SILVER SPANNER FOR GILL

 

The prestigious SILVER SPANNER is hereby awarded to Gill Russell for her outstanding service of five years as treasurer of St Andrew’s Church Ham. Gill is HIGHLY COMMENDED for her cheerfulness and efficiency in the role. This certificate comes with the affection and gratitude of her friends and colleagues at St Andrews Church, Ham.

Presented by SimonBrocklehurst, Vicar. 17th May 2010

(There is no truth in the rumour that 20p and 50p pieces were so made so that they could be removed from her treasurers grip with a spanner

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLORENCE!

The Mothers Union and other friends of Florence met on her 90th birthday on 15th May to help her celebrate it. Florence had a lovely day. Her daughter Ann read from some of Florences memoires and daughter Maggie was here from Milan for the occasion. The Vicar made a gallant effort with eating birthday cake. He was trying to avoid wastage but unfortunatley the cake has caused his own waistage to increase! What a lovely afterbnoon. And Happy Birthday Florence!

HOORAY HENRY!

On Sunday 9th May the church heard about Henry being awarded a bar to the silver acorn award that he was given by the scouting movement for his distinguished service to the movement. Kidnapping the medal so that he could be presented with it again by us was no easy task and was something of a surprise to Henry who received rapturous applause and thanks for all that he does for us too

lets take a closer look!

In April 2010 - Maundy Thursday infact - specialist stone masons took a closer look at the church to produce a full report on the church's masonry. We are pretty confident that the stone work is in good shape - but we are commited to doing any repairs that are needed in order to preserve the church for future generations. For once the Vicasr's feet were firmly on the ground! click on the picture to see others.

ASTONISHING GIFT

We have a new sound system, thanks to the generosity of a kind man who bought it for us. It cost approx £15,000 and has just been installed. The old system had been in since the 1960s. The new system is amazing. Not only is the spoken word so very much clearer but we also have the ability to play back music from laptop, MP3 player or ipod.. the dubbed in laughter after the psalm at evensong will be a real hit, I am sure.

If you click on the title there are more pictures to see

PRE LUNCH DRINK ENDS IN DISAPPOINTMENT

On 3rd January a handful of friends were invited by Richard and Judy Barber for pre lunch drinks.

Thank you Judy for the lovely savouries and most generous hospitality.

The only let down was that right at the end those of us who were left were palmed off by Richard with some cruddy Champagne cognac that was 130 years past its sell by date. How rude! Seriously, thank you Richard for sharing a tasting experience with us that we will savour for a life time x

JOINT CAROL SERVICE WITH HMP LATCHMERE

The carol service this year was a great success. The church was packed to capacity and it was a great joy to share the occasion with the Governor, Chaplains and Prisoners from Latchmere Prison. It was nice to welcome too, HRH Princess Alexandra, our MP, and the mayor of Richmond.

Pictured are One of the Chaplains, the Reverend Graham Cocking, plus Henry and Simon.

The music was excellent, the choir on form and the congregational singing second to none.

During the rehearsal we also had opportunity to say thank you to Jenny Wendy and Evelyn for all their hard work.

Click on the title to see the full album