FODC’s History

Who we are

The Friends of Droxford Church (FODC) is a group of locals and other interested people who are concerned for, and dedicated to, the conservation and wider use of the building that has been at the heart of Droxford for around 900 years. It has been here since William the Conqueror’s 4th son Henry 1st was on the throne.

FODC is not an arm of the Church of England. It is a secular registered charity for the benefit of the people of our community with the following purposes:

(1) to maintain, repair, restore, preserve, improve, and enhance the fabric of the church building and contents;

(2) to advance the education in the heritage of the local area and the church through the area’s history and architecture; and

(3) to promote activities for the benefit local community irrespective of who they are.

We do this working with authorities, volunteer organisations and local people. We do all this so that there can be opportunities and facilities for education, recreation and other activities that benefit our individual and community health and social welfare.

Did you know?

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has a legal responsibility for the Church to maintain it as a place of worship.
The Church of England provides no funds for the upkeep, maintenance, and repair of the building. Users of the building are expected to meet these costs. Moreover, the PCC has the responsibility to provide financial support to central church coffers.
FODC worked with the PCC over the last decade to raise sufficient funds to ensure that the building was repaired and updated. That included building the Annexe in which Wilfrid’s café is based. Wilfrid’s café is run by a Community Interest Company which is separate from FODC and the PCC, but all three organisations work closely together.
The church has now been saved and thus was able to be taken off the Heritage England “at risk register”. Narrowly avoiding being closed permanently and classified as unsafe.
Whilst the PCC can meet the normal costs of running the Church, it is likely that the costs of maintaining and enhancing a 900-year-old grade 1 listed building will escalate, and external funds will become vital.
As the FODC is a separate secular charity, all funds raised go towards our three purposes which includes support for the building.

What are the Friends doing now?

FODC has a five-year strategy, after wide consultation, and is working towards each and every item highlighted in the strategy. We have recently completed a review to benchmark our progress.
In May 2024, we completed a very successful programme of events to mark

D Day 80th Anniversary. We are planning future events to foster the community and raise funds.

We are about to proceed with essential building works identified in the quinquennial report, subsequently identified repairs and desirable improvements.
Imminently, we are hoping to install an audio upgrade in the church and lay the foundations for enhanced visual presentations.
We are maintaining and improving the exhibits in the north aisle, developing the community office to collate further heritage items and developing online heritage resources together with enabling greater access to our heritage by members of the public.

What can you do? Become a Friend through one or more:

Consider a donation to FODC, either a one off or if you can manage it, become a regular supporter. Gift aid can enhance the value of anything you are able to donate.
Come and enjoy the events and displays.
Volunteer your experience and time to FODC.
Visit Wilfrid’s café for a social catch up with your friends or just a quiet break. Oh, and the coffee and cakes are amazing.
Book your own events in the church and/or the community room.

What happens if we fail?

Church buildings that cannot remain a going concern stop being in use. The Church of England has too many rural buildings and is likely to close those that don’t pay their way. At that point the PCC would have to lock the doors.

Some buildings, particularly those in towns that do not have historic listing, get taken on for other uses. Others might get taken on by the Churches Conservation Trust but even these are usually locked away to slowly decay through lack of money.

None of us would wish for the scaffolding to go up, the barriers to be erected and the site derelict. An eyesore in the middle of Droxford

If we fail to cherish a building that has been at the heart of community life for 900 years not only, will we no longer be able to celebrate births, marriage and mourn the departed, we’ll lose the opportunities we are beginning to enjoy of improving our community life.

Your Support

So, your community needs your continued support, both financially and through giving of your experience and time, in order for the church building and community hub to be a vibrant contribution to Droxford.

If you want further information, talk to one of our Trustees or visit our website www.friendsofdroxfordchurch.org.uk or our Facebook page. Otherwise, send your offers of support to: info@friendsofdroxfordchurch.org.uk.

Timeline of FODC’s Back Story