Green Group - Barbara Hosier

Our achievements in 2007:

• Recycling bins introduced in the refectory

• Use of low energy light bulbs and rechargeable batteries where possible within church and hall

• 'Green” tips printed on the Link each week

• Regular updates and reports from Green group meetings to PCC, with discussion on related issues eg. investigating the use of a wind turbine on the church /solar power

• 'Green spot” introduced with notices/information/tips and containers for used batteries/printer cartridges

• Green issues included in series of sermons during October 07

• Ongoing contact with Duncan Jones, Environment Officer LBH

Green theme and display throughout Festival 2007

• Visit organized to Grundon's Recycling Plant in November.

• List of handy hints and 'green” websites distributed to congregation Christmas 07

• Priorities for 2008

• Continue to obtain regular updates on recycling in Hillingdon from Duncan Jones

• Continue to keep up the profile of the Green Group in church and on the website

• keep the debate going on energy saving in the church and the hall

Flower Guild - Evelyn Tinsley

The Flower Guild did the usual things again throughout the year, such as flowers at the two altars each week, apart from Advent and Lent, plus decorating the church for Easter, Harvest and Christmas, posies for Mothering Sunday, wedding flowers and extra arrangements when requested. The annual Beetle Drive also took place, enjoyed by all who attended.

The main event, of course, was the 4-day Flower Festival, which took place at the beginning of the 9-day festival in June. This was a lot of hard work for the members and visiting flower arrangers.

It has to be said the Flower Guild was bitterly disappointed at the amount taken over the 4 days – total £113.50 to be shared equally by St John's and the Flower Guild's chosen charity, London's Air Ambulance – a very poor result.

All members felt that there would have to be changes for future Flower Festivals as the overall appearance of the church during this event was lost with all the other activities going on. It was forgotten that the church, during a Flower Festival, should be a haven of peace.

The membership, a small and dedicated band, will continue to do its best – would welcome more members.

Bellringers - Mike Palmer

Alas, another bad year for us. We continue to pray for the White family whose daughter Shona is receiving treatment for a brain tumour. Those who receive updates from Simon will be aware of how things are.

During early summer, Stephen and Christine Russ moved to the Southampton area as Stephen's job relocated. In recognition of their contribution to the Guild, a quarter peal was rung and Stephen was presented with an engraved pewter beer mug.

Throughout the year, we have continued to be dependent on visitors from nearby towers to practice and to ring on Sundays. So, thanks again to those who come regularly, especially Alan, Eric and Audrey from the Uxbridge band for their regular support throughout the year.

Regarding social events, the Annual Supper was held at the Prince Albert in March but no outing was arranged. My thanks to Christine for making the arrangements.

We rang for Sunday morning service on most Sundays this year and also for the 8am service on Easter Day but for the first time in living memory, did not have sufficient ringers to ring for Christmas or the New Year. I fear there will be an increasing number of Sundays this year when there are not enough of us to ring.

Four peals were rung during the year being Spliced Surprise Royal by a mainly Middlesex band organised by the current Association master, Stephen Mitchell, Grandsire Caters organised by Frank Blagrove, past Middlesex Association master, Stedman Caters rung as a fund raiser for the new ring of bells being installed during 2008 at St Magnus the Martyr, Lower Thames Street, on the north side of London Bridge and Yorkshire Surprise Royal organised by Barrie Dove of Leeds.

4 quarter peals were rung, being 1 of Doubles, 1 of Minor and 2 of Caters.

Those of note were :

• for Confirmation service

• as a goodbye to the Russ family.

• To finish, thank you for all your support throughout the year.