By Kevin Painter

Sadly, St Mary’s Church is facing a considerable financial deficit this year.

This is due mainly to the coronavirus crisis, which has led to much reduced collections, donations, parish fee and shop income, and to the cancellation of the summer fete and music festival.

The deficit also reflects particularly significant expenditure on repairs to the church.

Although the church building was totally closed, many of the costs continue.

That included salaries, insurance and repairs to the church.

In addition, they have an ongoing commitment to pay the Parish Share, which is £13,443 per quarter.

This is our contribution to the cost of ministry in the Diocese, which of course includes Tetbury’s’ Parish Priest, Poppy.

As sadly, the always popular church fete will not be able to take place this summer they are asking you to consider whether you could please make a donation instead.

They are so very grateful to everyone who gives regularly and generously via the Parish Giving Scheme, envelopes and other forms of standing order.

If you are able to, please consider making a one-off donation or increasing your giving through the Parish Giving Scheme, envelopes or by standing order.

If you would like to join the Parish Giving Scheme or increase your giving through it they can be contacted by telephone on 0333 002 1271.

Tetbury Church Council have also set up a JustGiving page - www.justgiving.com/tetburypcc.