## **Annual Report for the Parochial Church Council for Wraxall with Failand**
All Saints’ Church,Wraxall and
St Bartholomew’s Church, Failand
For the year ended December 31[st] 2024 Charity Registration Number1130482
www.wraxallwithfailand.org.uk
## **Parish of Wraxall with Failand**
## **Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year ended 31[st] December 2024**
|**Contents**|**Page**||
|---|---|---|
|Agendas||3|
|Minutes of Annual Meeting of Parishioners 2024||4|
|Minutes of PCC Meeting at APCM 2024||7|
|Annual Report of the PCC||8|
|Rector’s Report||9|
|Treasurer’s Report||10|
|Independent Examiner’s Report||11|
|Consolidated Financial Statements||13|
|Consolidated Balance Sheet||14|
|Vaughan Trust||15|
|2024 Charity Donation Summary||16|
|Wardens’ Report from All Saints’||17|
|Warden’s Report from St Bartholomew’s||18|
|Pastoral Care Report||19|
|Electoral Roll Report||19|
|Safeguarding Report||20|
|Church Activities||21|
|Deanery Synod Reports||25|
|Addendum||27|
|END||27|
## ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING **AGENDAS**
## ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS
Apologies for absence
Minutes of the last Meeting of Parishioners
Election/Proposal of Churchwardens
Election/Proposal of Deputy Churchwardens
## ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
Minutes of the last Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Matters arising
Acceptance of the Electoral Roll
Appointment of the Electoral Roll Officer for 2026
Annual Reports
Matters arising from this year’s Annual Report
Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Churches
Report on the Proceedings of the Deanery Synod
Financial statements
To appoint an Independent Examiner for the ensuing year
Thank you to those who have served on PCC in 2024/25
To elect any new PCC representatives
Questions for the Rector/PCC
Closing prayer
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
Election of Officers:
Chair/Vice-Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
AOB
3
_’ ’_ **- Benefice of Wraxall with Failand** _All Saints Wraxall. St Bartholomew s Failand_
## **Record of Annual Meeting of Parishioners at Cross Tree Centre, Wraxall. Date of meeting: Sunday 24[th] March 2024**
## **Time: 11.30am**
|**Record of Annual Meeting of Parishioners at Cross Tree Centre, Wraxall.**
**Date of meeting: Sunday 24th March 2024**
**Time: 11.30am**|**Record of Annual Meeting of Parishioners at Cross Tree Centre, Wraxall.**
**Date of meeting: Sunday 24th March 2024**
**Time: 11.30am**|**Record of Annual Meeting of Parishioners at Cross Tree Centre, Wraxall.**
**Date of meeting: Sunday 24th March 2024**
**Time: 11.30am**|
|---|---|---|
|**Present:**Rev MoreyAndrews in the Chair and 30 members of the congregations|||
|**Item**|**Discussion**|**Action/**
**decision/**
**responsibilit**
**y**|
|**Rector’s Introduction:**Morey welcomes, prays and thanks the attendees for joining us, especially St
Bartholomew’s.
Morey shares a focus on faithfulness, all being done with faithful hearts and in the name of glory.
MA shares a question: think of one think that has made you smile in the past year; people share their
thoughts: Bob coming on as an associate warden at SB, welcome at the door, music especially at Christmas,
bells, EJ and EO helping the bench to fall apart. MA concludes, there’s many things that makes us smile.
Morey shares his reflection on the reports noting there’s a lot of doing, we are a faithful church as followers
of Christ. MA encourages us all to take time out during Holy Week.
The reports reflect a call for growth; we should seek God and look to develop through prayer, word,
fellowship and breaking of bread. Paul spent time thanking God, give thanks for who we have with us right
now.
Thanks to Ministry Team: Carol, Sylvia, Eileen, Sarah and Elize.
Thanks to the wardens, Chris for her dedication to ‘Champing’, Peter for his 2 years’ service and Meg who has
supported Morey throughout his time here. We gave thanks to Meg for her 9 years as warden at All Saints’.
Meg shares the churchwarden prayer and thanks her partner wardens over time. Meg was presented with a
card andgift from the Parish.|||
|1. Apologies
2. Minutes of the
last meeting
of Parishioners
3. Elections of
Churchwarden
s and Chapel
Warden
4. Election of
Deputy
Churchwarden
s|Nicola Brierley, Pat and Vernon Adams, Sharon Guest, Sylvia Phillips,
John Mc Auliffe.
The minutes from the last APCM were agreed and signed as a true and
accurate record. All agreed with no abstentions.
Thank you very much to our churchwardens for all their amazing hard
work this year. 2 wardens have elected to stand again-Peter Heard and
Christine Sage.
AS: Peter Heard proposed by James Heard, seconded by Eileen Oates.
All in favour
SB: Christine Sage proposed by Caryl Harding and seconded by Robert
Sheppard.
All in favour
Deputy Churchwardens: thanks shared for their work and support.
Deputy Church Warden All Saints: John Stevens.
All in favour
Deputy Warden at St Bartholomew’s: Robert Sheppard.
