Thank you to everyone who responded to the appeal for regular giving to support the upkeep of our fine old village church and graveyard.
We now have an even more pressing crisis:
St James is now completely without sufficient officers to run it at all.
- Anna, our secretary, has had to step down having bravely and efficiently juggled a legal career and two small children for three years.
- Our long-standing churchwarden and Chair of the PCC, Chris Summers stood down some time ago after many years’ valued service.
- Dave Matthews was a most able treasurer but had also done his time; Tony Kyle from Halse is kindly temporary acting treasurer.
Thank you to you all for managing the PCC so well for all that time.
Carry Clear continues as Electoral Roll officer, Ian Loader oversees the final accounts, Mark Kent winds the clock, Mary Ewing is organist and Colin Weeks the inspirational choirmaster for which we are immensely grateful. Ian Jonas is making a marvellous job of sprucing up the churchyard too.
We therefore need replacements to please step forward and help with the organisation of Fitzhead church; the clergy take the services, but we all have to run it, with their direction.
Perhaps you are already on one of the excellent rotas for brass-cleaning, general cleaning, flowers, a bellringer, or a key holder and could consider a little more commitment? Full training can be given to officers and if you have any specific skills, that would be so helpful on the PCC.
You do not need to be a churchgoer just someone who appreciates this beautiful building and its important place in the community. It is a welcoming and peaceful place for all of us to enjoy and it would be such a shame for it to be closed.
The APCM, the AGM of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) is on 13 May and we encourage anyone with an interest in keeping the church open, to attend. We are a friendly if quite inexperienced team, just need a bit of extra help, please. Failing this, we are warned the church may have to amalgamate with another parish or even be boarded up and closed.
For now, St James’ is open daily, a warm, tranquil, and welcoming place for all.
Thank you,
Mary Ewing
Sandra Wickham
Alex McLoughlin
Nicola Werner
