Sheila and George Smith

On Sunday 12^th September 2010 it was Sheila and George’s last Sunday at Church, at least until they come again as visitors and old friends.  After Church there was a splendid gathering in Unity Hall with the tables laid for a farewell lunch attended not only by current members of Epsom URC, but also friends from Ewell URC, former members of our Church and other friends, with among the guests four Ministers.

Sheila and George joined Epsom URC in 1971 and for nearly forty years they have been at the heart of the Church. Both have been serving Elders at various times and have filled many important roles.

George was involved at an early stage in re-starting the Boys’ Brigade which became a very successful group with a band of the highest standard. He served his time as Captain among a group of dedicated officers and remained closely associated with it until its demise. George eventually became Church Secretary and stayed in this role for a number of years until he and Sheila were re-located to Wales by George’s employment with British Airways. It was while they were in Wales that they were in close contact with Del and Lynne Lewis and first alerted Epsom that they were keen to return which, of course, they did in 1996.

Sheila and George themselves returned to Epsom after three years in Wales and George became a member of the F&GP Committee and eventually Deputy Chairman. Sheila, in 1999, became Church Secretary following Win Cary and continued in this role until the present time. During these eleven years there were two interregnums when we were without a Minister, which made the job more demanding, but Sheila always carried on with cheerfulness and efficiency.

George was responsible for much of the building project which made Unity Hall such a success, liaising with Church members and other users, discussing our ideas with the architect and monitoring the building process.

It goes without saying that Epsom URC will miss them both and find it very hard to fill the gaps they are leaving. We are indeed grateful for all they have done and wish them well in their move to Stone, we hope the move itself goes smoothly and they settle well into a new community; our love and best wishes goes with them.