year
  
• Individual life membership £100

Contact: The Treasurer, Sandwich St Mary's Community Trust, PO Box 141, Sandwich, Kent CT13 2GY

Contributions

You may also wish to contribute directly to our start-up fund. Again there are various ways, some of which are tax-efficient to the Trust and to the donor. Information about these types of donation and Forms for Gift Aid are available from The Treasurer of Sandwich St Mary's Community Trust at the address above.

• Net Covenant - spreads the donation over four or more years
  
• Gift Aid - applies to a single gift of £250 or more
  
• Bequests and legacies

Chairmen of Trustees:
Mrs. Vivien M Judd J.P. Trustees: John Bragg. John Moir. Rev Mark Roberts. Jeffery Sneller. John Turner.
Registered Charity No. 1064576
1 Fleet Farm Cottages, Guston, Ash, Nr. Canterbury, Kent CT3 2NJ
Tel: 01304 812097