Jon L. before the SPT's AGM in the church

I arrived a few minutes early at St Laurence church in the centre of town. Camilla was already there as she has been for many days as a key organiser of the Christmas Tree festival within the church. Tonight though she was there in her role as chair of the Stroud Preservation Trust as we were holding our AGM in the church.

Jon L. is a fellow trustee and I took this picture soon after he'd arrived whilst he visually examined the base of the original 14th century tower, the only surviving original part of the church. Behind the wooden doors is where the bell ringers stand to produce their lovely chimes. In front of him and to the side are some of the ninety-nine Christmas Trees which decorate the church, all provided by local schools, businesses and charity groups. I hope to return to blip them later in the week.

The weather was extremely cold which led to many people having to stay at home, so our attendance was small. We managed to hold the formal business of an AGM and also had a fascinating illustrated talk by the nationally renowned chartered surveyor who has been employed by the church to report on its structural condition.

One of the attendees was the vicar who sat across the aisle of the nave. He is a very interesting and able man moving the church and its local role into the future. I was rather taken by his boots which I've added as an extra.