Holy Trinity Blythburgh
The Cathedral of the Marshes
The Cathedral of the Marshes
The Cathedral of the Marshes
Blythburgh church, the ‘Cathedral of the Marshes’, has been here for 600 years. It has withstood tempest, wilful damage and the weathering of centuries. Its calm grandeur draws thousands of admiring visitors each year, while remaining a working parish church. But Blythburgh is a small community, and a church as old as this needs constant attention. We can’t do it alone — we rely on the generosity of our Friends.
According to our records, the Friends of Blythburgh church were formed in 1954 with some 76 members giving between £5 and half a crown — two and sixpence to us — among them a certain Benjamin Britten. Today we have 62 friends, drawn from far and wide. We have members in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Newcastle, Bath and Penrith, and in the United States.
We do keep things ship shape. Recently the Friends have been able to make contributions towards several of the projects in which we are replacing the greenish glass with clear windows.
Do consider signing up to help us
As a Friend, you can make a significant contribution to the upkeep of the church, whether you live near or far. You can download a Membership Application Form here.
There is no set fee for membership. Just let us know how much you can afford to give. Most people give between £20 and £50 a year. We will send you two newsletters a year, to keep you informed of what is happening at the church, and how your money is being spent.
If you would like to pay your subscription by standing order, just fill in the mandate form and send it back to us. We will do the rest.
You can pay by BACS. Our bank details are on the form.
Cheques should be made payable to Friends of Holy Trinity Blythburgh and sent to the Treasurer, White Hart Cottage, Station Road, Blythburgh IP19 9LH.
If you are a UK taxpayer and would like us to be able to reclaim the tax on your gift, just fill in the Gift Aid section of the Membership Application Form.
THE FRIENDS' TRUSTEES
(left to right) Roselyn Crane, Sue Powell, Terry Goss, Meryl Doney and Sue Gerrard.
FRIENDS OF HOLY TRINITY BLYTHBURGH
Charities Commission Number 1093734
Dr Sue Powell
Chair of the Friends
Pear Tree Cottage
Blythburgh
Suffolk
IP19 9LL
A simple memorial on the north aisle of Blythburgh Church commemorates Margaret Janet Becker, daughter of renowned Suffolk artist Harry Becker. Janet was a skilled conservationist and respected Suffolk historian. She wrote a number of books including a historical study of Blythburgh compiled from the wardens’ accounts. In 1922, aged 19, she undertook a motor tour of Suffolk churches with her friend Miss Gooch and hand-wrote a charmingly illustrated diary of the 450 mile “Joy Ride”. Alan Mackley will celebrate her life and introduce us to this remarkable document.
