Friends of Quarr

The Friends of Quarr, launched in 2013, is a voluntary organisation formed to support the monastic community of Quarr Abbey and its historic buildings.

The Friends aim to bring together people who love and care for Quarr Abbey, help support the spiritual life of the Abbey, promote the Abbey, raise its profile and fundraise to maintain and enhance its historic buildings.

As a Friend of Quarr you will be invited to annual meetings to plan fundraising and social events, attend talks and concerts and celebrate St. Benedict’s Day on the 11th July at the Abbey. Volunteering within the Abbey in areas such as gardening, cleaning, portering or working in the Abbey shops is welcomed by the monastic community.

If you share our love and support for Quarr Abbey join the Friends; a small membership donation is requested to help with running costs. All donations to the Friends and fundraising by the Friends are in aid of restoration projects in the Abbey.

Since its inception the Friends have contributed a significant amount of money, raised by donations, fundraising events and grant applications, towards the Quarr Abbey Visitor Centre.

The Friends Walled Garden Project was completed in July 2017 and involved restoration of 41 metres of the Grade 1 listed North East garden wall. We were honoured to have His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex lay a ceremonial stone on the 14th October 2016 and the then Lord- Lieutenant, Major General Sir Martin White unveil the donor board on the 8th July 2017.

Prince at Quarr - Friends of Quarr

On the 24th January 2017, we donated an Accessible toilet which has a hoist, maximum weight 30 stones, entry to this facility is with a RADAR key. 

Adjacent to this facility the Friends also donated a unisex toilet, both facilities are in the courtyard of the Visitor Centre and were complete donations by the Friends, no funds were raised for them. The main donors were Liz and Ian Stevens of Stevens Washrooms (Portsmouth) and the Friends of Quarr. These facilities are now in use.

Accessible Toilet - Friends of Quarr Page

The Accessible Paths Project, involved making the paths leading from the Visitor Centre to the Abbey Church more wheelchair and pushchair friendly and also improving access for those people with mobility problems. The funds raised included the receipt of a grant of £500 from The WightAID Foundation. Groundsell Contracting Ltd carried out the work. The project was undertaken between the lockdowns of the pandemic in 2020. We were honoured to have the Lord – Lieutenant. Mrs Susie Sheldon unveil  the donor board on 8th December 2020.

In 2022 the Friends completed the match funding of £8600 for the Abbey’s restoration of 16 stained glass windows.

The Friends also provide financial support, £5,000 to date, for the Abbey through The Intern Programme.

On the 6th March 2023 the Friends and  Fishbourne Parish Council donated a bench which overlooks the ruins.

Friends Retreat

Day Retreats are organised by the Friends in Lent and Advent. Unfortunately during the pandemic these had to be cancelled but will resume in due course.

Becoming a Friend

To obtain further information on the Friends please email; friendsofquarr@quarr.org or to download The Friends leaflet please click below.

Friends of Quarr Abbey Bank Details
Account details: CAF Bank Quarr Abbey QA-FoQ
Sort code: 40-52-40
Account number: 00029061


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    Single annual membership - min £15Membership for a couple - min £25Life membership (single payment) - min £125Life membership for a couple - min £190


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