from the July/Aug 2011 Mickleham magazine

The Rectory, Mickleham
Dear friends

I begin on a positive, and harmonious note, in reporting that the Organ Appeal launched in the June magazine has got off to a very promising start, with donations to date of £4,000. Thank you so much for your generous and enthusiastic support of this project which is attracting donations from all ages within our community. This is a real indicator of the importance of the church within all our lives, and a most encouraging one. We now need to dig deep to raise the remaining £66,000 in order that work can begin later this year. John Banfield will be delighted to receive further gifts.

The importance of this restoration programme was borne out by the fact that the organ really played up at Louise Walsom’s funeral, and its bellows have had to be temporarily repaired with duct tape!

Many of you have expressed heartfelt concern for Louise’s family as they endeavour to come to terms with her tragic death. Her obituary has been drafted from the very moving tribute written by her parents, Roger and Susan, and read at her service. We can certainly all learn a very important lesson from her illness, which is the vital importance of making sure those around us are frequently assured of our support and friendship.

It is very easy to get caught up in a small group of close friends or neighbours and forget that there are some people who may not be so fortunate and feel forgotten or ignored. I trust we are a community that does care about all its members even if they may be different from ourselves, or appear less confident or engaging. We all need to feel valued, especially when we may be battling with times of self doubt or depression.

It has been decided that we should pay tribute to Louise by dedicating the rebuilt organ to her memory and that of Martin Brewer as the first anniversary of his tragic death virtually coincided with Louise’s funeral. Both were valued members of this community and are deeply missed by a very large number of people. Ironically they are both buried very close to one another in the churchyard.

On a completely different subject, we are endeavouring to plan our services on Sunday 14th August, the day of the London Surrey Cycle Classic Road Race. As many of you may know this is an event which is testing the plans that need to be made in anticipation of the Olympic Cycling Road Race in August next year. As I write this letter it is still impossible to get any information about the timing of road closures that day, despite endless efforts to do so! As a result we will continue with our normal services at St Michael’s, in the hope that those who can walk to church, will do so.

We are planning to hold an interdenominational service led by lay people at Westhumble Chapel that morning .

Finally, as we look ahead, a reminder that Heritage Weekend is on 10-11th September. We shall be welcoming visitors to St Michael’s Church and Westhumble Chapel, where there will be special exhibition material. Last year we had over 400 visitors, so any help with the weekend would be appreciated. Jenny Hudlass would love to hear from you.

Enjoy the coming holiday season.
With every good wish
David Ireland