About Us
An ecumenical Covenant was signed in May 1991 between All Saints Church of England, Banstead United Reformed Church, St. Pauls Church of England (Nork), St. Ann’s Catholic Church and Banstead Methodist Church. The group is known as the Banstead Five Churches or the Banstead 5.
As a not for profit organisation, all of the funds that we raise are used to support local good causes in the Banstead area, supporting the elderly as well as activities for the local children including Holiday Funweek and Praise in the Park
Events are coordinated by an executive committee of representatives from each church together with the clergy. A number of combined services take place throughout the year and there is inter-dominational fellowship. The group run the Open Door Coffee Shop in Banstead High Street and profits go to help the local community. This is the place to go for a snack and a chat.
On Village Day, the Banstead 5 have a stall which is great fun and proceeds go to different charities. A part-time Youth Worker is employed who organises events for the youth during the year
A rota of volunteers serves teas to prisoner’s families at the visitor centre at Highdown Prison.
About the Banner
In 1999 it was suggested that a banner be made for use at the Millennium Service, joint services and other events.
Dorothy Wyrill (URC) designed the banner, which incorporates silhouettes of the five churches, the cross logo, the name and date. Several ladies from the Methodist and URC churches helped with the embroidery. Then Dorothy and Doris Newbury (Methodist) met every Saturday for several weeks to work on the cutting, stitching and assembly of the banner. Jim Davies (URC) designed and made the stand for the display.
The banner was presented, with others at the Churches Together in Surrey 'Free to Forgive' service at Worth Abbey on 2nd October 1999 and later that month it was dedicated at the joint 'One World Week' service at All Saints Church.