All in favour
**The meeting closed at 11.48am**||
4
_’ ’_ **- Benefice of Wraxall with Failand** _All Saints Wraxall. St Bartholomew s Failand_
## **Annual Parochial Church Meeting at the Cross Tree Centre, Wraxall. Date of meeting: Sunday 24[th] March 2024**
**Present:** Rev Morey Andrews in the Chair and 30 members of the public. **Time:** 11.49am
|**Present:**Rev Morey Andrews in|the Chair and 30 members of the public.**Time:** 11.49am||
|---|---|---|
|**Item**|**Discussion**|**Action/**
**decision/**
**responsibility**|
|1.Minutes of the last
APCM
2.Matters arising
3.Acceptance of the
Electoral Roll
4.Appointment of the
Electoral Roll Officer
5.Annual Reports
6.Matters arising from
this year’s annual
report
7.Report on fabric,
goods & ornaments of
the churches
8. Deanery Synod
9. Financial Statement|The 2023 APCM minutes from last meeting were agreed with no
abstentions.
There were no matters arising from the minutes within the
APCM Report 2023.
All accepted the revision of the Electoral Roll. Numbers have
reduced slightly but remain steady.
Total number for both churches is 83.
Thanks to Carol Sapsed for her work on this.
Reminder: Complete revision in 2025, all will have to re-
register.
Carol Sapsed has offered to carry out this role for the year
2023-2024. Jane Knight proposed Carol Sapsed as Electoral Roll
Officer and this was seconded by Caroline Watts.
All in favour
Chair (MA) proposed the approval of the Annual Report for
2023, seconded by John Stevens.
All in favour
Warden’s Report Comments:
-Minutes of PCC are always available for reading and the last
three sets of agreed minutes are viewable on the website
under ‘Church Life>PCC’.
Thanks to the wardens for all their hard work on this.
No matters arising from this year’s annual report.
Log Books and Terriers for both churches are available for
viewing on the table. Thanks to the wardens for keeping those
up to date and in order.
There is space if anyone would like to join the team-John
Stevens and Sue Irwin. Anyone can come along to the
meetings.
Questions for Deanery Reps:
If you ever have any questions regarding the Deanery or
Diocese, please ask the reps: John Stevens and Sue Irwin.
David Bird is still looking to step down as is Helen. Thanks to
David, Helen and Eileen for their work on the finances 2023.
**Overview from MA:**We spend more than we get in, but we’re
ok,there are savings we can access. We are in a betterplace||
5
than most parishes in the Diocese The Diocese is reviewing how the parish giving is undertaken. First consultation is complete. There will be a second review in July and a proposal put forward in the Autumn; this shouldn’t make a huge difference to our share. We need to prayerfully consider what we can afford. MA thanks all for their generosity. **Comments or questions regarding the financial statement:** Sue Irwin: Do people realise how much we have to send for the parish share? DB: We paid £45,000 towards the Parish Share (£55,000 was requested). Parish share is paid out of the general fund which is restricted by the amount received. Some ask how much cash we have. Funds are around £130,000. David Bird reminded all about contributions and giving in line with inflation. We need to reach the people who don’t know there is an active church here, they may not be church goers but if they want an active church then they need to give towards that. MA: although we need to increase incomings, don’t feel guilty if this isn’t possible. Rev Carol Edwards: we get a good deal for our share, 2 full 10. To elect new PCC time clergy, housing, clergy training (present and future).. representatives Anomaly: Diocese is Still asking for full amounts for both Trendlewood and Wraxall with Failand, this is under review. MA reads through the list of names for those on PCC. Thanks to all those who serve on PCC. Carol Sapsed will be stepping down, thanks to Carol from Morey for the support and challenge she has provided. There are spaces if anyone would like to join. No questions regarding this. 11. To appoint an Proposal of accounts by David Bird. Seconded by Peter Heard: independent All in favour examiner Independent Examiner next year (YE 2024). Thank you to Kevin who has given his time and skills with the finances for the report this year. Peter Heard proposes Kevin Crawford to audit the accounts for year-end 2024. Carol Sapsed seconded. All agreed. Thanks shared to Kevin Crawford for the work on the finances. Morey signs accounts for acceptance by the PCC in the Annual Report in his role as Chair. DB: Richard Vaughan Trust update- 2 of the wardens have delegated responsibility for running this. It stands us in good stead. Intended for mission and Curates. Funds: £57,000. Need to spend time thinking about how this can be used for mission. Thanks to Becky Cawsey for all her work as Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Reminder from Becky that all PCC members should do the basic Foundation and Domestic Violence Learning Modules. Complete the highest level every three years. Questions for PSO can be sent to Becky Cawsey 12. Questions and safeguarding.wraxallwithfailand@gmail.com- contact on the Comments posters around the site.
6
**Questions and Comments for Rector:** Sarah will take on responsibility for the spiritual side along with Carol Edwards. Astrid Tiesema-Samsom-Area Dean will be having an oversight whilst MA is on sabbatical. Wardens will have responsibility also. Peter Heard wishes Morey all the best with his sabbatical. Thanks to participants for taking part today and to the PCC team. **Meeting closed with prayer by Morey at 12.17pm**
## **Benefice of Wraxall with Failand**
## **Record of PCC meeting held at the APCM in The Cross Tree Centre, Wraxall. Date of meeting: Sunday 24th March 2024 Time: 12.19**
**Present:** Rev Morey Andrews (MA) Eileen Oates (EO), Sue Irwin (SI), John Stevens (JS), Chris Sage (CS), Peter Heard (PH), Sarah Sanderson (SS) Robert Sheppard (RS) David Bird (DB), Liz Hussey (LH) **In attendance:**
Elize Jutsum (EJ) (Minutes)
||**Item**||**Actions**|
|---|---|---|---|
|**1.0**|**Apologies**|Sylvia Phillips(SP)||
|**2.0**|**Minutes of last meeting.**|Signed as a true and accurate record.||
|**3.0**|**Election of Officers**| Chair – Morey Andrews
Vice Chair – Vacant
Treasurer – David Bird
PCC Secretary – Elize Jutsum
Rev Morey Andrews as Chair and Vice Chair will be vacant
until someone is put in place (Peter Heard/Chris Sage will
fill the for now).
