From the Trustees and the Committee of The Friends…….
Following the recent exchange of views regarding the roles and responsibilities of The Friends and the PCC, we wish to confirm that The Friends’ role is solely, as it always has been since inception in 2006, to raise funds for the care of the fabric of the church building. It has always been, and will continue to be, incumbent upon the PCC to identify the importance of the works to be undertaken and to approach The Friends for financial assistance. The Friends then has the responsibility of deciding if this is in its remit or not, according to the Constitution. The Friends’ accounts are totally transparent and available at the AGM.
The over-riding and important factor is to look after our Church in whatever way we can so that it remains an attractive and significant feature of our village, with accessibility for all members of the community and visitors. The consequence of neglect of our historic Parish Church is that it could eventually close – and that would mean no access whatsoever.
2 Comments
Paul Smith
The Friends of St John have not really responded to some of the points raised by parishioners.
Several people were concerned at the idea of the Church setting itself up as an alternative to the Parish Hall, with kitchens etc., to the detriment of both. Seems crazy to me.
Two parishioners made the point that it is simply not true that without raising substantial sums of money the Church will die and close. There are several charities and organisations that exist to preserve such buildings. The FoStJ should perhaps be looking at some of these possibilities rather than trying to raise large sums of money from a community, many of whom might not be too keen to promote the “Christian religion”.
Finally the Church has been a Grade 1 listed building since 1955, the highest protection a building can have. I hope the FoStJ have consulted the planning authority for advice. Should plans be submitted, parishioners will have the opportunity to give their comments at the appropriate time.
Gary Day-Ellison
I agree that the concerns of parishioners have not been addressed by the mission statement posted. It is quite clear from the comments made that there are serious concerns at fund-raising for, and expenditure on, kitchen and toilet facilities in the church. Please address these valid opinions on specific points. The matter is waved away with generalisations. I do not accept the implication that not building a kitchen and toilets qualifies as ‘neglect’. Whether it is FoStJ or the PCC these legitimate and carefully express opinions merit more than the threat of the loss of the church.