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
I sat down at my desk this morning, turned on the computer and, with fingers poised over the keyboard, started to think about my Ramble today. The problem was, nothing came. My mind went blank and I had what can only be described as writers block. What to talk about? There is so much going on at the moment, there is so much I could reflect on, that I was a bit overwhelmed. Should I talk about the hot weather? Well, by the time you read this we may well officially be in a drought and we all know the advice about keeping safe, about keeping cool. How about the rising cost of living? But do you really want to know about our situation at the Rectory? Then there is the continuing conflict in Ukraine? But what can I add that hasn’t already been said in the news, on the internet, and in social media? None of that will stop me reflecting on these things in the future, but not today, today I had nothing to offer. So, I did what I usually do at times of difficulty or confusion – I opened my Bible, randomly, and my eyes hit on the passage below. ‘Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.’ (Matthew 6: 34) Well, that was certainly true of me, as I sat looking out over the Trundle, troubled by what to write, wondering about all the emails and phone calls I had to make, and letting them get in the way of clear thinking, and of doing what I have to do, today. Tomorrow will bring worries, issues, concerns, for many of us, and today isn’t going to be easy for a lot of people, but is Jesus telling us that we should not think about tomorrow, and live for today? No, because we do need to plan, we need to prepare. Those in work need to plan for retirement. Farmers need to plan for future planting, and decide what will work in the changing climate. Parents need to plan for the rest of the school holidays. The PCC needs to plan for fundraising, and I and the Churchwardens need to plan for this Sunday, and next, so how can Jesus tell us not to think about tomorrow? Well, He isn’t. Jesus isn’t telling us not to plan, not to be prepared, not to think about tomorrow, He is telling us not to worry about it. Before telling his disciples, and us, not to worry, He asked a question, ‘can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?’ (Matthew 6: 27). I admit I am a bit of a worrier; I don’t take to heart Jesus’ words. I worry about next week, about next month, about next year, but does it help? No, it leads to sleepless nights and stressed days, not only not adding a single hour to my life, but wasting some of those I have. What I, what we, need to do is plan, is be prepared and, to quote my old boss ‘control the controllable’, and then to focus on what we can do, today, and not what we can’t. So, after I have finished my Ramble and sent it out to you all, I will turn to the next task, and then the next. I will send out the readings for Sunday, and agree the music. I will answer emails and make phone calls. I will do what I can today, and what I can’t will be left for tomorrow, without worrying about what I couldn’t do, but giving thanks for what I could. Rev Sarah
