Most of you have read the account of the Parochial Church Meeting in the local paper. There are, however, one or two comments I should like to make. It did not seem to me to be a satisfactory meeting in point of numbers. Out of 271 notices sent round to the electors on the Electoral Roll only some 40 took the trouble to turn up.

Allowing for the bad weather and the prevailing influenza colds of the time, there would still seem to be a lack of interest in the affairs of the Church. From the Balance Sheet of the Church Accounts we see that but for two heavy items of expenditure - on the lighting and the Churchyard extension - our income guaranteed a full-time Curate and the payment of our quota of obligation to the London Diocesan Fund. With an increase of support from many whose names are missing from the list of subscribers given in last month’s issue of the Magazine, all financial anxiety would be lifted from the shoulders of the Parochial Church Council, and the Parish would be adequately staffed.

At the Parochial Church Council Meeting, which preceded the Parochial Church Meeting, an important and historic document was signed - the Deed conveying the sites of the old schools to the Parochial Church Council. We are greatly indebted to the generosity of the relatives of the late Rev. F. W. FitzWygram, and we can assure them that their kindness is much appreciated by all concerned. Our best thanks are due, also, to Mr. King-Stephens who very kindly undertook all the legal matters in connection with the conveyance.

And now the question is being asked, What are we going to do with the buildings? That is a matter for the new Parochial Church Council to decide, but I hope that the old Boys’ School building will be turned into a Parish Hall worthy of the Parish. I believe it is possible to do this for a sum not exceeding nine hundred pounds, and I further believe that once we have the hall we should not be long in paying off any capital sum we may have to borrow, together with the interest. With regard to the Girls’ and Infants’ buildings, it is proposed to keep them as they are for the holding of Sunday School, Clubs, etc., letting a sufficient portion of it to bring in funds towards the maintenance and upkeep. However, we have something for all to take a keen interest in and upon which to concentrate a special effort just now.

Source: The Hampton Hill Parish Magazine - 1929 February