A GROUP which does vital work to help maintain one of Tavistock?s most famous landmarks is appealing for new members. The Friends of St Eustachius Church was set up about five years ago, with the aim of raising money for the ancient building in the heart of the town. It is presently helping the organ restoration fund and last month presented a cheque for £5,000, collected during 2005, towards the total £35,000 needed. Hilary Johnson, chairman of the friends group, said: ?The idea of the friends is to open up support for the church beyond the worshipping congregation. ?There are lots of members who are not necessarily members of the congregation, but are very fond of the building itself, and feel it?s a central part of the town, with its link to the abbey. ?People also like to feel it?s there in times of crisis ? people do go there that don?t necessarily worship every week.? Hilary said the friends organise a variety of fundraising events for the church and regularly provide refreshments at the many concerts which are hosted by St Eustachius. ?What we would like to see is some more members from Tavistock ? and the community beyond,? she said. ?There must be many people who have memories of the church or who went there when they were little, or perhaps got married there and now live away from Tavistock, who would like to see the church continue to thrive.? Hilary said at the moment there were about 80 members of the Friends of St Eustachius. It costs just £5 a year to join and life memberships are available as well. ?It?s not just open to individuals ? if there are groups or businesses who would like to support the church they would be welcome ? it?s open to anybody,? said Hilary. Prebendary John Rawlings, who was vicar of Tavistock until this week, when he went to take up his new post as Archdeacon of Totnes, said the Friends of St Eustachius did a ?fantastic? job. Mr Rawlings said: ?Over the last five years they have done an enormous amount to help raise money for the church building, which is why they were set up. ?One of the really important things they do is provide refreshments at the concerts ? they are very enthusiastic and have been a very worthwhile and helpful organisation of people, who are keen to make sure the church building is there for all ages that come in the future ? we are very grateful to them.? Anyone who is interested in joining the Friends of St Eustachius Church organisation should call Hilary Johnson on 01822 614791.
