tower rainwater drainpipe configuration; the maintenance of the clock; the blocked vestry chimney; the glass door which is binding on the floor at the entrance to the church; the delay to the installation of the new nave and chancel carpet; the completion of the woodworm treatment, except for the vestry wardrobe, which Andrew Graham would complete; and the churchyard – recommendations approved, with extra work needed on the yew-tree above the memorial seat. It was decided that, instead of including a replacement electric organ as part of the appeal, we should explore the provision of new speakers to the Washtell Electrophonic Organ, not located on the Rood Screen

b) Reach

At a meeting on Tuesday 31^st August the following matters were raised: the establishment of a gardening team; the installation of a seat in memory of Kay and Arthur Allen; and the repainting of the front gates and the front door. The Quinquennial Report had emphasised the need for work to the masonry of the walls and to floor joists, tiles and lead flashing. A formal Village Appeal is to be launched to pay for re-ordering work to the church interior, later in the autumn.

a) Millennium:

The Gospel of St Mark (with Matthew and Luke nativity narratives added) has been ordered for each house in the parish, and the bookmark is about to be ordered. On the eve of the Millennium, there will be a spotlight on St Mary’s Church and lights on in both churches, as an opportunity for private prayer

Reach Parish Council had successfully applied to E.C.D.C. for a Millennium Grant, to go towards the seat in memory of Kay and Arthur Allen in the Church Garden, as a contribution to the village amenity.

The Millennium Yew trees were to be collected on Wednesday 27^th October from Dr David Bellamy at Ely Cathedral at 7.30 p.m.

Reach Yew Tree would be planted at the NW corner of the churchyard.

Swaffham Prior Yew would be planted in the ground between the two churches.

b) Gift Day – Reach

c) Deanery News