SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES 2007

This year has been one during which the parish has officially been in interregnum, i.e. without a resident incumbent priest. However, thanks to the devotion of the Revd. Jonathan Boston, the pattern of church services and the operation of the church choir have continued unchanged. This is vital to the community, as regular worship is the main public assurance of our continuing presence. Although there are sometimes only a few boys in the choir for a service, the choir and the associated Junior Leaders and its camps and other events are an important link with families and younger people and they do provide genuine opportunities for young boys to develop a degree of independence and self-reliance, often for the first time outside the family unit.

Several candidates of both genders for the new living of the enlarged group of parishes (now including the Dunhams and Franshams) have been considered and one interviewed, but no appointment has been offered at this time. The parishes are resolved to await a truly fitting candidate rather than to compromise.

There has been a considerable amount of fund raising this year, the highlight of which was the catering at the Lexham snowdrop Sunday, which, thanks to a record attendance in ideal weather, broke all records. This money and more has gone back into building maintenance. Insurance inspection requirements revealed that much urgent electrical work was needed and over £5000 has been spent to date, with more to come. The great increase in energy prices has not only impacted upon our own homes, but has had a similar effect upon church buildings, where electricity costs have increased by 250%. This alone will absorb all our annual income unless changes are made and we are now seeking a replacement heating system which will give both increased comfort and substantially reduced consumption.

An exciting development during the year has been the offer to form a “Friends of Litcham Church.” This will be a small charitable organisation which will be able to raise funds for the historic fabric and artifacts of the church which will be under the control of its members independently of the Church Council. Donations to this body for general purposes or for specific projects (the church clock being one such current objective) can therefore be made in the knowledge that they will be ring fenced for that purpose. Despite the urgency of the electrical work, the building fabric continues to weather and continuous small repairs are always needed.

The church has had some modest internal additions during the year which are intended to make it of more interest and welcome to visitors and parishioners alike. A large collection of replica brasses has been acquired, some of which are displayed and brass rubbing days can be held. The Lady Chapel has been enhanced by additional furnishings and is dedicated to personal prayer. As the building remains open during daylight hours anyone is welcome to take a few moments to use this, at times of personal distress or for regular quiet devotion. The church is often used by people of other faiths and denominations who do not have local religious facilities and we remain open to this and we are very pleased and grateful to be able to provide somewhere with a peaceful and prayerful atmosphere for all.

We remain confident that a priest will be found, perhaps during 2008, but assured that our work will continue unbroken come what may.
Richard Vogt
Churchwarden
April 2008