All great stories need a beginning, a middle and an end. Our Anniversary story is no different.
The Start. The beginning of the story is that to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the building of St Peters Church, we agreed to look outwards rather than inwards. It was agreed that we would raise funds for a small parish in Ghana that was in need of a new roof, and also needed funds to send two parishioners there to train as nurses.
Why Ghana? The story goes back to when Fr Geoff had hosted Fr Joe who was visiting the UK and in doing so created a lifelong relationship. Fr Joe’s Parish church , in Gyaakye had a roof made from palm leaves needing regular replacement, and we raised money to build a permanent roof. We also raised money for two of his Parishioners, Marcellina and Gloria, to train to become nurses
The Middle. As for the middle of this story, overall we raised approximately £8,000 through raffles, events and donations. Fr Geoff published a diary and also pictures of St Peters were sold. The project not only recognised our own birthday celebration, but allowed the parish to unify around a single project.
The End. Although the Anniversary Project has now officially finished. there is no real end to this story. It carries on. Although our financial obligation to Fr Joe and his community has now been completed, we remain in contact with him. The Parish should be content in the fact that we have hopefully made a lasting impact on their lives and the wellbeing of their community, put a more permanent roof over their heads, and especially that we have celebrated our Anniversary in Grand Style.
