The church of St Nicholas is a beautiful medieval church serving a small village community.Its character lies as much in its quietness and the devoted care bestowed on its fabric as in the harmony of its architecture and fittings.The church was never enlarged during the seven centuries between its Norman foundation and the late Victoria era. The most obvious Norman feature is the south door through which everyone enters.The church is open daily from morning until dusk. Visitors are warmly welcome.
RETIREMENT OF OUR RECTOR
The Revd Canon Ann Ashcroft is due to retire from the Benefice on 30th June. We would like to extend our warm good wishes to Ann for her future retirement in Derbyshire. We also thank her for her huge contribution in supporting the spiritual needs of the village. PL
CHURCH SPRING CLEANING
We are Spring Cleaning the Church on the 4th and 5th May. If there is anyone who could help us it would be much appreciated. Please ring Penny 716560
UGANDA BRISTOL LINK (bristol-uganda.co.uk)
The Uganda Link between Chippenham and Mukono is alive and kicking! Following the successful visit of three people to Mukono for their 25th Anniversary Celebration in December, we have now invited eight Ugandans to come to Chippenham from 19th March to 8th April – last two weeks of Lent and Easter week. This gives us great opportunities for sharing with them in prayer and worship and we hope parishes will grab the chance to spend some time with our visitors.
We are now looking for people to offer hospitality, either for meals or accommodation. Whatever you can offer will be fitted into the programme if at all possible. We hope our visitors will be invited to schools, church services, Holy Week meditations or services as well as enjoying our hospitality over the three weeks. We will also want help with transport. Please contact me if you can help in any way – aurea.hart@hoedowners.co.uk. or 01225 891453.
Aurea Hart (Lay Chair, Chippenham Deanery)
ST NICHOLAS CHURCH
NOTES OF PCC METING ON 15TH DECEMBER 2010
Present Tim Smith in the chair, Andi Ewen (Secretary) – Stewart Entwistle, David Hartley, Janet Hartley, Penny Lloyd, Ruth Marsh, Ronnie Robinson, Peter Taylor
Apologies Ann Ashcroft, Josh Boulton, Julia Tisdale
Porch Gates Planning permission now in hand to leave porch as it stands
Team Council meeting – the Team is very worried about the forthcoming
Interregnum when AA retires at the end of June. A letter is being sent to the Archdeacon.
Treasurer’s Report Thanks to a recent bequest, the pressure on finance has been helped for a little while.
Friends of St Nicholas It is planned to launch Friends of St Nicholas early in the coming year.
Church Monuments Agreed to accept Robert Fleming’s quotation and go ahead with the work needed for safety.
Service Rota/changes Alterations for services on 27th December, 30th December and 3rd January noted.
Communication between village and church SE agreed to send Derek Thornhill all relevant information for the village web site i.e. PCC meeting notes, etc.
Outside Plastic container for flower arranging items RR will investigate putting a plastic shed/container outside the vestry door to hold flower arrangment equipment.
Flower arranging in church After 40 years of hard work and dedication, JH resigned as organiser of the church flower arranging. RR agreed to replace JH. PCC gave JH a resounding vote of thanks.
Icon/painting by Hilary Noyes PCC accepted with grateful thanks the painting by Hilary Noyes which will be displayed in the church.
Morning Praise – timing Regarding Alison Flint’s request to move Morning Priase from 9.30 am to 11.00am, TS to ask AF to consult with parents to see if this would be a benefit. AF to report back to PCC.
Lay Reader Mike King has been approved to become a lay reader.
Future Dates
24th April– Gift Day in church
PCC meeting dates for 2010
Feb 2nd - The School
April 13 – AGM – Village Hall
May 11 – Willowbrook
July 13 – Willowbrook
Sept. 21 Willowbrook
Dec. 7 – Willowbook
AEE 18/1/10
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