The organ is rare, made by the Compton Organ Company. Unaltered since being fitted in 1936 it was showing its age and in need of some tender loving care! Two fantastic engineers, Mark and Jackie, from South Coast Organs, based on the Isle of Wight, spent a full two days of their time lavishing much needed care and attention on cleaning and repairs. Parts of the organ had been attacked by moths leading to a deterioration in the sound – but the hard work undertaken by Mark and Jackie has remedied the damage and it now sounds wonderful! All this work was not without cost, (approximately £1600), but it is hoped that this new improved instrument can now be used for concerts of all types of music, to help the ongoing Standing the Test of Time appeal to raise money for repairs to the West Dean church tower. Plans for the works on the church tower are currently with the architect and will shortly go out to tender. Please keep an eye out for details of upcoming concerts later in the year. Sarah John Churchwarden
A fabulous total of £2039 towards the Standing the Test of Time appeal for much needed works to the church buildings was raised from donations and sales of refreshments. There were over a dozen beautiful floral displays throughout the church. These had been skilfully arranged by Mrs Kate Shaw and the amazing team of talented ladies who all gave their time and flowers free of charge to help make the event so worthwhile. The local history display proved very popular with several descendants of the men we sadly lost during WWII attending the event, including Clive and Mary Kennett of Steep. Clive grew up in East Dean and his Father was unfortunately killed. Clive and Mary helped with the display by providing photographs and information.Thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success by donating flowers, cakes and their time to help.Although the beautiful flowers have now faded the local history, including work by the children of West Dean Primary School, is still on display.Sarah John Churchwarden
Yesterday (Thursday) I spent the day in Chichester Cathedral as the Day Chaplain. It is a wonderful opportunity to spend time in our Mother Church, to meet people from far and wide, and to talk to them about where they have come from, why they are there, and about three of my favourite subjects, faith, history and Chichester. I met and chatted with people from Poole, London, York and California, as well as locals who pop in on a regular basis for some quiet time, some prayer, or just to have 10 minutes to sit and think in the busyness of their day. Every hour I climbed into the Pulpit and offered two prayers, the prayer of StRichard and the Lord’s Prayer, and also offered a blessing. The people in the Cathedral, visitors, volunteers and staff, are invited to stop and maybe sit for the time of prayer, and most people did. They are also invited to join in the prayers, and a few people did, quietly. I then introduce myself, and invite anyone who wishes to, to stop me as I walk round and to speak with me, to ask me for a prayer, or to give me the privilege of praying with them. As I left the pulpit after the midday prayers, a gentleman stopped me and said ‘we sat for the prayers, and it was wonderful to be reminded that this is a place of worship, but I was surprised you had to read them. Don’t you know them off by heart?’. Now I did reassure him that yes, I know the Lord’s Prayer off by heart, but much to my embarrassment I don’t know the prayer of St Richard well enough to recite it verbatim, but I should. The Prayer of St Richard should be one I know and say daily, because said alongside the Lord’s Prayer it sums up all I want and need to say to God and to His Son. It offers thanks for all the gifts and benefits I have received, it offers thanks for all the times Jesus has stood with me as I face the trials and tribulations of life, and finally it ends with my greatest desire, to know, follow and love Jesus more. I can do no more today than to do as I did yesterday, and to offer you the Prayer of St Richard, in the hope that it will give you comfort, hope, and peace, and to remind you that it isn’t just in the Cathedral that I am available for a chat, or a prayer if you need me. Thanks be to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ For all the benefits you have given me, For all the pains and insults you have borne for me. O most merciful Redeemer, friend and brother, May I know You more clearly, Love You more dearly, Follow You more nearly, day by day. Amen Rev Sarah
