May 2025 – Your New Church Warden – Meg Ralph
I am very much aware of what an honour and a privilege it is to have been elected at the Annual Vestry Meeting to be the new ‘People’s Warden’. As someone who is a relative newcomer to the parish I have been overwhelmed by the encouragement and support I have received from many people over the past weeks, since being asked to consider whether this is a role into which I might I might fit, and be called to serve. During that time I have spoken to a number of people in the parish with experience of the role and/or who have the ear of the congregation. Their collective wisdom and advice has been hugely helpful in making a decision, and that, together with my own soul searching and prayers have led to me feel that this is the right thing for me to do, and that I do have skills to offer which could be of use – and also a great deal to learn!
As the people’s warden I am there to serve you, as well as to work alongside David in supporting Caroline. I know most of you by your faces, but not always by name, and like most of us as we get older, don’t always remember names. Do please make yourselves known to me – I will endeavour over the next few weeks, and then regularly, to be a face at the door as you come into church. I hope the choir will understand if I slip in at the last minute to join them! If I can ever be of any help, or you have any issues that you need to air then please feel free to ask. I have broad shoulders and a listening ear.
St. Mary’s church family has been so welcoming to me since I arrived here at the end of 2022 and have found a niche in the choir, as a church steward and contributing to lesson reading and the intercessions. I have loved becoming involved with the school as a governor, and will soon become a foundation governor, representing the church. It is good to be able to give something back, and I hope that I can add to the many skills and talents of the wonderful team of people who work together to strengthen and grow the community that makes St. Mary’s such a very special place and group of people at the heart of Fairford.
Meg Ralph
Updated 27th May 2025