## St Lawrence Hatfield 

## Annual Report 2025 


## _Registered Charity Number 1127942_ 

_“The Diocese of Sheffield is called to grow a sustainable network of Christ like, lively and diverse Christian communities in every place which are effective in making disciples and transforming our society and God’s world”_ 





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## Introduction 

There's been quite a lot of preparation with the various reports shared in this booklet! We hope that you won’t find the Annual Meeting boring, although there are certain things that must happen such as the elections for Church Wardens and lay representatives of the PCC. 

We hope the Annual Meeting which takes place on Monday the 19[th] of May will be a real celebration of the life of the church - which leads us to worship and praise of the one who gives us that life.  Our hope is that in the years to come the Annual Meeting will be a place where we can tell more stories of transformed lives as well as sharing highlights from the year. 


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## **APCM Agenda** 

**Chair:** The Revd. Chris Bishop, Priest in Charge & Oversight Minister 

**Please read:** The Annual Report 2025 & send any questions to the secretary prior to the meeting. 

## **7pm – 7:20 Refreshments** 

**Welcome** (CB) **Apologies** (GM) 

- **7:20 – 7:45  Bible Reading & Prayer** 

This evening our reading is given by: The Revd. Chris Wroot 

A time of thanksgiving will follow – please bring something which you are thankful to God for in the life of our Church. 

We sing a hymn. 

- **7:45 – 8pm The Election of the Church Wardens** 1. A word of thanks to the current wardens 

   2. Election of the New  Churchwardens 

## **The meeting of Parishioners ends here.** 

- **8:pm – 8:10** 1. Approval of minutes from 2024 

      2. Matters arising from those minutes (these should be raised in advance with the secretary) 

- **8:10 – 8:25 The Election of PCC members & independent examiner** 

      3. A word of thanks to the outgoing members of the PCC 

      4. Election of the New PCC 

      5. Appointment of independent examiner. 

- **8:25 – 8:35 Questions on;** 

   1. The New Electoral Roll 

   2. The proceedings of the PCC and the activities of the parish 

   3. The financial statements of the PCC 

   4. The annual fabric report 

**5.** The report of the proceedings of the deanery synod 

**8:35 – 8:45 Closing Worship** 1. Prayers 

      2. Hymn 

**Date of the first meeting of the new PCC:** _Monday 7[th] July_ 2025 

- **8:45 pm  Blessing:** given by The Revd. Gill Salter, after which we all share in the Grace. 

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## APCM 2024 Minutes 

## Held at 19:30 on Wednesday 24[th] April in church. 

## **Present** 

Vera Owen. Rev'd Gill Salter, Rev’d Joyce Barker, Gill Atkinson, Sandra Beadle, Tim Beadle, Hilary Dinsdale, Dianne Fox, Chrissy Grindle, Glenys Mashford, Terry Raper, Carol Rashid, Anne Render, Rachel Ridler, Maureen Scott, Glynis Smith, Barbara Young,  Rosh Milner, Mark Johnson, Anne Kitching,  Jean Rowley, Jill McGarvie, Susan Spencer, Janet Lowe, Jean Silvester, Marion Berry, Andy Green 

## **Welcome and Prayers** 

As we are in an interregnum, Vera Owen, the PCC lay chair and Churchwarden,  chaired the meeting. She opened by welcoming everyone and leading with a prayer asking God to be present. 

## **ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS 19.35** 

Vera informed the meeting that this section is for anyone who lives in the Parish and that its purpose is to elect the churchwardens. 

## 1. Election of Churchwardens 

Thanks were given to Vera and to Viv (In her absence) for the huge amount of work they have done in keeping the church running so smoothly over so many years and especially during the interregnum. Viv has expressed a wish to devote more of her time to ministry and, thanks be to God, Andy Green stepped forward to take on the role. We are so blessed that, there being no other nomination, Vera agreed to continue in the role for a further year. 

## **Vera Mary Owen proposed by Anne Render  and seconded by Sharron Dilks. Andrew Paul Green proposed by Vera Owen  and seconded by Viv Stubbs.** 

## **As no vote was necessary, it was proposed that Vera Owen and Andrew Green were duly elected.** 

## **All present were in favour.** 

This section closed at 7.40pm with the reminder that the following meeting could only be attended by those whose names were on the electoral register. (no-one left) 

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## **ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING** 

## **1. Apologies** 

There were apologies from Viv Stubbs, Peter Render, Karen Blair, Tim Sweed, Beryl Adamson, Brian Adamson, Andy Deakins 

**2. Minutes of the Previous APCM  Meeting** – held on Wednesday 5[th] May 2023  in church. 

These had already been agreed at the first PCC meeting following the APCM on 5[th] June 2023, but they needed to be approved by those who were present at the 2023 APCM meeting. 

All who were present at last year’s meeting were in favour, the minutes were accepted as a true record 

Proposer:- Mark Johnson     Seconder:- Terry Raper 

Signed:- Vera Owen  (Lay Chair)                                 dated:- 24/4/24 

## **3. Matters Arising** 

There were no matters arising. 

## **4. Annual Reports 2023 - 2024** 

The following amendments were made:- 

P58 Churchwardens- Eleanor **Robertshaw** (needed to insert the ‘t’) and Michael 

**Towse** (not ‘Trowle) 

P59 last paragraph **Coppice** school (not Chase) 

a) Electoral Roll report since the last Annual Meeting. 

The electoral roll now stands at 136 

As a church we feel lucky to have only lost one person this year, albeit one who made a huge contribution to the life of St Lawrence Church, namely Cath Watson. 2 other people, Stuart 

Watson and Philippe Turner-Loisel, have subsequently left the area, but because they were still living in Hatfield on the 9[th] April 2024, they remain on the electoral roll. 

Before the next APCM, in 2025,  a new electoral roll will need to be created so everyone will need to re-apply. 

There were no questions from the floor. 

b) Annual Report on the proceedings of the PCC. 

P13 St Edwins:- Vera spoke of how upsetting it had been for many of the former parishioners of Dunscroft church over the past year when, after so many years, the church commissioners finally issued a draft proposal for its closure. She assured the meeting that Dunscroft’s Roll of Honour and the list of past incumbents were in St Lawrence for safekeeping, but that there were still artefacts remaining in the building. 

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## c) Safeguarding Report 

Andy Green was thanked for taking over the role, with Rachel and Viv as support. Church 

members were reminded about the last sentence in his report where help is offered for them to access free online training through the Diocese of Sheffield. 

d) Financial Statements of the PCC for the year ending Dec.2023 

We have been so fortunate to have had Karen as our treasurer and her report reflects this professionalism. 

Vera spoke of how grateful she is for the Income and Expenditure columns which itemise things so clearly. 

We were reminded of the recent item that Karen had written for the Parish Magazine on Gift Aid and how easy it is for Church to boost its income at no extra cost to the individual. Joyce advised anyone who is now in a position of paying income tax to fill in a Gift Aid form. She highlighted the difference between the giving envelopes and the Gift Aid envelopes. 

Rachel was also thanked for the huge amount of fund-raising she does to support both her salary and her work with the Children and Young People. 

There were no questions from the floor re the Financial report. Rosh, in Karen’s absence, informed the meeting that the accounts had been audited by Faithstar and returned 

## e) Annual Fabric Report 

Once again thanks and congratulations were given to Terry for his thorough and detailed report. Rosh pointed out how helpful it is in terms of what has happened and why it has happened. Terry asked to be informed through e-mail of any future decisions / outcomes so they can be included in his next report. 

- Rosh gave a brief explanation of the role of the DAC, and how their response is changing in relation to faculties. 

Vera commented on the following:- 

- P27 Building Trust-she paid tribute to Cath and Stuart Watson who ran the Building Trust so efficiently for many years. She said they were a hard act to follow 

- P38 the Barn is now warm and more welcoming. Vera expressed the PCC’s gratitude to KayDans who have proved to be good tenants. We need to be thankful that the Barn account is now healthier, to the extent that it has been able to repay the PCC account for the loan. Now it would be good to increase its hire over the weekends and holidays. 

- P39 Parish Office – for the foreseeable future, it appears that the Parish Office is going to remain in situ. 

- P42 Roof alarm system- a visit has been arranged for the following week re the new alarm system. If it works well inside church, then SEFCOM will install CCTV on the roof. 

- P47 The grass cutting by StreetScene worked well last season, but this year they have not been helped by the rain 

- P49 Disability Inclusion Group – there was a flag-up for their fundraiser, a Pie and Pea supper at the end of May. 

- P50 Eco Church:- Chrissy spoke of the recent Net-Zero Carbon course she’d attended in Sheffield. The keynote speaker spoke of the need to look at personal lifestyle changes for church members as we are only in the church building for a fraction of the week, compared to our homes. 

- P52 Vera clarified the difference between the ‘Friends of Hatfield Church’ and the ‘Building Trust’. These were both set up when the church paid a percentage of its earnings to the 

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Diocese, now we pay Common Fund . The ‘Friends’ work hard selling pre-loved jewellery at fund raising events. It was pointed out that for the people who make purchases on line, there are cash-back sites where you can nominate a charity to receive the cashback. We were encouraged to nominate the ‘Friends’, if we do this. 

## f) Project Manager’s report 

Rosh’s report highlighted how much had been achieved this year and we are very grateful to her for her tenacity and expertise. 

j) Training log:- the list highlights the breadth of training that individual members of the PCC have taken in 2023 

k)  Ministry, Worship, Discipleship, Pastoral Care 

P61 Vera thanked Revd Joyce for her report and thanks were given to the ministry team acknowledging how hard they have worked throughout the interregnum. 

l) Centenary project Worker’s report 

P62 Rachel was thanked for her report which reflects all the amazing work she does and what has been achieved. 

Rachel thanked all who support her by prayer, volunteering and also financially. Vera described her hard work in raising funds towards her salary and to support her activities. We were reminded of how good it was when the Hatfield Heroes came to join in the evening Holy Communion service recently. 

## n) Activities of the Parish 

P69 Ladies Fellowship and Bible study group – Susan described the group set up by herself and Anita many years ago. She asked for prayers for some of the ladies who attend, they are less active and the focus of the group has become more pastoral in nature. 

P70 Garden party Committee sent out an appeal for someone to man the books at the fast approaching Garden Party. 

P71 Hatfield Community Library Games – Vera said it is still going strong and is friendly and welcoming. It is good to recognize that the Library is a designated warm space.. The Bridge group would welcome new members. 

P72 Foodbank -Vera reported that the foodbank is busier than ever and that all their work would not be possible without the donations, both food and financial. She expressed their thanks for these. She spoke of the fact that they are seeing an increasing number of older ladies; some of whom, although they are in need of the service, are sadly not comfortable with this fact. 

P72 Refreshments:- these are very popular, Chrissy made another appeal for volunteers on Wednesday and Sunday. 

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P73 Communications and Administration:- Vera thanked Chrissy as Editor of the magazine, the contributors and distributors. Jill was thanked for all she did in the Parish office, for sending out the magazine by e-mail. Jill asked for a revised list for this.  Thanks was also extended to Janet Hoffman, who has done a wonderful job in distribution in the past, Unfortunately she no longer drives so others have taken over the ones she used to deliver in Hatfield Woodhouse. 

- Jill asked for weekly information for the newsletter, stressing that she would rather have too much than not enough. This can be sent to her via the office e-mail or left on the answerphone. She also repeated the on-going request for a cleaner. 

Gill Atkinson was asked to talk about the Ladies Night Out group she has set up. It has very proved very successful,  is not confined to church members and there are differing venues on differing evenings each month. Anyone interested should speak to Gill 

## _**5.**_ **Elections and Appointments 2023/24** 

- Parochial Church Council representatives in this church are customarily appointed for three years.  They may be nominated to continue for a further three but must then stand down for a year. 

The following is taken from the minutes last PCC meeting on 4[th] April 2024:- 

_It was pointed out that Rosh’s and Terry’s terms of office on the PCC were due to finish at the APCM. A discussion followed in which the following points were made_ 

- _Both hold areas of specialist responsibility in the church and need to keep PCC informed of any issues._ 

- _It would be unfair to a new incumbent to inherit a PCC where two key strengths_ 

   - _were missing_ 

_**Proposal:- The PCC agreed that, taking into account the exceptional circumstances, it would waive the ruling re terms of service and ask Rosh Milner and Terry Raper to stand for a further term of Office.**_ 

_**Proposer:- Vera Owen                  Seconder:- Mark Johnson All present were in favour**_ 

This information was shared at the APCM 

For the APCM 2024 there are six vacancies, 

Term of office ending 2024         4 vacancies 

Term of Office ending 2025         2 vacancies Term of office ending 2026 0 vacancies 

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Nominations are as follows:- 

Rosh Milner proposed by Glenys Mashford seconded by Barbara Young 

Terry Raper proposed by Maureen Scott  seconded by Glenys Mashford 

Sandra Beadle proposed by Tim Beadle  seconded by Sharron Dilks 

All present agreed to these appointments and  arrangements 

The vacancies are a result of 

   - Karen Blair resigning at the end of her 3yr term of office. While agreeing to support her successor until December 31st 2024, she will finish as treasurer on that date. 

   - Andrew Green as churchwarden will now become an ex-officio member. 

   - Carol Rashid and Dianne Fox both explained their reasons for resigning at this time, Carol spoke of her curacy at Goole and Dianne cited work and guide commitments. 

- -Independent Examiner 

**It is proposed that we continue with FaithStarLLP as our independent examiner for this year.** 

**Proposed by Jill McGarvie, seconded by Anne Render. All were in favour** 

## **6. Address: Vera Owen** 

Vera spoke of how useful the APCM was to showcase the work of the church . She thanked 

- Viv for her work and support as her co- churchwarden over the past years 

- Terry and Rosh for agreeing to continue on the PCC. We need a strong PCC to support the new incumbent . The meeting was informed that the announcement re a new incumbent would be made sooner rather than later. 

- Revd Liz and Philippe for all they had contributed to the life of St Lawrence and its community and she wished them a long and happy retirement. 

- Everyone for their prayers and support during the interregnum. 

## **7. Any further questions or comments?** 

Sharron Dilks thanked all the volunteers, saying it is easy to think what hasn’t been done, but reading the APCM booklet had highlighted exactly how much has been achieved. Vera was thanked for her dedication and enthusiasm 

## **8. Dates to note** 

a) Date of the first meeting of the PCC:  Monday 13[th] May 2024  at 19.00 in church 

b)  Date of the Archdeacon’s Visitation:   Monday 17[th] June 2024 

- a) Date of the next Annual Meeting:       Wednesday 23[rd] April 2025 

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## **Closing Prayer** 

This was delivered by Revd Gill 

The meeting ended at 20.45 

These minutes were discussed at the PCC meeting on 13[th] May 2024 and, with no  amendments, were deemed to be a true record subject to approval at the 2025 APCM 

Proposer :-                                              Seconder:- 

Signed:- ______________________________              Date:- 

## **ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025** 

## Electoral Roll 

A new roll has been created this year in line with the Church Representation Rules. The notice of preparation (Form 3) was displayed on the church door from  24[th] February 2025 for 2weeks and the same was announced at the principal service on 2 consecutive Sundays. The closing date for applications was Friday 4[th] April and the new electoral roll took effect from Sunday 13[th] April.  there are now 95 names on the new electoral roll. The new roll will be on view at the back of church (near the south door entrance) for 14 days prior to the Annual Parochial Church meeting on Monday 19[th] May 2025 

Glenys Mashford, Electoral Roll Officer 

## Secretary’s Report 

## **Legal matters:** 

The Church of Saint Lawrence is situated in the town of HATFIELD in the Ecclesiastical Parish of HATFIELD in SOUTH YORKSHIRE and is in the Deanery of Snaith and Hatfield. The situation of the Church is on Cuckoo Lane, Hatfield, Doncaster, DN7 6RX. The correspondence address is The Parish Office, 3 Vicarage Close, Hatfield, Doncaster, DN7 6HN. 

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The following people were members of the PCC during the months May 2024 – April 2025 and, as such, were therefore Trustees of the PCC: 

The Rev’d  Christopher Bishop ex-officio **Oversight Minister** from July 2024 

The Rev’d  Gill Salter ex-officio **Curate,** then **Associate Minister** from July 2024 

Mr Andy Green ex-officio **Church Warden,** Safeguarding Officer 

Mrs Beryl Adamson ex-officio **Reader** 

Mrs Viv Stubbs ex-officio **Reader** , Safeguarding Officer 

Mrs Chrissy Grindle ex-officio **Deanery Synod representative** 

Mrs Glenys Mashford ex-officio **Deanery Synod rep** PCC Secretary, 

## **Elected lay representatives** 

With the creation of a new Benefice, a new PCC will be created,  therefore **all** present elected members must resign and elections will be held at the APCM to create a new board of Trustees. 

The PCC (Powers) Measure 1956 states that the PCC “… is to co-operate with the Minister in promoting, in the parish, the whole mission of the Church – pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.” The PCC seeks to do this to the best of its ability. 

## **This is achieved through various sub - committees and teams:** 

Standing Committee: 

The Incumbent, the Churchwardens,  PCC Secretary and 2 other PCC members appointed by the PCC by resolution 

Children’s Ministry: 

Rachel Ridler 

Café  Church teams 

Schools 

Safeguarding Officer when appropriate 

Barn Extension Working Group 

Andy Green, Rosh Milner, Vera Owen, Terry Raper, Peter Wyatt 

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## Review of the Months May 2024- March 2025 

I hope that this review will act as a taster to inspire you to discover more about the work of your PCC through the various reports in this booklet. 

Your PCC has met 8 times during this period, mainly in Church, but also in the cosier setting of the Barn during the colder months. Minutes are kept at all meetings and these are available to view on request,  once they have been approved by the PCC at the subsequent meeting. 

Vera Owen gratefully handed over the position as chair to our new Incumbent at the September meeting. We would like to thank her for her fantastic leadership through the interregnum. (There weren’t many occasions when her customary smile slipped!) 

Keen to ensure that the principal focus of our meetings is **‘Mission and Ministry’** , Chris, our Vicar, has made changes to their format. Under his guidance, one member now begins the meeting with a favourite Bible passage and prayer and then a few minutes are spent sharing occasions where we are thankful to God in the life of our church. 

The first section on the agenda is Mission,  Evangelism, Growth and Vision’ , and, over the months, PCC has discussed: 

- Rachel’s PCC report. I’m not going to spoil it by revealing the quality, quantity and variety of work she has achieved . Please read and enjoy her report. Suffice it to say that the PCC is totally supportive of and grateful for her hard work and enthusiasm and we celebrate the growth in spirituality and maturity of the Hatfield Heroes and some of our even younger members. 

- Changes in the service patterns 

- additional seasonal services such as the Lent Courses 

- the exciting initiative to set up a number of small groups to meet for Bible study and reflection in each other’s homes, hopefully after Easter. 

- Chris Wroot ,our curate, who has plans to visit every street in turn and inform the residents by card that they will be prayed for in church during that particular week. 

- the work of Sandra, Tim and the Disability Inclusion Group. We are grateful for their input and fundraising activities. 

The next section on the agenda usually relates to the Building itself and once again, as you read Terry’s and Rosh’s reports, you will appreciate how thankful we are for their knowledge, experience and commitment. We feel truly blessed. 

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All meetings need to have safeguarding , health and safety and ratification of necessary policies on the agenda;  however one item has been introduced which is well over-due. It comes under the heading of Clergy/Staff wellbeing and, at every meeting, there is the opportunity for PCC to be made aware of any issue which may be affecting the personal wellbeing of the Vicar or other key members. 

Another welcome decision has been the reduction of the PCC meetings to bi-monthly, on the understanding that any issues which may arise in the meantime can be dealt with via e- mail or by the standing committee. I think, having read the reports,  you will agree that this move has not affected the number of the achievements that have been made over the past months. 

The PCC is aware that none of the decisions that it makes can be achieved without a healthy financial budget. We have been truly blessed by Karen Blair who, in spite of ‘retiring’ at the last AGM, stayed on until the end of 2024 to give us the opportunity to find another treasurer. In fact, you will see she has produced the APCM financial report and has made herself available should our new treasurer, Julie Hemmings , need any support or advice. Speaking of Julie, we welcome her and thank God for the gift of another person who is willing to use her gifts and expertise in this role. 

Led by our vicar Chris and the Staff Team, we, as a PCC, are committed to working in all our communities in the coming months/years to show the love, care and peace of God , whilst at the same time, maintaining the wonderful spiritual building that is St Lawrence Church for future generations of parishioners to worship in. 

Please do join us in this work if you can, but even if you feel unable, please pray for us. 

Glenys Mashford PCC Secretary 

## Safeguarding 2024-2025 

You are probably aware that within the Church of England, as with many organisations, ‘safeguarding’ continues to be a very important subject. It is often headline news when failures in safeguarding occur, because of the devastating impact it has on the victims and their families. It is for this reason I remind you all again, in this report, that the safeguarding of the young and vulnerable, in our church community, is the responsibility of everyone. 

As a PCC we have polices in place to guide us when dealing with safeguarding issues but these polices need the support and involvement of the whole church community to be effective. 

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That is why I would encourage everyone to be aware of the different aspects of ‘safeguarding’ and to take advantage of the training opportunities on offer. Please ask one of the church wardens or one of the safeguarding team (myself, Rachel or Viv) for more details. 

Finally, Rachel, our leader specifically for children and young people, has introduced some new services this year and I would like to thank those individuals who have offered to support her with these new activities for which they have required a DBS check. 

Andy Green. Safeguarding Officer 

## Finance 

## **Treasurer's Report 2024 Accounts** 

## **Bank balances as at 31st December 2024** 

St Lawrence Hatfield PCC Account £ 22,752.10 St Lawrence Barn Management Account £   8,150.15 St Lawrence Barn Regeneration Account (New) £ 32,598.75 St Lawrence Hatfield PCC Organ Fund Account £       198.77 St Lawrence Eliza Roe Account £   4,052.60 

**St Lawrence Hatfield PCC Account - 31267655** 

Reconciled Bank balance as at 31[st] December 2024  £ 22,752.10 

Cheque not presented (1) £      278.32 Designated/Restricted - see table below                      £   5,878.01 Available for PCC use £ 16,595.77 

## **St Lawrence PCC Account** 

I am pleased to inform you that the net income for 2024 is slightly higher than the previous year and that the closing balance as at 31[st ] December 2024 was £22,752.10.  This is mainly due to the fact that both the insurance claim of £10,640 for the windows and the VAT claim of £3,127.38 to claim back VAT costs on the windows, clock repairs and electrical repairs were both successful and both monies were received in full in February 2024. 

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A further VAT claim for 2024 has just been submitted to HMRC for a refund of VAT for the CCTV installation and electrical works for the organ.  We will receive £992.51 if this claim is successful. Income from collections at services has increased overall despite collections at baptisms and weddings being down on the previous year.  Banking Orders and Giving Envelopes income is down on 2023 but broadly similar to donations received in 2022 this is due to the extra donations received towards the clock repairs and new noticeboards in 2023. The commitment and hard work put in to the many fundraising events each year has increased funds raised for 2024. A total of £9,139.88 was raised and participants were able to enjoy an Organ Recital, Strawberry Teas, a Spring Fayre, a Garden Party, a Yard Trail and an Autumn Fayre amongst others. This is remarkable in the current economic climate.  The Disability Inclusion Group has also raised £356.50 this year through a Pie and Peas evening and two coffee mornings – they also raised £123.60 in 2023 giving a total of £480.20 to be spent on access improvements in Church. Well done to all involved! We are also thankful for a grant of £11,826.16 from the Endowment Trust to cover the costs of the Project Management worker and the shortfall for the CPW Worker for 2023. The Endowment Trust also covered the cost of the 2023 Parish Office rent which is £850 per annum. We hope to submit a further request to the Endowment Trust for a grant to cover the 2024 Project Management costs and shortfall for the CPW plus the Parish Office Rent – a total of £19,405.94.  This grant will cover the vital Project Management work and the shortfall for the CPW Worker salary plus £850.00 to cover the Parish Office rent for 2024 - see breakdown below for CPW Worker. (£8,145 PM costs, £10,410.94 CPW shortfall plus £850 PO rent). We thank you all for your continued generous giving, either regular or one-off payments by bank transfer, card reader, cash or cheques.  We are appreciative of the continued positivity towards online banking as an alternative to cheque and cash payments and also the use of card readers for donations/payments. One small thing to mention is that the Church receives your total donation if you pay by Bank Transfer; all alternative forms of payment receive charges in one form or another. We receive bank charges on all cheques paid in or out of the account at a cost of 40p per cheque and each £100 cash, paid in or out, is charged at 40p, in addition to this we are charged £5.00 per month fees for each account.  The charge to use the Card Reader is currently 1.1% on each transaction ie every £20 = 22p and every £10 = 11p. However, you choose to make your donations we are grateful. As a Church we have written far fewer cheques this year, instead, making payments by bank transfer, this has kept bank charges relatively low. 

