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2024-12-31-accounts

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A place of Welcome Worship & Wonder

ANNUAL REPORT and ACCOUNTS for the year ending 31 December 2024

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

© Wymondham Abbey · 2025 · Rights reserved

www.wymondhamabbey.org.uk

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

Saturday 10 May 2025 at 10am

The Annual Vestry Meeting of Parishioners for the Election of Churchwardens

AGENDA

  1. Opening prayer

  2. Statement by the Vicar, Reverend Andrew Hammond

  3. To receive and approve the Minutes of the Vestry Meeting held on 20 April 2024

  4. Matters arising from the minutes

  5. To elect and appoint two churchwardens.

  6. Meeting closes

The meeting is followed directly by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting which is intended only for those named on the Electoral Roll.

www.wymondhamabbey.org.uk

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

Minutes of the Annual Vestry Meeting of Parishioners for the

Election of Churchwardens

Saturday 20 April 2024 at 10:30am

Present: Father Christopher and 56 parishioners were present Apologies: 17 apologies for absence were received and registered.

They were ably supported by assistants Chris Grant, Treasurer and Andrew Naylor, Fabric Officer.

The team had met fortnightly together and were in almost daily contact by email. Father Christopher said it was a wonderful experience working with such a good team and he was sure they would give invaluable support to his successor.

5 Election and appointment two churchwardens

William James Hartley (aka Jim) and Brian Peter Marcus Randall had been nominated. There were no further nominations and they were duly elected.

Fr Christopher thanked them and Brian Randall thanked the parishioners and volunteers for all their support.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING Saturday 10 May 2025

AGENDA

  1. Apologies

  2. To receive and confirm the minutes of the APCM held on 20 April 2024

  3. Matters arising from the minutes

  4. To receive reports:

  5. a. Electoral Roll

  6. b. Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and the activities of the parish during 2024

  7. c. Financial statement for the year ending 31 Dec. 2024

  8. d. Fabric report

  9. e. Deanery Synod report

  10. To re-elect four parochial representatives of the laity to the Deanery Synod

  11. To elect up to 12 members to the Parochial Church Council for a three-year term RULE M15: if there are more than 50 but no more than 100, nine; if there are more than 100, a further three per hundred names and, where the number of names on the roll is not divisible by 100 without fraction or remainder, for the fraction or remainder, up to a maximum of 15.

  12. To appoint a person to be the Independent Examiner of the PCC for 2024/2025

  13. Any other business

  14. Address by the Vicar: Reverend Andrew Hammond

The Blessing

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

Minutes of The Annual Parochial Church Meeting of Parishioners

Saturday 20 April 2024

Present: Father Christopher and 56 parishioners were present

Full details had been circulated in the Annual Report for year ending 31 December 2023.

A new Electoral Roll had been prepared for last year’s APCM on 4 March 2023when there were 158 on the roll. 57 of whom had not been listed on the previous roll.

Since the last APCM there had been six deaths and 16 new names had been added. There are currently 168 names on the Roll. 26 live outside of the parish.

Father Christopher explained that he was encouraged by the growth in church attendance and the variety of activities taking place. The church has been open every day and over 33,000 visitors received a warm reception from our team of volunteer welcomers. Many more attended special services and concerts and community events throughout the year.

The 27 reports in the Annual Report on Parish Activities provide ample evidence of what a thriving and welcoming place Wymondham Abbey has become.

Abbey Services – 2023
Services: Attendance figures:
Baptisms 19 Average Sunday 154
Weddings 7 Easter communicants 194
Funerals 14 The four Sundays of Advent plus Christingle 903
Burials of ashes 2 Three school carol services 717
Funerals in crematoria 7 Christmas Eve and Christmas Day total 984
Advent and Christmas total 2,604

Around 20 people received Communion at home each month during 2023.

The most notable increase in worshippers has been the number of families attending the 10.30am services. The Sunday evening service has a regular congregation of 12 or more.

