## Chiddingfold 

## **The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias3cal Parish of Chiddingfold** 

## **Annual Report 2024** 

## **A Report for the Year ended 31 December 2024** 

## **Approved by the PCC in April 2025** 

_Registered Charity Number 1128727_ 



## **CONTENTS** 

|Introduc+on|3|
|---|---|
|Administra+on and Membership|4|
|Aims and Purposes|4|
|Objec+ves and Ac+vi+es|5|
|The Fabric and Maintenance Report|6|
|Youth and Children’s Work|9|
|Worship Focus Group|14|
|Finance and Stewardship|18|
|Fundraising at St. Mary’s|18|
|Safeguarding Report|21|
|Bap+sm Visi+ng Team|21|
|Bells at St. Mary’s|22|
|Choir and Music|22|
|Deanery Synod Report|23|
|Eco Church|24|
|Flower CommiUee Report|28|
|Food for Fellowship|29|
|The Friends of St. Mary’s|30|
|Joint Churches in Chiddingfold|30|
|Pastoral Visi+ng Team|32|
|Work in St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School, Chiddingfold|32|
|Electoral Roll Report|36|
|St. Mary’s Church Links|37|



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## **Introduc0on** 

our church community. This year has brought both challenges and blessings, and through it all, we have grown in faith, in unity, and in our commitment to serving one another and our wider community. 

We have witnessed God at work in our worship, in our ministries, and in the quiet, unseen acts of kindness and generosity.  From our outreach ini+a+ves to our +mes of prayer, each moment has been a tes+mony to the love and grace that binds us together.  In looking back I hope you are filled with a renewed apprecia+on of just how much goes on at St. Mary’s and what a great blessing this church is to so many. 

This annual report is more than a summary of events and numbers; however, it is a celebra+on of the life we share as a church and there is much to celebrate.  This year we reached out to everyone in the parish and to friends further afield for help securing the future of St. Mary’s through the first Church Appeal since 2018.  The response was overwhelmingly posi+ve, and the outpouring of support showed us how much this vibrant, inclusive community is loved.  It is clear that we are known for the depth of our spiritual life; for the stepping-stones we put in place for those who wish to journey with us; for the beauty of our church buildings and churchyard; and for our ability to work together.  The Appeal, which culminated in a Gi` Day, was a cri+cal step in the PCC’s strategic plan to resource the ministry, honour our heritage and go further to meet the church’s full ministry costs.  While those costs con+nue to rise, and we are not out of the wood yet by any means, the Appeal was a great success by all measures. 

I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to the members of the PCC for all they give to leadership in St. Mary’s.  In par+cular, I want to thank Oli Shepherd, who is standing down as his term comes to an end, and Gilly van Oppen, who is standing down as Bookkeeper though stepping up as the Co-ordinator of the Fundraising Team and con+nuing as Gi` Aid Officer during the final year of her PCC term.  I also offer my hearcelt thanks to our Churchwardens Lily Cook and Chris EvereU, and Treasurer Nigel Hyslop, for being a brilliant, suppor+ve team.  Both Chris and Lily are stepping down, having shaped St. Mary’s for the beUer in countless ways as Churchwardens.  I am grateful for their can-do aftude, good humour and wisdom, and am really pleased that Chris is able to contribute to the Maintenance and Churchyard Group a liUle longer, and that Lily will serve another term on PCC. 

church community.  He will be ordained priest in June 2025, which will give us even more to celebrate, and we look forward to the development of his ministry at St. Mary’s.  As we look ahead, I pray we may con+nue to be a people shaped by prayer, guided by Scripture, passionate for a more just world and mo+vated in all things by love and a desire to know Christ beUer and make him beUer known.  Let us go forward with hope, trus+ng that the God who has brought us this far and given us so much, will con+nue to lead us. 

The Reverend Dr Rachel Greene _rector.chiddingfold@gmail.com_ 

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## **Administra0on and Membership** 

St. Mary’s is the Parish Church of Chiddingfold and is part of the Diocese of Guildford within the Church of England.  The church’s postal address is: 

St. Mary’s Church, Petworth Road, Chiddingfold, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 4TY 

Members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) are Trustees of the Charity for the term of their appointment.  Members serving on the PCC during 2024 are: 

Incumbent: The Reverend Dr Rachel Greene, Chair Churchwardens: Chris EvereU Lily Cook Deanery Synod: Ken Lindup Gill Beckwith PCC Members: Chris+ne Baker Oli Shepherd Louise Taylor James Parton Catherine Stovold Gilly van Oppen Chris Ryan Treasurer: Nigel Hyslop Secretary: Helen Bendall 

## **Aims and Purposes** 

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure.  The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission as The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias+cal Parish of Chiddingfold and its registered Charity Number is: 1128727. 

The appointment of PCC members is governed by and set out in the Church Representa+on Rules. All those who aUend St. Mary’s and who qualify according to those Rules are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for elec+on to the PCC.  PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all maUers of general concern and importance to the Parish, including deciding how the funds of the PCC are to be spent.  New members are given ini+al training into the workings of the PCC.  The PCC meets six +mes during the year. 

The PCC operates through a number of Focus Groups, which meet between full mee+ngs.  These groups are cons+tuted to make full use of the professional exper+se available within St. Mary’s and members are encouraged to aUend Diocesan training as appropriate.  Each group has at least one representa+ve from the PCC, and the Rector and Churchwardens are _ex officio_ members of all these groups.  All the Focus Groups are responsible to the PCC and report back regularly at PCC mee+ngs. 

_**Standing Commi,ee**_ : This statutory commiUee has a general power to transact the business of the PCC between its mee+ngs, subject to any direc+ons given by the PCC. 

_**Finance and Stewardship Group**_ : Oversees expenditure and monitors income and investments. Encourages financial support of the church through a strategy for Regular Planned Giving (RPG), legacies, occasional parish funding programmes and gi` days; prepares the annual budget for outreach support.  In 2024 this group was made up of the Treasurer and the Bookkeeper and known as the Treasury Team. 

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_**Fundraising Group**_ : Plans an annual programme of fundraising events to generate income for the church. 

_**Maintenance Group**_ : AUends to maUers rela+ng to the stewardship and maintenance of the church, its contents, buildings and grounds, such as the churchyard, the Church Room and the Rectory. 

_**Worship Group**_ : Co-ordinates the provision and conduct of worship. 

_**Youth and Children’s Work Group**_ : Co-ordinates ac+vi+es involving children and young people in the church and the wider community. 

In addi+on, several important links and special interest groups complement the aims and purposes of St. Mary’s PCC, as it seeks to benefit everyone in the church and the community: 

Bap+sm Visi+ng Team Food for Fellowship Bell-ringers Friends of St. Mary’s Choir and Music Joint Churches in Chiddingfold Eco Church Pastoral Visi+ng Team Flower Team St. Mary’s CofE Primary School 

## **Objec0ves and Ac0vi0es** 

The PCC (Powers) Measure 1956 states that the PCC is to co-operate with the incumbent in promo+ng in the parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelis+c, social and ecumenical.  The PCC has maintenance responsibili+es for the church and the Church Room and for some internal decora+on of the rectory.  St. Mary’s vision is “to know Christ beUer and to make Christ beUer known”. 

- regular services of worship 

- 

- pastoral care 

- small groups for nurture and discipleship 

- social ac+vi+es 

- quiet days and retreats 

- concerts and recitals 

- programmes and ac+vi+es for children, young people and those who care for them 

- charitable fundraising events 

- a monthly parish magazine which has a distribu+on to many beyond the regular congrega+on 

- a website 

- a social media presence on Facebook 

undertaken in 2024 to meet the aims of St. Mary’s Church for the benefit of our congrega+on within the church and of the wider community. 

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## **‘Caring for our possessions’** 

## _**The Fabric and Maintenance Report**_ 

The Churchwardens have pleasure in providing our report for the year to December 2024. 

## **General** 

The necessary func+ons of maintenance and care for the church and churchyard have been carried out; and the logbooks and monthly Churchwarden’s inspec+ons have been kept up to date. 

## **Quinquennial Report** 

The Quinquennial Inspec+on took place on 22 November 2024, conducted by the same Surveyor who has done it several +mes before.  All necessary documenta+on required, including a full report on our ac+ons against the previous Quinquennial, was available to the Surveyor and no cri+cal items were raised by him at the +me of the inspec+on. 

- No Category 1 – Immediate Repair items were raised. 

- Items of generally rou+ne content were raised in: 

   - Category 2 – Work to be carried out within the next 18 months; 

   - Category 3 – Work to be carried out within the Quinquennium; 

   - Category 4 – Desirable work; 

   - Category 5 – Monitor / Maintenance items. 

Many of these are rou+nely covered by the monthly Churchwarden’s Checklist, but funds ought to be accumulated for future stonework repairs and redecora+on work. 

The Surveyor’s comments include: 

- aUen+ve and financially suppor+ve PCC over many years.  It is a credit to the PCC that the building has remained very well maintained. 

- There is a very thorough Logbook kept up to date. 

- A thorough Health & Safety manual has been developed which appears more than adequate. 

- Items noted are those maintenance items usually to be expected on a building of this size. 

- The PCC’s aUen+on is drawn to the 2020 General Synod decision that we are in a climate emergency and should commit to an ambi+ous carbon reduc+on target of Net Zero by 2030, including the long-term choice of an appropriate hea+ng system bearing in mind the proposed eventual curtailment of fossil fuel. 

## **Church** 

It would be desirable to do some redecora+on where paint is peeling – minor areas so far, and the Tower Room is badly in need of redecora+on. 

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## **Vestry** 

A Faculty was granted for the replacement of the old metal windows with new double-glazed units. The work was done during the year and was funded by the Friends of St. Mary’s. Once this was complete it became apparent that internal redecora+on was urgently needed, and this was completed in November and also funded by the Friends. 

## **Churchyard** 

The Churchyard Working Party is in a reasonably healthy state, and is managed jointly by Chris EvereU, Gilly van Oppen and Chiddingfold resident and enthusiast Phil Darley.  This has resulted in reasonable aUendance at most of the Churchyard Working Party mee+ngs and a lot of valuable work has been done.  In addi+on, the Bonfire Crew assisted with a further visit. 

## **Closed Circuit Television** 

A`er the forcible break-in to garden sheds in the grounds of the church in mid-September 2023, both doors were replaced.  However, another aUempt was made, fortunately unsuccessful.  In consequence, at its mee+ng on 17 September 2024, the PCC resolved to install a CCTV System with recording facili+es and warning signs.  The Archdeacon’s approval was obtained and installa+on of a single camera will take place in the first quarter of 2025. 

