All Saints Winter Lectures

Background

All Saints is beautiful 12th Century Church, serving the Anna Benefice.  In 2010, the Parochial Church Council for Upper Clatford, Anna Valley and Red Rice community, investigated ways in which it could make itself more sustainable, and one idea which seemed attractive was to install PV panels on the Meadow Room roof, which faces south but cannot be seen from the front of the Church.  Having got approval from English Heritage and the Church Commissioners, the PCC then needed to raise approximately £12,000 to install 10 PV panels which, benefiting from the Government Feed-In Tariff, would provide a long term, guaranteed revenue stream.   It was agreed that a couple of talks would be organised which were very well supported  and the balance of funds required was donated by individual residents.

Many residents suggested this becomes a regular event, which led to this Lecture series. The Parish have been very fortunate that, over the years, we have had a succession of eminent speakers, who have always given their time for free, which has meant that, for the most part, the lectures sell out. 

Distribution of Funds Raised

Since 2011, including additional donations to All Saints solar panel project (the original purpose), the talks have raised £47,300 after costs.  Generally, half the funds raised are given to All Saints for the Fabric Fund (£33,700) and the balance to different charity each year (e.g. War Graves Commission, Kings Ebola Fund, MSF, Naomi House and Countess Brecknock Hospice, ABCD). 

Between 2020 and 2022, £10,800 was raised for All Saints' Roof Refurbishment.

When and where are the Talks held

The Talks are held in January or February each year, in the King Edward VII Memorial Hall, Upper Clatford.  On occassions where demand exceeds capacity, Farliegh School have generously provided a larger venue. 

Organisers and Contact Details

Charles (07730 304 290) and Nicki (07909 902 308) Crosthwaite Eyre, The Old Malthouse, Upper Clatford, Andover, Hants, SP11 7QL.  Email charles.c.eyre@btinternet.com