EJ Secretary, Peter Heard proposed and Sarah Sanderson
seconded, all in favour.
**Parish Treasurer Role:**
Eileen Oates proposes David Bird as treasurer for both
churches and Robert Sheppard seconded. All in favour with
no abstentions.
Treasurer for St Bartholomew’s: David Bird(Failand Account)
Treasurer for All Saints’: David Bird (Wraxall Account)
Sur Irwin thanked Morey for what he shared in the meeting.||
|**4.0**|**AOB**|||
|||Next PCC meeting : Monday 16thApril 10.30am in CTC|**End**
**12.26pm **|
7
## **Parish of Wraxall with Failand Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31[st] December 2024**
The parish has two Churches: All Saints Church is situated in the village of Wraxall in North Somerset and St Bartholomew’s is in the adjacent village of Failand. They are part of the Portishead Deanery in the Diocese of Bath and Wells within the Church of England.
The correspondence address is: The Parish Office, All Saints Church, Wraxall Hill, Wraxall, BS48 1LB. In 2009 the Parochial Church Council registered with the Charities Commission. The Charity Registration number is 1130482.
Rev. Morey Andrews Incumbent licensed 6th October 2021 Rev. Carol Edwards Retired Priest
Who served during the year 2024 (PCC):
|Peter Heard|Church Warden|
|---|---|
|John Stevens|Deputy Warden|
|Chris Sage|Church Warden|
|Robert Sheppard|Deputy Warden|
|Sylvia Phillips|Reader|
|David Bird|Treasurer-All Saints and St Bartholomew’s|
|John Stevens|Deanery Synod|
|Sue Irwin|Deanery Synod|
|Eileen Oates|All Saints’|
|Robert Sheppard|St Bartholomew’s|
|Carol Edwards|All Saints’ (Co-opted)|
|Elizabeth Hussey|
All Saints’|
|Elize Jutsum|PCC Secretary|
The primary object of the PCC is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The PCC (Power Measure 1956 states the PCC ‘is to cooperate with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical’).
The general pattern of services in both churches, having been reviewed throughout the year: All Saints’:
## - January July
1st Sunday 8.30am BCP Holy Communion 9.30 Graze-All Age Worship
2nd Sunday 10.00 Holy Communion
3rd Sunday 10.00/10.30 (Livestreamed) 4th Sunday 10.00/10.30 Holy Communion with Prayer Ministry 5th Sunday 10.00/10.30 Holy Communion
## August-December
1st Sunday 8.30am BCP Holy Communion
10.00 Holy Communion
8
2nd Sunday 10.00 Holy Communion 3rd Sunday 10.00/10.30 (Livestreamed) 4th Sunday 10.00/10.30 Holy Communion with Prayer Ministry 5th Sunday 10.00/10.30 Holy Communion
## **St Bartholomew’s:**
1st Sunday 6.00pm Evening Worship 3rd Sunday 6.00pm Holy Communion 5th Sunday 6.00pm Evening Worship
Morning Prayer: Mon-Wednesday 8.15am via Zoom Thursday 10.00am Holy Communion on Zoom
## **Rector’s Report**
Verbal report to be received followed by written notes for the minutes.
9
**Treasurers Report** on the Accounts **to the 31st December 2024**
In presenting this brief report for the year 2024, I propose to highlight the points of main interest only:
## General Fund (Unrestricted)
|General Fund
(Unrestricted)|||
|---|---|---|
|Income
Cross Tree Lettings
/Champing
Lodge 75%
Expenditure
Excess of Expenditure
over available income
adjust for organist
Combined result shortfall
Parish share paid £44286
included
For 2025 Parish Share is
an increase of|**All**
**Saints**
£
92278
4878
6888
101391
-9113
£7,077
34836
£50,673
£6,387|**St**
**Bartholomews**|
|||£
25549
3427
22937
2612
-576
9450|
Unless there is a significant increase in giving there is little prospect of being able to pay this
in full. It is possible that we shall not be able to pay as much as last year. As it is, there will
be futher erosion of designated funds unless there is some form of financial reconstruction.
St Bartholomews is due a quinquennial review this year
The combined funds held within the benefice are:
|are:||
|---|---|
|Unrestricted|39015|
|Designated|53675|
|Restricted|32171|
||124861|
A M D Bird Treasurer
10
Independent Examinerfs Certificate
for the PCC Accounts
R•pJrt to lh• lJust•eg Ot
IMIALL WATH FALANO
Parochial Church Councll
On acc(xnts for year ended.
310ECEM8ER 2024
1130482
Tht charity'¥ trusts85 reEn5th for the prep8ratlon of the a¢¢ounts. Tr
chanty's trusteej eonsKler thal an audrt o nol royuired lty Ihij year under gect#
R••p•¢ilv• rn•pon•lbllltlM d 144 01 thé Charrt*s Ac* 2011 lthe Cttarrtes ALI) and that an Indendl
trv•t•rn •nd •x•fflln•r •xaminatson 18 n••Jed
11 is my resp)nsibilty to.,
aX8m1 th• accoun18 unow s•ctty 145 of the Charrties Act
fomuw the prdUr¢S laKI ¢S>*n in the g•n•rnl Directioni grwi by lh•
Charty Comrnl8*on (under sec1K 14515)Ib) of the Ch¥rilies Act. an¢
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•xamir••e• •tstwn•nt Charity Ccmmisson An examinabon Incl8$ a of tho &oJunling recudg
k•pi ty lh• chanty and a eorwson ol the accL¥Jnts presented wrth Ihcae reeAvds .
