_Praying, learning, serving, sharing_ **Annual Parish Church Meeting 11 May 2025** **----- Start of picture text -----**
All Saints Oakham
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**and Report of Parish Activities 2024-25** **----- Start of picture text -----**
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_It’s been a busy year!_ **1** ## **Oakham Team Clergy** **Revd Stephen Griffiths** _Team Rector (Oakham & Langham)_ 01572 869483 stephen@oakhamteam.org.uk **Revd Deborah Marsh** _Team Vicar (Whissendine, Teigh, Ashwell & Market Overton)_ 01664 474652/07919 385314 deborah@oakhamteam.org.uk **Revd Jenni Duffy** _Team Vicar (Braunston, Brooke, Hambleton & Egleton) 07507 442539_ jenni@oakhamteam.org.uk **Revd Shakeel Nurmahi** _Team Curate until March 2025_ ## **Lay Ministers** **Mr Michael Ellard** _Reader –_ 01572 722060 michael@oakhamteam.org.uk **Mr John Feehally** _Reader –_ john@oakhamteam.org.uk **Mr David Pattinson** _Reader –_ 01572 723884 david@oakhamteam.org.uk **Mr David Perril** _Reader –_ 01664 452117 david.perril@oakhamteam.org.uk **Mr Alan Rudge** _Reader –_ 01572 755570 alan@oakhamteam.org.uk **Canon Vyv Wainwright** _Reader –_ 01572 755752 vyv@oakhamteam.org.uk **Mrs Gail Rudge** _Parish Evangelist –_ 01572 755570 gail@oakhamteam.org.uk ## **Ordinands** **Mrs Madeleine Morris** madeleine@oakhamteam.org.uk **Mrs Alison Long** alison.long@oakhamteam.org.uk ## **Churchwardens at All Saints Oakham** **Adam Lowe** 07801541389 adam.lowe@oakhamteam.org.uk Geraldine Feehally geraldine@oakhamteam.org ## **Director of Music** **Harry Jacques** BA(Hons), PGCE, ARCO directorofmusic@oakhamteam.org.uk ## **Oakham Team Office** **Mrs Liz Needham** _Team Administrator –_ 01572 724007 office@oakhamteam.org.uk Office hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 1pm. **Mrs Sue Willetts** _Finance Assistant –_ 01572 724007 finance@oakhamteam.org.uk **Ann Blackett** _Parishes Support Officer –_ 01572 724007 pso@oakhamteam.org.uk ## **Safeguarding Officers** **Mrs Cally Griffiths** _**Oakham** Parish Safeguarding Officer_ 01572 869483 safeguarding_oakham@oakhamteam.org.uk **Mr Derek Cullen** _**Oakham** Deputy Parish Safeguarding Officer_ 01572 490760 derek.cullen@oakhamteam.org.uk **2** ## **All Saints Oakham** ## **Meeting of Parishioners for the Appointment of Churchwardens and Annual Parochial Church Meeting** ## **Sunday 11th May 2025 10.30am at All Saints Oakham** _Reading:_ **'Now this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.'** _**John 17:3**_ ## _Prayer_ **----------------------------------------------------** ## **A Meeting of Parishioners for the Appointment of Churchwardens** - Present - Apologies for absence - Minutes of the previous meeting on 12 May 2024 (below) - Election of Churchwardens 2025-26 and vote of thanks **All Saints Church, Oakham Vestry Meeting - Election Church Wardens Meeting of Parishioners for the Appointment of Church Wardens Sunday 12 May 2024 11:05 -11:18** Meeting opened at 11:05 by Rev Nurmahi with a reading from Romans 12.3-8 ## **Present** Persons Present 52 Chair - Rev Shakeel Nurmahi Minutes - Church Warden Adam Lowe Church Warden - Ann Blackett Rev Nurmahi in the absence of the Rev Stephen Griffiths was required to receive a vote of those present to act in his absence as the Chairman. _Proposed:_ Beryl Kirtland; _Seconded:_ Joan Cooper; _Carried._ ## **Apologies** Michael & Shiela Latham; Patrick & Majorie Wilson; Madeleine Morris; Elizabeth Needham; Mark Nicholls; Brian & Gillian McAvoy **3** ## **Minutes** No points raised - minutes are accepted as a true and accurate record. _Proposed:_ Joan Cooper; _Seconded:_ Peter Kinal _Carried._ ## **Election of Church Warden** Adam Lowe is standing for a further year. _Proposed:_ Patsy Clifton; _Seconded:_ Pam Gilbert; _Carried._ Rev Nurmahi expressed thanks to Adam for standing again. Rev Nurmahi expressed thanks to Ann Blackett for being Church Warden for 9 years. Flowers were presented to Ann Blackett. Ann has agreed to remain acting until Rev Griffiths returns from his sabbatical and a second Church Warden is appointed. Ann gave a short address of thanks and appreciation for all the support she has received. It was noted with thanks that Mark Nicholls continues to stand as a Deputy Church Warden. Rev Nurmahi in the absence of the Rev Stephen Griffiths was required to receive a vote of those present to close the meeting. Proposed: Beryl Kirtland; Seconded: Pat Munro; Carried. Meeting closed at 11:18 _Approved_ _Date (2025 meeting)_ _Signed_ ----------------------------------------------------- ## **Annual Parochial Church Meeting** - Present - Apologies - Minutes of the previous meeting on 12 May 2024 (see opposite page) - Approval of minutes and signing - Matters arising - Declaration of questions and any other matters for later in the agenda - Statutory reports (see following pages) **4** ## **All Saints Church, Oakham Meeting of Parishioners for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 12 May 2024 11:18 - 11:52** Chair - Rev Shakeel Nurmahi Minutes - Church Warden Adam Lowe ## **Apologies** Michael & Sheila Latham; Patrick & Marjorie Wilson; Madeleine Morris; Elizabeth Needham; Mark Nicholls; Brian & Julia McAvoy ## **Minutes** Those present were asked if there were any matters arising & AOB. These were contained in the booklet on page 4,5 & 6. No points raised - minutes are accepted as a true and accurate record. _Proposed:_ Derek Cullen; _Seconded:_ John Tomalin; _Carried._ Rev Shakeel Nurmahi signed the minutes. ## **Matter Arising** None **Declaration of questions and any other matters for later in the agenda.** None ## **Statutory Reports** ## (a) PCC - Secretary - None (b) Electoral Report - Point clarified March 2024 stands at 237 which is 232 residents and 5 non-residents. A small gain of 8 on 2022-23 (c) Church Warden - accepted without further comment. (d) Financial Report - Point clarified, the account was prepared, they have not been cross referenced independent examiner and the PCC. As such these may not be the final set. These are the most up to date and there are unlikely to be any changes. Questions invited - Point clarified around cost of living and expenditure on item 10 of the report, Mission Giving. Rev Nurmahi gave reassurance around budget concerns and that the team were aware and would be keeping an eye on impact factors on income. **Page 3** in regard the accounts being ‘in the black’ that figures and budgets were in order, and as reported and includes the Church Hall accounts. **Page 6** regarding staffing were accurate, however with further reports due to a recent review of staff cost these figures may be different, specifically the National Insurance. **5** Beryl Kirtland asked that it be minuted the work of Sue Willetts in the work throughout the year and the production of these papers. Rev Nurmahi highlighted that as these are not the final accounts and formal approval cannot be undertaken, however an indicative vote of support in the current presentation in anticipation there would be no issues once they have been checked. _Proposed:_ Peter Kinal; _Seconded:_ Peter Hill; _Carried._ (d) Fabric Report - Contained in reports accepted without comment. Rev Nurmahi acknowledged the various projects, and it is recorded that thanks for the work Michal Latham has put into the lighting project should be recorded. (e) Deanery Synod Report - John Tomalin presented a verbal report, a hard copy is included in the minutes and is a record of what Mr Tomalin presented. Additional members for the Deanery Synod are welcome. ## **Elections and Appointments** _**Deanery Synod**_ - There is one vacant and volunteers are welcome. The other members are in post until 2026 and Rev Nurmahi acknowledged and thanked those members of the Deanery Synod: Ann Blackett; Araminta Matthias; John Tomalin; Marilyn Tomalin. _**PCC Members**_ - There are 5 members whose term of office is up for renewal: Monica Compton; Derek Cullen; Beryl Kirtland; Pam Gilbert. _Proposed:_ Joan Cooper; _Seconded:_ John Tomalin; _Carried._ _**PCC Members**_ - There are 2 new members who are going to join the PCC: Joanna Pearson: David Roberts. David Roberts: _Proposed:_ Pat Munro; _Seconded:_ Jackie Vecqueray; Carried. Joanna Pearson: _Proposed:_ Pam Gilbert; _Seconded_ : Catriona Drye; Carried. Pat Munro has stood down after 40 years. Rev Nurmahi thanked Pat and this was recorded with a small gift of appreciation. ## _**Independent Examiner:**_ Ian Bain _Proposed:_ Peter Hill; _Seconded:_ Peter Hanley; _Carried._ ## **Questions and AOB.