About the Church St. Catherine’s is in a central position in the town and serves a parish population of just under 2000. We seek to be a focus for worship, prayer, growth and outreach to the community, working and worshipping in the evangelical tradition. Our vision is to create a church building and grounds that are at the heart of the community.

The Building The church was built in the 1830’s of local stone and offers an open worship space with excellent visibility and acoustics. The interior has been modernized making it one oft the best community venues in the south of the Island. This has included:-

A new fitted kitchen

Side hall refurbishment

A new floor in the main part of the building

Comfortable individual seating

High quality lighting

The installation of solar panels to produce green energy The perfect venue for church services, activities and community use. The internal refurbishments have blended the new with the old in a way which compliment each other and enhance the ambience to make it feel warm and inviting. ‘The Church has been modernized without losing its character’ is how one visitor described

the transformation.

Concerts and other social events are organized at St. Catherine’s. Wherever possible, ‘Friends’ receive advanced notice and sometimes reduced rates. Becoming a ‘Friend’ does not commit anyone to Church membership or worship. You will however Always be very welcome at any services or events that take place. Future developments that are planned include the creation of a precinct in front of the main entrance to the Church. This will become a large green space to be used as a Community Garden and also provide easy access from Grove Car Park.

The Friends of St. Catherine’s Church Ventnor, Isle of Wight

A stunning vision for the future

A Message from the Chairman

Dear Friend, I became Chairman of the ’Friends of St. Catherine’s Church’ in 2009 when I was employed as Ventnor Town Manager for the Isle of Wight Council; the Vicar was looking for some involvement on the Friends Committee from people outside of his worshipping congregation and as I was looking for a worthwhile community project to get involved with, the two married together nicely….however, when my position as Town Manager was made redundant in 2010 I was determined to finish what I had started and therefore I continued in my role as Chairman on a voluntary basis. The Committee has already raised £30,000 to assist with Phase II of the ’Vicar’s Vision’ - which was the restoration work on the church tower and Phase III is to make the plans for the Community Garden a reality, so it would appear that I am here for the long haul and with your help in supporting the ‘Friends’, we can make this happen that much quicker. Your support is the foundation that we are building our hopes and aspirations on - with your continued help both the Committee and I will strive to achieve Phase III - which will be a wonderful addition to the facilities here at this marvellous building in the heart of Ventnor. Thank you for your support, it is really appreciated. Rob Reed Chairman of the Friends of St. Catherine’s Church If you would like to get involved a bit more by considering becoming

a Committee member, please contact the Secretary (contact details overleaf).

Two ’Friends’ from Australia who have made our

membership a worldwide phenomenon by joining us this year. Pictured here with David Ouston, the IW Street Pastor

Coordinator at the ‘tower dedication evening’ in October 2011

How to join the ‘Friends’

Please complete this form and if you wish to pay by banker’s standing order, complete that form as well. The subscription year runs from 1st January to 31st December.

Thank you for supporting the ‘Friends’

Name: ...........................................................................

Address: ........................................................................... ........................................................................... ........................................................................... ........................................................................... ...........................................................................

Single membership £10.00 p.a. Family membership £20.00 p.a. Organisation membership £20.00 p.a.

Please tick and indicate payment method

By Cheque/ Cash By Standing Order

Please return completed forms to:- The Secretary, Friends of St Catherine’s Church, 28 Wilton Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7BZ Tel. 01983 866546 E-mail gordonpollard@btinternet,com

Gift Aid Declaration

Please complete this if you pay UK Income Tax Please treat all my subscriptions and donations to The Friends of St . Catherine’s Church as Gift Aid donations. Signature of donor: __________________ Date: _____________________________

Banker’s Order

Please complete this form and return it with your membership application

To

Bank:

Address:

Sort Code:

Account Name:

Account Number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Please pay to: NatWest Bank 19 High Street Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6JX For the account of Friend’s of St. Catherine’s Church Account No. 49572350 The sum of £.................... And on this date annually.

Signature:

Please Print your name in block capitals Date: This instruction cancels any previous order in favour of the Friends of St. Catherine’s Church.