St. Mary's Church, Houghton-on-the-Hill, is a place of worship, solace, celebration and shared history. It is a place we cherish and want to preserve for the future. The "Friends of St Mary's" charity is dedicated to the ongoing care, maintenance, and enhancement of this beloved building and its grounds. We rely on the generosity of individuals to ensure St Mary's can continue to serve our community for many years to come. All the funding for St Mary's has to be raised from donations by the public and at least £8,000 per year is required to keep St Mary's open.
We invite you to become a Friend of St. Mary's Church and help ensure the future of this wonderful, historic place.
To become a Friend of St. Mary's Church we ask for a donation of just £2 per month (£24 per year). The easiest way to become a Friend is to click the "Become a Friend of St. Mary's" button below, alternatively you can download the forms and return them to us.
Or, if you prefer to make a single donation of any amount please click the "Make a donation to St. Mary's" button.
Please note Just Giving ask for a donation. However there is no obligation to donate to Just Giving, simply change the amount requested.
Or please download the 3 forms below and return to us.
Download Application FormDownload Standing Order FormDownload Gift Aid FormA legacy gift, no matter the size, helps us to:
Preserve our heritage: Fund essential repairs and restoration work to keep St. Mary's beautiful and structurally sound.
Maintain our sacred space: Contribute to the ongoing upkeep that ensures St. Mary's remains a welcoming and safe environment for all.
Support future generations: Help us plan for long-term projects and initiatives that will benefit the public for decades to come.
A lasting impact: Your generosity will create a legacy that continues to support St. Mary's beyond your lifetime.
Tax-efficient giving: Gifts to charities in your will can be exempt from inheritance tax, potentially reducing the overall tax burden on your estate.
Peace of mind: Knowing you've made a meaningful contribution to a cause you care about can be a source of great comfort.
It's simpler than you might think to include Friends of St. Mary's in your will. We always recommend consulting with a solicitor or professional will writer to ensure your wishes are accurately reflected and legally sound.
Here is some suggested wording your solicitor may find helpful:
For a cash legacy: I GIVE £xxxx to The Friends of St Mary’s Church, Houghton-on-the-Hill, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 8DP (Registered Charity No: 1069758) for the general purposes of the charity and I declare that if that charity shall have merged or ceased to exist I give this legacy to the successor charitable organisation if any and I declare that the receipt of the treasurer or other authorised officer of such charity shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors."
For a share of your residuary estate: I GIVE to the Friends of St. Mary's Church, Houghton-on-the-Hill, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 8DP (Registered Charity Number: 1069758) a [specify percentage or fraction] share of the residue of my estate absolutely for the general purposes of the charity and I declare that if that charity shall have merged or ceased to exist I give this legacy to the successor charitable organisation if any and I declare that the receipt of the treasurer or other authorised officer of such charity shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors.".
Your gift, big or small, will help us continue to protect and cherish St. Mary's for all.
If you have already included Friends of St Mary's in your will, or are considering doing so, we would be incredibly grateful if you would let us know. This helps us to plan for the future and, if you wish, to thank you personally.
For a confidential chat or more information, please don't hesitate to contact church@houghtonstmarys.org.uk.
Thank you for considering leaving a lasting legacy to Friends of St. Mary's.
