As I was preparing to write this page, I began to reminisce about the experience of living in Ansley over the past 38 years. Having lived in Weddington and then just off Heath End Road, my route to the shops in Birmingham was via Ansley, Coleshill and Bordesley Green. I always liked the mix of housing I saw when driving through Ansley. Eventually I made the move into the village. I had lived in farm cottages and gone to school in local villages as a child, so I felt comfortable in my new surroundings.
A card from the Vicar was posted through my letterbox and I decided to go to church, which had not been part of my life since leaving college. I became a regular and looked forward to the ride on the bus that took a route around the parish to the evening service.
Over the years I was invited to help at events and joined in home study groups, which helped my faith to grow and be based on a solid foundation.
Eventually I was asked to consider joining the PCC. It was with some trepidation that I agreed as I had a busy life as a teacher but I haven’t regretted my decision. I didn’t expect to become a deputy churchwarden but found that what had seemed quite intimidating at first was achievable.
The APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) was held at the end of April. If you are on the electoral roll you can vote at the APCM and can be elected onto the PCC. The PCC meets once a month, apart from August and December. It is responsible for the financial affairs of the church and the care and maintenance of the fabric and contents of the building. Policies are drawn up and reviewed regularly for issues such as Health and Safety, Finance, Data Protection and Safeguarding. The PCC supports the work of the vicar, contributes ideas and organises events to develop the faith and life of the church and to reach out to the local community. You can join the electoral roll at any time of the year, so if you would like to, please speak to a churchwarden.
D.K.