An update from  Jim Tucker- March '08

 Work has continued unabated through the first few weeks of 2008, supported by very good coverage in the local media, especially the Maidenhead Advertiser. So far, the special appeal bank account has around £30,000 in it. Highlights in January and February have included: 

v      A steady stream of individual donations, most with benefit of Gift Aid on top. Each receives a personal acknowledgement from Tony Ellison or me.

v      £4,000 from the inland Revenue, the initial tax rebate on Gift Aid.

v      £283 from the Family Pancake Fun Day, with the Advertiser bouncy castle in attendance, thanks to Vicki Henley and Natasha Teeder. The day was sunny, if somewhat chilly, and we all enjoyed the spirit of community it generated.

v      £101 from the first of a chain of coffee mornings by Sarah Pallot, who has also started to spread yellow collecting boxes around Bray and Holyport.

v      The adoption of not one, but two campaign logos! Both Beryl Maw and Trevor Gould are to be congratulated on their artistic efforts. The styles are complimentary, and both will see plenty of use.

v      The installation of a see-through collecting box at the back of the church (sporting both logos, naturally!), the handiwork of Mike Henley.

And behind the scenes, other members of the team such as Richard Hoey and Smita Talati are working hard at developing good relations with local businesses and companies; John Seymour is preparing appeals to the major charities and funding bodies; John Blaxland has been working with Phil Nunn to present Friends’ membership to supporters of the appeal; and David Douglas has launched, and developed, an excellent website.PCC members and others have been helping me with the task of identifying local people who might wish to help, so the effort has, as you can see, been right across a wide range of members of the congregation. Much has been done; there is lots more to do; we will get there!