Churchwardens report 2022-23
In Scalford, St Egelwin’s Church, we have had a good, and otherwise, year with the sadness of the continuing saga of St Mary’s Church, Chadwell still on going. The PCC resolved that the situation at Chadwell had to be put in the hands of the Diocese and this process is slowly unfolding with the involvement of the Church Council. The Friends Group was wound up and monies from the 2 accounts put into one, for the maintenance of the churchyard at Chadwell – the Fabric Account.
In Scalford there has been positive work done alongside the Triangle Group with joint activities such as Band Concerts, Easter Egg Hunt and Lunch Club. At Christmas 30 parcels were delivered to older folk who live alone. This has enhanced community spirit and seen people in church who wouldn’t usually come inside.
The Administrator for the Benefice continues to work in the Office and the Clerk to the Parish Council has worked from the office once a week. Again, a positive community link.
The School continue to use the building for services, messy fiestas and a new booking – for the school photographs! The children begin to feel very much at home in the building from the day they start school and it is almost a second home by the time they leave. A Quiet area has been introduced in the churchyard for educational use and reflection, and the Allotment Club flourishes.
Two services a month have been held – the Ironstone Family of Churches Communion and 4:30 Praise on Sunday. Extra services for special festivals and joining together to celebrate important dates with meals are valued. Families have been welcomed for baptisms. Fish and chip suppers and wreath making evening are all enjoyed.
The PCC have agreed to have new lights fitted to replace the old fitments which cause the fuses to blow and make events on dull days very dark! Let there be light. The Community Room is still on the cards and the faculty is at present with the Registrar for the second time. Fingers crossed.
Along with the whole country the death of Queen Elizabeth II was marked with sadness but great respect for a reign few could have imagined.
In celebration of the Coronation for King Charles III a team of villagers are learning to ring the bells – some minor repairs have been done and lessons are in full swing.
St Egelwin enjoyed a visit from the Boys and Girls of the Cathedral Choir – Leicester Cathedral is undergoing building work so the Choirs have been out and about round the Diocese. The Choir joined in singing hymns at the Songs of Praise Service and performed 3 numbers for the congregation’s enjoyment. Much cake was consumed and it was lovely to chat to people.
Further the church hosted the Bishop of Leicester as part of his Lent Pilgrimage. The Bishop celebrated holy communion with the parishioners before having lunch and then moving on to Chadwell for prayers in the churchyard.
The Fuel Crisis has not been easy with electricity prices an unknown quantity. However, with efficient monitoring we have kept afloat, at present.
The PCC have had a number of conversations about, and meetings have been attended, regarding the future of the Diocese and how it is to be administrated together with how this might affect rural parishes. As usual finances are a huge conundrum and this PCC continues to work hard to maintain St Egelwin and to pay its way. Some changes are inevitable and we are proud of our blossoming community links in this respect.
May the next 12 months see community relationships continue to grow and the village together enjoy this ancient building.
Penny Clemons
Church warden
March 2023.
In Scalford, St Egelwin’s Church, we have had a good, and otherwise, year with the sadness of the continuing saga of St Mary’s Church, Chadwell still on going. The PCC resolved that the situation at Chadwell had to be put in the hands of the Diocese and this process is slowly unfolding with the involvement of the Church Council. The Friends Group was wound up and monies from the 2 accounts put into one, for the maintenance of the churchyard at Chadwell – the Fabric Account.
In Scalford there has been positive work done alongside the Triangle Group with joint activities such as Band Concerts, Easter Egg Hunt and Lunch Club. At Christmas 30 parcels were delivered to older folk who live alone. This has enhanced community spirit and seen people in church who wouldn’t usually come inside.
The Administrator for the Benefice continues to work in the Office and the Clerk to the Parish Council has worked from the office once a week. Again, a positive community link.
The School continue to use the building for services, messy fiestas and a new booking – for the school photographs! The children begin to feel very much at home in the building from the day they start school and it is almost a second home by the time they leave. A Quiet area has been introduced in the churchyard for educational use and reflection, and the Allotment Club flourishes.
Two services a month have been held – the Ironstone Family of Churches Communion and 4:30 Praise on Sunday. Extra services for special festivals and joining together to celebrate important dates with meals are valued. Families have been welcomed for baptisms. Fish and chip suppers and wreath making evening are all enjoyed.
The PCC have agreed to have new lights fitted to replace the old fitments which cause the fuses to blow and make events on dull days very dark! Let there be light. The Community Room is still on the cards and the faculty is at present with the Registrar for the second time. Fingers crossed.
Along with the whole country the death of Queen Elizabeth II was marked with sadness but great respect for a reign few could have imagined.
In celebration of the Coronation for King Charles III a team of villagers are learning to ring the bells – some minor repairs have been done and lessons are in full swing.
St Egelwin enjoyed a visit from the Boys and Girls of the Cathedral Choir – Leicester Cathedral is undergoing building work so the Choirs have been out and about round the Diocese. The Choir joined in singing hymns at the Songs of Praise Service and performed 3 numbers for the congregation’s enjoyment. Much cake was consumed and it was lovely to chat to people.
Further the church hosted the Bishop of Leicester as part of his Lent Pilgrimage. The Bishop celebrated holy communion with the parishioners before having lunch and then moving on to Chadwell for prayers in the churchyard.
The Fuel Crisis has not been easy with electricity prices an unknown quantity. However, with efficient monitoring we have kept afloat, at present.
The PCC have had a number of conversations about, and meetings have been attended, regarding the future of the Diocese and how it is to be administrated together with how this might affect rural parishes. As usual finances are a huge conundrum and this PCC continues to work hard to maintain St Egelwin and to pay its way. Some changes are inevitable and we are proud of our blossoming community links in this respect.
May the next 12 months see community relationships continue to grow and the village together enjoy this ancient building.
Penny Clemons
Church warden
March 2023.