What is the Friends?

Friends of the Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall) is an independent voluntary charity, currently being set up by a small steering committee of volunteers.

We are working in close co-operation with Dover District Council and the Maison Dieu team to define our complementary spheres of activity and to achieve formal registration by the Charity Commission. 

What are the formal objectives of the Friends?

As an independent charity, our proposed objectives are to: 

• Promote and support the Maison Dieu, its wider setting and its collections in collaboration with Dover District Council and alongside the Maison Dieu Team 
• Encourage learning and engagement for public benefit by the widest and most diverse possible audiences 
• Further other such charitable purposes from time to time

What will the Friends do?

• Advocate for the Maison Dieu (with and through town, district, county and nationwide organisations, events and publications)
• Raise funds through activities and grant applications for the Maison Dieu for selected projects (our independent, community focussed, charitable status will enable access to funding streams unavailable to Dover District Council)
• Complement and extend the reach of the Maison Dieu team and their activities
• Work in partnership with others to develop the Maison Dieu’s audiences by organising:
  • ambitious, creative cultural events inspired by the Maison Dieu's historic architecture, heritage and collections
  • a diverse range of smaller scale activities including providing training, knowledge and experience to support community organisations
• Honour and expand the Maison Dieu’s role as Dover’s much loved Town Hall

Who can join become members of the Friends?

• Everyone interested in supporting the Maison Dieu, whether they have been involved previously or not

I’m an Ambassador of the Maison Dieu, can I be a Friend too?

• Yes! All the current Friends are also Ambassadors and, ideally all Ambassadors will also join us asap

How much time will Friends need to offer?

• As much or as little as they have available
• For those with more time to give, committee roles are available.

Once the Friends have registered charity status, we will have an elected Board of Trustees. 

What will Membership benefits include?

• Members’ welcome pack and ongoing updates
• Exclusive membership events (such as field trips, workshops, lectures, first views)
• Specialist training (eg fund-raising, audience engagement, research, health & safety)
• Representation at Maison Dieu advisory groups

Is there a Membership Fee?

• Not at present.
• The introduction of a modest fee will be discussed at the first AGM which will be arranged once formal registration has been achieved

Can I help shape future activities of the Friends?

Yes! Please join in this setting up phase of open discussion, wide consultation and collaboration.

We are working to define how the Friends can best support the re-awakening of the Maison Dieu and include, inform and intrigue the widest and most diverse possible cross-section of people.

If you would like to get involved or just want to hear more about the Friends development, please email thefriendsofmaisondieu@gmail.com