Newsletter Number 225 - April 2025

There is no way I can start my first letter to you without thanking Peter for all his work and dedication as Chairman for the last nine years - he will be a hard act to follow. My time as Chairman will be for a very much shorter time! In fact, for just one year during which time I will be working closely with Edmund Ahern, the new Vice Chairman who, it is hoped, will become Chairman next year. I have been a member of FOCOC for almost 40 years and served on the committee years ago and as Vice Chairman for several of them so I am not completely a "new girl". My thanks also go to Robin Green who has ably served as Vice Chairman for several years and I am pleased to say is now continuing to serve as a committee member. Jeremy Bennett and Edwin Cooke have decided to step down this year and I would like to thank them for all their work and support during their time on the committee, they will both be missed. Finally, I would like to thank David Dawson-Taylor for managing the FOCOC Website for many years. Edmund has now been tasked with the responsibility of continuing the good work that David started.

At the 43^rd AGM held on 12^th April 2025, in addition to myself and Edmund, the following officers were elected:- Sue Selbie to continue as Hon. Secretary and Alan King to continue as Hon. Treasurer. David Dawson-Taylor, Robin Green, Pat Paget, Derek Titheridge, Ann Willis and new member, Keven Ward are the committee members for the next year. The Vicar, Rev. Richard England and Building Coordinator, Gary Willcocks continue as Ex-Officio members.

Several events have already been planned for the rest of the year starting with a Beetle Drive in the Parish Centre on Saturday 17^th May at 6.00 pm. You are welcome to bring drinks and nibbles with you. Tea and coffee will be served and there will be a raffle. I'm sure those of you who have been before will agree it's a fun evening, do come along and bring your friends. Entry is free!

Saturday 7^th June 10 am to 4 pm will be our annual Open Day. There will be the ever popular Plant Stall, Refreshments, Games, Quiz, Raffle etc. Inside the Church, which will be full of beautiful flowers arranged by our wonderful flower team, Crofton Anne Dale Choir and the Odd Wednesday Men will be entertaining us. Gary will also be doing his popular tours of the Church. Please come along and bring your family, friends and neighbours. Again, entry is free!

Saturday 26^th July there will be a Tea Party in the Parish Centre. Tickets and more details will be available later.

Monday 25^th August we will have a stall at the Stubbington Fayre selling jigsaws and preserves, so please sort out those jigsaws you no longer want! Homemade preserves will also be welcome.

More events will be announced in my next letter.

Just a reminder that Services are held at St. Edmund's every Sunday at 09.30. BCP Holy Communion is held on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays, Morning Service on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays and Common Worship when there is a 5^th Sunday in the month. Tea and Coffee are served after Services on the 2^nd, 4^th and 5^th Sundays.

The Church is open on the 18^th of every month from 10.00 to 12.00 for visitors and private prayer.

It's been a lovely sunny (if chilly) Spring which has helped us through the many difficult and sad happenings in the world at this time and Easter has given us renewed hope for the months ahead.

All good wishes

Sue Johnson

Chairman