The Friends of Dorchester Abbey
The Friends are a charity (no 275819) founded in 1959 to support Dorchester Abbey with over 170 members resident from Dorchester to Seattle!
The purpose of the Friends is to raise funds for the conservation and repair of the fabric of the Abbey, the beautification of its fittings, and the improvement of its facilities. This is done through membership subscriptions, donations, legacies and special events and appeals. The Trustees are responsible for the investments of the Friends, passing funds when necessary to the Parochial Church Council, the body responsible for all works in the Abbey.
You can become a Friend of the Abbey or join our Beauforest Society, a group set up to build a fund for future major maintenance projects. As both you are entitled to:
- regular updates on Abbey events such as Abbey concerts and fundraisers, Christmas events and our biennial Dorchester Festival
- an annual AGM with updates on the latest works
- invitations to events organised by the Friends such as the annual Dorchester Lecture
- progress reports on proposed and ongoing works in the Abbey
- annual outings to other ecclesiastical or historic buildings, often with special Friends access and tours
Dorchester Abbey is a special place in the heart of Oxfordshire steeped with hundreds of years of history. It has seen significant historical events and heard prayers from royalty to the generations of parishioners who have been christened, married and remembered between these walls.
Keeping this Abbey safe and relevant for future generations is a significant undertaking which requires all our support. Please do join me as a Friend of Dorchester Abbey.
Richard Dick, Chairman of the Trustees
Become a Friend
Your membership subscription is not fixed, with a minimum donation of £25 per person per annum. Life membership is also available for a payment of not less than £350 per person.
Become a member of The Beauforest Society
The annual membership fee is £140 (minimum). Membership is open to all. The only membership qualification is a desire to help preserve the fabric of Dorchester Abbey.
Dorchester-on-Thames is blessed with a wonderful Abbey. We must seek to maintain it and continue its long history.
With the help of the Beauforest Society, the fabric of this unique place of worship will be sustained for generations to come.
The former Bishop of Dorchester, The Rt Rev Colin Fletcher, Founding Patron of The Beauforest Society
As your membership constitutes a donation, we ask all tax payers to complete a gift aid form to allow us to claim back a tax refund. You can download a membership, gift aid and standing order form here and post it to our Treasurer:
Treasurer of the Friends of Dorchester Abbey
The Parish Office, The Rectory
Dorchester on Thames. OX10 7HN
Get in Touch
Please do email our membership secretary, Honor Juniper, or call her on 01865 343228
