Over the years, the Friends have played a significant role at Launde Abbey through fundraising, prayer and volunteering.
Learn More About the Friends of Launde Abbey Committee
The work of the Friends of Launde Abbey is coordinated by a committee who are actively involved in the life of the Abbey.
Madeleine Wang (Chair)
Madeleine lives and worships in Tugby, a small village just a few miles south of Launde Abbey. Formerly a Launde Abbey Trustee 2018-2024, and Leicester Diocese DBF Trustee, Madeleine was elected The Friends chair designate in 2023 and Chair in 2024.
Patrick Rendall (Secretary)
Patrick Rendall is secretary to the Friends committee. After many years in the Army he has settled into retirement in Leicestershire. In addition to the Friends he chairs the governing board of a Church of England primary school and is vice chair of a veterans committee for the East Midlands.
Alison Collis (Treasurer)
In addition to being treasurer of the Friends Alison is also Editor of the Friends Newsletter.
Jan Zientek (Membership Secretary)
Jan is a lifelong member of the church, serving as Parish Secretary and other roles at St. Mary’s, Humberstone. He is a member of the Leicester Diocesan Synod and has a strong interest in church history and music. At Launde he has a particular interest in the roses reinstated by the Friends a few years ago.
The other current members of the Friends committee are:
- Ann Green
- Rev’d Dr Hazel Aucken
- Beverley Lott
- Madeleine Wang (Vice Chair and Trustee Representative)
- Prof. John Twidell
- Mary Weson
- Rev’d Susan Leighton
- Stephanie Preston-Hall
Trustee vacancy
Launde Abbey Trustee representative, vacancy
The Friends of Launde: Registered Charity Number 519042
The Friends publish a regular newsletter which can be found here.
Financial Support
A decade of fundraising projects led up to a major refurbishment of the main building and the old stable block plus the creation of an art space in the old coach house, all completed in 2011.
Since then the Friends have raised funds for a number of important projects:
- Hearing Loop. In April 2022 a sound system and hearing loop was installed into our Drawing Room to improve the delivery of sound for those with hearing difficulties.
- Access Path. Completed in 2019, this runs from the main house to the stable block providing easier access for disabled users between the two buildings. It also provides a safer well-lit route for all visitors.
- Library Lighting. Installed in 2018 to provide better visibility when using the library.
- Greenhouse. The refurbishment of the original greenhouse situated in the walled garden was undertaken as the building was structurally deteriorating.
- Chapel Lift. The installation of the chapel lift was a major project which required reordering the vestry area. The installation of the lift was needed to give inside access to the chapel for all users who could not manage the steep stairs which lead down to the Chapel. Prior to this, lift users could only enter the chapel via an outside path.
- Hearing Loop. A sound system and hearing loop was installed into the Chapel to improve delivery of sound for those with hearing difficulties.
- Rose Garden. A rose garden has been reinstated outside the Chapel.
Spiritual Support
The Friends also pray for Launde:
- Praying individually at home;
- Joining the community in their daily prayers at the Abbey; and
- Becoming one of the ‘Stretchers’ – a network of people who are committed to pray for Launde, who all receive a bi-monthly letter from the Warden with prayer pointers.
Practical Support
The Friends of Launde help in a variety of practical ways:
- Providing assistance at special events;
- Helping in the extensive gardens – if you would like to help, see the Launde programme for details of gardening retreats and other volunteer opportunities; and
- Working in Reception or with DIY and other jobs around the Abbey.
The Friends of Launde: Registered Charity Number 519042