A Special Meeting of the PCC was held on April 6th to consider whether or not we should go ahead with the roof repair project. David Soden, the Treasurer, gave an up to date report on the position of the Appeal: effectively this was that with cash received and present promises including loans, together with expected tax refunds on Gift Aid and Covenants, we were still short by about £15,000.

This sum is very close to the entire capital which the church would have after its own contribution of £17,500 towards the bill.

It was reported that the Town Estates Charity had confirmed a generous grant and that personal visits to those living in the village was receiving a most generously high level of response. An appeal to charities interested in helping churches with building repairs was just about to go out and that the Archdeacon of Oxford had offered help from his discretionary fund.

In all the circumstances, it was decided to authorise the Architects to instruct the builders to proceed with the work and it is hoped that it will start in June and he completed by the autumn. The PCC has decided that during this time, the church will not be open for services which will take place in other churches in the benefice, although burials will continue as may be necessary.

The Council wishes to put on record its deep appreciation of the support and generosity received from so many people in the villages and from all denominations. It is very much hoped that further financial support will be forthcoming so that the church funds are not extinguished and that continuing annual support will enable us to pay our way in the future and repay the loans that have been made.