It •lso inde0 ¢c478thr•iion of •ny unuw* Ilems discknsurN In th• accounts.
d •xpl*alpJns from the tru$iee8 CINIng ony such mallers Th•
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•Jdrt. and conseouenty no opinh)n is gNen #i to whethgr th• guounts psent •
'tru• and and IM r•ptyl r4 hrnrt•d t* m•ttwg g•1 *xrt m th• slateml
knd•p•nd•fii •xamln•rfs In ¢cl my •x*n*rt•tson. m•tt•r to ny att•ntion whh
•tst•m•nt gN¢s wson8ble ¢frL4e 10 befthie tml In, any maler41 r•$FX¢t,
th• Kcounts do noi 8cc•rd wilh the ac¢oLmDng (ec1
I corr* no 01r matters ift c0finèltsn with the •XamwWn to whi
attention shoukl t• dr•wn kn ¢xd•r to enable a pry)per urrtlerstynding of th• a¢¢niS to
8lgn•d:
102S
Ilam•:
KEVIN OAVID CRAYIFOIID
R•l•vant pmf•••ioNI
qu•llfie•tlon(8) or body
If any1=
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48 FARLEIGH ROAD, 8ACKWELL N.SOMER8eT 88413PA
Disclosure
GN• h•rn br1 delaili ot A•ni M Ihe eM•min•f T*ishes lo d410.
Aloss was Made In the year and there Is no reason to believe that thi5 Wtll no
continue In the shon to medium term glven the level of Income compared t
on8oln8 expenditure. However. there appear to be sufficlent assets to £o¥er ihes
assurnin8 the level ol IfKome stays constant and cosls can be managed or eve
reduced
12
l•*•xal with Failand PCC
Stat•m•nt of Financial AclNit*
For the p•rlod from 01 January 2024 to 31 D•c•mb•r 2024
20,C47.1•
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)24751
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14
Thè RKhard Vau
an Tt
Year ended 315t December
2024
2013
Incomo and Expffiditiire acawnt
Incorne
Investment Income
1553
IS31
Refund of l•£al fees and compensation
Wrthdrawal of investmeffl funds
Total Income
1553
1531
ExperKlitufe
Church runThini costs
St Bartholomews - Admin Costs
Curate - Computer
Rector- Computer 113 share
Transfer to Wraxall for Parish Shar*
Totsl Expenditure
28Crt)
Sufplusl(Deficit} for year
753
-1269
Balanco sheet
Investments
2810.90 COIF Investment Fund (see note bEIow
Incorne sharo5 at Marktt value
57042
55782
Current Assets
Cash at bank and in hand
2628
59670
1875
57657
Represented by:
Endowrnent
Accumulated Income
57042
2628
S9670
55782
1875
576S7
Reviewed 1410112024
15
## **Charitable Giving 2024**
## **2024 Charity Account**
|Caring @ Christmas|594.05|
|---|---|
|Clevedon Food Bank|144.35|
|CMS|391.50|
|Help Bristol's Homeless (SB)|300.00|
|Tearfund|280.38|
|The Children's Society|734.63|
|**Total**|**2,444.91**|
16
## **Warden’s Report from All Saints’ Wraxall**
Normal services and events were held in the church according to season, with thanks for the ministry given by Morey, Carol, Sylvia and Sarah. 11th August saw Sarah’s last Sunday with us at AS. Her Associate Pioneer Priest licensing service was held on 17th September in Yeovil. We are thankful for her excellent ministry among us and wish her well on her continued journey to serve God in her new parish. Morey returned from Sabbatical in early August, and we were glad to hear that his
experiences, from London Marathon, to visiting old friends, to a trip to Brazil, were enjoyable, fruitful and an opportunity to draw closer to God.
During 2024 there were three couples married in our church, and one marriage blessing. There were three infant baptisms and two birth thanksgiving services. There were eight funeral services and a further four interments of ashes. First Sunday services continued at Sycamore Lodge; School services were hosted in church. The Cross Tree Centre continues to be well-used by hiring out for parties & meetings etc.
In 2024, routine maintenance tasks were carried out on the church and Cross Tree buildings as normal. These included inventory, testing of portable appliances, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, security system, clock, and organ servicing and checking of lightning conductors. The church heating failed in November, requiring a new fan/oil pump motor. Various parts for the security camera system failed, requiring a new ethernet switch and camera. A smoke sensor in the CTC ceiling had to be replaced. Apart from this, minor items that broke down were repaired in-house as and when necessary.
The old grand piano was “retired” this year, as it would have been costly to be restrung and serviced. It was replaced by a Yamaha electronic piano, which of course does not require regular tuning. The sound is enhanced by the portable speaker system, which was also refurbished, and was modified so that it could power the piano in the event of a power cut. The small organ in the Charlton Chapel was also refurbished.
Some electrical work was carried out on the CTC, car park and tower to replace and enhance lighting. A new freezer was purchased for the CTC store – thanks to a generous donation.
