September 2003

Enjoyable Quiz

Once again, Ian and Viv Hamilton masterminded an excellent evening, which was much enjoyed by all who took part. Congratulations to the team from Shephall, who were this year's winners. Profit from the event was £137.

The Book Sale

This year's Book Sale was a particularly happy occasion. So many people gave willing and cheerful help that I was unable to keep my usual record of names in order to thank everyone individually. Please accept my very grateful thanks now.

A new feature this year was the display about the work of Victorian artist, Sidney Massie, which was loaned and staffed by Stevenage Museum and was greatly appreciated by our visitors.

The final total money raised was a most satisfactory £686.

Celebrity Lecture by Baroness Shirley Williams of Crosby

Shirley Williams, daughter of Sir George Catlin and the writer, Vera Brittain, was born in 1930. After graduating from Somerville College, Oxford, she took up journalism, before embarking on a distinguished career in politics. Many local people will remember her as Labour MP for Hitchin, Stevenage and Hertford in the 1960s and '70s. In 1974, she became Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Affairs and in 1976, Secretary of State for Education and Science.

Together with Roy Jenkins, David Owen and Bill Rodgers, Shirley Williams resigned from the Labour Party in 1981 and made history by founding a new party, the Social Democrats, which subsequently merged with the Liberals to form the Liberal Democratic Party. In 1993, Shirley Williams was made a life peer, with the title Baroness Williams of Crosby and in 2001 she became leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.

Tickets for this exciting evening are on sale now, from The Choc Box or from Sarah Tickner or Margaret Ashby (or ring 354171), price £8 which includes a buffet afterwards. There are no concessions, except for Friends who may show a current membership card and pay £4. Of course, anyone can join the Friends and immediately claim reduced tickets…

Events in 2004

Sunday 25th January at 3p.m.
Concert by the Lydian Trio with Holy Trinity choir: an afternoon event, with tea and cakes.

Saturday 24th April - Quiz Evening
This time we hope to increase numbers of participants by persuading churches throughout the town to send teams. Do start talking about the Holy Trinity Annual Quiz NOW!

Saturday 17th July - Mammoth Second-hand Book Sale

Trinity Festival 2004??
Following discussion at a Trustees' meeting, we wrote to the Holy Trinity PCC earlier this year, suggesting the possibility of staging an event called "The High Street in the Church" during Trinity Sunday weekend. The object would not be to raise money, but to encourage the local community into the church building. A similar exhibition in 1994 was very successful. The PCC wisely decided that there was not enough time to prepare for such an event in 2003, but consideration could be given to holding it in 2004. What do you think?

Fund-raising with Suttons plants and seeds

In early November we shall be receiving copies of a full-colour seed and plant brochure from Suttons, a name well-known to gardeners. By taking part in their fundraising scheme, we can earn 20% (or £1 in every £5) of all orders sent via the Friends. Watch out for more details.

Christmas Puds

These have been ordered, so please speak to Jenny Moules if you would like some.

Special Award to The Choc Box

At the Trustees meeting on 24th July we were delighted to welcome Umesh Sachania, proprietor of The Choc Box, 129 High Street, and to present him with a Special Award certificate in recognition of all that he and Shila have done to help Holy Trinity over many years. We were sad that Shila was ill and could not join us, but we do thank them both very much indeed.
This is only the third Special Award the Friends have made, the other two having being presented to Robert Mitchell and the Professional Dry Cleaner at 72 High Street.

Once again, many thanks for your continuing support.

Margaret Ashby
Chairman