I am pleased to report that average church attendances and attendances at festival services have continued to be buoyant.
I would like to thank all those involved in ensuring the continued good condition of Ox hill’s Church and churchyard and, in particular: the Churchwardens, Mark Gummer and Janet Gardner; our clerk of works, Bill Fox; John Baines, our treasurer; Ann Heritage, PCC Secretary; all members of the PCC; Lilian Welsby, Social Committee Chairman, and all members of the Social Committee; Bill Gardner for help in many ways; all those involved in looking after our churchyard, especially our appointed contractor, Thomas Fox; our organist, John Hughes and deputy organist and choir mistress, Dr Jill Tucker; our sidesmen; church cleaners; flower arrangers; Mike Collins, for his care of the clock; and those who contribute so much to our services – locum clergy, especially Rev'd Richard Sluman, the lesson readers and the choirs.
In October Vera Clark died. She had lived in Oxhill for many years and had contributed so much to the village and church. We will miss her in many ways. Eve Whaley very kindly took on responsibility for the linens and Altar colours, and Carol Fox, the Flower Rota. Our thanks to them both.
A very sincere thank you to those who support the church by their regular financial giving. Thank you to all those who give grant support to the church, especially our Parish Council. Thank you also to the large numbers involved in arranging and supporting our social and fundraising events – and, in particular, our hosts on those occasions. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, thanks are due to all those who say their prayers here regularly and ensure that this church remains spiritually as well as physically robust.
My profound apologies to anyone I’ve missed out!
In 2002 we were very pleased to receive a commemorative oak tree with plaque, on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen.
In 2003, we will finally complete the screen in the nave arch. This will eliminate drafts, improve the appearance of the rear of the church and provide a lockable vestry. This screen has been constructed to a very high standard using the best materials. It has been made possible by a very generous gift from an anonymous donor to whom, on your behalf, I would like to express my thanks. Jane McDonald has designed the glass engraving in the arch. Mrs McDonald is a distinguished glass artist and her current commissions include Coventry Cathedral and Dorchester Abbey. The screen will be dedicated on Palm Sunday.
The PCC will also complete the installation of a water supply in the forthcoming year.
At the end of 2002, a special PCC meeting was convened to consider the direction and nature of our church. Some excellent ideas resulted and the new PCC will be dealing with these throughout the forthcoming year.
Finally, I am delighted to announce that Jill Tucker will be starting her training as a Lay Reader in 2003. She will be fully qualified within a couple of years and, in the meantime, she will be playing a more regular part in the conduct of services.
David Knight, Rector
17th. March 2003