The appointment of a Director of Music in September and subsequent development of both an enlarged senior choir and a junior choir plus a primary school choir visiting once a month further increased congregation numbers.

The meeting approved the report.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

c Treasurer’s report for the year ending 31 Dec. 2023

A detailed financial statement had been circulated and approved by the PCC on Sun. 7 April 2024. Chris Grant spoke to the Parishioners supported by an excellent Powerpoint presentation which highlighted key points from the full report.

Income was £376,323 which included reserved gifts of £92,421, grants of £115,370 and £168,532 from the Parish Giving Scheme, visitor donations, gift aid, events and the Abbey shop.

After two consecutive years of losses, we had a surplus of about £3–4k .

We need £170k each year to maintain our basic activities.

We are grateful for the generosity of Wymondham Abbey Preservation Trust, Friends of Wymondham Abbey and William Papillon Trust without whose ongoing support the Abbey would not be financially viable. Between them they have funded heating, major repairs to the roof leadwork, overhaul of the website, completion of the sound system and have funds ready for education and outreach projects. The comfortable heating this winter has enabled us to welcome regular congregations, over 33,000 visitors, outreach activities such as the weekly Baby and Toddler group, the Friday Winter Warm Spaces and not least an environment for our dedicated volunteers to enjoy working in. Questions were invited:

  1. SB-W asked about the proposed Parish Nurse scheme which would utilise the outreach funding received from an anonymous donor. Fr C recommended the scheme which is run by Parish Nursing Ministries UK https://www.parishnursing.org.uk/

  2. It would enable us to help support the community with mental and physical health needs and make good use of the Abbey Hall in an outward facing role.

  3. VC-J commented that it was sad that we have to spend so much time talking about money. Fr C commented that ‘money is a means to mission’.

There were no further questions and the Accounts were accepted.

d Fabric report was given by Andrew Naylor, Fabric Officer

2023 was a year of consolidation and getting the Abbey back on track in many ways. Fabric works during the year included:

The Quinquennial inspections of both the Abbey and Spooner Row are now done and we await the reports from the architect to plan the next five years’ priorities.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

Questions were invited:

  1. DR asked about plans for the East tower. AN explained that a survey had taken place in 2021/2022 after reports of fallen masonry. Protective fencing was erected. A schedule of work and tenders are required before work can be started.

  2. RB-W asked about the unsightly crack in the floor in St Benedicts. Filling in the crack had been done before and didn’t work. A longer-term solution may be to lay a strip of infill paving as a feature instead. Care would be needed because of buried heating cables.

e Deanery Synod report

Humbleyard Deanery Synod did not meet in 2023 and has been dissolved. We are now in Thetford and Rockland Deanery.

Barbara Randall and Morwenna Thomas will serve for another two years.

Kay Dorling and Catherine Mack were elected for a three-year term.

Deanery Synod representatives are all full voting members of the PCC.

Fr Christopher had attended a Thetford and Rockland Chapter meeting recently.

Revd. Canon Christopher John Davies, Interim Priest-in-Charge

Church wardens: Jim Hartley and Brian Randall,

PCC Treasurer Christopher James Grant, PCC Secretary Barbara Randall.

PCC members: Isabel Davidson, David Hamilton and Alex Perry serving three-year terms.

New members elected to the Parochial Church Council for a three-year term

There were four nominations:

Martyn Chamberlain, Iain Drayton, Diana Grant and Hilary Hunter and all were duly elected.

Philip Aldred, Spooner Row representative and Andrew Naylor, Fabric Officer would be formally coopted onto the PCC as full voting members when the PCC meet on 21 May 2024.

Our treasurer, Chris Grant, proposed two alternatives as it would depend on our total annual income as to whether we were legally required to have a qualified accountant to examine the accounts. The cost of a professional accountant for examining the 2023 accounts was £2,200.

