Kingsthorpe
Team Ministry
St David s Church
The Church of
St John the Baptist
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL
CHURCH MEETING 2024
REPORTS
St Mark's Church

APCM Agenda
APCM Minutes 2023
Rector's Report
Team Vicar's Report
10
Curates, Report
12
Deanery Synod Report
No report
Electoral Roll Reports
16
PCC Secretary's Report
16
St David's Churchwardens, Report
17
St John the Baptist Churchwarden's Report
18
St John the Baptist Fabric Committee Report
19
St Mark's Churchwarden Report
20
Lay Reader's Report
21
Lay Pastoral Ministers, Report
22
Safeguarding
Z4
St John the Baptlst Cholr Report
24
St John the Baptist Flower Group Report
25
St Mark's Flower Fund Report
25
Mother5 Union Report
26
Kingsthorpe Churches Together Rep(
26
St Davfd's Tlme for Tots - Renew Famllles
27
Renew 88
28

Kingsthorpe Pocket Park Report
Charity Commission Report
KINGSTHORPE TEAM MINISTRY
Charity Number 1130370
KINGSTHORPE PARISH ANNUAL MEETING 2024
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AGENDA for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting to be held on Thursday 11 th
April 2024 at St Davld's Church at 7.30pm.
Prayers
VESTRY ME￿ING.
Apologles for absence
Appointment of Churchwardens
Appointment of PCC members110 persons from each church)
Appointment of Sidespersons.
Appointment to Deanery Synod.
PARISH MEETING:
Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting of 11 Ih May 2023.
Report from PCC Treasurer and approval of the accounts.
Appointment of Independent Examlner.
Electoral Rolllsl.
Comments from Team Clergy.
Reports from Lay Pastoral Ministers, Churchwardens, PCC Secretary and Deanery
Synod - already circulated.
Fabric reports.
Rectors comments.
Any Other Business:
Date of 2025 Annual Parochial Church Meeting.
NEW PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUMCIL:

Dates of future meetings.
Appoirbtment of Lay Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.
Appointment of Safeguarding Officer.
KINGSTHORPE TEAM MINISTRY
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Thursday) 11th May 2023
by Zoom & in person.
Revd. Canon Jane Butler chaired the meeting. Revd Jonathan Lee & Revd Sarah
Lee were also present. Matthew Brennan was interpreter.
Present:
On Zry)m
In person
8 laity
21 laity
Apolo8les:
St. David
St. John the Baptlst
St. Mark
None
2 laity
1 laity
The meeting opened vrith prayers lead by Revd. Canon Jane Butler.
VESTRY MEETING:
Appolntment of Churchwardens:
St. David:
June Ward - proposed ShTrley Basford., seconded Terry Basford
2. Rebecca Adnitt - proposed Shirley Basford: seconded Terry Basford
St. John the Ba
1. Vacant
2. Vacant
tlst:
Rev Jane state that she would make this matter known to the Archdeacon and
ask hls advice.
St. Mark..
Jo Carrick - proposed Ken Sumbler; seconded David Bunker
2. Vacant
Revd Jane Butler thanked the outgoing churchwardens for all their work in the
past year and that she Iwked forward to working with the newly elected church
wardens in the coming year.

Appointment of Parochial Church Council:
St. David:
1. Sarah-Jane Major Ex-OfficiolLay Reader.
2. Joyce Munroe IP June Ward S Muriel Stevenson)
3. Jane Serbyn IP Sarah-jane Major S June Ward)
4. Anne Stevens IP June Ward S Muriel Stevenson
5. Maureen Robinson IP Muriel Stevenscfft S June Ward)
6. Shirley Basford IP June Ward S Becky Adnitti
7. h4Ary Hard¥Mck IP Maureen Robinson S June Ward)
Vacancies remain for three PCC place5.
St. John the Ba
tist:
1. Jenny Griffin Ex-OfficlolLay Reader.
2. Geoff Foster IP M Brame S A Bramel
3. Mandy Bentley IP P Gothard S P Stone)
4. Pauline Stone IP J Griffin S R stonel
5. Peter Borley.Cox IP M Brame S P Stonel
Vacancies remain for five PCC places.
St. Mark..
Ruth Gould IP Helen Hickman S J Carrickl
Helen Hickman IP Richie Carrick S R Gould)
Sue Evans IP W May S D Bunker)
Richie Carrick IP S Cumbleton S E May)
Kathy Wilcox IP E May S S Evans)
L12 May IP Richle Carrick S Shirley Cumbletonl
Paula Blackwell IP R Gould S C Woodleyl
Samantha Hunt IP S Cumbleton S J Carrickl
Shirley Cumbleton IP Richie Carrick S E May)
Vacancles remaln for one PCC place.
Appolntment of Sldespersons:
St. David:
All members of the congregation.
St. John the Ba
tist:
All members of the congregation.

St. Mark..
All members of the congregation.
All the above named were elected to serve as sidespersons in their individual
churches for the coming year. All members present were in favour.
Deanery Synod Representatives ex officlo12nd year of 3-year term).
{5 persons allowed)
Jenny Griffin
Sarah-Jane Major
PARISH MEETING:
The Mlnutes of the meetlng held on Th Aprfl 2022 were slgned as a true record
after the as all persons present were in favour.
Flnance:
Becky Adnltt told the APCM that Roger Cobley had recently passed away. He had
been the Independent examiner for many years.
Peter Borley-cox gave a brief overview as to how the parish finance5 had been
over the last financial year. He explained that parish income had increased but
not enough to cover its expenses.
He reported that the parlsh reserves had Increased due to a bequest whlch had
been received during the year. Sue Evans told the APCM that it was time that
the parish revisited the parish reserves p)licy to ensure it meets current needs.
Peter Borley.Cox proposed that the accounts were approved. It was seconded
by Ruth Gould. All were In favour of thls motlon.
Revd Jane thanked both Peter Borley-cox and Sue Evan5 for their hard work
during the last year.
Appolntment of Independent Examlner:
Peter Borley-cox explained that Jackie Brame was willing to be the Independent
Examiner again for the coming year. The appointment of Jackie Brame was
proposed by Peter Borley-cox and seconded by Sue Evans. The meeting passed
this motion.

