St John’s Heritage Association, Kingsdown
Members’ Newsletter July 2024
Dear Members (and potential new members)
The SJHA was formed in 2013 to raise funds for the maintenance, repair and conservation of the fabric of St John the Evangelist Church and churchyard Kingsdown. Our income is generated by annual subscriptions, donations, and fund-raising events.
The AGM, held on Wednesday 20th March 2024 in the church elected the new committee; members are Liz Deschamps, Elaine Love (secretary), Gordon Love, Elaine Mordaunt, Huw Morgan-Thomas, Barbara Ridout and Ian Stephen (chair). Jean Winn, Cornilo Churches PCC treasurer, is also ex officio treasurer of the Association. Thanks to Barbara for joining the committee.
After years of debating the refurbishment of the west end of the church, Gordon Love agreed to chair a sub-committee to consider affordable options which would include improved storage and kitchen facilities. Whilst we managed to clear some of the accumulated clutter, it soon became clear that until the essential fabric repairs, highlighted in the last quinquennial report, were tackled any major expenditure on the interior of the church would have to wait, although £3800 has been specifically earmarked for the west end of the church project. We must raise as much as possible in the next two years to attempt the planned refurbishment.
Fundraising events have followed a similar pattern in recent years. The Garage Safari (second Sunday in May) is followed by a Cream Tea (late July /early August) a concert / guest speaker in the Autumn with the Christmas raffle to complete the year. Overall, in the last three years £7,710 has been raised thanks to the hard work and generosity of the committee and other committed volunteers. The village too has been very supportive gifting a % of the proceeds from the Garage Safari and the annual Carol singing to the church. However, since the last estimate for quinquennial repairs to the church was £10,207, and with another quinquennial report due in 2025, we appear to be running to stand still financially!
Thus far in 2024 the Garage Safari raised £337, supplemented by £300 from the event income, (thank you Rex) and the Cream Tea (Sunday 28th July) a very encouraging £466. Grateful thanks to the team who prepared and served the food, gave raffle prizes and bought raffle tickets, set up and tidied away at the end and encouraged passers-by along Upper St to attend. It was a very enjoyable occasion helped by the sunny weather.
Other events in 2024 include:
Saturday 21st September ‘A conversation with Robert Crampton’ (Times columnist) at 7.30pm in the church. Robert will talk about his career as a journalist, do a Q & A session and then mingle with the guests over refreshments. Tickets are £12 (excluding refreshments)
Please do come along; it will be a lively evening!
Saturday 26th October ‘Concert by the Royal British Legion Brass group’ directed by David Cole (OBE MVO) at 6.30pm in the church. The programme is yet to be finalised but will appeal to a broad range of musical tastes. Tickets are £10 (excluding refreshments)
From Friday 25th October Grand Christmas Raffle: tickets at £1 each will be on sale from The Ox Tale and Del’s Village Store. The first prize is a turkey (or meat equivalent) the second prize is a Christmas cake the third prize is a bottle of whisky. The draw will take place at the Ox Tale on Saturday 14th December at midday. Thanks again to Nick Britton who is providing the turkey.
Membership: Currently we have 94 members, but we would like many more. Thirty-four supporters are lifetime members, the remainder opt to pay annually by BSO. The fabric of the church at St John’s is constantly in need for maintenance and repair and we need your support.
Individual membership is now £12 a year, for a couple £20. Lifetime membership remains at £100 for an individual and £200 for a couple. Donations are very welcome. Membership forms can be obtained from Gordon Love or Ian Stephen and will be available at all events.
Contact Ian Stephen on 01304 380550 / 07960 069441 or id.stephen@sky.com if you are keen to join us. The SJHA newsletter and membership details are also available on the Cornilo Churches website www.cornilochurches.org A big ‘thank you’ for your continuing support of your village church.
Next event is the ‘Conversation with Robert Crampton’ Times columnist (Beta Male) on Sat 21st September at 7.30pm in the church. (flyer attached with this mailing)
IDS July 2024
PS: Two nearly new art books remain unsold from the Garage Safari
‘Fra Angelico’ compiled by Laurence Kanter & Pia Palladino
‘The Gates of Paradise’ Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Renaissance masterpiece
If you wish to make an offer, which could be less than half price (check out Amazon for the current prices) please contact Ian Stephen (id.stephen@sky.com)