AT their recent AGM, trustees and members were reminded that the Friends of Crediton Church is entering into its 90th anniversary year.

The society, a registered charity, was set up by the Governors of Holy Cross on May 25, 1937 to help raise funds to meet the upkeep of the premises.

Many readers will know that Holy Cross was purchased by the founding Governors on behalf of the citizens of Crediton and Sandford (the Ancient Parish of Crediton) from Henry V111 in 1547, at the time of the Reformation.

Ownership still rests with the Church Governors on behalf of the citizens. The Church in Crediton is one of only three such locally owned “Peculiars” in England.

The late Arthur King Robinson, a former Governor, was instrumental in setting up the Friends just prior to the Second World War.

In 1974, the late David Tucker re-constituted the society and updated its constitution, and we are presently bringing it further up to date.

At the AGM last month, the officers were re-elected for another year: Peter Bunn, Chairman; Marilyn Daw, Secretary; Mike Beskeen, Hon Treasurer and Membership; and Jane Welby, Assistant Membership Secretary.

The Executive Committee was re-elected en bloc. Members attending heard that the Friends continue to support areas of Holy Cross by way of grants in the region of £15,000 per annum.

Also, the Governors have a large refurbishment project in the pipeline (to include a new roof and indoor toilets), and the Friends financial support will certainly be needed when work commences.

Coffee Morning: The Friends will be holding a coffee morning in the Boniface Centre from 10am to 12 noon on Saturday, May 23, when further details of its regular support and future help will be available. Members and non-members are very welcome - members would be delighted to see you all.

Readers may like to consider becoming a member of the Friends, particularly in view of the great historic interest and local ownership of Holy Cross.

The annual subscription is £5 (min) and the Friends welcome members from all denominations and none. If interested, please contact Mike Beskeen (Membership Secretary), tel: 01363 774017: email, [email protected]