It gives me great pleasure to report that thanks to the continued loyalty of our members and our other supporters, we have once again raised a significant sum for the benefit of the Parish Church.
Subscription income rose slightly in response to our request to maintain or increase donations ahead of the PCC being able to confirm just how serious the rot discovered in the Church Floor might turn out to be and how costly to repair. For this we are particularly grateful, recognising the current squeeze on incomes and the rising cost of living.
Our Bridge Tea in November attracted a record number of participants, raising just short of £1,100, a 20% increase on the previous year and a tribute not only to the organisers Fran Fleming and June Robinson but also the dedicated band of committee members and other helpers who prepare and serve the delicious tea. Our Quiz in March also broke new ground. In the expert hands of Quizmaster Frank Haslam and his wife Jane this is now an established part of the Leatherhead social and fund raising calendar. However this year we took the initiative to raise the standard of catering and implement a proportionate increase in the price. More tables were booked than last year, contributing, together with the Raffle, to a healthy 15% increase in the funds raised in the course of the evening to over £1,000.
Discussions have continued throughout the year with the PCC over its priorities for maintaining the fabric of the Parish Church. Certain issues such as the rot in the flooring will have to be tackled soon. The question is whether to capitalise on such a necessity to simultaneously carry out far more extensive modernisation of the heating and lighting systems and thereby minimise the inevitable disruption. Cost is also a major factor. A major fundraising campaign would be necessary which would dwarf anything previously attempted by the Church.
We anticipate a decision by the PCC in the course of this summer. Meanwhile the Committee considered it prudent neither to suggest improvement work nor to make any grants in advance of their report and the outcome of subsequent consultation with stakeholders. We have however been pleased to maintain our annual financial contribution towards the upkeep of the graveyard, complementing the more practical efforts of our first Saturday of the month working parties.
We therefore ended the year with a healthy surplus of income over expenditure of around £3,000.
Success in raising funds for such a worthy cause as the Parish Church is the result not only of innovative ideas and community support but most importantly of a small and dedicated Committee. It has been obvious for some time that this is too small and we must always be planning for future succession. We would therefore welcome volunteers at any time to assist in organising particular events or to join the Committee in any capacity.
Meanwhile my thanks as usual go to Frank Haslam our Treasurer, Fran Fleming, Membership Secretary and Jenny McFarlane, Honorary Secretary; to June Robinson for her management of Marketing and Publicity and to John Hampton, Sonya Grove and Peter Ford as well as our retiring Churchwarden Representative, Linda Hauxwell. I am very grateful to you all for your continued support.
Chris Evans, Chairman