Electoral Roll:
St. David:
The APCM were told that St Davids had a total of 27 members on their electoral
roll. IA decrease of 10)
St. John the Ba
tist:
The APCM were told that St John the Baptist had a total of 77 members on their
electoral. roll. IA decrease of 31.
St. Mark..
The APCM were told that St Marks had a total of 43 members on their electoral
roll. IAn increase of 11
Curate's Comments
Revds. Jonathan and Sarah told the APCM that their report in the booklet
covered everything they wanted to say.
Report from Organlsatlons & Commlttees Includlng the Fabrlc Report5
Foodbank
The APM were told that the foodbank was very successful and the
number of families using the facility had grown to 358. It has 30
volunteers. In the week prior to the APCM, the fcM)dbank had helped
866 adults and 489 children.
Rev Jane took the opportunity to thank Cheryl and all her helpers.
Fabrlc Commlttees
St John the Baptist
Mark Brame stated the St John the Baptist Fabric Committee
reFM)rt was in the Ix)oklet.

Sarah-Jane asked about the chapter house project. Mark Brame
said this was on hold as they were still waiting for a response
from the DAC.
St Davids
St Davids were still waiting for permission for their disabled
toilet. Again. this is a DAC issue. Jane Serbyn said the worry was
that the project had grant funding which may be lost if the
project is delayed.
St Marks
Jo Carrick sald that the St Marks report was In the booklet, but
she said that the large project to repair the crack in the church
would be starting soon. This was a costly project by the £7,C4)0
cost had been covered by pledges.
Revd. Jane told the meetlng that any other reports were in the booklet whlch
had been clrculated. She asked if there were any questions. There were none.
Rector's Comments:
Revd Jane sald her comments were too In the report in booklet.
Mark Brame stated that he was disappointed with the St John the Bapt15t
reaction to his standing in down with no volunteer coming forward to fill the
role. Rev Jane thanked him for his hard work and dedication.
She explalned that If there was no resolutlon to the Issue then a full and frank
discussion would be needed at the next PCC meeting about how the parish is to
continue across the three churche5. She saw that the joint service on the 2151
May 2023 as an opportunity for this.
Any Other Buslness:
Dorothy Brooke asked if Rev Jane wa5 feeling better after having missed the
Easter services.
Rev jane thanked Matthew Brennan for helping with signing at the PCC meetings.
Date of 2024 Annual IAeeting".
Thursday, 11" April 2024 at 7.30pm.

This ended the bu5ine55 of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.
Appolntments to the new Parochlal Church Councll:
Lay Chalr - Mandy Bentley
Secretary - Helen Hickman
Treasurer- Peter Borley-cox and Assistant Sue Evans
Safeguardlng Offlcer - Jane Serbyn
All members present were in favour of these appointments:
Dates of Parochlal Church Coundl meetlnqs for 2023124
25th May 2023
2T' July 2023
28th September 2023
23" November 2023
25th Jan 2024
28th March 2024
2024 APCM 11th April 2024
The meeting closed wth the Prayers.
Rector's Re
ort
In 2023 we have worked well as a team of churches.
During the winter we had warm spaces in each of the churches. Rev Jonathan
led this. This was not widely taken up but th￿e who took part enjoyed it and
kept warm. We were lucky enough to gain a donation from the council towards
the running of this.
During this time we started family servites on the 1st Sunday of the month in
all churches, this had mixed success depending on the number of children that
were at the services. It was certainly a learning curve for some.
We continued wth brick church, the attendance varies from month to month,
even so we continued doing this led by Rev Jonathan. Woodland church was
also continued wth Rev Sarah this has grown and it Is multigenerational. The
youngest been a toddler the oldest being in their 90's. The Sunday morning

seNices C¢)ntinued as normal. Special" seNice were done for all the festivals
during the year.
During 2023 1 was ill for 10 weeks and I would like to thank Rev's Jonathan and
Sarah for holding the fort and taking the Easter seNices. With out their help
and cover I wouldn't have been able to recuperate as well with little thought
for the parish during this time.
During this time children's attiwties, home groups have continued as well as a
renew 88 being started for familie5.
In August 2023 Rev Alison Wagner jOTned us as the team vicar of St David's and
school chaplain to Malcolm Arnold Academy. This has proved to be a very good
appointment. Rev Ali has been well received by members of all the churches.
The finance position is continuing to be precarious, and less money is being
able to be paid towards the parish share due to more money being needed for
payment oof utility bills. Peter Borley- Cox is finishing as treasurer at the
APCM after 18 years. I want to thank him for all the work he has done during
this time.
As we are golng into 2024 we are looklng at new possibilitles for mlsslon and
growth.
I would like to thank everyone who works behind the scenes, as well as those
who help week by week, especially I would like to thank all the church
wardens that take on so many extra duties as well as church warden duties.
I would like to thank my clergy and laity team that both work with me and
support me. I would like to thank Revds. Jonathan and Sarah for all they have
done in the last three years as they prepare to move on. We wish them well.
Canon Jane Butler
Team Rector
Team Vlcar's Re
ort
I have been in my role as Team Vlcar and Chapialn at for nearly 8 months
and there's been a lot to get used to. l am in very familiar territory, only a
mile away from where I grew up but in an entirely new landscape.
l am incredibly grateful for the welcome and support I have received across
the parish. Thank you.
Some Hi
hts:
1, The Launde Retreat- a wonderful opportunity to pray with and get to know
many members of the churches. Before we left Launde, three of us prayed in
the outdoor Chapel lone each from St D's. St J's and St M's) for the parish, it
felt significant.
2, The Vision Day= Denise did an excellent job of guiding and encouraging us to
share our hopes and fears in the context of prayer.... Always prayer.
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3, My first baptism at St Dawd's welcomed the ywngest member of our family
at St Dawd's. When I was preachir)g later on in the year on Simeon recognising
Jesus in the Temple. he lour lovely baby) ￿th gurgles and squawks provided a
wonderful reminder that God was actually a baby in Christ and needed love
and care from a human family.
3, Christmas.. Carols at St John's in the church after the Christmas Tree
Festival. St David's full of primary school children t￿(e and a great visit to
Purple Oaks School for a Christmas Serwce. A wonderful Crib Service, well
attended but wth an atmosphere o( joy in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
4, Woodland Church Is a really speclal tlme outslde explorfng God In a
reflective and dynamic way on Bradlaugh Fields. A great cross parish team
leads thi5 creatively each month and I've loved joining in.
5, The Be Still Course in January encouraged us to think about how we make
time for God in our busy lives and the importance and gift of that practice.
Jesus wthdrew to quiet places to pray we learned to do that more. It was Ilke
a mlnl-retreat in the week.
6, The Lent Course. l only attended 2 but the conversations, again cross parish
were thoughtful and faith building.
Some thin
s to look forward to:
Café Church.. Offering a more informal service rooted in hospitality, worship.
prayer and Biblical exploration. A truly intergenerational affair, please pray
for this.
Greater Ilnks wlth the schools- The team at St Mark under Rev Sarah have
Invested and sewen much fruit from their work in Whitehllls. My hope is that
our growing links ￿th Northgate, Kingsthorpe Grove, MAPS and Purple Oaks
will strengthen and that our churches W￿11 become familiar places for the
children in the parish.
An Ordinand- The arrival of an Ordinand to train with us for the final year of
their studies is very exciting. I will be returning to my old college, St Mellitus
occasionally and I hope that we will all benefit from this exchange as we seek
to equip them for their curacy and as we enjoy their gifts.
Confirmations in July.. Bishop Debbie is coming to St David's. Please pray for
the preparation and the candidates as they take this step of faith.
Canon Jane has been a tremendous support in my first few months, dispensing
wise advice, praying for me and also letting me 'get on with it! Tr The boys lall