Again this year, the churchyard working party maintained the grounds, and we are grateful for their considerable effort. The three Box trees to the south-east of the church had been attacked by moth, presumably _Cydalima perspectalis,_ and had to be removed. The _Leylandii_ in the lower churchyard were trimmed. The stone walls are suffering from infestations of Red Valerian, _Centranthus ruber_ ; much of it was removed from our side of the north wall this year, and the Wraxall Court gardeners kindly treated the top and their side. Removals from this and the other walls will continue. Ash trees in the car park are now subject to Ash Dieback disease; one of them was cut back, and another is being monitored. A new mower and leaf blower was purchased this year, thanks to generous donations. Several old mowers were also refurbished; thanks to Nick for organising.
A new bench was purchased for the churchyard, commemorating the life and platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, and the coronation of King Charles. Thanks to Meg & Bob for masterminding. Thanks go to Bob for organising the CYWP and for excellent work in keeping equipment running. Roof repairs on the Lodge were undertaken in the Spring to replace soffits, repair woodwork and repair stonework around the chimney. Internal decoration was then carried out in the Autumn. Apart from this, the usual maintenance tasks were carried out.
I thank everyone who helps to look after our church and churchyard.
Peter Heard, Warden. March 2025
17
## **Warden’s Report from St. Bartholomew’s Failand**
Our Service pattern remains unchanged with the addition of a morning service on Remembrance Sunday. The majority of the congregation are happy to continue with the 6pm timing throughout the year. Currently we have two organists. One plays on the first Sunday and the other on the third Sunday. I also have a number of freelance organists who are happy to help out when necessary. The fifth Sunday is usually recorded music
.During the year we had one funeral, four interments of ashes and two Baptisms.
In April the leak in the kitchen was finally sorted
In August we said goodbye to Sarah and welcomed Morey back. Maggie and Bob Sheppard kindly hosted a Farewell party at their home for Sarah.
All the regular compulsory checks were carried out, Pat testing, lightening conductor and fire extinguishers. The organ also had its annual tuning and all the gutters around the church were cleaned out
The grass cutting at the church yard is carried out by Dreamscape gardening and since November we have visits from the Community Pay back scheme.
This group have finished painting the main gates and the railings to the left and are now concentrating on weeding the gravel path.
Our fundraising events were popular with locals and we raised ……….
Open Garden in May …………..£1,400 Bristol Chamber Orchestra in June…...£1,000 Champing………..£3,200
The Harvest and Toy Services were well supported . Non-perishables to the Salvation Army Hostel/Perishables to Nailsea foodbank Toys to The Salvation Army for distribution.
The Carol Service broke previous records with 160 adults and 10 children attending!!
The Local Gardening group have been very involved with the church recently. They spent 3 consecutive Saturday mornings in October/November planting wild flower bulbs in our re wilding area.
They have also hired the church for two evenings when we had a talk from the Head gardener at Tyntesfield and a Christmas wreath making class.
Chris Sage
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## **Pastoral Care Report**
The parish pastoral care team continues to send Birthday, Anniversary and Get well cards to members of both congregations. This enables people to remain in contact with church life and to hear news of the wider church community.
As part of our pastoral care for members of both our congregations ‘Home Communion’ is taken to those who are unable to attend church services. The aim is that everyone who wants to, can receive Communion at least once a month.
It is a huge privilege to visit people in this way and to share the Sacrament with them. They are always grateful and love to hear news of those they know in the congregation.
At present there are 4 people receiving ‘Home Communion’ but it is a fluid list.
Another aspect of our pastoral care is the availability of home cooked meals for those who may require one.
Members of the pastoral team are: Eileen Oates, Iris Croome, Meg Caton, Susan Sanderson, Megan Crook, Sylvia Phillips, Sue Johnson and Elize Jutsum
Thank you to everyone it is a real privileged to belong to such a caring community
Eileen
## **Electoral Roll Report 2025**
This year all churches were required to undertake a major review of all the names on the roll, the next review is not required until 2031.
The Roll has been displayed as required by COE regulations and is a snapshot of the people who wish to register their commitment to the church. All those registered, are thus entitled to vote at the AGM and can serve on the PCC and Diocesan committees. It is perfectly possible that more people are committed, and attend both churches but have chosen not to register. 57 people worship at All Saints, 17 people worship at St Bartholomew’s.
There have been 4 new registrations at St Bartholomew’s and 3 at All Saints.
St Bartholomew’s 9 people out of 17 do not live in the parish. Out of the total 66 who attend All Saints, 43 people do not live in the parish.
The total number for both churches is 74. Compared to 2023 roll there is a small decrease overall (4).
Carol Sapsed. Electoral Roll Officer.
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## **Safeguarding Report Wraxall with Failand**
The parish of Wraxall with Failand seeks to deliver its mission, at all times, in compliance with the House of Bishops guidance, on Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, Promoting a Safer Church.
There have been no Safeguarding Incidents raised over the past reporting period that have required notification to the Diocesan Safeguarding Office.
All parish personnel , whether employed or volunteers for whom a vetting and barring check, (DBS) is mandatory for their role, are compliant with standard renewal every three years.
Completion of Safeguarding training continues as a rolling programme.
The parish continues to utilise the both the national Parish Dashboard and the Safeguarding Hub, both computerised portals, to record its Safeguarding information. These portals enable parishes to retain information securely whilst measuring itself against national standards. Whilst access to the portal is restricted, and thus compliant with GDPR, it produces clear action plans which are produced for each PCC meeting to enable them to have an overview of compliance with national standards and actions to be progressed.
Becky Cawsey Parish Safeguarding Officer Parish of Wraxall with Failand
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## **Church Activities** (Alphabetical order)
## **Bible and Teaching**
If prayer is the engine room then the word of God is the fuel.