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## **Gift Aid** 

We would also like to thank all the Gift Aiders.  In April, we received £6,990.71 from HMRC for our 2023 Gift Aid Claim and then a further £2,000 in September for our GASDS claim (Gift Aid on Small Donations).  Gift Aid is a tax relief scheme that enables UK tax payers to make tax efficient savings to charities and churches by completing a simple declaration.  Gift Aid increases the value of your giving by 25% as it enables churches to reclaim the basic rate of tax on your giving at no extra cost to you.  If you are a new regular giver to Church and a taxpayer and would like to boost your donation by 25p for every £1 you donate, please ask for a Gift Aid Declaration Form. 

## **CPW** 

Once again the CPW Worker has raised a very substantial amount towards her salary costs through a £5,000 grant from the Co-op Group plus funds raised through the Sponsored Walk.  In addition to this, the CPW Worker is supported by very generous one-off donations and regular monthly contributions from many donors for her work.  Overall the total raised towards the CPW Worker salary costs for 2024 is a very generous £10,542.33. 

Unfortunately, now that we pay 100% of the CPW salary (this was previously subsidised by the Diocese) the large sum raised does not cover the total annual salary cost for 2024. The shortfall and the amount we hope to request from the Endowment Trust for this very important work for 2024 is £10,410.94. 

## **CPW Resources** 

We are grateful to the Coop Community Fund, Tesco Blue Token Scheme and Hollowford Trust and also the individual contributors for their donations towards the many activities for the children including the Summer Club and also the youth groups. The Yard Trail and Pre-loved Uniform Sales have also made a significant contribution to the resources that can be purchased for the children’s and youth groups. 

CPW Resource costs for 2024 £6,835.59 

CPW Resource income for 2024 £5,652.84 

This is an in-year shortfall, however, a total of £3,452.04 remains in Designated/Restricted Funds from previous years – see table below. 

## **Designated/Restricted Funds** 

|For Retreat|£1,000|
|---|---|
|Memorial Candle Stand|£293.76 (£264.74<br>candlestandspaid 2022)|
|Blanshard Memorial|£ 632.21|
|Caplin Altar Cloth|£ 500.00|



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||31.8.21|Children + Family||£3,452.04|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||C/f £3116.35 2020 + £310.17|
|||||2021 + £1.10 2022 +|
|||||£1207.17 2023 = £4634.79 as|
|||||at 31.12.23.|
|||||Less 2024 shortfall of|
|||||£1182.75 = £3452.04 c/f as at|
|||||31.12.24.|
|||**Total**||**£5,878.01**|
|||**Designated/Restricted**|||
|**St Lawrence Barn Management Account**|||||
|Reconciled Bank balance as at 31stDecember 2023<br>|||£8,150.15||
|Cheques not yet presented|||Nil||
|Available funds|||£8,150.15||



The Barn Management Account is now making a profit each year, thanks to the regular rental income from Kay& Dans Childcare and their contribution to the gas and electricity bills which continues to make a huge difference. 

In addition, a few groups have hired the Barn for coffee mornings and other events during the year and we look forward to more groups/individuals hiring The Barn going forward. 

**In 2022 PCC agreed to transfer £3,500 to the Barn Management Account to cover the Barn’s overheads.  This money (£3,500) was paid back to the PCC account during this financial year in February 2024** 

**St Lawrence Barn Regeneration** Reconciled Bank balance as at 31[st] December 2024 £32,598.75 **St Lawrence PCC Organ Fund Account** Reconciled Bank balance as at 31[st] December 2024                £    198.77 

The majority of the funds in this account were used to pay for the new Distribution Board needed for the Organ in 2024.  The cost of the Distribution Board was £1,638.00 leaving a balance in this account of £198.77. **CCLA Deposit Fund Barn Regeneration Account** Account Number 635153001D Balance as at 30[th] June 2024 £150,279.06 (Balance as at 31[st] December 2023 £146,367.88) 

Page | 17 



||**PCC Account**|**2024**||**2023**||**Notes**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**INCOME**||||||
||**Collections**||||||
||Baptism|£916.87||£1,758.00|||
||Funeral (PCC)|£4,740.85||£2,688.09|||
||Funeral (Charity)|£1,616.05||£3,392.23|||
||Services|£9,524.41||£5,766.84|||
||Wedding|£276.51||£943.09|||
||**Total Collections**|**£17,074.69**||**£14,548.25**|||
||**Donations**||||||
||Cash Envelopes|£3,397.25||£4,538.00|||
||Bankers Orders|£24,672.00||£23,114.00|||
||Yard Trail|£0.00||£0.00|||
||Refreshments|£0.00||£0.00|||
||Other|£3,648.39||£5,697.46|||
||**Total Donations**|**£31,717.64**||**£33,349.46**|||
||**Fees (PCC)**||||||
||Funeral|£3,468.00||£4,174.00|||
||Wedding|£1,576.00||£4,378.00|||
||**Total Fees**|**£5,044.00**||**£8,552.00**|||
||**Fees For Passing On**||||||
||Funeral|£8,214.00||£9,377.00|||
||Wedding|£1,949.51||£6,318.37|||
||**Total Fees**|**£10,163.51**||**£15,695.37**|||
||**CPW & PM**||||||
||CPW Salary|£10,542.33||£18,629.84||1st & 2nd Quarter Salaryonly|
||CPW Resources|£5,652.84||£8,654.94|||
||PM Contributions|£0.00||£0.00|||
||**Total CPW & PM**|**£16,195.17**||**£27,284.78**|||
||**Grants**||||||
||HC Building Trust|£0.00||£0.00|||
||Endowment Trust|£12,089.16||£7,075.10||Grants for CPW shortfall and PM for 2023|
||Dunscroft Church|£0.00||£0.00|||
||SDBF|£100.00||£3,650.00|||
||Robert Forster|£0.00||£0.00|||
||**Total Grants**|**£12,189.16**||**£10,725.10**|||
||**Fundraising**||||||
||Yard Trail|£173.81||£0.00|||
||Plant Sale|£5.00||£0.00|||
||Garden Party|£2,561.97||£1,996.47|||
||Cake Sale / Refreshments|£1,879.96||£1,643.08|||
||Trumpet Concert|£0.00||£0.00|||
||Strawberry Tea|£230.00||£516.25|||
||Spring Fayre|£1,081.70||£1,092.50|||
||Christmas Fayre|£0.00||£1,630.46|||
||Other|£3,207.44||£474.95||Includes Autumn Fayre,DisabilityGp,Organ Recital, Concert|
||**Total Fees**|**£9,139.88**||**£7,353.71**|||
||**Other Income**||||||
||Admin|£1,505.82||||Travis Trust, Endowment Trust|
||Gift Aid|£8,990.71||£12,455.07||Gift Aid claim £6990.71 for 2023 + £2,000 GASDS|
||Insurance Claim|£10,640.00||||Window vandalism claim(2023)|
||Legacy|£5,000.00||£0.00|||
||Magazine|£1,029.55||£1,017.65|||
||Transfer In|£5,862.51||||From Organ Fund for repairs Barn Management to repayloan|
||VAT Claim|£3,127.38||||Windows, clock, organ|
||**Total Other Income**|**£36,155.97**||**£13,472.72**|||
||**TOTAL INCOME**|**£137,680.02**||**£130,981.39**|||
||||||||
||||||||





|**PCC Account  EXPENDITURE**||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Common Fund**||||||
|SDBF|£42,689.04||£40,008.00|||
|**Total Common Fund**|**£42,689.04**||**£40,008.00**|||
|**Church Premises**||||||
|Parish Office Rent|£850.00||£850.00||From Endowment Trust|
|Insurance|£7,974.60||£7,732.40|||
|Electric|£4,058.13||£2,700.36|||
|Gas|£5,309.28||£2,838.00|||
|Water|£117.79||£90.30|||
|Internet|£259.26||£216.30|||
|Technology|£2,724.61||£247.08||New radio Mics system £2,461|
|Scheduled Maintenance/Services|£2,446.27||£2,570.65|||
|Ad-Hoc Repairs|£13,626.53||£20,169.48||CCTV Install, Vicarage flooring, New Fire Extinguishers|
|**Total Church Premises**|**£37,366.47**||**£37,414.57**|||
|**Vicarage Premises**||||||
|Water Rates|£462.32||£579.31|||
|**Total Vicarage Premises**|**£462.32**||**£579.31**|||
|**Fees**||||||
|SDBF|£2,485.00||£4,655.00|||
|Workers|£6,988.00||£10,896.20|||
|Received on behalf of other Churches|£0.00||£0.00|||
|**Total Fees**|**£9,473.00**||**£15,551.20**|||
|**CPW & PM**||||||
|CPW Salary|£19,804.08||£26,863.13|||
|Expenses (Direct)|£1,069.85||£952.18|||
|Expenses (Messy Church)|£400.00||£75.82|||
|Expenses (Children)|£5,365.74||£6,419.77|||
|PM Costs|£9,560.37||£5,939.80|||
|**Total CPW & PM**|**£36,200.04**||**£40,250.70**|||
|**Other Costs**||||||
|Admin|£2,295.55||£2,870.28||Faithstar, POprintingcosts, stationery, licence,gifts|
|Bank Charges|£231.84||£244.27|||
|Clergy Expenses|£764.02||£0.00|||
|Magazine|£1,320.00||£0.00|||
|Ministry|£1,626.31||£1,249.54|||
|Mission|£194.76||£802.90|||
|Licences|£809.37||£770.28|||
|Fundraising paid to charities|£2,633.49||£3,359.20|||
|Transfer out to Barn Account|£0.00||£1,425.00|||
|**Total Other Costs**|**£9,875.34**||**£10,721.47**|||
|**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**|**£136,066.21**||**£144,525.25**|||
|**NET INCOME**|**£1,613.81**||**-£13,543.86**|||
|**Opening Bank Balance**|£21,138.29||£34,682.15|||
|**Closing Bank Balance**|£22,752.10||£21,138.29|||
|||||||
|||||||





|Barn Management<br>Account||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**2024**||**2023**||**Notes**|
|**INCOME**||||||
|||||||
|**Grants**||||||
|DMBC Grants|£0.00||£0.00|||
|**Total Grants**|£0.00||£0.00|||
|||||||
|**Other Income**||||||
|Rents Income|£770.00||£637.50|||
|KayDans Childcare<br>Rents Income|£7,280.47||£7,054.41|||
|100 Club Subscriptions|£528.00||£540.00|||
|Cash In|£278.06||£296.84|||
|Transfer in from PCC<br>Account|£720.00||£1,400.00|||
|**Total Other Income**|£9,576.53||£9,928.75|||
|||||||
|**TOTAL INCOME**|**£9,576.53**||**£9,928.75**|||
|||||||
|**EXPENDITURE**||||||
|||||||
|**Barn Premises**||||||
|Insurance|£674.44||£753.48|||
|Rates|£48.99||£1,212.32|||
|Gas|£519.06||£485.13|||
|Electric|£402.68||£563.90|||
|Water|£259.11||£240.66|||
|Facilities - Scheduled<br>Maintenance|£310.51||£182.65|||
|Facilities - AdHoc<br>Repairs|£1,472.15||£1,301.94|||
||||||clock, fire signs, hedge & tree trimming|
|**Total Barn Premises**|£3,686.94||£4,740.08|||
|||||||
|**Other Costs**||||||
|Bank Charges|£72.58||£71.44|||
|Transfer out to Barn<br>Regen Account|£504.00||£1,756.00|||
|Transfer out to PCC<br>Account|£3,778.06||£272.84|||
||||||Repayment of loan from PCC|
|**Total Other Costs**|£4,354.64||£2,100.28|||
|||||||
|**TOTAL**<br>**EXPENDITURE**||||||
||**£8,041.58**||**£6,840.36**|||
|||||||
|**NET INCOME**|**£1,534.95**||**£3,088.39**|||
|||||||
|**Opening Bank**<br>**Balance**||||||
||£6,615.20||£3,526.81|||
|**Closing Bank Balance**|£8,150.15||£6,615.20|||
|||||||
|||||||






## Oversight Ministers Report 

Dear Friends, 

It feels like so much has happened in just a short space of time and that these are exciting times for our Church Family!  Firstly, a huge thanks to you, who give so much of your time, effort & financial support. None of our Mission & Ministry would be possible without it. None of you are taken for granted. Your service of the Lord has been faithful. Each member of our Church Family is loved & valued. 

If you remember right at the outset of my ministry here, I wanted to focus on just two things; growth in spiritual depth & our growth in numbers. I’m really pleased because I feel that we have achieved some growth in both spiritual depth and we have had new people come & join us - thanks be to God. It feels like prayer has intensified, Bible knowledge is increasing and that we will be able as a church to explore more of what it means to enter into friendship with the Holy Spirit especially though the establishment of our growth groups in the coming weeks & months. It is my expectation that each member of the Church Family will commit to being a part of a growth group. 

My sense is that there are a lot of ‘glowing embers’ here at Hatfield. Embers which can be fanned into flame! There is much opportunity ahead of us and we all need to take hold seriously of the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. We are blessed with a very large team of lay & ordained ministers, and we have been chosen by the Bishop to train a curate (Chris Wroot) and a Full time Ordinand (Drew Frost). Our Parish is in a new season, and so many of the Church Family have expressed a sense of renewed joy & positivity. 

We now have a much more consistent worship pattern and attendance is up across all services, with some very encouraging increases at our Christmas & Easter Services. There is a strong emphasis in the Parish on good preaching of the Word, with a renewed sense of awe & wonder in our Liturgical worship. We have marked the seasons of the Churches year well and there is a real atmosphere of life & vibrancy. 

Page | 21 



Some of the things I personally want to focus on this next year is developing a good system for Pastoral Care & the establishment of a Pastoral Team. Even though there is real emphasis on growing the church younger, we cannot abandon our frail & elderly parishioners, and we do need to begin regular ministry into our Care Homes. 

We need to fully implement Safer Recruitment for all volunteers, including creating role descriptions for every volunteer, seeking references & creating a Code of Conduct for all Church volunteers – this will bring our Parish in line with expectations and legal requirements. 

We will need to look seriously at our Finances and we would like to see an increase in peoples giving this year. Above all, I hope that we can really focus on mission in the years ahead. 

I’d like us to be a blessing both as a Church Family with oneanother but also reaching out wider to our community. We are rather focused on Hatfield, and we must broaden our links & presence in Dunscroft, Dunsville, Woodhouse & Lindholme. We need to foster relationships with people in these areas of the Parish and we must go where these people are in order to get to know them & their spiritual needs better. We cannot rely on them coming to us. 

We have had some wonderful celebrations in Church at the major Festivals & also through new initiatives such as the outreach events to support those who have suffered the loss of a Child, and also at our Valentines Service. We will have these outreach events peppered throughout the year, offering a point of contact with the Church and aimed at those who don’t normally worship with us. 

The next thing we need to do in order to play our part in enabling us to go further together is to explore God’s ‘more’, Each of us needs to become more intentional about growing our own faith, to deepen our own relationship with God. It’s not enough to just come to church, vital though that is; growth groups, time in God’s word & supporting the amazing work led by Rachel with our young people, children & families will all help to deepen our faith & grow the followers of Jesus in this place. 

We have some awesome strengths & lots of things happening in our church. But if we’re not careful those strengths can tend to make us focus inwards as a church, on ourselves. While not neglecting all those good things and our own personal growth in faith, I think the big shift we need to make now is to turn outwards, to go out rather than merely invite people in. 

How can we take the love of God out of church and more in to our community? How can we become more ‘a community of missionary disciples’? My prayer is that we’ll learn to listen together to where and how God would have us do that. To help us all hear God more clearly in this, I’d love it if everyone at St Lawrence’s was in a growth group, as well as reading and praying scripture themselves each day. We need to create space for the Holy Spirit to speak more clearly. 

Let’s look for the joy– for that’s where God is! Followers of Jesus are not merely ‘fans in the stands’, but ‘players on the pitch’! I believe God is saying to us that there’s all to play for: let’s get stuck in to the game! Let’s move up a gear…We are in exciting times! 

Thank you all for being part of our wonderful Church Family, may God bless each of you now & in the years to come. 

Chris. 

Page | 22 




**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Governance, Staff & Volunteer Structure<br>Volunteers:<br>Assistant<br>Welcome<br>Wardens Refreshments<br>Readers<br>Gardeners<br>Wardens<br>Volunteers:<br>Open the Book<br>Little Lions<br>Project  CPW Summer Club<br>Manager Hatfield Heros<br>PCC Cafe Church<br>Oversight<br>Buildings<br>Minister  Volunteers :<br>Officer<br>Associate Priest  Cleaners<br>Bell Ringers<br>Curate<br>PTO Readers<br>Ordinand<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


- The Oversight Minister has overall charge of the Parish, is the Chair of the PCC & convenes meetings bi-monthly. 

- ▪ The PCC are the Charity Trustees of the Parish & are responsible for finance & buildings. They support & co-operate with the Minister in the Mission of the Parish. 

- The Oversight Minister is supported & cared for by the Wardens & Assistant Wardens who are in close contact. They meet as a group each month for medium term planning and general discussion. The Wardens are legally responsible for the building & its contents. 

- The Oversight Ministers immediate Staff Team consists of those who hold the Bishop’s License (Gill Salter & Chris Wroot) those in training (Drew Frost) & the paid staff (Rosh Milner & Rachel Riddler) – Staff Meetings are held twice a month. 

- The Oversight Minister meets with the PTO (permission to officiate) Readers each month for reflection & mutual support. 

- ▪ The Oversight Minister is responsible for those who are in training & meets with the Curate & Ordinand separately every other week. 

- The Oversight Minister has responsibility for all mission & ministry & meets with the CPW each month for prayer & reflection. 

Page | 23 



## Rachels Report 

Thank you once again to everyone in the congregation, PCC and leadership team who have supported me this year. Please join me in praying for all the ministries below: 

**Café Church** – Attendance at Cafe Church has been stable across the last year, at around 30-50 people each service.  We have had lots of visitors and families come through the doors, and we have definitely seen relationships built up.  It has been a joy to see some of our youth group members (who have no other connection with church) come along regularly too and want to be part of this service. 

Over the past year we have looked at the Trinity together and followed a series called “Stained Glass Stories” where we took inspiration from the windows we are surround by in our building. We have now started looking at the Sermon on the Mount which will take us through the rest of 2025.  We are hoping that this foundational sermon by Jesus will provide inspiration, wisdom and guidance for all ages. 

One big change this year has been to move our meetings in January to the afternoons at 4pm. This is enabling us to provide hot food where possible as part of our meeting and to show our families hospitality in that way.   We are asking families to sign up to cook just one week over a 6 month period.  We also hosted our first ever “Cafe Church Bake Off” which went down very well at Christmas time and may become a regular feature! 

A huge thank you to all those who have joined the team – from crafts, café, set up, tech and talk team.  We would love to have more helpers and people contributing so please do get in touch to join in.  Our aim continues to be to involve children and young people wherever possible too, and this year we’ve had music, hosting and preaching all done by young people.  Please pray we can include them even more this coming year. 

Page | 24 







**Hatfield Heroes Youth** – Our youth group has grown again this year from 17 to 20 young people on our register.  It is fair to say that we have now “outgrown” the Barn, with it feeling very crowded most weeks when we try to run games or even have bible discussion in smaller groups.  We thank God for this growth and for the engagement of the young people who come. We have had an increase especially in looked after or previously looked after children as our reputation for caring for them and valuing them has spread amongst the community.  We won runner up in Hatfield’s first Pride of our Area Awards which was such a joy for the young people to attend, and we also won £5,000 from the Co-op community fund and were featured in the National Press! 

In June/July time we invited members of the congregation and community to come along and share their hobbies and interests with the young people.  This resulted in many interesting sessions, including being taught Bridge by Stuart Watson, flower arranging by Jean, sign language from three members of the deaf community, crochet by Rev Eleanor from Snaith and sewing by Barabara Young.  Since September we have been focussing on prayer and learning how and why we pray.  The young people have enjoyed this so much that they shared about it at the Breathe Deep Day at Sheffield Cathedral to other young people in a workshop. They are becoming familiar with sharing OW and WOW moments that we pray about in small groups – where they need God’s help and where we have seen God in our past week. 

This year we have also gone of lots of trip and joined in with the Doncaster Youth Hub.  These have included doing HOPE Weekend again in June (visiting local care homes to do gardening), a summer social on the Barn Field, a Wild Away Day at Kingswood Centre, Christmas Escape Room, Breathe Deep, a 24/7 prayer sleepover and a “life or death” event with creepy crawlies and snakes visiting. 

Page | 25 



As mentioned, a highlight of our year is Breathe Deep, and once again God has blessed us in increasing the number we have taken.  From 3 in 2022, 7 in 2023 and 10 in 2024, we took a team of 14 young people and 3 leaders this year. Last year they had put their names forward to lead a workshop and it was such a joy to facilitate them in that as they are growing in faith and leadership. 11 of them went up for prayer and anointing as part of this event, a really powerful moment.  We have had 4 young people from our group join the new Diocese Young Leaders Community, attending meetings at the cathedral and joining their new app to communicate opportunities to them around the Diocese. 








**Summer Holiday Club –** In July/August we ran the Journey with Jonah Summer Club over one full week with approximately 60 children attending each day.  We had four mornings in church with songs, games, bible stories and crafts.  We received funding this year from Tesco Blue Token Scheme and the local councillors.  This meant we could also provide takeaway packed lunches for the children everyday. 

The weather stayed kind to us this year and we could have our water fun day out on the Barn Field on the Wednesday, one of the highlights of the week.  On the final day I was challenged by the Holy Spirit to ask the children and grown ups to respond to the gospel message they had 

Page | 26 



heard, to go on their own journey with God.  They were invited up to the stage to take a shell as a symbol of that, and nearly all the children did.  Please pray that these seeds will grow into faith. 

Once again, I was blown away by the number of volunteers and people who stepped up to be part of the team that week.  My lounge was full to bursting on the last team night before the week. 





**Schools –** Schools work has continued to be busy this year, with many requests coming in for various activities.  I decided not to push an Easter event this year, but instead to be available for what schools asked me for (e.g. hosting a pretend Coronation in church!) 

On top of this I offered the usual  “It’s Your Move” prayer workshops for Year 6 pupils in the summer term, with three local primary schools taking me up on that, and our 4[th] year of the Backpack Blessing Roadshows took place in September, where I visited all 5 local primary schools to pray over them and hand out bag tags with this year’s bible verse on: 

## **“Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28** 

We had another busy December with three local primary schools using our building for their Christmas services, Christingles and even an advent service which was new this year for Travis Nursery.  The new more consistent plan for Collective Worship services in church for Travis St Lawrence School have been very busy with parents attending which is great to see, and we are 

Page | 27 



starting to see closer links once more with the Local School Board work, which I am sure will be beneficial as we plan for the next academic year. 

At Ash Hill Academy, I have continued to be invited in by Sophie Lanaghan, who is now Assistant head, to deliver Easter Escape Room sessions, Christmas assembly, Lent assembly and this year to deliver lessons for various classes on “Diversity and Inclusion in the Bible”.  It has been such a privilege to take bibles in for them to use and teach them how to find things in them, as well as speaking about God’s heart for everyone to be included in His Kingdom. 





**Little Lions Baby and Toddler Group –** Our toddler group has had a good start back in September after a few members left for school.  We have seen 4 new volunteers join the team which has been a huge encouragement and has lightened the load for me especially.  Me and Abbie went to the Playtime Conference for toddler group leaders in September and got lots of inspiration for the group and new resources. 

