FRIENDS OF ST STEPHENS

Welcome to the 2011 Newsletter of the Friends of S. Stephen’s.

To say this has been a hectic year would be an understatement! There was plenty of planned work—but there was much more work done that hadn’t been planned for! The Rose Window (shown above) was one such piece of unplanned for work—and expenditure. Well, to be exact, the Rose Window was on the ‘to-do’ list—but planned for in about two years time. Unfortunately, the extremely frosty weather, combined with the gales we endured over last winter made the window unsafe. The stonework was crumbling and the weight of the masonry above was causing the glass to crack. Not only that, but we were advised that if the window had disintegrated totally, then there was a danger of the masonry above falling— causing a serious problem. A number of options were explored—even the possibility of bricking up the window! In the end we had no choice but to fully repair the window. This has recently been completed at a cost of £15,000. All of this was taken from our already depleted reserves (see later story). So far around £4,000 has come in to- wards that figure, by a combination of fund-raising and generous gifts. Only £11,000 to go! Thank you to every- one who responded so generously.Other work saw the final completion of the Clerestory windows. This work had been paid for in the previous year almost entirely by the generous be- quest of a former parishioner.This work was followed by a renovation of the four large windows along the South side of the church, including the Lady Chapel together with the Huddlestone window near the Actors Chapel. In addition the Large Hall was re-pointed and had new windows fitted.and given some lee-way on the payment of our Parish Share. Even with this help we were completely wiped out financially and ended the year very substantially in debt. Only the help offered by the Diocese and the generosity of The Friends and a few individuals kept us afloat. But we have made it.
However, we would not have made it without the financial help the Friends were able to give.
We go into the year with a very tight financial squeeze—probably as tight if not worse than that inherited by Fr Geoffrey Gower Jones. The question is—will we rise to the challenge as they did in his time? Judging by what we have achieved together in the last couple of years, probably yes. Let us thank God that we have been able so far to safeguard the inheritance we have been given so that like our for- bears we may pass it on to the next generation.
Our efforts over the past few years have been recognised further afield than our Parish boundaries. On 28th June Bishop Nicholas will unveil a famous Blue Plaque awarded in part as a recognition of the tremendous work done to safeguard S. Stephens as an asset to our town.
Will you help to continue that work? We hope that you will renew your membership. Might you be able to make a gift?
Much of the work has been funded by
the generous legacies of former parishioners. Have you remembered S. Stephen’s in your Will?
Finally, to end on a positive note: wonderful work that has cost us absolutely nothing! On Sunday 3rd April, Mothering Sunday, after the Family Service a very special event took place. A mosaic was unveiled and blessed. This mosaic, designed by artist Bernadette Hughes, depicts the Patron Saint of the Parish, the Martyr Stephen. Over 100 people young and old helped with the making of the mosaic at a number of workshops over the past year. The Mosaic was funded by United Utilities through Groundworks & United Futures (The Community Partnership between United Utili- ties and local communities) This work, together with the replanting and landscaping of the grounds was done as a part of the restitution work after a flood relief tank was sunk into part of the church grounds. Not only do the mosaic and grounds look wonderful, but the whole project has brought together many people from different parts of the North Shore community.