The
early meetings of the CGWG were held in the
Delos
home in
Park Road
, where he lived. Ken’s vision has
lived on since that time and when Ken left Wellingborough for
Thailand
to be a missionary, Mike Seamark then took over the leadership role. His
enthusiasm and encouragement saw the Group grow in numbers and influence in the
Church, resulting in many successful fund-raising projects.
Our
latest project is helping to fund a new school in
Gorom-Gorom
,
Burkina Faso
,
West Africa
. (See Here)
In
addition to annual fund-raising for specific projects, the Group has been active
in other areas. We have gathered old
hand tools for Tools for Self Reliance to refurbish and send to developing
countries. We have written greeting cards, through Amnesty International, to
prisoners of conscience throughout the world. The CGWG has sent money to the
Bible Society in
Central America
to help them rebuild their offices and replenish Bibles, etc., destroyed after
Hurricane Mitch.
The
CGWG has always endeavored to ensure we have an involvement with an individual
person or group, who is able to report directly to our fellowship on the
progress of the project and how funding is being used. In line with this
philosophy, with our current project, we have the closest possible contact - Keith
Smith, the son of one of our members Barbara Stanford-Smith.
Our
funds are hard-earned and precious, and the Group need to be assured that money
raised will be effectively and responsibly used.
As an example of our strict monitoring of funding recipients, in 2004, we
had to redirect our sponsorship of the Ziguinchor School Project in
Senegal
to an alternative school in
Peru
*.
The
CGWG tries to be innovative in its fundraising activities. We have the much
loved Safari Suppers on alternative years, we have produced cookery books, sold
specially made mugs, held themed evenings (French, Peru, Caribbean, Mad
Hatter’s Tea Party, Pea n’ Pie Supper, Tramps Evening, etc.) and, of course,
regular Coffee Mornings …. we will try anything!
On
our pew envelopes we always use the quote from James 2:17 - “Faith
by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.”
Mike Seamark also loves to quote the words of the Irish philosopher, who
some centuries ago, wrote, “Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who does
nothing, because he can only do a little.”
Finally,
a mention of our Group membership. Over the years, many ordinary, and
extraordinary, people have answered God’s call and given generously of their
time and talents to fund-raise for the Group and, as an added bonus, contribute
hugely to the social side of our church. We
are always on the lookout for new members and, if you feel moved to join our
happy band of workers, please contact any CGWG Member.
The
current members are Cynthia Bailey, Chris Clavey, Jeanette Devonport, Joe
Dewart, Claire Ette, Richard Hartnell, Bob Seaman, Barbara Stanford-Smith, Bob
Seaman and Connie Willie. And not least our Minister, Rev. Paul Bedford, who is
a most active and encouraging supporter as are the Elders.
Come
on – what’s stopping you joining us – lift that phone now!
