The Friends of Jurby Church

The Friends of Jurby Church was formed in 2014 when the church was in danger of closing completely. It is an Isle of Man registered charity (No. 1186) and an Isle of Man registered company limited by guarantee.

The Objects of the Charity are: To secure the establishment of the building known as St. Patrick’s Church Jurby and its continued use as a community venue for the benefit of the residents of, and visitors to, Jurby and its neighbourhood.

The Friends have raised over £50,000 to repair the electrics, install central heating and a composting toilet and to carry out essential repairs to the interior of the building and to the west porch. This year the ‘St. Patrick and St. Maughold’ window is being restored and the east window, which was blown out when a Sunderland flying-boat crash-landed at Jurby Airfield in 1945, is being repaired. Two of the RAF windows in the North porch will be completely restored. Work to repair the exterior of the church will take place in the summer. Our aim is to have the roof, tower, walls and windows repaired and then to raise the funds to have the church decorated, so that this landmark building and symbol of the parish of Jurby is restored to its former glory.  

Exhibitions at the church to raise funds, and to raise the profile of Jurby and its church, have included Jurby and World War I, Jurby and the RAF, Isle of Man History at Jurby Church and Jurby and the Vikings. Books based on the exhibitions are on sale at the church as well as bookmarks, and posters of Jurby Church and the Milky Way

The day-to-day work of The Friends is carried out by a handful of people whose tasks include opening and closing the church every day of the year, apart from days when there are extreme weather conditions, maintenance and repairs to the building, the heating, electrics and toilet. The fundraising events include producing exhibitions, producing books, with another two books in the pipeline, making cakes, serving ‘tea and cake’ and organising Jurby Church’s entry in the IOM Flower Festival.

The Friends are responsible for all repairs and maintenance of the building. They pay the insurance costs via The Parish of the Northern Plain, and are currently paying for the electricity and heating oil, and for all required servicing and inspections. The Friends of Jurby Church is a secular charity and is completely separate from the Jurby Church Ministry.

We need your support

We know how important Jurby Church is to so many people from those who visit most days of the year, whether they come from Canada to visit a family War Grave or from America to find a family grave. Many come to this ancient place for its history. Many return for the beauty of its timeless landscape, with wonderful hill and mountain, coastal and sea views, its space, light and stunning sunsets.  Many visitors remark on the unique peacefulness of the church.

We need your help

2020 is a watershed year for Jurby Church and might be the last opportunity to ‘secure’ the building by carrying out the major renovation and restoration which is now required to give Jurby Church a sustainable future.

If you are able to help please send your cheque to:

Mrs. A. Kerrison
Sec. The Friends of Jurby Church
Ballacrye Farm
Sandygate
Jurby
Isle of Man
IM7 3BS

Email kerrison@iom.com if you wish to be added to TFOJC mailing list to receive updates or for any other enquiries.