Lots of new families have been coming along, partly due to the closure of other local toddler groups, but we happily welcome them!  We have even started to see some come along to Cafe Church and other events and services which is lovely.  A big thank you to our volunteers over the last year - Abbie, Tim, Gill, Joy, Bota, Rebecca and Sarah. 

Page | 28 






**Free crafts in church/half term activities** – Our free crafts in church sessions have continued (alongside other seasonal activities) every half term holiday, including a church explorers and history themed one in May half term and Treats in the Churchyard for Halloween. Families really value this time to drop in, spend time together and not have to spend money during the holidays.  We are very grateful to our three local councillors for funding this over the last year and into 2025. This is often the first connection for new families to church. 

**Pre-Loved Uniform Bank** – Continues to be well used in the community.  Our 2024 total raised was £754. (just under 2023 total of £790), meaning that over 1,500 items of uniform have been rehomed and saved from landfill this year.   We have continued to run fortnightly open sessions as well as providing stalls at one off events through the year. Our volunteer team has shrunk this year unfortunately, and is now just me and Erin.  If anyone is able to spare a couple of hours every fortnight to help with this please do let me know. 


Page | 29 



I am sure I have missed out many other things from this report, but I hope this gives you a flavour of the busyness of this ministry and the good things God is doing amongst our young people.  We are starting to see the fruit of the work that has been put in to engage and nurture their faith, so please continue to pray for them. 

Rachel.ridler@centenaryproject.org.uk 

## 07851 991286 

Befriend me on Facebook for regular updates on my work - **“Rachel Youthworker”** 

## Church Fabric Report 2024 

## **Routine Maintenance & Cleaning.** 

The church intruder alarm was serviced in December, and the roof alarm in November. The organ was serviced in December 2024. The testing of our lightening conductors was last conducted in September 2023 and is thus overdue and needs booking for this year. All portable items of electrical equipment within the church, Barn & Parish Office were portable appliance tested on 13/06/23, with a re-test due in June 24, however this is now overdue and needs to be arranged. The quinquennial fixed electrical inspection was last conducted on 13[th] February 2024 for both the church and the Barn, there were a couple of minor defects reported, which were rectified at the end of May. 

The heating system was not serviced this year, prior to starting the current heating season. As we approach the end of this season, it seems sensible to now delay until the start of the coming season. 

In lieu of an annual maintenance contract, church members have conducted some work themselves, inspecting and cleaning out low level drains & drainage gullies and emptying silt traps. An external contractor was asked to clear the higher-level gutters and fall pipes in June. 

Following the retirement of our existing fire extinguisher service engineer; a routine inspection was conducted on all our fire extinguishers (02/01/24) by an alternative company – Micro Alarms Ltd, a subsidiary of our electrical contractor Peter Fowler Electrical Ltd. All but 1 were found to be now passed their 10-year maximum life. Subsequently, all had to be replaced. The total cost to provide & install replacements for 2 x 9 ltr water, 1 x 3kg powder, & 3 x 2kg CO[2] extinguishers, including up-to date signage & stands, and the preventative maintenance check, came to £315.05 +Vat. As I write they were all re-checked for this year 3[rd] February 2025. 

Regular, fortnightly interior cleaning has continued this year, though unfortunately there are now only two teams. In previous years, teams were made up of 2, 3 & 4 members, each team expecting to clean the whole church 6 times per year. Unfortunately, we have lost a lot of those previously loyal members through death over the last few years; and those who remain are obviously still desperate for more help as we all get older. Two teams, now means that the job comes around every month. I would therefore like to appeal yet again for new members to join the group and expand the now extremely small but hardworking and dedicated team. If anyone feels they could raise an additional team, this would be greatly appreciated and would make the task less frequent and thus easier on all the existing teams, – please contact either of your church wardens. 

Page | 30 



Whenever you are in church, please help us by helping to clean up any spillages / food as soon as possible, also important towards discouraging mice from entering and staying in our church. We also had a “Big Clean” of our church this year taking place on 22[nd] & 29[th] of June, which saw several of us doing a big spring clean – inside and out, including a tidy out of various areas. Many thanks to all those involved in the sweeping, dusting, cleaning of windows, lights, cupboards, crypt, garages, & to the church yard team also, not forgetting those who provided refreshments too. **Insurance Policy.** I told you last year that the PCC had started to re-consider the church’s insurance, as the renewal approached in November 2022, how we had used Ecclesiastical Insurance for many years, had always been happy with them and that they were by far the most widely trusted insurance company used by the Anglican Church, and churches in general. I also told how a newcomer to the church insurance market (Trinitas Church Insurance) has come onto the scene, and several churches in the diocese have recently transferred, due to lower premium quotations. The PCC thought it worth approaching them for a quote, and a Standing Committee meeting was convened on 19[th] December 2022 specially to review and compare the new quote with the 2023 revised premium from Ecclesiastical. I told you that the PCC had found the comparison tricky, with a number of questions and clarifications being needed to compare properly, and since the current period was very close to expiry, the committee eventually made the decision to stick with Ecclesiastical for another three year term, but to keep an eye on Trinitas, and see how they perform as the years progress and use of them becomes more common. I can tell you that there have been no further discussions on transferring from Ecclesiastical Insurance, but as we now enter into the 3[rd] year of our three-year term, we perhaps ought to start looking into it again before our next renewal is upon us! Last year then, our insurance premium for 2024 from Ecclesiastical was £7,120.19 + insurance premium tax of £854.41 = £7,974.60 for the year. Our revised premium for 2025 (the 3[rd] in this current 3-year term) will be £7,312.01 + insurance premium tax of £877.45 = £8,189.46, or £682.45 / month, or £157.49 per week! The new Insurance Loss Limit - for total loss was also raised this year to £26,600,000.00. For your information, this value, is not the cost to fully re-build our church should it burn / fall down. The assumption is, that this figure would provide enough to replace the roofs, the windows (glass), the interior fittings and doors, and to re-build the top 2 ft of the walls, at eaves level, should we be unfortunate enough to have a serious fire. It is assumed, that most of the stone structure will survive and require only minor repair. You may remember that I told you last year of our plans to install CCTV to protect our windows & roofs, and to dispense with the costly roof alarm. With the installation underway and the renewal approaching, Rosh enquired of Ecclesiastical as to how these changes might affect our insurance policy and was given the following replies. “In terms of CCTV, there is no discount available for having it as it is only useful “after the event”. It is entirely up to us if we cancel the roof alarm or not, the policy will still be valid **but** : - We currently have a discount of 10% off the policy premium due to having a roof alarm. This means that at the next renewal date (01.01.2025) our discount for having a roof alarm will be £819. With no roof alarm, obviously we would lose that discount.  Also, if we have no roof alarm we would no longer be covered for unlimited theft of metal on the roof and would only be covered for £7,500 worth. We currently have £500k worth of lead on the roof (survey done in 2021). It seemed obvious therefore that we were better off keeping the roof alarm but making sure it works properly as the financial benefits outweighed the costs. (Current costs are £258 pa for the alarm receiving centre and £477 for the annual service, total of £735 pa 

Page | 31 



= £84 net gain)! The November PCC agreed this decision, and so our renewed insurance policy remains unchanged with regards to roof alarm & CCTV. 

## **Vandalism, General Repairs & Minor works.** 

Thankfully we have had no known incidents of vandalism to our church in late 2023 & through 2024. Although this can’t really be attributed to our installation of CCTV, (this was only installed at the end of June), we are hopeful that this new installation will be enough of a deterrent to make the current lull in anti-social activity into a largely permanent position for us. 

During 2024 then, the following items of general repairs & minor works have taken place. 

On April 12[th,] Johnny Alick reported that the drive belt had snapped on the sit-on mower, and therefore he was unable to complete mowing the Barn Field. A replacement belt was purchased (approx. £20.00 inc vat), and I believe installed by Tim Beadle & Andy Green early in May. A replacement starting / control key was also purchased as the existing key was almost broken, and an additional spare key was also purchased for the padlock for the Church Walk / Churchyard double gates. 

You may have noticed their arrival; or maybe remember that last year I mentioned it (all-be-it briefly), that we were seeking to buy some Votive Candle stands. Faculty permission was applied for along with the removal of the un-fixed pews, and the Churchyard notice boards in 2022 & finally granted in June 2023, so the introduction of these stands was rather lost within the larger changes taking place. However, the stands themselves (tree shaped, 1 with red, & 1 with white glass cups to accept “tea lights”), were paid for via private donation in memorial of a lost loved one. There was still money left in the fund, so in March the PCC decided to approach the family about purchasing some memorial plaques to fit to those trees. With family permission received, 2 separate plaques were commissioned, 1 for each parent. The plaques were made by John Edlin (Plaque maker), are made of brass and are suspended on short brass chains, so that they can be positioned within the branches, or on the base; and they are also removable for cleaning purposes. The plaques were installed early in May, and photos were sent to the family. The cost of the two plaques was £116.00 + postage. 

On 13[th] May, Vera went into church in preparation for our PCC meeting, and discovered that there was no power to any of the lighting etc. The PCC meeting was transferred to the Barn, and at the end of the meeting Andy Deaken & I accompanied Vera back to church (in the dark) and confirmed that all circuit breakers were appropriately set, and there was still no power to anything within the church. Vera also noted that the 3 closest streetlamps were also out near the church. Late that night then, Vera rang the Y.E.B. who were impressed that she had noted the lamp post no’s and sent a team out to investigate during the night. The problem was found to be a blown mains cable in the road right at the corner, (you may remember the hole). Thankfully the cable was very quickly fixed and the hole in the road repaired, and our church was only without electricity for the one day. This was thanks to prompt and accurate reporting on Vera’s part, and an excellent contracting team doing the repair. 

On 19[th] June, we discovered that some of the sockets in the Chapel were not working. Vera called Fowlers Electrical to investigate, and they reported that it was because they had  added 2 modern circuit breakers to the system to keep us compliant with modern standards, but our older cables were tripping the system. The next day, Dean and another electrician came essentially intending to replace the cable, re-routing from the new distribution box within the tower stairwell. In the end however, this wasn’t necessary as they were able to successfully sleeve the end of the cable within the main distribution unit, to prevent it from tripping. 

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In July and following the Rev’d Chris’s installation and a review of all our equipment, fixture & fittings etc, it was noted that our purple alter frontal & super frontal were looking rather worn and were damaged in a few areas. (The purple frontal is mainly used during the season of Lent). On 7[th] August Vera took a few photographs of the damaged areas, and a couple of the whole frontal in general, so that these could be used to seek quotes for repair / restoration, or replacement as necessary. 

Rosh initially approached 3 firms with a view to getting our purple linen restored, and a frontal made to match a delightful superfrontal. All responded and offered quotes. On August 27[th] Viv, Vera and Rosh met with a lady from Charles Farris to look at & discuss the linen, who then took our purple altar linen away to produce an accurate estimate. At the October PCC Vera reported that the Charles Farris rep had visited with samples and quotes. The quote for replacing the purple frontal was £1600+VAT and for producing a super frontal was £2000+VAT. Charles Farris is a well-respected company producing Ecclesiastical supplies and the PCC agreed to accept their quote. On 16[th] October, Chris, Vera, Viv & Rosh met with the rep from Charles Farris, agreed the fabric and trimmings for the frontals and associated items and placed an order. As I write these have not yet been received, although work was reported to be underway at our January PCC. The cost of these is expected to be covered by the joint legacies of Cath Chaplin & Margaret Morris, and their families will be informed upon their delivery. 

Whilst talking about the Alter Frontals at the November PCC, I asked whether we could renew each of our flags. I had just raised the Union Jack ready for Remembrance Day, and it was quite badly torn at the fly end. Our St. George's flag also shows signs of weathering and wear. This flag also displays the Diocesan coat of arms in the Canton (upper- hoist quadrant). The PCC agreed to seek quotes with a view to replacing both. Being aware that the existing Union Jack was larger than the Diocesan flag we decided to measure both, and to go with the larger size, knowing full well it would fit. 

2 new flags were ordered then on 14[th] November, both being 7 ½ ft long (2.3mtrs) x 3 ¾ ft (1.15mtrs) wide, with headband rope & toggle, and anti-fraying netting at the fly end. The flags were delivered early December, cost was £135.00 for the Union Flag, & £157.80 for the Diocesan St. Georges flag. In October, Vera reported that the outside light by the West Door was permanently lit. Suspecting that the integral daylight sensor was not working, I purchased a replacement lamp assembly (cost £19.95), intending to swap the full assembly. I did have a go on 7[th] December, whilst waiting for the Christmas Tree Festival to open. Unfortunately, I was forced to abandon the attempt when it became clear that a simple, planned 10-minute swap, of what was supposed to be exactly the same fitting, was not so simple after-all, with all the connections on the opposite side, and fixing locations in different positions too. This job then is still outstanding, but we should be able to get round to it during spring. Meanwhile, recently Andy Green has fitted a PIR operated LED lamp into the Porch, to make entering and leaving in the dark much safer for all. Thanks Andy. On 12[th] December, Travis School was in church practicing for their Christmas service. Unfortunately, a year 4 child had a “near-miss” incident, when the crucifer (the tall Brass Processional Cross) fell from its restraint position in the Chancel and almost caught the child in the face. Luckily, no one was hurt, but the cross its-self was slightly damaged, and thankfully it was able to be repaired by Jack Salter – thanks for that. The near-miss however, meant that both our own and the Schools’s risk assessments for educational visits within the church, needed to be reviewed with regards to levels of supervision, and perhaps equally importantly, needed to be aligned as to who has responsibility, which area’s are potentially more risky, and what preparations should be made prior to any visit, to protect or move potentially unstable objects. Having noticed that one of the stones within the centre of the West End floor had suddenly dropped in one corner by approximately 5 mm, thus creating a bit of a trip hazard, on 25[th] January, Vera called in Craig Bridgett of Brigett Conservation to see it, and to give us a quote for it to be lifted & re-seated. 

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At the same time, he was asked to look at the few damaged stones around the font, again to advise and to provide a quote for their replacement. Finally, he was also asked to look at the external South Path, with the York stone slabs and the lack of sand remaining in between them. Again, we are hoping to receive advice and a quote from him for infilling the sand to make the path more stable and remove the cracks in between the stones. As I write, the advice and quotes are still awaited, but as these are perceived to be safety related issues the options for their rectification need to be carefully considered and then acted upon. Watch this space…and your step! 

Other minor repairs may have taken place this year, completed by some of our members, and these may not have been recorded anywhere in this report if I have not been made aware of them. Never-the-less we are grateful for all help in these matters. These would include general lighting / lamp replacements, woodworm monitoring, vacuum cleaner repairs, mower & strimmer repairs amongst any others. 

## **Quinquennial Inspection (Q.I.).** 

I have previously reported that in 2019, we had appointed a new architect, Mr. Andrew Boyce, of Ferry & Mennim Architects of York; and I also reported that our quinquennial inspection had been completed on 21[st] August 2019, and a full Q.I. report received on 18[th] November 2019. I previously gave a detailed summary of how this report was written and organised, listing some of the major statistics, the recommendations, suggested repairs, and their respective priorities. If anyone would like to see a copy of this comprehensive document, please ask. 

Unfortunately, as it is a quinquennial inspection, this meant that a new inspection was due in 2024. I reminded our September PCC meeting that the Q.I. report was due, and that we needed to book an inspection with our architect. After a short discussion we agreed to talk the matter over with Andrew and enquire whether we could delay it for a short while and try to advance certain outstanding tasks from the last QI, so that they could be ticked off before the next inspection. At our October PCC meeting Rosh announced that Andrew was currently recovering from Covid, and that she had indeed asked if we could push the North Aisle window repair and the re-instatement of the Hatfield Monument, aiming for completion before our next QI inspection. Andrew had agreed to push those projects, and to doing our next QI inspection, though no date had then been suggested. 

I have also explained, how COVID had delayed meetings between ourselves, and our architect such that it was not until after the November 2020 meeting that we had drawn up a brief project plan to list some of the actions and priority tasks we had decided upon to take forward. We have completed some of those tasks which were easy to close out, such as seeking confirmation & dates of surveys and inspections etc, and an update to our list of church contractors, however these will continuously need to be revised, whenever details change. 

We have still only completed one of the major items on our project plan of 2021, which was the need to commission a full glazing survey for the church. The planned repairs following on from that have not actually been actioned yet. Further down on the project plan (not necessarily in importance; but in achievability at that time), there were some inspections and potential repairs to some roofs, re-seating of the flagpole, modifications to the flagpole fixings, and repairs to the Belfry window guards. 

Throughout the last 5 years, it feels as though we have always been busy, but the longer-term plans on the list have not moved forwards much; whilst many different tasks have come up and changed our original focus. As the tasks we have been dealing with this year end, it would be good to try to take stock and work out from our QI report what we feel has been done and not done. 

We will of course be getting a new QI examination soon (now booked to happen on 8[th] May), followed by a new report later in the year. 

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The new report will be essential in establishing new priorities. Also, now that we have been established as a Major Parish Church, we will be required to create a Conservation Management Plan, which is a much longer-sighted plan of the future development of our church, and which will be partially driven by the QI report and partially by our own perceived direction in terms of building development. In the meantime, the PCC needs to re-assess and create a new plan of priorities to take us forward into the longer future, so a quick review of what is still urgent and could be done in the coming year would still be useful. **The Glazing Survey & Report & Window Repairs.** One of the major items on the Church’s project plan, originating from the Quinquennial Inspection and the meetings with the architect, was the need to commission a full glazing survey for the church, to determine the condition and priority of each of our windows, so that we could push some forwards as an acceptable repair project. You may remember that my report in 2021 gave full details about the organizing and planning for the glazing survey, and then a summary of the results of the finished report from the glaziers. If anyone would like to read either, please ask. A copy of the report was passed onto the architect, for him to add his own notes about the stonework. As I wrote in my report for 2022, there had been little progress moving forward from the glazing survey, and no contact with the architect on this subject as then. Our focus however had been on other items in 2022; such as church yard closure, major parish church application, Barn refurbishment, and the faculty application for replacement notice boards, candle stands & pews. Our intention as those items completed, was to re-focus in 2023 on the priority windows and agree a programme of repair works from those described, be they glazing, or masonry repairs and to get on with the faculty applications and repairs to those windows as soon as was practically possible. Unfortunately, four incidents of malicious damage to our windows, were once again to change our priorities, and my report from last year covered in detail the preparations, seeking of permissions and the eventual repairs to our damaged windows. As I reported last year, the total bill for the window repairs came in at £15,054+vat, including the scaffolding hire (£3500) and the invoices were paid by the PCC in December. Following on from that, and the sterling work done by Rosh & Karen, in February we were informed, and in March received a re-payment from Ecclesiastical Insurance for £10,640.00. This was based on the cheapest quote, but included no payment for scaffolding or vat, and was also reduced by the 3 excess payments of £250. Rosh and Karen had also applied for, and we were granted a payment of £3127.38 to cover VAT relating to repairs on the windows, organ and clock (all the repairs for 2023), from the Listed Places of Worship Grant scheme. We were fortunate to have received some personal donations towards the repairs, for which we are extremely grateful. Finally, the PCC also requested a grant of £1,055.00 from the HCBT to cover the shortfall, effectively for the non-VAT elements of the repairs to the RAF window and the Figure of Christ damage in the East Window, which I believe was paid in April. I also reported last year that we were planning to host an evening with the Cookes, Hatfield Church Building Trust & the Friends as part of the Diocese ‘church explorer's week’. This event did take place on May 28[th] and was well attended. Many people came to hear the Cookes’ revelations about the significance, the trials, tribulations & methods of repair, and some of the “secrets” that our beautiful windows held without us knowing. It was indeed very interesting and well worth while attending. With those repairs behind us, we were eventually able to return to our former plans, and the repairs to the window above the “Devil’s Door” (nX). A meeting was arranged, with Andrew our architect, and Mathias the Stone Mason, to visit on 17[th] May, meeting with Rosh & the Churchwardens. 

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This was a combined visit to look at the Vestry wall and to scope out the repairs which would be required to replace the monument. At the same time, they also looked at the window above the “Devil’s Door” (nX - on the glazing survey), and the repairs needed to the stonework for that. They also looked at the site of the fill required to cover the new organ power cable, to give appropriate quotes for that too. The remainder of 2024, saw no real movement, though early in October Rosh tried to push the architect for the quotes for the monument re-installation & the window repairs. We were hopeful that we might be able to get some repairs conducted that actually appeared on our last QI and were classed as “Urgent”; before we received our next QI report. 

As I write in January 2025 then, the PCC has now received and reviewed the quotes for the Window stonework, and the monument re-installation.  The January PCC also authorised the go-ahead of the project, so hopefully we will see the window repair & re-installation within 2025 & full details in next year’s report. In the first place, a full faculty application will probably be needed. Andrew said that we might also be able to apply for grant funding towards the full cost of the repair and re-instatement, so we should try that, and possibly save the Building Trust some money. 

The budgetary cost from Andrew for the window repair is as follows. 

|**_Task_**<br>MGMMP quote 20241111 (including £10k glazing provisional allowance)<br>Contingency @ 10%<br>Sub-total, rounded<br>Fees @ 15%<br>VAT @ 20%<br>**Anticipated project total**|**_Cost_**<br>45,450<br>4,545|
|---|---|
||50,000<br>7,500<br>11,500<br>**£69,000**|



The above cost is a cost for stone repairs, but this will need to include removal and reinstatement of the glass so M.G. has put an estimate of £10k against that, but it would be worth asking Ruth & Jonathan what it would actually cost. Andrew is happy to do that. 

I am not aware that a quote was received from Stained Glass Conservation yet, however, they might have started one when they looked during the window repairs. Again, we are hopeful and would like to see this particular window repair project completed during 2025. 

## **The Hatfield Church Building Trust &** 

## **The Friends of the Hatfield Church Building Trust.** 

I again need to mention the work of the Hatfield Church Building Trust, and of the Friends of the Hatfield Church Building Trust, who work so tirelessly to raise money to fund most of our major project expenses. 

This last year, Hatfield Church Building Trust have not been asked to pay much towards the upkeep of our church building. Though we have had some large expenses in the window, clock, and organ cable repairs over the last couple of years, these were largely paid for by the PCC via some generous grants, coupled with an insurance claim on the window damage. The PCC did request the H.C.B.T. to cover a shortfall of £1,055.00 on the above projects, which was paid in April. 

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As the clock is generally serviced in December, its annual service has only just been carried out, and as I write the fee for this has not yet been claimed from the Building Trust, however it is usual that they apply on our behalf and receive a grant for the service of our church clock from the Town Council annually. 

The Hatfield Church Building Trust kindly informed us in 2019, that approximately £30,000 was “available” for us to spend on projects that year. Since then, we have spent little from that figure, so presumably this is still available to use, when some of the projects we are currently working on are finished! I know that both groups are keen to see and support a project and would like to get back into a more active and targeted fund-raising role. We are hopeful that this year will be the year when some of that restorative work is finally completed and are working on the re-installation of the Hatfield Monument, and the repair to the North Aisle Window (above the “Devil’s Door”), as you have just read. There will also be the next QI to pay for, and some smaller repairs by way of general maintenance to the West End Floor etc which are also on-going discussions as I write. 

I should again like to pay tribute to so many members of our church, and those from the public, who continually support the fundraising efforts throughout the years. Without their help, it is unlikely that we would be able to achieve half of what we do to improve and maintain our magnificent building. 

## **Church Maintenance Programme.** 

Historically, pre-2018, we employed Bridgett Conservation (Building Restoration) Ltd from Tickhill, to conduct an annual inspection of our roofs, eaves and parapets, roofing gutters, fall pipes, gullies, and underground drainage pipes, and to clean / clear them of any leaves & other debris. This was part of an annual maintenance program for which we paid around £300.00 + vat per year. We did not re-employ them after 2018, because of the problems we had faced in 2016/2017, with some of the repairs, the quality of the work, their diminishing availability and difficulty in contacting them. Since 2018 then, we had tried to conduct some of this work ourselves and had cleaned and examined some of the roofs and gutters of the church, and the surface gulley’s & underground drainage pipes. Some clearing of roof gutters & down pipes was done by a small team including Johnny, Stuart & Pete, in 2023, however much of it was not done as the higher-level work was difficult and not really safe for the aging team that we now have. 

