About The Friends
The Friends of St Matthias (FOSM) is an independent charity (Reg. No. 1054075), founded in the late 1980s. Separate from Richmond Team Ministry, it raises funds from local residents, businesses, and charities. Our independence allows us to secure funding from a wide range of sources and support projects we choose to initiate. While many of our donors are outside the church community, we also benefit from legacies, investment income, and local fundraising. We are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the historic Grade II-listed St Matthias Church, built by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1858 and described by Nicholas Pevsner (1983) as Richmond’s most beautiful church.
History of The Friends
Founded in the 1980s, FOSM was formed to save the church spire from collapse by raising £250,000 with the support of the local community, congregation members, and several local charities – notably The Richmond Parish Lands Charity that enabled the establishment and funding for the Community Centre function at that time. Over the years, we have funded significant restoration projects, community initiatives, and cultural events, raising nearly £1 million to date for projects such as:
- West Front stonework restoration (£230,000, 2010-14)
- Historic clock and bell repairs
- Lighting and equipment improvements
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Events & Fundraising
Our fundraising efforts are centered around community engagement. The Richmond May Fair is our largest annual project, where our gourmet BBQ and homemade cakes stall serve over 1,000 items, supported by 20+ dedicated volunteers.
Other past fundraising events include:
- Music concerts inside the church
- Annual Art Fairs
- Christmas Markets
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Mission and Objectives
Heritage Preservation:
Protecting St Matthias Church as a community landmark
Fundraising & Support:
Generating funds for ongoing conservation projects
Community Outreach:
Strengthening connections between the church and the local community
Sustainability:
Ensuring FOSM continues to thrive for future generations
Trustees
We currently have four trustees, from diverse backgrounds including finance, science, occupational health, marketing, and aeronautical engineering. Our board is seeking two or more new trustees to bring skills in finance, fundraising, website management, administration, and project planning.
Current Trustees
Christopher Pearson
Chairman
Chris has been a trustee for over 25 years and helped lead the West Frontage restoration. He co-founded the FosM May Fair BBQ in 2000. A former mining geologist and investment analyst, he worked internationally before retiring. Chris lives in Richmond with his wife, Judith, and is active in local charitable projects.
Christopher Gough
Trustee
Christopher has lived in Richmond for 48 years and has sung with the local choir for over 20. He’s a former RSCM chorister and has sung with the Anglican Choir in The Hague and the Helsinki University Male Voice Choir.
With a background in silversmithing and design (BA, LSIA, LSD-C), Christopher trained through graduate apprenticeships in Leiden and Helsinki. He went on to work with Garrard, The Crown Jewellers. He is a Freeman of both The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and the City of London.
We encourage diverse backgrounds and enthusiastic individuals to apply, regardless of prior charity experience.
Documents & Reports
Charity Commission Certificate
27-March-1996
Version 1
2.63MB
The Friends of St Matthias is a registered charity (No. 1054075), officially recognised by the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 27 March 1996.
St. Matthias Church History Document
05-May-2025
Version 1
4.63MB
In May 2008 to commemorate The Friends of St. Matthias church’s 150th anniversary, Paul Velvet researched and wrote this revised and extended guide to St. Matthias’ Church. It offers historical and architectural insights into the church’s development, significance, and role within the local community.
Get Involved
If you are passionate about heritage, conservation, and community engagement, we’d love to hear from you. Whether as a trustee, volunteer, or supporter, you can help shape the future of FOSM. Contact us now to learn more.
Contact usEvents
The Friends will be holding their familiar BBQ stall at the Richmond May Fair this year on 10th May, and will be located in our regular spot near to Portland Terrace. We will be providing our familiar gourmet product: chuck-steak...
The Friends of St. Matthias (FoSM) made a sizzling impact at May Fair 2024 on Richmond Green, serving up a feast of delicious barbecue favorites. With a prime stall location, the event was a fantastic opportunity to bring the community...
The Friends of St. Matthias Annual Art Fair 2012 was a fantastic celebration of local artistry, bringing together 54 talented artists and over 200 exhibits, including paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and jewelry. The event successfully raised funds for the conservation of...
Mayfair 2025: The Friends BBQ
The Friends will be holding their familiar BBQ stall at the Richmond May Fair this year on 10th May, and will be located in …
Friends of St. Matthias BBQ at May Fair 2024 – A Delicious Success!
The Friends of St. Matthias (FoSM) made a sizzling impact at May Fair 2024 on Richmond Green, serving up a feast of delicious barbecue …
Spire and Tower Stonework Restoration
As part of a long-term preservation effort, the tower stonework was carefully repaired to address erosion and structural wear. Conservation work involved: Carving and …