SURPRISINGLY, perhaps, an appeal by the Friends of Wickwar Parish Church for members has been extended beyond regular worshippers. But, as committee member Bryan Hockey explained, the parish church was part of the community and not purely a venue for Sunday worship. Feature writer KIRSTY RAMSDEN met Dr Hockey to find out about the Friends and its appeal for new blood.

FORMATION of The Friends of Wickwar Parish Church in 1977 marked two celebrations in the village and beyond.

It was, of course, The Queen's silver jubilee year but also Holy Trinity Parish Church was celebrating its 700th anniversary.

The Friends was launched partly to mark these two momentous events by the late Frank Gooderham.

It was also set up, explained committee member Bryan Hockey, because at that time repairs were needed to the church tower.

Dr Hockey added: "It was a time when lots of 'Friends' organisations were being set up as a way of raising money."

Following Mr Gooderham's death, his widow suggested Dr Hockey become involved with The Friends and so began an association which has lasted almost 20 years.

The Friends raise funds through subscription, which is just £1 or whatever the member wishes to contribute.

The organisation also hosts various events throughout the year to raise money.

The events, usually three or four each year, are designed to appeal to all the inhabitants of Wickwar and not just the church community.

Fundraisers have included concerts, quite a number performed by musicians from schools including Katharine Lady Berkeley's, Wotton-under-Edge, and Brimsham Green, Yate.

Dr Hockey explained inviting the pupils was of benefit to all concerned - not just The Friends' coffers.

A-level music students needed to perform in public a certain number of times towards their exams and the church, he added, had exceptionally good acoustics for them to experience.

The Friends group has also organised open-air concerts and talks. Each year it also holds an autumn market of home-made produce which invariably makes £600-£700.

The group has hosted three flower festivals, arranged by Sodbury and District Flower Club. The latest netted £1,300.

The Friends, since its formation, have raised more than £40,000 for the parish church.

Dr Hockey cites this feat as all the more considerable when one takes into account the fact Wickwar had just 700 residents when the group was formed.

The Friends' achievements include building a church car park about 10 years ago. The church can now park about 50 cars which benefited those attending services, family celebrations including christenings and weddings, as well as church events.

Prior to the work there was parking for just a handful of cars.

The Friends have funded work costing several thousand pounds to the church room and tge organisation has about £15,000 in reserve at present for works to the church roof.

Other plans for the future include helping fund renewal of the outside lighting to allow people to walk in safety.

The church central heating was installed 20 years ago and needed upgrading, added Dr Hockey.

The Friends was formed to maintain the fabric of Wickwar Parish Church for the benefit of all the village. Dr Hockey said: "We don't pay running expenses."

If The Friends supported church running expenses it would find it hard to ask non-churchgoers for support, he added.

And The Friends do receive support from non-churchgoers and from those who worship at other churches.

Events organised by the Friends are invariably well-supported.

The Friends itself has members far and wide, including the New Zealand-based son of the founder, Mr Gooderham.

Dr Hockey said Wickwar villagers, be they of a different religion or of no religion, appreciated the parish church was part of the community.

He added it was a good venue of various community activities, such as talks.

And, with parts of it dating back to 1277, the church is of historic importance to the village of Wickwar.

The Friends are appealing for new committee members and these do not need to be churchgoers.

Dr Hockey said: "We would like more people who aren't churchgoers or who go to other churches. We feel that we have the broad base of the whole community. We want some new people with new ideas."

The Friends at present has a seven-strong committee with members ageing from late 40s onwards.

Dr Hockey said several of The Friends' stalwarts had retired because of advancing age so new committee members were urgently needed.

"It would be nice to get some young ones," he added.

Anyone who would like to become involved with the Friends of Wickwar Parish Church should call 01454 294596.