three of them) are getting used to another house and church community and
mostly thriwng but it is still a period of adjustfflent.
I have not always found it easy to balance the two posts, they could both be
full time jobs. This Holy Week and Easter is proving a particular challenge. So,
l am learning to say 'no' at times, and to remind myself l am not here to solve
everybody's problems but to wint them to God and to pray.
What SITPS SO easily is the time for prayer and reflection. the work that looks
pointless but is the bedrock of our Christian lives. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus
the author and perfector of our faith. Let Him write the story of this parish
and fill it ¥Mth people he is calling.
Revd All
Curates. Re
rt
The third year of our curacles has been very good, we feel at home here In
Kingsthorpe, thank you to everyone for their continued encouragement of our
ministry,
It has been a busy year for us since the last APCM. The pattern of our week
has continued with a mix of online and in person services. Morning prayer on
Tuesdays and Wednesdays continues on 200m and enables several people to
join in who would be unable to attend these seThices if held in person. 9. 30am
Thursday morning Holy Communion at St John the Baptist Church and a
monthly 11.30am momins Holy Communion service at St David's have become
regular events. We do encourage anyone who is available at those times of
the day to join us if they can, it is so lovely to meet to pray and worship
together. It has been great to welcome Rev Alison Wagner to the team, and
she now enjoys the running of the monthly Wednesday Holy Communion at St
Davids. Sarah and Jonathan have both taken 3 weddings each during the
summer of 2023, which was both a privilege and a joy. We have enjoyed
continuing to take regular baptisms and it has been an honour to continue to
walk with bereaved families and take funerals for their loved ones.
Over the summer of 2023 we undertook training to deliver "The Bereavement
Jourrbey" 7- week course, and in September ran this for the first time in thi5
parish, alongside Chris Woodley and Jo Carrick who had also done the training.
Sarah.Jane Major then took over the administration for this course and
together wth Jo ran a second course at St Marks which has been well attended
by community contacts. The five of u5 found the training really valuable and
the course has been excellent. The team hope to continue to offer this as a
parish perhaps twice a year.
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In July and August 2023. we ran Summer Informal Worship evenings, to learn
some new songs from video input. read and study the Bible and pray together.
A small group from across the churches met and really enjoyed times of
fellowship together on Sunday evenings rotating around the different
churches.
Little Stars which launched in Sept 2021 altemating between St Mark's Church,
and St John the Baptist Church has continued throughout school term times.
This group is for parentslcarers and their children and attracts usually through
word of mouth or Facebook, between around 8.10 families each week for a
1.30-3pm session. We have seen an increase in Grandmothers attending w6th
their grandchildren recently. Little Stars has stories, songs and prayers on
seasonal theme accompanied by live piano music and the presence of a large
Teddy Bear dressed in his liturgically coloured waistcoat. After this there is
informal time relaxing with toys, chat and refreshments. Many new
friendships have been forged and there have been several meals organlsed
during the last year jointly by the leaders of the Tots at St David's and the
Little Stars leaders to get the mums and carers together for a happy social
occasion. After Easter 2024 this group will meet weekly at St Mark's Church,
where it has been better attended than at St Jthns. There is a strong lay
team able to lead this group and take it forward.
Brick Church has continued at St. John-the-Baptist Church on a monthly basls
save for a pause over the sunny summer months. The format remains the
same.. we enjoy a Bible story together Iread and watched on a 'Lego-video' I
before launching into an hour or so of fun with Lego and Duplo, taking themes
from the Bible story and building together wth creativity and imagination.
Thls Is coupled wth a Lego treasure hunt, a prayer wall and colouring sheets,
which is all followed by Grace, and more chat over a 'Sand￿Ch & cake, tea
together. Numbers have grown throughout 2024 particularly and we have
enjoyed welcoming new families to that and other services too. A big thank
you to the team who come to set up and take down to help this run smoothly
and to the "Tea Team" and bakers who produce a fantastic aftern¢)on tea
every month.
September 2022 saw the launch of Woodland Church at the Outdoor Classroom
on the Brampton Valley Way. Spring 2023 saw a new start for Woodland
Church in Bradlaugh Fields behind St David's Church. We wander across from
the front of St Dawds once a month, pickinq up litter as we go, and then meet
up wth others at the gates to the Fields. We risk assess together, and launch
the theme for that month, then wander and wonder in the park together. This
has helped to form friendships across the generations, and we have had people
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from almost every decade from O's-90's doing life together, sharing and having
fun. We pause for activitie5 and reflection, and we have looked at trees,
seeds. hidden things, and recently built a complete Easter Garden near the
outdoor classroom play area. We have gone into partnership with the team at
the Barn there, who are willing to open up the facilities for us once a month
and provide hot and cold drinks for sale at a very reasonable price, plus indoor
Space for crafts and singing if the weather outside proves difficult for our
activities and toilet facilities. It has been really wonderful to see this develop
and grow and a big thank you to the team who put so much effort into leading.
baking and organising so that this Fresh Expression of church runs smoothly.
Our Ilnks w6th Whltehllls Sch¢)ol have grown, and In the summer term,
Reception came to visit St Mark's and learn about the building and what goes
on in a church. Year 6 visited us for a special Prayer Space event, and in small
groups of 15 explored what it means to pray. We also visited school to help
them with their transition process as they prepared to leave for secondary
school. In the autumn term, Rev Sarah continued to take assemblies regularly
at the school covering Church festivals for them. Rev Sarah visited year 6
lessons, and Year 2 vi51ted St Marks for an Explore Advent morning, the
highlight of which was the hunting for and taking home of a beautifully
coloured jewel, after learning that Gthj values them as much as they do their
precious stone. Year 5 & 6 came to us for their Carol seryice again this year,
which was a lovely opportunity to warmly welcome all the parents and say a
few words about the importance of God's love for us all. In the spring term
we have visited year 4 to talk about Easter, and year 5 have visited us to
Explore Easter. Two children from Whitehills who attended and enjoyed the
Christingle Service have been baptised in March 2024. A wonderful team was
involved in both the set up and the running of the Explore days in particular
and our thanks go to everyone who was Involved as the chlldren and staff
thoroughly enjoyed thelr tlme at St Mark's Church.
We have continued to have good links vrith the Uniformed organisations in the
parish this year, who came to us for Remembrance Sunday in November 2023,
but prior to that in June 2023 the Squirrels came on a visit in the summer term
to explore St John the Baptist Church. We invited the uniformed groups to
attend a Carol Service put on particularly with them in mind at St Mark's
Church in December 2023. this was well attended by the Scout/Cub/Beaver
troupes, and we were also joined by some of the Girls Brigade from our
ecumenical partners at the Baptist Church.
Irb January 2024 we celebrated the week of prayer for Christian Unity by
planning and holding an ecumenical service in St Mark's Church with people
involved from all our three churches, plus Christians from the Roman Catholic,
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Baptist and Methodist Churches. Rev Sarah really enjoyed connecting with all
our local churches in the planr)ing of this service. We had high numbers in
attendance, and it was well received by all. We were delighted that Rev lan
Suttie. a retired Methodist Minister from Kingsthorpe Churches Together, Rev
Dr Samantha Gillard the new methodist minister and Father Daniel from the
Roman Catholic Cathedral were able to join us for this semce.
Men's Group has continued to meet during the past year and includes people
from all three churche5. They have enjoyed watching rugby and cricket,
playing indoor bowls, eating together enjoying company and conversation.
Summer 2023 there was a successful walk. a boat trip and spectating at a
cricket match.
We have continued to enjoy being part of the team who run 'Fun and Faith.
for our young people; and also, being involved in the running of the Advent
and Lent courses. We have enjoyed supporting the work of Renew 88
Wellbeing on Wednesdays and the Café on Saturday mornings at St Davlds.
Rev Jonathan moved curacy placement in January 2024 to Christ the King
Church in Kettering, to assist with staffing there and to broaden his experience
in a different type of parish. Rev Sarah has continued here in Kingsthorpe. We
would both like to thank Rev Canon Jane and the people of Kingsthorpe Team
Ministry very much for the opportunity to be curates here and to grow in
confidence in our ministry with your support. We are now "signed off" and
looking for our next post as incumbents which will probably happen this
summer 2024. $0 this is our last report for the APCM. We hope and pray that
all the wonderful work that is happening in this parish continues to help those
of this commsjnity grow in faith and love.
Thank you.
Rev Sarah and Rev Jonathan
Deane
ort - no rewrt received.
St David Electoral Roll Re ort
The 2024 membership stand5 at 25.
St John the Ba
tlst Elertoral Roll Re
We began the year with 77 on the Roll.
6 have left the parish.
3 have died.
No new members have been added.
There are now 68 members on the Roll.
15
ort