Over the last couple of years, we did try to pick this up, trying to find a new contractor to take on this work. Rosh spoke both to Josh Hunter and Andrew our architect in July 2023 and asked them to supply a couple of names of contractors whom they thought might be suitable. She asked again early in 2024, and on 12[th] March a couple of names were offered by Andrew our architect, one being a company in York, the other being from Ripon. I am not really aware how much, if any, discussion was had with these two companies, because Rosh had also spoken to the company who did her own gutters and facias and was quoted £150 - 180 to clean all of the church high level gutters. The Standing Committee gave the authority to proceed by email, with the view that it was worth giving them a try as the quote sounded reasonable, though I was keen to know the full scope of works they were offering for that amount, i.e. would they be going onto any of the roofs to clear the gullies, were down pipes to be flushed, or was it just the cast iron gutters along the North & South Aisles that they proposed to clean? At our May PCC meeting, Rosh reported that having contacted the company that had quoted a couple of times, asking them to make arrangements to come and do the work, she had received no response. On 11[th] June, Rosh met with “Gav the Gutter Man” at the church, to look at our gutters. He brought with him a drone, which he flew above the guttering and showed Rosh the resultant photos of our gutters, (they were all full of silt etc). He offered to clear all lower-level metal gutters and hoppers and remove the small trees seen to be growing in some for £100! He returned on the 17[th] of June, he spent 3 hours and showed Rosh loads of photos. There was a whole tree growing out of one fall pipe, which took a long time... and was difficult to remove as it went all the way down. 

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Consequently, Rosh felt he had earned more than £100 originally quoted, and suggested he invoice us for £150. At her insistence, he settled on putting in an invoice for £130 (which was still £50.00 less than the previous company had quoted. 

Gav suggested that the job should be repeated every 2 years and should hopefully be easier from now on and nearer the £100 original quote. He left Rosh with photos of the before & after! 

At our September PCC Rosh reported that she had asked Gav to put us in the diary for an annual clean. 

In 2024 then, none of the higher-level work has been carried out by our own team. At ground level, the silt traps and underground drainage pipes and gullies have been cleaned out a couple of times. I especially need to thank Stuart Watson, who was keen to pass on his many years of knowledge of clearing these on to others before he left us and moved down South. Thanks also to other members of the regular team: Johnny, Andy, 2 Pete’s & Tim, who all worked to clear the Churchyard drains etc on 5[th] October. 

## **The Hatfield Family Wall Monument.** 

I reported on the removal of the Hatfield family wall monument in my 2021 report although the actual removal took place on February 8[th,] 2022. It was removed following concerns from our architect about its stability during his visit as part of the glazing survey. I reported that the remaining parts of the monument which used to hang in the Choir Vestry were removed as a matter of urgency, with special permission from the Archdeacon, and were transported, along with other parts of the same monument which had been removed some years earlier, back to the workshop of the stone mason, Matthias Garn to undergo some minor repairs. 

I also reported that our architect visited on 23[rd] May 2023, primarily to view the window damage, but had also looked at the Vestry wall, the original site for this monument, and stated that he would contact Matthias and ask him to quote for preliminary wall repairs and the monument’s replacement. We had received a quote to simply repair the tablet and pediment as recently removed, however we need a revised quote for the full repair including the repair / replacement of the additional parts removed many years ago. (There was initially some talk of potentially re-siting the monument into a more prominent position, however this was later rejected, as we felt it necessary for us to re-install it in the Chapel, and with the Hatfield family vault, over which it had been placed). The prioritization of this project waned as we concentrated on other priorities for 2023, there were no further discussions or developments on this, and I am not aware that these quotes were ever actually received (by us). 

On the 17[th] of May, Andrew, our architect and Matthias visited and met with Rosh & Vera, to look at the Vestry wall, and to scope out the repairs which would be required to replace the monument. At the same time, they also looked at the window above the “Devil’s Door”. (nX, on the glazing survey), and the site of the fill required to cover the new Organ power cable, to give appropriate quotes for these too. The remainder of 2024, saw no real movement, though early in October Rosh tried to push the architect for the quotes for the monument re-installation & the window repairs. We were hoping that these would both be good tasks for completion prior to our next Quinquennial Inspection date; and it would also be good for the Building Trust to finally have an opportunity to see the money raised actually go towards a project. 

As I write in January 2025 then, the PCC has now received and reviewed the quotes for the monument repair, wall repair, & monument re-installation.  The January PCC also authorised the go-ahead of the project, so hopefully we will see it’s re-installation within 2025 & full details in next year’s report. In the first place, a full faculty application will probably be needed. Andrew said that we might also be able to apply for grant funding towards the full cost of the repair and re-instatement, so we should try to look into that, and possibly save our own Building Trust some money. 

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The monument repair & re-installation quote is summarised below, by way of extract from the Andrew Boyce email. 

The monument replacement is split into 2 tasks, the first, following removal of the monument, is to record the wall paintings found and to repair the wall (including window jamb stones). The second is to repair and reinstate the monument, with a preliminary task of preparing a full report on the extent of repairs required. M.G. can do all of this work, except the recording/conserving of the wall painting for which I would suggest you approach Skillington Studio (David Carrington) or Hirst Conservation (Elizabeth Hirst). I have worked/am working with David on a number of projects and he is very good. 

I would add a contingency of 10% to each of the 3 projects. And then 15% to the window, and 10% to the monument, for architect’s and other professional fees. 

The Hatfield Monument Repair & Re-install project would be in the order of: - 

|**_Task_**<br>_MGMMP wall repairs_<br>_Contingency @ 10%_<br>_Sub-total, rounded_<br>_A N Other (Skillingtons) report and recording of wall painting_<br>_Sub-total, rounded_<br>_VAT @ 20%_<br>_Sub-total, rounded_<br>_MGMMP monument Repairs (Option 2) – REPORT_<br>_MGMMP monument Repairs_<br>_Contingency_<br>_Sub-total, rounded_<br>_VAT @ 20%_<br>_Sub-total, rounded_<br>**_Anticipated project total_**|**_Cost_**|
|---|---|
||_6,300_<br>_630_<br>_7,000_<br>_5,000_<br>_12,000_<br>_2,400_|
||_14,400_|
||_1,500_<br>_20,000_<br>_2,000_<br>_23,500_<br>_4,700_|
||_28,200_|
||**_£42,600_**|



## **Major Parish Church Designation.** 

I have previously reported that we were fortunate enough to be successful in being designated as “A Major Parish Church.” Rosh and our former Diocesan Buildings Officer were fundamental in getting this designation through, and our notification was received 27[th] July 2022. This designation can only be good for us, as it is intended to help us obtain funding towards future projects. 

Following on from the above: - a Major Parish Church is of such size and significance that having aConservation Management Plan (CMP) for the building is highly recommended. 

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A CMP allows everyone to agree on the values and significance of the church; and should be used to inform all decisions that affect the building. It can help in the success of grant applications, faculty applications, listed building consent and scheduled monument consent. 

I reported last year that we need to begin work on a Conservation Management Plan with our architect as soon as possible. This will again help to prioritise & put long term plans in for major repairs / improvements. The fact that we are overdue our new QI report this year, will I guess probably delay beginning the CMP until next year. 

## **Microphones, Sound System, Hearing Loop & Digital Broadcast.** 

I reported last year on some of the problems we were having with the Lectern microphone, and the boundary microphone being used on the portable Communion table that we used in the crossing, and with the main speakers occasionally not working. I told you that the PCC were still concerned for the health of the system as a whole and understandably in need of something that could be relied upon for services, especially for weddings & funerals. 

At the December 2023 PCC meeting, Rosh suggested that we called in Rev’d Philip Ball to review our system once again. Philip is the adviser to the DAC on audio & video equipment. On 21[st] February then, Philip Ball attended our church, and met with Rosh, Andy Green & me. he examined most of our equipment, including the desk, the amplifiers, microphones, hearing loop amplifier & feed-back killer. He walked around the church with the radio mics, discovering areas where the signal dropped out, and was extremely helpful in his explanations of the pros & cons of different types of microphone, and the amount to which they are dependant upon the person speaking. He made some recommendations verbally as we spoke, and on his return home, wrote a full report on our system, which we received on 29[th] February. 

The report was extensive but essentially advised the replacement of most of our microphones as they were either ‘life expired’ or not of the quality, which provides good sound and ease of use. 

He also recommended replacement of the mixer with one which had more useable functions either a good quality analogue one or digital one, and one with Pushbutton on/off control of individual microphones. He suggested that we should consider purchasing a sub bass unit to fill out the bass sound and improve the quality and effectiveness of replayed music used for backing tracks for worship, or for coming in and out of funerals, weddings or for meditations etc. He also recommended we do a detailed working through of our system and its wiring connections, to create a clear and easily understood diagram and means for ensuring that everything works well. 

He suggested that we organise training for the users of the system. Both those at the front using microphones, and those at the back controlling the output on the desk. 

Finally, he suggested, that we use a good quality installer to help choose and install the right equipment and that we try to loan equipment before hand and try it out to ensure it does what we want it to. 

He also supplied details of some of the microphones & equipment he had demonstrated, some that were currently being installed at St. Francis Bramley, and contact details for installation companies he felt he could recommend. 

One of the companies that Philip Ball recommended was Ben Stacey at Plugged-in Audio Visual. 

Andy contacted Ben on 21[st] March, to make an appointment, and to ask for his advice & support as we were seeking to upgrade or replace our current sound system in church. Unfortunately, none of the first series or second series of dates proposed were suitable, and we were unable to get a meeting arranged until 21[st] June. In the meantime, Andy sent the report from Philip Ball to Ben Stacey, to help him understand the type of equipment we were looking for. 

Page | 40 



|The meeting on 21stJune, involved Ben Stacey, with Andy & Rosh. They had a comprehensive review of|
|---|
|current equipment, and a discussion on current & future requirements. Following this meeting, Ben was to|
|send a quote detailing the upgrade to our system. The quote was received on 1stJuly, and was full and|
|comprehensive, itemising the details and cost for each piece of equipment that he was recommending, a|
|brief description of the scope and facilities the system was designed to cover, and the terms & conditions|
|of the installation.|
|Without listing details, the full total came to £31,550.52 inc. Vat.|
|The quote was discussed briefly at our September PCC meeting, and it was agreed that it looked like a|
|future-proof, all-encompassing quote, but it was obviously a lot of money and needed further discussion.|
|Hopefully there would be grants which might help us to raise the necessary funding too.  Seeking to push|
|forwards, and with the knowledge that the previous quote was now out of date, we agreed to seek a|
|smaller quote to replace only the lectern microphones and the 2 radio microphones.|
|A revised quote was received on 25thNovember, with little movement on price for those specific items|
|taken from the previous full quote.|
|Sound Equipment - Initial order|
|Lapel mic system Sennheiser EW-D ME2 Wireless ME2 Lapel Mic System CH70<br>2<br>£1,200.00|
|(These are to replace/upgrade the ones (Trantec) we currently use)|
|Headset Mic Audio Technica BP892 headset mic for Sennheiser body pack<br>1<br>£375.00|
|(Discuss these – Not sure if some of the clergy use them. May just need one)|
|Batteries & charger Sennheiser EW-D / EW-DX Charging Set & 2x BA70 Batteries<br>1<br>£125.00|
|Spare battery Sennheiser BA70 Battery for EW-D<br>1<br>£42.00|
|Lectern mic. Audio Technica AT 875R - speech condenser shotgun mic.<br>2<br>£250.00|
|Lectern Stand Ultimate Stand JS-MCRB100 Round base stand with 'T' bar<br>1<br>£44.00|
|Postage & Packing<br>1<br>£15.00|
|Total<br>£2051.00|
|Vat<br>£410.20|
|Grand Total<br>£2,461.20|
|The above lapel mic systems have so far not been set up and used, though they have been received,|
|however the lectern microphone has been replaced, and the new one has been in use since December.|
|Set-up and use of the new radio microphone systems will follow as soon as possible, meanwhile Andy is|
|constructing a new shelf unit to house the new receivers adjacent to the control desk.|
|On 22ndNovember, Andy reported that he had been successful at getting the Choir speaker working again,|
|by altering the connection to the amplifier, and the system has been pretty reliable and trustworthy with|
|no issues for the last few months. We do still have this upgrade on our agenda for discussion and|
|implementation, but I guess we may look to implement the change bit by bit unless we prove successful in|
|finding sufficient funding towards it.|



Page | 41 



I should also tell you that in March, Rachel informed us of a funding scheme, run by the Suez Recycling - Communities funding scheme, through which we could possibly get a grant towards our Audio / Visual and or CCTV plans. There is a Suez depot in Kirk Sandal, so that we were within the eligible area. Rachel & Rosh did put in an application, but unfortunately, we were unsuccessful at that time in receiving any award. 

Our internet router and QR code and card readers have continued to see increasing use this year, especially at weddings and funerals, and by couples and families for the paying of wedding / funeral fees etc. Our QR code is on display and available around church and on current internet & paper documents. If scanned, it will forward the scanning device straight to our church giving site. 

On the whole, the readers have been reliable, although they stopped working a couple of times after someone had mistakenly switched off the router ! 

If anyone would like a tutorial on how to operate the CollecTin device so that you may advise members of the public, please ask, and we will willingly arrange a session. Also with the church internet connection, any legitimate users can log on to the network within the church if they need to. – If you have a need to, please contact Rosh who can provide connection details. 

Finally, we would still like to hear from any willing individuals who might like to operate some of this technical equipment for us. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer to help to drive the PA system for some of our services or would like to record and broadcast our services for us; then please contact the church wardens. Current operators would value some additional help, it can be very burdensome when volunteers are few and services many. 

## **The Church Clock.** 

Our Church clock has performed well this year, giving us no real trouble. You may remember last year’s annual report which detailed the replacement of the earlier electric clock motor installed in January 2023. Our clock received its annual service on 19[th] January 2024, with no problems prior to this, and none since. As I write, I can tell you that the next service is already booked for 12[th] Feb 2025; but again, is expected to be only routine in nature. We are lucky to receive the usual grant for the on-going clock maintenance costs from the Town Council. This grant is usually applied for via the H.C.B.T. in March and subsequently repaid to the PCC by them to re-imburse the service fee paid. 

The grant for 2024 was £203.00. 

The only issue with the clock that I can report, is that on Sunday 8[th] December whilst in church for the Christmas Tree Festival, I noticed that the church clock was chiming out of sync with its hands, when it struck 12 at 2 o’clock. This issue had not been reported by anyone, and having asked around the church wardens etc, no one had really noticed, and we were not sure how long this had been happening. Chris had noticed an error on the Thursday, but had expected it to right-itself, and had promptly forgotten about it. Andy & myself went up on the Sunday and I showed him how to correct any future synchronisation problems, by advancing the chimes until the correct cycle is reached. 

I have no idea how the problem came about though, since power cuts don’t usually affect this as everything stops and re-starts at the same time. I can only think that we must have had a power cut which went off exactly as the clock was mid-chimes and it never got to finish the sequence. 

Anyway, not a serious problem, easy to solve, and all ok again now. 

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## **The Church Organ.** 

Our church organ was planned to be bi-annually maintained by Malcolm Spink of Leeds. Under normal circumstances the two services are planned to occur in June / July and again in December. Our organ was last given a routine service & re tune in December 2024, in preparation for our Christmas services, and during which no additional maintenance work was needed. Unfortunately, the scheduled organ service for summer was missed by us, though thankfully not so by our organ, which continued to perform well throughout, with no problems. This was probably part of the reason the mid-year service was missed! 

Vernon reports that the organ is currently still fine, with no major issues, though he has noticed that one of the manual stops has started to work a little loose and should therefore be re-tightened. He intends to mention this fact at the next routine service but does not feel that it necessitates any urgent attention yet. I reported at length last year, on how a cable fault had left us without our organ for much of 2023, and the stages and costs of getting a new cable installed. I am pleased to say that since that cable installation in November 2023, we have had no sign of any further problem. The only outstanding piece of work, from this project was that we should employ a monumental mason to repair the stone floor following the cable installation, rather than the electrical contractors. (In compliance with the advice given by our architect at the time of our List “B” faculty application). This work has not yet been done, as it is none urgent, and the area of floor is somewhat out of the way. We hope to complete this work during the coming year, as “additional work” for the monumental mason when he visits to replace the Hatfield Monument, and /or North Window Repair projects. 

## **Heating.** 

During this last year, our heating system does seem to have behaved quite well, and we have had no real issues with it not starting, or tripping out etc. The system however has not been serviced since 27[th] July 2023, due to oversight on our part. There was, however, a service call on 8[th] November 2023 when we were told that there was an intermittent fault with the ignition transformer. The engineer was able to clear the fault but said that any future recurrence might require a replacement transformer. We were also advised at the last service that the fan drive belts would be due a change at the next service. 

Since then, we have obviously been quite lucky and have not had any failures. I have not been made aware of any issues of failing to start, and we have not really had many complaints about the temperature being too cold with the heating on since then, so it all looks good for now. 

we are now seeking to get the service done over the summer, and expecting a larger than usual bill with the planned belt replacements etc. 

I told you last year, that our last service was conducted by a colleague of Bill’s. (Bill is our usual engineer), and about an outstanding software change to add a “program cancel” button onto the screen to simplify our programming of the system. The chap said that he was aware of the request, and that Bill was too, and that we should expect a visit in a few weeks to do the software update. I am not aware that this update has yet been carried out, and it looks like we may have to submit another request and remind Bill (who does the programming himself). Just as a reminder then, this request is to add a “Cancel” or “Advance” button, so that we can easily cancel a program part way through its cycle and advance to the end. This is currently difficult and requires us to amend the stored program to get the system to stop. The problem there is that you cannot then re-enter the same program parameters for next week without re-starting the current program again; you must go away and return the next day to re program the very program you just cancelled. We also have an additional problem where the heating system clock is currently 10 mins out of sync with the rest of the world, and we are unable to amend the system time. 

Page | 43 



These issues have not been followed up since the announcement of Liz’s retirement, and Philippe’s accident before they left. We will seek to include both of these in with this years’ service. 

In February last year, Karen, our Treasurer, told us that our heating bill was likely to increase by 200% for 2024, even after looking around for the cheapest tariffs. Our current contract with a company called Bionic, was about to expire, and was a 4-year deal started before the major price rises began. By way of example, our latest gas bill was £543.92 at our current 'cheap' rate.  This would rise to £1694.77 at Bionics’ new – auto-renewal rate! Research from Karen suggested that we went with a new 12-month rate with Crown Gas, the same bill would be £886.90, nearly half that of the Bionic rate. Karen thought that she had been able to stop the auto renewal from Bionics from going ahead early in March, with the current contract due to terminate in May. Karen also agreed to obtain more quotes for the PCC meeting in April, unfortunately the Crown Gas quote was no longer available, and the various companies’ rates were changing thick & fast, and were usually only valid until 5 pm, then they were revised again the next day. At our April PCC, Karen presented us with a couple of options on new tariffs, and the PCC authorised her to proceed with a 2-year fixed contract deal with EDF. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned and we found ourselves unable to get out of the contract with Bionic. Despite all Karen & Rosh’s efforts they could find little evidence of the contract having been signed, or even authorised by the PCC, and suspect it happened during Covid Lockdown. Reluctantly we had to accept that we were tied into the contract with Bionic until July 2026. 

FYI, as part of our review of Wedding / Funeral Fees carried out in January this year, Andy took gas meter readings before and after the Wednesday morning service on 1[st] January. Karen translated this into a cost for us at £47.47 for 2 hrs between 9.30 – 11.30am, or approx. £23.74 / Hr – (unit charge only). This was to enable us to set the Charge-out rate for heating during weddings & funerals etc. 

I reported last year that we had begun a project with a local company called Cheribim, and that in its commitment to the wider church’s net zero route map the Diocese has partnered with Cheribim to test new, innovative ways of measuring the impact of methods to lower the carbon footprint of some of our most historic and complex buildings. They are working to create digital tools to help churches manage their buildings and have recently received funding from Innovate UK to explore new ways of assessing the thermal performance of historic church buildings. I told you that we had been asked to host (along with up to 100 other churches) several environmental monitoring sensors which track temperature and humidity, in the main spaces of our building. These initial sensors were positioned in November 2023. 

All readings taken from these will be used to assess the effect of factors such as heating patterns on different building materials, over a period of around 18 months (including winter 2023 and winter 2024) to inform decisions on interventions which might reduce energy consumption. The aim is to explore ways in which the cost of heating church buildings might be reduced, and the levels of comfort may be increased in an economically sustainable way. They are keen to see if simple, ground-level fixes by on-site staff/volunteers can have influence. It is hoped that the results of this survey might have a positive knockon effect for churches and the communities they serve, along with progress towards the Church of England’s net zero by 2030 target. Cheribim sensors then, were initially placed around church (South Chapel and Pulpit) and one on the top of the tower, and the internal ones have changed location since. They are recording temperature / humidity levels as and when heating is turned on/off over a period. The data will presumably be charted / graphed and compared with that of other buildings with different heating regimes. 

In March this year, Cheribim wrote to us to ask for permission to view our latest, and legacy quinquennial inspection reports from previous inspections. (They also had to seek the permission of the relevant architects). Obviously, they were beginning to analyse and group the data and thus needed to be aware of specific heating type, age, construction & thermal properties of the various churches involved. 

Page | 44 



They also told us that their church management platform was now live and available for us to login, where we could: access sensor readings, log heating use & occupancy, store & share related documents, e.g. QI reports, utility bills. They asked us to view it and to feedback any comments or suggestions. Though we may have viewed the site, I’m not aware that anyone of us used it in any way at that time. In October 2024 we were offered the opportunity to accept additional sensors, so Andy contacted them back and received 3 additional sensors, so that we now have 6 sensors internally and 1 external sensor, all measuring air temperature & relative humidity. A google meeting was arranged for 20[th] November, between Amy from Cheribim, and Rev’d Chris, Vera, Rosh, Andy & Tim, during which I believe they were shown the “Hatfield Church Dashboard”, and the data that had been collected, and possibly how to interpret & make sense of that data. They also discussed points of heat loss within the church, and a suggestion was made to possibly put curtains on all but the main doors. Also, at the end of November, Cheribim wrote to us with the title “Ask us anything about your church building”. They were inviting any sort of questions, such as: - “Questions about your latest QI report and recommendations, heating use, caring for your building”. Having not received anything from us, they then wrote again explaining that they hoped to receive a great number of questions, so that they could work out which were the most pressing needs, and tailor the last few months of the project to try to address most of those needs. They hoped to: - • Focus on the most pressing concerns when looking at the data (flag priority building fabric issues). • Develop tools and resources that save time, fill information gaps, and support the Church Buildings Officers (Jo, Josh, & Chris). • Discover innovative ways that sensor data might provide valuable insights and practical solutions. They promised to respond to all questions, in one way or another - and were working collaboratively with the Diocese to determine what the most appropriate next steps would be. They thanked everyone for their time and contributions, and for helping them shape a practical, meaningful resource for churches to use. Cheribim held a final Historic Heat Workshop on 19th February 2025 at Doncaster Minster. The workshop was titled: Material Change, A discussion led by Dr Robyn Pender, and covered: - • how the causes of ‘rising’ damp in your building might be coming from above, not below • how your sensors can support better use of your heating system, which might reduce your costs • what information you should collect to make sure the steps you take on your church’s sustainability journey are the right ones for you. I believe that Vera & Rosh might have attended this final lecture & workshop. Being interested to see the data that has been generated, I contacted cheribim and asked for a login to view our Hatfield data dashboard and was soon granted access. There is a lot of data which can be accessed, and it is quite easy to read, as each of our 6 internal & 1 external sensors has its data separately graphed. There is a separate table where you can alter the time frame for the data that you view, such that you could see a graph of the last hour, the last day, week, month, any period up to the maximum 18 months. The data shows temperature and relative humidity values at each sensor, and these can then be compared. At first viewing, we can see min & max temperatures, and it seems that these look pretty constant around the church. 

Page | 45 



However, to make any real sense of the data, we need to think about it, plan some experiments, and note exact times when the heating was switched on and off, thus we could watch the temperatures rise in real time and measure the effectiveness of our heating better. I think it could be useful if indeed we are allowed to keep the sensors recording for a bit longer. We are of course about to come out of heating season, so may not be able to do much before October! 

