If you would like to make a Declaration, have a word with Ken Anstiss (tele: 01684 592215).  

FIRST AID BOX

Following a recent tumble in the churchyard it was realised  that it was not widely known that we do have a First Aid box. This is to be found in the boiler room on the left-hand side on the shelf. Please feel free to use this in any minor injury occurring at the church. If you would kindly let the churchwardens know what you have used it will help us to keep it well stocked and ready for use.

MALVERN FOOD BANK

Thank you all very much for your continued support of the Food Bank.

Yes a much larger store room is now needed and the demand  is greater so we must continue in our generous giving, as you so readily do.

Best wishes
Ann Henderson

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN MALVERN

Chairman — Mrs Chris Bray    -    Secretary Mrs Jenny Bull

20 Crown Lea Avenue                    10 Christ Church Road

Malvern                                           Malvern

01684 560920                                   01684 561307

email: cbray@waitrose.com             email: jennybull10@btinternet.com

 Farming Community Network

Farming itself is not in crisis, but many people in the farming community are experiencing serious problems related to their business or their personal lives. These problems include animal diseases, such as Bovine TB, veterinary regulations and agricultural bureaucracy, the effects of the weather, rising costs and debt, isolation and loneliness. Some are having to face up to making radical changes to their businesses or even leaving agriculture altogether. In many cases not only is a job at stake, but also a home, a way of life and a family tradition. There can be intense feelings of bewilderment, anger, frustration and despair, and often overwhelming fatigue.

 Farm Crisis Network (FCN) is a UK network of volunteer groups drawn from the farming community and rural churches, ready to ‘walk with’ farming people and their families as they strive to resolve such problems. For some all that is needed is an opportunity to talk with somebody sympathetic and not directly involved. Others may need someone to support them for many weeks or months. FCN volunteers are prepared to relate to all aspects of the situation and have links with sources of professional help where needed. FCN has its own Business Support Group and it works closely with the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, the Arthur Rank Centre Addington Fund and where necessary with the Samaritans.

FCN provides a national Helpline which is manned from 7am to 11pm every day of the year, with an answerphone between these hours. It has over 300 active volunteers spread across England and Wales in County based Groups, which provide a visiting service to deliver practical and pastoral support to farming people and families. Following the production of a report 2 years ago into the human costs of the impact of Bovine TB, FCN has been contracted by DEFRA to provide a sympathetic interface between farmers suffering from the effects of Bovine TB and the perceived bureaucracy of Animal Health officials. Whilst DEFRA now provides some funding to cover the additional work involved, FCN still relies primarily on donations from churches and members of the public to fund the work of its volunteers and limited administrative overheads. In these difficult economic times, it is struggling to raise sufficient funds and County Groups are now having to address the challenge of raising funds, as well as carrying out their primary support role.

Church Flowers

The beautiful flower arrangements which enhance Little Malvern Priory are much appreciated by us all and we are constantly grateful to our talented flower arrangers.

 Should you wish to join ‘the team’ please let Barbara Thomas know, in person, by phone — 01684575753, or email: beesteele@btinternet.com 

Photographs