Extensive documenta+on has been completed to comply with the Church of England GDPR Policy document, as well as the Informa+on Commissioner’s Office (ICO) CCTV Code of Prac+ce 2017. No live footage will be viewable and the recordings will only be accessed by Authorised Users in the event of criminal or an+-social behaviour. 

## **Churchyard Management Plan** 

The churchyard con+nues to be managed in terms of the Management Plan as revised to cover the more extensive mowing regime. 

The Haslemere Natural History Society visited St. Mary’s churchyard on 30 November 2024 and compiled a survey of lichens growing on tombs and gravestones.  About 24 lichen species were recognized on the day, and they reported that the number of Chiddingfold species was as good as can be expected in a village with road traffic and fuel being burnt in houses. 

## **Grave Repairs** 

Eight of the historic barrel graves were rebuilt, but there are however s+ll many of these historic and rare graves in danger.  No funds are available at present to restore more of them. 

There is a huge variety of gravestones in St. Mary's churchyard, and although ownership of the churchyard is vested in the Parochial Church Council, the actual gravestones belong to and are the responsibility of the person or family that commissioned them.  The 

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prominent Sadler Family of Chiddingfold provided a gi` of £1,500 in 1986 to provide finance for the maintenance of the Sadler graves in the churchyard, of which there are many.  This fund has recently been used to restore several of them, as shown in the photographs. 

RegreUably, in January 2025 a tree branch fell from the adjacent property and damaged one of the recently restored graves, but the owners have undertaken to have it repaired. 

## **Hedges and Trees** 

consultant in July 2023, we are now required to reinspect a Lawson Cypress due to a significant wound on its trunk with internal decay and an English Oak with fungal decay. 

## **Volunteers** 

stalwart group is aging and reducing in number and we must express our concern at this trend and the lack of involvement of many regular congregants and especially younger members of the congrega+on in these ac+vi+es. 

## **Services and Repairs** 

Rou+ne inspec+ons and services have been carried out to the tower clock, lightning conductor, fire ex+nguishers, alarm system, organ, church and church room boilers, and all electrical appliances have had a PAT Test completed.  Other minor repairs have also been done as necessary.  A full statutory electrical inspec+on will have to be carried out during 2025. 

Up to date plans of u+li+es are only par+ally complete, as there is inadequate informa+on on record in the files on the ligh+ng system installed in about 2015. 

## **Terrier** 

This is the wriUen inventory giving details and photographs of all the property, buildings, equipment, monuments, vestments, plate, windows etc. in the parish owned by the church.  It was checked, updated and signed off by the Rector, Churchwardens and two PCC members in May 2022. 

Church of England Regula+ons require that a full Terrier Inventory should be made out afresh every 10 years, but in the years between, it is only necessary to add and annually update sheets where anything changes.  We are not aware of any changes that require a review this year. 

Arising from this it became clear, however, that there is no inventory of the many more mundane items that do not belong in the Terrier.  A detailed inventory has now been compiled for the garden shed equipment and the Church Room kitchen.  Inventories of furniture and equipment in the Tower Room, Church Room and flower shed are s+ll to be compiled. 

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## **Thanks** 

Our thanks are extended to the chalice assistants, intercessors, readers, bell-ringers, sacristan, church cleaners, those who wash and iron the church linen, the flower arrangers and the keyholders who have enabled us to keep the church open, aUrac+ve and opera+ng smoothly. Special thanks also are expressed to the volunteers of the Churchyard Working Party. 

## **Churchwardens** 

This will be the last report compiled by the present Churchwardens, as Lily Cook is stepping down a`er three years’ service, and Chris EvereU has reached the statutory limit of six years.  We extend our best wishes to the incoming Churchwardens and assure them of our con+nued support. 

We express our grateful thanks to our Rector Rachel, the other clergy, the PCC, volunteers and the whole congrega+on for all the support given over the +me we have been in office. 

Chris EvereU _March 2025_ 

Approved by Elizabeth Cook, Churchwarden Chris EvereU, Churchwarden _stmaryschurchwarden2@outlook.com stmaryschurchwarden1@outlook.com_ 

## **‘The Young Ones’** 

_**Youth and Children’s Work**_ 

## **Families @ St. Mary’s** 

At St. Mary’s we seek to serve people at every stage of life and to include people of all ages – even the very young – in our worship and ac+vi+es.  To that end, we offer a programme designed to meet the needs and engage the imagina+ons of children and youth so that they can grow in faith.  The Families @ St. Mary’s Programme is made up of a range of ministries that allow us to serve children, young people and teens, along with their families and carers.  The programme is supported by a Children and Youth Leader, Philippa Fraison, who has been learning on the job and on Guildford Diocese’s First-Timers Course, which offers those new to this ministry prac+cal skills and theology through a mixture of wriUen work, group reflec+on and prayer.  Although Philippa’s role is a small part-+me one, having her on the team allows us to welcome and incorporate more children, young people and their families into the life of St. Mary’s.  However, the programme is only possible with the help of dozens of volunteers, including those on St. Mary’s safeguarding team.  If you might like to get involved, please do have a word! 

## **Muddy Church** 

Muddy Church events are held seasonally on Saturday mornings to bring children, young people and their families together to explore the beauty and wonder of God’s world.  Each event includes a welcome and an invita+on to wander through an outdoor trail set in St. Mary’s churchyard with four to six sta+ons for prayer, reflec+on, and crea+ve explora+ons.  Children take part alongside 

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parents, grandparents and some very well-behaved dogs.  This year we held Muddy Church events in the spring, summer and autumn.  On occasion Muddy Church coincides with the Churchyard Working Party, and when that happens the older children like to lend a hand with the work, which is wonderful.  Muddy Church is led by our Rector with the help of Wendy Johnson, Catherine Stovold, Angela S+nson and Philippa Fraison, along with assistance from DofE volunteers. 

10 



## **Church Mice** 

Church Mice is St. Mary’s weekly baby and toddler group that meets on Thursdays in term +me from 9:30am-11:30am in the Church Room.  This programme has grown significantly with 30+ now aUending each week, and it is a joy to see everyone making new friendships and enjoying playing, cra`ing, singing and snacking.  We are grateful to Kirsty Parton and Vicky Howard and their team for leading the group so brilliantly, and for going above and beyond by designing another terrific window display on Christmas Eve for the Living Advent Calendar, a lovely village tradi+on organised by the Village Nursery. 

## **Good News Gang** 

St. Mary’s youth group is aimed at 9-14 year olds wan+ng to get to know a bit more about their faith and have some fun doing it.  They meet monthly on Sunday evenings in term +me for games, ac+vi+es, explora+ons of the bible and lots of laughter.  These evenings are known as “Games Night” and are an explora+on of what the greatest games in the world can tell us about a good life.  To help the whole congrega+on get ready for Lent, the gang collects last year’s palm crosses and then burns them to make this year’s ashes for Ash Wednesday, which is followed by pizza and s’mores by the fire.  Some of the ash is also used to mark pebbles with the sign 

for anyone who’d like to carry a pebble in their pocket over the forty days of Lent, as a reminder to draw near to God in prayer.  In Holy Week, members of the gang lead St. Mary’s Vigil Service (“The Watch”), which starts with the blessing and marking of the Paschal candle before moving into church for the readings that tell the story of salva+on and culminate in the first celebra+on of Easter.  The gang is led by Angela S+nson, Philippa Fraison and the Rector. 

## **Children’s Church** 

On most Sundays, a`er ligh+ng the children’s candle and leading us in prayer, children are invited (but not obliged!) to take part in ‘All Stars’ children’s church, a bespoke, lec+onary-based curriculum that explores the day’s theme in age-appropriate ways through bible stories, games, skits and cra` ac+vi+es in the Church Room.  Once a month, we also run in parallel a ‘Tower Room’ session for older children who’d like to delve deeper, with discussion and ac+vi+es that foster mindfulness, contempla+on and crea+vity.  Currently six adults take turns leading sessions in the Church Room and Tower Room alongside the Children and Youth Leader.  They are assisted by two young leaders, CharloUe Quickfall and Isobel Cook, who started volunteering in November in hopes of aUaining a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.  We are always looking for more adult volunteers, and young leaders are welcome to get involved in planning and leading children’s church ac+vi+es. 

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## **Posada** 

this Advent (for the first +me in six years!).  The Posada was blessed in church on the second Sunday of Advent (8[th] December) and eight households took it in turn to “host” the Posada in their homes for a night to share the Christmas story with family, friends and neighbours.  The word ‘Posada’ means inn or lodging and gives people a chance to offer the holy family lodging and to create their own celebra+on of the real message of Christmas – making room for Jesus in our lives.  Hosts were provided with suggested prayers and reflec+ons and invited to share a picture and/or a short account of their experience of hos+ng in the Posada Journey Memory Book and on Facebook, so that others could see its journey across our parish. 

## **Special Events** 

Children and young people get a warm welcome at all our worship services, and many contribute to worship as acolytes, servers, readers and choristers.  In addi+on, we also hold a number of special Parish Communion services to engage the imagina+ons of children and young people, in which they take more leadership roles.  In 2024, these included a new Pet Service as well as Harvest Fes+val, the Christmas Eve Crib Service, Chris+ngles on Candlemas and Mothering Sunday. 

## **Preparing Young People to Receive Communion** 

This year we had the privilege of preparing seven young people to receive the bread and wine of holy communion, and children were formally admiUed to communion and received the sacrament for the first +me at services on October 6[th] and 20[th] , 2024. We are inspired by the number of young people wan+ng to enter fully into the sacramental life over the last few years and plan to hold a confirma+on course in 2025, so that they are supported and encouraged to take the next step in deepening their faith. 

## **Looking forward** 

These ministries to children, youth and their families are only possible because of volunteers, who come forward and are safely recruited, and who work to ensure there is always provision for all ages at St. Mary’s.  Having more volunteers join these wonderful ministries would make them more sustainable and allow us to beUer serve the families in our community.  In par+cular we’d like to be able to offer an evening drop-in session for young people in years 5-8 on Friday nights as well as Sunday nights, and to that end parents of school children that age were invited to take a short survey.  While there is a perceived need, there are not enough volunteers.  The Church of England reckons that 27,000 volunteers with children and young people are now needed to make up the number lost since 2020, and that loss is felt in Chiddingfold as well as elsewhere.  We’ve joined the Church of England’s drive to recruit more volunteers to lead children and young people and very much hope the JOIN campaign bears fruit. 

