Latest News From The Benefice
Confirmation Course - we are hoping to run a confirmation course after Easter. If you are interested please email Reverend Susan on revsusan@smasch.org or Rev Michael on revmichael@smasch.org |
St Martin’s Spire AppealSt Martin’s Church was built in the 12th Century. The tower and spire were added around 100 years later so the spire, in particular, has been a feature of our village for around 800 years and remains a landmark that can be seen for miles.The construction of the spire is such that there is an internal wooden framework that supports wooden planks which, in turn, carry the wooden shingles that we see from the outside. In normal circumstances the wooden shingles have a limited lifespan of, perhaps, 50 years. Unfortunately the current shingles have had their lives shortened by the local parakeets, which have made a number of holes in the shingles. You’ll see from the picture in the banner below that there are quite a number of holes, and that is just looking from one side. Those holes mean that the roof is no longer watertight and remedial action is essential to protect the structural integrity of the spire.We are hoping to undertake the work in 2024. More details along with some photographs can be found on the St Martin’s website at stmartinchelsfied.org.uk/spire and there is also a payment link.Our best estimate of cost is around £175,000, including some contingency. Our fundraising drive has started and already several church members have promised £ five figure sums to help us achieve our target. Additionally a local charity has agreed to match the money raised £ for £, up to £75,000. So the first £75,000 of donations will be doubled. If donors are able to use gift aid the government will chip in too!We are planning a number of fund-raising events and hope for your generous support.There’s still a long way to go! Please think about whether you’d be able to contribute to this appeal.For your diary:On Saturday 17th February there will be a dinner in the Village Hall followed by an Auction of Promises. Promises to be auctioned off will range from a week in a house 200m from the beach in Marbella to a few hours gardening.You can support the Auction of promises in more than one way: you could come to the auction and bid generously, or you could offer something to be auctioned – it could be a ‘thing’ that could be sold or it could be a service, like an hour’s ironing, a fitness or music lesson. Please think what you might be able to offer and get in contact.Steve McCann St Martin’s Churchspire@stmartinchelsfield.org.uk01689 854119
Coronavirus The Church of England has issued some guidance on how churches should deal with the threat of Coronavirus (Covid-19). The situation is evolving so it is worth checking frequently. Y ou can read the latest advice here: |