|
|
 |
|
|
Staffordshire Historic Churches Trust
|
|
|
|
THE FIRST 50 YEARS - continued
|
|
|
|
However, for various reasons the initial enthusiasm waned and The Friends went into what can perhaps best be described as 'abeyance' for some considerable time. In ten years from
1967 to 1976 total income was £5,707 of which member's subscriptions totalled £1,437. In 1979 it became obvious that membership and income were declining. Serious discussions took place with a view to closing
down "The Friends". The situation was not helped when the Honorary Treasurer resigned in late 1979 after ten years in the post and then a little over a year later the death occurred of the Honorary
Secretary after 22 years in that role.
The loss of these two key people in a comparatively short space of time presented the Committee of the day with a great challenge. However, following lengthy discussions, it was decided
to make one last 'push' in an effort to revive the flagging fortunes. The Committee was strengthened and in view of the parlous state of affairs, in 1981 the role of Treasurer and
Secretary were combined. At that time total membership was less than 100. A series of promotional activities were started, including a 'Find a Friend' appeal in which each existing member was encouraged to
persuade at least one of their friends to join.
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 1982 the name of the Trust was changed to the "Staffordshire Historic Churches Trust". A sponsorship scheme was launched in which each current member was asked to
sponsor (i.e. pay the subscription for) at least one of their friends for one year.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary in 1983, a book was published 'A Guide to Some Staffordshire Churches'. This sold well and
|
|
|
|
|
helped to make the Trust's name more widely known. It is now out of print. By the end of the financial year (April 1984) membership had grown to 239 and total income for that year was
£4,481. This was a record, and what was at the time the highest ever grant to a single church of £450 was paid.
|
|
|
|
Mr. Pat Hughes took over the role of Honorary Secretary in 1985 when the roles of Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary were again separated and in 1987 he was the driving force
behind the inauguration of the Sponsored Cycle Ride. This event has produced over £118,000 (including a record £9,000 in the year to April 2003) for Trust funds, with a similar amount going direct to churches
throughout the County.
The commencement of the Sponsored Cycle Ride was a significant turning point in the fortunes of The Trust at least from a financial viewpoint. In five years to 1987 the total income had
been £16,900. In the following five years to 1992 it was £57,370. However, individual membership levels hardly moved from around 230.
|
|