The meeting unanimously agreed that the two options would be:

  1. Robert Ayers (who examined the 2022 accounts) if the income was less than £250k or

  2. our 2023 accountant Peter Bussey of Abacus if, as last year, the income total (which includes grants from trusts) goes over £250k.

8 Any other business

The parishioners were invited to raise any matters they wished but there were no questions.

It is very good to see so many people here this morning – a sure sign of a vibrant church community which is taking seriously the call to discipleship. I began my address last year by saying a great deal has been achieved – more than I thought possible, more than I dared hope. And I want to repeat that but in the context of thanking God – thanking God for all of you who have brought so much to the life of the Abbey and Spooner Row.

It is quite remarkable that we have been able to achieve so much in the last 12 months – we have grown both numerically and spiritually as a congregation. We have recruited yet more volunteers for the

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

Welcome Desk and for the shop. We have paid off all the debts, restored in full the payment of the Parish Share and, as we have heard from our Treasurer, balanced the books for the year end. This is, indeed, a God given blessing. God working through all of you, and many others not here this morning, has brought about this transformation.

Bishop Graham, writing to me following the interviews for the new incumbent said the welcome on Thursday in the Abbey was outstanding. People could not have been kinder. What a wonderful team. His comments echo the many, many favourable remarks made in our visitors’ book and are a tribute to all of you who give of your time on the PCC, at the Welcome Desk and in the shop, and in so many other ways.

Thank you to those who week by week enable our Ministry of Welcome and never underestimate the impression that a smiling face and cheery ‘hello’ will make on a visitor – quite simply – they will judge the church by the welcome they receive from you.

Once more we have been generously supported by The Preservation Trust, The Friends and The Papillon Trust as together they have funded works and projects initiated by the PCC.

You will have heard that a new vicar has been appointed.

In the months ahead we will be involving my successor in the plans to appoint a Parish Nurse, a Parttime Youth Worker and the re-development of the Hall – all of which will involve new opportunities for outreach and discipleship. Outreach and discipleship are our core activities. Of course, the Abbey hosts many community events and rightly so; we have fayres, exhibitions, guided tours, lectures and, together with Spooner Row, many recitals and concerts. But outreach and discipleship are our core activities.

It has been good to see the Abbey Choir back in the stalls and I am particularly grateful to Rob Goodrich who has sensitively combined the existing choir with the former choristers and to Lorna for recruiting and encouraging the Junior Choir and to Peter and Daniel for accompanying our worship so well. Music in its many forms plays a significant part in the life of both of our churches and it has been good to welcome back orchestras and recitalists. I am well aware of the extra work required in hosting many extra activities over and above our daily round of worship.

The Herculean effort in running the Toddler Group and offering them hospitality every Thursday is but one example, but one that speaks powerfully of welcome and service to the local community.

The great Benedictine tenet that all should be welcomed as Christ is being lived out among us in so many ways and we must thank God for that.

You will have heard me say more than once that a church community can never be static, a church is called to be a pilgrim people – moving and growing into the love of God. There are new faces in our congregation every Sunday – some are visitors, some are seekers and everyone of us has a responsibility to make them feel welcome and to encourage them to travel alongside us.

William Temple, one time Archbishop of Canterbury rightly said, The church is the only organisation that exists primarily for the sake of those who are still outside it.

As we travel on, and as you prepare for a new chapter under a new vicar, may God continue to bless and to guide. And may we all resolve afresh to build the kingdom.

Thank you all for who you are, for all you have done and for all I know you will continue to do.