I told you in 2022 about a preliminary discussion between Rosh and Eddie Murphy from Ollio Consultancy who was the DAC Heating Specialist. Rosh gave him a brief outline of our current heating system in church, and told him we were seeking advice on options for the future to make it more effective etc. He visited on May 9[th ] (2022), and spoke to Rosh, Vera, Philippe & Brian. He looked at our church heating and was going to send a report under the remit of his role as advisor to the DAC. 

I am not aware that we have ever received this report, perhaps we should try to chase it again. He did comment that if he were going to design a heating system for a church like ours in terms of building and use, the last thing he would come up with would be what we have! Having said that, since the system is currently functioning reasonably well, he suggested we consider incorporating something like DeStratification fans to get the heat where it needs to be, when we come to submit some of the plans and faculties for major works we are envisioning over the next few years. 

I put the following sections in last year, but will repeat again this year, 

Our current heating system, for those who do not know, is gas fired. We are all acutely aware of the soaring prices for gas (and other types of fuel too), and this trend is unlikely to ever reverse as fuel sources are reduced, and as we strive towards greener energy sources. Inevitably then, this has led us to consider installing an alternative heating system. There are many options to consider: - Types of heating such as electric radiant heaters, underfloor electric, under floor warm air, a piped hot water & radiator system. Each will have different benefits and failings, the running costs of each may vary significantly now, and in the future. Some systems will be easier to install than others, in terms of permissions. Which type of fuel should we opt for, to be cheapest in the long term? We could consider installing solar panels to offset our energy costs, but these are never likely to be able to supply our own needs fully. The relative success of each against the other is not easy to work out. The one thing that all systems will have in common, is that they are likely to be extremely expensive to install. 

Unfortunately, our church is an enormous single space to heat. As a Grade 1 Listed Building, it is unlikely that we will ever be able to insulate our walls or fit double-glazed windows to improve our efficiency and lower our bills that way. We might choose to section off parts of our church to make individual sections easier to heat, but this has implications into how we use our building going forwards, so this would also need to be very carefully considered at the same time. The PCC / Fabric committee have discussed this whole topic in the past, but not in depth recently. 

I think that in recognition of the current fuel pricing trends, heating will be on the agenda again very soon and will certainly need to be considered in conjunction with our long-term re-ordering plans for the church. We also need to get to grips with our Cheribim dashboard, and try some meaningful, timed experiments to try and ascertain minimum & maximum warm up times, at various outside temperatures. 

## **The Christmas Lights.** 

The Christmas lights worked well on the top of our tower again this year. Many thanks to James Scott for helping me with the rope installation and to Andy Deakins & Andy Green who helped with the lighting installation, and James & Andy Green, again for helping with the removal. I am pleased to say that there were no problems with the lights yet again, now 10 years after purchase, and still not a single lamp lost yet. (We used to replace about 80 of the old lamps per year, which at that time would cost us about £50.00 per year). 

Page | 46 



These lights are much loved and often mentioned by many of our locals and visitors alike, and can be seen from as far away as Kirk Sandal, & Fishlake etc. 

I should also mention that in January this year, I was contacted by the church wardens of St. Nicholas Thorne, who were considering re-vamping their own Christmas lighting arrangement and wished to come to view our arrangement and to consult with us about how and where we got our lights; and how we installed them. I shared honestly all the details of how we arrived at the design, the costs, the manufacturer & lamp type etc, and especially how reliable, & how much cheaper they are to run. They are hoping to have a re-vamped display for next year! I hope they do well… but not too well, – we wouldn’t want to start a “Battle of the Bulbs” / Christmas Illuminations war now would we! **The Tolling Bell.** 

The Tolling bell is often used during the installation service for a new incumbent, and his tolling of the church bell was originally to inform the parishioners habemus vicarium (‘the vicar’s here’), as they may not be present at the church for the induction. Some superstitions are also associated with this tolling, with some thinking it indicates how vigorous the incumbent will be in mission and others for how long they will stay, but this is not really the case. 

Our St. Lawrence Tolling bell has not been permanently connected since 1991, when the heating system was installed in the tower, and the original rope removed, and its route blocked. With the installation service in mind, I did “cobble together” a connection from our tolling rope to the chiming hammer of our No. 2. bell (the original tolling bell), but this connection was via a torturous route and was intended to be temporary as it interfered with the Ellacombe chiming mechanism which we have used to ring our 8 bells since 1979. Following the service, I disconnected the tolling connection & reinstated the chiming mechanism. (You may remember that I also had to do this for the funerals of Prince Philip and the Queen, and the Coronation Service of Charles as King). 

Just before his Installation at our church (16/07/24), Rev’d Chris asked if the bells could be rung more regularly for services, and if the tolling bell could be re-instated, wishing to be able to use it daily – to call parishioners to church. Following this request, I temporarily re-connected the tolling bell as was, explained to Chris about the difficulty of the interference between the systems, and looked to purchase a couple of additional pulleys, hoping to construct an alternate route that wouldn’t interfere with the Ellacombe system and could thus be more permanent. Chris tried to use the tolling bell in this way, but it was difficult and often got stuck. 

I returned on 27[th] July to re-route the rope using 2 additional pulleys thus separating the 2 systems but having both ropes operate the same chiming hammer. Unfortunately, this too was not entirely successful and was prone to sticking. Chris continued to use the tolling bell until on 6[th] August Beryl reported no sound at all as he pulled on the rope. Chris himself investigated and re-screwed in one of the pullies which had come loose with all the pulling. 

On 10[th] August I was halfway through ringing for a Wedding, and the No.2 bell rope snapped (which they do from time to time). I repaired that rope, and as is necessary, tightened the new rope as tight as I could, leaving it in tension to take out some of the inbuilt expansion found in the new rope. This rendered the tolling bell in-operable for about a week. Later Chris persevered with the tolling, but still with mixed success – there was still too much inherent friction in the system which was preventing the hammer from dropping back to its rest position under its own weight and thus impeding the next ring. 

On 31[st] August myself & Andy Deakin spent 2 hrs changing the route by drilling an additional hole in the Belfry floor, & re-positioning the new pulleys to make the route straighter, hoping to reduce the friction in 

Page | 47 



the system. This worked for a while but still with some resistance in the system, and the rope subsequently broke after about 3 weeks. On 5[th] October I went back up the tower to repair the rope & to fit a self-adjusting & directional hanging pully into the system, again hoping to reduce the friction. 

Yet again the result was only marginally better, and the friction in the system continued to stop the hammer falling back to rest sometimes. Still, we persevered with the ad-hoc tolling, until the Rev’d Chris Wroot arrived, who with great gusto took on the tolling, and broke the rope a few days later! (“Under instruction to pull harder” – he told me ☺ !) 

I really didn’t want to interfere with the chiming mechanisms and create any imbalance of weights in the hammers but needed the No. 2 hammer to fall back under its own weight, so after another re-think, I decided to try a smaller 6mm diameter rope. 

On 7[th] December whilst waiting for the Christmas tree festival to get started, I installed the thinner rope and ran it through the whole tolling system from the hammer to the ground near the Pulpit. When I tried it, I was finally happy because the hammer was returning to rest under its own weight, and the ringing was much easier. Having tried it, Both Chris’s were also extremely pleased with the improvement, and we now have a tolling bell that works without interfering with the chiming mechanism. 

Returning to Rev’d Chris’s email of 12[th] July, requesting that the bells are rung more often. 

Chris, myself, and many others on the PCC, would still like to find anybody willing to take on the role of chiming our bells regularly to call parishioners to service. It does take practice but is not too hard to learn. It is a job more suited to the younger generation (the stairs are the hardest bit!), and it is easier if you have a friend and can work in pairs, though all 8 bells are rung by one person, so a second person is not absolutely necessary. 

If anybody is interested or knows of anyone else who might be, please let either myself, the Vicar, or church wardens know. I would be happy to show you what is involved and give full training as required. And if you need the added attraction, you can get reasonably paid when ringing for weddings! 

## **The Belfry Window Guards.** 

I reported last year, that in October 2023, a small team including myself, Andy Deakins & John Alick, were able to make satisfactory repairs to the wood and plastic mesh window guard for the northern belfry window, on the west side. It took us a couple of hours, and we all came down extremely dirty, but happy with the result. Following more seriously windy weather in January of this year, I was forced to make more temporary repairs to the southern belfry window, on the west side. This was very much a temporary / emergency repair to try to keep the pigeons out, and I had to return a couple of times after that just to ensure it was still in place. 

Unfortunately, it wasn’t until 12[th] October 2024, that the same team were able to go back into the belfry to repair the west side window guards yet again. This time however, I had a cunning plan, of how to wedge the window guards into the window openings, using adjustable width battens. We cut our battens slightly short, then drilled & screwed threaded adapters into the end of the wooden battens. With an offcut which had been counterbored to accept the head of a bolt and with an M6 bolt, with a nut halfway down its length, we were able to construct the adjustable battens. 

Fixing 3 of these battens in position in each of the west belfry windows made both window guards secure and meant that the numerous “props” that had previously held the guards in place, were no longer needed. Again, we had been there for a couple of hours, and we came down dirty; but we were all pleased with the result and agreed to return later this year to apply the same technique to fixing the other 6 belfry window guards. 

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Unfortunately, as Andy has now left us, moving to Horbling near Sleaford; we will need another team member, however I am very grateful to him for all help & advice given by him over the past few years. 

We also do intend to return in the spring / summer to secure the remaining window guards. 

## **The Church Armour** 

Some of you may remember that our church used to have some pieces of Church Armour on display. For many years now, this armour has been in the care of the Royal Armouries at Leeds. 


It is currently on display there, and in the past has been on display in the Tower of London. 

The items on loan include 2 left Greaves, a left Poleyn, a left Couter, an Upper and a Lower Cannon, an Armet Visor, 2 Breastplates, 4 Vambrace fragments & a Sabaton Fragment 

I reported last year, that in October 2023 we were notified about a problem with 

the “Environmental Controls” at the Leeds Armouries that could have affected our items, and that due to an oversight during the interregnum we had only just reviewed it last February. 

There was however nothing for us to be overly concerned about, and the PCC agreed that the relative humidity level variations quoted appeared to be quite minor over the period, and that our objects were still being kept in a more protected environment than they ever were when installed within our church, and therefore we chose to allow the Armouries to continue their stewardship of our items. 3 months later, following on from that decision, the PCC were again very happy to re-sign and to renew the loan agreement with the Royal Armouries, for the period 10/05/2024 – 09/05/2027. Again, as in 2021 we reenquired about the possibility of getting replicas made and receiving some literature, which we could keep in our church. Whilst yet we have not received anything physically, a response from the Royal Armouries did say that they were considering the possibility of replicas, so we should probably chase this again soon. It does us no harm to keep mentioning it. 

For anyone interested, I would recommend you visit the Leeds Armouries and look out for our armour, it is apparently quite rare and is significant to historians of this period. _(objects AL288-1 – AL288-15)._ 

## **The Barn** 

The quinquennial (5 yearly) fixed electrical inspection for the Barn was conducted by Fowler’s electricians on 13th February 2024, with no faults found. All portable items of electrical equipment within the Barn were portable appliance tested on 13/06/23, along with the church and parish office, and a re-test was due in June 24, however this is now overdue and needs to be arranged. The fire extinguishers were largely replaced rather than serviced, in January 2024, and in conjunction with those in church, and have just been inspected again 3rd February 2025. 

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At our April PCC we agreed to call an Arboriculturist to carry out some tree trimming, and a repeat tree survey within our church yard and the Barn field. The previous survey was conducted in 2019, and though work has been carried out since then, a full survey had not been repeated. Vera also enquired about a supply of wood chippings for the children’s play area within the field. Brendon Simpson, the tree surgeon, came in June and trimmed trees in the churchyard, cutting out the dead branches. He also cut out all deadwood and all overhanging branches on the path to the school, and dead wooded the back of the Barn field and cut back the hedges on Vicarage Walk. His invoice was £1200+VAT which was shared equally between the PCC and the Barn Management accounts. He was also asked to perform the tree survey for both Barn and Churchyard over the school holiday, but as I write, I find no evidence that this was ever actually done, we don’t believe we have received any report or paid any further fee. We will therefore have to put this on our agenda for this coming year. Also in June, we did some additional tidying of the field in preparation for the Garden Party and other summer events. Thanks to all those who helped in that and special thanks to those who keep up with the regular cutting of the field. 

In recent years, Philippe had maintained an on-going battle with the moles and their damage to the Barn field and Vicarage Garden. This is likely to become a bigger problem now he is no longer here, and we might end up paying for our pest control. Watch this space, or rather the Barn field! 

I reported last year how following a leak in the corner of the roof, one of the Barn alarm’s garage sensors had stopped working, and that the Chubb engineer had stated that those sensors were now obsolete, and that he hadn’t been at all helpful in suggesting any sort of repair, but had left having disconnected that sensor, thus leaving the garage un-alarmed. I also told you that this then caused us to have to swap everything around between the two garages, to ensure that the expensive equipment was properly protected by an alarm. (FYI, In June, a new drainpipe was finally fitted to the property linked to the Barn, so rainwater run-off was no longer pouring onto the garage roof). 

Our Barn Intruder alarm was re-serviced on 8[th] October 24 by the Chubb engineer. Although the alarm was working at the time (al-be-it without the one garage), as part of the service, he changed the battery in the sensor of the working garage. He then couldn’t get that garage sensor to work again either. Having serviced the remainder of the system, he left with the Barn building section of the alarm working, but no functioning sensors in either garage. Chubb sent out the service report and a leaflet entitled “Digital Switchover”. Chubb had already been chasing us for payment of the service invoice for the period from September 2024 - £310.00, but Rosh contacted them to put the invoice on hold, pending rectification / decision. On 9[th] October, Chubb sent us a quote to fit a brand-new digital alarm system and add 2 new hard-wired detectors within the garages. The cost of this upgrade was to be £2,495.00 + vat, to install, but with £649.44 + vat, as an annual maintenance charge; (£2,994.00 & £779.33 inc. vat) – The standing committee thought that this sounded way too expensive, so agreed to obtain another quote from Micro alarms.co.uk (Sisco of Fowlers electrical). That quote was received on 11[th] October, with 2 separate options quoted. Option 1 was to fit 2 new dual technology sensors into the garages, and for them to be hard-wired into the existing alarm system – the cost of this to be £561.00+vat. Option 2 was to fit the same sensors in the garages, but also to upgrade the alarm control panel and keypad to modern ones, the cost of this upgrade to be £861.00 + vat. 

On 15[th] October we paid the outstanding £310.51 for the recent service call out, but Rosh also confirmed that we wished to terminate our contract with Chubb at the end of the next period. 

Also, on the 15[th ] of October, Vera received the official quote from Micro alarms, whereby the options and final amounts remained the same, however for option 2 the new proposal was to use digital sensors in the garages, negating the need to install cabling between the Barn and the garages. The two Micro-alarm options were discussed at the November PCC meeting, with no real preference across the group, it was however agreed that we should action the re-instatement of the garage alarms as soon as possible. 

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Plans for the Christmas Tree festival & Christmas services meant that we didn’t actually get round to starting the repair before Christmas, also we had begun to talk about plans to extend the Barn, and during those discussions we were offered another alarm quote by John Isles which we chose to accept. As I write 3[rd] March 2025, a new alarm system has now been fitted, with new PIR sensors in each garage, hardwired into the control panel, and with cable run underground between Barn & garages. At the same time, replacement smoke & heat alarms were fitted to the main room in the Barn and the kitchen, the central heating boiler was serviced & re-certified, and some repairs were made to the side gate. Total cost £1,100.00. The Barn is still in regular rented use by Kaydans childcare and used 5 days per week during school term time; and generating valuable income towards barn running costs. The arrangement involves both parties working together, notifying each other of usage plans, putting things away and getting them out again afterwards, whenever the other party plans to use the building. The mowing of the Barn field also must be jointly managed, thus Kaydans accept they will have to keep the children in whilst this is done. A joint spreadsheet is being maintained by Kaydans and us, for gas / electric use, for accurate utility bill allocation, and again seems to be working well. In July we had a call from British Gas because our gas contract was due for renewal in September. Karen contacted them, and having looked at options, recommended to the Standing committee that we stay with British Gas, but transfer to the ‘British Gas Lite’ tariff. The new tariff (9.3p/unit) offered a reduction of 1.96p/unit of gas used, and at 23.31p/day standing charge, a reduction of 1.69p per day in that too. It might have been possible to find a cheaper quote with more extensive searching, but this was not thought necessary as most of our current gas charges are paid by Kaydans anyway, so additional savings would be minimal. At our renewal in September then, we swapped to the ‘Lite’ tariff. Our own Barn usage has also grown since the refurbishment and re-opening. Rachel uses it regularly with the Little Lions and Hatfield Heros groups, especially during the summer months, but is finding it a little smaller than she would like, so that sometimes she is forced to re-locate into the church. The PCC has used it for most of its meetings, there have been a few Saturday coffee mornings, but we would like to see more of them and higher attendance, moving closer to pre-Covid levels. It really would be nice to get that joyful community feel back into our barn again. I reported last year that following the announced resignation of Rev’d Liz, that the Diocese had planned to sell the Vicarage and look for a more modern replacement elsewhere and that this meant that we would be likely to lose the Parish Office. I told you how among other considerations, we were thinking about the re-development of the Barn garages into an office space, extending the old Barn, trying to get permission for a porta-cabin etc. I told you how we had sought preliminary advice from the DMBC Conservation Officer, the Diocesan Buildings Officer, Archdeacon, John Isle (who had done the recent Barn refurbishment) & others about it, to enquire what we might be able to achieve, as well as what we might be allowed, or not allowed to do. All of this of course, done within the first few months of 2024, and under the shadow of it being an urgent requirement. As you are all probably aware, in the end, the installation of Rev’d Chris Bishop, and his preference to stay in our current vicarage, over the much smaller Dunscroft vicarage, meant that we got to keep both our vicarage, and our parish office for another few years. Although this was a good and welcome result for us – certainly taking the pressure off, it was still necessary to consider the future, and to recognise that we would very likely be in the same position at the next interregnum whenever that occurred. For those who remember the “Barn Regeneration Committee”, that committee – working under the direction of the PCC, had already considered the loss of the Parish Office, and had included provision for a new office within the planned new building. 

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Unfortunately, after many years of fundraising, we were still well short of the money required to start the build, and the project finally stalled under Covid. 

During our October PCC meeting, we had a brief discussion about the Barn regeneration, which Rev’d Chris was aware of, the money still in the bank, and the fact that the current Barn is still too small for our needs. Rev’d Chris told us that he had been advised that we needed to press ahead, and to spend the money we had to achieve the best that we could. He asked that a new sub committee be set up to lead the drive towards a new plan to extend the existing Barn. This new committee then, comprises Rosh, Vera, Andy & me, with others to be asked as required. We had our first meeting on 20[th] January 2025 and have had a couple since then. As with the previous committee this committee is expected to report all of its findings and any recommendations to every PCC meeting, and any decisions on actions will ultimately come from the PCC. Obviously, it is early days, but progress so far is good, and we hope to report more next year. 

## **The Parish Office.** 

The Parish Office - fixed electrical inspection was conducted in April 2022 and therefore will be due for a re-test in April 2027. The Parish Office PAT testing was last conducted on 13[th] June 2023 along with the church & Barn. A re-test is due, and we shall book that in soon. In February, David Jameson cleared the moss and algae from the cobbles around the Parish Office, which had become quite treacherous when wet. 

I reported last year about a problem with the office computer not receiving emails at the beginning of the year, which had turned out to be an unknown change in our internet service provider. During that time, any number of emails might have been lost, and at that time Rachel had to set up a new email address for the Parish Office, which can be used going forward, and which is linked to the new website. Details below: - 

Website:   www.hatfieldstlawrencechurch.com 

Email:     hello@hatfieldstlawrencechurch.com 

Another temporary problem with the computer meant that emails did not reach the Parish Office again during May of 2023, but Philippe sorted the problem after a while, and we carried on. 

On 13[th] June Chrissy reported that emails, including those with the newsletter & magazine attachments were not being received by anyone, despite being sent by Jill McGarvie, and that it had apparently been happening for a couple of weeks. In response to that problem, Chrissy transferred the mailing list from the office PC onto the I Know Church portal, so that she could send the documents from there. First, she had to ask everyone’s permission to store their details on the I Know Church portal (GDPR rules), but now that they are there, they are more secure, and contacts are sorted into those who wish to receive the various different documents from us, and those who don’t. The emailing process in now much simpler using “grouped” email lists for distributing our regular documentation. 

Despite the success of this transfer, the PCC discussed the issue of our aging computer and its limitations, at our September PCC meeting. We decided to ask Chrissy and Rachel to get together to discuss our current and any potential requirements from a new IT system and thus define a spec for our new system. It was also recommended that they consult with Steve at IT-TO-GO, based on Bootham Lane, for help in this process. Chrissy reported back to the October PCC, with 2 alternative quotes from Steve, and explained that the older version of Windows on the Parish Office computer is not compatible with newer versions on others personal computers, this causes a lot of formatting errors when work is transferred back and forth, and therefore our system needs updating. 

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|PC Option 2|Miscellaneous Options|
|---|---|
|Brand: Custom<br>Case – Standard<br>Motherboard –<br>Gaming Motherboard 1700<br>Ram - 16gb<br>Processor – i7<br>SSD - 1tb<br>HDD - 1tb<br>DVD-RW – Yes<br>PSU –  700w<br>OS - Windows 11 Inc<br>Media<br>Wi-Fi Card - Yes<br>Speakers - Yes<br>AV - Norton 5 User<br>Colour – Silver<br>Keyboard & Mouse – RGB<br>Included|Estimated time on-site to setup around 3<br>hours, Inc Lesson if we have spare time.<br>£239.97<br>Monitor 27" + £169.99.<br>Additional Time for PC Setup Shop 1hrs +<br>£39.99<br>Onsite 1hrs + £79.99<br>MS Office Family 365 + £99.99<br>FREE Office + £0.00<br>Laptop Bag + £39.99<br>Norotn AV + £44.99<br>Free AV + £0.00<br>1tb External Hard Drive From + £89.99<br>(Other Sizes Available)<br>Mouse USB + £29.99<br>Wi-Fi Card + £34.99 (Other Models<br>Available)<br>Speakers From + £24.99 (Other Models<br>Available)<br>Headphones From + £29.99 (Other Models<br>Available)<br>Web Cam + £39.99 (Other Models<br>Available)<br>Monitor/Additional Monitor From + £89.99<br>(Other Models Available)<br>Printer From + £44.999 (Other Models<br>Available)|
|£1592.10 Inc 1 Hour<br>Labour<br>To Do Basic Setup||



Having reviewed both quotes, the PCC authorised that Steve should be asked to provide an updated PC system for the Parish Office, though neither quote was specifically selected, and the list of extras was still expected to be further agreed upon by Chrissy, Rachel & Steve. As I write, I am not aware of whether the new PC has been delivered and is now in use, or what the final total cost is, so I suspect it may not be finalised as yet. 

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I reported last year that following the announced resignation of Rev’d Liz, that the Diocese had planned 

to sell the vicarage and look for a more modern replacement elsewhere and that this meant that we would be likely to lose the parish office. Several discussions followed from mid-2023, to April 2024, where options to replace the parish office were suggested, including the re-development of the Barn garages into an office space. Other options included Installation of a porta-cabin type temporary building and steel storage containers, extension to the current Barn, and renting a local office. 

Vera also spoke to the DMBC conservation officer about it, and she and Rosh organised a meeting with him in October 2023 to enquire what we might be allowed to do. He was adamant that portacabins and temporary buildings would not be acceptable in a conservation area. He liked our current plan for the new build and was extremely positive about it but also understood our urgency and concerns. He promised to come back with some suggestions about what might be possible in terms of extension or new build, and how he might support us getting through the planning stage as quickly as possible. He did not see a problem as there is enough room, the tree is not an historic one, and we had already been granted permission to chop it down under the previous new build plan. If we were to go down the line of an extension, he said he would like to see the apex end of the current Barn building retained. 

Other meetings with the Diocese such as the diocesan building maintenance event held at Hatfield, have also seen the new build plan viewed and commented on positively by many people. 