** None Rev Nurmahi in the absence of the Rev Stephen Griffiths was required to receive a vote of those present to close the meeting. _Proposed:_ Marian Wiggin; _Seconded_ : Beryl Kirtland; _Carried._ ## **Closing Prayer** Rev Nurmahi Meeting closed at 11:52 Beryl Kirtland offered thanks to Rev Nurmahi for chairing the meeting. **6** Approved Date (2025 meeting) ## Signed _____________________________________________________________________ ## **Statutory Reports** ## _**1 Parochial Church Council – Secretary’s Report, May 2025**_ Your PCC met six times during the year, chaired by Revd Shakeel during Revd Stephen’s sabbatical and by Revd Stephen thereafter. The PCC is responsible for overseeing the running of the church. This includes looking after finance and fabric, but also supporting the mission and ministry of All Saints Church in Oakham and as part of our wider Rutland deanery. The Annual Accounts, which were not ready to be approved at the APCM, were approved by the PCC at the meeting on 21 May 2024. After a long period without a PCC Secretary we were delighted to welcome Sandy Baker to take up the post at the PCC meeting on 22 January. Last year we reported on the beginnings of fundraising for the lighting project, which progressed steadily throughout the year until we were in a position to begin work in January 2025: the building was closed for eleven weeks and the worshipping church moved over to Oakham School Chapel for the duration. We were back ‘home’ by mid-March, and the new lighting was put through its paces very successfully during the Holy Week and Easter services. Thanks are due to Michael Latham, who led the project, and all those who helped in any way, including the great Cleaning Days before reopening. Finally, a huge thank you to the whole PCC for their continual work throughout the year. _Notes by Ann Blackett, Parishes Support Officer_ ## _**2 The electoral roll**_ The total on the Electoral Roll as at March 2023 stands at 229. There are 224 residents and 5 non-residents. This is a net loss of 7 over the year from March 2022. _Mark Nicholls - Electoral Roll Officer_ ## _**3 Financial reports for 2022**_ _See accounts in supplement._ ## _**4 Fabric report 2022**_ _See report on_ _**page 12**_ **7** ## _**5 Deanery Synod**_ _See report on_ _**page 26**_ ## _**6 Elections and appointments:**_ - _1) Election of representatives to Rutland Deanery Synod_ - _2) Election of Parochial Church Council members_ - _3) Appointment of independent examiner_ ## _Questions and any other business_ _Closing prayer_ _**The Finance reports will appear in a separate supplement.**_ _Clockwise from above:_ D-Day service, June 2024; Tom, electrician; first Sunday back in church, March 2025. **8** ## **Reports for 2024-25** ## _**From the Vicar**_ Dear friends, For this report I am looking back not just at the last year, but the last seven years and I prepare to move on to a new calling and a new challenge. My overall feeling is of gratitude. We are thankful for being called here as a family to enjoy a precious season of life and ministry with you. I am thankful for all the people who have shared in the work of All Saints Oakham and the Oakham Team. I am grateful for the signs of God at work in his church. In the past year we focussed on the lighting renewal, which once again showed us God's provision and the goodwill and generosity of the congregation and wider community. We were blessed with a very suitable temporary home at Oakham School Chapel. All Saints is now bathed in beautiful light, suitable for all kinds of services, concerts and special occasions. It was a happy coincidence that Bishop Michael Ipgrave was able to join us for our first Sunday back, returning to his curacy parish after 40 years. We said farewell to Shakeel in February and many of us were there to see him licensed to his new ministry. In a few weeks we will celebrate the ordination of four ordinands from our parishes: Alison, Madeleine, Nat and George. The flow of ordinands and curates to and from the Oakham Team is a very encouraging sign, and something that I know will continue in the future. Music continues to play a central role in our worship and I am very grateful to Harry, the choir and the deputy organists and conductors, who give us such a rich variety of music. I shall miss the uplifting worship very much as I prepare to move to serve some smaller parishes which do not have the resources we enjoy at All Saints. Christian ministry is never straightforward. The prospect of change does not thrill me, but I know it is part of the calling - to be where God wants me to be. I hope I have been clear over the years that the clergy are not the church. The clergy are part of the church, playing their part as every member does. You are the body of Christ. Your next vicar and team rector is out there already, and will bring skills and abilities that will grow the ministry and outreach of the church in new ways, but only in partnership with you and in harmony with the gifts of the people. All Saints Oakham is an extraordinary church and I am sorry not to add a few more years to the scoreboard at the back of church. Thank you for your kindness to me and the family. May God continue to grow the church in depth and number here. With love in Christ, _Stephen_ **9** ## _**From the Churchwardens**_ As Churchwardens, it is a privilege to reflect on the past year in the life of our church. It has been a time of both faithful service and gentle growth, where the love and dedication of this congregation has continued to shine through. We give thanks for the continuation of our regular worship, the special services through Advent, Easter, and Christmas, and the sense of community they bring. Our clergy, lay ministers, organist, and choir have all played key roles in making worship meaningful and inclusive. Thank you. This year, we oversaw several essential maintenance tasks, including the incredible and dramatic reversal of the memorial garden, back to a lawned area that really has refreshed the exterior of our beautiful church, with the conclusion of another larger project the new lights have refreshed the interior, the smaller tasks like cleaning of the curtain backdrop in the chapel not only refresh these essential areas, they demonstrate the commitment and care of you, the congregation who care. Thank you to all volunteers who have helped with cleaning, gardening, or small repairs—it is noticed and deeply appreciated. The coffee mornings, the Autumn Fayre, music at lunch time and other events have been a blessing. These have not only raised funds but strengthened our fellowship and outreach. The sense of community is one of our greatest gifts. We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to fellow wardens, deputy wardens not just in Oakham All Saints but across our whole team ministry of churches, PCC members, clergy, sidespeople, cleaners, and everyone who serves quietly and faithfully, ‘adding to the beauty of life through the small acts of love carried out by each of us’, as Pope Francis commended in his Easter address. We are fortunate that we have a fantastic and dedicated office team in Liz, Ann and Sue, we may be going through some changes with a change of clergy, the opportunities this presents is not only to welcome new people, let's not forget to value and be ever more patient with each other through these interesting times. Each of you contributes in ways large and small to the life of this church. It is said that Rutland is noted as one the best places to live, well that is not just down to our beautiful County, it is also due to all the people that make a community. We are most grateful, for Stephen’s leadership in our varied services, his help in our spiritual growth and understanding, and his encouragement to use our many gifts in God’s service and for each other. As we enter this season of change for us, and onwards towards Pentecost when we celebrate God’s authority and power released worldwide, let us all pray for Stephen and his family preparing to move to new work in a new location. And pray too, for our discernment in making a new appointment here who will continue to nurture our faith and fellowship and encourage our growth and outreach. **10** Looking ahead, we remain hopeful and prayerful. There is always work to be done— both practically and spiritually. Let us continue to seek God’s guidance in how we serve, grow and reach out as Jesus Christ has, to all in need of life and love, help and hope. With gratitude and faith, _Adam and Geraldine_ ## _**Electoral Roll 2024-25**_ Every six years Church of England Representation Rules require us to compile a new Electoral Roll. At the time of writing the new roll is almost complete and now comprises some 164 names of these 5 are non-residents. This is a significant reduction on the number on the roll at this time last year which can be largely accounted for by people moving away and people sadly passing away. _Mark Nicholls, Electoral Roll Officer_ ## _**Faith in the Future**_ For a few months a small group has been meeting to discuss the future needs of All Saints Oakham. The group has now been commissioned by the PCC to develop some proposals for consideration. The Faith in the Future covers many aspects of sustaining and growing the church, putting our faith in God into action to fulfil his plans and purposes for us. This is not just about maintaining our beautiful building, but about mission and ministry which grows the church. There are seven aspects to the project: Sustainability - finding a long term solution to our heating and energy needs and creating a firmer financial basis for our ministry Worship - ensuring All Saints provides excellent worship each Sunday and midweek, fulfilling our civic and diocesan role, providing seasonal services that attract many people Music - building on our choral tradition, expanding our programme of concerts, creating flexible space for large orchestras and choirs Youth - providing a wide range of activities for all ages, helping young