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The Friends ofSt Mary’s Church,
Chesham
March 2018
Dear Friend,
Spring 2018 Letter
On behalf of your Committee I am writing to let you know the main points from the 2017 AGM – and also to provide some information about our events this year. I’m sorry this Letter is rather later than usual.
2017 AGMAfter over 15 years Tony Molesworth stood down from the Committee and so relinquished his Secretary and Membership Secretary roles. In recognition of, and gratitude for, his commitment over this long period Tony was presented with a framed picture of the St Mary’s Church clock by our President, Rev Simon Cansdale. Sarah How has now taken on the role of Secretary and Richard Ogden the role of Membership Secretary; my grateful thanks to them both. Tony’s standing down means we have two Committee vacancies; please do let me know if you would like to join the Committee.
The other main AGM item was news of the launch of a series of Lunchtime Concerts this year – which we hope will continue into future years. We also hope these will appeal to everyone and will be attractive to those who are less keen on going out in the evenings and to those who work locally – and that they will result in the Friends being able to support the Church by drawing people in who would not otherwise come.
2018 EventsThe first of three Lunchtime Concerts planned for this Spring took place on Thursday 15 March.We were delighted to welcome students from the Chiltern Hills Academy who provided a wonderful instrumental and vocal Concert. The choir and orchestra of Chiltern Hills Academy will be performing on Thursday 19 April and the Chiltern Singers (no link) on Thursday 17 May. Do put these dates in your diary and do come along. Concerts start at 1.10pm and last for 40 minutes (approx.). Entry is free with a retiring collection. Tea and coffee are available – and you are welcome to bring your lunch! There will be a further series of three Lunchtime Concerts in the Autumn – on Thursdays 20 September, 18 October and 15 November. Details are currently being finalised.
Martin Paxton, 16 Lindo Close, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 2JPPhone: 01494 774270, email: [email protected]
Registered charity no 296084
On Wednesday 6 June we will have our usual Market Stall in the High Street. We will, once again this year, be selling cakes, jams and plants. If you are able to donate and/or can spare an hour or so to help on the Stall we will be most grateful. Please let Sarah How know - 01494 783971 / [email protected]. Thank you.
What has become known as our ‘Annual Cathedral Outing’ will, this year, be on Saturday 9 June and will be to Ely Cathedral (Suffolk). There are 25 places available so do, please, complete and return the enclosed booking form if you would like to come; it promises to be an excellent day. More information is available from the Cathedrals’ website: www.elycathedral.org.The Cathedral has its’ own Refectory Café, as well as an Almonry Restaurant and Tea Room.
As part of the National Heritage Weekend we will be opening the Church on Sunday afternoon, 16 September. There will be the usual attractions of Tours of the Church, graffiti, graveyard and to the bell ringing chamber – accompanied by teas, cakes and organ music. The original church records from 1538 onwards will also be available to view – with explanatory displays.
The year will conclude with the AGM in November; details to follow.
Membership Subscription IncreaseThe Committee have taken the decision that, with effect from 1 October 2018, annual membership subscription rates will be increased. I hope you will agree that current subscriptions are modest and, coupled with the fact that Rates have not increased for some years, and that the increases are relatively small, this increase will not be considered too unreasonable.
Details of the new subscription rates are as follows:
Membership Type Current Rate Rate wef 1 Oct 18 Individual £5.00 £8.00Joint £8.00 £10.00Family £10.00 £12.00
(To ensure the new Rate is paid your existing Standing Order will need to be cancelled and a new one set up).
FinallyMany members will be aware of the passing of Brenda Forty. Brenda was a founder Member of the Friends in 1986, only standing down from the Committee at the 2015 AGM when a presentation was made by our President, Rev Simon Cansdale, in recognition of her unwavering commitment to – and great hard work for – the Friends over nearly 30 years. Typically, I recall her firm insistence on this occasion that there should be ‘no fuss’. A carefully planned and most appropriate Service of Thanksgiving for Brenda was held in St Mary’s on 7 March.
We have also learned that Una Harborne, wife of the Friends first Chairman, Leslie Harborne, passed away at the end of February.
Thank you for your continuing membership and support of the Friends; it is greatly appreciated. With kind regards
Martin PsxtonMartin Paxtonon behalf ofThe Friends of St Marys’ Committee
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Ely Cathedral Booking Form
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