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## **Leadership** 

The Children and Youth Focus Group meets three to four +mes a year to review St. Mary’s offerings, reflect on best prac+ce, plan for the future and keep the PCC updated.  In November, James Quickfall felt the +me had come to step down (huge thanks for your long service, James!), and we are keen to have two or three new people get involved.  If you currently volunteer with any of St. Mary’s programmes for children and young people, or have children or grandchildren who take part in them, please consider whether you could help us.  Please get in touch with the Children and Youth Leader or the Rector to learn more. 

_Children and Youth Focus Group members: Rector (Chair), Oliver Bayne, Julie Flenley, Nigel Forman, Wendy Johnson, and Philippa Fraison._ 

The Reverend Dr Rachel Greene, Rector 

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## **‘In the Beauty of Holiness’** 

## _**Worship Focus Group**_ 

This year saw the con+nued return to the regular paUern of worship at St. Mary’s.  Our planning for each liturgical season is built on our review of previous services and feedback, to ensure ongoing work is done to enable all ages and stages to ‘ _know Christ bePer_ ’ through the services 

## **Epiphany to Candlemas** 

On the last Sunday in January we held our Chris+ngle Service, with ‘Chris+ngle Kits’ prepared by Wendy and Alice Johnson, CharloUe and James Quickfall, Lily and Isobel Cook, and Philippa Fraison (among others!) for the children to make in the pews during the sermon.  This was followed by a beau+ful BCP Evensong held that evening, celebra+ng Candlemas. 

## **Lent, Holy Week and Easter** 

The two Ash Wednesday services were both well aUended.  The ashing of pebbles, begun in 2021, was repeated and again proved to be very popular, including sending 250 Lent pebbles to the school for pupils and staff. 

Mothering Sunday was a joyous event, and it was wonderful to welcome so many families to St. Mary’s.  Thank you to the wonderful team of flower posy arrangers, led by Gilly van Oppen, for all their work preparing the posies, and to those who opened their gardens and donated 

Holy Week began with the tradi+onal Palm Sunday procession at the start of the 10am service, which included the drama+c reading of the Passion directed by James Quickfall.  The Joint Churches in Chiddingfold Lent Supper took place on Monday 25[th] March, with Mike Danson as the a`er dinner speaker.  Other Holy Week services included Communion on Maundy Thursday to commemorate the Last Supper, and the Walk of Witness and Medita+ons on the Cross on Good Friday.  We were delighted that 21 people took part in Muddy Church on Holy Saturday, and once again the Easter Eve Vigil was wonderfully and ably led by St. Mary’s young people and teenagers. 

The Easter Day service was par+cularly joyous, from the children ringing bells during the _Gloria_ , to our brilliant team of bell-ringers ringing before and a`er the service, all rounded off with the tradi+onal Easter Egg Hunt!  The Taizé chant _Surrexit Dominus vere_ was sung as a communion anthem by the choir. 

## **Advent and Christmas** 

Building on the success of previous years, we again began this season with a wonderful Advent Evensong, which combined the framework of the Evensong liturgy with Advent carols.  Our Carols by Candlelight Service was en+tled ‘One Night in Bethlehem’ and included choir carols by Peter Warlock, arrangements by Helen Bendall, _A Christmas Blessing_ by Philip W.J. Stopford, congrega+onal carols, readings and refreshments.  Our thanks go to Jan Fellingham and Ruth Goddard for their work in crea+ng 

14 



both these services.  On Christmas Eve we were able to hold our tradi+onal Crib Service, with children coming dressed as their favourite Na+vity characters.  This year’s Crib Service was the fruit of a new partnership with the local award-winning children’s theatre company, Pied Piper, whose Ar+s+c Director, Tina Williams, created a new script and props, and included pupils from St. Mary’s in rehearsals so they could co-create the produc+on.  Tina ensured everyone had a ball on Christmas Eve and the church was full to burs+ng. 

## **Special Services** 

On Sunday 3[rd] March we were delighted to hold our first Taizé Service, which was a welcome addi+on to our Evensong offering.  Building on its success, we plan to hold another Taizé evening worship service in the autumn as well as the spring. 

A successful Come and Sing of the Fauré _Requiem_ was held in May, directed by Helen Bendall and accompanied by Clive Osgood.  The event aUracted singers from near and far, some of whom had not sung in a choir since the pandemic, and was enjoyed by all who took part.  We hope to hold another ‘Come and Sing’ event in 2026. 

On Sunday 14[th] July we held a Bap+sm Welcome Service and were delighted to invite all the families of children who had been bap+sed during the preceding year back to church. 

Then in October dozens of dogs, cats, tortoises, and some impressive giant land snails came to St. Mary’s for the Blessing of Animals.  The new Pet Service was a joyful celebra+on of all creatures great and small.  There was also an opportunity to write messages in a Book of Memories in thanksgiving for the love we’ve received from pets and other animals who have died.  We’re pleased to announce that this will be an annual village event. 

In November we welcomed many recently bereaved families to our annual Service of Light to remember the departed and invited uniformed organisa+ons to our annual Remembrance Sunday service, as well as representa+ves from HMS Chiddingfold who were able to join us on this occasion.  We also came together to celebrate our Patronal Fes+val, Harvest Fes+val, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

## **First Communion** 

St. Mary’s prepared seven children to receive First Communion, which took place on Sunday 6[th] October and Sunday 20[th] October – a truly wonderful sign of faith growing at St. Mary’s as the next genera+on of disciples comes to maturity. 

15 



## **Other Regular Services** 

The weekly Wednesday service of Communion con+nues, and we welcomed the Revd Jenny Lee to the clergy team leading this service.  Morning Prayer has con+nued to be led over Zoom, a format in which it has grown and flourished.  It has been incredible to see this faithful group of parishioners con+nue to grow under the nurture and leadership of Gill Beckwith. 

For the month of August we have con+nued the more sustainable Worship PaUern called 'Summer Sundays’.  This means that we have one service of Communion at 10:00am and worship together as one congrega+on.  Services of Holy Communion resume in September for the Patronal Fes+val. 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Rose petals falling from St. Mary’s Tower<br>a7er the Patronal Fes;val<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **Ministry at St. Mary’s** 

Our worship is enriched by the ministry of St. Mary’s Lay Preachers, Ken Lindup and Helen Bendall, and by St. Mary’s Associate Priests: the Revd Gill Welford and the Revd Dr David Neaum. April 2024 marked 30 years since the first cohort of women were ordained to the priesthood, in the Church of England, and at St. Mary’s we have been par+cularly blessed by the ministry of women.  St. Mary’s supports and encourages the wider church to keep taking steps to increase equality and demonstrate that every person is valued, while giving thanks for the ministry of the Reverends Sarah Brough, Gill Welford, Camilla White, Jenny Lee, Ann Fraser and Rachel Greene. 

On Saturday 30[th] June, the Revd Richard Flenley was ordained deacon at Guildford Cathedral.  It was a joyous occasion, and the celebra+ons con+nued the next day with cake and bubbly in the Church Room.  Richard will con+nue to train on the job and through part-+me studies and, all going well, will be ordained to the Priesthood in June 2025. We are grateful for his ministry among us and feel fortunate to have another self-suppor+ng minister on St. Mary’s clergy team. 

On 1[st] December, we marked the next chapter in Revd Gill Welford’s ministry with an upli`ing service.  Everyone was given bulbs to plant – a lovely reminder to wait and see what God has in store for each of us.  May a hundred flowers bloom in the spring! 

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## **Life Events at St. Mary’s** 

In 2024, we were delighted that many couples and families con+nued to choose to celebrate significant life events at St. Mary’s.  There were six Weddings, four Bap+sms, eighteen Funeral or Memorial Services, and seven Burial of Ashes conducted.  We were also pleased to con+nue to offer services of Holy Communion in people’s homes throughout the parish and praise God for all the ways we’ve been given to offer worship. 

_Worship Focus Group members: Revd Dr Rachel Greene (Chair), Helen Bendall, Jan Fellingham, David SVnson, Revd Gill Welford, Revd Richard Flenley_ 

Helen Bendall _stmarysorganist@outlook.com_ 

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## **Finance and Stewardship** 

Development Plan we achieved our short-term objec+ve of restoring our financial posi+on back to where it was at the end of 2022.  This was no mean achievement and tes+mony to a lot of hard work and focus across the PCC and the wider team.  We intend to build from here. 

The Treasury Team comprises myself as Treasurer and Gilly van Oppen as Bookkeeper, ably supported by the PCC Standing CommiUee as required.  Between us, and par+cularly through Gilly, we have provided regular and +mely financial informa+on to PCC to help them make informed decisions. 

increase in regular giving.  Over the year we also saw an upli` in collec+ons and some good results from fundraising ac+vi+es.  Fuller details will be provided and printed in my Treasurer’s Report for the Annual Parish Church Mee+ng (APCM) in May. 

The Accounts for 2024 are complete and, as I write this report, are with our Independent Examiner, Tony Kelly, for sign-off. 

Nigel Hyslop, Treasurer _stmarystreasurer39@gmail.com_ 

## **Raising Money, Having Fun** 

## _**The Fundraising Team**_ 

We want to thank everyone who supported St. Mary’s through the last year and helped our fundraising efforts.  So many wonderful fundraising ac+vi+es took place, and we could not have done it without the help of everyone who took part. 

Y Py grateful thanks go to all who contributed to its success.  The = 7”| ~~ie Appeal raised much-needed funds for St. Mary’s, both through =: = dona+ons and increased Regular Planned Giving, pufng the church on a beUer financial foo+ng.  Special thanks go to Ken and Sue Smith for dona+ng two beau+ful pain+ngs for auc+on on the Gi` Day.  Special thanks also go to local ar+st _The_ John Worth, who put together a short film called _Space to Be_ in support of St. Mary’s, with words wriUen and recited by Cordelia Hampton-John and set to music by the Japanese composer Ryuichi St Sakamoto.  John’s film was produced for the Gi` Day whichA chu viewHe Rarae: «! Ch(ite hin € to shine a light on St. Mary’s and encourage more people to help sustain it for current and future genera+ons. 

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A May Marauders Car Rally, which was held at the Mulberry Inn, raised £550.  We thank Michael (Barrie) Pegrum for organising the event and John Rabhini, the Landlord, for hos+ng and suppor+ng it so generously. 

The Chiddingfold Village Fête in June saw the fundraising group organise the Quintessen+ally English Sales Stall.  A huge range of dona+ons were made, providing a good range of stock.  Good stock was also key to the success of the Barrows of BoUles.  The two stalls raised approximately £2,000 which was fantas+c.  Thanks are given to Jules Cook and Oli Shepherd who co-ordinated and sold +ckets for the Barrow of BoUles, and Melanie and Rob Wotherspoon and all their team for their work behind the scenes of the QE stall.  Our thanks also go to John Worth who donated one of his own pain+ngs to be auc+oned, and displayed a collec+on of his art, alongside art created by children at St. Mary’s Primary School in the Church Room during Arts Week; and St. Mary’s Flower Team who put on an amazing Flower Fes+val in church. 

