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Stoke St. Mary with
Thurlbear |
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Stoke St. Mary with
Thurlbear |
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| The Church Committee met in the church on 19th June. On the evening of the meeting
the rebuilt church gateway had just been completed, and is now, we hope, good for at least
another hundred years. A ramp and handrail have been added at the gateway to make access easier, and the iron gates which
were given in memory of Fred Hardwell have been re-hung. The work was made possible not least through
money generously given in memory of Miss Chalk, who was such a supporter of Stoke church over very many years.
The rebuilding
was carried out with great skill and care by Clive Bowerman, assisted by
his brothers Jeremy and Robert. There was enthusiastic praise for all the village's Jubilee celebrations, including the very successful Songs of Praise service held in the marquee on 2nd June which was attended by more than 200 people. It was felt that this was probably not the year for a church summer fete, and there are plans instead to arrange an evening concert / event for the autumn. In collaboration with our neighbours' unsightly electricity poles in and near the churchyard are to be removed, and an action list of other work that needs to be done in the churchyard is to be drawn up. Estimates are also being sought for redecorating the church interior. The committee remembered with gratitude and affection the lives of Ann Davey and Len Salter, and agreed that it was without doubt the end of an era for Stoke St. Mary. Next meeting 11th September 2002. |
