NEWS FROM ST. ANDREW'S

  Well, the middle of July and it's raining again!! I hope the summer hasn't quite gone yet! Despite the rain on Fun Day, however, everyone seemed to have a good time and Rev. Cate in the stocks was a sight to behold!! That seemed to cause a great amount of fun in itself so well done for that!! We'll have to see what can be arranged for next year now!

  July has seen a number of things happening, not least the start of Phase 3 of the roof. We shall soon be home and dry with that at least. Also, work is due to begin shortly on the replacement drain which should help in future heavy rain storms. A new architect has now been appointed to work with us on the repairs to the church building itself so we hope to see some progress there soon.

 In the meantime, Vic Palfrey's funeral was held in the churchyard which was fitting as Vic was a regular with the Angelics until his health made that impossible. The rain held off for the service which was attended by his family and friends. Following on from that, we are due to hold a couple of Baptism services in the churchyard so let's hope the weather stays fine for them too. It does at least feel as though the church is being used again albeit in a different way.

  The Wind Quintet Concert at Escot was a great success and about £200 was raised for each church. I thought it was a quartet and so had a surprise when I found there were five musicians!!

  Looking ahead to September, the Devon Historic Churches Cycle/Drive is to take place on 12^th and Jim Pearcey and David Lanning are looking for sponsors as they are hoping to visit 80 churches on that day. Jim managed to get round 60 last year, I think, so another 20 will really be pushing it. If you would like to sponsor either or both of them, they will be pleased to hear from you. The money raised is split 50/50 between the Trust and your own church and we have been given a grant from the Trust to help with our repairs and restoration so it is a very worthwhile cause.

 Finally, I hope you all have a lovely summer when it comes back!! More next month.

                                                Gill Walker 850711