Jenny Griffin
St Mark's Elertoral Roll R
ort
Passed away: 1
New member: I
The 2024 membership remains at 43
K Sumbler
PCC Secreta
'sRe
The Parochial Church Council met five times in the 2023-24 parochial year.
Officers were elected at the end of the annual meeting. All the meetings
were quorate. Until November 2023 all PCC meetings were a hybrid was
offered wth both in person meetings taking place at St David's church
alongside Zoom but slnce this time all meeting were In person. Attendance was
very good.
The main items of business across the year:
The PCC did not manage to pay the Parish Share in full. The level of
Income needed has not recovered slnce the pandemlc. However, the
parish have Set up a committee which purpose is to see how income could
be maximise at each of the three churches. lThe decision was made in
2013 to pay the parish share in full as a priority. requiring regular fund.
raising events).
The parlsh contlnued vAth Its outreach actlvltles with the contlnuatlon of
Brlck Church and Food for Thought. New activlties were started such as
woodland church and the Bereavement Journey course.
Safeguarding work twk place to ensure the three churches arbd the parish
continued to be compliant in all aspects of safeguarding
Revd Alison Wagner joined the parish as Team Vicar and Chaplain of
Malcolm Arnold Academy in August 2023.
Deanery Synod is attended regularly.
Core Groups remain and were able to recover and meet in person during the
year, i.e., Pastoral Care, Nurture and Growth. Youth, and Mission.
Helen Hickman
St Davids Church Warden re
Vestments & Chattels
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These are all as previous year, are in good se￿Iceable condition, valuables are
retained with in a locked safe, when not being used for worship.
Bullding & Fabrlcs
The sound systems and projector for the Church Hall is now completed. and is
being used for seNices, training and faith and fun.
Disabled toilets - Debates continues, sign off obtained from the faculty,
commencement date for the works to be advised.
Compliance Checks - all necessary checks f¢y electrical, fire test and PAT
testing complete & up to date.
General
Ali Wagner was 1Scensed on the 61h August 2023, by Bishop Andrew Proud, and
the Archdeacon Richard. A lovely service with refreshments afterward5. Ali 15 a
great asset to St. David's, and the team working together is a delight.
Thank You
Rena & Kelvln - For the upkeep of the grounds. The front elevatlon to the
Church is looking amazing.
Anne - For the organisation of the 50150 club. and for keeping up to date the
electoral roll.
Peter Cotter - For all his work 'behind the scenes.. he will be missed as he and
his wife have moved away
A big thank you for SeThers, Sides People, the now small Chior, Flower
arrangers. tea makers. and all who contribute to the church upkeep and
services.
Fund Ralslng
Bod's Little band
Murder Mystery party
Quiz Night
Servlces
Remembrance Sunday - a fantastic display of knitted poppies, complemented
by the metal shadow solider. This did draw in the local community and
pas5ers-by to the outdoor section of the serwce.
Childrens Crib Service - The Christmas Eve service was truly magical. a
spectacle to delight, and faith learning for all.
We would also like to thank Rev Cannon Jane, Rev Sarah, Rev Jonathan, Sarah.
jane Major and Rev Ali.
June & Becky
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St. John the Ba tfst Churchwardens Re
St. John the Baptist Churchwardens Report, 2023.
We continued to hold Morning Prayer on Zwm on Tuesday and Wednesday
mornings at 9:C(Jam. SeNices continued throughout the year with the Rector
and Curates usually leading, on a rota.
The 10:(K)am Sunday service5 were attended by. usually, about 30 - 35 people.
with an average of 42 throughout the year. January saw the KCT Ecumenical
service at St. John the Baptist with over 1(MJ in attendance. Thursday morning
9:30am Holy Communion averaged about 4, wth numbers between 2 and 8. this
se￿ICe is being held in the Chapter House through the winter months to save on
heating costs.
At Easter we held services of Compline (Monday, Tuesday. and Wednesday).
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday. Easter Eve. and Easter Day. all of which were
well attended,. with about 70 on Easter Day.
In the sumrner we did offer an 'informal worship" service on a Sunday evening
in July and August, but it didn't attract any newcomers to attend.
The Church was open for Heritage Weekend this year. with the display of the
'Chained Library" from the 1611P centuries. and the Victorian Architect's
drawings from the 1863 restoration work also on show. The annual 'Ride &
Stride" event went ahead as planned on the Saturday.
The church h05ted a Village Harvest Festival service at the end of September
with over 2C¥J children present.
The annual Remembrance Service was held In November, wlth about 80 In
church, followed by the Act of Remembrance at Kingsthorpe War Memorial.
This service was well attended, with Kingsthorpe and Whitehills Scout Groups
joinins us.
The Christmas Tree Festival was arranged for the start of December and was
well attended and finished off with"Carols on the Green" which was held inside
church due to FMX)r weather. There were about 150 stood in church to sing carol5,
with refreshments provided, although no fire-pits this year!
Over Christmas we held a Nine Lessons and Carols service, a Crib Seryice labout
130 attended), Midnight Mass and Christmas Day Family Eucharist. We also
hosted a Christingle Semce ￿thin church for the local Kingsthorpe Village
Primary School with about 170 teachers. parents and children taking part.
18