To enable this, We continue to follow the lectionary teaching during our services.
On the Third Thursday morning after Holy Communion we gather in church to discuss the bible readings/homily.
Through the year we follow various courses together
Lent last year we looked at the LICC material connecting with our world. This continued after Easter to finish the Course
In the Autumn we studied the book of James together.
In Advent we met during the afternoon focusing on 4 different Characters from the Christmas story.
I do encourage you to read your bibles daily, and if you would lie some advice on how to do this then please get in touch.
## **Children and Youth 2024**
Ministry to Wraxall School and to The Down’s School continued throughout the year.
Regular assemblies, the occasional after schools event and End of term services / end of year celebrations continued.
A highlight was the Down’s school Christingle service just before Christmas, which was packed.
The First Sunday All Age Graze service was put on hold in September – but leaves opportunities for first Sunday baptism services as the need arises.
Junior parkrun continues in Golden Valley Playing fields and we see some children from Wraxall and the Down’s school come along.
With Sarah leaving in the summer, some projects were put on hold, except with the help of Sylvia we have started pupil chaplains at Wraxall school. Supporting and enabling 4 children to be chaplains to the school.
Morey continues to be a Governor at the school which has combined responsibilities with St Mary’s, Portbury.
## **Rev Sarah Sanderson:**
In August 2024, Rev’d Sarah Sanderson left the role of Curate for Trendlewood and for Wraxall with Failand. She took up a post as Pioneer Associate Vicar in Yeovil. It was sad to say goodbye in August, as we enjoyed much ministry together and she gave so much to all the churches she served and beyond. However, we know this move is of God and continue to pray God’s Blessing upon her and her family.
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## **All Saints’ Churchyard Working Party Report**
Another good year for churchyard upkeep by the loyal crew.
A big thank you to the time for tea group for their generous donation of a leaf blower, it will be very useful.
PCC paid for a new mower at a time when all existing mowers failed to start, a timely lifesaver. Since then Nick arranged for a local repairer to look at our sorry looking collection and we now have three working mowers.
The grass has been kept under control and the Jubilee Garden kept in reasonable shape. The addition of a new bench, thanks to an anonymous donation, makes a brilliant addition to the look of this corner of the churchyard.
I am very grateful to the members of the crew who turn up, rain or shine, and a special thank you to Meg who caters for our inner needs with tea, coffee and delicious cakes.
Bob Caton
## **Entertainments Report**
We give thanks once again for the events that have taken place over the past months a wonderful opportunity to share fellowship together.
Church yard working party supper an opportunity to say thank you and show our appreciation for all the hard work and dedication to those who maintain our beautiful church yard.
Agape meal, an opportunity to share in fellowship together, a meal that recalls the meals shared with his disciples during his ministry.
Lent lunch in aid of Tearfund. Thank you to all who support this event.
Service of remembering.
Carol service.
Christmas Fayre always an enjoyable time of outreach and fellowship.
Harvest Tea delicious cakes and an opportunity once again to test our knowledge over a fun quiz.
Church Leaders Lunch
Committee members: Sue Irwin – Chair Eileen Oates – Secretary Iris Croome – Treasurer Caroline Watts, Jane Knight, Yvette Dunn and Brenda Coxell
## **Flower Guild All Saints Wraxall**
The flower team continue to enhance our services week on week. We all have our styles which makes it all the more interesting.
We much enjoy decorating for the Festivals days. Easter is a really special time, especially the Altar in the Chapel called the 'Altar of Repose' decorated in spring flowers & used on Maundy Thursday just to sit quietly in silence and reflection.
We are no longer able to offer to decorate the Church for weddings but are quite willing to meet the couples and their florist to give some guidance on where best to place their flowers.
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We have five arrangers plus one who does festivals we might soon be six or seven, recruitment in progress! Sue and the Team
## **Julian Group Report**
## “Be still and know that I am God”
Julian Meetings foster the practice of contemplative prayer in the Christian tradition and are named after Julian of Norwich, a fourteenth-century mystic. They are for people of all denominations or none. What is contemplative prayer? SIMPLY BEING: Contemplative prayer is a matter of being; being in stillness, being in God; not achieving anything or trying to find words, but simply being. Psalm 46:10.
Prayerful silence is greatly helped when two or three people are together, and this can complement our daily personal prayer.
Belonging to a group can be a source of help and encouragement.
We are a group of on average 9 ladies and 1 gentleman from several local churches who meet on the first Monday of each month at 2pm in the Charlton Chapel at All Saints church.
The meeting starts with a short piece of meditative music, a brief reading which then leads into about 20 minutes of silence.
If you are not sure if it's for you I would encourage you to come along and "Taste and See".
## **Mother’s Union Report**
The members enjoyed an interesting and varied programme during 2024. In March Rev d John Angle and his wife Janet came to speak on their work in Gaza which they have been involved in for many years.
Rev d Morey told us of his plans for his proposed Sabbatical giving members an insight into his plans. Mable who is a member of the M.U in Zimbabwe gave a most interesting account of the M.U and how much Say the leaders of the M.U have in their community.
A speaker from Caring in Bristol told us of the varied work that is carried out throughout the year in Bristol.
During the year members joined in communion services, and in the Diocese were part of the Deanery Cathedral Prayers and attended the Annual Meeting at Flourish House.
Members would like to thank everyone for supporting the fundraising events enabling us to support the M.U projects both home and abroad.
