Registered Charity Number: 1063158
Patron: Lady Henniker                       President:   Reverend Patrick Cotton

See bottom of page for 2009 Events

Who are we?
The Friends of St Mary’s was formed in 1997 solely for the purpose of raising funds to go toward the maintenance, preservation and enhancement of the fabric of the Church for future generations. As a registered charity we seek to attract as members people, wherever they live, who having been to Debenham or who have lived here at some time and enjoyed the quietness and simple beauty within the walls of our much loved and cared for medieval church, and who wish to contribute and support us in our aims.

St Mary’s church has graced the village of Debenham for a thousand years. Its rather squat tower, the consequence of a 1667 lightning strike when its height had to be reduced by 20 feet or so, stands reassuringly square on foundations regarded by many as the best example of Saxon work in Suffolk.

Such is its place in village history, almost every century since Saxon times is represented within the building either architecturally, in its monuments, or its artefacts, including specially commissioned late 20th Century stained glass.

The bells, a ground floor ring of eight are among the finest in the county and the church remains at the heart of village life today. The doors are always open during daylight hours and all are welcome.

For further information on St Mary's, visit Simon's Suffolk Churches web site

How have we helped within our first 10 years?
Thanks to the support and generosity we have received from our members or members of the community and other members of the public, we have been able to fund or assist in funding the following projects totalling £18,400

In addition we have earmarked £5,000 for the overhaul of St Mary’s organ which should be completed shortly.

What do you get from being a Friend?
As Friends our main purpose is to raise money, but success can only be realised if the activities we promote add value to the community. Fortunately Debenham has a splendid sense of community fostered by the school, the pubs, our shops and the folk at our excellent Community centre.

The fund raising ideas The Friends have exploited - all seek to add to community well-being as much as raising money. Sometime ago a newcomer to Debenham said

"I've found that being a Friend has introduced me to people I'd never have met - or at the very least people who it would have taken me much more time to get around to meeting. I really feel at home in Debenham now, and someone with a stake in a thriving village".

So being a Friend is not all coffee mornings and raffles, neither is it having to dig deeply into your pocket. It’s about joining-in and playing a part in the life of a modern village which simply wants to maintain the fabric of its church - albeit a relatively small part of today's community- for the benefit of those coming after us. And if at the same time we can all enjoy ourselves, we can't fail to succeed.

Would you like to become a Friend?

Our subscription is only £6pa per household

Click to download and print an application form

Friends events planned for 2009