Open Gardens Day, which raised just over £500.  Thanks go to Wendy Johnson and her team who co-ordinated this. 

September saw the inaugural RunChiddRun which was a huge success, so much so that plans are afoot for a re-run in 2025!  It was wonderful to see compe+tors of all ages challenging themselves at their chosen distance. Thanks go to Chris Ryan, Oli Shepherd, Chris Bysouth, Bruce and Jane Devlin, and James Parton for organising the event; the Cricket Club for offering their facili+es to be used as the base; MaU Jordan for organising ac+vity challenges at the base; the Doctors’ surgery for running the BBQ; MaU Elcox for DJing the event; Rich Gorrod for providing the speakers and sound system; all the marshals who encouraged and signposted the runners along the way ee er routes; and, finally, the runners themselves for taking part. Eri ee END 

In November a Pre-loved Sale of men, women and children’s clothing was held which raised £850.  Our thanks are given to Melanie Wotherspoon and her team who made it such a success, and to everyone who supported this event. 

We are happy to report that Gilly van Oppen has stepped forward to co-ordinate the fundraising team so that we can li` more events like this off the ground in the year ahead.  We have high hopes for fundraising events in 2025, so look out for no+ces! 

_Fundraising Focus Group members: Beverley Draper, Susan Hodges, Pauline Kaye, Sue Smith and Melanie Wotherspoon_ 

19 



## **St. Mary’s Outward Giving** 

These are the chari+es that we supported in 2024: 

## **The Children’s Society** 

## **Chris2an Aid** 

The Children’s Society helps Chris;an Aid seeks to alleviate children of all faiths and none, poverty and injus;ce.  It works including children at risk on the mainly in Asia, Africa, the Middle streets, disabled children, young East, Central and South America.  As refugees, young carers or those part of Chris;an Aid Week each May within the youth jus;ce system.  The we organise a special collec;on with collec;ons from the Chris;ngle our ecumenical partners, the Joint Service are donated and members Churches of Chiddingfold. of our congrega;on collect at home throughout the year. 

## **The Trussell Trust** 

The Trussell Trust supports a na;onwide network of food banks; provides emergency food and support to people locked in poverty; and campaigns for change to end the need for food banks in the UK. St. Mary’s holds a special collec;on at Harvest and also collects food for the Haslemere and Godalming Foodbanks all year round. 

## **Oxfam** 

**The Royal Bri2sh Legion** 

## **UNICEF** 

Oxfam Interna;onal is a group of 14 organisa;ons working with over 3,000 partners in around 100 countries to find las;ng solu;ons to poverty and injus;ce. 

The Royal Bri;sh Legion provides UNICEF works in over 190 countries Oxfam Interna;onal is a group of welfare to the whole Armed Forces and territories to save children's 14 organisa;ons working with over family – serving, ex-Service and lives, to defend their rights, and to 3,000 partners in around 100 their dependants.  It also campaigns help them fulfil their poten;al, from countries to find las;ng solu;ons to on issues affec;ng Service people, is early childhood through poverty and injus;ce. the custodian of Remembrance, adolescence.  UNICEF’s Middle East runs the Poppy Appeal and is one of appeal provides conflictand the UK’s largest membership disaster-affected children with organisa;ons. The collec;on from access to water, sanita;on, the Remembrance Sunday service is nutri;on, educa;on, health and donated. protec;on services. **Midhurst Winston’s Wish Crossways** CANCER SUPPORT **Macmillan Counselling** Midhurst Macmillan provides Winston’s Wish provides free digital Crossways provides a professional specialist pallia;ve care support to bereavement informa;on and counselling service in Haslemere pa;ents and families in this area support for children and young and the surrounding area for affected by complex life limi;ng people across the UK who are individuals, couples and young illness. grieving the death of someone people aged 11-18, who otherwise important to them. would not be able to afford private counselling sessions. 7 ~~aa~~ 

**St. Mary’s CofE Primary School** 

**Refugees at Home** 

**The Hunter Centre** The Hunter Day Care Centre in Haslemere provides care, companionship and s;mula;on for people living with a demen;a diagnosis. 

St. Mary’s CofE Primary School in Chiddingfold is an academy is the Good Shepherd Trust and has close rela;onship with St. Mary’s Church. 

Refugees at Home is a UK charity which connects those with a spare room in their home to refugees and asylum seekers in need of somewhere to stay. 

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## **Looking aMer Children and Vulnerable Adults** 

## _**Safeguarding Report**_ 

is carried out with the support of the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) validator – Helen Bendall.  The House of Bishops’ ‘Promo+ng a Safer Church: Policy Statement’ has been adopted by the PCC and this is displayed in St. Mary’s.  A copy of the Handbook is available on the Parish website, as is a full list of contacts and organisa+ons providing help and advice.  Although Safeguarding is on the agenda of all PCC mee+ngs, complete confiden+ality is maintained where maUers are raised with the PSO or the Rector. 

The PCC have carried out a Safeguarding Audit and reviewed the Ac+on Plan before wri+ng a new plan which is being taken forward.  The Parish Safeguarding Dashboard is being used which is an online tool that helps keep track of safeguarding in the church and keeps us up to date with local and na+onal changes in safeguarding requirements. 

_stmaryssafeguarding@outlook.com_ 

## **He Washes Us Clean...** _**The BapBsm VisiBng Team**_ 

2024 was a quiet year for Bap+sms with two taking place in the 10:00 service and three at 12 noon.  I think that 2023 probably saw the last of the Covid-delayed Bap+sms taking place and hence there were a larger number in that year. 

We had a Bap+sm Welcome Service in July where thirteen families were invited and two came.  Rachel ; ton pa . and the Bap+sm Visi+ng Team had already been thinking of offering this service every two years and, with the small number of aUendees in July and the small number of Bap+sms in 2024, this seems like a good plan. 

Helen, Lily and I always feel it is such a privilege to support families at such a special +me in their lives. 

;=< 

_Baptism Visiting Team: Lily Cook, Helen Gorrod, Wendy Johnson_ 

Wendy Johnson ~~ce~~ _wej1811@gmail.com_ 

21 



## **Bells at St. Mary’s** 

Our band of ringers are very happy to be able to accompany services and other events with the sound of our wonderful bells ringing out over the village.  Our community is also very apprecia+ve of the bells ringing to mark both church and secular events.  Our regular prac+ces on a Wednesday are fun +mes and are gradually increasing the skills of the ringers to enable more challenging methods to be rung. 

We have a small band of local ringers who usually manage to ring for services and weddings and other events and we are grateful for the assistance given by the Dunsfold band and others in making up our numbers when needed.  Our numbers though have reduced since last year.  The usual erosion of our available ringers by illnesses and infirmi+es etc., and with learners not pursuing their development, has resulted in many occasions when we would have wanted to ring but were unable to muster the necessary number of ringers.  Any less than four bells ringing is unsa+sfactory.  We were very disappointed to not be able to ring for some Sunday services which resulted in 14 Sunday services not announced with the bells.  Four weddings, two funerals, and other special services during the year, such as Remembrance, were accompanied by the bells. We were par+cularly pleased to ring for all the Christmas services. 

Seven bands have visited in the year for general ringing, one further band to ring a Quarter Peal (45 mins) and three others rung full peals of three hours.  We also hosted the Guildford District mee+ng in November, with teas and ringing!  I some+mes announce on Facebook that a peal is to be aUempted for the informa+on of the village.  Each visi+ng band makes a contribu+on to the church funds. 

for our ringers and ringing. 

John Cowburn, Tower Captain _jj.cowburn@bVnternet.com_ 

## **Sing to the Lord a New Song** 

## _**Choir and Music**_ 

## **Choir and Music** 

season and enable us to enhance and support the worship in St. Mary’s Church.  In our weekly choir prac+ces we rehearse both new and well-known hymns and anthems in prepara+on for Sunday services and fes+vals, all whilst having fun! 

## **Membership and aOendance** 

The choir has remained strong and welcomed new members in both the adult and junior choirs. We are delighted that our teenage choristers have con+nued their vocal development, with two having moved from trebles to tenors/basses and CharloUe Quickfall con+nuing her strong lead of the Junior Choir as Head Chorister. 

22 



## **Musical Highlights** 

We marked Easter, the Patronal Fes+val, Harvest Fes+val, Remembrance Sunday, Advent and Christmas, each with special anthems by a range of composers, including Jeremiah Clarke, Mozart, Tallis, Elgar, Stanford, Parry, Rawsthorne, John RuUer, Peter Aston and Clive Osgood.  Our repertoire has also included new psalm and can+cle sefngs, songs from the Iona Community and Taizé chants.  For the Carols by Candlelight Service at Christmas we sung four solo choir carols, including _Bethlehem Down_ by Peter Warlock and _A Christmas Blessing_ by Philip W.J. Stopford, the laUer of which may become a regular feature of this service. 

In May we held a very successful Come and Sing of the Fauré _Requiem_ , accompanied by Clive Osgood at the piano, and good fun was had by all.  The choir was invited to sing at three weddings in 2024, and we held our annual choir Barbecue in June – thank you to John and Mary Doig for hos+ng this event. 

## **Leadership** 

Helen has con+nued to lead the weekly singing assemblies at St. Mary’s School and the children have shared some of the music they learn in school at Sunday services, including the _Harvest Samba_ and _Mary, did you know?_ . 

thanked for playing the organ and taking choir prac+ces, thereby covering weekends when our organist was unavailable.  In the run-up to Christmas he arranged addi+onal Junior Choir rehearsals a`er the 10am Parish Communion, which helped the children learn the repertoire and train them in their roles as choristers. 

## **Future developments** 

The choir looks forward to further developing the Junior Choir and welcomes both adults and children to come and sing with us.  Choir social events are planned for 2025, and a ‘Hymns & Pimms’ is scheduled for July. 

Helen Bendall, Organist _stmarysorganist@outlook.com_ Chris+ne Barlow, Choir Secretary _chris@doPydragon.co.uk_ John Doig, Choir Treasurer _johndoig65@gmail.com_ 

## **Part of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church** _**Deanery Synod Report**_ 

The Church of England has established four levels of Governance, viz PCC, Deanery Synod, Diocesan Synod and General Synod.  Gill Beckwith and Ken Lindup represent St. Mary’s on the Deanery Synod which meets twice a year, and Gill Beckwith has recently been elected to the Diocesan Synod. 

