Bromesberrow

The Prayers were led by Angela Newing, who gave special mention to Betty Johnson and to Mr and Mrs David Read on their recent family bereavements.

At the conclusion, small crosses were handed out. These were made from reclaimed copper nails from St Mary's Church Spire and fashioned into crosses by Andrew Perry, to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for such a novel idea. We also shared chocolates with the congregation, this Churchwarden's first taste since giving it up for Lent.

Following the service The Reverend Dr Peter Newing went to Lowbands to give the sacrament to a housebound resident who had requested a visit. He stated that if there are those, though illness, unable to get to the Church for communion, then the Church will surely go to them.

After the Churchwardens had completed their duties of clearing up and storing the church property, Nick and I found ourselves helping to round up Spike Dawe's sheep who were on the lane outside the Church - it was great fun and Sally the Dog certainly got into the spirit of things - it was a moment of sheer pleasure for me - a city girl enjoying the countryside.

The Annual Parish and Parochial Church meeting took place on Monday, March 29 at Bromesberrow St Mary's Church. It was well attended with the Reverend Dr Peter Newing Chairing the meeting and the Rector, Pat Phillips in attendance.

Reports were provided by all the Officers in accordance with the Statutes. The PCC Secretary and Treasurer gave a full account of the healthy position of funds, the excellent audit and especially in relation to those funds raised for the Spire and Roof repair, which had totalled more than £10,000. The Churchwardens and Trustees gave full and concise reports of all their activities undertaken throughout the year. These included the long awaited return of the Vestry Chest, the progress of the repairs to the Church spire, roof and clock, the positive publicity generated from the trips up the Spire, the re-housing of the bat population and the newly created Website which has had almost 200 hits. (see link: www.bromesberrowstmaryschurch.weebly.com) Reports were also given on the relationship with Bromesberrow St Mary's C of E Primary School, the position of Trust funds (held by the Trustees) for the School House repairs, the newly erected directional signs to the church, the war memorial and contact with Richard Gray about the state of potholes in Albright Lane.

Interesting questions were received from members of the public and these were answered by the officers concerned. All Officers were re-elected and grateful thanks were given to Mrs Georgina Jones for agreeing to remain as PCC Secretary and Treasurer. The nomination and election of the two Churchwardens and Trustees, Nick Winter and Jan Long, was unanimous. Everyone was thanked by Dr Newing for their unstinting and hard work throughout the year which had yielded so many positive results. Particular thanks were given to Dr Greenall for his significant contributions made without which much our work would not have been possible. Dr Greenall pledged his continued support and that of the Albright Trust for the future.

The Rector, Pat Philips and Dr Greenall gave a vote of thanks to Dr Newing for all his work and efforts throughout the year, and congratulated him on his extension to remain as our Priest until September 2010.

Future plans were discussed including the erection of a new noticeboard at the Church, fundraising activities working with the Village Hall and others in the community and plans for the Re-Dedication of the Spire Service.

JAN LONG, Churchwarden and Trustee.