KHPC Fabric Team

" In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night" After the frights of the previous weeks , especially with the weather  and the Fuel Delivery not being able to get anywhere close to us; everything now seems to be settling into an oft practised schedule. Young Church's Christingles and Christmas Party; held for all those who share our Building The Nativity performed by the 'wee ones' during Sunday Morning Worship - Exciting again this year, as once more we had a real live Baby Jesus: Honestly we don't plan it that way it just happens.  Baby Jesus cradled tenderly  The Candlelight Carol Service with all 60 or so of the East Dunbartonshire Concert Band, was the first for our new Organist Willie Murray; and, with our own Choir and a plethora of parents and friends it was a wonderful occasion. The Band had suffered so many cancellations because of weather that they were really determined that this show...

As I was pouring milk into my coffee this morning, I casually thought about our food supplies. Yes, I know that walking down to Byres Road to get the staples in for the weekend is going to be (for me and many others) a major expedition. But the main point is, that there are going to be some things in the shops to buy. Perhaps not quite the extensive choice we have come to expect, but still there will be food and water. Frozen pipes and broken systems do mean hardships for some, but remember those for whom the hardships are completely beyond our ken. The Homeless on our own streets, and also those in far off lands;   The Farmers who have to watch thousands of gallons of milk thrown away, and the thousands who starve. Christmas is a time for selfless love. Can we rise above the current difficulties and help ourselves and our neighbours. Our careful Christmas plans may change, but we have to accept and go with what is thrown at us. Just please don't let it be more snow!...

Just a quick note to say how pleased I am, that Alastair of Surface Contracts, was able to clean out all our Ground Drains. How can it be possible that so much water can fall in one short week. At least the winds have shaken most of the remaining leaves from the trees. So the next task is to get the Gutters cleared (again) before the winter weather comes. Off to man 'Open Church' now; always a worthwhile task. I wonder what music I'll play today? Any requests? Let me know and if I don't play it this week, I may be able to fulfil your requests next week

It's Official! October is a Wet and Windy Month. This last week in October has once again turned out to be one of strong gales with lots of rain.  Convoluted Drainpipes!  It's amazing how easy it is to check, when you consider that this is the 3rd October that I've been blogging about  the Fabric of KH, I can hardly believe it. For various reasons, today was actually  the first day that I ventured out this week, and I was delighted to see an old friend of KH getting ready to 'do his stuff'; clearing out all the drains within the grounds. Many will be glad to see that the Car Park no longer has a small lake in the bottom corner.  I commented to Alastair of 'Surface Contracts' that it was a horribly rainy day, to which he replied that they tended to get wet and muddy anyway, so the weather didn't really make much difference.  Still rather them than me. Anyway it's all timed nicely for anot...

At last some good news in the Financial world. The official announcement from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport follows: " The Department has announced that the LPW scheme will continue for a further 4 years from April 2011. There will be an annual fixed maximum budget of £12 million, and the Department will discuss with faith groups and denominations how the scheme can best operate within that budget. The restriction to scope already announced from 4 January will remain in place- professional fees, and repairs to clocks, pews, bells and organs, will remain ineligible from 1 April. Further announcements will be made in due course." What does this mean? For us at KH, it means that we can reclaim the VAT paid on every repair we carry out to the main structure of the Building. A very important consideration when you realise that VAT is to increase to 20% in January 2011. Despite the financial restrictions which are in place, this does show that the Government recognises...

Last Saturday's 'Festive Trumpets' Concert was, by all accounts, a success. The sounds from Mark and Hedley's trumpets filled the space around us ; yet never strident or overbearing, and the performance of Faure's Cantique dueting with the violins was truly beautiful. Once more KH showed its worth as a performance space. Afterwards the hall downstairs fairly buzzed with a happy audience enjoying cake and coffee.   An atmospheric view of the Organ Pipes in the tower   The week following the trumpets seems to have been  full of pipes and tubes of differing types. At KH we had to deal with an old leak in a cast-iron heating pipe and also the gas supply pipes under the Hall Floor.  The October School Holiday week gave us a few extra time slots when the upheaval and lack of heating wouldn't affect anyone greatly.  The various sets of workmen have been  able to complete everything before the Weekend which is of course w...