Monthly Letter
July 2010
The revd Andrew Gandon has left the parish of Harefield and so during the period of vacancy before a new incumbent is licensed the reader's letter which appears at the beginning of each parish magazine will be printed here...
Dear Friends,
As I write this Andrew & Margaret are saying their final goodbyes before their move to Exhall near Coventry. It’s been an emotional month for them and for us as we recall all that has happened in the last 15 years and what a lot has! Harefield is a unique place with a real community spirit that cares and that is probably what they will miss the most. We wish them Gods love and strength as they first of all take a well earned holiday in Canada and then tackle the task of establishing themselves in a new home and community. Nor will we forget James and Peter who spent all of their teenage years and more here. James now establishing himself in Leicester and Peter in Bristol. We wish them both well.
Perhaps I should now explain where we go from here. In the absence of a vicar the wardens are responsible for the day to day running of the church.
Ruth and I have met with Bishop Pete to plan for the Interregnum. We are at the moment, with the PCC, drafting up a Parish Profile in readiness for our meeting with Bishop Pete and our Patron Viscount Daventry in mid September. From this the job specification will be penned to go to press sometime in October. All prospective candidates will be sent the Profile. We plan to interview on the 30th November and pray that a suitable candidate comes forward (so we don’t have to re-advertise). That being the case, we hope to have a new vicar in place late February or March.
We are very lucky here in Harefield to have two vicars living in our Parish. Martin Davies and John Spinks have both volunteered and will be taking a number of services along with others. If you don’t know them come along one Sunday morning (see the Diary Page for details) because I know you will enjoy their services and meeting them.
The parish will chug along under Ruth and I and we will certainly be doing our best to keep things running smoothly but we can’t guarantee there won’t be a hiccup or two.
Karen will be in the Parish Office Monday to Thursday 09:15 - 11:45. Messages can be left outside these hours. If anything is urgent contact myself or Ruth.
We are planning another Children’s Holiday Club. It’s called ‘Rocky’s Plaice’ read all about it on the next page.
What a busy time of year!
St Mary’s has now had its second visit by a Bishop. To quote Bishop Richard ‘we are like buses you don’t see any for ages then two come along at once’. Bishop Richard came to take the Thanksgiving and Celebration Service for the Space project. A larger than life character, a real peoples person who after the service wanted to ‘party’ and meet everyone. You can read more about this in the centre pages.
Finally the Fete. What a wonderful day with an amazing number of people and of course the ‘Fly Past’. A typical Village Community gathering together on the Green, to enjoy themselves and the company of others. I think the Dog Show was a real hit and what a lot of well behaved dogs! Congratulations to Tracy’s Dancers for a splendid Display. The day raised an amazing £7000 + for church funds. We have to say thank you to all who came, to all those who manned stalls, the man/woman power team for setting up and clearing away and all those who provided other services including Maylings transport who without their help the fete wouldn’t be possible. Lastly a special thank you to Brenda, Caron & Gordon and the rest of the Social and Fund Raising Committee. I would like to pay special tribute to Mick Jones who sadly died last year. He had for years grown plants to sell both before and during the Fete. His contribution last year raised over £1100. We not only miss your plants Mick, we miss you too.
As I sign off, July and August being traditionally holiday times, I wish you all rest and refreshment, which I know I need in readiness for September and the year ahead.
Rowena
Churchwarden
PS Don’t miss the Concert on the 10th July in the Church Hall featuring the Youth Choir and All Age Band.
The Parish Office
c/o The Vicarage
28 Countess Close
Harefield
UB9 6DL