The Revd Andrew Birks, Vicar of the Benefice of Melbourn and Meldreth, has been appointed an Honorary Member of the Java Far East Prisoners of War (FEPOW) Club 1942 in recognition of his dedicated service to the memory and welfare of Far East Prisoners of War.The JAVA FEPOW Club is the United Kingdom’s largest and only remaining national FEPOW organisation. Established by veterans who endured captivity in the Far East during World War II on Java, the Club’s mission is to preserve their histories, support their families, and ensure that their legacy endures.Revd Birks has received this honour for his extensive pastoral care, commitment to remembrance initiatives, and ongoing support of the Club’s outreach activities.As part of his continuing dedication, Revd Birks will conduct a Service of Commemoration on Thursday 15 August at 6pm to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Japan (VJ Day). The service, to be held in Melbourn, will feature an address by Sir David Wright, GCMG LVO, former British Ambassador to Japan (1996–1999).Commenting on this recognition, Revd Birks stated, “It is a profound honour to be welcomed into the JAVA FEPOW Club. Marking VJ80 with a service that unites remembrance, gratitude, and a commitment to peace is particularly meaningful. I am privileged to help uphold the stories of courage, suffering, and resilience demonstrated by FEPOWs and their families. These accounts must continue to educate us about the importance of avoiding war and conflict. The pain experienced during captivity was immense, and, sadly, its trauma endured for many. Through my ministry, ‘We Will Always Remember Them’.”One of the functions of the JAVA FEPOW Club today is welfare, and the club asks that anyone aware of any FEPOWs, civilian internees, wives or widows contact them, as they may be entitled to grants to support them (they do not need to have been taken prisoner on Java). For further information about the JAVA FEPOW Club, please visit the official website: www.thejavafepowclub42.org
At All Saints’ Church, Melbourn, we are undertaking a development proposal to establish a dedicated community space at the west end of the church. The plans include removing the pews in this area, installing new flooring, and adding both a kitchenette and toilet facilities. These improvements will enable the space to be utilised more effectively for the benefit of the wider community. The proposed works are estimated to cost £150,000. To date, £50,000 has been raised, leaving a significant funding gap to achieve our goal.That is where we need your help!We have several upcoming events where you can help us support the project. You can donate (with Gift Aid, if able, for an extra 25%) or fundraise for us through a sponsored challenge. Any support is appreciated—please let us know how you'd like to get involved!As part of our plans to remove the pews at the west end of the church, we will be purchasing chairs to ensure that seating capacity remains unchanged. We invite you to sponsor a chair, which may include a name plaque on the back in remembrance of a loved one. Each chair is available for sponsorship at £250. This initiative has received considerable interest, so if you wish to participate, please contact us soon as limited chairs remain.Please remember that this is YOUR church, a church serving our community. Please help us to protect and prepare the church for generations to come.To get in touch, you can our 'Get In Touch' page, or email me at rev.andrew.birks@hotmail.com
Join us this winter for an 8 day pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Divine mercy in Krakow, Poland, including a visit to one of Europe's best Christmas Markets in St Mary's Square.More details here..... www.allsaintstravel.co.uk/pl1090/£1297 per personThis is an escorted pilgrimage with English tour guides on tours; return flights from Stansted with Ryanair; 7 nights in 3* hotel in St Mary's Square; Includes tour of WW2 concentration camp Auschwitz.(£325 supplement for single room)*** Organised by All Saints Travel. ***
