'The Abbot himself holds Langlei. In King Edward's time it consisted of five and a half hides, now of three. There is sufficient land for fifteen ploughs. Two and a half are the demesne and there are four ploughs there and a fifth could be made' from the Domesday Book 1086
Since Saxon times, St Lawrence the Martyr, the village Church, has been a focal point of Abbots Langley village life. From the 12th century the Church has been available to serve all who live in Abbots Langley, not just the people who worship here regularly or who use it for baptisms, weddings, blessings and funerals. Many people use it as a quiet place to retreat to; it is open daily between 10.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. It is also used as a venue for concerts and occasional plays.
THE FRIENDS
The Friends of St Lawrence is a registered charity whose aim is to raise contributions by subscription and planned events and apply the funds for the preservation of the fabric of the St Lawrence Church building. Those who subscribe, make donations or attend our social functions, are all 'Friends'.
The Committee meets regularly to plan fundraising activities. The Trustees and members of the Committee are a mixture of those who attend church regularly and those who do not.
The Committee: Pat Colwell, Sue Coultrup, Mark Palmer (Treasurer), John Tapster, Jan Taylor and Andy Taylor (Chairman).
The Trustees: The Revd Dr Jo Spreadbury, Pat Colwell, John Tapster, Andy Taylor.
You can download the Chairman's Report of activities for 2011/12:
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE
Projects which have been funded by the Friends since 1992 include the following:
WHAT NEEDS DOING?
On a building of this age, there is always something that needs doing! The Church building is subject to an inspection every five years and this is due in 2012. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) decides on what can be achieved within the available resources and when priorities have been established the Friends may be approached for assistance. The Trustees and Committee ensure that the purpose for which the funds are raised is covered by the aim of the charity. If you go into the church and look at the stained glass windows behind the choir stalls you will see where money has been recently spent, for these windows were removed and re-leaded during the autumn of 2011 and we are very pleased to see them back and looking so splendid again - and all thanks to donations and fundraising by the Friends.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Enjoy our social activities: apart from subscriptions and the occasional bequest, the Friends of St Lawrence raises much of its income through a programme of planned activities. Events in the past and planned for the future include safari suppers, quiz nights, car treasure hunts, barbecues, talent shows, concerts, curry evenings, coffee mornings, open gardens, etc.
Details of the activities planned (see below) and tickets for most events, where applicable, are available through the Church Office (01923 261795). All are welcome, so please register your interest early to avoid disappointment!
If you don't live locally so cannot support the Friends through the social activities you can support them through a regular donation - for more information contact the Church Office (01923 261795; adminstlawrence@abbotslangley.org.uk) who will be pleased to put you in touch with either the Chairman or the Treasurer.
2012 Diary of Activities
2011 was a very successful year raising funds to maintain the building.
Please put the dates of our events for 2012 in your diary - we look forward to seeing you. If you want further details on any event either send an e-mail via this website on contact Jan Taylor on 01923 262565.
Saturday 6th February - Curry Night at the Viceroy of India in Abbots Langley High Street - a successful evening - thank you for your support!
21st April - Safari Supper - please book your seat by phoning 01923 264800 or using the 'contact us' page
16th June - Barbecue
14th July - Concert by a Salvation Army Band in St Lawrence (during the Abbots Langley Festival of the Arts)
12th September - Chinese Meal in the Pin Wei in Abbots Langley High Street
20th October - Fish & Chip Supper with Entertainment
24th November - Coffee Morning (with bacon butties!)
8th December - 'The Curious Disappearance of Major Glenn Miller' - a talk by Tony Eton.
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Monday 14th May - St Matthias
9.30 am Holy Communion
11.00 am Handbell ringing practice
2.15 pm Tiny Tots
2.40 pm Funeral of Daphne Sutherland at the Crematorium
7.30 pm Bell ringing practice
8.00 pm Housegroup at 38 Oak Green
8.00 pm Hall Committee meeting at 20 Parnell Close
Tuesday 15th May
10.15 am-12.15 pm Tuesday Coffee in St Lawrence
6.45 pm Choir practice
7.45 pm Dynamite Youth Group meets in the church hall
8.00 pm Housegroup at 18 St Lawrence Close
Wednesday 16th May
10.15 am Holy Communion
5.00 pm Blessing of Ginders' new Chapel of Rest
8.00 pm Parochial Church Council meets in the Vicarage
8.00 pm Mothers' Union meets at Bedmond Church
Thursday 17th May - Ascension Day
8.15-8.45 am Prayers for the Parish and Local Community
8.00 pm Parish Communion at Bedmond. Preacher: The Revd Angela Tilby, Canon of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford
8.00 pm Parents' housegroup
Friday 18th May
9.30 am Morning Prayer with Holy Communion
10.00-12.00 noon Heart for Abbots Langley Coffee in the Henderson Hall
6.15 pm Youth Choir practice
Saturday 19th May
12.00 noon Wedding of Christopher Strand and Joanne Eldridge
Sunday 20th May - The Seventh Sunday of Easter
8.00 am Holy Communion
9.30 am Parish Communion with Seekers & Creche
11.00 pm Family Service at Bedmond
12.30 pm Sunday Lunch Club
6.30 pm Evening Prayer
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