The meeting ended with the Blessing.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

Saturday 10 May 2025

STATUTORY REPORTS FOR YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024

ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT

This year all Church of England parishes are preparing a new Electoral Roll for the current round of Annual Meetings. This is done every six years. At the end of December 2024 there were 168 names on the roll, 17 lived outside the parish. Since the last APCM held on 20 April 2024, two people on the Roll have died. Over the previous six years others have moved away or for various reasons no longer attend services regularly. On the new roll prepared for this meeting there are 145 names, of which 27 are new. Notably 26 people live outside the parish and regularly attend services. Barbara Randall, Electoral Roll Officer

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC) REPORT

Bishop Ian had attended the PCC meeting in November 2023 to explain the appointment process for a new Vicar and so the preparation of a parish profile began in January. The churchwardens had several meetings with Archdeacon Steven Betts culminating in a Section 11 Meeting with the PCC in February, chaired by Acting Archdeacon and Bishop’s Chaplain Rev’d Canon Sally Theakston. During 2024 PCC business has included the appointment of Ramona Chenery as a Parish Nurse Scheme in Wymondham. Her report is in the Parish Activities section of this document. The reputation of the church within the wider community has continued to improve during 2024. The church has been open every day and over 36,000 visitors received a warm reception from our team of volunteer welcomers. Many more attended special services and concerts throughout the year. The reports on Parish Activities provide a record of what a thriving and welcoming place Wymondham Abbey has become as a result of the work of our many dedicated volunteers supported and guided by Fr Christopher who worked tirelessly in the last months before his ‘second’ retirement in September. The Annual Vestry Meeting (AVM) and Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) were held on Saturday 20 April 2024 attended by Fr Christopher and 56 parishioners. The PCC has complied with the requirements imposed by the code under section 5A of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016.

The PCC is a Registered Charity and its Trustees are the people responsible for controlling the work, management and administration of the charity on behalf of its beneficiaries. There are currently 17 Trustees. Two churchwardens were appointed at the AVM: William James Hartley and Brian Peter Marcus Randall . Revd. Canon Christopher John Davies served as Interim Priest-in-Charge until Sunday 8 September 2024. Rev’d Father Andrew Charles Hammond was appointed Vicar of Wymondham with Spooner Row in the Diocese of Norwich at his Collation by The Right Reverend Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and Induction and Installation by The Venerable Steven Betts, Archdeacon of Norfolk on Thursday 12 September 2024. At the APCM on 20 April 2024 four people were appointed to serve as Deanery Synod representatives: Barbara Joan Randall and Morwenna Corfield Thomas (both appointed March 2023) would serve for another two years. Kathleen Melvill Dorling and Catherine Sian Mack were elected for a three-year term. Isabel Louise Davidson, Dr David Valentine Hamilton and Alex Perry (all elected in March 2023) would serve on the PCC for another two years. Newly elected for a three-year term were John Martyn Chamberlain, Iain Alfred Drayton, Diana Margaret Grant and Hilary Frances Hunter . The following would continue to serve by virtue of their role: Christopher James Grant, PCC Treasurer, Philip Sydney Aldred , Spooner Row representative and Andrew Richard Naylor , Fabric Officer. Diana Grant was appointed Safeguarding Officer, Iain Drayton was appointed Health and Safety Officer, Barbara Randall continued her roles as PCC Secretary and Electoral Roll Officer. Ruth Brett had stood down in March 2024 before the APCM. In addition to the Section 11 meeting in February and an extraordinary meeting to approve the Annual Report and Accounts in April there were six ordinary PCC meetings during 2024, all well attended. Barbara Randall, PCC Secretary

www.wymondhamabbey.org.uk

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

ABBEY SERVICES – 2024

ABBEY SERVICES – 2024
Services:
Baptisms 20
Weddings 13
Funerals 22
Burials of ashes 2
Funerals in crematoria 6
Attendance figures:
Average Sunday in October 151
Easter communicants 314
The four Sundays of Advent plus Christingle 950
Three school carol services 400
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services total 734
Advent and Christmas total 2,084
Total members in our worshipping community 314

An average of 26 people received Communion at home or in residential homes each month during 2024. The weekly pattern of services in 2024 was as follows:

The most notable increase in worshippers has been the number of families attending the 10.30am services, particularly when children were singing. Easter communicants greatly increased in 2024.

