Church of St Peter and St Paul

Report presented to the Annual Parish Meeting 29th April 2008

The number on the Church’s Electoral Roll is 14, the average Sunday congregation 11 and congregation for special services between 30 and 40. The Street Nativity has become very popular with, this year, 72 people following Chocolate the donkey down Church Street booing the inn-keepers and singing carols in the stalls with the horses and cows. Half the collection from this service was donated to the Donkey Sanctuary. The Posada –the overnight stay of the Crib figures at the houses of Appleford children - has become a tradition and a lovely way to anticipate the joy of Christmas.

In July there was a weekend retreat at Lee Abbey which was attended by several members of Appleford Church. The retreat was a very rewarding experience and is due to be repeated in 2009.

Without an organist we rely on CDs complemented by the kindly donated services of Pat and John Napper for special services. We have recently bought new hymn CDs and several villagers have sponsored some of the related hymn books which will be dedicated at our Patronal Festival in June.

2007 started with the inside of the Church being decorated – the flaky, marked walls made smooth and pristine by the trusty paint brushes of Llyn Thomas , Paul Horton, Chris Martin and Chris Owen. We are all very grateful for their generosity and hard work. Ken Hounslow suggested that we apply for a grant from The Gladiator Trust, a local charity with which he is associated. Their donation was beyond our hopes and nearly covered the cost of the paint etc.

In February the Church was visited by Bishop Stephen of Reading who arrived in time for an early pre-service breakfast and a chat with villagers. This was a real occasion as there are not many times that a church as small as ours gets to entertain a Bish- mitre and all. During the service the Bishop blessed the now regularly used kneelers that had been produced by Appleford ladies that sew.

Also in February 2007 we held a Race Evening, the first fund –raising event of the year. Wooden horses sporting different coloured balloons, local jockeys, a fish and chip supper a la newspaper style and lively betting produced a healthy pot for the funds.

In June we took part in the DAMASCUS Group History Weekend when local displays were compiled and exhibited in all five churches. Our Church was open for three days to provide ample time for villagers to view the articles, photos and textiles connected with the history of Appleford. Thanks to everyone who allowed their possessions to be displayed. The weekend finished with a ‘Songs of Praise’ Patronal Festival followed by wine, strawberries and cream. The takings from all the displays were combined and divided equally between the five churches.

The biannual Barn Dance was also held in June – thanks to the Gales for the authentic setting. The was a record turn out with everyone dosey-doeing on command and in time to the music and then eating the excellent home-made food provided by the Finch, Holcombe and Martin families – many thanks again to all those who organised this big event.

In September we celebrated Harvest Supper in the Pub as the Village Hall was still being renovated. Sharon and Steve made us very welcome and provided a hearty casserole and apple pie meal for everyone.

The Hundred Club has been revitalised 102 members a record. The public draw takes place at the Coffee Mornings and the winners are published in The Pressings so we all know who should be buying the drinks in the pub. This level of membership provides about £600 of prizes and £600 for the funds. The Coffee Mornings started by Chris and Marion Owen are now a valued monthly social event as well as bringing in regular and gratefully received funds - an essential part of our financial planning. Thanks to all those who now host the mornings and allow their homes to be taken over with the aroma of coffee and the threat to the waistline attached to the cakes galore which appear and just as quickly disappear.

We support a new charity every year and in 2007 we donated money to The Porch. The proceeds as well as food donated from the Harvest Service and the Carol Singing around the village were given to the Porch.

Apart from the large sum required to pay the Deanery Share which covers costs such as our contribution towards Helen’s salary and I am sure we all agree that she is worth every penny, money is needed for the running and maintenance of the Church building. The bells are no longer safe to ring and the cost of their repair is way beyond our means. The Quinquennial Inspection did not find any other major concerns and the matters that did arise will have to be dealt with when we can manage. We are grateful to the Parish Council for their contribution to the grass cutting costs and to Mr Field and Chris Owen for their constant care of the churchyard.

The Church is open nearly every day daily during daylight hours and all villagers are welcome to join in our services or come to the church and just sit and feel at peace.

Sue Helby
April 2008