The Parish Council have sent out invitations ahead of next's month Alderley Edge Civic Sunday Service.
The Civic Service used to be held annually, rotating between the village churches, but it fell in to decline in 2003 and has not been held since. However, a decision was taken last year to reinstate the tradition and the first Civic Service in 8 years will be held at St. Philip and St James Church on Sunday May 15th.
The Civic Service will mark the start of the civic year and take place soon after the local elections on May 5th. So, even though no election is being held for Alderley Edge Parish Council, the new council will have formed and the three new councillors: Joseph Bergin, Melanie Connor and Sue Joseph will be on board.
Councillor Mike Williamson, Chairman of Alderley Edge Parish Council, has sent out invitations to all the local dignitaries, including MPs, senior police officers, members of other neighbouring town and parish councils, past councillors of Alderley Edge and representatives of all the various local voluntary groups and churches to the service.
A collection taken during the service has traditionally been the main source of income for the Civic Fund - a hardship fund which has been set up to assist, on a one-off basis, anyone living in exceptional hardship in the parish who needs money for a particular purpose.
In the past money has been granted to provide a cooker to a local resident in need, buy musical instruments for children otherwise unable to afford them, pay for the funeral of a disabled child where the family were not earning because they also had another severely-disabled child to care for and to pay for a short holiday for a single mother and her child. The recipients remain anonymous, except to the trustees.
Councillor Mike Williamson explained "The Institute Trust is available to consider larger funding needs, but for small amounts that could make a difference, then this fund should be considered. We have made several attempts over the last 5 years to raise the profile, with little effect."
Although there haven't been any applications to the fund for some time, the last payment was over 10 years ago, the collection will boost the current balance of £738.
The Alderley Edge Civic Sunday Service will be held at 10.30 am on Sunday May 15th and St. Philip and St James Church, with coffee served afterwards on the Church lawn. St. Philip and St James will be open as normal so the usual congregation can attend.
Comments
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I, together with the majority of non-religious persons, want secular government that makes decisions and policy guided by democracy and reason. A Civic Service confuses the distinction between Church and Government. Let the Churches do the praying and worship, and the Councils the representation of the people - whatever their religion or lack of it.