The historic St Edmund’s Church in Crickhowell was threatened with closure this Christmas unless urgent action was taken to completely replace the light fittings and the electrical circuitry which failed to conform to current electrical standards. The big stumbling block was the £60,000 required to do the work!
The congregation regarded this project as one component of a much wider Development Plan and dug deep in their pockets – and we were all amazed that nearly £50,000 has already been raised by the generosity of church members and friends of the Church, with more money pledged over a short period and further funding anticipated from grant applications.
Having also addressed the challenge of needing a bat survey and responding positively to the recommendations, the Parochial Church Council is committed to making a start on the work in mid-October to provide a bright, safe and welcoming environment for our Advent and Christmas Services. During the period of the contract we will, unfortunately, not be able to keep the church doors open during the week, but all Services and other regular activities will take place as usual.
A concert by the Beaufort Male Voice Choir planned to be held on Friday Nov. 28 will help us to celebrate the ongoing work in the church and will help to raise funds for our other emerging projects. Book your ticket soon or you will miss the exciting pre-Christmas event in the town!
We have recently strengthened our work with the older members of our community and have developed a lively meeting for families and children at 4pm on the second Sunday of every month. Based on the success of this venture, we are looking forward to the next stage – appointing a part-time Families and Children’s worker early in 2015.
The Church has arranged an important event for members in October when we intend to spend a day reviewing the effectiveness of the Church in meeting the needs of the community, and anyone else interested would be welcome to join us. We then intend to engage with the people of Crickhowell to establish how the Church can help to support the community in times of cut backs and reduced public spending, and help people of all ages to find faith in God in the time of uncertainty in which we live.
For further information please contact Julian Stedman, the Lay Chair of the PCC, on 01873 812953, or email: julianstedman@btinternet.com Contribution by Rosalind Matty