In 2024 the Godalming Synod, chaired by our Area Dean Revd Chris Bessant, Team Rector in our neighbouring Haslemere Parish, met twice: in May at the newly named Godalming Minster, Church Street (formerly St. Peter & St. Paul), and in November at St. Stephen’s, ShoUermill. 

23 



Hambledon and Godalming (St. Peter’s & St. Paul’s and St. Mark’s) had joined together to become the single parish of Godalming Minster on 1st January 2024.  It included a speaker, MaUhew Grove, the Founda+ons in Ministry Programme (FiM) Manager at the Diocese.  He explained that the two-year FiM programme trains people for lay ministry.  Candidates are iden+fied locally, with the role that they are aiming to fill also being iden+fied at parish level.  Synod members were asked to reflect on who in their church has the gi`s to serve but not necessarily the confidence or training. 

It was also noted that our new Archdeacon for Surrey, the Ven Catherine Mabuza was now in post, the first woman archdeacon in the Diocese of Guildford (and at the November mee+ng it was hoped that she would be able to aUend a Deanery mee+ng in 2025). 

The November mee+ng primarily focused on an in-depth examina+on of evidence of depriva+on within the Deanery using the English Indices of Depriva+on, and reflected upon what ministry churches might be able to pursue to reduce any forms of depriva+on, and that this be an area for discussion and explora+on by PCCs. 

It was reported that several parishes within the Deanery had put forward candidates for the Founda+ons in Ministry Course, and that there was also a new course, the Caleb Stream, which is a fast track to ordina+on for those aged between 60 and 70.  It was hoped to invite someone from the Diocese to speak about this new course at a mee+ng in 2025. 

Gill Beckwith, Godalming Deanery Synod Representa+ve and Diocesan Synod Representa+ve Ken Lindup, Godalming Deanery Synod Representa+ve 

## **Eco Church 2024 Report** 

## _**“The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it.” Psalm 24.1**_ 

The Eco Church group at St. Mary’s aims to help our church play its part in renewing the earth by using resources responsibly, crea+vely and unselfishly.  Our goal is to empower individuals, the church congrega+on and the wider community to model good stewardship by reducing our environmental footprint, increasing awareness of environmental sustainability and encouraging the apprecia+on of God’s crea+on. 

## **Land Management** 

We are so grateful to Chris EvereU, Phil Darley and Gilly van Oppen for keeping a close eye on the churchyard’s management and for heading up the merry band of volunteers who come out on the first Saturday of each month to weed, trim, rake, prune, plant, mend and maintain it with such care, skill and aUen+on.  Phil Darley con+nues to inspire the village to foster an environment that supports wildflowers and nectar sources, and the monitoring of wildflowers con+nues, with a survey planned for the spring. 

each month in the churchyard and to consider the season’s impact on us.  These wonderful resources are displayed on the new shed no+ceboards so that anyone taking the path through the churchyard might see them. 

24 



All the fantas+c work on the churchyard, to which so many have contributed so much, was presented to the Diocesan Environmental Officer, Alison Moulden, who is crea+ng a porcolio of case studies to inspire other parishes to begin their own journey towards becoming an Eco Church. 

25 



## **Minimising Waste** 

loved Sale, the event was held for the second +me in November in the Church Room. Boxes and boxes of clothes and accessories were emp+ed in their dozens and quickly turned around to be picked up by others.  An economical and sustainable way to refresh and renew wardrobes across the village and beyond – the cycle of life in mo+on! 

## **EducaPng the Young** 

This year we forged a new collabora+on between local ar+sts, the school and the church, culmina+ng in our first Arts Week held in June. Local ar+st John Worth, local poet Cordelia Hampton-Joan, and the Head of Art, Gayle Lawrence, offered a week of ac+vi+es in the classroom and beyond, in studios and gardens, enabling pupils in each year group to make and create, drawing inspira+on from the natural world.  This included hands-on learning, delivered with the help of John and Cordelia, as well as talks about mark-making, music and place which were 

open to pupils, parents and members of the wider community.  Work created during Arts week was displayed in St. Mary’s Church Room during the Village Fête and in St. Mary’s CofE Primary School.  A short film was also produced which captured how students’ imagina+ons were fuelled by natural materials and the surroundings, through this special collabora+on between the church, the school and local ar+sts.  We hope Arts Week, with its emphasis on crea+ng together and with nature, might be a biennial event. 

Pain;ngs created by St. Mary’s pupils during Arts Week on display in the Church Room during the Fête. 

26 



In November, the Rector was asked to lead the RE unit on crea+on for St. Mary’s CofE Primary School pupils during the UN Climate Conference, COP29, which was held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Rachel was joined by a special guest speaker from the congrega+on, Lisa Webb Salter, who talked about the amazing environments she has lived in (from deserts to weald), how important nature is to her faith, and how she thinks about the environment as a scien+st, a photographer and a Chris+an.  She encouraged pupils to keep daily nature journals and to adopt simple prac+ces to become more aUen+ve to the natural world and to God’s presence, inspired by Ann Lewin’s poem ‘Be S+ll’. 

_**‘Be Still’ by Ann Lewin** You do not have to look for anything, Just look. You do not have to listen for specific sounds, Just listen. You do not have to accomplish anything, Just be. And in the looking And the listening, And the being, Find Me._ 

## **Repair Café** 

The Chiddingfold Repair Café was launched to much an+cipa+on in May 2023.  It is led and hosted by the Bap+st Church, with support from The Rotary Club of Godalming.  The Repair Café is held on every second Saturday of the month, with volunteer specialists giving up their +me to fix items brought in by local residents and visitors.  From electrical goods to furniture, clothing, garden or garage items, every repair contributes to more sustainable and economical consump+on.  This is an ini+a+ve we wholeheartedly support and know that members of the congrega+on have benefited from aUending!  If you have an item for repair, a skill to present or some +me to spare, we highly recommend joining on the second Saturday of each month, 10am-12:30pm. 

## **Wax Recycling** 

for everyone in the village.  We are grateful to Nita Draper who served as Wax Recycling Champion from the start and who stepped down in August.  We are also grateful to Gill Beckwith who has helped improve what we do.  Recycled candle ends used in church and brought in from homes are now delivered to a recycling drop-off point in Guildford, rather than posted to Exeter, which is more economical and ecological.  Looking ahead, we hope to create a new service for Candlemas 2025 on the theme of candles, highligh+ng the work of local beekeepers, what can be made with wax, how it is recycled and what we can all do to support bees under threat. 

## **Net Zero Targets** 

At the end of 2023, members of Eco Church met with Jeremy Hunt to talk about the Government’s commitment to tackling climate change and environmental degrada+on. Although our government has since changed, the country’s underlying commitment to tackling climate and nature change has not.  While geopoli+cal dynamics may see certain regional fluctua+ons in sen+ment, the global trajectory remains clear – one of a transi+on to net zero emissions.  The next UN Climate Conference, COP 30, hosted by Brazil in November will be a cri+cal milestone for governments around the world to demonstrate their con+nued commitment and their raised ambi+on to delivering ac+on on climate change to meet the goals 

27 



of the Paris Agreement – a global challenge that requires ac+on by all, from individuals, communi+es, towns, ci+es, local, regional and na+onal government, to NGO’s and all private sector actors.  At St. Mary’s we will con+nue to play our part and do what we can to encourage the apprecia+on and protec+on of God’s crea+on. 

## **Looking ahead** 

great news, and in the year ahead we have plans to create new partnerships with community organisa+ons and local businesses to widen St. Mary’s impact, so that we can share more insights, exper+se and enthusiasm about crea+ng sustainability.  Watch this space! 

Further informa+on about the work of St. Mary’s Eco Church will be available on the church’s website or email: stmarysecochurch@gmail.com. 

Rachel Greene, Ac+ng Chair 

_rector.chiddingfold@gmail.com_ 

Catherine Stovold, Secretar _y catherine.ogden.celo@gmail.com_ 

## **Flower CommiUee Report** 

Lindup, Gill Ward, Ruth Roberts, Jane StoU and Mary Doig. 

This year has been more challenging than most because of the sharp increase in the cost of fresh flowers.  We have had to increase the amount we charge wedding couples and those organising funerals, and now charge about £250. 

church for most of the year, thanks in part to the generosity of the arrangers and local gardeners, but we do supplement the arrangements with ar+ficial flowers from +me to +me. 

We are lucky to have a lovely group on the commiUee and have a great deal of fun working together. However, we are not gefng any younger and would appreciate younger people on the commiUee.  We also 

have a large group of ever-willing talented supporters who come when called upon to help with the fes+vals, either to decorate, clear up or make coffee. We could not do without them and I am very grateful for their help. 

28 



theme being groups and clubs in the village. Much to our delight this was a great success and raised approximately £700 for the Friends of St. Mary’s. It will not be an annual event but we hope to arrange it again for 2026. 

We decorated the church for two local weddings this year and the flowers were well received. We were also chosen to arrange the flowers for four local funerals.  Whilst sad, as some of the commiUee will have known the deceased, it is always a privilege for us to do this. 

not manage without them or their good humour and enthusiasm. 

Mary Doig, Flower Coordinator 2024 

## **Food for Fellowship** 

At St. Mary’s we aspire to be a welcoming community, and we relish the chance to get to make new friends and catch up with old ones – especially over good food and drink!  The Choir BBQ hosted by John and Mary Doig in June was an enjoyable evening for choristers and choir members.  Sadly the Parish BBQ (tradi+onally held in the Rectory Garden on the Patronal Fes+val) was foiled by rain, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying cake in the Church Room.  There were also opportuni+es to come together over mince pies following Choral Evensong in Advent and over mulled wine following the Carols by Candlelight Service.  The party for the Church Carers, the re+rement of Revd Gill Welford and the ordina+on of Revd Richard Flenley were also joyous occasions to raise a glass and mark significant milestones together.  And, as always, we are uUerly grateful to our wonderful team who make coffee and tea a`er Parish Communion week in and week out. 

We’d love to create more opportuni+es for fellowship, so if you enjoy good company, baking, catering, or can pour a cup of tea, please get in touch! 

Lily Cook, Churchwarden _stmaryschurchwarden2@outlook.com_ 

29 



## **With a LiUle Help from our Friends** 

## _**The Friends of St. Mary’s**_ 

2024 was a great year for the “Friends of St. Mary’s Church”.  We are delighted to say that we are in a good financial posi+on and therefore were able to fund the replacement of the ‘CriUall’ windows in the vestry, plus the redecora+on that was needed a`er the work was completed.  The vestry is now much lighter and brighter and complies with the latest safety regula+ons. 

