Summer 2024 Update
A MESSAGE TO MEMBERS
In a year when there seems to have been unremitting rain, the weather gods were kind to us and once again the sun shone for our Annual General Meeting which was held at St Dunstan’s, Snargate. Our speaker this year was our own Archdeacon, Darren Miller, who gave us a clear and thoughtful insight into some of the issues facing the Church of England as congregations age and dwindle and the costs and expenses of maintaining ancient buildings continue on an upward spiral. This particularly affects the rural churches, not just those on the Marsh but throughout the country. However, thanks to the foresight of our founders, the churches of the Marsh have their own trust which is dedicated to their maintenance and whilst we have to leave the spiritual side to others, I like to think that a well maintained church has a far better chance of attracting worshippers than one that is in a poor state of repair. The Archdeacon’s address is enclosed with my Newsletter and I would encourage you to read it.
In my annual statement I reported that Elizabeth Marshall, our long serving secretary, had decided to step down after some 30 years. I can’t speak too highly of her contribution to the Trust and we all owe her a huge debt of gratitude for all she has done for the Trust over so many years. She will not be entirely lost to us as she has agreed to remain on the Council and as well as co-hosting our Members Tour with Joan Campbell, will once again be dealing with Christmas cards. More about them later on in this Newsletter.
I have always felt that wherever possible, we should recruit from within the Trust and I am delighted to welcome Helen Sloman, who recently joined the Trust as a member, as our new Secretary. Helen is currently liaising with Elizabeth to ensure a smooth handover and I am certain she will prove to be an excellent asset and addition to the Trust.
On a sad note, I have to report that Ian Hamilton, a former Council Member, has died after a period of ill health. An accomplished photographer, Ian was very much the Trust’s “Northern Correspondent” and although based in Cheshire, he rarely missed an AGM. He would try and combine it with a week’s holiday on the Marsh where he could indulge his hobby, photographing not only the churches but life in general on the Marsh. We will miss him and our condolences go to his wife, Christine.
Financially, the Trust is in a strong position and I am delighted that donations and legacies continue to roll in. Whilst we never rely on these donations, they make a huge difference to our finances and enable us to continue to fund the ongoing needs and requirements of the churches without having to resort to our investment portfolio.
Since the beginning of the year we have made grants totalling almost £90,000, already somewhat ahead of our budget of £80,000. However, as in past years, our budget is only our best estimate of the likely levels of grants and not only do we maintain flexibility over our expenditure, responding to the needs of the churches as they arise, but we are also in the extremely fortunate position of having sufficient funds available. To date, our largest grants this year have been to St Mary in the Marsh where significant work has had to be carried out on the roof. Initially, repairs to the lead in the north valley gutter were required but as so often happens with old buildings, as work progressed, other issues emerged, not least of all decaying and rotting timbers in a tie beam which needed immediate attention. In addition, work and repairs to the pews has also been carried out. St Mary’s has funded part of the cost from its own resources but the Trust has contributed a total of approximately £45,000.
At St Peter and St Paul, Newchurch, the stonework surrounding the window in the north aisle has cracked and become unstable. The glass has been removed and the stonework has been clamped to stabilise it. Restoration is likely to be a lengthy project with scaffolding having to remain in place for up to a year. To date, we have awarded a grant of approximately £25,000 but stand by to provide additional funds if required.
Elsewhere, grants have been made to All Saints Lydd (£10,000) for internal redecorations, Thomas Becket, Fairfield (£5,000) for internal redecoration including the box pews, and to East Guldeford (£2,500) for more general repairs. In some instances we have also provided loans to cover VAT pending recovery under the Listed Places of Worship Scheme.
Accompanying my Newsletter is our Order Form for this year’s Christmas cards: one from a painting by John Doyle of this year’s AGM venue, St Dunstan’s Snargate and two from photographs by David Campbell, who so kindly provides his excellent images, of St Mary in the Marsh and Thomas Becket, Fairfield. Still only £6.00 for a pack of ten (although we may have to make an increase next year), they are a real bargain!
Peter Anwyl-Harris, Chairman
August 2024