Save the dates for 2026
We plan on holding Garden Working Parties to take place on a Saturday of each month.
Please meet at the church at 10am.
The first meeting will be on Saturday 7th March, followed by11th April, 2nd May, 6th June, 4th July, 1st August,
11th September, 3rd October and 7th November.
In 2025 we held working parties on 3rd May, 7th June, 5th July, 2ndAugust, 6th September,11th October and 8th November.
On 13th September 2025, The Friends of Roundhay St Johns participated in the Leeds Civic Trust Heritage Open days, which was a resounding success with around 40 visitors attending and enjoying two tours led by our Chairperson Lynne. Fortunately the weather stayed relatively kind on the day and all the visitors found the tours most informative.
Prior to the open day the friends had a good tidy up of the churchyard and our new Trustee Susie was hard at work clearing the path with our new leaf blower to ensure the churchyard looked at it's best for all the visitors!
New volunteers are always very welcome with all types of gardening from lighter duties to more energetic work, all much appreciated.
We also publish our 2026 dates on our Facebook page. Please come along next year and enjoy the camaraderie with loads of coffee and cake.
Leeds Civic Trust Heritage Open Day event, 13th September 2025.
We Would Like Your Help
The Friends of Roundhay St John’s invite you to help tidy the North churchyard . The work would involve grass cutting, bed maintenance, pruning and general garden work. Please express your interest by email to roundhayfriends@gmail.com
This is a request to anyone who, for whatever reason, can help us continue to maintain the North churchyard. That might be in memory of a loved one, to enhance the location within this community, or simply to join us cutting the grass and surrounding trees and bushes, thereby maintaining and enhancing the graves and their headstones.
We are a small, friendly, dedicated bunch of volunteers who tend this beautiful hidden churchyard which is at the heart of our community but is often overlooked. The church has a fascinating history and since 2014 the Friends have maintained the churchyard and seek to improve its environs for the benefit of all in our local community. We meet regularly during the summer months to tend the graveyard and new volunteers are most welcome.
Garden Working Parties take place on the first Saturday of each month throughout the Summer. Please meet at the church at 10am.
In 2026, the first meeting will be on Saturday 7th March, followed by11th April, 2nd May, 6th June, 4th July, 1st August,11th September, 3rd October and 7th November.
Please be aware that it is no longer possible to enter the church building.
Church History
St. John's Church was built for the expanding community of Roundhay 200 years ago. Over time, the church and its two graveyards became an integral part of the area.
The church property is situated on a slope in a semi-rural area on the outskirts of the City of Leeds. Built between 1824 and 1826, St John’s church was designed by Thomas Taylor in Gothic Revival style. The chancel was extended, and a vestry added, in 1885. Built in stone with a slate roof, it has a cruciform plan consisting of a nave, north and south aisles, a south porch, north and south transepts, a chancel, and a west steeple.
Friends of Roundhay St John's - formation
In 2007, the congregation was forced to move due to dwindling numbers. St John’s church was subsequently sold and the church property has fallen into disrepair which has distressed its neighbours, families who have experienced the circle of life at St John’s, people who have loved ones buried in the churchyards, historians and those interested in genealogy.
The Friends of Roundhay St John's Church was founded in 2014 and is committed to working towards the restoration and conservation of the two adjacent graveyards which had fallen into disrepair. Charitable status was acquired in March 2016 (Charity No. 1165879) and we are now eligible for Gift Aid.
Our Mission
The goal of the Friends of Roundhay St John’s Church is to protect and preserve for the public benefit the integrity of the property of the former Church of Roundhay St John, with initial emphasis being given to the North Churchyard but with an eye for the future of the whole.
Donations
Being run by a group of volunteers, we are always happy to receive donations towards our costs. For example, re-erecting a headstone can cost £150+, while replacing a heavy duty lawnmower costs £800.
If you feel you could contribute, please contact our Treasurer at roger@potts-uk.com for bank details.
Our Work On The Churchyards
Information on the North and South churchyards and how to find us or visit. You can also see images of our recent work including our Commonwealth War Graves Commission memorial.
People and Events Connected To St John’s Church
From current Royalty through to remembering those who fought in the First and Second World War, you can find out more about people and events connected to St John’s Church.
Supporting The Friends of Roundhay St John’s Church
We are always looking for anyone who, for whatever reason, can help us continue to maintain the North churchyard. That might be in memory of a loved one, to enhance the location within this community, or simply to join us cutting the grass and surrounding trees and bushes, thereby maintaining and enhancing the graves and their headstones.
Donations
Being run by a group of volunteers, we are always happy to receive donations towards our costs. For example, re-erecting a headstone can cost £150+, while replacing a heavy duty lawnmower costs £800.
If you feel you could contribute, please contact our Treasurer at roger@potts-uk.com for bank details.
Contact the Friends of Roundhay St John's
Fill in the form below and a member of our team will contact you shortly from roundhayfriends@gmail.com