Little Stars, Brick Church and Woodland Church have all continued to flourish
throughout the year.
Mark Brame
St John the Ba
tlst - Fabrlc Re
ort
The fabric committee has met regularly during the year.
A health and safety review was carried out regularly this year and updated as
required.
Work on the project to extend the Chapterl)ouse contlnued In the early part of
the year but due to the DAC not responding to our requests for the faculty
application forms, has been put on hold.
The work identified in the quinquennial inspection was prioritised and the
agreement of the Archdeacon and architect for the work was of
"housekeeping" nature to be done. The work was left until the autumn when
the leave5 had fallen and an attempt to find scrfneone to do the work will be
made before spring.
Annual seryicing of the clock. boilers. alami systems and fire extinguishers was
carried out.
DisCU55ions are ongoing regarding the additional earthing required for the
lightenin8 conductor.
The trees and shrubs in the churchyard have been trimmed regularly by the
contractor working for the councll.
A defribulator, funded by the Parish Council, has been installed externally on
the Chaplerhouse.
There was one organised churchyard tidy.up in the year. The fabric committee
would however Ilke to thank those that have, as Individuals, on occasion done
some tidwng up.
Alan Isaac
St Mark's Churchwardens re
Fabric of the Church
The boilers had their annual service and no issues identified.
19

All the appropriate checks to meet the fire requlations and electrical testing
have been undertaken.
The Qulnquennial inyction was completed in June 2023.
The report identified areas that needed work carried out. The fabric
committee decided the first job would be to fix the vestry flooring as there
were rotten floorboards. This wa5 completed. The repairs were funded by the
church fundraising holding a Harvest Supper. The fabric committee are
planning to iderbtify and prioritise other jobs that need doing. The church holds
a couple of workdays throughout the year allowing small jobs to be completed.
Thank you to the fabdc commlttee who do so much to malntaln the church,
often keeping many repairs "in house" to enable us to save money.
Thank you 3150 to the congregation who keep our church and grounds tidy and
clean. We have lots of ￿llIng volunteers who give up their time to maintain
the church.
General.
Our Sunday attendance numbers have remained stable. During the year we
welcomed the Whitehills School children at Easter and Advent. They held their
Year 516 carol service at St Marks as well as running the explore Easter &
Advent courses. We also held a carol service for uniformed groups just before
Christmas welcoming over 80 young people and their families. Thanks are
needed to all those who volunteer in welcoming the school and help with the
refreshments. Rev Sarah has worked tirelessly to organise these events.
We held annual carols on the green and havlng sung a few carols on the
green we then came inside the church to continue the service. This began and
ended with the pipe band pLayin8. Also. the Christingle service was 'full to
capacity, this year.
Hall bcKskings continue to bring in a good income and the hall is used regularly
throughout the week by lots of different groups.
The bereavefflent course was held in the hall in September. There was one
group meeting at St Marks during the day and another at SJB in the evening.
This was well attended.
Having volunteered to be churchwarden l expressed that I would need a small
band of people to help me. Volunteers stepped forward and I want to say a big
thank you to you all. This certainly made my role easier and it was g¢)od to
work alongside and have support from you all.
20

