Friends of St Michael's
Sharing our heritage, securing our future
St Michael and All Angels Church is a cherished historic church and a crucial part of village life. The Friends of St Michael’s exists to help care for this remarkable building and to support its role as a place for community gatherings, events, heritage, and shared life.
We believe St Michael’s should remain not only a place of worship, but a building that serves and welcomes the whole community, while continuing to connect with people far beyond East Coker through its history and cultural significance.
About the Friends
The Friends of St Michael’s is an independent organisation dedicated to:
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Preserving and maintaining the historic fabric of St Michael’s Church
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Caring for and promoting our unique heritage - including the Eliot Memorial
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Supporting improvements that protect the building for future generations
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Encouraging wider community use of the church
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Helping St Michael’s remain a vibrant centre of local life
All funds raised by the Friends are used solely for these purposes.
The Friends account operates as a restricted fund in the PCC account so it can benefit from the church's charitable status (e.g. gift aiding donations).
However - no donations are used for the day-to-day running costs of the church, clergy expenses, or passed to the Church of England
Why do we need the Friends?
St Michael and All Angels Church has stood at the centre of village life for generations. Its architecture, history, and setting make it a place of special significance — but changing social habits and the realities of modern living mean that fewer people regularly attend services.
The future of St Michael’s depends on people who care, whether or not they attend church.
By supporting the Friends, you help ensure that St Michael’s remains:
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Protected as a historic building
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Open and accessible
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Maintained as a visitor destination for literary pilgrims from across the UK and the world
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Available for concerts, exhibitions, education, and community events
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A shared place for future generations
Historic churches survive because each generation takes responsibility for them. Now it’s our turn.
Who's who
Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville MBE - Honorary Patron
Baronness Cathy Bakewell's experience in local and national government and her strong connection to the Cokers, make her an ideal fit as our Honorary Patron.
The Friends Committee
Day to day, the Friends is run by a small committee of volunteers. Find out who we are here. The committee plans, manages and publicises events, but relies on other willing helpers to assist on the day.
If you are interested in joining the Friends Committee, or would be willing to help in other, practical ways, please get in touch.
Support the Friends
There are many ways to help:
Make a donation.
Caring for an ancient building like ours is expensive. Every penny we can raise helps us keep this preciuous place open for future generations.
Become a Friend
Become a Friend and enjoy reduced or free tickets for events. To become a Friend we ask that you donate £10/month or more, or make a lump sum donation of £100 or more
American Friends
We are proud to welcome many visitors from overseas , particularly from the U.S.A. who often come to visit becuse of T. S. Eliot. We are working with partners to establish ways for U.S. citizens to give tax efficiently.
Attend events
You don't have to be a Friend to attend Friends events. Please come along to a talk, a concert or any of the many other events that the Friends will put on. Check the Friends Events page to find out details and to book tickets.
Volunteer your skills or time
Whether you have a great strategic mind and want to take over running the committee or you feel better suited to washing up after a coffee morning - we need you! Please get in touch if you'd like to be involved.