Churches Together in Sidmouth to fold

AN organisation that links together churches of different denominations in Sidmouth is to fold- despite a successful year of events.

Churches Together in Sidmouth (CTiS) leaders say it will disband in late August, due to a lack of volunteers willing to take on executive committee duties.

Outgoing chairman Mike Edgecumbe said he couldn’t carry the burden of commitments on his own and opted not to continue in the role at the group’s annual general meeting last Thursday.

Mr Edgecumbe said: “I’ve had to carry much of the CTiS work myself, with very little help, and only our Lord to turn to. We just can’t get the volunteers.

“Once it folds, for it to re-start again will be a very difficult job.”

Ecumenical events that have already been planned will take place under the watch of an interim committee led by new chairman Joan Edgecumbe and vice-chair Joan Bennett.

Mrs Bennett told the Herald: “In some respects, we feel that CTiS has served its purpose and is no longer needed.

“Provided good communication between the congregations is maintained, we shall continue to work together on our various outreach and community projects

“We hope and believe that the main events, like the Good Friday Walk of Witness and the Festival Service in Connaught Gardens for FolkWeek, will continue for many years to come.

“This doesn’t mean churches in Sidmouth will no longer do things together.

“If you go to Salcombe Regis Fair next week, you’ll see members of at least three other churches running stalls in support of the village and its church.

“The recent ‘Passion for Life’ mission and Christian Aid week were both held recently by churches working together, without reference to CTiS, and they showed good results. Also, the recently re-opened Prayer Room in Holmdale is being used by Christians from various churches to meet together.”

Mr and Mrs Edgecumbe said they’ll continue with ecumenical work and fundraising.