Wardens Window
The flint boundary wall between the lych gate and the edge of the Garden of Remembrance continues to cause concern. We have found that a section approximately 18 metres long has failed (it can be moved by hand). The relatively small hole mentioned in the last Wardens’ Window has grown considerably and a second hole has opened up. The section of the wall affected has become more unstable and flints that have fallen are being held by the orange netting that has been put in place as a precaution. Having reviewed the situation with the church architect, it has been decided that further safety precautions are needed. This will entail removing and storing several capstones, pushing in a section of the wall and extending the orange netting to prevent any further falling of flints onto the road. The remaining unstable section will be covered to protect from frost damage over the winter. Having sought quotes for repairs, we are aware that it will not be possible to restore the wall as is (likely cost is in excess of £15,000), and the PCC will be looking at options in the coming months. We realise this is a very sensitive issue for some people; however, safety must be our first priority.
On a separate issue, we would like to extend the area that the sheep graze. The proposed additional area lies along the metal railings on the far side of the churchyard and the proposal will enable this area to be kept neater and tidier throughout the year. There are a few graves affected and those who tend them will be contacted shortly. If you are concerned that a grave you tend might be in the area and you have not been contacted, please talk to Hedley.
Metal Theft: You will have become aware that the church was visited by metal thieves just before Christmas who caused significant damage to the heating system by cutting out lengths of the pipework. They were disturbed and did not get away with any of it, but nonetheless the damage was done. We have arranged for the repairs to be done as soon as possible and the costs will be covered by insurance. For the time being however, most services will be held in the Parish Rooms. We are very grateful to Paul Evenett and Hedley who worked very hard with temporary heating to enable us to continue with our planned Christmas services (Warm and in Church).
At St Giles we have always prided ourselves in being able to keep the church open each day to enable people to use it for private quiet and prayer. Since the theft we have been keeping the church locked to prevent a recurrence, but would like to be able to re-open the church. To be able to do this and keep our insurers happy we have to take certain precautions. One is to install CCTV to cover the inside of the church, the other is to lock the car park gates when the church building and parish rooms are not in use. This would make it very difficult for thieves to take their ill-gotten gains away. These actions have been discussed and agreed by the PCC, but if you have any specific concerns, do ask a member of the Leadership Team. There will obviously be a cost involved in purchasing and installing CCTV. If you value having the church open, perhaps you would consider a financial gift to help. When the CCTV is installed we will reopen the church.
Don’t forget, St Giles welcomes everyone who wishes to explore spirituality or grow their faith. With the more social context of Worship4U on the first Sunday in the month at the PMH, the informal services at 10.30 at the Parish rooms and the traditional services at 9.00 in the main church building, there is something for everybody. So, do come along to whichever seems right for you.
Tony Morgan and Hedley Evans