Ultimately then, these urgent discussions were all un-necessary in the end, because as Rev’d Chris became our prospective new Incumbent, it became clear that the proposed, existing vicarage at Dunscroft, would not be big enough and Rev’d Chris requested to take on our vicarage. This meant that we could also retain our parish office in its current location. A stay of execution for us then, and the immediate urgency to act was removed. We are however keeping this episode in mind and have started to plan for an extension to our current Barn, and again plan to include a new office space within that extended building. 

## **Fire Risk / Health & Safety Policy/ General Risk Assessments etc.** 

As mentioned last year, the fire risk assessment, general risk assessment and the Health and Safety Policy were all updated for 2019 following the Ecclesiastical Insurance templates, and I started the process of rereviewing them last year, by downloading the latest templates, and copying over and amending most of the details as necessary. I did forward on a revised fire risk assessment in March last year, but because we still needed to amend certain contact details after the APCM (new wardens & Priest etc) and amend details of service times and average attendance values), it was never formally adopted by the PCC. 

Since then, however, there has been another revision to the Ecclesiastical documents, so I started again downloading and updating the fire risk assessment document in January this year, in preparation for the fire officer’s visit. It is currently in a similar place - we still need to complete it! When complete, it will need to be reviewed, accepted, and signed off by the PCC. The details to change are largely contact details, service timings & average attendance details, and we also need to note changes in our storage – particularly the clothing etc in the Vestry, and the additional children’s area & equipment storage – as part of recording what and where combustible items are kept, and who is at risk and when. 

We need to keep these documents up to date, it is a requirement of the Archdeacon’s visitation to the Churchwardens, for him or her to see them. Our insurance company could withhold payment if they were 

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non-existent or too far out of date, and some of the funding organisations demand to see them from time to time as we apply for grants. Following the update to the fire risk assessment, the health and safety policy and general risk assessment should follow in the same process. 

Our local fire officer arranged a premises inspection with Andy, and visited us on 16[th] January, 

He requested to see all documentation relating to fire risk assessment, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting & fire alarms etc. He said some of these measures may not be necessary or applicable to our building but that they should at least have been considered. 

When he came, he was shown our fire safety equipment and told that the annual check was due for February 3[rd] , he was told that there is no fire alarm, smoke alarm, or emergency lighting in church. He was shown our current fire risk assessment document, and was generally pleased with it, with a caveat that some contact names, service times and average attendance values needed to be updated. He did however make the following suggestions: - 

1. Five-year fixed wiring check, PAT test report and annual gas safety check. 

Copies to be kept in a fire folder in church. 

2. Logbook for fire drill records e.g. exit times. 

3. Update the policy with new church services and occupancy details. 

4. Consider Air horns and emergency lighting around exits. 

5. Fire training for service leaders where wardens or assistant wardens are not present. 

On 19[th] January our churchwardens held our latest fire drill at the end of the 10am service. Following the bell, it took 1min 40 seconds to empty the church, which felt quite reasonable, but still left a little room for improvement, as some people still tried to politely hand back hymn books before leaving the building! 

Most of you will be aware that over recent years the Church of England has suffered with bad press over various historical governance, protection & safety issues, and with these in mind, the Church of England through the General Synod has sought to review the rules and conditions which must be met to become a member of the PCC, and perhaps more importantly, the behaviours which should govern and direct a PCC, and to which all PCC members should adhere. 

The Elections Review Group (ERG) on behalf of the General Synod Business Committee, was set up to review qualifications for membership of PCCs and PCC Codes of Conduct. To help with this review, they sought the views of any interested person but particularly the views of PCC members. The feedback received was used to put forward proposals on how to streamline the qualifications for PCC membership to General Synod in 2025. It is hoped that this will support future PCCs by encouraging and enabling more people to put themselves forward and to join PCCs. The ERG was also keen to understand and share good practice from PCCs relating to conduct. 

As a result of this review, and in line with other PCC’s elsewhere, our PCC was asked at its September meeting to consider a draft of the new document “The Benefice of Hatfield St Lawrence PCC Code of Conduct - September 2024”. This parish specific document followed the template drawn up by the 

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Diocese and General Synod. Following review and discussion, all PCC members were asked to sign their affirmation that they would abide by this new code of conduct. 

All did sign in agreement.  – 2[nd] September 2024. 

I paraphrase below, to summarise the main points and aims of the document: - 

It sounds obvious, but we should be able to listen to each other & respect each other’s opinion without shouting others down, and there should be no bullying in or out of meetings, trying to force a personal outcome. We should work together with our Incumbent and each other, seeking to find and follow the path towards a common goal, and always being led through prayer. We should be disciplined and act with integrity in all that we do, both in and out of church, observing confidentiality as required. 

At the same time, the PCC was asked to sign its agreement to a new policy to protect Clergy wellbeing. This is to ensure that members of the clergy maintain a healthy work/life balance, including the taking of all annual leave and rest periods, that they have a health pattern in their working hours and time for retreats, study & prayer. It also asks that they be mindful of how the congregation view the vicarage as a place of work, when it is in fact their home, and mindful of what lines of communication they put in place and over what working hours. Finally, it suggests that clergy need a healthy network of support, to help with training & development, during difficult circumstances, Physical / mental health & family issues, or even financial pressures. We need to look after our clergy – as they look after us. 

Again, the PCC reviewed & discussed the document, then signed in agreement – 2[nd] September 2024. 

Finally, we were advised by the Diocese that we should have an Anti-Bullying Policy & Parish Procedures in place, for dealing with instances of bullying behaviours by congregation members to fellow congregation members. A policy was drawn up – by Rev’d Chris, (based on the model policy of the Church of England), and this was sent out to all PCC members for them to read and endorse. Again, as members of the PCC we are obliged as charity trustees, to protect the welfare of all congregation members, so it was essential that we should endorse the new policy. 

The policy then, defines bullying as: - “ _Bullying may be characterised as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient”._ It goes on to give examples of bullying in a church context, standards of behaviour & setting of a good example, and fair procedures when dealing with allegations of bullying. It requires us to appoint trained members of staff, to support members through alleged incidents of bullying; to negotiate or mediate, where appropriate, and if disagreements / disputes cannot be sorted out more informally between parties, and above-all, to listen to all parties concerned. Finally, the policy lists the steps that should be followed, when handling a bullying complaint at Hatfield. 

Again, the PCC members reviewed the document and endorsed it by return of email – from 6[th] February 2025. 

## **The Church Intruder Alarm.** 

I reported at length last year on how we had decided to replace the existing church intruder alarm (historically serviced by Chubb), which had been causing a few problems with repeated tripping. I told you that we had decided to replace the system with a more modern alarm, which would be a monitored 

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system, so that we would be informed of any alarms; and that this was to be installed by Secom, the same company who were to do our CCTV installation. I told you that the new installation was installed in Early December 2023, at a cost of £3967+vat, and that the annual service and monitoring of the alarm system was to cost approx. £360/year, (although the first year was included within the installation cost). I told you that the existing PIR’s & door contact switches were all retained in their current positions, and only the control panel & keypad side of the circuitry was changed, and that the existing codes were retained, but the method of setting the alarm with the new panel had changed slightly. 

You may also remember that I reported that during January, we repeatedly had trouble with the new alarm not setting because of the door contact, and the system reporting a failure in the “tamper circuit.” We had to have it remotely re-set 3 or 4 times, which required a lengthy phone call each time because it was a “tamper fault”. Having complained that the system was less than a month old, they did apologise and sent an engineer to replace that contact, who was then unable to do so, blaming it on a volt-drop problem caused by the distance between the contact and the control panel. Temporarily then, that door contact was taken out of circuit, and a replacement PIR sensor over the toilet door used instead to capture the opening of the doors. In February, the old door contact was removed and a new wireless box and a replacement sensor fitted. You will be pleased to know that since that point, we have had no further problems with the South door and entry into church. 

Following that however, we started to receive notifications of a trip of the system caused by the PIR adjacent to the safe. Upon investigation there was nothing to see, and the alarm was able to re-set easily, but this occurred a few times during February through to May, causing Vera, Rosh & Andy to have to investigate at various times. Thankfully during one of the engineers’ visits, he suggested that the problem could be caused by the mirror hanging in the Vestry, which because of its position could reflect sunlight at the sensor, and sudden changes between light & dark, sun & shadow, might be causing the spurious trips. Since removing the mirror, we have had no further trip’s caused by that sensor. 

During this time, we were understandably concerned about the new system and were also in dispute with Secom over some of their invoices sent for call outs during these problems, and for which they had sent out final demands, but the problems were not yet sorted. In April Rosh called Secom and stressed that we did not wish to proceed with the CCTV installation until they had resolved the burglar alarm issues carried over from the beginning of the year, and the remaining invoice dispute, and that they should withdraw any final notices until the work on the alarm was satisfactorily complete. 

Since the above issues have been resolved, and the invoices duly paid, we have had no further problems with our burglar alarm system, it now seems to be functioning correctly – Hooray! 

Secom came out to carry out the annual service on the burglar alarm on the 18th of December, with no fault found. 

## **The Roof Alarm.** 

You may remember that my last report detailed many activations of the roof alarm, starting around October 2022, and running throughout 2023. I told you that early in 2023 we were logging all activations, and noting when each notification was received, whether by phone or email, and whether a Night guard bill 

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was received. I told you that we were in dispute with the company over the number of “Night guard” call outs which they had supposedly dispatched, after we thought that we had cancelled that service. I told you that in June 2023, the dispute with E-Bound was finally resolved but not really to our satisfaction, because we eventually paid those outstanding call out fees. It was also at that point that we started to talk about installing CCTV and considered dropping our contract with E-bound AVX Ltd, because the Nightguard callouts alone had cost us £2,247.00 over those last 12 months. The activations continued through late 2023, and mindful of the impending interregnum, the PCC wrote to E-Bound, removing Liz & Philippe from the contact list, and confirming that Vera would be E-Bound’s first point of contact, with Tim, Viv, and Rosh next in line, stressing again that we did not require the Night Guard Callout service. Following the annual service for 2023, which took place on 18[th] October, the alarm went off 3 times on the 20[th ] in quick succession around midnight, twice on the 28[th] , and twice again on 7[th] ,8[th] , and again on 11[th] December. 

I finished my last report stating that incidents seemed to have stopped again in December 2023, for which we were relieved; but we were also keen for the CCTV installation to take place and the roof alarm to be made redundant, so Rosh had examined the current contract that we had with Ebound AVX, to establish the notice & procedure for cancelling that contract should we choose to do so. 

Throughout the first half of 2024 then, we had absolutely no activations, and it seemed that whatever had been tripping our alarm so frequently had moved on. The work on the CCTV installation was eventually completed, and the roof alarm had not been affected or triggered in any way. Being a little suspicious and seeking confirmation that the alarm was actually working, I agreed with the Churchwardens that I should go onto the Nave roof and walk around in front of the sensors without first muting the system and see if I was detected. This I did on 21[st] September. I walked all-round the Nave roof and spent at least 30 seconds in front of each sensor, and it didn’t pick me up at all. It should have picked me up in daylight, that’s why it has always been necessary to mute the alarm when workmen were up there. We have no idea how long it has not been working but suspect possibly since December 2023. Also important, I was under the impression that the last upgrade to the roof alarm system enabled remote monitoring, which should have reported to them if the system was not working and should have been able to tell us which of the sensors was causing the intermittent tripping over the last couple of years too. They had obviously not reported any current failure to us and were never helpful over the spurious tripping debacle. We didn’t try any other roofs, as this was sufficient to tell us it wasn’t working correctly. 

Rosh confirmed that in October 2023 we changed from paying for actual call outs to receiving just a phone call when the roof alarm was activated, and that we had paid the invoice on that basis for 2024. We had intended to cancel the roof alarm once CCTV was installed but hadn't done so yet. 

Having just received a bill for the coming year’s maintenance and monitoring subscription and a request to set a date for the up-coming service, we had to decide how to act. Whilst many of the standing committee were keen to just cancel the whole contract with immediate effect, we decided that we should check with Ecclesiastical Insurance and inform them that we now have CCTV and ask if they were happy therefore if we cancel the roof alarm, and if there would be any additional Insurance premium discount for having the CCTV in place. 

On 28[th] October, Rosh enquired of Ecclesiastical as to how all these changes might affect our insurance policy and was given the following reply, which was shared with the PCC in November. 

“In terms of CCTV, there is no discount available for having it as it is only useful 'after the event”. It is 

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entirely up to us if we cancel the roof alarm or not, the policy will still be valid but: - We currently have a discount of between 7.5 - 10% off the policy due to having a roof alarm. This means that at the next renewal date (01.01.25) our discount for having a roof alarm will be £819. If we had no roof alarm, obviously we would lose that discount.  Also, if we have no roof alarm we would no longer be covered for unlimited theft of metal on the roof and would only be covered for £7,500 worth. We currently have £500k worth of lead on the roof (survey done in 2021). It seemed obvious therefore, that we were better off keeping the roof alarm but making sure it worked properly, as the financial benefits outweighed the costs. (Currently costs are £258 pa for the alarm receiving centre and £477 for the annual service, a total of £735 pa = £84 net gain)! With the standing committee’s approval to retain the roof alarm, Rosh contacted Ebound and arranged for the maintenance visit for 18[th] November and told them that it didn't seem to be working correctly; although according to their check of the system it was working correctly, and all sensors were active! She also asked for a list of current contacts for when the alarm is triggered, so that we could update those in line with current staff changes, and thus Viv was removed from the call out list, and Andy Green & Rev’d Chris Bishop added. With the added security of the CCTV, we are now in a position that should the roof alarm be triggered and one of those people contacted, then they can log in and view the live images from the CCTV cameras from the safety of their own homes, without needing to come out and put themselves at risk. So, the Roof Alarm service was completed on 18[th] November 2024, and since then, I am not aware of any activations. Hopefully it is all fixed and working correctly, though I am not aware that we received any status report following the service. Maybe it is time for another visit onto the roof - just to test it! 

## **CCTV Installation.** 

It was at the PCC meeting in June 2023, that the idea of installing CCTV equipment to protect our windows and roofs was first mentioned following all the vandalism and graffiti attacks of that year. I reported last year about how Rosh had submitted a grant application to the Home Office towards the cost of CCTV installation under the Protective Security Scheme for Places of Worship and Associated Faith Community Centres in July, and also that she had started a list B application for CCTV installation, and had been in contact with the DAC secretary, architect, and buildings officer, Area Dean, and the Town Council asking for advice and any recommendations. I also told you that she had then contacted Secom who did the CCTV for the cemetery as recommended by the Town Council, and Allsecure who installed her own system making an appointment for them to visit and to quote, and ensured that they were made aware that we are a Grade 1 listed building, and all the restrictions that that might involve. During the PCC Meeting of 7[th] August 2023, the members agreed to the following proposal: “Following extensive damage to the stained and leaded glass, sustained over recent months, the PCC agree to proceed with all necessary measures in the installation of CCTV”. A series of meetings between Rosh and Vera, with Greg from Allsecure, and James Hughes from Secom, and also Josh Hunter the Diocesan Buildings Adviser, followed, to discuss and agree more details hoping to ensure that we could proceed needing only a list B application. I reported that the Secom quote was received on 17th August, and that On 23[rd] August, Josh had confirmed that following further discussion with the DAC secretary, the installation of CCTV equipment 

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should go through as a list B application and that a special meeting of the PCC was called on 26[th] August, specifically to discuss the Secom quote and hopefully to move it forward. 

Fuller details of that meeting and of the initial Secom quote itself, were shared in last year’s report, however in summary, we heard that: - 

No formal quote had been forthcoming from Allsecure, other than a verbal, “in the region of £15-25k”. We believed that the Secom proposal met the requirements at that time, to cover the recent areas of vandalism to windows and the roofs, meaning we could dispense with our contract with E bound. The DAC secretary and buildings officer were happy with the proposals and advised that it could be done through a list B application (max 21days from receipt of application), and that at the price quoted there is no need for additional quotes to be obtained. Secom had also quoted to take over and upgrade the current intruder alarm system to the church. 

The PCC discussed, and were recommended to agree the following three motions: 

- _‘Following review and discussion regarding the proposal from Secom, we accept the quote outlined in their letter of 17.8.23 to supply and install CCTV, as outlined in that letter, and wish to proceed with all necessary actions to realise said installation as soon as may be practically possible.’_ 

## **(All parts & labour, installation & setup @ £ 3,357 exc. VAT).** 

- _‘We also wish to terminate our contract with E-Bound Ltd with effect from an appropriate date once CCTV has been installed.’_ **(This had cost us £2247 over the past 12 months** _**)** ._ 

- _‘We also wish to accept the quote from Secom in the forementioned letter, to take over and upgrade our intruder alarm system and accordingly wish to terminate our contract with CHUBB for the Church security system when suitable._ ( **Total inc. Yr. 1 Alarm maintenance & monitoring £3967 exc. VAT).** 

All three proposals were agreed. 

I then told you that after compiling all the necessary documentation, the list B application was submitted on 4[th] September, and our architect Andrew Boyce provided his comments on the schemes on 23[rd] October, re-iterating his contentment with the proposal, but also passing on some specific guidance re the fixing for the camera mounting brackets, and the routing of the cables to follow the lines of architecture and preferably be painted out to a stone colour. With everything then in place, the list B application was sent to the archdeacon for approval on 27[th] October, and on the 28[th of] October we were informed that it had been approved, but with a few conditions, ensuring that we comply with the advice of our architect and GDPR legislation with regards to the siting of the equipment etc. 

Secom were given the go-ahead, and the order was signed a few days later. I told you that early in December 2023, the Secom engineers attended and replaced the old control panel and keypad, relating to the Chubb intruder alarm system, and were due to return around 10[th] December, to start installing cables for the CCTV system. When the installation team arrived, they were more than a little concerned about their own safety and had no real plan as to how they could mount the cameras or route the cables. They called in their Health & Safety Advisor, who agreed it was not safe to continue. The building was much taller and more difficult than they had seemingly anticipated. The project unfortunately had to be stopped for a re-think. 

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Finally, I told you last year that Rosh had arranged for the Secom engineer to visit again on 18[th] Jan 2024, and that I also met with the two of them, and together we tried to pull together an alternative scheme which did not involve working at the heights required by the previous plan. I produced a new sketch plan in line with our discussions, which was fed back to Secom for a re-quote. At that point then, a new plan had been formulated, which involved more cameras fixed to the lower walls, and was designed to protect the windows, and prevent access to the roofs, thus giving secondary protection to the roofs. The plan had been drafted, and was re-quoted by Secom on 1[st] February at £4,581+vat, and included the following equipment: _6 x Hikvision AcuSense 4MP Turret Dome Cameras (Higher spec cameras than previous quote) 6 x Hikvision Deep Base Junction Box for Turret Dome Cameras 1 x 8 Channel NVR with 6TB storage 1 x 4G Router (for remote viewing) 2 x 4 Port PoE Switches 3 x Hikvision Dummy Cameras for front of church_ . The earlier scheme had been quoted as £3,357+vat, For the additional cost (£1224) we were to get a better 4G router (+£282+vat), the cabling was almost doubled, 3 dummy cameras, and 6 instead of 4 real cameras, and at a higher specification than previously planned. The annual maintenance fee was to remain unchanged at £140.00. 

The PCC discussed and accepted the new scheme and revised quote at its meeting on 4[th] February; unfortunately, however, a new List B application would also need to be submitted. Our architect also viewed the new plan, and questioned the positioning of one of the cameras, citing a potential blind spot between Camera C1 to C2. However, having re-looked at it, myself, Rosh and the Diocesan Buildings Officers (who visited to view the potential installation on 20[th] March), all agreed that re-positioning would only move the blind spot and that the current blind spot was at the position least likely to be climbed. With the architect’s approval then, the new List B application was sent to the Archdeacon for determination on 21[st] March, and permission received via the online portal on 23[rd] March. At this point Rosh informed Secom that we now had the permission but stressed that we did not wish to proceed with the CCTV installation until they had resolved the burglar alarm issues carried over from the beginning of the year and had also resolved an issue with disputed invoices. On May 9[th] Vera, Andy & Rosh met with Jim Whitehead from SECOM to discuss more details about the installation and signed for the revised CCTV installation to proceed. They were also informed that they would receive training on the operation of the system and the viewing of recordings etc. I was asked to contact Mark from Secom, to discuss and advise more on proposed cable routes, so I arranged a 7 am meeting on 28[th] May. When he arrived, I found that he had been given a copy of the earlier plan, and not the most recent plans which had been recently agreed. I gave him my copy after first explaining it and pointing out the key locations. I passed on the architect & DAC advice re cable routes and pointed out where I thought the routes would probably go. There was no real problem there, & he was reasonably happy with all that; unfortunately, he then asked about power sockets to drive the CCTV equipment. The switch router (to be sited near the safe), and the recorder / HDD (to be housed in the ringing room). He said that they don’t usually deal with any mains voltage electricity work, and they would expect to just plug their equipment into available sockets. I explained that we hadn’t considered that and had been unaware, otherwise we could have organised that work earlier, I also wasn’t sure whether that would have been 

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covered within our Faculty (List B approval) without having been specifically described. This was a bit of a blow, since Secom were hoping to start the installation mid-June. I replied that this might now be tight, but we might be able to achieve, subject to getting permissions. I also reminded him that church availability would be subject to ad-hoc funerals & services. 

His suggestion re their electrical requirements was that we should install a double socket at each location, specifically for the CCTV equipment. I took some photos and annotated them into an email describing our new – urgent requirement which went to Rosh on May 29[th] , for her to forward on to the Diocese to seek permission, and went to Fowlers Electrical, for them to advise a quick quote. 

We were extremely fortunate that Fowlers were on site that week completing their rectification work following our fixed electrical inspection. We were even more fortunate in that when Rosh explained our requirement to the DAC secretary using the email & photos, she was able to secure an immediate “List A Permission” to carry out this work, as these were only small extensions to the original circuitry with no major equipment additions. Fowlers were also able to install the additional sockets on 30[th] May as they were finishing our repairs, which saved us money against an additional call out, and meant that we were ready as planned to start the CCTV installation on 10[th] June. 

The installation was planned to take 3 days, from 10[th] June, comprising 1 – 2 days of routing cables & fitting the cameras etc, and a third day for testing and setting up the equipment with additional training for Andy, Rosh and Chris, in how to operate the equipment, and view any images included. Unfortunately, the installation did not go as planned, when the team arrived with the wrong mounts for the cameras. The installation had to be halted after the wiring was installed, whilst replacement camera mounts were ordered! On 27[th] June they returned to finish the installation and to set everything up. Thankfully Andy and Chris were available for the training session in how to download / view the images generated, and they were also setup with the ability to see the images on their mobiles if they logged in. Rosh & Andy met with Jim Whitehead from SECOM on August 16th to try and get the same access on her phone. Unfortunately, the system was still registered to the installing engineer as primary user at that time. He had forgotten to transfer it across after handover, so we again had to wait and book a further appointment for them to visit, and to allow Andy to take over the account, and from there to enable additions or changes to those registered for access to the system as required. Eventually in November, the issue of granting access to view the CCTV images was sorted, and Chris, Andy and Rosh were able to view all cameras remotely. Andy can grant access to anyone else chosen by the PCC to do so in the future. 

Recently, we were again experiencing problems with accessing the cameras remotely and despite visits by SECOM on December 11th and 18[th] , the engineers were not able to resolve this. For some reason the cameras were not speaking to the system and to resolve this they apparently needed 2 able bodied engineers to access the ringing chamber. On the 1[st] visit only 1 engineer came, and on the 2[nd] visit one of them had a dodgy knee, so couldn’t go up the tower. They also needed to return to install & set up a monitor screen within the Ringing room, which we have recently bought. This is intended to ease the viewing of multiple images should the need arise following any incident. After numerous prompts by Rosh, Secom eventually returned on 21[st] February (with 2 able engineers), the system was fully re-configured using a higher speed network switch, and Rosh was set up as the administrator for granting future viewing permissions. Having successfully followed the process to set up Tim Beadle as a user on his phone she was then able to re-set up Chris & Andy, giving us at least 4 people able to log in to view live images on their phones. Eventually then, the system now seems to be fully functional, and we hope it continues to function 

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correctly, giving no problems, and we hope it is successful as a deterrent too. 

