St Michael the Archangel Church at Mere is a Grade 1 listed building parts of which have been here for over 800 years. The aim of The Friends of St Michaels (FOSM) is to ensure that this magnificent building remains in the best condition possible for us and for future generations and available for appropriate use by the whole community regardless of belief.
We are a registered charity (number 281604). Since 1976 there have been over 450 life members as well as many others whose donations have allowed us to carry forward important and exciting projects.
The Taylor report of 2017 into the future of churches recognised that because of dwindling congregations many Historic Churches were at risk. Nevertheless it advised Government not to provide central funding for their future upkeep. Instead it recommended that their future be secured through wider community use and by sharing with other Christian denominations. It thus became vital for churches like St Michael’s to develop a community of Friends beyond their regular worshipers. We are fortunate to have made an early and a good start but wider support is now vital if the Friends of St Michael’s are to fulfil their objectives.