IT WAS a real pleasure to see so many people at our very special service, only reinforcing their support for Christ Church in the past, at present and in the future, as we now have a future! Along with all our local supporters the Heritage Lottery Fund enabled us to achieve this. Our new roof completed, our energy restored (well almost) we can look forward, secure in the knowledge we have a building which will serve generations to come. Indeed Bishop John reiterated just that when he spoke of our achievements over the past few years and of our relationship with our community here in Malvern and the very real connection we make with them when they walk through our doors. Bishop John highlighted the direct connection we make with people through music in the concerts we host, how they find through that music a spirituality that cannot be defined or articulated, just simply something truly wondrous. Yes we are a Church and we are there for worship and providing that all important welcome to those who worship with us. But our welcome is more than that , it extends to everyone who enters. What we represent is the warmth and love of Christ himself. We are very grateful to Bishop John for coming and sharing with us and we all had a lovely time after the service chatting and eating Brian Willis’s delicious cakes, sharing that fellowship and warmth in a tangible way that has existed for many generations, through simple food and drink.

We very much look forward to the concert on Saturday, May 7 at 7.30pm, an opportunity to see a new Piano Trio performing at Christ Church. Three prize winning musicians, all Graduates of the Royal College of Music. Tim Sidford, whom many of you will already be familiar with from his wonderful performances on the piano at Christ Church, Shulah Oliver , on violin and Rebecca Rose , on cello. The programme includes Beethoven, Arnold and Brahms and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets on the door, £10 (children £2) Enquiries to www.timsidfordmusic.com. Proceeds, after expenses will be for our Roof Appeal. Wine & soft drinks will be available at the interval. Please do come. A reminder that we will not be open for our Bok Fair on Saturday, May 7 due to a wedding, but we will be there as usual on 14 May 10am-noon and our “ Summer Fair” is not far away, 4 June 10am-1pm. Our website has all the details of all our events and services www.christchurch-malvern.org.uk

ANGELA GREEN