SAINT Andrew’s Church Parochial Church Council at Colebrooke has issued an appeal for donations.

Elizabeth Jones, on behalf of the PCC, said: "It is with regret, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, our two major fund raising events, the Spring Craft Fair and the Church Fete in June, have had to be cancelled, and no doubt future events will also have to be cancelled including the Autumn Craft Fair. The Christmas concert last year had to be cancelled as a result of flooding.

"As you may all be aware the church is, at present, closed, and as a result of this and the cancelled events, we are losing income from the collections made at services and from visitors, amounting to about £3,000.

"It costs approximately £666 a month to run the church, this includes Common Fund, Insurance, and other bills, but does not include any regular maintenance required throughout the year. The profits from these events are essential to cover our expenses.

"The members of the Parochial Church Council would appreciate it if anyone would be willing to make a donation to help to cover these huge losses.

"This can be made by BACS. Sort code 30-93-14. Account Number 03621203.

"Or by cheque made payable to PCC Colebrooke Parish.

"These can be sent to The Treasurer, Val Pennington, Horwell Barton, Colebrooke, Crediton EX17 5DH. Telephone 01363 84250.

"If you are a taxpayer, the donation can be Gift Aided at no extra cost to yourself.

"If you have not already signed a gift aid declaration form they are available from the treasurer. All donations would be kept confidential.

"We all look forward to happier times when we can all be back enjoying our very special events, pulled pork and cakes. But for now it is important we all keep well and safe."

SERVICES

Elizabeth continued: "On a more positive note I have been holding a Church Service each Sunday at 10am on ZOOM.

"It is proving very worthwhile and everyone seems to be enjoying it.

"If you would like to join in the service we would be delighted to ‘see’ you. You would just need to download ZOOM onto your computer.

"It is free and takes up little space. Do let me know and I can send you an ‘invitation’ to join the service. In these dreadful times for the world it is good to be able to come together, see each other, chat with each other, and feel part of the community.

"May 10 would be our normal Family Service. We are asking all the children in the village if they would like to join in by showing and telling us what they have been doing during the lockdown.

"My telephone number is 01363 84339 and my email is: [email protected] .

"I hope that you are all safe and well and would love to see you on line."