The Friends had their Annual General Meeting at St Magnus the Martyr in July and were able to hear at first hand of the work of the Watchers and those organising the Friends’ events. These included a trip to the Old Bailey and to Rochester. Looking to the future there are the Chairman’s Outing, this year again to Somerset to see yet more of the wonderful churches there as well as seeing progress on the Chairman’s restoration project. There is a Harvest Thanksgiving in St Mary Woolnoth, and a service of Celebration at St Bartholomew the Less for completion of our first ever special appeal project, the refurbishment of the chandeliers there. There was also news of our Carol Service this year at All Hallows by the Tower, and of a visit to Morning Service at St Peter ad Vincula.

The second special appeal project is going well. This is the refurbishment of the clock at St Mary at Hill, and we have now agreed to have our special appeal project for the coming year as the restoration of monuments on the north wall internally at St Mary Aldermary, our regular base for the Church Walks in June.

We were delighted that Mr Oswald Clark, a member of our Committee of Honour, was able to be with us at our AGM, and tell us so eloquently about the history of the Parish Clerks’ Company, of which he is a Past Master and Honorary Assistant. The history of the Company reflects the troubled times through which it has lived, with the devastating effects in particular of the changes in organised religion and religious practices. Thankfully, we no longer burn at the stake those who disagree with our views. The Church of England still has its problems, however. Locally, the Diocese of London is in deficit and must increase income or reduce outgoings. Our City churches are never safe in such unstable times.

Here our Watchers are so valuable to us. By their efforts churches that would otherwise be closed are kept open for prayer and for visitors to admire their glorious interiors. Closed and they become forgotten except by the few. Open, and the general public knows about them and can champion them like we do.

We are always seeking to increase the numbers of our Friends. Our new membership application card based on our logo, itself taken from drawings of Wren churches, we hope will help us in this important task. Look out for our new cards or contact us at the address below. Membership is only £15 a year and you will be helping to support all churches in the City. You could even be a watcher if you had a few spare hours a month. Do get in touch.

Friends of the City Churches, St Magnus the Martyr, Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6DN tel 020 7626 1555

e-mail      www.london-city-churches.org.uk