November 2008 Update

 

2008 has been quite a year – I know it’s not over yet, but with Bonfire Night etc upon us and the Christmas Trees up in the shops already – it feels almost like the Year End.

 

We began 2008 hoping to get to half way towards our nominal target of £100,000 by the first Anniversary of the Appeal (February). Miraculously - it seemed - we did just that and topped the £50,000 mark – just.

 

Since then we’ve had a year of really hard work:

 

February – The Great British Puddings Evening

March – we catered for the M U Dinner and held

The Auction of Promises

April – The Recital Evening by students from Boston Spa School

May – We began detailed work on Flower Festival

June – The Strawberry Tea.

August – the Bible Marathon

September – The Flower Festival

October – Primrose Lane School Watercolour exhibition.

December – we host a visit by SANTA – see elsewhere.

 

Our Total cash in the bank has increased by just over £21,000 through these events and through Tax re-claims and the proceeds of Grant Application. A memorable and hard working year – congratulations are due to all concerned. We have made many friends and established or cemented many links with other Groups and people.

 

We still need more money: there will be ancillary costs for which we need to fundraise, and then the issue of The Gallery has to be decided early in the New Year. We will know the result of our Lottery Application “before Christmas” – but there is no guarantee that this will be successful. 2009 will be a year for serious discussion and re-evaluation of our Project. The current Financial Crisis impacts on everything and our Appeal is not immune. Local people have given very generously, Trusts have given all they can: we must decide what we can afford to do next in the context of a World in need and People and Nations wondering what is going to happen next.

 

Whatever is decided, we expect the Organ to be removed, restored and returned to us in time for Christmas 2009. Christmas Carols are so much a part of Christmas, and the Organ is so much a part of that – it’s wonderful to think that in 2009 we shall have such richer sounds to lead our Worship of the Infant King.

 

Appeal Bags & Tea Towels as well as GIFT CERTIFICATES for Sponsored Pipes are available as a Christmas option for the person who has everything – speak to Bob Dibben about Sponsorship or any Committee member about Bags and Towels (Bags £2.50, Tea Towels 3.50 or £6.00 for two.)

 

What an interesting New Year it’s going to be!

 

Liz and John