The annual village fête, saw the “Friends” run the fabulous Tea Tent.  Huge thanks to everyone who helped in so many ways.  It would not happen without the good people around, which enabled us to make a surplus to swell our funds for the next project that we might be called upon to assist with. 

In November, the “Friends” ran a concert in the church.  We were so lucky that the Chapel Choir of King Edwards School, Witley, came to sing.  I cannot tell you how simply wonderful they were. About 100 people enjoyed the choir as they processed down the aisle in their scarlet choir robes. The choir, aged 13-18 years, consisted of roughly 40 voices supported by a few masters.  The sound was amazing, as were some of the pieces they sang.  The choir was led by their musical director Stasio Sliwka, accompanied by a pupil from the school playing the organ.  This boy had been awarded an organ scholarship from Guildford Cathedral.  A`erwards many people enjoyed a glass of wine plus lovely nibbles, all provided by commiUee members of the “Friends”.  A really fantas+c evening, many thanks to all who were involved. 

A happy and healthy 2025 to you all, with many thanks for your con+nued support for the “Friends of St. Mary’s Church”. 

Rosemary Gorringe Chairman 

## **Many Members, One Body** _**The Joint Churches in Chiddingfold**_ 

our mission of ‘Working and worshipping together through mutual respect and understanding to serve our Lord Jesus Christ in his mission to Chiddingfold and the world.’  To that end all three 

churches have representa+ves, and we meet regularly to plan events.  We have a rota+ng chair and this year Mike Danson took over the reins from Rector Rachel Greene. 

to mark the Week of Prayer for Chris+an Unity.  Then in Holy Week we hosted a Community Supper open to all in St. Mary’s Church Room.  The delicious homemade meal served was catered by Gill Beckwith and her brilliant team.  Allison Sutcliffe had arranged to speak on modern day slavery a`er supper but was unable to come that evening, so Mike Danson gave a fascina+ng talk on contemporary icons painted on ammuni+on boxes from war zones across Ukraine.  These remarkable pieces 

30 



brought to the UK as part of a joint project between the Rotary Clubs of Guildford Chantries and Kyiv-Capital.  We are grateful to Mike Danson for stepping into the breech at short no+ce, and for the opportunity to reflect on beauty and hope arising even in the midst of violent conflict. The icons that Mike showed us were then displayed in St. Mary’s Church, as silent witnesses to the wars raging around the world and the hope of peace, before being exhibited in Guildford Cathedral. 

On 8[th] September St. Mary’s celebrated their Patronal Fes+val and Chiddingfold Bap+st celebrated their Anniversary at Woodside, having moved from Ramsnest 120 years ago.  Then on October 12[th] we came together to hold a Service of Healing and Wellbeing in St. Teresa’s on their Patronal Fes+val.  Sadly, Fr Raj was transferred only a few weeks before to take up a new ministry in Tadworth.  Fr Raj has ministered here in Chiddingfold for the last two years and will be missed greatly.  Fr Jonathan will be looking a`er 

St. Teresa’s going forward or at least un+l the pastoral reordering of the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton is completed. 

This year we held two art compe++ons for pupils at St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School, who submiUed illustra+ons at Easter and at Christmas.  The winning entries were used to illustrate worship service +mes in these holy seasons and printed in the Parish Magazine.  We give thanks for the crea+vity of all the pupils who took part in this school-wide event. 

the Peace Light from Bethlehem.  Because of the conflict in the Middle East, it could not be kindled in Bethlehem in 2024, however the 2023 light s+ll burned in a number of places in the UK and we are grateful to Ken Lindup for bringing it to Chiddingfold. 

We are proud of all we have achieved together this year, and despite concerns about how best to fund our ac+vi+es, we con+nue to work together as one body for the good of all in our community.  We welcome the involvement of any who might like to help us plan and run events together! 

Mike Danson Chairman 

31 



## **You Visited Me...** 

## _**The Pastoral VisiBng Team**_ 

## **Caring for our Community** 

St. Mary’s is also commiUed to caring for those who are unable to aUend church due to sickness or age.  The Rector celebrates communion with them in their homes and in hospital, and visits all who request it.  In this she is assisted by St. Mary’s Associate Priests and by a handful of lay pastoral visitors. 

Lay Pastoral Visitors are those with a par+cular heart for serving the church and parish through visi+ng newcomers to the church and those who have moved into the local area; by visi+ng the sick and the housebound; by praying with and for people when visi+ng; and by providing pastoral care, support and assistance to those iden+fied by the clergy.  Some Pastoral Visitors are also commissioned to bring the bread and wine of Holy Communion to those who are no longer able to aUend church. 

This year Faith Reynolds stepped down a`er years of bringing communion to homes and visi+ng people across our community.  We are enormously grateful for her ministry.  We would like to see more share in this ministry of pastoral visi+ng and care.  If you have skills in listening, a willingness to receive training, and a heart for showing others care in the name of Christ, we’d like to hear from you! 

_Lay Pastoral VisiVng Team: Margaret McComish._ 

The Reverend Dr Rachel Greene, Rector 

## **Work in St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School, Chiddingfold** 

St. Mary’s Church is blessed to have a close working rela+onship with St. Mary’s CofE Primary School, a part of the Good Shepherd Trust.  The Rector and her team are in the school every week lending skills and exper+se to enrich the experiences of pupils. 

As a local governing commiUee member, the Rector helps ensure the school’s strategic e ~ . direc+on, financial performance and educa+on e outcomes.  She also holds responsibili+es for the 2 J L zy , - pastoral care of teachers and staff; to ensure that ,W-é an act of collec+ve worship is offered each week 0 i. and that services for the whole school are offered each term; and to ensure important elements of the RE curriculum are brought to life.  Many of blessing the new school library those responsibili+es are best shared and made September 10, 2024 ever more enjoyable through combined efforts. 

St. Mary’s Church has a talented pool of volunteers who enrich collec+ve worship by taking turns to lead assemblies on the values that underpin the school’s iden+ty. 

32 



In addi+on, St. Mary’s Organist, Helen Bendall, leads a weekly music assembly.  This creates an important pathway from the school to the church.  As a result, we have seen pupils joining the junior choir and have had their families coming along on a Sunday to hear them sing.  We’re keen to widen this pathway and have plans to launch a new children’s choir in 2025. 

St. Mary’s Church co-ordinates an Open the Book Team of Storytellers, who contribute by leading assemblies twice a term.  The Open the Book assemblies are . 1 / incredibly popular with the children and = bn | teachers alike, and excep+onally good fun for all involved.  This year pupils requested ==,,»,|=, to help lead alongside our Storytellers, and 4= a`er a joint rehearsal, put on a hilarious version of Jonah and the Whale.  Going gN a) = ‘ forward we plan to create more Open the Book Assembly opportuni+es for them to share in the storytelling fun.  Sadly two of our Storytellers have had to step down in 2024, so we are looking to recruit some new volunteers.  Please let us know if you’re interested – no special ac+ng skills are required! 

## _Guildford Diocese’s Overview of Religious EducaVon Guidelines for Key Stage 1._ 

How would you answer these ques+ons? 

in March (about the real meaning of Easter) and one in December (about the real meaning of Christmas).  On these days, the regular curriculum is paused, and each year group spends part of the day in church exploring a wide range of prayer sta+ons that help them to reflect and to respond crea+vely and prayerfully.  When the head boy, head girl, and their depu+es were asked by the local governing commiUee what were the most enjoyable experiences of their primary school years, they said the Pause Days in St. Mary’s Church (!). 

33 



individuals and local organisa+ons.  In 2024 we forged a new collabora+on between local ar+sts, the school and the church to dovetail with St. Mary’s Church Appeal.  Our aim was to capture the special experiences that pupils were gefng to have in their parish church and give young people the chance to voice what they value about having a lively church in the heart of their community. We are righcully proud of the short film called “A Space to Be” that was commissioned with the help of the Head of RE, Karen Porter, and produced by the photographer and painter John Worth and the poet Cordelia Hampton-John.  It can be viewed on YouTube, through St. Mary’s Church website and through John Worth’s website.  This crea+ve output was part of a larger project culmina+ng in our first Arts Week held this June, with the help of John and Cordelia and the Head of Art, Gayle Lawrence.  We believe these collabora+ons strengthen not only our church school but also our whole community and have an enormous debt of gra+tude to John and Cordelia, and to Karen and Gayle, for the opportunity to work together. 

34 



Art Week with John Worth & Cordelia Hampton-John at Marlow Cocage, Chiddingfold June 4-7, 2024 

Other highlights of the year include welcoming pupils back to St. Mary’s a`er the long holidays for a New Beginnings Service; leading a Harvest Fes+val Service and a Service of Remembrance in School; including Year 6 pupils in our Commemora+on of Armis+ce Day at the Village War Memorial; and leading a special Easter Service as well as a Leavers’ Service for Year 6 pupils moving on to secondary school.  On behalf of the three village churches, we presented each leaver with a Bible and wished them godspeed as they moved up to secondary school. 

We are very proud that in 2024 St. Mary’s Primary School received recogni+on from SIAMs Inspectors that the school is living up to its foundation as a Christian institution; an inclusion award for suppor+ng pupils with a range of gi`s, needs, backgrounds and family situa+ons; and an OFSTED good ra+ng.  Such recogni+on helps spread the word about the wonderful work being done in the school. 

We celebrated the school’s success at the last assembly of the autumn term.  At the same +me, we said farewell to Headteacher Sheila Buckley, as she re+red, and to BreU Freeman, as he stepped down as Chair of the Local CommiUee (Governors). From January, Jane Bell will be assuming the role of Chair and Assistant Head Alison Evans will be Ac+ng Head during the recruitment process. 

_Tuesday Assembly Team: Beverley Draper, Helen Bendall, Philippa Fraison and Rachel Greene._ 

_Open the Book Assembly Team: Jane Bell, Gerald Williams, MarVn BarneP, Wendy and Irving Johnson, Philippa Fraison and Rachel Greene._ 

The Reverend Dr Rachel Greene, Rector 

35 



## **Membership of St. Mary’s** _**Electoral Roll Report**_ 

The Electoral Roll is the church membership list.  Anyone is eligible to join the Electoral Roll if they have been bap+sed and live within the parish, or if they are bap+sed and have regularly aUended worship at St. Mary’s during the previous six months. 

