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.
Please note: The Friends Annual General Meeting, due to be held on 30 January is now postponed.
The following events are cancelled due to the Covid-19 Lockdown restrictions:-The Friends Annual Communion Service (February 18th)
The Friends Spring Lunch (March 15th)
Revised arrangements for the AGM, talk and Choral Evensong will be notified in due course.
Oberammergau 2022
The Friends have now received details from McCabe Travel for the replacement visit to Austria and “Oberammergau 2022” following the cancellation of the Passion Play this year. This is open to everyone and the dates are: depart June 22nd return June 29th 2022. Currently 33 people are booked including Guy and Jebs Bridgewater.
For more information about the visit, please click here
There are still several places available, and anyone interested should please contact the Friends Chairman, Jeff Jupp, as soon as possible now, for a brochure with full details and booking form:
Email: jeff.jupp@btinternet.com or telephone 01225 311390.
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
How to Join
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 download and complete our Membership Form. You will then need to 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.