In December 2024 Sunday Club activities in St Benedict’s replaced the former Godly Play in the Eucharist. The weekly 5pm Sunday Evensong had a regular congregation of 15 or more. Choral Evensong took place monthly and on some Feast Days with a congregation of around 30 with similar numbers in the choir. Barbara Randall, PCC Secretary

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

The Treasurer’s Report for the Year ending 31 December 2024 is at the end of this document, following the reports on Parish Activities.

FABRIC REPORT

After a couple of years getting back on track with essential maintenance, we were able to move on last year with some long planned projects.

It was fortunate planning to get the conservation work on our Tudor Sedilia underway in a quiet January. It now looks much less fragile and the craftsmen were able to investigate its structure a little further. Whatever the rumours there is no trace of a tomb inside, of Abbot Ferrers or anyone else. Since the wall it sits within has now become internal (after at least 400 years of exposure to the elements) the mortar has been drying out which can lead to salts coming to the surface and damaging terracotta. Luckily McNeilage Conservation have been able to stabilise this, though we will keep a close eye on it over the next few years. While the scaffolding may have gone, there was still some banging from above as the team from Norfolk Sheet Lead chased some leaks and splits in the lead on the aisle roofs. Again, this is a never-ending job and a building like this can never been completely watertight, so we are monitoring any further leaks that occur and planning to fix them every few years as time and money allow.

We had the reports from our Quinquennial inspections (done in 2023) and spent time with the architect understanding priorities. While the roof and gutters may be sorted for the moment, much of the exterior stonework around the ruined East tower is in poor condition with significant amounts of loose flintwork at high level. We are putting together a plan to deal with this, as well as issues in the tower itself highlighted by our rope access inspection 2 years ago. While scaffolding is in place it makes sense to tackle the stonework and windows in the North nave Clerestory which need conservation to prevent further deterioration.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

All of this forms a major project which will take several years to plan and complete, but the ball is now rolling. Every five years we also need to have an inspection of the electrical system in the Abbey, the Hall and Spooner Row. As expected, these all found a number of problems which have been dealt with. The electricians were also in residence for most of the autumn putting in new lighting and rewiring the stairs to the bell chamber and beyond in the west tower and north porch. This wiring was over 50 years old and had been prone to tripping out in the unheated stair. The new LEDs provide a much better light for those who climb up and down each week. We also added a few more much needed sockets around the building. The grade 1 listing means we have to use a very solid copper covered fireproof cable in many areas, which is both expensive to buy and very slow to work with. Many thanks to the Preservation trust for funding this work.

The interior of the building saw the stone floor cleaned near the welcome desk and some cracks repaired. The usual routine maintenance of boilers and alarm systems all takes time, and we have also been busy with plans for the Abbey Hall, more of which elsewhere. There was also some activity (paid for by the diocese) to get Applegarth ready for Father Andrew’s occupation.

In the winter we had a NetZero audit instigated and paid for by the Church of England, which is expected to throw up a few suggestions for energy improvements – as always, switching to Net Zero largely means changing from Gas to Electricity as a heat source, which is a very difficult thing in a Grade 1 listed church without spending eye watering sums of money, and probably increasing the running cost. We shall have to wait and see.

As always we are indebted to the advice and great generosity of the Wymondham Abbey Preservation Trust in funding most of this work. We are in a very privileged and rare position to be able to look after this great building without having to continually fundraise and their continued support is always hugely appreciated. Andrew Naylor, Fabric Officer

