Thanks to a huge effort. a lot of generous people and extremely hard work by Bob Shatwell, St Mark’s has a new carpet (pictured above with members of the St Mark’s congregation).

The majority of the funds raised was from the Craft Market which runs at St Mark’s on the third Saturday of March, June, September and November (the next one is on 16th so come and see the carpet as well as all the crafts!). Since the market started in 2021, it has raised £3,852.50 from craft stalls and £2,005.57 from selling refreshments, in large part thanks to Jean Sanders, Chriss Green, Elaine Fell and the team, along with musicians Bob and Lesley Shatwell, Roger Sanders and friends who keep everyone entertained during the market.

Well done to everyone involved and a massive thank you! The carpet enhances the building and sets off the Kitty Milroy murals nicely.

The carpet replaces an aisle carpet which became a trip hazard and had to be taken up, and one in the nave in front of the altar which was threadbare and dirty. The new one not only looks hugely better but feels it too, so much so that one of the church’s regular hirers who runs music classes for pre-school children said: “It’s so comfortable to sit on we nearly fell asleep on it!”

From left: Elaine Fell, Rev’d Lesley Crawley, Jean Sanders on the new carpet.