people discover God, partnering with schools Heritage and Education - showcasing the history and architecture of All Saints, establishing the Queen Edith Project, creating space for exhibitions and the arts, teaching the faith through school visits Community - making sure our facilities serve the community (toilets, hospitality, accessibility) for a variety of uses Funding - accessing grants to deliver the project On Sunday 8 June there will be a presentation at each service outlining the purpose and process of the Faith in the Future project. This will allow the congregation to give their responses and feedback (this will be an ongoing process). There will be consultation within the wider community. Defining the objectives of the project will **11** take many months. Please look out for further information and updates. If you would like to join the Faith in the Future planning group please speak to Stephen, Geraldine or Adam. ## _**Fabric group**_ The fabric committee members consist of, Des Cook, Ann Blackett, Andy Compton and Monica Compton. The committee aims to meet a minimum of 5 times per year and supports the PCC in decision making on the fabric of the church. Due to the small number of committee members, the fabric committee is seeking out additional support and would welcome any new members. Please leave a message in the office with a contact number for one of our committee members to get in touch. The lighting project was led by Michael Latham was successfully completed in March 2025 and Beryl Kirtland led the clean-up upon completion of the work. The fabric group is working through the recommendations of the Quinquennial Inspection (QI) that was conducted in May 2023, of which most of the immediate work has been completed. The only outstanding work in Category AA (the most urgent) is to provide a safety rail in the silence chamber in the tower and for which a proposal has been submitted. The fabric committee is working with the Architect, Stephanie Norris, to complete the recommendations on aspects of the exterior in Category A (the next most urgent). In addition to the actions required from the QI, the fabric group is working with the Bell Captain to reduce the water ingress in the Bell Tower. The following maintenance and repair work has been overseen by the committee: - ➢ Boiler service and minor repair - ➢ Remove debris from the down pipe and we are now having this completed twice yearly to deter water ingress into the building - ➢ Pointing repair to joints and cracks - ➢ The window in the Bell chamber has been replaced _Monica Compton_ ## _**Cleaning Team**_ The church is kept clean by a small but dedicated team to whom we are most grateful and appreciative. A special thanks this year to all those who helped with the mammoth clean up after the lighting project. _Beryl Kirtland_ ## _**Gardening Group**_ This year a large section of the Memorial Garden was cleared of many oversized plants by a group of volunteer church members. Turf financed mostly by donation was laid. Together with the remaining bulbs that have come through during the spring it has been much appreciated. Further work is planned in the coming months. Thanks go to all of the helpers. _Beryl Kirtland_ ## **12** ## _**Lighting Project**_ Thanks to Michael’s excellent regular reports in Worship for the Week, we were kept informed of progress as the lighting work progressed throughout January, February and March. Our lighting contractors, T James of Kettering, were efficient and friendly and did quite a lot of high-level dusting as well as the electrical work. While the church was full of scaffolding we were able to discover many details which weren’t visible under the previous lighting, and opened our eyes to the beauty of the building in a new way. We were also able to do some repair work to a patch of the North clerestory wall where a blocked downpipe on the outside had led to damp in the stonework and falling plaster. The results are truly wonderful – the new lighting shows off our lovely church to visitors and worshippers, and supplies light where it’s needed to choir and people reading from service booklets. During Holy Week and the Easter Vigil service we were able to use the settings for 50% and 25% lighting, and to use the dimmers to enhance the Maundy Thursday and Compline services. We look forward to using the concert settings in due course! The whole project would not have been possible without the generosity of so many people who gave donations small and great, and those who put in time and effort raising funds and applying for grants. We acknowledge here the external grant funding received from Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust (£20,000) Oakham Memorial Institute (£5,000) St Peter’s Trust (£3,500 Benefact Trust (£3,250) Wesleyan Foundation (£2,000) Significant donations were also received from: Friends of All Saints Church All Saints Concert Society The Church Hall The Autumn Fayre Sale of 2023 Christmas Cards The enthusiasm and support shown by members of the PCC and the congregation – and from outside organisations who come to All Saints for concerts, meetings and other activities – was remarkable, and brought people together in a purposeful way. It was very much appreciated and helped to push the project along, as well as sustaining us through our ‘exile’ in the School chapel. Our thanks go to Michael Barham of Illuminous Consulting Ltd, who was our consultant and designed the lighting arrangement; to Stephanie Norris our architect, to T James Electricians of Kettering, to the PCC and All Saints congregations and friends for their support, and especially to Michael Latham, who took on the project and carried it through completion. _**Let there be light!** Notes by Ann Blackett, Parishes Support Officer_ **13** ## _**Lighting Project**_ Scenes from the lighting work: _Top_ : the church full of scaffolding; **14** _above left:_ one of the angels in the Chancel ceiling; _above right_ the face of one of the shield-bearers in the Nave ceiling. _Photos: Richard Adams, Liz Needham, Ann Blackett_ _Above_ : the refurbished chandelier is refitted. _Right:_ a cherry picker for final checking and positioning of the lamp units. _Below:_ a happy band of church cleaners! **15** ## _**Giving**_ _Gift Aid claims_ The data-based gift aid claim system supplied by Data Development allows All Saints to seamlessly claim gift aid each quarter those supporting the church cash flow. Gift Aid is claimed on all donations: bank transfers, cheques, cash, envelopes, the web site and the donation machine. The claim system has controls are built in to ensure we operate within the HMRC rules. Much has changed in the eight years of my involvement. Plate giving, cash, and envelopes have degreased and the numbers giving via direct bank transfer has increased. HMRC allow churches to claim gift aid on £8,000 worth of donations where the donor is not known, and for the first time since pre-pandemic we reached that threshold in 2024. It is important that if you are a UK taxpayer that you indicate this on any donation. _The Donation Machine_ In 2024, 665 transaction went via the machine to a value of £11,968, plus £2,064 gift aid reclaimed. Since August 2021, 1,596 transactions have been made to the value of £24,675 plus £4.084 gift aid reclaimed. The bulk of the transaction are donations, but the machine is also used by the office for wedding and other payments, th,e Autumn Bazaar, book sales, etc. The high 2024 value reflects several large lighting donations ## _**Safeguarding Report**_ This report covers the year to April 2025. Cally Griffiths and Derek Cullen have continued their roles as Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) and Deputy PSO. The Diocese provides access to a Safeguarding Dashboard which allows them to regularly monitor how we are progressing in keeping in line with required policies and procedures and what needs to be reviewed. The PCC receives a safeguarding update each time they meet. ## **Safeguarding role** The Safeguarding Officers also process the DBS checks. A training tracker is maintained by the safeguarding officers and reminders given to those who need to update their training. ## **Displayed information.