Appeal Update: August 2019

Progress since the last update report

Last time I reported on our progress, we were £50,000 short of our target. That gap is now down to £30,000, and I am confident that with the plans we have put in place, we will have secured the necessary funds to pay for the whole of Phase 1 of the work by March 2020.
The erection of the scaffolding at the start of July was the first visible sign of physical progress being made. A reminder that between now and the end of October, there are three things happening above our heads. Firstly, the Doom painting is being restored, and already we have evidence of the effect that this cleaning and restoration will make to the Doom. Secondly, essential repairs are being made to the clerestory on the South side of the church. The effects of this work will be less visible than the Doom, but at least it will keep the rain out! And thirdly, some cleaning is being done on the first two bays of the ceiling.

The scaffolding will come down at the end of October, ready for the Remembrance Day service on 11 November, and the Christmas Tree Festival at the start of December.

The other exciting event to report is that in mid-September conservators will start work on restoring the northern Eyre Memorial in the Lady Chapel. This is the one on the left hand side as you face the Lady Chapel altar. The results ought to be fairly dramatic, as the original alabaster is revealed!

Throughout the summer, we have enjoyed a succession of concerts on a Saturday morning, with recitals by the St Thomas’s Junior (and not so Junior) Choirs, and performances by singers, flautists, pianists, violinists and organists. Last week, we were treated to a Gilbert and Sullivan concert, which proved very popular. We thank all those who have entertained us with their music and we are particularly grateful to John Dempster for organising these concerts, which have contributed over £2,300 to the Quest 2020 Appeal.

Forthcoming events

In October, we have two important fund-raising events.

The Autumn Fayre in the Guildhall on Saturday 5th October, open to the public from 10am to 1pm. There will be 25 Stalls selling a wide range of products & produce to suit all ages & purses.  This is a great opportunity to start your Christmas Shopping! Stalls include: Pottery and Homeware, Watercolours and Artworks, Cards and stylish Stationery, Clothing, Bags and Accessories, beautiful Jewellery, unusual Gifts, Candles and Diffusers, fresh and silk Flowers, Homemade Jams and Preserves, Home Baking and so much more.  Definitely not to be missed.

And then on Friday 11 October, there is an Auction of Promises at the Guildhall, which should be a lively evening. Doors open at 6.45 pm, and the Auction begins at 7.30 pm. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, please contact Geoff Bishop on 01722 335615. We have 80 exciting Promises to be bought!

 

John Bruce-Ball
August 2019
 

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