Despite the restrictions placed upon it, the unique village of Graffham continues to show great community spirit, offering support and encouragement to each other in many ways.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
We look forward to the restoration of community events in the Church, Empire Hall and Recreation Ground, like the Arts Festival, Bank Holiday Fete, Harvest Supper and Christmas Fair. Until then, Graffham is using its creative imagination to find ways of coming together without disrespecting current directions. The VE75 celebrations and marks of respect shown by residents to corteges travelling to funerals in the churchyard attest to this. ‘The Village of Graffham tells the Christmas Story’ video is another recent initiative to bring our community together.
BELL RINGING
We have a ring of six bells in the tower of St Giles Church and a keen band of ringers waiting to return to ringing when restrictions are lifted. We look forward to hearing the bells ring again in our village. The ‘Ringing Room’ virtual bell tower is being used by our ringers to practice method ringing to great effect.
CHURCH SCHOOL
Our Church School is responding to teaching requirements as they develop. Headteacher Helen Martin and her staff are placing the well-being of children and families at the forefront of their considerations during the coronavirus pandemic and the church is ready to support as and when it can.
More information about the school can be found on the Lavington Park Federation website. https://graffhamandduncton.w-sussex.sch.uk/
Also see the Friends of Graffham and Duncton Facebook page for fund-raising events and activities. https://www.facebook.com/friendsofgraffhamandduncton/
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Recent charities supported by our parish include the Chestnut Tree Hospice, Stonepillow, the Petworth Foodbank, Help Refugees and the Mothers’ Union ‘Away from it all’ appeal to replace its caravan at Selsey for families in need.. We continue to offer charitable support to these and other charities as and when we can.
PACT
We support the Petworth Area Churches Together in the initiatives it offers to foster positive relationships between denominations and demonstrate Christian witness and service. The Foodbank in particular is a focus for Christian service just now.
Please see the PACT website for information: https://www.petworthareachurchestogether.com/