The Friends of Bath Abbey has been in existence for almost 70 years. Our members are of various backgrounds, different ages and come from far and wide but share the same interest and aim. We wish to help preserve, care for and add to the Abbey’s magnificent architecture and history in order to ensure future generations can derive great pleasure and enjoyment from it, as we do.
There is a great sense of friendship and fellowship among our members and we host a varied programme of events and activities throughout the year. We are delighted to be able to provide a permanent link for those who would like to stay in touch with the life of this church but who do not worship reguarly, as well as members of our own congregations.
Working with the PCC (Parochial Church Council – the body with ultimate responsibility and control), we seek to ensure our contributions are useful, beautiful and long-lasting. While we tend not to be involved with routine maintenance, the Friends often play a major role in embellishments, restoration work and refurbishment. These range from practical improvements, such as supplying new signage or cleaning the East front, to more extensive projects, including installing the angels on the Quire Screens, the chandelier refurbishment and the new south-west internal doors.
We are thrilled to be associated with Footprint, the exciting redevelopment project for the Abbey, which we are supporting financially as a body as well as individual members.
The Friends Executive Committee
This is elected at our Annual General Meeting at the end of January each year. It consists of up to 22 members including representatives from the PCC (Parochial Church Council) and the local community, in addition to the nine elected Friends, each of whom stand for three years. The other members are the Rector as President, the Chairman who is appointed by the Rector, the Secretary, Membership Secretary and Treasurer who are appointed by the Committee. It meets four times a year to plan new projects and consider forthcoming events.
President The Rector, The Revd Canon Guy Bridgewater
Tel 01225 422462, gbridgewater@bathabbey.org
Chairman Professor Jeff Jupp
Tel 01225 311390, jeff.jupp@btinternet.com
Treasurer Mr Brian Webber
Tel 01225 469722, brianwebber3@outlook.com
Secretary Mr Jeremy Key-Pugh
Tel 01225 427525, friends@bathabbey.org
Membership Secretary Mr Brian Webber
Tel 01225 469722, brianwebber3@outlook.com
While the majority of our members live in Bath or the surrounding areas, Bath Abbey Friends can be found in most parts of the country. Nor is membership limited to UK residents. In fact, we consider ourselves lucky to have members from far and wide, including France, Germany, USA and even Tasmania.
Subscription Rates
- Individual Member £15
- Joint Members £25
- Life Member £200
- Joint Life Members £300
On joining you will be sent a welcome letter and Membership Card which will entitle you to 10% discount off any purchases from the Abbey Shop and two free Tower tours for yourself and/or a guest.
Contact Details
To join, simply complete our Membership application form (with Gift Aid form) and Banker's Order which can be downloaded by clicking on the relevant link. You will then need t o send this to us by post to: Brian Webber, Membership Secretary of Friends of Bath Abbey, c/o, Abbey Office, 11a York Street, Bath BA1 1NG.
Alternatively, please contact the Abbey Office on 01225 422462 or email friends@bathabbey.org for further details about becoming a member.
