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We are privileged to have in our village, one of the most beautiful mock-mediaeval churches in the country. The grand architecture of St. John’s provides the focal point, indeed the very heart of what is Upper Hopton.
“The Friends of Upper Hopton Parish Church” was formed in 1984 to maintain the fabric and structure of St. John’s Parish Church. The objective of the association is to cooperate with the Parochial Church Council in the preservation and adornment of Upper Hopton Parish Church; to promote public interest in the church, it’s history and work; and to seek to bind together in a common fellowship all who live and work in the parish or who worship in the parish church.
In 1999, we were delighted at the suggestion of the Community Association that they donate all their fundraising efforts for that year in order to install a Millennium Window in our church. To finance the project a committee was formed from members of the Community Association, The Friends and the Parish Church Council. We raised over £8,000, which paid for the glass, the materials, firing, and installation by Adam Goodyear. The fund was sufficient to protect the window with polycarbonate immediately after installation. Anne and Vince voluntarily devoted a whole year on the artwork to complete the window, which was dedicated by Archdeacon Tony Robinson in November 2000.
We have a council of some twelve parishioners and a membership, which is open to anyone who wishes to ensure that our church is kept as a focus of our village life. In recent years the Friends have, in stages, funded the complete repointing of the church, provided new carpet for the church, contributed to the insurance premium and provided protection for two of our stained glass windows. Projects for future consideration are the protection of all the stained glass windows, decoration of the vestry, planting the churchyard with daffodils in depleted areas and providing cupboards for music and vestments.
As a Friend you will:
- be invited to all the social activities, concerts and special services that the PCC organize.
- receive a financial report annually.
- be invited to the AGM in July each year.
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