Jo Carrick
La
Reader R
ort
Another busy year, but one full of blessings and opportunities to meet and
worship together.
Over the last year I have continued to lead worship. a5 well as jointly working
with clergy during our time of joint Se￿i(e5.
It has been a pleasure to work with the team as we welcome local schools to
our buildings to explore the Christian faith as part of their RE curriculum.
Fun and falth continue to meet fortnlghtly, and we have recently welcomed
two new member5. Our youns people are a credit to themselves, and their
families. It is a real privilege to work with them as we journey together in
falth.
Little Stars is now a well-established group and Tuesday afternoon is a
highlight of my week as parents, grandparents and carers come together to
have fun together as well as findin8 out al)out Jesus and His love and
compassion for us all. It is particularly special to watch the adults support
each other both practically and emotionally.
Food 4 Thought continues to meet every other month. A group of us from
across the parish are working together to provide arb alternative service with a
meal at St Marks Church. Numbers are small but those who come along are
enjoying the time we spend together exploring our faith through fellowship,
music and prayer.
For some of our congregation it 15 difficult to come out and about so I led a
Lent course this year. l appreciate journeying together with others through
Lent.
It has been a privilege to work with Jo Carrick a5 we welcomed seven ladies to
St I•Arks to complete the Bereavement Journey Course.
Lastly a few thanks, for our wonderful congregations who also make me feel
welcome, our curates who I have enjoyed workinq wth and like others it was
exciting to welcome Rev Ali to the parish and I look forward to working wth
21

her in the coming months. Lastly Rev Jane for her encouragement, guidance,
teaching and prayers.
I look forward to the coming year. ccmtinuing my journey with Christ together
th you all.
May we all receive Gods love and Grace.
Sarah - Jane Major
Re
ort from the La Pastoral Mlnlster 2023124.
This was a busy and rewarding year, church work, pastoral care had not
stopped, it was if anything even busier in a different way with new initiatives.
In addition, St Marks Church Prayer request and concerns again were well up
year on year. They are fed into the Lay Minister and sent out to the group.
numbering over 14 incIL￿ing Clergy strictly adhering to the content of the
request.
Care home communions continued, Personal external communion and
individual home communion continued. via the Lay Mirbister and thank5 to the
curates and Sarah Jane in helping across the Parish. Personally over 60 home
communions have been carried out over the past year all regularly receive
communion at least once a month i.e. the elderly and house bound who are
very grateful. However, some have now been moved out into other par6shes
and with our relationship with other parishes are able to hand thi5 over.
It is necessary to be re-licenced as a Lay Minister in Sept 2025 for another 5
years. With regret I have decided to step down before that date. however a
constant review is undertaken by Rev Jane whereby individually as ministers
nd Lay Minister5, St Mark's Still operate a prayer triplet which was and is
carrying on although it is down to one triplet meeting once a month.
Fun & Faith continues to operate, live and the youngsters have great fun along
th some varied ethical, faith, theological topics prayer and teaching. Thanks
to Kathy, Sarah Jane, Rev Sarah, and Rev Johnathan and (MJr new addition
Becky Adnitt keeping this worthythile Ministry at St Dawd's. The youth
enjoyed an outing at Wickstead Park and the bowling alley and the Pancake
Day, was also carried out. Thanks to Johnathan Hunt in baking again. and to all
that help to make this another success.
Food for thought, continues to thrive with good numbers, food and Christian
contellt. There is plenty on offer in the Parish. However, I would encourage
you all where you would always be welcome at this initiative It might be that
22

you would be interested in leading or taking on a roll however small, if only on
an ad hoc basis, if so, discuss this ￿th one of the Ministers or Church warden5.
With the Mission meeting we had a while ago there were many ideas, we now
have the impetus to do some let us all work together and hamess all our gifts
that good Lord has provided.
House groups and courses. alternative service5 are on offer to all regardle55 of
your ability or standing. you don't have to be an academic we can all learn
from each other to increase our faith and share our experiences.
In addltlon, as a Pastoral resource l am Involved, in addition with Rev Sarah
involvement, Sarah Jane with Whitehills Primary school I support them wth
such items a5 Experience Easter, Advent, Church etc and a great time is had by
I wish it to be noted that l am extremely grateful for the help and support of
other members of the congregation and Team Clergy that people In our
community are cared for. The pastoral needs are well covered at St Marks and
across the Team as a whole.
Blessings on you all
Chris Woodley. ILPMI
Safe
uardln
The Parish continues to hold Safeguarding at the centre of Its framework. The
Diocese Dashboard is working at the highest level and continues to keep
abreast of new and updated issues.
All the churches activities have annually reviewed policie5. risk assessment
and appropriately registered DBS checked. paid and volunteer workers.
Each church has a safeguarding representative who meet quarterly throughout
the year and as necessary to ensure safety within our churches.
The Safeguarding officer maintains contatt with the Rector and the two
representative5 to ensure that continuity of care is covered across the parish.
Training sessions for basiclFoundalion Safeguarding. Domestic abuse, and an
overview of Food hygiene. Health and safety and first aid have been offered to
PCC trustees and volunteers of the church and community groups throughout
the year.
Jane Serbyn
St John the Ba
tlst Cholr Re
ort
Choir membership remains stable, and it is good to see Rachael la student at
Northampton University who joined us last yearl able to attend more regularly
now that she is living c105er to SJB. Unfortunately, we haven't gained any
further new members, SO with the onwards march of time the long-term future
of the choir remains precarious.
23

Nevertheless, the choir is Still able to lead the congregation in the setting of
the Eucharist and to sing an anthem most Sundays. We also held our
traditional festival of nine lessons and carols on Advent 4, which was attended
by around 30 worshippers. though this was possible only with the help of
several former SJB choristers and singers from St D and St M.
I was encouraged that the appeal for funds to repair a defect that had arisen
with the organ, raised over E9(X) in just a few weeks and l extend my thank5 to
all who contributed. The remedial work has now been undertaken, though the
same issue is occurring elsewhere in the instrument, which will need to be
addressed in the near future.
Finally, I'd like to thank all members of the choir for their continued
commitment and enthusiayn at this challenging time irb the choir's history. My
thanks also go to Robert for his assistance the organ until the end of August
2023 when he departed for a post at another church and to Laura who helps
out whenever she is able.
lan Smith, Organist SJB
St John the Ba
tlst Flowers Arran
ers Annual Re
ort
We are continuing with our efforts to be more sustainable and have done more
arrangements using different containers and without floral foam.
We have also been able to do some arrangements with our own horne-grown
flowers and foliage. We hope to be able to more of this in the future.
For the Christmas Tree Festival we did a Four Seasons tree decorated with
fresh, dried and sllk flowers.
We are always looking for new people to help with the flowers. If anyone is
interested in joining the flower arrangers or helping in any way, please contact
either Pauline Stone, Carol Isaac or Jenny Griffin.
Thank you to all those who have given towards the cost of flowers throughout
the year either for special (Kcasions. or in memory of someone or just a5
donations.
Thank you also to all who have arranged flowers or helped in any way
especially at Easter and Christmas.
Pauline Stone, Carol Isaac, Jenny Griffin
St Mark's Flower Fund Re
ort
24

