Friends of Essex Churches Trust

Waltham Abbey Arcade

Welcome to Friends of Essex Churches Trust

We revitalise buildings that make communities proud.

We raise money to award grants to preserve and improve Christian places of worship of all denominations in the historic county of Essex (including the unitary authorities of Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock together with the five London Boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest)

Our Projects

Wethersfield, St. Mary Magdalene

Roof repairs and internal decoration

Our church, St Mary Magdalene, sits in a central spot within the North Essex village of Wethersfield. It also plays a central role in the life of the village; we are open daily, and have at least two services a...

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Ride & Stride

Hundreds of people take part in Our Ride+Stride fundraising adventure – a sponsored bike ride or walk, every year.

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Ride+Stride event

Events

  • Talk by Nicola Turner Inman

    Tuesday 25th March 2025

    6.30p.m. for 7.00p.m. at Holy Cross Church, Felsted CM6 3DG

    Nicola Turner Inman, Curator of Decorative Arts, Royal Collection Trust, will be giving at talk entitled “Hidden Treasures from the Royal Collection”. 

    Nicola Turner Inman has been involved in many exciting... Read More

  • Spring Study Day 2025

    Wednesday 7th May 2025

    Join John Vigar for visits to four interesting churches in north Essex at

    Bradwell-juxta-Coggeshall, Cressing, Rivenhall and Stisted

    £15 for members and £20 for non-members

    Payment is preferred via BACS using reference "Spring Study Day"
    (sort code: 20-19-95, account no.: 60427888) or a... Read More

  • Gift Fair 2025 at Chelmsford City Racecourse Stallholder applications now open

    Tuesday 14th October 2025

    10.00a.m.-3.00p.m.

    Chelmsford City Racecourse, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 1QP

    Please see link for the application form

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