The iconic beech trees which line the boundary of St Mary’s Church, Innox Hill, have been preserved for future generations following the successful winning of a £500 grant from the All Churches Trust.
Jane Mitchell, PCC secretary explained, “In order for the much-loved trees to remain healthy they must be periodically maintained to meet Mendip District Council’s specifications. This specialist work comes at a significant cost to the church around every 10 years. The trees have been trimmed and balanced and will continue to stand tall for many years to come.
“A further grant has also been received by the church from the Somerset Community Foundation of £1,000 towards the refurbishment of the hall kitchen. Future users of the church hall can now enjoy the larger cooker and new microwave purchased. This was to replace the old ones which were inadequate to meet the increasing needs of the facilities. The new equipment will make it much easier for members of the social committee to cater for the monthly Breakfast Club, providing a much appreciated facility for social interaction between the congregation and isolated and lonely members of the wider area.
“The imposing crucifix located outside at the entrance to the West End of the church has been transformed in English oak, thanks to a generous and very personal donation from John Lay in memory of his wife Erica. Both Erica and John were long-standing and loyal members of the congregation until her death in early 2017 and John’s move to be nearer family. To complement the new crucifix, the Figure of Christ has been beautifully refurbished by regular members of the congregation Brian Harris and Arthur Bailey. Churchwarden Len Taylor has also ensured that the bell will be heard on Sundays for some time to come, summoning the community to the morning service, after giving his time to overhaul and repaint the mechanism.
“Local businesses have also been generous in their time and West Country Tiling has pledged to replace faulty tiles on the kitchen roof and hip joints of the hall.
“The PCC and congregation at St Mary’s would like to sincerely thank everyone who has donated not only financially, but also individuals who have given up their precious spare time and skills, together with the local businesses who have supported the church.”
