The Friends of St. Margaret’s Church, High Halstow CIO
Registered Charity Number 1189941
April 2026
Chairman’s Annual Report and Members Newsletter – Annual General Meeting.
The Friends of St. Margaret’s Church have had a successful year with some very well supported events which, with members’ subscriptions raised significant funds as can be seen in the Treasurers Financial Report.
. Organ restoration fund
The fund to restore our Victorian Church Organ has proved to be very popular and donations have been coming in steadily. This Fund is managed by the Friends of St. Margaret’s but is a standalone item not drawing on our general fundraising or subscriptions. We will soon have sufficient funds to allow grant applications which will hopefully meet the restoration costs of circa £20,000.
Recent Events.
History Talks.
In recent years a series of talks have been delivered which were well supported and very enjoyable. The most recent being an excellent talk by Ken Reynolds on “The History of The Isle of Grain”. Ken has a new talk in preparation for later this year. Many thanks to Ken.
Nashville Exile - March 2026.
An excellent evening in March 2025 with local band Nashville Exile was a “Sell out” and we had no hesitation in asking them to return which they did in March 2026. The concert was superb, another “Full House” enjoyed by all including the band who readily agreed to return next year
. Music Nights
Consideration is being given to future Music Nights. Please let me know if you can recommend a band that would be suitable for our venue.
Christmas Cards.
Ray Collins once again produced and sold a good number of Christmas Cards at the Christmas Market, in the Post Office and at Bradfords Garage.
Christmas Tree Festival.
A wonderful success. The Church was magical for the Christmas Services and the Carol Concert. It is intended to Focus the Festival on those well supported events next Christmas and possibly add more.
The Hartlip Singers- Spring Serenade Concert.
The Concert in May, was a great success and was well supported. This choir perform to a very high standard, and we look forward to their return this Autumn.
The Village Christmas Market – November 2025
Our stall consisted of Games for families to play. While donations were
welcome our main aim was to raise awareness of the “Friends” and our
work maintaining the Church building.
Wedding Photos
Mitch Dowsett is continuing to coordinate the project to celebrate the role of St Margaret’s in the community. In the October 2023 edition of the High Halstow Times you may have noted the article recording two Dowsett family weddings. If you have memories of events in which St. Margaret’s Church played a significant part then please contact Mitch at mitch.dowsett@btopenworld.com
Membership.
In order to build upon our success, it is important that the “Friends” recruit new members. I am sure there are villagers who care about their church and wish to help preserve the oldest building in the village so that it remains our distinctive landmark and is available for generations to come. Membership Forms and details are available. http:thefriendsofstmargarets.org.uk