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

At the beginning of 2024 all the parishes and benefices in Humbleyard Deanery were placed in adjacent deaneries. This meant that our parish of Wymondham with Silfield and Spooner Row became part of Thetford and Rockland Deanery. Other Benefices that moved with us were High Oak/Hingham and Hethersett. The Thetford and Rockland Deanery is large and consists of 10 benefices, 34 parishes and 54 churches. Our Rural Dean is Matthew Jackson, rector of Attleborough and the Lay Chair is Peter Lotarius. We were given a warm welcome to the first new Deanery Synod meeting at East Harling Church, on 24 April. We heard a presentation about generous giving from Robert Culyer and Tim Sweeting, the Diocesan Secretary. Prayers were asked for the Shellrock benefice who were still without an incumbent. In the summer we met at St. Peter’s church, Rockland St. Peter, on 23 July. The Guest Speaker was Frances Middleton speaking on Sanctuary Church in Norwich and helping refugees who have been virtually abandoned by officialdom. The autumn meeting was held at Cloverfield Community Church in Thetford on 15 October 15, with Sue Brice, the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, as the speaker. Kay Dorling, Deanery Synod Representative

HOLY TRINITY SPOONER ROW

It has been another very positive year in the life of our community. Eucharist Services have been held regularly on every second Sunday in the month, plus Easter day and Christmas day. A lay Service of the Word has been held every fourth Sunday in the month. Every Service has been followed by fellowship of coffee, tea and biscuits and chat. Harvest, Act of Remembrance and Good Friday have also been celebrated accordingly. We have had Carols round the Organ - an event attended by over 60 people from the village and the Parish - comprising of Readings and Carols associated with Christmas. The Nativity Play, attended by around 70 youngsters, aged 4 months to adults up to aged 85! Again refreshments were served after and much appreciated by all. Numbers of attendees at Services has remained constant throughout the year but with an increase overall from last year, which has been very pleasing to see.

The PCC held a Vision Day at the Church shortly after the arrival of Father Andrew. Holy Communion was celebrated before the Day began.

The Church was used by the Norfolk West Gallery Quire until its cessation early in the year. Norwich Music Group continued to rehearse every Tuesday evening. Wymondham Youth Music Society have held a Concert, and their Committee hold their meetings at regular intervals too.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

The Dais has been removed and the Altar now stands on the tiles. Future considerations re a smaller platform and/ or a carpeted area for the Altar to be placed upon are on-going. Other works have also been successfully carried out including: painting and putting a dado rail to protect the wooden panels around the church and the painting of the front door. Other works to the electrics and guttering (included in the Fabric Officers Report) have also been successfully carried out.

Our thanks to Father Tony for his continued and tireless work for our Eucharist Services.Thanks, also, to all members of the Congregation who have provided flowers, refreshments, the cleaning of the brasses and the Church itself. Thanks to Father Christopher, and latterly, Father Andrew together with Andrew Naylor and the PCC for all their support.

Philip Aldred, Spooner Row Representative

CHURCHWARDENS REPORT

The bulk of the significant activity in 2024 revolved around filling the post of Vicar. Fr Christopher, who had led us so admirably since the resignation of Revd Catherine Relf-Pennington in June 2022, decided in the summer of 2023 that his work as Interim Priest-in-Charge was nearing an end.

With input from many sources and considerable help from +Graham and +Ian we managed to put together a Parish Profile that we hoped would attract the right candidate. The profile was approved at the Section 11 meeting of the PCC, and the two Parish Representatives on the interview panel (Jim Hartley and Isabel Davidson) were appointed. The interview date was set for 11 April, and advertising was organised. The post was advertised on the Diocesan and CofE websites, as well as a paid advert in the Church Times.

Of the five applicants, three were selected for interview and Rev Andrew Hammond was chosen to be our next Vicar. He was formerly the Chaplain at St John’s College, Cambridge before moving to Wymondham. He is now living in the Diocesan owned house in Applegarth, into which the Diocese put a lot of effort to make it presentable.

We said ‘Farewell’ to Fr Christopher on Sunday 8 September, and Fr Andrew was Collated, Inducted and Installed on Thursday 12 September. They were two moving but contrasting services.

We are profoundly grateful to everyone who helped with the important task of ensuring that we were able to appoint a new Vicar. We have found Fr Andrew to be a joy to work with, and we are confident that he will lead the Abbey safely on the next stage of our journey.

