Our "Friends" organisation helps the Abbey by raising funds and spreading goodwill. The Friends hold talks, events and visits, and newcomers are always welcome.

Membership is set at around the price of two visits to Torre Abbey, and as well as a newsletter and invitation to many exciting events, Friends gain free unlimited admission to Torre Abbey, Special Friend's events and priority booking.

Please phone for details and an application form or alternatively you can print off membership application form from the membership page.

Progress so far

A steering committee was formed in May 1992 leading to the formal creation of the Friends of Torre Abbey in September of that year. Up to May 1997 the events and expenditure in aid of the Abbey included:

Events

• Five carol concerts at the Abbey.
• Two FOTA charity performances of TOADS productions.

Visits to:

• Many Devon houses and gardens
• The Royal Academy

Lectures on:

• Torre Abbey history
• Torre Abbey collections
• Devon art
• Torquay social history

A special series of events to mark the 800th anniversary of the foundation of the Abbey. Annual plant sales.

Acquisitions etc

Over £16,000 has already been spent on acquisitions and equipment to aid the work of the Abbey including:

• two watercolours by Rev. John Swete
• watercolours of Torre Abbey
• thirteen watercolours of 19th century Upton
• a slide projector and accessories
• storage equipment for archaeological specimens
• a commemorative stained glass window interpreting one of the Burne-Jones designs from the Abbey's collection - shown on the front cover of our leaflet (above).

Membership Fees

Please view the current fees, which have remained unchanged since the formation of FOTA in 1992.