The Stow Maries Church Council wishes to place on record its grateful thanks for the recent and very kind donation towards the repair of the church roof.
It was made by the family of the late Roy Martin after it asked for donations instead of floral tributes in his memory.
To date, the Council has received over £3,000 as a result of this thoughtful gesture by Sandra, Claire and David and it will make a considerable contribution to the amount of money that the Council has to raise.
Anyone who also wishes to remember Roy in this way can obtain details from the Council Treasurer, Jane Coe.
As many residents will know, our church has only been open for services and visitors since last December due to a combination of several unfortunate events beyond the control of the Parochial Church Council.
However, when the roof became virtually leakproof, thanks to Matt Broxhall and Matt Cooper, a cleaning party was organised in early December to make the church interior as usable as possible so that a carol service could be held on the 18th.
Over sixty people were present for this welcome return to something like normality but due to the on-going absence of a priest, normal monthly church services are not possible at present.
The Church Council is anxious to provide whatever is possible under these difficult circumstances and so in recognition of the importance of Easter to many residents, the readings at the Stations of the Cross will take place as has been customary for a number of years until the enforced closure of the church.
The event will take place on Wednesday, April 5th. starting at 19:00 and will last for about 45 minutes.
Chris Dutfield (828806) will be pleased to hear from anyone, church-goers or not, who would like to take part in the twelve readings. A printed copy of a reading will be offered on going into church but can be declined.
Every year at about this time, the Parochial Church Council is required to hold two public meetings with the second following immediately after the first.
The first is called the Annual Vestry Meeting and this year, the details are:-
Thursday March 30th. at 1900 in the church.
The purpose of this meeting is to elect two Churchwardens from the list of nominees. Any Resident can nominate a Churchwarden provided that the person has agreed to be nominated and meets certain conditions. These conditions and a Nomination Form can be obtained by contacting Brian Townsend on 828302. Completed Nomination forms must be returned to him by March 18th. 2023.
All present are entitled to vote in the election.
The second meeting is called the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. This meeting is open to all residents and although only PCC members are allowed to vote, the presence of residents is not only encouraged, but will be welcomed.
Every year at about this time, the Parochial Church Council is required to hold two public meetings with the second following immediately after the first.
The first is called the Annual Vestry Meeting and this year, the details are:-
Monday May 9th. at 1900 in The Smythe Hall.
The purpose of this meeting is to elect two Churchwardens from the list of nominees. Completed Nomination forms, obtainable from Brian Townsend, should be returned to him by May 2nd. 2022.
All present are entitled to vote in the election.
The second meeting is called the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. This meeting is open to all residents and although only PCC members are allowed to vote, the presence of residents is not only encouraged, but welcomed.
Many thanks to all who took part in the Xmas Hamper raffle to raise money for upkeep of the village’s social hubs.
Hamper Photo Dec 21
The draw took place earlier this week and Monica Williams was the lucky winner – congratulations to her and commiserations to all the rest who bought tickets hoping to solve all their Christmas present problems!
The good news for the village is that the raffle raised £230.
Thanks to the many who donated items to fill the hamper, but mostly to Chris and John Dutfield who did all the organising and ticket selling.
STOW MARIES PARISH COUNCIL
