My third year as Chair: I am delighted to work with such a dedicated team of people who contribute to the organisation fully. Janice as secretary, Jane as treasurer, and then Tim, Chris, Shirley, Ronnie and Sue, who all make our meetings vibrate. I deeply appreciate all their support.
We have a roving re-election of the committee and it is now Tim and Ronnie’s turn to be re-elected. We are very interested to hear of any particular and useful skills you (and others) can offer the Friends – perhaps creating a Facebook page?
We still have our attractive leaflets for distribution – so please do take one and hand them around. We hope this might engage potential members and detail some of the work and projects the Friends support. Also we still have the snowdrop cards for sale at the back of the church.
Churchyard Ivy Pulls
I am pleased to report significant work in the churchyard during the various tidies/pulls. While I am not going into horticultural details, I am grateful to Tim who led the troops on each occasion, Paul and Rob from the estate helping with major tree pruning and the removal of debris and, of course, Jane for supplying sumptuous refreshment. But of course – it was not possible without the many volunteers of all ages and sizes who got on with the job. The November pull was particularly very well supported – with photos on the village website. Although volunteers were smaller in numbers in March, it was evident that it must be the tidiest churchyard in the country if not in Essex. I never cease to be impressed with our churchyard and really enjoy walking through it in all seasons of the year.
Events 2013/14
The major other events organised by the Friends during the year were:
December: the Christmas Tree Festival brought in many organisations from the area with a wonderful display of trees with creative and imaginative decorations. There was some live music during each lunchtime while people were chomping away on their ploughman’s’ (thanks to Mrs Durrant for that) and of course the hand-bell ringers’ fantastic display of ‘guess the carols’. We may well have appreciated a few more visitors especially on the Sunday, but it was worthwhile financially and communally. Many have asked for a repeat – but I think every three years is probably about right to maintain inspiration and innovation for such a prominent village event.
Many thanks to all those who assisted in the preparation – making and serving food and drinks, but specially to Janice who did the heavy work of cajoling, arranging the tree decorators and planning the displays months in advance.
June: The University of London Chamber Choir came for its 3rd visit to Littlebury and gave an afternoon concert. It didn’t rain. There was a good turn out and thanks to the Pimms people and those who helped feed the singers. They do eat a lot.
We made in the region of £700 at each – both were worthwhile and well attended.
Forthcoming events
We are still in the planning stage for events 2015/16, but we have been promised an evening of “Laughter in the 1/9ds” by the resident pianist of BBC R4’s ‘I’m sorry I haven’t a clue’ Colin Sell. We hope Samantha may be persuaded to come out of the organ loft, where she is always keen to try her hand on the pump, to keep score.
Jane Appleby
Without wishing to embarrass her, I do want to give a special thanks and show of appreciation to Jane Appleby who is standing down as treasurer of the Friends after 65 glorious years. She has carried out the role with immense enthusiasm and professionalism. I understand her decision (reluctantly), as it is important in any society to keep fresh and ring the changes. Tim Hughes has kindly agreed to take over this job.
Membership
Membership is our life-blood and I wish to thank all those who have again sent subscriptions and generous donations to the Friends. We have been able to contribute towards the lighting – and we can see the difference that has made to the church. We have agreed to contribute towards the costs of dealing with the damp on the south wall and who knows what further projects lie ahead. The organ?
Fundraising occasions will continue but subscriptions form the very basis of the Friends capacity to support the church building and its environs. The committee is much encouraged and appreciates seeing so many at the AGM and urges everyone to encourage their friends and new residents in Littlebury to become Friends. Please distribute the membership leaflet widely.
Colin Durrant
14 July 2015