We know that our local community has a number of residents who are lonely or living alone, missing some friendly company and the chance to just have a coffee and chat. So each Thursday at 2pm during spring and summer, our 'Friendship Group' meets at St. Giles. There's no obligation to stay for long, or feel you have to come to a Sunday service... but if you'd like to meet other local folk who are probably retired, maybe live alone or don't have much to occupy their days, then come along. <br>
Following storm damage 5 years ago, the PCC began investigating how best to restore the lovely Lychgate at St. Giles. Unfortunately the structure needed extensive repair (the result of many years 'wear & tear' as well as the storm), which entailed removing the roof, reinstating support beams and then replacing the timbers and slates. The stonework also required masonry repairs, and the actual gates needed a total overhaul.Having obtained the necessary permissions, work finally started in March 2025 with removal of the actual gates. These were taken away for complete restoration. However, as is often the case with very old structures, the work involved in repairing the old timbers, trusses and roof of the lychgate has proven to be more extensive that first thought. Not only did some of the trusses need new sections splicing in, but stainless steel ties were required to keep the whole structure stable and safe. And alot of the slates were no longer viable either.Having said all that, the project is now nearly finished - just a few bits of painting to do - so we are having a celebratory 'blessing' on Sunday August 17 at noon and everyone is welcome.And as the budget has increased a bit, we're still fundraising- our shortfall at the moment is about £3000 so if you can help in any way (even just by using Easyfundraising so that your online purchases from retailers generate a small donation by the retailer), that would be marvellous. Of course, a larger gift of £50 - £500 would also be very welcome! Our sincere thanks to our major donors - the Spear Trust and the Friends of St. Giles - and to all our other benefactors who have donated so generously. And lastly to our wonderful, patient and brilliant architect Simon Cartledge, without whom none of our work at St Giles would be possible.Please contact Pat Grimwood-Taylor pat@grimwood-taylor.com if you would like to help.