** The following information is displayed / available - Safeguarding ‘who’s who’ photographs on board - ‘We take our Safeguarding seriously’ posters in several places around the Church and Church Hall with contact details - Details of Safeguarding officers on website and in Worship for the Week - Safeguarding policy folder in Mayhew Room The PSO and Deputy PSO have found that members of church family have taken the need to have DBS checks and undertake Safeguarding Training both diligently and in **16** good humour, and they thank everyone for their efforts in making All Saints a welcoming and safe place for people to worship. ## _**Home groups**_ ## **Home Group at 6 Peterborough Avenue** Our regular 2nd and 4th Thursday afternoon meetings have continued through the year. As usual different members of the group took turns to lead in discussion and study, There were sessions on Esther, and on the prophet Zephaniah, as well as very thought-provoking and challenging exploration of the Revelations of Julian of Norwich. Following this we embarked upon an extended study of the life of “The man after God’s own heart” - king David; but with an interruption during Lent for the six week Lent course prepared by Shakeel. _Patrick Wilson_ ## **Spinney Hill Home Group** We have had a good year with a group of around 10 of us meeting every two weeks for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. Having completed the Bible Society’s study course on the Bible, watched on a TV from DVDs which was excellent and really helped us to understand the structure and joined up message of the Bible, we agreed to go straight on with a companion series , using the same presenter, on the book of Romans which was largely filmed in Rome or against a background of Rome. It really brought the book alive likening its message to climbing a mountain and then coming down to continue living now changed lives. This left the Christmas period and we spent one very happy morning viewing a DVD of ‘The Nativity’ a now fairly old BBC film which movingly brought the realities of the Christmas story alive . In addition we had a happy bring and share meal after a DIY morning of varied Christmas themed readings, and also repeated our experiment of the previous year in being out in the south churchyard offering mince pies and coffee to shoppers passing by together with tiny gifts we had put together including a Christmas blessing for each person. Joshua Davis kindly helped us make background carol music with his horn, many people reported that they enjoyed ‘real’ music for the morning and the free give aways led to many lovely conversation opportunities. We hope to repeat this again next Christmas. In the new year we started a series on prayer which has included personal Bible readings each day with one chosen for the study, all on different ways pf praying and the different circumstances which drive us to our knees, and has been much appreciated. A home group is a special way of coming together and growing in our faith as we learn and support one another. We are always happy to see others join us , and if we get too many for one home, will divide and make two groups! _Corinna Woods_ **17** ## **Enneagram Course** The Enneagram course led by Joanna Pearson (a member of All Saints' and experienced Enneagram teacher) ran over six weeks in the autumn term. In total, eight people from All Saints and Langham met in the church hall on Monday afternoons. Several others expressed interest but were not able to attend at that time. Together, we explored our personalities and motivations, and how they affect relationships with God and other people. It was an open, kind and generous group. Everyone said that they enjoyed the course and found it helpful and interesting. Some expressed interest in learning more about the Enneagram. Hopefully, there will be an opportunity to run a similar course in the future. ## _**Friends of All Saints Church 2024-25 – Chairman’s report**_ Friends have enjoyed a varied programme of events over this past year and in the main, they have been well attended. We have also been able to donate about £10,000 to the church this year for the new lighting appeal, which, of course, was launched at the Gilbert and Sullivan concert that Friends put on in October 2023, with all those proceeds starting the fund. Of course, raising money was never the main aim of the Friends but inevitably through raffles and donations etc we do and it is that, which we have been able to donate to the church for various projects over the years. This year, for instance, as well as money for the lighting appeal, we also paid for the banners for the Queen Edith Project. In April we held a wonderful cream tea and a slide show given by Richard Adams, who presented a video of the _Songs of Praise_ filmed in All Saints church in 1997 and which generated a lot of excited chatter, as members were able to see their younger selves. All the proceeds from the afternoon were also donated to the lighting appeal. May saw us visiting Trentham Gardens, on a beautiful, sunny Spring day and while many enjoyed the gardens and walking round the lake, others indulged in a spot of retail therapy among the many shops there. Peterborough Cathedral was the site of our next visit in June and our party was split into two groups, each with a guide. It was a most enjoyable visit, as the guides were knowledgeable and informative often peppering their talks with amusing anecdotes. Later on we enjoyed a delicious cream tea in Becket’s Tearooms, before making our way home. In July, there was the usual visit to Tolethorpe and the weather behaved beautifully this year, so we could all enjoy a picnic after the performance. September saw us back at Coton Manor for a visit to the gardens to enjoy the early autumnal colour and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The herbaceous borders were especially colourful and with the bright sunshine, it was a wonderful day out. We held a coffee morning in October on behalf of The Citizens Advice Bureau and were extremely pleased with the amount we raised for them. This, together with the proceeds from the raffle held at the Tide Lunch in November, meant that we were able to donate nearly £500 to the work of the Bureau. After the lunch at the **18** Wisteria, we all listened with interest to the talk and were quite amazed by the breadth and complexity of the advice that they are able to give to people. It was a truly inspiring afternoon. The annual Shrovetide Party and Quiz was held in March this year and the extensive buffet and socialising was much enjoyed by all. So, it is with rather mixed feelings that write this, as I shall be standing down as Chairman after the AGM in March. I have very much enjoyed organising events etc, along with the fantastic committee, without whose help we could not have done all the things we did do. I must also pay especial tribute to the secretary, Brenda Blandford, whose minutes have always been impeccably presented and always on time and she has also had to remind me of something I had forgotten! Thank you to all of you for loyally supporting the Friends over the years and helping to make the events so worthwhile. Will the Friends continue? The answer is yes, as Beth Harding has very kindly volunteered to take over the role as Chairman and we were able to vote her on as this at the meeting. However, I’m sure that she will want to change things. Friends will not restart for quite a while, as Beth is newly retired and wants some time to enjoy her retirement, have some holidays etc and generally enjoy the rest of this year. Notices will appear in the weekly newsletter, when events are planned, so just watch this space! _Liz Plummer 2025_ ## _**Children and Young People ministry**_ **Sunday School** Sunday School meets every Sunday during term time, apart from the 4[th] Sunday when we join together with the rest of the church family for the All Age Service. We do occasionally do extra Sunday Schools on Sundays in the holidays too at the request of the children. We currently have a roll of four children (plus one toddler) and we seek to teach the children about having a relationship with God, and His great love for them. Where we can we follow the lectionary readings for the week, and the ROOTS resources provide a springboard for our sessions. The session is about 20 minutes in the Mayhew Room during the sermon and intercessions, and we aim to be out in time to join the church family in Communion. The children particularly enjoy noisy games (which church members who sit near the Mayhew Room will know!), but we also have a sharing time each week, a Bible story, questions to help us engage with scripture, craft, and prayers. The children also participate in special services, sometimes robed, and help lead readings and prayers at all age services, and engage in services at Christmas, particularly the Nativity. Sunday School at present is mainly run by two mums, and more leaders and helpers are needed. Please do speak to Geraldine if you feel God might be calling you to be part of this rewarding aspect of our church life. **19** ## **School Ministry** Throughout 2024 we have continued to enrich our work with local schools, in particular Oakham C of E Primary School. Revd Stephen and Revd Shakeel lead whole school worship every Monday. The school were welcomed into church to celebrate Easter, Harvest and Christmas along with their parents and carers. Each of these services are led by the children themselves and is a showcase for their engagement with worship. We also welcome other local schools into church at various times, including Brooke Hill, Brooke Priory and Catmose Primary. As school governors Derek Cullen and Revd Stephen and I have been working closely with the RE lead to enhance and develop the programme for whole school worship and in monitoring the provision of RE within the curriculum and ensuring the school maintains its Christian ethos. _Liz Needham_ ## **Tiny Tots 2024-5** There has been a Tiny Tots group meeting in Church on a Thursday morning or across the road in both the old and new Church Halls for many, many years. During that time we have had the pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with numerous parents, carers, childminders and most importantly the children. Seeing the children join us sometimes as babes in arms