We have continued only asking for d¢Mations at Festival times and we have
managed to provide fresh flowers every Sunday, except for the summer
months when we have placed silk arrangements in church because of the
extremely hot conditions in the building.
At the end of 2023 the accounts stood at £202.42 cash in hand. At the time of
writing this report the account currently stands at £199.00 having received
donations towards the Easter arrangements.
My thanks to those who have made dcffiations during the year and also to Ruth
who helps with the arrangements.
Llz May
Kln
sthor
e Churches T
ether Annual Re
The KCT Annual General meeting was held on Tuesday 315¢ March at
St Marks church hall. There were representatives from St John the Baptist, St
Marks, St Davids St Aidan's, the Methodist and Baptist churches. Ruth Gould 1st
Marksl was re-elected as Chairperson. Maureen Robinson (St Davidsl as Vice
chair and David Bunker a5 s¢Yretary. We welcomed the Rev lan Suttie a retired
methodist minister to the meetings. Three meetings were held during the year
to discuss and plan events and seryices. The year started with a joint seryice
for all the denominations at St John the Baptist church during the week of
Chrlstian Unity. KCT agreed to take over the organising of the service for the
World Day of Prayer in March but due to a lack of time this did not happen in
2023. The Good Friday service and Walk of Witness did take place and was well
attended. Representatives were invited and attended a multi faith service at
the Roman Catholic Cathedral for the coronation of King Charles the Third.
Representatives also attended a seryice and lunch to celebrate the Baptist
Church Bicentenary in June and a serv6ce to say farewell to Rev Francis M'ltllrl
and his family in July. They have moved to London where Rev Francis wll
continue his ministry. In December KCT sang Christmas Carols outside Waitrose
lead by Rev Ali.
Ruth Gould.
Mothers Union Re ort
Another year has gone by. It has been heartwarming to meet regularly,
enjoying each other's company and listening to some excellent speakers.
Members also enjoyed a summer gathering at Lamport Hall, three of our ladies
enjoyed time away together in York for the annual conference in September. I
also had a good few days on retreat wth MU at Launde Abbey. Several of us
also went to St Benedict's for Mary Sumner Day, enjowng fellowship, worship
and scrumptious refreshments. The Christmas lunch is always a highlight of the
25

year, and it didn't disappoint, we all enjoyed a hearty lunch at the golf club In
Kingsthorpe.
The dedicated very small committee also meet regularly and keep me on my
toes. A personal thank you to Jane S and her excellent organising skills, Andrea
for managing the accounts Pauline for arranging our speakers and Anne for
their dedication and ￿se words. A big thank you especially to Jane Roberts
who after servicing on the committee for many years ha5 decided to Step
down.
Our ladies continue to give of their time and Christian fellowship at Baptisms.
Thank you, Pauline Gothard, for organising the team and Eileen who now sends
cards to each family. The clergy and familles really value your input at these
very important and special services.
As we move into the new year we look fO￿ard to meeting together, sharing
the values of Mothers Union vrith each other, learning together about the
influences and hardships that families face in this country and further
afield. We do have a committee that is willing to continue to Stand for just
one more year but we would also welcome a couple of new members to join
us.
We have welcomed some new members to our group but vAth sadness we sald
our final gi)odbye5 to Brenda, she will be mi55ed but remembered wth
affection.
As your chair I thank you for your support and prayers and as we move into a
new year thank you for your commitment and support of such a wonderful
organisation and may we continue as a branch upholding the aim5 and
objectives of the worldw￿de l*lothers Union.
Earlier in the report I said that your committee are willing to stand for one
more year, this is to allow members of the Kingsthorpe branch to find a new
chair, secretary. treasurer and comfflittee members. Your officers are all busy
ladies and are committed to many other roles in the parish so we are looking
to others to take on these roles. With that in mind we have decided not to
invite a speaker to our October meeting but instead talk about the future of
the Kingsthorpe Mothers Union about the roles of chair, treasurer and
secretary and who might like to take these on. We wll also look at other roles
committee members can take on so that the AGM in February 2025 can run
smoothly.
Sarah - Jane Major
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St Davld's Tlme for Tots - Renew Famllles
(Thursdays 1. 30-3pm in term timel
This group for parentslcarers and their children aged between 0-5yrs
continues to flourish. It attracts families from across the parish and beyond.
The group have met regularly over the past year using the local parks during
the school's summer break to keep in touch. Families are encouraged to join in
with the activities of the church in the form of services and social
engagement.
Twice this past year the adults have met S￿la1[Y to share a meal and to
continue to build relationships.
We are blessed to have developed a core team of volunteers who support
family's wellbeing and share the responsibilities of the sessions. IEarly Years,
Health visitor, Listeners and mental health first aiderl
This year we are thankful to the West Northants Council Wellness programme
for their grant donation of E25C(i. These funds have secured hall hire. play
equipment, trips out, social entertainment. and refreshments.
In recent months the group has acknowledged the need for support to young
families suffering from social isolation, depression, and anxiety. We have
provided wellbeing programmes .and parenting courses to support vulnerable
individuals and families.
The group has rebranded as Renew 88 Families 0.5 café in January 2024
Jane Serbyn
Renew 88
This group meets throughout the year on a Wednesday momins in St David'5
Church Hall (10-1 pm)
During 202314 our numbers have steadily grown (Currently 351 The sessions
provide a mix of fellowship and craft as well as having a regular time of
meditatlon and prayer. A communion servlce Is available to the group once
month for those who wish to attend.
The group provide5 a space where 'lt5 ok not to be d(.. Members are referred
from Social Prescribers at local surgeries as well as those who regularly attend
from within the parish.
We have received a grant of E25(Kl from West Northants Council Wellness
programme which has been used t¢)wards hall hire, resources, games, and soup
lunches.
The group recognises everyone by name and not by label and offers fellowship
and support in a non. judgemental space.
Jane Serbyn
The Friends of Kin
sthor
e New Church ard Pocket Park Committee
27

