Update April 2025:A note of thanks from Nettlebed, with Highmoor PCC to all those who have donated to the St Bartholomew's Organ Appeal - because of your generosity we have achieved our target, and the new organ will be installed in time for our Easter services. Thank you so much for your support.The Appeal is now closed but, as with so many churches, we still have some big, expensive work that we need to fund in the near future (e.g. repairs to the west window; wheelchair friendly extension to the new path incorporating a gentle slope to the side gate near the cheese shed; ongoing roof repairs etc,).If you're able to, please continue to give generously and help us build, and grow, St Bartholomew's as a place to worship.James-------------------The Parochial Church Council and our Rector, Mark Ainsworth, have decided that it is time to replace the organ at St Bartholomew’s.The current organ in the choir gallery was installed in September 1979. At the time it was state-of-the-art! It replaced an old pipe organ that was at the front of the church in the chancel on the right. We still don’t know why the pipe organ was taken out.The organ is now less than adequate and is beset with problems. The importance of music to our spiritual life and to the wider community cannot be overestimated, and we believe a new organ will be a wonderful asset for years to come – and will make the singing of our glorious hymns better than ever.A new organ, suitable for the size and scale of St Bartholomew’s has been identified from Viscount Organs as the replacement. Viscount has installed organs in other churches in our Diocese, including Chalgrove, Chadlington and Wantage.The cost will be about £20,000. Generous benefactors have already donated an amazing £12,000!£8000 remains to be raised, so we are reaching out to the wider community. If you would like to contribute to the organ fund, then your donation, of any amount, would be gratefully received. We intend to install a commemorative plaque in the church to acknowledge the generosity of donors.There are two ways to donate:Bank deposit to:The Bartholomew Fund60-24-1288063445GoFund Me via this link:https://gofund.me/bb0adb2cGift Aid is available. Please email our Treasurer, Andrew Leigh for details: aleigh3110@gmail.comTogether, with your help, we can ensure that the music of St. Bartholomew’s continues to resonate with joy and meaning for generations to come.We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!James Leach & John Thompson, Churchwardens, on behalf of The Parochial Church Councilchurch.warden@nettlebed.net
** The next round of applications for funding will be accepted between 7-21 January 2025 **Who can apply? Children/Students under the age of 25 that are either resident in the Parish of Nettlebed or attending or have attended Nettlebed School.- You must be in real need of financial assistance (detailed criteria is available with the application). The household the child/student lives in must have a joint income of less than £30,000.What can I apply for? Funding for educational or vocational purposes including training in sports, arts or languages and field trips. More details are available on application.When can I apply?Applications will be considered 3 times a year in September, January and April. The funding should be used within the 3-4 months immediately following the application. Precise dates will be advertised by Nettlebed School and on the community Facebook page.The next round of applications for funding will be accepted between 7-21 January 2025.Where do I get the application form?nettlebededucationaltrust@gmail.comParents of children at Nettlebed School may also contact the Head for further information.