and watching them grow, develop and move on to preschool, nursery or “big” school is a huge privilege. It is not very often, though, that we get a change, for want of a better description, in our leadership. It has happened this year; Alice Clarke who has been with us for over 15 years has finally decided that it is time for her to take a very well-earned rest from having to be in Church for around 9 am on a Thursday morning. Alice has been such a stalwart helper, always here bright and early, getting stuck into what needs to be done for the start of each week’s meeting. As well as helping with the planning and preparation of the weekly meetings she has also organized the food for our annual Teddy Bears Picnic and Christmas Parties. Although Alice has bowed out of the regular Thursday morning meetings she will still be around in the background, carrying on helping to plan the programme for the next academic year, punching out all the various shapes we use for said activities and more! Everyone has signed a card to say a heartfelt thank you and sent flowers too. I am very lucky to still have the help of Sandy Baker on a weekly basis, Sue Willetts steps in when I am on holiday and both Liz and Ann upstairs in the office are happy to step up to the plate if needs be, a HUGE thank you to you all. _Denise McDonald_ **20** ## _**Church Walking Group**_ The group continues to thrive as we explore the wonderful countryside, excellent local places to eat and great fellowship on our Monthly walks. Always on the fourth Thursday starting at 10:30. 2024 saw some changes. The walks are shorter, around 5 miles, picnics have for the most part been replaced by eating out, pubs, cafes, garden centres. The biggest change has been the introduction of a WhatsApp group. This has made all communication about the walk fare easier and allowed the sharing of photos and feedback. But much remains the same. The new year day peninsular walk followed by a bring and share lunch. The invitation to anyone to join, the scenery and friendship. _Richard Plummer_ ## _**Open House**_ We have had another good year of fellowship fuelled with tea, coffee, cake and good company. Sarah Bilsdon organises the rota for monthly coffee mornings held in parishioners’ homes and produces a programme to advertise the events. These are aimed at new and old members of the congregation and all are welcome. Numbers are generally up from last year – we have had more than 30 people at times! If you’d like to meet new people please take a programme and come along. ## _**Bereavement Support Group Report 2025**_ The Bereavement Support Group continues to provide help for anyone in the Oakham area – of all religions or none, and whenever they suffered bereavement. It is a peer support group led and facilitated by Madeleine Morris (until she moves on to her curacy in the summer) helped by a team of volunteers from our congregation, the Benefice Team and Grace Price (a trained Bereavement Counsellor). Dr Sian Cheverton who is already a key member and facilitator of the Bereavement Support Group has kindly agreed to take over the lead role from Madeleine. The **Drop-In Group** meets in the Parish Hall at 10.30-12.00 on the last Friday of the month, even in December! People can turn up for all or part of that time with no prior booking. Time is spent both talking one to one, and also talking as a group. We usually have 8-10 attendees (including the helpers) and it is encouraging that many support each other between meetings. We can signpost people to other sources of support including local projects such as the Bereavement Help Points (who run weekly support meetings in Oakham and Uppingham) and Dying Matters Rutland. We are grateful for the continued prayer for those who have died and their relatives. **Intercessions** during services include the names of those who have died recently, and sometimes those whose ‘years mind’ falls that day. **Prayer Cards** are **21** sent to the next of kin on the first anniversary of their bereavement and the annual **All Souls Service** in November is much appreciated by the wider community. For more information please contact _Parish Office 01572 724007_ _Dr Sian Cheverton siancheverton@yahoo.co.uk 07791 001 365_ ## _**All Saints Flower Guild**_ A big thank you to the volunteers who decorate the church at Festival times and for the altar arrangements, in particular, to John Tomalin for the altar arrangements he does for Christmas and Easter. Where possible we no longer use floral foam which is not kind to the environment, but vases and plants for the church arrangements. The price of fresh flowers has risen like everything else. If we have suitable flowers in our gardens or allotments we will use these. The vase life of these may not be as long as commercially grown flowers. We are short of people comfortable doing altar arrangements, which means, sometimes, we will use dried or silk flower arrangements. If you have an interest in flowers but no experience and want something relaxing to do, please consider joining us. These two websites may be of interest: www.suschurchflowers.com www.sustainableforistry.org Anna Oliver(oliveranna101@gmail.com) 07814027523 **----- Start of picture text -----**
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_Lovely arrangements from the Flower Guild!_ **23** ## _**All Saints Concerts Society**_ The All Saints Concert Society (ASCS) has again co-ordinated a varied set of concerts within the Church, and is marketing them to a wider audience. The concert programme falls into four parts: - Wednesday lunchtime concerts from ASCS guests or Oakham School pupils - • Bank Holiday Monday organ recitals with performers of national repute - Evening chamber concerts arranged by the ASCS Committee - Evening concerts by other promoters (e.g. David Hill, Rutland Choral Society) Notable concerts have included one featuring three of Beethoven’s late sonatas played by Cason Kang and a challenging duo of organ and piano featuring Anne Bolt and David Hill. Andrew Reid of Harrison and Harrison brought out the subtlety of Oakham’s Tickell organ to perfection. Many other concerts delighted all who attended. The Committee is endeavouring to improve the marketing of all the concerts it presents. With thanks to the Parish Office, the circulation of flyers and brochures has been much extended, and tickets are now available from wegottickets.com as well as on the door. With an endeavour to ensure that the musical activity pays its way within the Parish, it intends to track the musical income and expenditure more systematically, and is again grateful to the parish office for its support. During the summer of 2025, ASCS is promoting three outstanding organ recitals, a ‘Come and Sing’ performance of Handel’s Coronation anthems led by David Hill, a Jazz and Soul evening, and a number of chamber concerts, including a song recital by our own Director of Music, Harry Jacques accompanied by Anne Bolt. _Peter Lawson_ ## _**Bellringers Report**_ The 1st January 2025 marked my 25th anniversary of becoming Tower Captain and Ringing Master of All Saints and I've noticed that whilst I can still get up and down the stairs, (maybe not as quick as I used to!) and things like hearing, eyesight and memory are not as sharp, I am reminded by my wiser colleagues that I am still a youngster! The1st January is customarily marked with a New Year’s Day Peal or Quarter Peal and this year was a particularly special event. A group of Ringers from our Peterborough Guild rang 'Oakham Delight Major', a completely new method rang its inaugural Peal at its home in Oakham in 3+ hours. The event was picked up by none other than our own Rutland and Stamford Sound's Rob Persani, who interviewed me and broadcast the following day as a special feature to promote the tower and ringing in general, and this certainly created a lot of interest. We welcome Father and Son members to the band, Louis and Josh Brandt and welcome regular visits from our newest learners from neighbouring Ashwell parish; Claire, Alistair and Brian whom I have been teaching over the winter months. This year is no exception to previous years in my plea for new learners to join our band **24** so that we can swell the ranks sufficient to support our Tuesday practices, which remain well supported and Sunday ringing. Do come along to see what it is all about! The tower remains a beacon for visitors both from the ringing fraternity and the public following our open morning at the Autumn Fayre, as well as the local Scouting groups. The rest of this year already has a couple of scheduled visits from visiting teams planned. The tower is experiencing more frequent water ingress from the spire from more unsettled weather, which is affecting the bells frame and seeping through into the lower floors and on two occasions has meant that we were unable to ring whilst the area dries out and is deemed safe. Investigations are in progress to consider several options to resolve and futureproof this problem and hopefully a scheme can be planned for later this year. Smaller ongoing maintenance and remedial action from the last Quinquennial report is being carried out to ensure we remain up to date. At the time of writing we are shortly awaiting a visit from John Taylor & Co bell founders to