We share our sincere condolences with our King and the Royal Family as they mourn the loss of Her Late Majesty The Queen. Our prayers are with them all.The official announcement came at 18:30 on 8th September 2022 that Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms, who was our longest-living and longest-reigning British monarch, died at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. St Mary's has a Book of Condolence in the Church for the benefit of those who wish to sign it.The church is open between 10am and 4pm (approximately) for private prayer and reflection, or just to be there.
This year our appeal was for donations to Harbour, Bideford and the congregation were asked to donate food and other items, as well as funds, for this worthy cause. As usual our community and congregation gave generously. Harbour is a charity which aims "To promote social inclusion for the public benefit in the Bideford Area of Torridge" and "To relieve the needs of those people who are socially excluded and to assist them to integrate into society." http://www.harbourbideford.co.uk/
Throughout Lent, the congregation and community have been donating 'a tin of food a day' or whatever they could manage, to give to the Bideford Foodbank before Easter. Also, donations of Easter eggs for the children at the Women's Refuge in Barnstaple.Our generous community certainly have responded, as always, and the first batch of donations has been delivered, a mammoth 'haul' filling the back of the car. Thank you St Mary's and Appledore.
