The council has honoured the Revd Jacqueline Drake-Smith for her dedication to St Peter’s Wrecclesham by contributing towards her Lychgate repair appeal.
The announcement was made after Revd Drake-Smith led prayers prior to last Thursday’s full town council meeting.
The 19th century lychgate opposite St Peter’s on School Hill is nearly 140 years old and showing its age, with some of its timbers now rotten and falling apart.
Around £18,000 is needed for expert repairs but FTC have given a helping hand as they’ve agreed to pay 25 per cent of the cost – up to £5,000 – as a gift to Wrecclesham and a nod to Revd Drake-Smith.
Revd Drake-Smith is retiring this month after seven-and-a-half years in Wrecclesham so the lychgate won’t be restored during her incumbency, with work expected to take two to three months.
But she’s been moved by the reaction of well-wishers with half the initial £6,000 target being donated through the Wrecclesham Lychgate Appeal on Justgiving in a week.
And with FTC also helping out financially, it means an expert carpenter from Frensham can start much-needed repairs sooner rather than later.
Town mayor, Cllr George Murray, called Jacqueline’s retirement “well deserved” in a speech full of gratitude.
He said: “You have been so welcoming and we are glad to have met you – we wish you all the best from Farnham Town Council and we hope you enjoy your retirement.”
Revd Drake-Smith has contributed to Wrecclesham not only in her services but also through the Bourne Conservation Group, as she often helps out with surveys.
Her last service will be at 10am this Sunday, August 10, at St Peter’s Church in Wrecclesham.
To make a donation visit https://shorturl.at/IUL5D
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