There was not much else of significant to report on; just the usual balancing act of keeping the diverse activities running smoothly and ensuring we continue be a place of welcome, worship and wonder. Brian Randall and Jim Hartley

REPORTS ON PARISH ACTIVITIES

ABBEY ARCHIVE – John Herne

The Abbey Archive has been made accessible to local, family and academic historians. Cataloguing is ongoing. During the year the archivist has answered enquiries, put on a display for Heritage Open Days and given an illustrated presentation to several village history groups.

More documents have been put into conservationquality envelopes, the better to preserve them. The Friends of Wymondham Abbey sponsored a booklet guide to the archive, which is being distributed to other archivists etc. It is hoped it may be possible to have it included on the Abbey website.

The Friends also paid for the mounting, to the latest archival standard, of the 1445 grant of land by the Priory to the parishioners, enabling the present west tower to be constructed. A display of this deed, with other information about the tower, is

planned for early summer 2025 in the display case under the tower.

A few ‘stray’ documents from other parishes, with no Wymondham connection, have been found in the muniment room, and have been deposited, against receipt, in the Norfolk Records Office.

ABBEY CHOIR – Rob Goodrich, Director of Music

Music at the Abbey continues to develop at a healthy rate, with numbers in the choir steadily increasing. Their strength in depth and

commitment has enabled the choir to tackle some of the fulfilling repertoire from years gone by, such as the morning and evening Collegium Regale services by Herbert Howells and Greater love hath no man by John Ireland.

The enthusiastic Junior Choir are bonding well and are enjoying some stimulating and catchy

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

repertoire chosen and skilfully directed by Lorna Goodrich. They sang with the adults at their first Abbey Christmas Carol service, colourfully enhancing the joint items, most notably Masters in this hall .

We are blessed with having a number of deputy organists: Martin Adams, Daniel Ayers, Jo Richards, Ollie Scott-Lincoln and Dave Ballard who have covered many of the morning services as accompanist, allowing me to concentrate on directing the choir from the east end. Grateful thanks to our wonderful Assistant Organist, Peter O’Connor who continues support the choir for choral evensongs and other special services throughout the year.

I am also grateful for the financial support offered by The Friends of Wymondham Abbey and the Papillon Trust. This support has enabled me to purchase sets of two wonderful volumes of music, Carols for Choirs 6 and Epiphany to All Saints , both of which have been put to good use over the festive season and Epiphanytide.

ABBEY JUNIOR CHOIR – Lorna Goodrich

The junior choir have worked hard this year and have made great progress since the group formed in September 2023. The music the children are singing is becoming more complex and they are gaining confidence in singing in more than one part. During choir practice, the children spend some of their time working through the Royal School of Church Music, Voice for Life training scheme. They ticked off all the requirements for the first award, the white award, and were presented with their medals on Easter Day. The children are now working towards their next awards which we hope to give out in 2025.

This year, the junior choristers sang at various Sunday morning services, but a particular highlight was the Christmas Carol Service where they joined the adult choir for the first time. They sang the carols beautifully and some with great gusto, especially Masters in this hall arranged by Jerrick Cavagnaro which is now fondly known by all the junior choristers as ‘The Custard Carol’. Thanks to Rob Goodrich for his support and guidance with the junior choristers this year. Also, a big thank you to Rose Naylor and Rebecca Ayers for being brilliant role models and helping the juniors in rehearsals.

ABBEY FLOWERS – Doris Waymark

Once again we are very grateful to Andy Free for sponsoring the flowers for 2024. Also for the generosity of the flower arrangers, waterers and individual members of the congregation. Our small team have been delighted to enhance our beautiful Abbey with flowers on a regular weekly basis and for special occasions. Starting the year over 100 posies were made and distributed on Mothering Sunday. For Easter as always the arrangements contained beautiful Easter Lilies, the real start of our flower arranging year! Special displays were created to say Farewell to Fr Christopher and to Welcome our new vicar Fr Andrew.

