Reverend Head presented his first report on his work in the Benefice and thanked everyone for managing church affairs during the Interregnum and for the very warm welcome he had received. He said that there was a “dedicated band of worshippers” in Foxley and he had been impressed by the active life of the community and the goodwill shown towards the church. He was concerned about the young, however, and how their spiritual needs might be met.

The Secretary’s report detailing the various activities of the church was read out and there had been four PCC meetings during the year. A major item was the Quinquennial, or five-yearly survey carried out by the church architect, Nicholas Warns. Fortunately,  several minor matters had been rectified, at no cost, by members of the congregation. St Thomas had once again been grateful for a share of the proceeds of the Open gardens event, rather less than previously, owing to bad weather, but supplemented by a later individual garden opening, kindly staged by Mr.and Mrs. Egmore. 

The Treasurer, John Harvey, reported a healthy financial position, with the proviso that this was based on the contribution of a small number of regular givers and substantial funds would be needed to pay for the impending fabric repairs.  Plans were being made to renovate the historically very valuable pews, the south door of the Nave and the Rood Screen, as soon as the necessary permission and some grant-funding could be arranged. The electrical system needed to be replaced and estimates are to be obtained. As soon as the weather is suitable, neither too wet nor too hot, the builder should be returning to rectify defects in the boundary wall.

The Hassocks Campaign was proceeding, reported Mrs.Monica Hatch. Six hassocks have been completed and ten more partly finished;  three people had embarked on a second one.
Mrs.Hatch  was very grateful for the participation of so many skilled helpers and for donations to buy materials. Making up the hassocks would be expensive but this was justified by the high standard of the embroidery.

John Harvey, Churchwarden, thanked all those who do an exceptional amount to contribute to the continuing life of St.Thomas’. “This is said in a few seconds, which is totally inadequate to do justice to their commitment and skills”, he said: this was endorsed by Reverend Head. 
Diana Harvey ,  PCC Secretary
 

The flower decorations at Easter, a combined effort by all the flower arrangers, were a treat and individuals are now doing a fortnight each over the Summer.  We are very grateful to them and thank them for their lovely flowers and arrangements.

Our thanks also to Nicholas Ward of Chaucer House who has presented the church with a magnificent stand for a Paschal candle, turned on his wood  lathe with great skill.  It looks magnificent and will become a part of every Baptism service from now on, as well as being lit on Easter Day.

Attendances for the 9am midweek Communion on the last Wednesday of the month and the 6pm Words & Praise on the 2nd Sunday evening  every month remain encouraging.

The next appearance of the Benefice Choir will be at Lyng Church 10.30am on Sunday 30th May.  Don’t miss this!
We are discussing changing the 5th Sunday services from a Communion Service to one of the Words & Praise format.  What do you think?

JULIAN MEETING    JUNE 9th    (Details from Irene Ames)

A pause for  thought from one of the May meetings: 

Silence is God's first language.  Everything else is a poor translation.

Reception, supper and cabaret in a marquee at Bawdeswell Hall.
Gardens open 7pm.
A few Tickets left,  £15  from Church View or Tel: 688499.

In support of Bawdeswell Church and Quiddenham Hospice

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