We would love to welcome anyone who would like to join us in a meeting to hear any of our speakers.
Sue Irwin Co-ordinator and all members Wraxall M.U
## **Outreach/Evangelism**
We are called to be witnesses in the world – to God’s love and saving Grace In many ways we do this in our acts of service but as we read the report we see we do this also through our worship and other ministries.
As a church we are wanting to grow and to do this we need to be seeking opportunities for sharing the Gospel.
Let’s keep being faithful and praying for opportunities.
As part of this we are seeking to run more Start courses or similar, so keep praying for opportunities to invite folks to the course as they arise.
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## **Prayer**
Prayer is the engine room of church life and continues to be at the heart of all we do. Morning prayer on zoom continues – Monday to Wednesday (all are welcome to join). The Julian group meets each month (please see their report).
Prayer ministry occurs after Holy Communion on the fourth Sunday service in All saints. The prayer board is still available for writing prayers and in the Charlton Chapel, opportunities for lighting of candles.
If anyone has any need for prayer then please do get in touch.
## **Time for Tea**
We have continued to meet almost every 2nd Thursday of the month for afternoon tea and either a short talk or an easy quiz. We have listened to Bob Paton showing his fascinating models, Keith Wharton on the community rail partnership, the working of the local "leg clinic", Peter Evans demonstrating his model gliders, Rev. Rosie Lunn talking about her time "working" at Westminster Abbey, Marie Evans on her shooting hobby, Road safety advice with free high visibility jackets and in December we read appropriate poems and sang carols. Quizzes filled in the gaps. We are a small but happy group and would welcome new members for tea and talk - all this for only £3 a head for each meeting.
Susan Sanderson
## **Wraxall Tower Report**
Practices and service ringing continued, following the usual pattern of Monday evening practices and service ringing at 9.30-10am on second and fourth Sundays. Our number vary, but we are blessed by visitors from other towers, who find our practices useful and friendly. Our learners are making good progress.
The bells were rung for three weddings in 2024.
Simple maintenance tasks have been carried out as normal (e.g. lubricating sliders, rope maintenance etc.), but soon some of the clappers will have to be re-bushed, which will require the services of a bell hanger.
Peter Heard, Tower Captain
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## **Deanery Synod Report by John Stevens**
## Wednesday March 6th
This was a normal Synod meeting, held at Keedwell Church, Keedwell Hill, Long Ashton. After Opening Worship, led by Rev James Harris, the Minutes of the previous meeting (14-9-23) and the 2023 Deanery Accounts were approved. There was then a presentation on ‘Caring for Creation and Net Zero’ by Dan Wills, Net Zero Enabler, Bath & Wells Diocese. Main points: - 97% of climate scientists agree that climate change is man-made and dangerous. Climate change does occur naturally, and goes in cycles, however current changes are more than occur in those natural cycles. The main cause seems to be the greenhouse effect, which has been enhanced by us (e.g. by burning of fossil fuels). This is caused by Carbon Dioxide, which although only making up 0.04% of the atmosphere, has a significant effect.
- The Net Zero policy aims to reduce the amount of emission of CO2 to be no greater than the amount absorbed. Ways of achieving this are to switch to electricity for heating, or even to generate our own electricity. Another possibility is offsetting, although this just moves the problem somewhere else. In a church setting, the carbon footprint of the members of the church congregation will be much greater than the church itself.
- Why is the problem not being treated with urgency? There are more pressing issues e.g. church finance, how churches are powered, poor insulation (not easy to remedy), there is no centralised approach, and a lack of data. There are also issues of comfort vs energy, limited funding, lack of capacity, complexity of new heating systems, resistance to change and the difficulty of the Faculty process.
- How to start? Talk to him dan.wills@bathwells.anglican.org . There is an Energy Footprint tool, or an Energy Audit can be carried out (e.g. via Parish Buying). There is information on the B&W website https://www.bathandwells.org.uk/news/workingtogether-to-achievenet-zero-by-2030 .
- Other points – heat the person, not the place, pay attention to insulation, especially windows. Electric is best for heating, think about heat pumps and solar panels. Faculties are easier now, but involve the DAC from the outset.
## Tuesday June 4th
This was a Deanery-wide meeting, held at Walton-St-Mary. The speaker was Rt Rev Mike Hill, former Bishop of Bristol, whose talk was titled “A letter to the Church today”. A transcript of the talk is available from the author.
Wednesday September 18th
This meeting was held at St George’s Church Hall, Easton-in-Gordano. After the opening worship and before the main business of the meeting, a volunteer for 1 of 2 vacancies on the Diocesan Synod was approved by a show of hands.
Rev Mike Haslam, Interim Mission Development Team Leader, then spoke on the subject of ‘Churches and Neurodiversity: enabling welcome’.
## **Main points:**
- Autism, dyslexia, ADHD are naturally occurring cognitive variations on a spectrum, not items on a checklist.- From scripture we find that Jesus spent most of his time being alongside people, not just teaching them. This should be a model for us.
- Neurodiverse brains are ‘wired differently’ e.g. like Apple vs Windows PC. Some 15-20% of people are neurodiverse. They have problems if places and activities are designed for neurotypical people.
- Rev Lindsay Smith, Pioneer, Portishead Team, who is dyslexic, talked about the sort of things she finds difficult e.g. if asked to write something down on a Post-it note in a service, or if what is going to happen is not properly explained. There is a need for neurodiverse people to feel included e.g. by being consulted about how activities could be better arranged for them.
- From group discussions – less text, more images; more explanation; don’t judge.