carry out our bi-annual inspection of the bells and we shall see what their report might throw up in terms of the bells' condition and any remedial action required. _Louis Totaro, Tower Captain_ ## _**Church Hall**_ Regular bookings are now approaching full capacity. Finances have recovered well from the difficulties consequent upon Covid. The Committee has been able to arrange for repairs and maintenance affecting the toilets, lighting, hedges and guttering. It has been possible to make a couple of donations to the PCC, towards the Lighting Appeal as well as to the Church’s general expenses. As usual, the Committee has been very well served by Liz Needham (bookings and fully committed care and concern), Monty Knight-Olds (Treasurer), Stephan Johnson (maintenance and cleaning), Mrs Pat Munro and Mrs. Helen Totaro (property and housekeeping), as well as Patrick Wilson (Secretary.) _Peter Kinal (Chairman)_ ## _**Mothers Union**_ MU members enjoyed another series of worthwhile monthly meetings during 2024. On five occasions we welcomed speakers from our local congregation, to whom we are most grateful. The Mothers Union prayer contains these phrases: - a) We seek to share God’s love through the encouragement, strengthening, and support of marriage and family life. - b) May we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as Your hands across the world. Further meetings for 2025 include the Deanery Festival at Oakham on 8 May, a speaker from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and another speaker representing the Royal Navy. **25** If you would like to join us on the second Thursday of each month, in church at 2pm, you would be very welcome. _Helen Bush_ ## _**Deanery Synod report**_ ## **18 July 2024** Deanery Eucharist was held at Ketton. ## **2 September 2024 All Saints Oakham** The main speaker was Victoria Kellett, Diocesan Safeguarding Officer. She began by telling us her background and went on to give an update on the safeguarding team at the Diocese. She concluded with her thoughts on the future of safeguarding in the Diocese. ## **14 November 2024 (by zoom).** The speaker was Jon Breckon – Historic Churches support Officer. He has a background in the heritage sector. He reminded us that church buildings matter because of their architectural value and currently Historic England have some 960 churches on their English ‘at risk’ register. Churches need to work for our communities so, in addition to the architectural and spiritual value, there is a social and economic value. He encouraged us to ask our communities what they want from the church as the buildings offer opportunities. The response from our communities might require us to reconfigure the buildings internally and he is willing to help us find grants to cover this. ## **13 February 2025 (by zoom).** Peter Lawson, Chairman of Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust spoke about the work of the Trust. Its purpose is to preserve the past for the present and the future. Grants are available for all historic churches and chapels. Virtually every church and chapel in Rutland has been helped at some time. The main fundraising activity it runs is Ride and Stride where half the money raised goes to the Trust and the other half to the fundraisers own church. The next Ride and Stride is 13[th] September 2025. The other main source of income is from legacies. Anna Bentley, head of fundraising at the Cathedral, spoke to us about the Cathedral appeal. ## **Staffing matters** . There are vacancies for clergy at the following Benefices: Ryhall, Ketton, Rutland Water, Uppingham and as announced recently at Oakham. _John Tomalin_ ## _**Diocesan Synod**_ Synod met twice during the year. In March we welcomed Bishop Debbie and there was a presentation on the work of the Diocesan Board of Education. Synod received the annual reports from the Boards and Committees. A report was made on the February Group of Sessions of General Synod. Synod commissioned a review of Standing Orders. In October Bishop Debbie outlined the starting process for a piece ## **26** of work to be done on our governance structures. Synod took note of the Trustees Report and the Accounts of the Diocesan Board of Finance for 2023; approved the budget and authorised the Diocesan Board of Finance to expend a sum not exceeding £12,384,810. There was a presentation from the DAC Secretary and from the Net Zero Carbon Programme Manager. A report was received on the July Group of Sessions of General Synod. It was agreed that Synod papers would be distributed electronically in future to save on costs. _John Tomalin_ ## _**Churches Together in Oakham and District**_ Annual report for All Saints AGM 2025 Stephen completed his second year as Chairman of the Churches Together Committee. In his report to the Committee at the AGM, he commented upon an encouraging year. Shared ministry, such as the Prayer Breakfast at OBC in January, the Easter Experience for local primary schools at All Saints, and outreach and the stall at Late Night shopping, should be noted. Significant progress had been made towards stability in respect of the Hope into Action houses, and the weekly midweek prayer meeting had continued, with two monthly hosting by OBC, All Saints, OMC and St. Joseph’s.This was part of a wide diversity of ministry and activity in individual churches. There was still work to be done in continued joint outreach and shared worship. _Patrick Wilson_ ## _**Music for worship**_ The choir has had a pleasing year of music-making, with its membership remaining stable, some departing and some joining. We had James Lloyd Thomas as interim Director of Music from April to July 2024, during which time the regular pattern of choral services continued and, under James' direction, the choir gained some useful pieces in their repertoire. A group of reliable extra singers have helped to make more choral options for evensong services. Becoming more confident with singing a cappella, the choir repertoire has added a number of four-part anthems, including some Renaissance motets which we have opted to perform in the Holy Trinity chapel, being adjacent to those receiving communion but not distracted by people filing past the stalls. Whilst church choirs are struggling nationally, I am pleased by the direction we moving in and the repertoire options we are gaining over time. In addition to our regular pattern of singing and rehearsing, we have enjoyed several social occasions, a summer social gathering and picnic, and a meal and quiz at the Wisteria Hotel in the New Year. We sang twice at Teigh, for their Harvest and Palm Sunday services, and are now preparing for a Diocesan Festival Evensong at Peterborough in June and performing a Wednesday lunchtime concert in July. I am grateful to the invaluable support of Helen, Derek and Ann Blackett for helping me to facilitate and enrich our worship with music. _Harry Jacques_ **27** Llrfllk 'Pl•/p Independent Examiner's Report to the members of the Parochial Church Council of All Saints Church Oakham I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the church for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 2 to 7. Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner As the church's trustee, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the roquirements of the Charities Act 20111"the Act") and you consider that the audit requirement do not apply. It is my responsibility to Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners { under section 145151 Ibl of the act,. and To state whether any particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's Report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Direction5 given by the Charity Commission. An 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 undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I 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: 11 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect of the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or 21 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Mohammed Osman FCCA th 7 May 2025 Max Wealth Accountants. 40 Melton Road. Oakham. LE15 6AY PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS OAKHAM Statement of Financial Activities for the year ending 31 December 2024 Unrestricted lund5 Restricted fund= Endowment funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Note INCOME & ENOOWMENT5 Voluntèry Income Actlvlties for gener8ting funds Income from Investments Church actlvities TOTAL INCOME 2{al 21bl 21cl 21dl 172.436 7,910 250 42,528 2,550 8,748 223,713 10,460 250 204,455 9,470 167 27.417 208,014 208 14,434 23,182 42,058 276,481 43,446 257,538 45,286 LKPENDITURE church activitie5 Raising funds TOTALEXPENDITURE 3(al 2 Ibl 192,193 6.742 198,935 7,094 204,731 6,742 211,473 266,383 6.080 272.463 7,094 NEfiNCOME/ IE4PENDITUREI TRANSFERS BttWEEN FUNDS N￿MOvEmENT IN FUNDS 9.079 38,192 17,738 65,008 114,9251 9,079 38,192 17,738 65.008 {14,9251 Total funds brought forward at ljanuary 337,016 34,381 371,397 386,322 Total funds carrled forward at 31 December 346,095 72,573 17,738 436,405 371,397 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS OAKHAM Balance sheet at 31 December 2024 Unrestrlcted fund5 Restricted funds Endowment fund5 Total 2024 Total 2023 Note FIXED ASSErs Freehold Land & 8uildlnE 275.0(Hl 275,000 275.000 CURRENT ASS￿5 Cash in bank short term deposits Debtors & Prepayment5 120,221 18,165 17,738 156,124 72,130 11,860 14,946 16.397 625 17,022 136,618 18,790 17,728 173,146 98,936 LIABILITIES Credltors- amountfalling due in one year 11,444 297 11,741 2,539 NE[ CURRENT ASSErs/ ILIABILITIESI 125,174 18,493 17,738 161,405 96,397 TOTAL ASSErs 400,174 18,493 17,738 436,405 371,397 REPRESENTED BY PARISH FUNDS 400,174 18,493 17,738 436,405 371,597 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on JI May 2025 and signed on their behalf bv The notes on pages 4 to 7 form part of these accounts. