VICAR’S LETTER
Dear People of St John’s
Planting begins:
The first day of planting of the re-designed scheme for the gardens around the church begins on the afternoon of Saturday 6 August.
The first two areas to be planted up are: the small area below the Foundation Stone at the east end of the church, paid for by a private donation; and the other is the long bed along the driveway to the Parish Centre, on Westlake Close. The plants in this area are being paid for by the St John’s Friday Social Club, in memory of Dorothy Davis, who founded the Club in 1945, and who died earlier this year. Thank you for both of these generous donations.
There will be an opportunity within the next month or so for the rest of us to offer to make contributions for the rest of the shrubs, trees, and other plants – just as soon as we get costings for them.
Visits to St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey:
Did you know that there are free passes available for members of parishes throughout the Diocese, to visit our Cathedral and also Westminster Abbey?
All parish clergy have been issued with passes for families (or small groups of adults and children – up to 4 or 5 in total), and these will take you to all parts of both buildings. If anyone wishes to take advantage of this opportunity, please call me at the Vicarage and arrange to collect the passes for either building.
Director of Music:
After discussions with the PCC and the choir, it has been decided to defer the appointment of a new Director of Music until a new Vicar has been appointed – which it is hoped will be before Easter next year. It is vital that there is a good working relationship between Vicar and Director of Music; it would therefore not be wise to advertise the appointment, and then announce to prospective candidates that the incumbent who has interviewed them will no longer be in post when they arrive!
As usual, the choir will be in recess during August, and from September we are very fortunate that Claire Cousens, who has been acting Director of Music for some time, has agreed to continue until a new appointment is made. We are grateful to Marianne Ford who is also helping out with some choir practices during this period, and we thank all members of the choir for maintaining their usual standard, and morale, during what is inevitably an unsettling time.
God bless and keep you all
Fr John