Friends Of All Saints’ Church Longstanton
The Friends of All Saints’ church charity was set up by Longstanton residents in response to the closure of the church in autumn 2002, due to part of the Nave roof collapsing.
There is a link to their website on our home page.
LDHS supports the Friends of All Saints’ church, Longstanton, by providing access to our archives at fund-raising events and also by our Secondary Object donations. In past years LDHS has produced cards and calendars to raise money for Friends of All Saint’s church; St. Michael’s Longstanton and St. Andrew’s, Oakington.
All Saints’ church provides LDHS with our logo in recognition of the central role that the church has played in the history of Longstanton village; RAF Oakington and Oakington Barracks. All Saints’ church provides the spiritual home for hundreds of ex-service men and women who worked out on the airfield during its many years of MOD service. Of particular significance to 7 Squadron Association; the church contains their Memorial Window and Roll of Honour. Outside in the churchyard can be found RAF War Graves and the grave of Squadron Leader Charles Lofthouse, formerly of 7 Squadron. Charles Lofthouse was driving force behind the Memorial Window for All Saints’ church. A talented calligrapher, he also produced the 7 Squadron Roll of Honour. In the churchyard RAF graves from post-war losses can also be found.
Please use the link on our home page and see for yourself the important work they are doing to preserve the fabric of All Saints’ church and to ensure it can remain a vibrant place of worship and a focal point for the Longstanton community for years to come.
Prior to the official re-opening of All Saints’ church on 30th September 2007, residents of Longstanton wondered whether this Grade I listed church would ever re-open. To many, the prospect of the church boarded up and closed down, was just not acceptable – but that was the reality being faced by the village at that time. The result was the formation of the Friends of All Saints’ Longstanton; the charity that we have today.
It is thanks to the hard work, and determination, of the charity committee; the generosity of local residents; 7 Squadron Association and Gallagher Estates that All Saints’ church did suceed in re-opening. LDHS is delighted to have taken an active role in supporting this charity (and will continue to do so). Hopefully never again will there be a threat of closure hanging over this magnificant and important church.