A message from the Reverend Mandy MacVean
You will no doubt have heard or seen for yourself that the grounds of St Lawrence Church Hall on Browns Lane were recently the subject of an unauthorised caravan encampment. This stopped several activities taking place and put in jeopardy the new village market held in August. Volunteer Hall Manager, Roy Campbell, has met security companies to get quotes for the most effective deterrent to protect the Church Hall Grounds and the community from another occurrence. The potential costs, including legal and planning, are expected to reach £10,000. The cost of this work falls at a very difficult time for the church hall finances and the church itself and I am therefore asking for your support to help raise the money to protect an important community asset. The Guard Our Garden Appeal is being managed through the Friends, a registered secular charity that exists to help maintain the fabric and surrounds of the two 11th Century churches in the parish of St Lawrence Effingham with All Saints Little Bookham. All money raised will be ring fenced for the appeal and any surplus will be retained solely for the benefit of St Lawrence and the church hall.
The Friends has set up a just giving site https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Guardourgarden and I would be grateful if you could support this and publicise this through your usual channels so that we can reach as many people in Effingham as we can. Either by putting it on your website, if you have one, or by newsletter or word of mouth. We are asking some of the shops in the parade if they would support us by having a collection tin on their counters – especially for those who are not on the internet and prefer to donate in person. Even if people are unable to donate, they might think of organising a fundraising event to help the cause. Thank you!