Membership of St. Mary’s implies: (a) that you are commiUed to grow in faith through prayer, Bible reading and regular worship; (b) that you take an ac+ve interest in the life and purposes of this church; (c) that you are willing to use your +me and talents to help build up the church and its ministry; and (d) that you undertake propor+onal regular planned giving to financially support this church (which is en+rely self-funded). 

on Monday 8th April 2024 in accordance with the Church Representa+on Rules.  During this process, six applica+ons for inclusion had been received and five names had been removed in respect of those who had died or moved away.  The total number on the Parish Electoral Roll now stood at 122 members.  The figures were presented at the 2024 Annual Parochial Church Mee+ng (APCM) held on Sunday 28th April 2024 and were duly no+fied to the Secretaries of the Guildford Diocesan Synod and the Godalming Deanery Synod. 

Since the 2024 APCM there have been no further addi+ons to the Electoral Roll and two dele+ons in respect of those who have become a clerk in Holy Orders, died or moved away.  The total number on the St. Mary’s Electoral Roll, as of 31st December 2024, was 120. 

_stmaryschurchcouncil@outlook.com_ 

36 



## **St. Mary’s Church Links** 

Individuals, groups and organisa+ons linked to St. Mary’s Church are listed below. 

|**Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults**|**Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults**||
|---|---|---|
|Louise Taylor|stmaryssafeguarding@outlook.com||
|Helen Bendall|stmarysenquiries@outlook.com||
|**Children and Youth Leader**|||
|Philippa Fraison|stmaryscyl@outlook.com||
|**Church Room Bookings**|||
|Elizabeth OUley|stmarysbookingsclerk@outlook.com|01428 685797|
|**Wedding Administrator**|||
|Tracy Verrier|stmarysweddingclerk@outlook.com||
|**Bell-ringing**|||
|John Cowburn|jj.cowburn@b+nternet.com|01428 685940|
|**Choir / Organist**|||
|Helen Bendall|stmarysorganist@outlook.com|07986 127855|
|**Church Flowers Organiser**|||
|Mary Doig|marydoig69@gmail.com||
|**Friends of St. Mary’s**|||
|Rosemary Gorringe|rg@hartland3.plus.com|01428 683518|
|**Churchyard Records & Archives**|||
|Jane Bradford|j.bradford59@hotmail.co.uk||
|**Parish Magazine**|||
|Anne Sheppard|Anne.Sheppard@b+nternet.com||
|Tony Wiener|tony.wiener1@gmail.com||
|**St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School**|||
|School Ofce|admin2@stmarys-godalming.surrey.sch.uk|01428 683115|
||**To know Christ beUer,**||
|**to make Christ beUer known**|||



37 



# Annual Report for the year ended 31st December 2024 

Approved by the Members and signed on their behalf by: 

The Revd Dr Rachel Greene, Rector 

Dated: II May 2025 



Chiddingfold 

## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

_To know Christ better, to make Christ better known_ 



## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY’S CHIDDINGFOLD TREASURER’S REPORT – 2024** 

the help and encouragement I have received from Rachel and many others from within the PCC.  In particular for the sterling support of our Bookkeeper Gilly van Oppen. I would also like to recognise my predecessor Gerald Williams for his help during the transition. Thank you all, you have been brilliant. 

As reported last time 2023 was a challenging year.  In response you had already put in place a number of initiatives for 2024 to help address that.  I am pleased to report that these have contributed significantly towards a positive step forward in our church finances for 2024.  Within the Church Development Plan our short term objective was to restore our financial position to where it was at the end of 2022.  I am delighted to confirm we have achieved that. It is testimony to a lot of hard work and focus across the PCC and wider team.  A great result. 

The Balance sheet and accompanying notes for the 2024 accounts are attached. 

Overall funds year on year increased by £18,169 to £71,976.  This was achieved by an increase in income of over £39,000 partially oTset by a more modest increase in costs of around £11,000. 

The 2024 Gift Day Appeal in April was a great success with over £20,000 raised in one-oT donations, plus a useful increase in regular planned giving.  A good example of people coming together with a common objective. 

£63,000 came from that source over the financial year, an increase of over £11,000.  This is an area where we need to continue to encourage wider support from within our Church and the broader Parish community.  An ongoing challenge. 

An area where income has shown good progress is through Church collections, particularly from life events such as Weddings and Funerals.  We also continue to receive great support from the Parish Magazine and through our own fundraising activities.  In particular the Fete in June and the Fun Run in September stand out for me.  They are both areas on which we hope to build in 2025 whilst looking for more activities throughout the year.  A broader support for fundraising activities continues to be a challenge. 



We have also been wonderfully supported through generous donations and grants from the Friends of St Mary’s and Chiddingfold Parish Council.  In addition we have received some welcome new support towards the costs of putting on the Fun Run.  Specifically the Friends’ support this year has enabled us to achieve much needed repair and refurbishment of the Church Vestry.  Thank you to you all. 

Management of expenditure over the year has been commendable and I greatly appreciate all the work that has gone into keeping day-to-day costs down.  It is also encouraging to report that within these costs we have managed to increase payment of both Parish Share and Outreach Giving and Support back to 2022 levels. 

Overall the Church Finances are in reasonable shape and show an improving position. We look forward to continue to building on that through 2025 and beyond. 

**Nigel Hyslop Treasurer, Chiddingfold PCC** stmarystreasurer39@gmail.com 

**Bankers:** Lloyds Bank PLC 49 High Street Godalming Surrey GU27 1AT 

**Independent Examiner:** A Kelly Maple House 2 Woodberry Close Chiddingfold Surrey GU8 4SF 



## THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY’S CHIDDINGFOLD 

, INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT 

This report on the Accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2024, is in respect of an examination carried out under Regulation 3 (3) of the church Accounting Regulations 1997 to 2001 (“the Regulations”) and s.43 of the Charities Act 1993 (“the Act”) 

## Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the Examiner: 

As the members of the PCC, you are responsible for the preparation of the Accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 3 (3) and s.43 (2) of the Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report in accordance with the terms of Regulation 25. 

## Basis of this Report: 

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43 (7) (b) of the Act to be found in the Church Guidance 2001 edition issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishop’s Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the Accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the Accounts and seeking explanations from you, as Trustees, concerning any such matters. The procedures taken do not include all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, | do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the Accounts. 

## Independent Examiner’s Statement: 

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 

- (1) which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements (a) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act and (b) to prepare Accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations have not been met, or 

- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the Accounts to be reached. 

Maple House 2 Woodberry Close Chiddingfold Surrey GU8 4SF 

A Kelly FCA Chartered Accountant Independent Examiner 1o(3| 2 



**THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY'S CHIDDINGFOLD** 

## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

|**FIXED ASSETS**<br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>CASH AND BANK BALANCES (Note 1)<br>CBF DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS<br>CBF INVESTMENT FUND<br>MAGAZINE ACCOUNT<br>DEBTORS (Note 2)<br>LESS CREDITORS (Note 3)|**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>0<br>**0** <br>5,975<br>60,531<br>0<br>2,070<br>4,187<br>-787<br>**71,976**|**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>0<br>**0** <br>5,975<br>60,531<br>0<br>2,070<br>4,187<br>-787<br>**71,976**|**2023**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>0<br>**0**<br>9,628<br>37,680<br>1,469<br>2,528<br>4,616<br>-2,114<br>**53,807**|**2023**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>0<br>**0**<br>9,628<br>37,680<br>1,469<br>2,528<br>4,616<br>-2,114<br>**53,807**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**TOTAL NET ASSETS**|**71,976**||**53,807**||
|**REPRESENTED BY**<br>UNRESTRICTED FUNDS<br>RESTRICTED FUNDS|60,899<br>11,077<br>**71,976**||41,372<br>12,435<br>**53,807**||
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|**71,976**||**53,807**||
|**STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES- YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**GENERAL FUND**<br>BALANCE B/FWD @ 1 JANUARY<br>41,372<br>50,529<br>INCOMING RESOURCES (Note 4)<br>159,822<br>120,290<br>LESS: RESOURCES EXPENDED (Note 7)<br>-140,295<br>-129,447<br>NET SURPLUS/DEFICIT FOR THE YEAR<br>19,527<br>19,527<br>-9,157<br>-9,157<br>BALANCE C/FWD @ 31 DECEMBER<br>**60,899**<br>**41,372**<br>**TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**60,899**<br>**41,372**<br>**RESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**SADLER BEQUEST (CHURCHYARD)**<br>BALANCE B/FWD @ 1 JANUARY<br>6,839<br>6,564<br>INCOME FROM CBF UNITS<br>28<br>77<br>INTEREST FROM UNITS<br>30<br>0<br>UNIT VALUE INCREASE/DECREASE<br>297<br>198<br>GRAVE REPAIRS<br>-2,560<br>0<br>BALANCE C/FWD @ 31 DECEMBER<br>4,634<br>**4,634**<br>6,839<br>**6,839**<br>**CAMPBELL-ORDE BEQUEST**<br>BALANCE C/FWD @ 31 DECEMBER<br>2,000<br>**2,000**<br>2,000<br>**2,000**<br>**VESTRY REFURBISHMENT FUND**<br>BALANCE B/F @ 1 JANUARY<br>2,250<br>2,250<br>LESS: COST OF REPLACING WINDOWS<br>-3,410<br>0<br>LESS:  COST OF REDECORATION<br>-675<br>0<br>ADD:  GRANT RECEIVED FROM FRIENDS<br>4,085<br>0<br>BALANCE C/FWD @ 31 DECEMBER<br>2,250<br>**2,250**<br>2,250<br>**2,250**<br>**BELLS & ORGAN REPAIR FUND**<br>BALANCE B/F @ 1 JANUARY<br>1,346<br>DONATIONS VARIOUS<br>847<br>BALANCE C/FWD @ 31 DECEMBER<br>2,193<br>**2,193**<br>1,346<br>**1,346**<br>**TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**11,077**<br>**12,435**|||||
|**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**GENERAL FUND**<br>BALANCE B/FWD @ 1 JANUARY<br>41,372<br>INCOMING RESOURCES (Note 4)<br>159,822<br>LESS: RESOURCES EXPENDED (Note 7)<br>-140,295<br>NET SURPLUS/DEFICIT FOR THE YEAR<br>19,527<br>19,527<br>BALANCE C/FWD @ 31 DECEMBER<br>**60,899**<br>**TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**60,899**<br>**RESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**SADLER BEQUEST (CHURCHYARD)**<br>BALANCE B/FWD @ 1 JANUARY<br>6,839<br>INCOME FROM CBF UNITS<br>28<br>INTEREST FROM UNITS<br>30<br>UNIT VALUE INCREASE/DECREASE<br>297<br>GRAVE REPAIRS<br>-2,560<br>BALANCE C/FWD @ 31 DECEMBER<br>4,634<br>**4,634**<br>**CAMPBELL-ORDE BEQUEST**<br>BALANCE C/FWD @ 31 DECEMBER<br>2,000<br>**2,000**<br>**VESTRY REFURBISHMENT FUND**<br>BALANCE B/F @ 1 JANUARY<br>2,250<br>LESS: COST OF REPLACING WINDOWS<br>-3,410<br>LESS:  COST OF REDECORATION<br>-675<br>ADD:  GRANT RECEIVED FROM FRIENDS<br>4,085<br>BALANCE C/FWD @ 31 DECEMBER<br>2,250<br>**2,250**<br>**BELLS & ORGAN REPAIR FUND**<br>BALANCE B/F @ 1 JANUARY<br>1,346<br>DONATIONS VARIOUS<br>847<br>BALANCE C/FWD @ 31 DECEMBER<br>2,193<br>**2,193**<br>**TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**11,077**|||||
||||**41,372**<br>**41,372**<br>6,564<br>77<br>0<br>198<br>0<br>6,839<br>**6,839**<br>2,000<br>**2,000**<br>2,250<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>2,250<br>**2,250**<br>1,346<br>**1,346**<br>**12,435**|**41,372**|
|||||**41,372**|
||||||
|||||**12,435**|
||||||
|**TOTAL FUNDS**||**71,976**||**53,807**|





## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY'S CHIDDINGFOLD** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

|**_Notes_**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**_1_ CASH AND BANK BALANCES**<br>LLOYDS/TSB<br>5,708<br>CASH<br>267<br>**_2_ DEBTORS**<br>AGENCY COLLECTIONS<br>32<br>FUNERAL COSTS<br>0<br>GIFT AID<br>4,155<br>**_3_ CREDITORS**<br>DIOCESAN FEES<br>0<br>FLOWER FUND<br>0<br>ACCOUNTS PAYABLE<br>568<br>UTILITIES<br>219<br>STAFF, MINISTERIAL AND OTHER EXPENSES<br>0<br>**_4_ INCOMING RESOURCES**<br>REGULAR PLANNED GIVING (RPG)<br>63,394<br>2024 GIFT DAY APPEAL<br>21,231<br>COLLECTIONS<br>5,981<br>LIFE EVENT COLLECTIONS<br>6,733<br>GIFT AID<br>17,261<br>WEDDING & FUNERAL FEES<br>6,216<br>GENERAL DONATIONS<br>4,384<br>DESIGNATED DONATIONS & GRANTS  (Note 6)<br>9,085<br>INTEREST<br>2,178<br>MAGAZINE INCOME<br>14,180<br>FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES (Note 5)<br>5,309<br>CHURCH ROOM RENTALS<br>2,810<br>VERGER FUND INCOME<br>1,060<br>**_5_ FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES**<br>INCOMING FUNDS<br>10,932<br>LESS: COST OF GENERATING FUNDS<br>-5,623<br>**_6_ DESIGNATED DONATIONS & GRANTS**<br>FRIENDS OF ST MARY'S (Vestry )<br>4,085<br>FRIENDS OF ST MARY'S (Barrel Graves )<br>0<br>COMMUNITY FUND  (Barrel Graves)<br>0<br>CHIDDINGFOLD PARISH COUNCIL (Barrel Graves)<br>0<br>CHIDDINGFOLD PARISH COUNCIL (Churchyard)<br>1,000<br>CHIDDINGFOLD PARISH COUNCIL (Run)<br>500<br>COMMUNITY FUND (Hearing Aid Clinics)<br>0<br>GODALMING DEANERY (Youth work)<br>0<br>FUNERAL DONATION FOR FABRIC RESTORATION<br>106<br>CHIDDFEST (Church Mice)<br>500<br>COMMUNITY FUND (Run)<br>500<br>ELIVIA HOMES (Run)<br>2,000<br>COLLECTIV (Run)<br>382<br>WARGRAVES COMMISSION<br>12|**2024**<br>**£**<br>5,708|**2024**<br>**£**<br>**5,975**<br>**4,187**<br>**787**<br>**159,822**<br>**5,309**<br>**9,085**|**2023**<br>**£**<br>8,845|**2023**<br>**£**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||267|**5,975**|783|**9,628**|
||32<br>0<br>4,155||740<br>182<br>3,694||
|||**4,187**||**4,616**|
||0<br>0<br>568<br>219||856<br>0<br>0<br>746||
||0|**787**|512|**2,114**|
||63,394<br>21,231<br>5,981<br>6,733<br>17,261<br>6,216<br>4,384<br>9,085<br>2,178<br>14,180<br>5,309<br>2,810<br>1,060||51,915<br>0<br>7,675<br>0<br>13,623<br>3,649<br>7,204<br>11,584<br>1,314<br>15,016<br>5,474<br>2,231||
|||**159,822**|605|**120,290**|
||10,932<br>-5,623||6,134<br>-660||
|||**5,309**||**5,474**|
||||0<br>7,377<br>1,000<br>1,000<br>1,000<br>0<br>495<br>700<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>12||
||12|**9,085**||**11,584**|





## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY'S CHIDDINGFOLD** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

|**_Notes_**<br>**_7_ RESOURCES EXPENDED**<br>**MINISTRY**<br>PARISH SHARE<br>MINISTERIAL EXPENSES<br>**SERVICES**<br>WORSHIP MATERIALS<br>ORGANIST & CHOIR<br>YOUTH<br>**CHURCH BUILDING**<br>INSURANCE<br>REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE<br>UTILITIES (Net)<br>FLOWERS<br>CHURCHYARD MAINTENANCE<br>BARREL GRAVE REPAIRS<br>VESTRY REFURBISHMENT COSTS<br>**CHURCH ROOM RUNNING EXPENSES**<br>**ADMINISTRATION & SUNDRIES**<br>OFFICE ADMINISTRATION<br>STATIONERY & PRINTING INKS ETC<br>ONLINE EXPENSES<br>CLERGY TRAINING COSTS<br>STAFF COSTS<br>AUDIO & IT<br>FOOD & FELLOWSHIP COSTS (Net)<br>**MAGAZINE EXPENSES**<br>**OUTREACH SUPPORT (Note 8)**<br>**TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED**||**2024**<br>**£**<br>75,000<br>2,709||**2024**<br>**£**<br>**77,709**<br>**12,322**<br>**24,396**<br>**1,288**<br>**10,942**<br>**8,638**<br>**5,000**<br>**140,295**||**2023**<br>**£**<br>60,000<br>3,732||**2023**<br>**£**<br>**63,732**<br>**10,420**<br>**28,671**<br>**1,752**<br>**13,475**<br>**8,897**<br>**2,500**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||2,897<br>4,037<br>5,388||||2,679<br>3,774<br>3,967<br>3,779<br>3,185<br>7,490<br>300<br>4,540<br>9,377<br>0|||
|||3,949<br>2,685<br>7,244<br>239<br>5,799<br>0<br>4,480|||||||
|||1,288||||1,752|||
|||992<br>1,038<br>1,995<br>0<br>6,180<br>75<br>662||||2,244<br>881<br>2,582<br>1,400<br>6,120<br>0<br>248|||
|||8,638||||8,897|||
|||5,000||||2,500|||
||||||||||
|||||**140,295**||||**129,447**|





## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARYS CHIDDINGFOLD** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

|**_Notes_**<br>**_8_ OUTREACH GIVING AND SUPPORT FUNDING**<br>**LOCAL**<br>ST MARY'S SCHOOL<br>CROSSWAYS<br>THE HUNTER CENTRE<br>MIDHURST MACMILLAN SERVICES<br>**UK**<br>WINSTON'S WISH<br>REFUGEES AT HOME<br>WE ARE OXFAM<br>THE TRUSSELL TRUST<br>CHURCH URBAN FUND<br>**OVERSEAS**<br>UNICEF (Middle East Appeal)<br>UNICEF (Afghan Earthquake Appeal)<br>BRITISH RED CROSS (Ukraine Appeal)<br>**RECTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND**<br>**OUTREACH SUPPORT AS PER THE ACCOUNTS**<br>**ADDITIONAL FUNDING FROM SPECIAL COLLECTIONS**<br>ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (Remembrance Sunday)<br>CHRISTIAN AID (Joint Churches)<br>THE TRUSSELL TRUST (Harvest Collections)<br>DEC (Turkey/Syria Earthquake Appeal)<br>THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY (Christingle)<br>**TOTAL OUTREACH SUPPORT**||**2024**<br>**£**<br>500.00<br>500.00<br>500.00<br>500.00||**2024**<br>**£**<br>**2,000.00**<br>**2,000.00**<br>**1,000.00**<br>0.00<br>**5,000.00**<br>**793.00**<br>**5,793.00**||**2023**<br>**£**<br>500.00<br>500.00<br>0.00<br>250.00||**2023**<br>**£**<br>**1,250.00**<br>**450.00**<br>**750.00**<br>**50.00**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||1,000.00<br>500.00<br>500.00<br>0.00<br>0.00||||0.00<br>0.00<br>0.00<br>250.00<br>200.00|||
|||1,000.00<br>0.00<br>0.00||||250.00<br>250.00<br>250.00|||
|||0.00||||50.00|||
|||238.00<br>233.00<br>175.00<br>0.00<br>147.00||||177.00<br>437.00<br>70.00<br>667.00<br>147.00||**2,500.00**<br>**1,498.00**|
||||||||||
|||||**5,793.00**||||**3,998.00**|





Financial Statements for the year ended 31** December 2024 

Approved by the Members and signed on their behalf by: 

The Revd Dr Rachel Greene, Rector 

Dated: II" May 2025 



## THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY’S CHIDDINGFOLD 

, INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT 

This report on the Accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2024, is in respect of an examination carried out under Regulation 3 (3) of the church Accounting Regulations 1997 to 2001 (“the Regulations”) and s.43 of the Charities Act 1993 (“the Act”) 

## Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the Examiner: 

As the members of the PCC, you are responsible for the preparation of the Accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 3 (3) and s.43 (2) of the Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report in accordance with the terms of Regulation 25. 

## Basis of this Report: 

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43 (7) (b) of the Act to be found in the Church Guidance 2001 edition issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishop’s Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the Accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the Accounts and seeking explanations from you, as Trustees, concerning any such matters. The procedures taken do not include all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, | do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the Accounts. 

## Independent Examiner’s Statement: 

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 

- (1) which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements (a) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act and (b) to prepare Accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations have not been met, or 

- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the Accounts to be reached. 

Maple House 2 Woodberry Close Chiddingfold Surrey GU8 4SF 

A Kelly FCA Chartered Accountant Independent Examiner 1o(3| 2