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS OAKHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIALSTATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2024 I ACCOUNTING POLICIES The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FR5102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCS, and with the Regulations true and fair view" provisions, and under FR5102120161 as the applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities ISORPIFR510211. ASSETS Consecrated and beneflce property In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of 'charity' by Section 10121 lal and Icl of the Charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements. Other property The ownership of the church hall is vested in the council. This was independently valued in 2016, and that valuation is included in these accounts. The council has decided that it is not necessary for the value of the hall to be depreciated. Moveable church furnishing5 These are capitalised at C05t and depreciated over their useful economic life other than where insufficient C05t information Is available. In this case the item is not capitalised, but all items are included in the Church's inventory In any case. Items costing £IOOO or less are written off in the year of acquisition. Tanglble fixed a55ets These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and c05t at least £IOOO. They are valued at cost or else, f or gift5-in-kind, at a reasonable estimate of their open market value on receipt. Depreciation Is calculated to write off the capitali2ed cost of fixed assets less their currently anticipated residual fair value over their estimated useful lives as follows.. Land Fixtures & FittinES 5 years No depreciation is provided on buildings as the current estimated residual value of the properties is not le55 than their carrying value and the remaining useful life of these assets currently exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charges would be immaterial. An impairment review is carried out at each year-end and any resultant loss identified included in expenditure for the year. Short term deposit5 These are cash held on deposit at the bank. FUNDS Unrestrlcted funds These represent the remaining income funds of the PCC that are available for spendlng on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC loi fixed assets for its own use or for spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its 'free reserve5, as disclosed in the trustees, report. Restrlcted funds These are Income funds that must be spent on restricted purposes and details of the funds held and restrictions provided are shown in the notes to the accounts. (Note 81 Endowment funds There are no endowment funds under the control of the PCC. 2. INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Unre5trFCted fund5 RE5tricted fund Endowrnent fund5 Total 2023 Note Total 2024 2 (a} Voluntary Incorne Gift Aid donatlons Tax recovered Collections Grant5 Donations appeals etc Legacles other 97.009 27,222 5.042 1.745 40,420 I,OOD 2,862 2,532 99,871 29,754 5.067 40,743 47,279 1,000 107.740 29,965 8,162 46,912 11.217 372 8&9 30,250 6,859 8.748 172,436 42.528 8,74B 223,713 204,455 2 (b} Activltles forgenerating fund5 Fund raising ovents Concert5 2,036 5,874 7.910 2,550 4,586 5,874 IG,46tJ 3,101 6.368 9,470 2.550 2 Ic } Income from investments Interest 250 250 167 2 {d} Church activitie5 Fee5 {weddings, funerals etc} Hire of church Hall Recharge of shared costs other 1,847 4,807 20,753 io 208 426 2,481 18,815 20,753 io 5.783 15,623 21,263 777 14,008 27,417 208 14,434 42,058 43,446 TOTAL INCOME 208,014 45,286 23,182 276,481 257,538 EXPENDITURE Unrestrlcted funds Restricted funds Endown12nt tund5 Note Total 2024 Total 2023 313) Church activitie5 Mlssionary givlng Overseas 2,000 3,495 5,495 Home 588 300 888 io 588 300 888 Ministry: diocesan parish Share other ministry Costs Church runnlng & iiiaintenance Major repairs Church H811 running costs Prlnting & stationery Bank charges 88,595 9,636 80,515 88,595 15,079 80,515 6,794 10.007 2,853 94,250 19.221 73.236 62,047 8,853 3,281 6.794 10,007 2,853 192,193 7.094 204,731 266.383 3 {b) Ra15ing funds Concert expense5 6,742 6,742 6.742 6,742 6.080 6,080 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 198,935 7,094 211,473 272,465 STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wggos &salarlès Natior)al Insurance Pen51on 43,109 43,7TI 410 43,109 44,187 Average number of (parttime) employees OurÉngthe yearthÈ PCC employed 8 Dlrertor of Muslc. admlnlstrator, accounts clerk, support officer. verger & caretaker (church Halll, all of whom are parttime. No social security costs were payable because the employer's contrlbution due fell below the de minimis limit. Three employees were entitled to a Workplace Pension. 41al Related Partles No payments or expen5e5 were paid to any member of the PCC, persons closely connected to them or to related parties. Donations from Related Partie5 IPCC members & their close family) totalled £9,072, Unrestricted funds Restricted tunds EndoNvment funds Total 2024 Total 2023 DEBTORS Prepayments Tax recoverable other debtors Inc. Cash in Transit 1,995 6,957 7,446 16,397 1,995 7,582 7,446 17,022 1,438 8,288 5,220 14,946 625 625 6. CURRENT LIABILITIES Accruals for utilities & other costs other creditor5 Deferred income {wedding deposltsF 1,263 10,182 1,263 10,478 1,376 297 11,444 297 11,741 1,376 7. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND Fixed a55ets Debtors Cash & 5hortterm dep051tS 275.000 16,397 120,221 411.618 11,444 400.174 275,000 17.022 156,124 448,146 11,741 436.405 275,000 14,946 83,990 373,936 2,539 371.397 625 18.155 18,790 297 17.738 17,738 Current liabilitie5 18,493 17,738 8. SUMMARY OF FUND BALANCES Balance Balance Transfers Incoming Resources OutgolnE resource5 31.12.23 31.12.24 Unrostricied funds Restrlcted funds Fabrlc fund Vicar5, & Wardens, fund Endowmentfund Total funds 337,017 208,014 198,935 346,095 32,527 1,853 45.286 6,794 300 71,019 1,553 17,738 436,405 23.182 276,481 371,397 211.473 Purposes of restricted funds: Fabric fund Repairs & renovations of the church and its other properties Vicars, & Wardens, fund Minor expenditures at the discretion of the vlcars & wardens Endowment fund Approx. 45% devoted to church music and 55% on the fabric of the church 9. GRANTS RECEIVED Unrestricted fund5 Restricted funds Endoivrnent funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Royce & Oakham Church Estates Oakham Memorial Institute BenefartTrust Listed Places of Worship Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Bellringers Preservation Trust Nation21 Churches Trust The Wolfson Foundation Friends of All Saints 8,748 8,748 5,000 3,250 1,093 8,748 5,000 3,250 1,093 17,166 8,000 3,730 7,513 1,755 46,912 652 652 1,093 8,902 8,748 18,743 10. MISSION GIVING 2024 2023 INTERNATIONAL Churth Mission Society All We Can NATIONAL The Children'5 Society Scripture Union Langley House Tr115t LOCAL Churches Together in Oakham Peppers- A Safe Place other 1,000 1,000 1,092 588 1,000 1,000 403 300 888 5,495 The PCC had con5iderablo concerns about makingthe normal level of payments given the generally high level of expenditure, concerns over rising prices and a potential fall in incorne a5 people respond to the rising cost of living. There was also a concern thatthe window restoration projectwould divert donation5 awayfrom the General Fund (from ivhich Mission Giving is paidl to the Fabric Fund. Independent Examiner's Report to the members of the Parochial Church Council of All Saints Church Oakham I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the church for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 2 to 7. Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner As the church's trustee, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the roquirements of the Charities Act 20111"the Act") and you consider that the audit requirement do not apply. It is my responsibility to Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners { under section 145151 Ibl of the act,. and To state whether any particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's Report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Direction5 given by the Charity Commission. An 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 undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I 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: 11 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect of the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or 21 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Mohammed Osman FCCA th 7 May 2025 Max Wealth Accountants. 