Officers
The Founding
A report from Dr S P S Oswald has fortunately been retained in the archive. The two launch dates, in the Library, were September 16th and 20th 1981. It involved the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Solihull, a letter of support came from MP Percy Grieve and taped messages from Richard Baker (BBC) and actor Donald Sinden. Then followed a ‘quite superb’ talk on the history and development of St Alphege by David Patterson. Refreshments were served before music both sacred and secular was enjoyed from ‘Surplus Cassocks’.
Dr Oswald comments:
‘It was felt that this combination of ancient origin and present splendour should commend it to all citizens of Solihull’.
Charitable status had been granted to the founding committee on 3 July 1981 with the following object:
‘Assisting the Parochial Church Council in the maintenance and preservation of the fabric of the main Church Building.’
What followed?
Membership grew quickly and a range of fund raising events were organised. These included; dinners, garden parties, auctions, outings and talks. Bequests and donations were gratefully accepted. The funds were invested by the trustees.
Grants to support the fabric were made as follows:
1980s
Roof
£15,000
1990s
West door, windows, spire and roof
£15,000
2000s
Urgent spire repair, porch, roof, E window, walls
£154,000
2010s
Tower, crypt, vestry, lighting
£31,000
Today
We remain a charity run by trustees including the Rector, ex officio. Events continue to be organised and requests are regularly made to help the Parish maintain St Alphege Church, Solihull.
Roger Shinton Trustee 20.10.2025.