As part of the installation, and necessary to comply with current CCTV legislation, we also had to purchase a standard CCTV information poster, to inform passersby that CCTV recording is taking place. This sign is currently fitted to the South door of the church, and we should probably think of another location to display a second. 

There is still some other work to finish. Secom are still awaiting dummy cameras for installation at the front. They didn’t want to install any “obviously older looking models” than those that we have, as that would make it clear they are dummies, so they, & we, are waiting for a more recent upgrade to take place, so that those replaced cameras can be added to our building as soon as they become available. 

You may remember that I told you last year of our plans to install CCTV to protect our windows & roofs, and to dispense with the costly roof alarm. With the installation underway and the renewal approaching, Rosh enquired of Ecclesiastical as to how these changes might affect our insurance policy and was told “In terms of CCTV, there is no discount available for having it as it is only useful 'after the event”. I should also tell you that in March, Rachel informed us of a funding scheme, through which we could possibly get a grant towards our AV and or CCTV plans. Rachel & Rosh did put in an application, but unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in receiving any award. 

## **Churchyard** 

The churchyard maintenance team have continued to work at keeping our churchyard clean and tidy. Their numbers have reduced, and their ages increased, however they continue to do us proud. 

A big thank you then is due to all those volunteers who continue to work so hard keeping the grass cut, and the paths and graves clean, generally throughout the year, but more particularly as we get into wedding season, and around the times of our larger church / community events. Thanks also, to those (including members of the public) who tidy up the cans and bottles and chocolate wrappers etc, which regularly appear. Once again, anyone wishing, and / or able to offer any help in this task going forward, please contact either churchwarden, or speak to those dedicated few gardeners. 

I have reported over the last couple of years that the transfer of responsibility for our churchyard maintenance had finally been accepted by DMBC in January 2022, despite our churchyard having been officially closed since 1888. I reported that Street Scene are the department given official responsibility for our maintenance, and that following several meetings we had been able to agree a sensible shared plan with our own team also contributing. Our own team would continue to perform some cuts during the summer months and thus maintain optimum tidiness during the summer season. We had also discussed and agreed certain areas within the church yard to be left as “Wilding and wildlife friendly zones.” Following all the discussions, Street Scene added us to their wider local authority portfolio for 2023 and told us that we could expect “up to 13 cuts per year during the growing season”. 

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The shared responsibility between our local team and Street Scene has continued to go well throughout 2024. Rosh met with the manager of Street Scene in March and agreed to continue the pattern of grass cutting and wilding which was arranged last year. The Street Scene teams have been reported as friendly and helpful, and there seems to have been no problems with any real overlapping of the two teams. We are very pleased with their work, so I feel we should pass on our thanks and congratulations to the whole team and their team leader. If you see them in the churchyard at any time, please pass on this message of thanks. 

At our April PCC we agreed to call an arboriculturist to carry out some tree trimming, and a repeat tree survey within our church yard, the previous survey was carried out in 2019, and though work has been carried out since then, a full survey had not been repeated. Brendon Simpson, the tree surgeon, came in June and trimmed the blue cedar, cutting out the dead branches. He also cut out all deadwood and all overhanging branches on the path to the school, and dead wooded the back of the Barn field and cut back the hedges on Vicarage Walk. His invoice was £1200+VAT, which was shared equally between the PCC and the Barn Management accounts. He was also asked to perform the tree survey for both Barn and Churchyard over the school holiday, but as I write, I find no evidence that this was ever actually done, we don’t believe we have received any report or paid any further fee. We will therefore have to put this on our agenda for this coming year. 

At our May PCC meeting this year, we were informed that our churchyard had been nominated for an award in the Environment category in the Town Council's Pride of Our Area Awards. Unfortunately, we weren’t pronounced as the winner, but the nomination was most welcome; and our representatives thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The week of 25[th] May to 2[nd] June was Church Explorers week, and our Eco Team organised a churchyard trail, amongst the other activities which our youngsters enjoyed. 

Dianne and Glenys also took part in the Yorkshire Creature Count, on the 15[th] & 16th of June, sitting and counting within our churchyard, where Glenys reported back on the concerning lack of wildlife seen in the churchyard within that period. 

The annual churchyard survey to check the stability of the gravestones within the churchyard was last completed on 3[rd] September 2022; with a quick walk round by myself during a wedding, in which I observed no real changes worthy of note. I have not repeated this survey since, partially because responsibility now rests with DMBC. Having said that, fore warned is fore armed, so it would be useful to re-assess ourselves, occasionally. We have not received any notification from our own maintenance team, nor the Street Scene teams that there are any gravestones which they consider to be more unstable or in need of any specific maintenance; though our own team have continued to uncover a few more which were previously buried in the undergrowth. 

A request was made by a visually impaired visitor to KayDans Nursery in February 2024, asking that the gates next to the small kissing gate be opened. This was discussed at our March PCC, and it was decided that as those gates are Grade II listed, they would be more prone to damage & vandalism if left open, it would be against the interests of church security and it would not be practical to agree to this. 

Our October PCC received a report from a Town Council employee who had been sent to inspect our 

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church path following a complaint from a member of the public. Whether this request has anything to do with the above request is not known. The Inspector came on 10[th] August to inspect the paths as requested, against the following comment which was described in his report. _“We are also looking at the outside of the church, and it has been brought to my attention that the path running from the car park to the entrance of the church is cracked and full of potholes and this is uncomfortable for wheelchair users and people who are unsteady on their feet”._ The Inspector studied and noted the pathway running directly between the car park and the South porch; noting the 3 steps at the carpark end and the one larger one at the church end, and the ledger stones of which the path was constructed. He did not however comment to say that any specific attention was needed. He then looked at the “Kissing Gate” entrance and noted that it was not wide enough for wheelchair access, but again did not request any rectification. He also looked at the South path and noted the York stone slabs and the gaps between them. Again, there was no specific request for any rectification work to be carried out. His summary statement reads: - _“At the front of the church the path is without these gaps. At no point in these walkways are there anything I would consider a ‘pothole’. I failed to notice any stones wobbly or loose enough to cause any issues for walkers or wheelchair users”._ I find myself a little bemused that he didn’t actually investigate the pathway which runs alongside the road, between the carpark and the church, which is our designated disabled access route between the carpark and church. Also, being of tarmac construction it is very likely to have potholes. 

I did report last year how the pointing between the York stone slabs of the south path had almost disappeared and some slabs are now a little loose in places. This has been noted to be deteriorating within my survey for the last couple of years and appears in our QI report. The pointing does now need to be replaced, and the slabs re-fixed. Vera called in Craig Bridgett of Brigett Conservation to see it on 25[th] January. At the same time, he was asked to look at the few damaged stones around the Font, and a dropped stone within the centre of the West End floor. We are hoping to receive advice and a quote from him for infilling the sand to make the path more stable and remove the cracks in between the stones. As I write, the advice and quotes are still awaited, but as these are perceived to be safety related issues, the options for rectification need to be carefully considered and then acted upon; however, we need to be careful how we proceed, because DMBC has the responsibility, and we do not want them to tarmac the path. The sensible approach is to try to get the quote and then try to agree a sensible split to the bill. If the advice were to say that we could simply sweep and pack sand into the cracks, then we could probably do this ourselves. We hope to progress this task this year. 

After spending a hardworking half an hour with John Alick, clearing all the leaves from the Crypt stairway so that we could put back the Christmas trees after the Christmas Tree Festival; also having done it only 6 weeks earlier to get the trees out; we eventually decided to take preventative action. On 3[rd] January this year, I fitted a polypropylene mesh skirt around the crypt entrance railings and gateway. The mesh has 1cm square holes, and rises to a height of approx. 1mtr, so hopefully it will prevent most of the leaves from entering the stairwell and thus make this annual task much easier in future. 

During the summer, we received 3 enquiries regarding burials within our graveyard. It is obviously the time of year for researching ancestry! This involved looking onto various websites etc passed onto Rosh. One of them she directed to Thorne, as even the information online cited Thorne not Hatfield, another was directed to the Doncaster Archives for the information that they required. 

The most interesting was a gentleman who had found a grave belonging to his ancestors and wished to clean it! Following advice from the DAC, permission was granted and they started work on Sunday 18[th] 

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August. They made a good start and intend to continue. The grave contains 3 family members and Rosh agreed to try and look at our records to provide any information she could. However, on looking at our records, a survey done by a student at Travis School and further research by the Watsons. none of our recorded monuments were actually for the surname White, so she had to refer them to Doncaster archives! Nevertheless, the family were very grateful for all Rosh’s help! 

Regarding the plans / info that we do have; there have been quite a few surveys done of the gravestones within our churchyard over the years. Inevitably these will have varying levels of coverage and accuracy over the plotting of individual stones, and where dedications and inscriptions have been recorded. There is also another plan which I have used over the years, but that only details current graves and stones which had been deemed to pose some element of risk. Our anticipation is that none of these are complete, and that accuracy with respect to grave positions may vary, and none will give us details of burials for which there is now no visible stone or marker. 

The PCC do have an ongoing desire to try to consolidate all this information and using modern technology, to try to create a more comprehensive and usable list/plan. We would be pleased to hear from any volunteers willing to embark on such a task. 

## **Interregnum duties** 

The Interregnum also brought with it additional duties. Suddenly the PCC – and therefore some of our church members became responsible for the vicarage and grounds. Serious maintenance and refurbishment of the property prior to our new Vicar’s arrival was still the responsibility of the Diocese. We however, needed to ensure that the property didn’t deteriorate in any way whilst left empty. Primarily this meant that a gardening team needed to look after the garden and keep it looking lived-in. There was also the need for regular inspections, for security purposes, collecting & distributing mail accordingly, contacting and co-ordinating the visits of the Diocesan Inspectors, and the contractors for any repairs etc. A huge Thankyou to all those who helped in any and all of these endeavours. 

## **St. Edwins Church, Dunscroft – Removal of the War Memorial.** 

You have probably been aware over the past few years; how slow the Diocese has been in fully closing St. Edwins Church and indeed you may have joined us to celebrate the last service held there in 2021. Like me, I am sure that you are thrilled that many of the loyal congregation from there joined our church and still play an active part within our St. Lawrence church life. You may be aware that under the leadership of Rev’d Liz, an inventory was drawn up, listing all the assets, fixtures & fittings of the church at Dunscroft, such that they could be properly disposed of, with some items intended to be transferred to us, some possibly offered to other churches, and some potentially to be sold or scrapped prior to the sale of the building. In my report for 2021, I mentioned a number of those items that had been transferred to us under a faculty application, to seek the appropriate approvals as necessary. 

On 1[st] February, Glenys received an email from the War Memorials Trust, the national charity for the 

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conservation and protection of war memorials in the UK. The email stated that they had recently become aware of the closure of the Church of Saint Edwin, Dunscroft, and that even though the consultation deadline has expired and that things may have moved forward since, they hoped that they could engage with us because the church housed the following war memorial: Dunscroft Royal British Legion, www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/299252.  The Trust wanted to urge the Diocese to ensure that provision was made for the war memorial, whether this involved ongoing access and maintenance in the current site, or re-location. They also asked that the Diocese would keep WMT informed of any proposals for the war memorial and asked if photographs of the memorial could be added to War Memorials Online, with any details of access arrangements, and finally that their records might be updated should relocation occur. This would ensure that anyone wishing to view the memorial has access to the most recent information. The letter stated that the trust is only able to support the relocation of war memorials where they are at risk. They also provided us with help sheets on the “Relocation of war memorials” and “Churches containing war memorials” for further information. This email then was discussed at our February PCC meeting, and it was agreed that we should ask permission to remove the memorial tablet and bring it to Hatfield Church for Safekeeping. Javaid, our Archdeacon, authorised Vera to bring the memorial into Hatfield Church as a safe place, however he also stressed that it cannot be erected into any position without faculty authorisation. At our March PCC, Barbara spoke of other items which remained. We were reminded that Carol and Revd Gill had made an inventory when the church was initially closed, so Rosh agreed to obtain a copy from Revd Liz. It was also decided that Barbara and Vera would return into the church and assess what was still there, so that the PCC could decide if any other items should go on the faculty along with the War Memorial. Prior to the April PCC meeting, Viv and Revd Liz brought the war memorial and the list of previous vicars into St Lawrence, following the Archdeacon’s permission for them to be removed to a place of safety. The keys to St. Edwins were returned to Sheffield as the building was the responsibility of the Diocese. Rosh was given a purple Chasuble and Stole and a large print edition of the Lectionary to sell for church funds, if a buyer could be found, but was still waiting on the updated inventory list from Rev’d Liz. Following its receipt, Rev’d Chris reviewed the inventory list, and decided to visit the Church of St. Edwin, with a view to possibly transferring additional items for use at Hatfield. So, on 7[th] July, Vera with the help of Neil & Catherine Fox, transferred the 2 trollies with purple plastic chairs, and a large icon to St Lawrence, and returned later with more muscle power for the cross and statue. Prior to that Rev’d Chris had also transferred the incense burner and a small icon, for occasional use at Hatfield. In August then, Rosh applied for a faculty to receive all the later items from Dunscroft including the chairs, and for installing the war memorial next to ours in the South Aisle. At our PCC meeting in November, we were told that our faculty application had been approved by the DAC and was with the registrar to be granted. This included the ‘pink’ chairs in the St Catherine’s chapel (that came in the first transfer) and that the previous visiting DAC were apparently so affronted by! At our November PCC, Rosh informed us that she had found out more about the provenance of the WW2 memorial that was in St Edwins. Apparently, it was originally in the Stainforth United Forces Club which was demolished; and was then moved to Dunscroft Church. With this fact in mind and following a conversation between Rosh & the Stainforth Town Mayor; we are now awaiting a response from 

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Stainforth Town Council. They were going to pass a resolution at their next meeting, to write to the Diocese c/o St Lawrence, (who now hold the plaque in safekeeping), for permission to place the plaque on the wall of the Stainforth Cemetery Chapel. As I write, nothing has yet been heard from them, so whether the Memorial goes to the Cemetery Chapel, or stays with us, is still not finalised. 

## **ECO Church** 

I have reported for the last few years; about the changes we have made under an initiative called EcoChurch. This is a Church of England initiative, whereby the General Synod voted in February 2020 for the whole of the Church of England to achieve net zero carbon by 2030. The vote recognised that responding to the climate crisis is an essential part of our responsibility to safeguard God’s creation and achieving a just world. Obviously, climate change, sustainability, recycling, etc are all incredibly prominent issues, and very much in public focus currently. Chrissy Grindle & Glenys Mashford are our voluntary champions in this and have attended numerous conferences & events over the last few years. I reported on the changes we had made within our churchyard, installing bird feeders and bird boxes, hedgehog boxes and compost stations in the churchyard and in the Barn field too. The choosing of areas of the churchyard to leave as wilding zones and agreeing this with Street Scene who do part of our churchyard grass cutting. I also told you that our youth continue to be extremely keen and involved looking after all this, and that in January we were awarded a Bronze Award from A Roacha, for the actions we had already taken, working towards this prestigious Eco Church Award. 

There have been no real physical changes within the church or churchyard this year associated with Eco Church, just the general day to day of mowing and tidying, and trying to reduce wastage etc. 

I told you last year, of the “Big Garden Birdwatch” which took place on 28[th] Jan 2023, and at which Glenys & Dianne sat in our churchyard recording what they saw and heard. Unfortunately, they did not actually see many birds, though they heard some higher up in the trees. They were hopeful however, that with the wildflower seeds being planted, they might see an increase in small mammals & insects, and an increase in the bird population too for this year. The “Big Garden Birdwatch” in January 2024, also took place, however I am not aware of anyone sitting last year to record the statistics. 

Nevertheless, members of PCC were informed of the Yorkshire Creature Count on 15[th] & 16[th] June. Members were given the checklist and asked to pass it on if they were not able to complete it themselves, as the data received is invaluable in logging the biodiversity in our locality. Dianne and Glenys did complete one within our churchyard and reported back to the PCC in July on the concerning lack of wildlife in our churchyard. Hopefully we will start to see improvements to the numbers of creatures around, and with luck (and a bit of work) next year’s statistics will prove this to be true. 

Members of our congregation were also asked to take part in “The Big Plastic Count”. This was a nationwide survey taking place between 11[th] – 17[th] of March. We were all asked to take home a tally sheet & tally all the different types of household plastic we used during a week & submit all the data online. The data was to be compiled nationally, and intended to be used to help drive re-packaging & re-cycling initiatives. I am not aware of any direct results of this survey, but we trust that it was helpful, and thankyou to all those who took part. 

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Our project to replace all our low energy fluorescent stick lighting with even lower energy LED’s is still ongoing, we are now at approx. 75%. The changeout is steady because the impact is not so large. The immediate change of the remaining 40 bulbs would save only 160 watts per hr. Our current trend is to changeout 16 (2 pendants worth) every few months, as the fluorescent sticks fail. I told you last year that we had been asked to fill in the ‘Energy Footprint Tool’ by the Diocese, as it had funding to support net zero goals, and data was needed to help them target where it could be most effectively spent. This was finally filled in by Glenys & Karen on 10[th] July, after first seeking answers from myself to a few of the questions. Questions covered the age and type of heating, lighting, and electrical installations for both the Church and the Barn. As a direct result of this, we were offered the chance to apply for a £100 grant towards replacing our current lamps with LEDs. Even though we were already well on with this task, Karen & Rosh filled in our application and submitted it by the 14[th of] November deadline. As I write, I am unaware whether we have been successful in our claim. If we are, then this grant would give us all the money we need to replace the remaining lamps, (Approx £80.00) plus a bit extra for spares! 

## **The Committee** 

Since the former “Fabric Committee” was disbanded in February 2019, all decisions and matters relating to the fabric of our church building have been discussed and managed directly by the PCC, or the Standing Committee of the PCC. (The former fabric committee was a sub-committee of the PCC and therefore brought recommendations only, and all decisions came from the PCC anyway). 

Liaison with our architect, the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), and the various contractors is mostly managed by Rosh, our project manager, and by our church wardens, with occasional help from others willing to meet and look after contractors. As I have reported for the last few years Rosh, as our project manager working on a part time basis, has made a significant difference to the level of our progression through our various projects so far. 

We are still keen to find more additional help with the regular maintenance chores. Not least the cleaning. A small group have already been keeping an eye on the regular, and minor maintenance tasks, and have undertaken them as individuals or in small groups as they came up, and on the request / instruction of the PCC / churchwardens. If anybody would like to offer themselves to help with some of the maintenance tasks, please see myself, Rosh, or the churchwardens or anyone you know already involved in this type of work. We would love to bring you on board. 

Many thanks to all our members and helpers for their support, and for all the work they do to keep the church running, in the practical roles they each fulfil. Thanks especially to Rosh, Vera and Andy, the Parish Office staff, and all the others who contact, and meet the various contractors. Thanks also to all the willing volunteers who have helped us to accomplish some of the minor maintenance tasks throughout the year. I have already mentioned the loss of Stuart Watson & Andy Deakin who have both now moved away, and who helped with many jobs over the years. They will be missed, but we hope that they might be replaced by other willing volunteers. 

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## **In Summary** 

As you can see, 2024 saw the PCC and several individuals again busy and involved with many minor repairs and general maintenance activities. The current team are like minded and work well together. There has been completion on a couple of outstanding jobs, such as the installation of CCTV, and some progress on others such as the Hatfield Monument replacement and North Aisle window repairs. 

Additional work arising from the Interregnum has diverted our concentration away from much in the way of planned repairs, other than regular maintenance requirements, though we had hoped to have progressed further on window repairs following the results of our window survey. We hope that 2025 will see the completion of the North Aisle window and Hatfield Monument projects, and that our new QI report might offer us a new focus on our priorities. We still have several outstanding jobs which were started a few years ago and remain incomplete, but we carry forward into 2025 a renewed desire to progress some of these to completion, especially as some are still priority repairs, detailed within our previous Q.I. report. Following on from here then, we would still like to do a plan of all our wall mounted monuments, so that we can commission a survey of those, and thus prioritise any further work needed there. 

Changes within the Diocese and its systems seem to have been positive so-far, and our experience of putting in faculty applications and List B applications has increased massively. Some thoughts and plans for a larger re-ordering of our church have begun, and will continue under our new leadership, and we are considering disability issues within this too. We again hope to rejuvenate the new committee and to reenthuse the Hatfield Church Building Trust and the Friends for the future benefit of our church building and our community. 

Terry Raper – Buildings Officer. 

## Project Manager’s Report 

## **Introduction** 

I have continued in engagement on behalf of the PCC on project managing various pieces of work. This has been rewarding, interesting and at times challenging but at all times the sense of openness, partnership and common vision has been present as we seek to further the Lord’s work here at St Lawrence. 

I am delighted to present my report for the year since the last APCM in April 2024. This report covers the period January - December 2024 , and should be read alongside Terry’s excellent and comprehensive Fabric Report which goes into forensic detail in terms of many of the projects I have been leading on! 

As will become clear in the format of the report, I report on a monthly basis to the PCC on progress and issues relating to the projects I am taking in hand. 

## **Centenary Project** 

Line Management of CPW, including processing expenses , fundraising and networking emails and phone calls and supervision.   Rachel and her support group  attended a Network Day on March 16th. This group has a key role in praying and supporting the work on a daily basis. Rachel and Page | 70 



myself and her contracted line manager meet on a 6 monthly basis at least to review progress and objectives and support her in her action plan for the year. 

Rachel has now been with us for 5 years and as in the terms of our partnership with the Diocese Centenary project ,  we now cover all her costs . We have been blessed to have the sacrificial financial support of those who contribute on a monthly basis towards her salary costs . These individuals are increasing in terms of numbers as folk see the difference being made in the church and community and also some individuals have raised the amount given, for which we are most grateful. We  continued during 2024 to secure  income through donations and grants towards Rachel’s salary. **If any one would like to assist is grant making applications to help towards the costs of our CPW please make yourself known!** . 

Smaller grants and awards have been invaluable in bringing in the funds for free crafts and events throughout the year , our Summer club and work with the Youth. Our presence and outreach within the schools and local community bears witness to God’s blessing on the Children’s , youth and families work in the Parish. 

Rachel and I continue to work together in the Parish Office for a few hours most Tuesdays..pop in and say hello! 

## **Finance** 

Work continues under PCC guidance , and in close cooperation with our Treasurer:- I am delighted that Julie Hemmings has agreed to serve in this role wef 1.1.25. I have really appreciated the work done by our outgoing Treasurer Karen Blair, who has really helped us to set up robust and rigorous financial procedures and reporting. Much time has been spent during the year sorting out some historical issues relating to the Utilities provision for the church. This has involved many hours of phonecalls and email exchanges for Karen in particular. Just 1 example of the unseen commitment, perseverance and service given by so many individuals who give of their talents and skills so freely… **I wonder if YOU have an expertise or skill YOU could offer our wonderful Church family?!** 

## **Interregnum, Parish Profile and Incumbent Recruitment** 

Much of my time during the 1[st] quarter of the year was spent researching and compiling – on behalf of the PCC- the Parish Profile, which is a lengthy document full of information used to attract applicants for a post within the Church of England. I was also involved in the selection process as 1 of 3 representatives from the church on behalf of the PCC. I hope you will agree we made a fine appointment! Once the post was accepted, I also spent a great deal of time assisting in the planning and management of Chris’s installation service which happened on 16.7.24. 

## **- Details from PCC reporting :** 

## **February 2024** 

In January we had applied for a grant through the Listed Places of Worship to cover VAT paid on eligible repairs during 2023. The monies totalled £3,127.38 and related to repairs to the windows, clock and organ. The application was successful and passed on to the department of Culture, Media and Sport for payment. 

During this time I was also working with the loss adjuster from our insurers for the repairs to the vandalised windows. 

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The installation of the CCTV was being finalised and quotes and adjustments to specification made , working closely with Terry and our contact at SECOM. 

## **April 2024** 

I reported to PCC regarding the memorial plaques for the individuals whose legacy donations had paid for the Votive Stands. These were installed subsequently. 

We were experiencing quite a lot of problems relating to the church burglar alarm and numerous faults and rogue call outs. This was installed by the same firm doing the CCTV and we made sure we were happy with the burglar alarm until we went ahead with the CCTV installation. However quite a lot of time had to be put into applying for permission from the Diocese and this was submitted and granted at the end of March. 

I was also during this time steadily working my way through the many boxes of archive material from the vicarage and also those passed on by Cath Watson. 

