The role of the Deacons is to oversee the practical side of church and especially to support the Elders in their spiritual leadership.

This year the report will reflect several personnel changes. At the beginning of the financial year Barbie Margetts became Treasurer, with Michael Elliot 'financial assistant'. We have greatly appreciated the excellent way Michael has kept the accounts and given advice on many issues. Last August Russell Dyer became very ill and had to relinquish his responsibilities for 3 months. His duties were covered in the main by Geoff Girling, Walt Dancy, Tony Brown and Adrian Kerr. We do appreciate their willingness to do this. In December Geoff retired from the Diaconate after serving in a wide variety of ways over many years. His reliability and consistency made him a most valued member of the team. This resulted in extra responsibility handed over to an already 'overloaded' Russell. We have been concerned about this and pray that more support and assistance will become available for him. In January Debbie Hooker was elected Deacon. In March she was also appointed as Church Administrator, taking over much of the work done by Margaret Barber (who will be completing her term as Deacon in July). This is now a salaried post, currently 8 hours per week. Debbie has brought different experiences and interests to the team and is already proving an excellent administrator. Special thanks to Julie John for administrative support to Margaret over several years.

A very happy event last April was celebrating Owen Wright's 80th birthday with a special lunch. It was good to have his close family and some members of the Male Voice Choir join us. Owen sung to us (much appreciated) and gave us '80 years in 20 minutes'. In contrast to this was the very sudden and sad death of Maureen Hayward. She was always strong in her faith and very supportive to the Deacons both prayerfully and practically. We greatly miss her in so many ways and continue to remember the family, especially Ken. Church family life is about 'rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn'. We pray that as Deacons we will give support and encouragement to all who are in need. Over the year we have been conscious of many needs within the Fellowship and do thank those who have responded so generously in providing meals, giving lifts and making visits. Ken and Maureen were preparing to become 'support facilitators'. Thank you to Erika Belcher for taking on this role in the interim.

A very successful Away Day at Clanfield was arranged in November by Debbie. Excellent teaching was given by David Earl and then a fun time at Ray and Fiona's including fireworks. Sadly the Church Weekend Away did not receive the expected support and had to be cancelled, incurring considerable cost to the church fellowship.

We have continued to update Health and Safety policies especially fire and health and safety procedures. Thank you to Stephanie Brown for handling CRB checks; this will now be undertaken by Debbie. We are looking to organise a training day on 'Child Protection' in the near future.

Last summer Lydia Margetts went to South Africa for 3 months on a Tearfund project working with a church and especially with children in need. We were pleased to give some financial support from the church to her. It is very encouraging when young people take time out for this type of Christian service.

We are thankful for the guidance and support given to us by Paul and the Elders and to many of you who pray for us, being there to support and help as needed. Looking back at last year's report we see many of our prayers answered. In the coming year there will be changes in the team, new events and initiatives especially as COG develops, keeping up with statutory requirements and other challenges as the year unfolds. Pray that we will each keep a close walk with God, remain faithful in our service and that He will be at the centre of our discussions and decisions.

Margaret Barber

(on behalf of the Deacon's: Russell Dyer, Debbie Hooker and Barbie Margetts)