40 Melton Road. Oakham. LE15 6AY PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS OAKHAM Statement of Financial Activities for the year ending 31 December 2024 Unrestricted lund5 Restricted fund= Endowment funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Note INCOME & ENOOWMENT5 Voluntèry Income Actlvlties for gener8ting funds Income from Investments Church actlvities TOTAL INCOME 2{al 21bl 21cl 21dl 172.436 7,910 250 42,528 2,550 8,748 223,713 10,460 250 204,455 9,470 167 27.417 208,014 208 14,434 23,182 42,058 276,481 43,446 257,538 45,286 LKPENDITURE church activitie5 Raising funds TOTALEXPENDITURE 3(al 2 Ibl 192,193 6.742 198,935 7,094 204,731 6,742 211,473 266,383 6.080 272.463 7,094 NEfiNCOME/ IE4PENDITUREI TRANSFERS BttWEEN FUNDS N￿MOvEmENT IN FUNDS 9.079 38,192 17,738 65,008 114,9251 9,079 38,192 17,738 65.008 {14,9251 Total funds brought forward at ljanuary 337,016 34,381 371,397 386,322 Total funds carrled forward at 31 December 346,095 72,573 17,738 436,405 371,397 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS OAKHAM Balance sheet at 31 December 2024 Unrestrlcted fund5 Restricted funds Endowment fund5 Total 2024 Total 2023 Note FIXED ASSErs Freehold Land & 8uildlnE 275.0(Hl 275,000 275.000 CURRENT ASS￿5 Cash in bank short term deposits Debtors & Prepayment5 120,221 18,165 17,738 156,124 72,130 11,860 14,946 16.397 625 17,022 136,618 18,790 17,728 173,146 98,936 LIABILITIES Credltors- amountfalling due in one year 11,444 297 11,741 2,539 NE[ CURRENT ASSErs/ ILIABILITIESI 125,174 18,493 17,738 161,405 96,397 TOTAL ASSErs 400,174 18,493 17,738 436,405 371,397 REPRESENTED BY PARISH FUNDS 400,174 18,493 17,738 436,405 371,597 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on JI May 2025 and signed on their behalf bv The notes on pages 4 to 7 form part of these accounts. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS OAKHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIALSTATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2024 I ACCOUNTING POLICIES The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FR5102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCS, and with the Regulations true and fair view" provisions, and under FR5102120161 as the applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities ISORPIFR510211. ASSETS Consecrated and beneflce property In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of 'charity' by Section 10121 lal and Icl of the Charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements. Other property The ownership of the church hall is vested in the council. This was independently valued in 2016, and that valuation is included in these accounts. The council has decided that it is not necessary for the value of the hall to be depreciated. Moveable church furnishing5 These are capitalised at C05t and depreciated over their useful economic life other than where insufficient C05t information Is available. In this case the item is not capitalised, but all items are included in the Church's inventory In any case. Items costing £IOOO or less are written off in the year of acquisition. Tanglble fixed a55ets These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and c05t at least £IOOO. They are valued at cost or else, f or gift5-in-kind, at a reasonable estimate of their open market value on receipt. Depreciation Is calculated to write off the capitali2ed cost of fixed assets less their currently anticipated residual fair value over their estimated useful lives as follows.. Land Fixtures & FittinES 5 years No depreciation is provided on buildings as the current estimated residual value of the properties is not le55 than their carrying value and the remaining useful life of these assets currently exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charges would be immaterial. An impairment review is carried out at each year-end and any resultant loss identified included in expenditure for the year. Short term deposit5 These are cash held on deposit at the bank. FUNDS Unrestrlcted funds These represent the remaining income funds of the PCC that are available for spendlng on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC loi fixed assets for its own use or for spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its 'free reserve5, as disclosed in the trustees, report. Restrlcted funds These are Income funds that must be spent on restricted purposes and details of the funds held and restrictions provided are shown in the notes to the accounts. (Note 81 Endowment funds There are no endowment funds under the control of the PCC. 2. INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Unre5trFCted fund5 RE5tricted fund Endowrnent fund5 Total 2023 Note Total 2024 2 (a} Voluntary Incorne Gift Aid donatlons Tax recovered Collections Grant5 Donations appeals etc Legacles other 97.009 27,222 5.042 1.745 40,420 I,OOD 2,862 2,532 99,871 29,754 5.067 40,743 47,279 1,000 107.740 29,965 8,162 46,912 11.217 372 8&9 30,250 6,859 8.748 172,436 42.528 8,74B 223,713 204,455 2 (b} Activltles forgenerating fund5 Fund raising ovents Concert5 2,036 5,874 7.910 2,550 4,586 5,874 IG,46tJ 3,101 6.368 9,470 2.550 2 Ic } Income from investments Interest 250 250 167 2 {d} Church activitie5 Fee5 {weddings, funerals etc} Hire of church Hall Recharge of shared costs other 1,847 4,807 20,753 io 208 426 2,481 18,815 20,753 io 5.783 15,623 21,263 777 14,008 27,417 208 14,434 42,058 43,446 TOTAL INCOME 208,014 45,286 23,182 276,481 257,538 EXPENDITURE Unrestrlcted funds Restricted funds Endown12nt tund5 Note Total 2024 Total 2023 313) Church activitie5 Mlssionary givlng Overseas 2,000 3,495 5,495 Home 588 300 888 io 588 300 888 Ministry: diocesan parish Share other ministry Costs Church runnlng & iiiaintenance Major repairs Church H811 running costs Prlnting & stationery Bank charges 88,595 9,636 80,515 88,595 15,079 80,515 6,794 10.007 2,853 94,250 19.221 73.236 62,047 8,853 3,281 6.794 10,007 2,853 192,193 7.094 204,731 266.383 3 {b) Ra15ing funds Concert expense5 6,742 6,742 6.742 6,742 6.080 6,080 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 198,935 7,094 211,473 272,465 STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wggos &salarlès Natior)al Insurance Pen51on 43,109 43,7TI 410 43,109 44,187 Average number of (parttime) employees OurÉngthe yearthÈ PCC employed 8 Dlrertor of Muslc. admlnlstrator, accounts clerk, support officer. verger & caretaker (church Halll, all of whom are parttime. No social security costs were payable because the employer's contrlbution due fell below the de minimis limit. Three employees were entitled to a Workplace Pension. 41al Related Partles No payments or expen5e5 were paid to any member of the PCC, persons closely connected to them or to related parties. Donations from Related Partie5 IPCC members & their close family) totalled £9,072, Unrestricted funds Restricted tunds EndoNvment funds Total 2024 Total 2023 DEBTORS Prepayments Tax recoverable other debtors Inc. Cash in Transit 1,995 6,957 7,446 16,397 1,995 7,582 7,446 17,022 1,438 8,288 5,220 14,946 625 625 6. CURRENT LIABILITIES Accruals for utilities & other costs other creditor5 Deferred income {wedding deposltsF 1,263 10,182 1,263 10,478 1,376 297 11,444 297 11,741 1,376 7. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND Fixed a55ets Debtors Cash & 5hortterm dep051tS 275.000 16,397 120,221 411.618 11,444 400.174 275,000 17.022 156,124 448,146 11,741 436.405 275,000 14,946 83,990 373,936 2,539 371.397 625 18.155 18,790 297 17.738 17,738 Current liabilitie5 18,493 17,738 8. SUMMARY OF FUND BALANCES Balance Balance Transfers Incoming Resources OutgolnE resource5 31.12.23 31.12.24 Unrostricied funds Restrlcted funds Fabrlc fund Vicar5, & Wardens, fund Endowmentfund Total funds 337,017 208,014 198,935 346,095 32,527 1,853 45.286 6,794 300 71,019 1,553 17,738 436,405 23.182 276,481 371,397 211.473 Purposes of restricted funds: Fabric fund Repairs & renovations of the church and its other properties Vicars, & Wardens, fund Minor expenditures at the discretion of the vlcars & wardens Endowment fund Approx. 45% devoted to church music and 55% on the fabric of the church 9. GRANTS RECEIVED Unrestricted fund5 Restricted funds Endoivrnent funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Royce & Oakham Church Estates Oakham Memorial Institute BenefartTrust Listed Places of Worship Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Bellringers Preservation Trust Nation21 Churches Trust The Wolfson Foundation Friends of All Saints 8,748 8,748 5,000 3,250 1,093 8,748 5,000 3,250 1,093 17,166 8,000 3,730 7,513 1,755 46,912 652 652 1,093 8,902 8,748 18,743 10. MISSION GIVING 2024 2023 INTERNATIONAL Churth Mission Society All We Can NATIONAL The Children'5 Society Scripture Union Langley House Tr115t LOCAL Churches Together in Oakham Peppers- A Safe Place other 1,000 1,000 1,092 588 1,000 1,000 403 300 888 5,495 The PCC had con5iderablo concerns about makingthe normal level of payments given the generally high level of expenditure, concerns over rising prices and a potential fall in incorne a5 people respond to the rising cost of living. There was also a concern thatthe window restoration projectwould divert donation5 awayfrom the General Fund (from ivhich Mission Giving is paidl to the Fabric Fund.