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Let there be new church circuitry
A DESPERATE need to replace the wiring at aWeald church has breathed new life into the build- ing and the congregation atChart Sutton. Rev Fiona Haskett said £20,000
of work was recommended fol- lowing the most recent check – a five-yearly re- quirement for all churches – on circuitry at St Michael’s. She said: “The
church wiring is 55 years old and therewere certainly some switches that threw the system if we used them. Undoubtedly, our next in- spection would have forced the church to close on safety grounds. “However, the community has
really got behind the idea of rais- ing the money, coming up with £14,000 in 18 months, which is a magnificent amount for a small church and congregation to find.
People have been very generous.” Rev Haskett said not only have
the newdirectionalLEDspotlights brought new life to the church, they have also united the congre- gation in a common
cause.Aletter was sent to every member of the community asking for donations and, along with fund-raising events and grants, the entire cost has beenmet. The vicar said: “The new lights
have turned what was a dim and dingy church into a really lovely place to be. We’ve also fitted an emergency power supply in case of a power cut, so thatwewon’t be left groping about in the dark.” Unfortunately, the new lights
have also shown up the need for a newaisle carpet. Rev Haskett said: “Like the
lights, the carpet doesn’t owe us a thing; itmust be 80 or 90 years old and the newlights have shown up the wear, so it is our next fund- raising project.”
Scout group needs help
STAPLEHURST ScoutGroup is look- ing to boost its numbers. It needs help with craft activities such as hikes, outings and games. Adele Govett, Staplehurst
Beaver Scout Leader, said: “We are a very active group but need to try and recruit others so that our sec- tion can domore. “If you don’t mind getting
muddy or a little wet or throwing snowballs in June, this could be for you. It doesn’t have to be on a reg- ular basis, but it would make an enormous difference.” There are also openings for six-
to eight-year-old girls and boys to join The Beavers onWednesdays. The Staplehurst Scout Group is
well known in the village for its communitywork.Over Christmas it delivered cards to villagers for a donation of 25p, raisingmore than £100. The group is fundraising for a
defibrillator and a disabled access toilet at the ScoutHut inNicholson Walk. Anyone interested in being a vol-
unteer should contact Adele on 07749 055004 or email staple-
hurstbeavers@gmail.com. Those interested in signing up to The Beavers, whichmeet from5.15pm to 6.30pm each week, should use the same email. They are also ad- vised to register those under six ex- pressing an interest.
01622 753073 |
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