THE Friends of Crediton Parish Church were founded on May 25, 1937 and to mark their 80th birthday, celebratory drinks and cake will be served after the 9.30am service at the church on Sunday, May 21.

A warm welcome is extended to all parishioners.

Since 1937, a modest fund has built up to provide an annual endowment income.

In recent years a number of generous legacies have enabled the Friends to be able to give more substantial and sustained support to both the Parochial Church Council and the Church Governors.

This support has included one-off support, for example the Q-build staging that is extensively used both in the church and Boniface Centre, sizeable contributions to projects like the relighting of the church in 2011/12 and improvements to the building heating and ongoing support for things such as the maintenance of the churchyard and cleaning.

Support for items like the Q-build and the lighting project enable the church to be a much used and versatile space for concerts and events as well regular services and special services.

Many of the concerts are organised by local charities such as Rotary, raising funds for a variety of good causes.

The membership of the Friends of Crediton Church currently stands at just over 300 members.

If anyone would like to join The Friends and help towards securing the future of the splendid Grade 1 listed building, regarded by many as one of the top half a dozen heritage buildings in Devon and a big draw for visitors to the town, annual membership can be secured for as little as £5 per year or life membership for £125.

Others have left the Friends legacies in their wills both for the purchase of specific items or as general funding.

A pale yellow wills leaflet, available at the Parish Church, gives all the details of how this can be done.

Leaflets about the Friends containing a membership form can be found at various locations in Crediton including the Parish Church, the Boniface Centre, A E Lee Outfitters, "Crediton Courier" Office, East Town Café and the Town Museum.

Alternatively, further information is available from the membership secretary/treasurer Mike Beskeen on 01363 774017 or from the correspondence/minutes secretary Bill Jerman on 01363 772865.