October 2008 Update

 

It’s probably time to stop banging on about the Flower Festival, but it did take up a large slice of our existence over the last five months, and we seemed to talk of little else during that time. We remain very proud of the event, and we enjoyed it too! Liz and John have still not had time to have their “De-briefing”. We think there is always learning for the future from reviewing past events, logging “what worked” and noting carefully any improvements that can be made on another occasion. As of Saturday 18th October the proceeds after expenses now stand at £5,703.46 and there may well be a little more yet to come in. This is terrific – thank you to everyone concerned. (PS Tea Towels and Bags are still available – Bags £2.50, Tea Towels £3.50 or 2 for £6.00)

 

A highlight of the past week has been the Water Colour Exhibition and Sale of paintings by Primrose Lane School. As you may have read, the School used St Mary’s (inside, outside, and The Organ) as a subject for their water colour painting lessons and exhibited them all at their Harvest Service on 16th October.

 

By the time they went on display in Church many had been sold, but Liz and I did manage to secure a picture each for ourselves before they were all sold – and yes, you’ve guessed, the proceeds are for the Organ Appeal!  If I can obtain any photographs of the pictures I’ll put them on the site – they were absolutely splendid and once again we are really grateful to the Children and Staff and to the Parents of Primrose Lane School for their continued interest in our Project and their further financial support. It means a lot!

 

The next meeting of the Organ Appeal Committee is on Tuesday 18th November at 7.30. p.m. in St Mary’s Room. As we’ve said before, these are really OPEN  MEETINGS and if you haven’t been before, feel free to turn up! The Meetings are always well attended and task focussed – they start on time and end on time, and we get a lot of work done in a very productive yet friendly way. You may end up with a job to do at the end of it, but we guess you will have expected that. One of the features has been the growth in community spirit amongst those working together on any various aspects of the Appeal. Friendships have been made - no one has “gone off in a huff” - there’s a lovely atmosphere and many people have found a way to contribute their skills and talents in a friendly and valuing environment. If there’s nothing on TV that night – come and see!

 

We have very few Events planned at the moment (just something on Late Night Shopping Night, and a bit of a celebratory Dinner next September) so we are keen to hear your thoughts.

 

We are awaiting the results of various Grant Applications, and also the Heritage Lottery application which we should know before Christmas. Then in January 2009, big decisions have to be made, and the fine balance between what we want and what we can afford will have to be finally decided. We do have enough cash to repair the instrument, and are awaiting final dates from Principal Pipe Organs – they have agreed to delay the start until after this years Holiday Club in July 2009!

 

Then it all gets very real – so far it’s been something of a pipe dream…..

 

Liz and John