Wardens Window
As you may have been aware, the church was closed during the installation of the new heating system. This work has now been completed and we are very pleased with the performance demonstrated on a cold evening in early June. Judging by this performance, it should serve us well for next winter and for many years to come. After a well supported working evening to smarten the church up after all of the disruption caused by the heating system installation, the church is looking much better. From the third week of June the church will be back in use, with baptism and funeral services as well as for the traditional stream services. Thanks are due to the Friends of St Giles, Codicote Parish Council (who have been especially supportive), those who contributed to the Gift Day and the Diocese who helped us fill the gap in our funding. At the time of writing, it looks as though we will have covered all of our costs.
Sadly, just before we returned to using the Church building, we had two attempts at burglary, the second most likely to have been a follow-up from the first, There was some damage to the porch door and surrounding stonework and to the sound system lid. Nothing was taken, however, and we can be thankful for that. It is understood that other churches in the area have also been targeted, so it would seem that the culprits have been busy. The police were informed, but at the time of writing, their investigations had not produced any results.
Our new architect has come on board and we have had our first review of the state of the church. There are a number of maintenance issues that need to be resolved and we have started looking at preparing a longer term programme of work aimed at caring for and beautifying our lovely old building. Churches such as ours are susceptible to weather damage and there is a continual need to make repairs. Stone masonry in particular is very expensive, so if you feel that you could help in any way, please contact either of the church wardens, or if your support could be financial, the treasurer, Ian McFarlane would be pleased to hear from you.
Please remember that, wherever you are in your spiritual journey and whether you prefer a traditional or an informal setting to your worship, there is always a warm welcome at St Giles and now we also have a warm church building! Do come and join us.
