An announcent from Hugo Akerman

As you may know, the Electoral Roll for Brightling Church is renewed each year. However, after six years the roll must revert back to zero and a fresh roll has to be created. This is the year when we must start again, therefore we would like to encourage as many eligible people as possible to apply to be on the roll to help us demonstrate our strength as a church and to give us as much ‘voice’ as possible to be able to continue to represent the interests of Brightling Church with the Church governing bodies.

Application forms are available in the church now. Alternatively download the file using the following link:

Either scan the completed forms to jhsakerman@gmail.com, post or drop them at Hollingrove Farm, Brightling, TN32 5HT, or leave them in the “post box” inside the church.

We are asking all Brightling residents to enrol to  help us keep the church open for future generations.

The deadline for returning completed forms is 21 April 2025.

What is the Electoral Roll?

It is the parish church’s register of electors. In the same way that being on the civic Electoral Roll allows you to vote in parliamentary and local elections and referenda, joining the Church Electoral Roll means that you can vote on Church matters, attend the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and stand for election to the Parochial Church Committee. Being on the Electoral Roll does not make you a ‘member’ of the Church, however can show that you have interest in keeping Brightling Church open and a part of our community.

Do I have to join?

You can, of course, be a full and active member of our Church without joining the Roll. Being on the Electoral Roll does not entail signing up to any additional commitments, however, it does help your local church show its strength and demonstrates that the community is interested in maintaining a church presence in the village. Our Representation on the governing bodies of the church depends on the number on the Electoral Roll.

You don’t have to be a regular churchgoer, however being on the roll does give you the right to vote on church matters, attend the annual parochial meeting of parishioners, or join the parochial church council.