Who says that community spirit is dead? Three events held in the parish during this summer indicate otherwise! What is clear is that with leadership and encouragement people are only too willing to forsake their television screens for the living heart of the village; thus demonstrating a fresh wave of unity and fellowship.
The village fete held on Saturday 19 June provided an opportunity for everyone to mingle, to become reacquainted with old friends whilst raising funds totalling £3900 shared equally between Help for Heroes and All Saints Restoration Fund. All money raised for All Saints Church will go to the restoration fund. The Help for Heroes stall drew many ex-service men with their personal recollections and experiences. A common thread bound them together: Service, Dedication, Loyalty and a large measure of warmth mixed with a little sadness. Standing in St. Marks the next morning the success of the previous day became apparent as the church was alive with a buzz of excitement as greetings were exchanged.
The strawberry and champagne tea held in fair weather at All Saints Churchyard on 11 July attracted 78 adults and 2 children. The star of the afternoon was the churchyard itself, drawing much acclaim. With All Saints aglow in the late afternoon sun and the scent of country flowers hanging in the air, Hugh Ashley led Songs of Praise in his inimitable style. Abley supported by Fred, Doris and Mr. Smiley the congregation were urged ever onwards into thunderous laughter when Hugh announced that a foot of snow had fallen and we were to remain until morning. £253 profit was added to the restoration fund and the collection raised £110.
The parish barbecue was held on Lammas Day, 1 August, in the rectory garden. Attendance was 83 adults and 5 children, an increase of 20 over last year. Good weather prevailed and the tables groaned under the weight of a mountain of beef burgers, sausages and chicken legs with seasonal salads and a huge choice of desserts. Our thanks to Liz and Charles for opening their garden for the afternoon.
Current Works. The date for the resurfacing of St. Marks car park was delayed by the contractor. I am sorry for the inconvenience to church members and hall users but it is essential that this work is completed before the weather changes. On behalf of the PCC I am in negotiation with the contractor to help defray the extra cost caused by this delay. This delay should not impact on the provision of the ground reinforcement system to allow parking on the grassed area. Known as GrassProtecta it is an improved heavy duty thick polyethylene mesh for reinforcing grassed surfaces prone to wear, rutting and smearing. It is a cost effective solution for the provision of an additional 12 parking bays, whilst leaving natural drainage unaffected. The installation should begin when the grass recommences growing in mid-September. A combined entrance and exit will be sited close to the rectory gate, it is important, therefore, that users take great care when using this access. A third disabled parking bay will be established in the existing car park.
The periodic electrical testing has been completed at both churches and hall. The kitchen Burco water heater failed its insulation test requiring the heater element and thermostat to be replaced. This, with other minor faults, has been attended to. At All Saints the new double gates have been installed by our Resources Group and two fencing panels were erected by West Parley Residents Association members next to the shed to shield the compost heap. WPRA members have been a great help in returning the churchyard to an orderly state. They are keen to return in the spring to continue the good work. This is community spirit in action, benefiting the whole parish. Three headstones have been reset and there remains the outstanding problem of two wooden crosses that have rotted at the base to resolve.
Two events for your diary this month are the Quiz Night at St. Marks Small Hall on the 10th and the Historic Churches Ride/Stride on the 11th September.
Finally, you may be interested to learn that Norwich Union published a survey which, amongst other things, stated that religious faith may extend your life by up to three years. I once asked a lifestyle guru if giving up chocolate, alcohol and the pleasures of life would enable me to live longer. Back came the reply. "No. But it may feel that way"! Thanks to everyone, too numerous to mention individually, who have helped make these events a resounding success throughout the summer season.