On February 5th we had a fantastic concert, in church, with works by Rheinberger, Mendelsson, Stanford, and some Madrigals all performed by the St Richards Singers  in aid of the New Rooms Project. The programme also included instrumental items and solos by members of the singers. £651 was donated, with gift aid to be added to this sum! Many thanks to the St Richards Singers.

Coming up we have an afternoon recital by Tom Cooper Price, a very talented young pianist, on Saturday 3rd of March at 2:30 in the afternoon, followed by Tea. Also do get your tickets for the Pudding Tasting Evening on 17th March from the Church Wardens £10 each.

We have talked alot about the Fundraising aspects of the New Rooms, but behind the scenes your committee have been working on the plans for the rooms. We are hoping to have a set of drawings both outline and perspective drawings of the proposed project from the Architect before the end of March to display in the Church for everyone to see what we are getting for your kindly donated money

Last Sunday was Plough Sunday at St Mary Our Lady. We had a plough ( thanks very much to the Lyttons) and seeds to bless, and a guest speaker from Farming Crisis Network, Leslie Vokes who told us about the work of this Christian Charity supporting isolated farmers in difficult times. After the service we were treated to a Ploughmans Lunch of fresh home made bread, cheese, wonderful chutney and pickled onions!! Keep an eye out for our next themed eucharist on the fifth Sunday of April 2012.

Coming up before that we have the St Richards Singers and Players in church at 6:30pm this Sunday, Tom Cooper-Price will give a piano recital in the afternoon of 3rd of March followed by tea, and do buy your ticket for the Pudding Tasting evening on the 17th of March, available now from the Church Wardens, all in aid of the New Church Rooms!!

A new year, and lots of new events for everyone to enjoy while raising money for the New Church Rooms!
After the great success of our Advent wreath making, this month we are having a Cheese and Wine evening with a silent auction, it is taking place on Saturday 21st January - yes this saturday, in the church hall. Tickets from the Church Wardens, and to date there are over 50 items up for auction!

In February we are being treated to a feast of music and singing from the St Richards Singers and the St Richards Players, come along on February the 5th at 6:30 in the church, there will be refreshments in the interval and a retiring collection for your donations to the fund.

March has two events. First off we have a Piano recital in church from Tom Cooper-Price. This is going to be an afternoon event, 2:30 on Saturday March 3rd in the Church, and will be followed by tea, again a retiring collection, so open to everyone, it will be a lovely afternoon.
Back to the Church Hall on the evening of the 17th of March for an evening of Pudding Tasting!!! 6 Puddings, prepared by Dr Hillary Platts will be available for tasting, each accompanied by an appropriate wine to taste along side. Tickets are available at £10 each come along and have a night off from the Lenten resolutions in aid of a good cause.

I hope that most members of the congregation are aware that we are working towards building a new Parish Room on the south side of the Church, between the Church and the Vicarage gate. The rooms will include much needed facilities including a Kitchen and some Lavatories. Also a large room in which meetings can be held and coffee and other refreshments served.
But what about the Money!!!
Well we have already had two highly successful concerts in St Mary's The first one back in June from a choir called Off Centre and last month a marvellous evening of music from Alex Palmer and friends. Between these two events alone over £1ooo has been raised, and more to come as much of the donated money was Gift Aided ( how sensible!) We have received money from other initiatives, 'buy a brick' and donationtions from other events organised in the Village have also been very successful.
Our next event on Sunday 27th of November is an afternoon of Advent Wreath making, (£10 per wreath) with tea. We provide the raw materials, so that you can come along and enjoy putting your wreath together with your family and friends. At the end of the afternoon Fr Stephen will bless the wreaths and we shall all enjoy a traditional Sidlesham Afternoon Tea. Please sign the sheet at the back of the Church if you would like to come, as we need numbers for tea and materials. See you there!!

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