Latest update 31/07/26

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© Nick Berry

2026

The Tenpenny Villages Benefice of Alresford, Elmstead and Frating with Thorrington

If you are interested in becoming a Friend please click here for further details

 Registered Charity No. 299309



The Friends of Elmstead Church


By joining the Friends of Elmstead Church you will be helping to preserve our beautiful Grade 1 listed  building, so that it can continue to be used for christenings, marriages and funerals, as well as weekly church services, special services around Christmas and Easter, and as a focal point and facility for many other village activities and events.


Whilst the main parts of the church were built in between the 12th and 14th   century, some of the materials used in its construction date back to Norman and Roman times and, not surprisingly, the building and interior furnishings require a lot of tender loving care, which is expensive!


One illustrious individual, Sir Thomas De Weston, was thought to have been a “Friend” and a full sized oak effigy of this 14th century knight can be seen within the church - so in a way he is still a very solid supporter!  Come and see him.

What do the Friends of Elmstead Church do?  The charity was set up in 1987 to raise money to help the Parish keep the church well maintained for future generations.  


What are the funds used for?

Restoration work, funded by the Friends includes:


The repair and retiling of the chancel roof – (85% came from Jesus College, Cambridge, which is our patron) in 2018

Replastering and redecorating of the Nave, Chancel (85% Jesus College) and Lady Chapel in 2018.

Re-roofing of the Meeting Room extension

Essential services: A new water treatment system, renovation of the heating system

Interior furnishings, including renovation of the organ, and provision of some of the chandeliers

Repairs and redecoration of the tower interior and staircase (ongoing 2026-)

Our Events

We run a number of events throughout the year to raise money for our projects. Why not come along to take part or, better still if you wish, help run them! These events have something for everyone and are a great way of meeting people and having fun, at the same time as really making a difference in your community.


Art Exhibition - held annually over two days in June when usually more than 20 local artists exhibit as many as 100 paintings & drawings, all of which are for sale at very reasonable prices. Lunches, teas and cakes a-plenty!

Other Events - we're always open to ideas and have previously held musical evenings, organised the village fun cricket match in collaboration with Elmstead Cricket Club, arranged Garden Safaris and even clay pigeon shoots.


For details of how to exhibit artwork at the exhibition, please click here

The Committee

Rev Andrew Fordyce - Rector

Peter Cobbold

Brenda Meridew – PCC member and Membership Secretary

Andy Downton - Churchwarden and Treasurer

Val Skinner

Charles Gooch - Chairman

Morag Hellen – PCC member and Trustee

Barrie Meridew - PCC member, Secretary and Trustee