A variety of local and national charities have recently received generous donations, in order to further their vital work in a mixture of support organisations and research projects.

Each financial year, St. Mary's Benefice makes regular donations to a long list of charitable organisations, allocating 10 per cent of all incomes.

Over and above these gifts, further donations are made following specific fund raising events and collections. Ongoing support is given to charities from the annual Posies Festival, The Handbell Ringers, Mothers' Union, the Soupermen, Sunday Club and numerous other church groups. At the Eucharist service on Sunday, the Rector, Rev. Canon Andrew Grace, welcomed representatives from seven charitable organisations and presented each of them with substantial gifts.

Having presented the cheques to the representatives, Rector Andrew, in prayer, asked for God's blessing both on the work of these magnificent charities and on the individuals whose lives are enhanced through the support they receive.

When the children joined the service for their blessings at the altar, Nan shared with the congregation that, following a collection in Sunday Club and some further personal donations, it had been possible to pay for five pairs of special orthopaedic sandals for children who have been victims of the ravages of leprosy.