Initial work in preparation for the Church Explorers week began around this time, working with Rachel and our Church Buildings Officers Josh and Chris. 

I attended a NET ZERO conference in Sheffield in April. 

## **May and June 2023** 

During this period we finalised and signed for the installation of the CCTV and I began Faculty application proceedings to receive items removed from St Edwins Church in Dunscroft here at St Lawrence. Applying for a Faculty is a somewhat tedious and complicated process. I am getting better at it but it is one of my least favourite responsibilities! 

The most exciting thing that happened during May was the Church Explorers week which we engaged fully with . This went down very well with the diocese and we had some great events happening here:- 

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:- 

In June I met with our architect Andrew Boyce and our monumental stone mason Matthias Garn to begin scoping out 2 projects. The 1[st] being the reinstallation and repair of the Hatfield monument , which had to be removed for safety reasons. The 2[nd] was the window above the devil’s door on the North Aisle.  Further work has been done on both projects and we are hopeful that work will commence and be completed during 2025. 

The CCTV was installed in mid June 

## **Summer Months 2024** 

Being quite busy months for graveyard upkeep I met and contacted the supervisor and   director of our contract on a regular basis. It must have been a quiet time for many because we were inundated over the Summer with enquiries regarding burials in our graveyard and tracing relatives! 

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Responding to these and researching options took some hours of my time but those involved seemed to appreciate our response at least. 

Some revamping of our sound system, being necessary Andy, Terry and myself, having previously met with Rev Ball from  Airmyn Hook and Rawcliffe Benefice, contacted a firm specialising in Church audio equipment. A detailed and staged quote was obtained and we ordered new microphones. 

We also contacted companies who could restore altar frontals and linen as our purple ensemble was badly damaged and we had ‘lost’ an ivory one. 

I arranged for the lower level church gutters to be cleaned. This was undertaken by a local firm at very reasonable cost. A fine specimen of a tree was removed after some effort!:- 



## **September - December 2024** 

We had a visit and presentation on the church under the auspices of the U3A in West Yorkshire. Over 30 members crammed into the St Catherine’s chapel and enjoyed a very  informative talk with slides on the church and enjoyed refreshments afterwards. 

It was during this period that much time was spent ‘bottoming out’ details regarding our Church Utilities suppliers and also roof alarm and insurance. 

We decided to proceed with Charles Farris our ecclesiastical supplier in the repair of the Altar linen and this work is in progress at the time of writing this report. 

Meetings relating to the churchyard maintenance during the period took place. 

The DAC ( Diocesan Advisory Committee) approved our application for the items from Dunscroft , but unfortunately due a previous non completion of process ( NOT by us , I hasten to add) , there has been a delay in granting the faculty and I spent a few days sending more information and helping the clerk to the registry for the chancellor understand and iron out misunderstandings and incomplete information previously supplied. 

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A Communicating well in Today’s Church event was held by the Diocese in Maltby on 24[th] September was attended by 4 of us . A Major Parish Churches event took place in Goole on November 3[rd] - 4 of us attended. 

## **Conclusion** 

I continue to enjoy the challenges raised and remain encouraged by the support and optimism for positive change I have encountered from all quarters! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my work during the year in whatever guise! 

Rosh Milner Project Manager 

## **Hatfield Church Building Trust** 

Hello friends 

We said goodbye to Stuart Watson this year, he has been a wonderful adviser and so knowledgeable about how to manage your money, however, he has left us in the capable hands of Stephen Boldry .We are waiting for the long-awaited refurbishment of two windows in church. I am longing to sign that cheque. 

Have you noticed some Cathedrals have solar panels, we have a huge expanse of roof … what do you think ? 

If you have experience of dealing with historic buildings, would you consider joining us? New blood is always welcome. 

Thank you for loving our wonderful building. 

Vera Owen - Chair 

## Deanery and Diocese Report 2023-24 

**Area Dean** :- The  Revd Tim 

## **Snaith and Hatfield Deanery Reps:** 

The Revd Christopher Bishop The Revd Gill Salter Chrissy Grindle, Glenys Mashford, treasurer 

A deanery is a group of churches within a diocese and the prime aims of its synod is to unite churches in the area for mutual support and to pass on information of national and local relevance. The  Deanery Synod also act as a conduit between the diocese and individual  churches where there may be  an issue that members wish to be discussed at the Diocesan Synod. There are 22 churches in our Deanery of Snaith and Hatfield, making it the biggest deanery (look at the map!) 

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Over the past year Snaith and Hatfield Deanery Synod held 2 open meetings, where the first session is open to all , and one twinned deanery. There is a move towards twinning Deaneries to share resources and support and Snaith and Hatfield is twinned with Adwick. As it is still in its infancy,  the take-up by members has been slow, but Bishop Pete is keen to promote this initiative and he chose to hold his consultation at a shared meeting in November2023. The Diocese are seeking funding for financial support from the Church Commissioners and we were asked to identify areas where the proposed funding would best be used. 

In  our February Synod , Tim, our Area Dean, shared the Diocesan feedback from that meeting and gave us the opportunity to identify where we thought the team had missed anything pertinent to our deanery and also to re-visit one of  Bishop Pete’s questions  ‘Where would God like to see your parish in a few years’ time?’ The outcomes would then be fed back to the Diocese. 

In June,  the Revd Peter Kay,  a funeral director in his other life!, gave an interesting and thought provoking talk on how we could and should  nurture contacts made through our funerals as part of our church mission. He left us with menu of possibilities, including a bereavement café. 

in October,  at a twinned deanery synod, Alex Shilkoff, the strategic programme director for the Diocese, outlined the final decisions for the proposed bid for funding from  the Church commissioners and how it would impact on our deaneries…..watch this space! 

In last year’s report, we spoke of a now well established agenda item ‘Where is God in your Parish?’, a short session where a member from a parish in our deanery describes where they see God at work. If your representatives are asked to contribute at the next meeting, what would you like them to say?  ‘Where do **you** see God in our Parish?’  Is he in chocolate cake? 

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The next synod will be on 5[th] June at Hatfield St Lawrence, so please do join us. Hatfield has a good reputation of arriving in numbers to the meetings and we are discovering that all churches we visit are very good at hospitality!! 

Chrissy Grindle and Glenys Mashford , Snaith and Hatfield Deanery Reps. 

## Churchwardens 

This is my last report as I stand down as warden at this APCM. It has been a privilege to be a warden firstly working with Viv Stubbs and now Andy Green both of whom have been a joy to work with. Viv had been a warden previously and knew what was expected although neither of us could have imagined being wardens during a lock down . This year we had the challenge of an interregnum ,an interesting experience and actually unusually short. We were greatly helped by the diocesan team who led us through the process and legalities ensuring all was done correctly and God blessed us by sending the Revd Chris Bshop to join us . Revd Chris and his family have settled into life at the vicarage and become part of our Church family bringing lots of new ideas and giving us plenty to think about. Then to add to our joy the Revd Chris Wroot  returned to our flock as our Curate. I am delighted to report that the new members have strengthened the existing team, so Hatfield really does offer something for everyone's spiritual needs . 

I am so grateful to the entire congregation for helping me during my time as warden and look forward to supporting whoever God is sending in my place, but please remember there is no I in team and the wardens’ team need plenty of you to help them make our Church the wonderful caring community it is . 

Vera Vera Owen and Andy Green 


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## Eco-Church 2024-2025 

## **Hatfield St Lawrence is a** 

## **Bronze A Rocha Eco- church** 

Since last September, there have been many changes in the daily patterns of our church life and so, even though A Rocha released their new criteria for Silver and Gold awards towards the end of last year, we have not yet developed an action plan on how to move forward with Eco-church. 

We have continued with the annual surveys of the Bird and  Butterfly Count and also the Plastic Count. The churchyard birds have definitely discovered the bird feeders and Chris, our vicar, reports lots of visitors to theirs at the vicarage. 

Our thanks go to Dianne for braving the cold with me in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch in January. It was heartening to record more variety of birds but the numbers are still very low and sadly this appears to be a national trend. The highlight for us was the use of the Merlin app (I hope you are impressed!) which records and identifies the bird by its song. Amazingly, most Sundays, Anita arrives in church with the pictures of the birds the app has identified in her walk from the carpark. It’s a shame Vernon can’t sign them up for his choir. 

We are also grateful to Tim for his support with  the recycling from church. He has sourced a company who will donate a small amount to church in return for used ink cartridges and also has discovered that Boots will now accept empty blister packs. 

On the subject of recycling, I’m sure you are all aware that Doncaster has recently issued the following excellent piece of news…  ‘From **1st April 2025** , residents in Doncaster will be able to recycle plastic pots, tubs, trays, and liquid cartons in their blue bin. Currently, only clean plastic bottles, paper and card, food and drink tins/cans, aluminium foil and aerosols are accepted as part of blue bin collections.’ 

We must also acknowledge the work of  Rachel and the Hatfield Heroes in their community initiatives and also in their global engagement. For many years, church members have sponsored a child in India, however last December this sponsorship was due to come to an end. Members of the Hatfield Heroes, under Rachel’s guidance, researched different Chrisian Aid Agencies and each produced a presentation which they then delivered to the PCC . We were so impressed by them all, but finally, voted to sponsor a child through Christian Hope UK, and to raise the funding , with the Heroes support,  through a couple of coffee mornings in the year. 

**Living God, you call us to be good stewards of this earthly home, strengthen us to care for your creation; forgive us when, through our greed and indifference we abuse its beauty and damage its potential. Empower us, through your Spirit to so nurture and love the world, that all creation sings to your glory. Amen** . 

Chrissy Grindle and Glenys Mashford 

## Disability Inclusion group 

The Group has had a quiet year in 2024. We held coffee mornings and a pie and pea supper with bingo and they were well supported. We also had an enjoyable trip to Leeds Christmas market . 

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We are planning to hold more coffee mornings, a trip to York on April 26[th] and another pie and pea supper with bingo. We are looking at a Christmas trip to Harrogate and will be planning a summer trip in August. Tim has managed to get a large yellow plastic ramp free of charge, which can be used for wheelchair access from the Barn car park onto the field. 

We had a meeting booked for 19[th] March and are also watching for the summer events to book a table to raise more funds 

Sandra Beadle 

## Activities of the  Church 

## St Lawrence Christmas tree Festival 

We started our Christmas season on Fri 6[th] at 5pm, with about 80 of us singing a selection of well known and traditional Carols and Christmas songs. At around 6.00, Rachel invited those present to go outside and to perform the countdown as the Christmas lights on the church tower were turned on. Afterwards, some then went on to the library to join in with the Hatfield Yule-tide Fayre. The Christmas Tree Festival re-opened for visitors properly on the 3 weekends of 7 – 8, 14 – 15, & 21 – 22[nd] December, Saturdays from 10 - 4 pm, and Sundays 1 – 4 pm. Our Christmas Tree Festival was organised in aid of General Church funds. We had 22 artificial Christmas trees, mostly sponsored by local groups, schools, businesses, families/ individuals, and each one had been beautifully & thoughtfully decorated. Each tree had a few decorations depicting a chosen Christmas-themed film. The display included two Memory Trees, one by Crookesbroome Primary School in memorial of one of their pupils tragically lost recently; the other provided by the church, on which heartfelt memorials were left in memory of our loved ones. The festival included a free quiz, inviting visitors to try to match the Tree Number with the list of films given on the quiz sheet. Refreshments on each day were excellent, with tea/coffee & delicious cakes, buns & scones etc available throughout. As well as the trees, and refreshments, the full event also included a raffle each weekend, tombola, and a table selling hand-made craft items, as well as preserves and prepared Hyacinths. The whole event had a festive atmosphere helped by a mixture of carols and songs playing in the background. On Saturday 7[th] December, children were able to write letters to Santa and were able to hand them to him in person, when he visited our church in the afternoon between 12 & 3pm. On Saturday 14[th] December, we held a community singsong of Christmas carols, with 40+ sat in the choir singing, and others around the church, all ably led by Vernon on the organ. Many came specifically for the singing and left that afternoon saying that they had especially enjoyed the collective singing, as well as viewing the trees and the general atmosphere. The whole event was wonderful & well worth all our planning, organising & hard work, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all our visitors, both young & old. Attendance was a little down on previous years, however the weather was not kind to us this year. Most of our visitors came from our own 

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community, though some also came from further afield, some this year came from Sprotborough, Tickhill, Barnsley, Basingstoke and London! We received many positive comments both verbal and written, praising the trees and decorations, the refreshments, the Church building, our pleasant staff, and the whole event. Many people asked us if we would be doing it all again next year, and some even gave suggestions for a theme. (FYI it is unlikely that we would repeat the event next year, we usually opt for a Bi-annual Christmas Tree festival, so look out for a repeat in 2026). 

We raised just short of £1,500.00 to go towards general church funds. 58 quiz sheets were returned, 21 of which scored 22 / 22 and were thus entered into the draw. The worthy winner was Mr Stephen McCoy who won the tub of Quality-Street chocolates - well done to him and his family; and to all those who also successfully completed the sheet. 

The best part of the event for me was meeting and talking to many of our visitors and hearing their comments. 

**Many thanks** to all who through their help & generosity made this event the success it so obviously was:- 

- Our Sponsors, who kindly sponsored & decorated the trees so wonderfully for us. 

- Those who loaned / donated & delivered our trees for us. 

- Jeff & Jenny Callison for providing expert advice, providing the sets of tree lights and power cable extensions, & help with tree installation removal & cleaning at the end, & also for stewarding. 

- All others who helped with the installation / erection of all the trees, and also with their disassembly, removal & storage at the end of the event. 

- Our Stewards, who looked after all of our visitors so well, and also to those who helped by running the raffle, tombola and craft sales etc. 

- Those who provided raffle / tombola prizes and/or craft items, preserves or Hyacinths for sale. 

- Our refreshment teams who again served our visitors so well, and also to those who baked and supplied all of the scrumptious buns / cakes etc which made it so popular. 

- Santa and his Elves, who attended on the 7[th] December and handed out presents to the children. 

- Those who helped publicise our event by displaying posters or just by informing others. 

- **All of our visitors,** who came along and supported us, and those who further supported us with monetary donations towards our General Church Funds. 

Terry Raper, Vera Owen,. 

## Hatfield Church Garden Party 2024 

Many thanks to everyone who helped with or attended and supported our Annual Garden Party on 6[th] July. 

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Thank you to all the stallholders, and to many friends for helping to set everything up, and for clearing away afterwards. The day was most enjoyable and well attended, despite the threat of bad weather eventually forcing our decision towards “Plan B”, and to hold the event entirely within Church again. (The fateful decision was eventually taken Friday evening to hold the event in Church because all weather forecasts were predicting thunderstorms and torrential rain for most of Saturday). Many thanks to Philippa Cousins for an excellent opening speech, though it was difficult to hear over the noise of the crowd. The school display was especially good again this year, and still as popular as ever. More thanks to Philippa and her team from Travis St. Lawrence, and we hope to see the return of Woodhouse Primary and other schools next year, as they were unable to attend this year. It was good to welcome the Stephanie Maskill School of Dance to their second attendance at our Garden Party, and the return of the McLeod Academy of Irish Dance; both displays were also enjoyed and highly complimented by many. Thanks also to the Markham Main Band who were able to join and entertain us again this year. Many people commented that they found the atmosphere to be a very friendly one. The afternoon teas were popular – as usual; the children’s games were busy, and the mix of stalls too. Many people enjoyed watching and listening to the performances, others enjoyed a good chat and a catch-up, though this was more difficult in the tightly packed and noisier interior of the church. The amount taken on the day was **£2,572.47** ; and after deducting all known costs, the profit from the event was just over £2260, all of which went towards General Church Funds. This is a wonderful amount, and one which was raised almost entirely within 3 hours! It is also important to note that the event is not just about being financially successful and raising money, though the additional money raised is necessary to keep our church running. The Garden Party is also one of our major opportunities to meet and interact with the wider community, and it is important that we do this well, and give them something to enjoy and remember, so that they will come and join with us again. I believe that it can be taken as a tribute to all the hard work and effort put in by all the stallholders, entertainment groups, and helpers, both on the day and in the weeks prior to the event that the Garden Party went according to plan and was so successful. Once again, a sincere THANK YOU to all who have helped in any way with the organisation and running of any part of the Garden Party. Thank you also to all those who donated prizes or items for the stalls. we couldn’t have done it without you. The final total is entirely due to the kindness and generosity of so many of our church and local community members (and some not so local) people. It is extremely re-assuring to know that reliable help is available when planning events of this scale, and we are fortunate to have a large and regular team of helpers to call upon. A good day’s work, helping to ensure our church will still be here in the foreseeable future. Page | 81 



The committee have once again taken the decision to hold next year’s Garden Party on the 1[st] week in July to avoid missing out on the Markham Main Brass Band, who are again booked for the Durham Miners’ Association Gala on the 12[th] . 

We look forward seeing you all again at the 2025 event – 5[th] July (1[st] Saturday in July). 

The Garden Party Committee 

## Refreshments in Church 

We have refreshments at most of our events and Chris, our vicar, does recognise the importance of a social time to cement friendships and build new relationships.  In fact,  each of our PCC meetings begins with a different delicious delicacy, usually homemade. Joy’s cakes and trifles are to die for. So thank you both, it is much appreciated. 

The Wednesday Open Church does need to get a special mention . Andy has taken over from Chrissy but we need to thank them both for the time (and patience!) it takes to draw up rotas for the brilliant team of people who bravely wrestle with the coffee machine and keep the plates topped up with biscuits. Talking of biscuits, thank you to Tim for taking the responsibility of ensuring the cabinet drawers are always full of spare coffee/ tea etc. 

A shout out must go to those from our community (and Frankie, the cockapoo!) who come each week between 11 and 12 to enrich our social time. The best feeling ever is when we have to get out more chairs or an extra table! 

## Ladies Fellowship and Social Group 

February 2025 

Our   meetings are held on Friday mornings between 10.15 and 12 noon .  As a small group of 5 we enjoy the social aspect of the group as well as the friend-ship.  We start with a time of catchup of the previous weeks’ events and we finish with a cup of tea and cake. 

Our Bible study for 2023 included discussion of the following people and topics. 

Judas Iscariot, Humility, Love your Neighbour, Restoration of Peter, Mary and the Muslims, Peace, Trust in God, Ascension to Pentecost and The Lord’s Prayer. We also looked at ‘Creation and our pledge to God’ 

We try to look for the meaning of the passage we are studying and how the subjects affect our lives in the current day. 

My favourite topic was Creation which we covered through reading the passage in the Bible as well as through ‘Godly Play’. This opened up a wide range of opinions from everyone.  We talked about poaching and conservation, games reserves, over fishing and the extinction of species. 

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We also discussed environmental issues e.g. water pollution – accidental or intentional.  We agreed that we could not do anything to change the big issues, but we were able to do our bit in our homes and gardens.  We are responsible for the wonderful world that God has given to us and however small our actions we should look after it. 

A highlight of the year was when Beryl Adamson joined us and performed a service of communion which was really special for us as a group. 

Anita Jepson and Susan Spencer 

## Parish Magazine 2024/25 

The magazine continues, still with 190 paper copies going out, and more when it’s a month with extra visitors, such as December.  It’s online, and looked at by 150+ people, and that number is growing! 

Although the present editor thinks it looks dated it does seem to fit into the wider picture of outgoing ministry, we have good noticeboards - although all within church grounds at Hatfield-  a webpage, a Facebook page, both frequently updated and viewed, and widely advertised contact details.  So a paper monthly magazine fills a _tangible_ gap. 

There are things that really must go in every month where possible, the list involves Tina sending The Friends of HCBT, Vera with the 100 Club and her lively chatter, Beryl with funeral details, Rachel with news of all she does plus super photographs, our vicar Chris with his letter, and various other occasional contributors, and I do thank them all.  My list of priorities in additional where possible includes prayer, some planet-friendly news, a challenge, world or nation-wide Christian views or news, something to make you smile, a Bible link, a children’s page, many of which are from Parish Pump. 

And since it’s a paper copy there need to be collators and distributors, and my thanks to Jill McGarvie for oversight of this, and to all of them.  Come rain or shine the magazine is delivered. The magazine has a firm place in the outgoing ministry of the church. 

We regularly pray for our parish in our services , and soon we will start praying for every street in turn.   Our curate Chris Wroot intends to letter-drop to every house in the parish starting in the near future, and has agreed to also deliver a magazine, which will have named in it the streets we are praying for.  He has everyone’s thanks for this, and our prayers go with him. 

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Chrissy Grindle, 

Editor 

## Activities in our community 

## Hatfield Community Library Games Activities 

Once the library was able to open its doors to the public again, the "games" activities restarted. 

Bridge on Monday 1pm until 3pm …..all levels catered for. 

Tuesday 10am until 12noon,  a variety of games are on offer including mah-jong and a welcome tea or coffee and biscuit,  all for £1.00 . 

Why not join us, even if you are not a great games enthusiast, it is a lovely sociable space and a reason to come out. 

Vera Owen 

## DN7 Community Foodbank 

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The Food Bank continues to provide a much needed service for the DN7 population. Little did we think that 7 years on we would still be needed but although our clients change as peoples’ circumstances change new people arrive. This year we have seen an increase in single older gentlemen and have been able to sign post them to other local activities for people who need company,  our own games cafe has been useful in this respect. 

We are grateful for the generosity of local people ,Churches and town councils for supporting us not to mention some young peoples’ groups who have helped us during the school holidays .Our main food sources continue to be Aldi ,Tesco and the Co-op ,Sainsbury has recently joined our supply chain so we  never know what may be available to our customers but all who need us are welcome. 

We would also like to welcome new volunteers ,we meet for 1 hour Thursday evening to set up for the morning and then Friday morning 9-12.30 , we also do an evening pick up from Tesco at Edenthorpe and someone extra on that rota would be very welcome. 

If you have a little time to spare please talk to one of us but most of all keep praying for us and our clients, it must be so miserable having to constantly watch every penny . 

Vera Owen 

## Crafty Women report 2024/25 

The earliest Crafty Women – very poor- photo is from October 2012, and ever since then it has met the first Monday in the month to create crafts, not to sell for church funds although that has happened by chance.   Since lockdowns it has been a bring-your-own, for the ten years before lockdowns crafts were provided. 

It has developed into a group of women who are interested in crafts, who talk patterns and ideas, but more importantly talk freely to each other about life, the universe and everything!  We are not all churchgoers, not all Anglicans, not all believers, but God seems to come into the conversation frequently.   We learn from each other, through experiences that some of us haven’t been through, will never go through, but we see our fellows as having coped admirably, and it gives us great strength.  It also gives us strength to know that prayers and caring thoughts will go on beyond our meeting. 

It’s important to note that we haven’t all been together since 2012.  Someone from church started coming in the last year who knew most of us, someone the year before came who only knew two of us but hasn’t missed since!  So newcomers really are welcome, it’s easy company, 8-13 people usually, a hot drink and biscuits/cakes/fruit are there to help yourself. 

Interested?  The first Monday in every month- except when it’s New Years Day – any time between 2-5 but just come for a 10-minute cuppa if you like, 60 Station Road, just arrive, bring a friend! 

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Chrissy Grindle 

## Communications and Administration 

## Our main means of communication are: 

- **A weekly Newsletter** with paper copies in church and sent out by email. 

- _Thank you to Jill for producing the newsletter!_ 

- **A monthly Church Magazine** also sent out on the email list but with paper copies in church and hand distributed by our amazing team. 

_Thank you to all involved and especially to Chrissy Grindle, its wonderful Editor._ 

- **Our Church Facebook Page and Website both at @ Hatfield St Lawrence** 

All our events, services….are published on this and we also share some of them on other community Facebook Pages such as DN7 Community, Hatfield Residents notices….. 

This page has an Inbox where we receive requests for baptism, weddings, information, help….. 

- **Our Parish Office phone number and our email address which is now linked to the** 

## **Website** 

## Please note this has recently changed to hello@hatfieldstlawrencechurch.com 

Phone: 01302 350591 – _please note that the office isn’t staffed all the time so do leave a message and we’ll get back to you asap._ 

## **Help needed please** 

The Parish Office is well used but still requires a cleaner as I had no answer to my plea last year. It doesn’t get very dirty so once every 10 days would do the job. 

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