September 2017


But maybe you are not ready for an almshouse just yet! Christ’s Hospital’s other important role is in of- fering practical financial help to those who live in its ‘area of benefit.’ This covers Abingdon itself and certain nearby areas, pre- cisely defined all those centuries ago by King Ed- ward’s charter. To reach those who might need as- sistance, Christ’s Hospital works through organisa- tions such as local chari- ties, churches, support groups, the Citizens Advice Bureau, health visitors and other medical profession- als. It is not able to accept requests directly from indi- viduals themselves, but instead names are recom- mended by a ‘sponsor’ who will already have had some contact with the person and who considers that there is a genuine case of need. The sort of items we have helped with in the past are the purchase of essential


5 Could you be a Governor? Christ’s Hospital is run by thirteen volunteer


Trustees, called Governors. Eight of these are elected by existing Governors; the other five are either appointed by the Town council or are ex-


charity’s work such as Buildings, Park and Gar- dens, Finance, Residents, Archives, or Grants. Every three years a different Governor is ap- pointed to the role of Master and shoulders the


considerable responsibility of directing the busi- ness of the Charity for his or her term of office.


Could you become a Governor? Vacancies do occur from time to time and we are always pleased to hear from those who might be interested in putting their name forward.


household items such as cookers, refrigerators or floor coverings, the provision of bunk beds and stairgates; sometimes the funding of after-school care, or even just new pairs of shoes for fast-growing toddlers. It is always worth asking – our only way of reaching those in need is via the sort of work many of you are al- ready involved in around the town.


officio. Governors meet monthly and most take on responsibility for a particular aspect of the


Oh yes – and one last thing about Christ’s Hospital. Did you know that we own and maintain Albert Park? This is something that everyone can enjoy: it doesn’t matter how old you are or where you live and you don’t need a recommendation from anyone else. Just turn off Ock Street at Conduit or Victoria Roads sometime and enjoy a peaceful stroll.


www.ch-of-abingdon.org


St Michael’s Art Exhibition Jenni Collins and Helen Owen


At the end of June, as part of the 150 year celebra- tions, St Michael’s held an Art Competition and Exhi- bition on the theme of Celebrations. We received 28 entries and were pleased to see the labyrinth area of the church turned into a splen- did gallery for visitors to view the wonderful paint- ings by local artists. With over 200 visitors the event was well supported by members of other churches and by the town folk who visited and enjoyed some excellent refreshments and lively discussions about the merits of the art pieces.


There was a wide range of subjects on the theme, with work of a very high stan- dard, making it a difficult task for the judges to select the winners. The winner of the £200 first prize was Paul Minter with his painting entitled ‘Sweets’, the £100 second prize went to Marion Owen with her


painting ‘Brotherly Love’. The Thomas Merrifield public vote prize of £100 had to be divided between two artists who received the same number of votes – Stephen Grey with ‘Swan Upping’ and Claire Cross with ‘Make a wish.’ Val Dearlove’s ‘Be Yourself’ was highly commended by the judges.


Sweets by Paul Minter


The organizing team were advised by Caroline Ritson and the event benefitted from the loan of display stands from Abingdon Art- ists. Proceeds of over £700 will be divided between the nominated charities; the Abingdon Bridge and Tariro


– Hope For Youth: in Zimbabwe. A huge thanks to all those who demonstrated their talents, the St Michael’s congregation who supported the event with their time and baking skills and all those who visited the exhibi- tion.


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