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The Friends Of All Saints Church, Staplehurst
PAST EVENTS
Registered Charity No. 1037964
Past Events
AGM - 31st May 2003
This was a very pleasant social evening with drinks and a buffet supper enjoyed by about 25 people. After the usual AGM business we got down to the proposal to help finance the provision of a toilet for the disabled and a kitchen area, within the Church. Plans for this have been drawn up and were on display.
Under the Disabled Discrimination Act, public buildings must be accessible to people with disabilities and places that have toilet facilities must have provision for use by the disabled. By 2004 we have the option of either closing the current toilet or starting work towards creating a new one. After consultation with the Church architect and all the relevant authorities, the Buildings and Grounds Sub-Committee of the PCC it has been decided that the only place that could be used at a reasonable cost, is where the choir vestry is presently and provision would have to be made for the choir on a mezzanine floor.
Costs have been estimated at £51,000 but it was planned that some work could be done by parishioners and this would lower the costs to around £26,000. It was commented from the floor that this was an extremely high price but John Stewart pointed out that the project not only provided a toilet but a kitchen area and much needed storage space.
From the members, Tony Norfolk said the Friends had a responsibility to assist the PCC with maintenance of the fabric of the Church and it would be wise to carry out a projection summary of how much may be needed to keep that maintenance going. He pointed out that Church funds were continuously being cut and that more and more the PCC would be looking to the Friends for support. We needed to be sure we keep a full time Rector.
Proposal “the Friends agree with the idea of supporting the Project provided sufficient Friends funds are retained for future ongoing maintenance needs of the Church”.
The vote was accepted, none voted against and none abstained.
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Bluebell Walk at Maplehurst - Saturday 26th April 2003
The bluebells were as lovely as ever and the trail, set by Daniel and Adam Brady, was enjoyed by the younger visitors as usual.
Refreshments followed in the garden and the weather was kind to everyone.
We are grateful to Maurice and Brioni Armytage for making us welcome.
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Brain Game - 12th April 2003
This event attracted the usual large number of competitors, as 12 teams tackled John Stewart's quiz. Congratulations to the winning team and thanks to John and his able helpers for organising this event. Amount raised £325
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Escape to Happiness - 22nd March 2003
The audience, although small, was wonderfully entertained by Andrew Wickens,who played with feeling and ability. His choice of music reached all tastes and Margaret Smith, his pianist, was also much appreciated. The evening ended with a social time when Andrew was able to renew some old acquaintances from his life in Staplehurst.
The proceeds were divided between the Friends and Sightsavers and a cheque for £77.44 was duly sent to them.
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Shepherds' Market - 2002
What a great success the Shepherds' Market was! The Church hummed with people, a great Father Christmas, stalls laden with gifts, toys, books, produce, cakes, etc. The final amount raised was £850, a supreme effort, thanks to all for your support.
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Carnival Fete, Surrenden Field, Saturday, 29th June 2002
The sun shone and people flocked to this event. The tombola stall proved popular and raised £200, the Flower Festival stall raised £110, and the sale of notelets etc. £42. Thank you to everyone who donated items for sale, prizes, etc. and for supporting us on the day.
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The Friends' AGM, Friday, 17th May 2002
This proved to be an enjoyable evening although the attendance was disappointing. John, in reviewing the past year spoke of the highs - the continuing popularity of the annual events and the success of new ones such as 'Desert Island Discs'; and the lows - the foot and mouth epidemic resulting in the cancellation of the spring walks.
John went on to express disappointment that the PCC had turned down the proposed memorial gates for Bert Seth, our former Chairman. These gates would have been an ideal memorial to commemorate Bert's love for the Parish Church and the village. There would have been no cost to the Church and care was being taken in the design not to impede the pathway for traffic. The proposal was turned down on the grounds that the gates would divide the Church from the village.
We are, therefore, still seeking a fitting memorial for Bert. If you have any suggestions please let the Chairman have them for The Friends' committee to consider.
In concluding his report John stressed that The Friends' now needed a new project and surely this must be the provision of a disabled toilet within the Church!
No replacement for Valerie, the retired secretary, had yet come forward but John welcomed three new members to the committee: Margaret Friswell, Pam Mortley (the PCC representative) and Shirley Skinner. The secretarial work is being shared round the committee members but we are still looking for someone to join us as secretary. Any offers?
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September 2002 Flower Festival in the Parish Church
Take a look at the Flower Festival Photos
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Bank Holiday Walk, Monday, 6th May 2002
Over 30 people defied the dire weather forecast for Bank Holiday Monday and enjoyed a footpath walk through the beautiful and surprisingly varied countryside around Tenterden. And the weather? In fact it was perfect for walking - no wind, no rain, and even some sunshine in the afternoon. Our thanks to Richard Skinner for organising this walk on behalf of The Friends.
Family Afternoon at Maplehurst, Saturday, 13th April 2002
Over 50 people gathered at Maplehurst to walk the footpaths and follow the sawdust trail laid by Daniel and Adam Brady. The woodland was covered in bluebells, wood anemones and celandine, all in full bloom; and for the sharp eyed there were early purple orchids. The young among us raced ahead and climbed the old oak which formed the finishing point while the stragglers caught up. There followed refreshments in the garden, everyone enjoying the sudden - and short - patch of sunshine. A lovely afternoon spent in glorious countryside. Our thanks to Maurice and Brioni Armytage for making us so welcome.
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