News February 2007

 

 

Firstly, greetings and all good wishes for the start of the New Year from the Committee which was elected at the AGM on 3 October 2006:

 

Gary Rhodes:-             Chairman; John O’Neil:-Treasurer; Veronica Lovell:- Secretary; Christine Glover; Edith Wallis who together with  Brian Robinson, Shirley Walker (replacing John Walker) & Malcolm Rushworth  make up the full membership.

 

Last year, the first for the Friends, was a good one and we can report on the success of the first of our projects.  Namely the installation of the electronic clock winding mechanism which will simplify the task of time-keeping for all concerned and means that the Church’s timepiece and bell can still provide accurate ‘round- the- clock information’ (couldn’t resist the pun) – a valuable and indeed much recognised local focal point.  Before this equipment can be installed – a number of smaller works had to be undertaken – surveys, re-wiring  - a complicated process – now all thankfully very near completion – many thanks to all concerned.

 

With one project completed the Committee together with the PCC is already considering its next undertaking – which could prove to be enormous – namely the restoration of the stained glass windows – of which there are 12.  These will all need to be examined.  They have all suffered the vagaries of wind, rain, pollution & snow over many years and need attention – some more than others.  They are an integral part of the fabric of the church and many people and families closely connected with Farsley are commemorated in them – the War Memorial window for example, speaks for itself.

 

As you will appreciate this rolling programme of restoration will be costly and the coffers of Friends of St John’s need to be boosted to enable the work to begin.

 

We are therefore hoping to arrange a number of events during the course of the year

 

Table Top Sales These are always popular! – the first of which will be held on 3rd March 2007 in the  Church Hall from -  09.00am Any articles for sale will be greatly appreciated - it’s a good opportunity for a Spring clean……! Other dates for the table top sales are: April 14; June 2; August 4th; October 6th and November 3rd

 

 

Put this date in your diaries: Monday 12 March 2007  will be a Quiz Night at the Old Hall Pub from around 8.00 pm-Please do come along and bring your friends and family.  There will be supper and prizes and the proceeds of the evening will help to swell funds.   Pass on the word………..

 

 

 

Following the success of the previous visit – a second Brewery Trip is to be organised – watch out and book early – numbers will be limited…it is hoped that this will take place in early May.

 

 

We are considering a number of other events:

 

Open gardens

Fashion show

Wine and Cheese evening

‘Bit of a do’ – what about having a fling at an evening fancy dress party

Craft Fair or food fare

Themed evening – Spanish, Italian, French food and wine……

Ceilih

 

Do any of these appeal?– let us know.

 

 

On a last but not least note we are very sorry to be saying goodbye to one of our most valued committee members- John Walker who is departing for the warmer climes of East Yorkshire.  We all wish John and his wife every success in their new location.

 

 

Hello and Goodbye:

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Shirley Walker who will be replacing John Walker on the Committee.

 

Have you visited our web-site yet? http://www:friendsofstjohns.org.uk

 

We do hope that you will continue to support the committee and its work in helping to preserve the heritage of Farsley.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Veronica Lovell

Secretary

 

email-

veronical.lovell@btinternet.com

Friends of St John’s

Conserving our Heritage