The Friends of St. John's (FOSJ)
Common heritage: common asset
An introduction to the Friends of St John’s
This non-religious association was set up in 2018 to promote the community value of the parish church of St John the Baptist, New Alresford, the adjoining John Pearson Hall and churchyard, and to maintain and improve them. It is for people of all faiths or none, who are interested in preserving and improving it as a centre piece of the town and for historical and heritage reasons, as well as its spiritual significance.
Why does St John’s need a Friends association?
The current church dates to the late 19th century; some parts are older. Not surprisingly, it needs occasional repairs - some minor, some major – and ongoing improvement.
The good news is that St John’s is valued by the community, whether church-goers or not. It ceremonially marks local families’ passage through life, and moments of national celebration and remembrance.
Together with the John Pearson Hall and surrounding church yard, St John’s can host artistic, cultural and social events, as well as providing a tranquil haven for quiet contemplation. Indeed, in medieval times, churches were often used for community activities, so this is not so very ‘new’ after all
So, the Friends have two primary aims:
1. To promote St John’s as a community space for use by the town’s residents and many visitors.
2. To raise funds for the repair and improvement of the structure of the church, John Pearson Hall, and the churchyard, and so maintain them for the future.
All proceeds go projects such as re-facing the clock on the tower in 2021.
Activities
We have set up the Alresford Community Cinema showing the latest Box Office films & occasional ‘oldies’: a giant screen, high quality sound, and you can enjoy a glass of wine and free nibbles! For details of latest screenings, visit: www.alresfordcommunitycinema.com
Future plans also include literary, performance and visual arts
Donations & Membership
Our events are open to everyone but FoSJ is also a membership organisation and is registered with the HMRC to receive Gift Aid.
Single member £12pa
Joint members £20pa
Founder lifetime member – min. one-off payment £200
Corporate membership - contact us.
For further information about the Friends and/or to request a membership form, our address is Friends of St John’s, Alresford, c/o Benefice Office of St John’s, West Street, SO24 9AG or contact:
Chairman: Jan Field email: jan@alresford.f9.co.uk
Treasurer: David Boddy email: davidboddy123@btinternet.com
Annie Saunders: email: annie1saunders@aol.com
Irene Spencer: email: irenespencer1@btinternet.com