March 2004

Another Successful Concert

The concert of light classical and popular music performed by the Lydian Trio and Holy Trinity Choir on January 25th was another resounding success. Special thanks go to Rob Eagles of Legend Finance, who sponsored the event for the second year running, and to all those who helped with refreshments, publicity, ticket sales, raffle and in other ways. The concert raised the impressive total of £800.

Shirley Williams on Tape

Those who were unable to be present at the Shirley Williams Celebrity Lecture in November may like to know that we have a recording of her speech, on audio cassette. It is available for borrowing from Sarah Tickner, so do get in touch with her if you are interested.

For Members Only

A few years ago, some members of the Friends were privileged to be shown round the Stevenage Borough Council Offices and Council Chamber at Daneshill House, courtesy of one of our trustees, Cllr David Kissane. Now another of our trustees, Claire Austin, Managing Director of Austin's Family Funeral Directors, has agreed to give members of the Friends a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the company's Letchmore Road premises. The date is Thursday May 27th meeting at Letchmore Road at 7.30pm. If you would like to come, please let Sarah Tickner know as numbers are limited and places will be offered on a first come first served basis. Note: this free event is for members of the Friends of Holy Trinity only.

Quiz Evening with Ian and Viv Hamilton - Saturday 24th April 7.30pm

This year we hope to attract more competitors and to invite other churches across the town to send teams. The quiz will be held in the church and the fish and chips will be served from the Parish Room. This means that more help than usual will be needed, to move pews, set up chairs and tables beforehand and to restore order afterwards. Strong volunteers, please enlist as soon as possible by giving your name to Adil Vittachi. Both teams (six people) and individual entries are welcome at £6 per person. This includes fish and chips, but please bring your own drink. Note: No concessions for this event.

Sutton Seeds

Many thanks to all those who have placed orders. The first batch has been sent off and you should be hearing from Suttons soon. It is not too late to give me your order if you have not yet done so.

Book Sale - Saturday 17th July - 10am - 3pm

As usual, we need lots of help for this. If you can spare some time to help collect, sort or sell books, or to move furniture (those strong volunteers again!) or to serve refreshments, please complete and return the attached form as soon as possible. Also needed, a catering supremo to organise light refreshments throughout the day. Finally, and very important, everyone can help by publicising the Book Sale not just in Stevenage, but for miles around, as enthusiasts travel long distances for second hand books.

Celebrity Lecture - Saturday 23rd October - 7.30pm

Adrian Gibson MBE on historic buildings of Stevenage (exact title to be decided). Adrian Gibson is not only an eminent archaeologist and historic buildings adviser, but also a most interesting and amusing speaker. His knowledge of historic buildings, from Hampton Court Palace to Stevenage High Street, is quite amazing. If you enjoy TV programmes such as Time Team, you will certainly enjoy this illustrated talk and learn a great deal about the buildings on your doorstep. Tickets £7 (Friends £4) including a buffet afterwards. By the way, we are also looking for offers of help with the buffet - thank you.

Chairmanship

After five and a half years, I now feel it is time to resign as Chairman of the Friends of Holy Trinity, with effect from October 24th. I have come to this decision partly because I have a considerable amount of work ahead of me this year and partly because I do not think it right for any one person to continue in the same role for too long. I shall, of course, remain a trustee. I have very much enjoyed working with my fellow trustees, a wonderfully committed, talented and cheerful group of people and I am very grateful to all members of The Friends who have been so loyal and supportive. Thank you.

Yours sincerely

Margaret Ashby
Chairman