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- Rev Mike says we all think we are welcoming, but are we really when viewed from a neurodiverse point of view.
- See www.bristol.anglican.org/churchlife/resourcesforparishes/accessibility for more information.
## Tuesday November 12th
This was a Deanery-wide meeting, held at St Peter’s Portishead. After the opening worship, there was a talk given by Rev Dr Sean Doherty, Principal of Trinity College, Bristol, who specialises in the Ethics of Economics.
He began by comparing Capitalism with Communism, pointing out that idealism was something they shared. Following the fall of Communism in most places, Capitalism is ‘the only game in town’ (or is it?). The Bible shows another way – see the attached reference sheet. Sean quoted a book by Ken Costa, in which it was concluded that Capitalism reflects New Testament principles – Sean disputes this, as Capitalism relies on holding money tightly, but Jesus’ economy is different (see reference sheet).
## **Some other points made:**
- Selfishness is bad, self-centredness is not (love others as you love yourself)
- Does capitalism create wealth? No, it converts existing God-given wealth
- Although there are rich and poor in the world, there is enough for all
- After the fall there is scarcity and toil, but God still provides for our needs
- Private property is supported in the Bible (see Ten Commandments). Ownership reset by Jubilee (every 50 years).
- Is the Old Testament Capitalist or Communist? Neither, it gives a middle way. Equality is important.
- It is the love of money which is condemned, not money itself.
Reps: Sue Irwin and John Stevens
## **Portishead Deanery Report 2024**
We met, as usual, four times in 2024; two of the meetings (June and November) were deanery-wide meetings, open to anyone to attend, while the March and September meetings were full Synods. March – This Synod was held at the Church of the Ascension, Keedwell, and saw the approval of the 2023 Deanery accounts as well as a talk on “Caring for Creation & Net Zero, by Dan Wills, the Net Zero Enabler for the Diocese.
June – The venue for this Deanery-wide meeting was St Mary’s, Walton. It was a very well-attended meeting and we heard a fascinating talk from Bishop Mike Hill on “A letter to the Church today”, which gave much food for thought and was followed by an interesting Q&A session.
September – The September Synod took pace at St George’s Church Hall, Easton, and was on the subject of Neurodiversity when the speakers were Mike Haslam, at the time the Diocese’s Chaplaincy Adviser, and our own Lindsay Smith. This was a very useful talk with group work designed to make us think about those attending our churches with neurodiverse needs.
November – The venue for the November Deanery-wide meeting was St Peter’s Portishead and saw a presentation by Sean Doherty, the Principal of Trinity College, Bristol, called “Money, Money, Money, is it a 'Rich Man's World?”, which made us think hard about world economics.
We have enjoyed having Assistant Diocesan Secretary Peter Evans as our Deanery Accompanier. He has been present at most Deanery Mission and Pastoral Group (DMPG) meetings and Synods. Claire Horton, the Bath Archdeaconry Deanery & Parish Adviser, has also been very helpful. The DMPG has met every two months throughout 2024 while the Deanery Leadership Team has met every month. We want to express our gratitude to the clergy and officials of all the deanery churches for their hard work and commitment during this difficult year, especially to those churches which have been in vacancy.
## **Rob Norman (Lay Dean), Astrid Tiesema-Samsom (Co-Area Dean), Rob Eastwood Dewing (Co-Area Dean) February 2025**
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## **Addendum**
## **Morey’s “brief” Sabbatical Report - April 2024 to August 2024**
I say at the start that what follows is a snap shot of the most amazing three months … I have 1000’s of photos, many more memories, … I started out saying this was needed … after a few days and throughout it was a privilege.
Looking back
The opportunity to have a sabbatical (extended ministerial leave) was a great privilege and also a necessity to renew, body, mind and spirit. I had not totally realised how tired I had become and how the anxiety had reached levels that were not healthy.
Looking forward
On returning to ministry in August 2024, I came with a renewed positivity and a sense that all would be well. Of course there have been the usual challenges and some new ones but my mechanism to cope has been increased by the time away.
## **The Sabbatical in 4 parts:**
Part one – the body
It all started on April 21st April when I ran and
completed the London Marathon. Raising £4000 for charity; smiling for most of the run and shedding the odd tear. It was a fabulous occasion, as meeting my family 4 times – they must have sprinted!! And meeting other friends and club members en-route!
Over the next three months I was also able on the journey to run and walk where there was opportunity. I ran in 7 countries around the world!!
On pilgrimage I was able to physically engage with the environs
Part two – the Spiritual Journey
This was really the bedrock of the time. Seeking God and taking time in just being.
I started by revisiting the Ignation discipline of the 19th annotation, which for many years had been part of my rhythm of life.
I also designed a pilgrimage spread over the three months. I revisited places of past encounters with God.
Part Three – The Mind
I wanted to take time to go deeper with the Patriarchs and the Apostles to see what kept them faithful and what made them tick. So daily I would read the scriptures and take notes of what was significant and how this could play out in my life.
Diary and Drawing
Each day I took note using words and pictures
Part 4 – Travel and rest
I had the privilege of going to many places - not least Brazil, Argentina and Peru. There is too much to write on this but my wife and I were blessed with encountering a new cultural way (s). The beauty of creation – where heaven touched earth!
## The People
On every part of the journey from family, friends, uber drivers, etc they added to the whole experience.
The Present
My overriding aim for each day was to enjoy the present and the presence.
**Slower - steady - stronger - simpler - surprises**
## End of APCM Report
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