|
Little did Jo Willis and I appreciate the challenges that face every
churchwarden in the land as they take on these new responsibilities.
Initially we were faced with stepping into the footsteps of Ruth and Viv,
our two excellent previous churchwardens; Viv, who had taken us through
the period leading up to the appointment of Alan Stewart and, with Ruth,
through his first year in office. Indeed we were stepping into the
different sized shoes of some highly capable predecessors, many of whom
continue to serve our church in so many ways. Amongst those still in the
parish who spring to mind are Philip Harding, Mary Horne, Valerie Morey,
Henry John, Norman Huxford, Richard Taylor, Laurel Ollard and Harold
Chaplin, not to forget to mention Peter Ruffles who had carried through
this role at least twice!
It
was Joy John who commented early on that it was important to be one’s
own man and not to try to emulate those who had gone before. Both Jo and
I have appreciated those wise words.
Another thing I have discovered is that you simply cannot do everything
yourself, neither can you hope to know everything that is going on,
because St Andrews is a busy church, with a huge number of talented and
dedicated folk who carry out a vast array of tasks and roles. Indeed
other folk actually like being asked, but are shy of putting themselves
forward.
We
are so fortunate to have such a talented and versatile group of people
to keep the church running and support Alan, Bill and the churchwardens.
Our
church treasurer, Nick Sharman (with his wife Judy and David Kemp in
support) manages our finances really well, Richard Taylor produces a
high-quality Parish Magazine every month. Joan Ward and her teams
produce a welcome cuppa and biscuits after each Sunday morning service.
Hazel Risby coordinates the Sunday lunch teams (in succession to Barbara
Burridge), who provide lunch for about 20 folk who would otherwise be on
their own. Catering teams step out at the drop of a hat to provide
Harvest lunches and teas and food for evening events.
Cleaning, flowers, DIY, high standards of music from a dedicated team of
musicians and choir, all of these happen in our church, as do Terry
Miles and his dedicated and flexible teams of servers. Jean Riddell
maintains and researches our important archives.
Do
we have a weakness? Yes! One is that if you put a note in the Messenger
or Magazine seeking help, little is forthcoming. If you ask people
personally, they are so willing!
You
will have noticed that Jo and I are not that organised and we do tend to
leave things to the last minute, but luckily most deadlines are met and
people step into the breach to help when needed. A massive thank you to
all those named and those I have missed too!
So
what have we been doing these last few months? We had a visit from the
Archdeacon in July. He comes every year but concentrates on different
aspects over the three year period. This year his priority was the
churchyard, gutters and drains and the cemetery, where the Town Council
now maintains various historic graves.
Shortly afterwards came an explanation of the Diocesan budget for 2008.
We are faced with a rise but not too much. This includes training new
ministers in the diocese and providing training and development of
existing ministers. |
