The AGM of the Friends of St Mary’s Church took place on May 20. Chairman Anthony Kimber took us swiftly through the administrative items, presenting the accounts and electing the officers for the committee. He thanked the Friends for raising funds to help maintain the fabric of the church. Anthony itemised a few things money has gone to and will go to, for example safety rails on the top of the tower, protection of a particular window, installing CCTV around the church (it was not an easy decision but the committee felt they needed to have this safety measure).
We were told that some money is available from the pot but more funds are always needed.
Anthony explained that everyone is welcome to St Mary’s and to become a Friend independent of their (or any) faith.After the serious stuff we were in for a treat, a visual presentation by Anthony Kimber about John Piper, the artist who lived between 1903-1992 and painted for a short time in Rye. The talk concentrated on his interest in churches. Several of his paintings were of local churches. Why not look at the St Mary’s Church Facebook page to see more of the unusual architectural features.
Photo: Kenneth Bird