The Friends of Kingsthorpe New Churchyard Pocket Park meet at 10 am every
Saturday between March ar)d October to maintain and improve thi5 old
cemetery. The aim is to provide a quiet area of green space within the village.
The work required to achieve this includes cutting back brambles, nettles and
other fast-growng plants to allow space for planted bulbs and other plants to
thrive. The large trees ￿￿thin the park require maintenance such as lopping of
dead branches from time to time.
The park currently contains a Large active badger set. The badgers are left in
peace despite the significant damage they make. Much effort goes into
keeping the paths in order - sweeping fallen leaves, refitting some of the
edging stones and spreadlng wood chippings when necessary.
Over the past few years The Friends have been engaged in a programme of
replacing the old. rather crude, wooden benches in the park with cast iron
framed benches wth recycled plastic slats. In addition to their own
fundraising, they have received significant financial help for this work from
the Kingsthorpe Manor and Town Charitable Trust.
Children form Kingsthorpe Village primary SchcM)l use the park one day per
week for nature trails and woodland (￿servatIOns. They get much pleasure
from seeing the plants grow and the many birds nesting in the bird boxes. The
Friends are confident local resSdents value this area and the new seating Is
much appreciated.
Re
ort for Charlt Commlsslon
The purpose of our Church
Is to grow toyether in the foith of Jesus Chrlst
and to share God's love with all.
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
KINGSTHORPE TEAM MINISTRY
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (Charity No. 1130370)
for St. Davld. Eastern Avenue. NN2 7QB
St. John the Baptist. Kingsthorpe Vlllage. NN2 6QZ
St. Mark. St. Mark's Crescent. NN2 8EG
The staffing level in the parish during the Last year wa5 Rector IRevd. Canon
Jane Butlerl, the Curates Revds. Jonathan and Sarah Lee. However in January
28

2024, Rev Jonathan Lee left the parish to continue his curacy with Kettering.
In August 2023, Rev Alison Wagner was ap￿)Inted teaffl vicar ￿￿th the chaplaincy
of Malcolm Arnold Academy. Assistance is also given to the parish by Rev Stuart
Mousir-Harrison. The Lay Pastoral Minister is Christopher Woodley. Mrs. Sarah-
Jane Major is a Reader Ministry. Mrs. Judith Whitmore was the Lay Evangelists
within the parish.
Thank5 are due to Interpreters Jackie Hutchinson and Matthew Brennan who
work with the Rector.
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting took place on 11 th May 2023 on Zoom and
in person Follo¥Mng the Annual Parochial Church Meeting the membership of
the Parochial Church Council was made up as follows: _
St. Davld:
Rebecca Adnitt Ichurchwardenl. Sarah.Jane Major (Lay Readerlex.officiol,
Maureen Robinson, Joyce Munroe, Shirley Basford, Mary Hardwick, Jane Serbyn
and June Ward Ichurchwardenl.
St. John the Baptlst:
Mandy Bentley (Lay Chairl, Peter Borley.Cox (Treasurerl. Mark Brame
Ichurchwardenl, Geoffrey Foster. Jennifer Griffin (Deanery Synodlex-officiol,
and Pauline Stone.
St. Mark:
Jo Carrick (churchward￿l, Shirley Cumblet(m. Suzanne Evans (Assistant
Treasurer), Ruth Gould. Helen Hickman (Secretary), Elizabeth May. Samantha
Hunt, Kathy Wilcox, Paula Blackwell and Richie Carrick.
The Par(Khial Church Council met six times in full session in the year. Between
May 2023 and November 2023, the PCC meet in person at St David's with an
option of dialling in on Zoom for those who wshed to but since November 2023
all meeting have only been in person. All meeting were quorate.
(Representation to the PCC frorn each church ct the onnual meetins in 2013
incre05ed to 10 persons over and t7bove Churchwarden5 t7nd Deonery Synod
members10s agreed and notlfied In 2012)).
Various members of the PCC support the life of the Parish through sub-groups,
i.e., Pastoral Care, Nurture and Grovrth. Youth activity and Mission.
29

Deanery Synod representation after the annual meeting was 1 person. (The
electoral roll allows for 5 positions).
The Parish was unable to pay the Parish Share in full in 2023. Fund.raising efforts
slowly continued to grow during the year. However, the increase in the cost of
utilities had a more than significant impact on the parish's financial position.
The Parish Office. with a Team Co-ordinator and voluntary assistance, continues
to be an important asset.
Mrs Jane Serbyn is the Parish Safeguarding Officer. She has ensured that across
the team on-line training has been undertaken where individuals have access to
the technology to do so. She provided regular updates to the Parochial Church
Council.
The Team has representatives to the local Kingsthorpe Village ConseNation
Group, Pocket Park Committee, Kingsthorpe Churches Together and St. Davids
Community Associatlon. The Community Café at St. Dawd's was able to reopen.
St David's have been running a $￿ceSsful and well used foodbank.
Fabric matters are dealt with regularly at all churches. The redevelopment of
the Chapter House at St. John the Baptist has stalled due to the planning
permission expiring.
During 2023, contact ￿th the local schools has continued. There have been in
person visits made to our churches at Christmas.
Other events In the year:
Christmas day service5
House group and on-line Lent course
Easter Services
Christmas Tree Festival
A Nine Lessons & carols services were held in the parish.
A Remembrance Day service was held at the War Memorlal In
Kingsthorpe.
Crib and Christingle services
Fun & Faith youth group met regularly.
Each of the church halls is used to hold a variety of community events and
sponsored by the church congregations.
30

Adminlstratlve Information:
Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd. 25 Kings Hall Avenue, Kings Hill. West Malling, Kent.
ME19 4JQ
CCL4 Investment Management Ltd, The CBF Church of England Funds, Senator
House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4ET.
Independent Examiner:
Jackie Brame FCCA.
For Parfsh Matters:
The Reverend Canon Jane Butler, The Rectory, 16 Green End, Kingsthorpe,
Northampton. NN2 6RD
Parish Office..
St. David's Church & Hall, Eastern Avenue South, Kingsthorpe, Northampton, NN2
7QB. Tel.. 01604 720781.
Webslte: v4v4w.kin
sthor
echurches.co.uk
Facebook - Kingsthorpe Parish
HJH Mar 2024
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