Flower decorations for Harvest Festival included ‘a sheaf of bread’ and fruit and vegetables which were afterwards distributed to less fortunate people. For the first time with great enthusiasm from Fr Andrew we commemorated All Saints and All Souls Day with designs incorporating Candles. The congregation were invited to submit the names of their departed loved ones that they wished to be remembered on this special day.

Christmas is always a happy time for the arrangers to decorate the Church to compliment the lovely Christmas trees. We are always very happy to do wedding flowers by arrangement and would also like to attract some younger arrangers, no experience necessary, just enthusiasm and a love of flowers, advice is always available. If you are interested please contact Ann Hammond or Anne Johnson.

ABBEY HALL REFURBISHMENT PROJECT – Martyn Chamberlain

During the report period, further progress has been made with the proposed Hall refurbishment project. The objective is to create a warm, welcoming and sustainable environment for a variety of groups and individuals who offer assistance and advice to the wider town

community. It is hoped that this can be done on a zero-charge basis, assuming that energy costs can be reduced with improved insulation, heating and power-generation arrangements. This objective is fully consistent with the Parish’s Outreach and Mission plans and reflects on our Benedictine heritage of offering hospitality to all. An architect was appointed in the summer of 2024 and has developed imaginative plans for the Hall. In view of the large costs (estimated at around £500,000), the proposed works have been divided into suitably phased parcels of work. As the bulk of the work must be funded externally, a strategic list of grantgiving Trusts has been carefully drawn up. We are

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currently awaiting the result of our Planning Permission application: as soon as this is granted, we shall submit applications to several Trusts for the first phase of the works. This involves: replacement of the WCs; formation of a new office for confidential meetings; installation of better storage in the Hall; and the replacement of the main door with a more secure and attractive entrance. To inform a wider audience of our plans, and to satisfy the requirements of several grantgiving trusts, a video has been produced which will be downloaded from the Abbey Website. With the agreement of the PCC, a small sub-committee has been formed to supervise progress of the project.

BABY AND TODDLER GROUP – Lorna Goodrich

It has been another busy year for the Baby and Toddler Group and sessions are proving to be as popular as ever. We run every Thursday morning during term time and are fully booked each week (often with several names on the waiting list). We have a different educational or religious theme each week and this year’s highlights included Candlemas, Pancake Day, Easter, Noah’s Ark, Science Week, Space and Christmas. There is always plenty for children to do at the sessions and a lot of time and effort is put into the craft activities, messy play and refreshments which are provided every week. We have had a few changes to our volunteer team this year and were sad to say goodbye to Sarah at the end of the summer term. Angela joined the team in May, and we are very grateful for all her help, especially for being a friendly face on the craft table!

Finally, a huge thank you to all the volunteers who help keep the sessions going. You do a fabulous job setting up, preparing refreshments, welcoming families, taking registers, tidying away and moving lots of chairs! We couldn’t do it without you and really appreciate everything you do.

BELLS – Hayden Charles

We had a quiet start to the year. After welcoming 2025 in customary fashion at Midnight, the next job was to assist bellhanger Neil Thomas with removing the clappers from all ten bells. They were taken by to Matthew Higby and Co in Somerset where they received a comprehensive service and refurbishment. The bell bearings were cleaned and re-greased and some pulleys replaced.

It may have been quiet, but was very energetic, especially the reverse process at the end of February when everything had to be carried up 120 stairs. Like all mechanical equipment bells benefit

from maintenance and we are grateful to the Preservation Trust for meeting the bill. For the remainder of the year we rang for every Sunday morning service, and we also attempt quarter peals before evensong on the first Sunday of the month. In addition, we rang for nine weddings and a memorial service.

CAFÉ TEAM – Diana Grant

The success of our café continues and the fundraising is impressive.

Net income from donations £6,147 Net income from Abbey Fairs £2,725 Total £8,872

This does not include income from other organised events such as concerts. Our small team provides simple refreshments on a routine basis after services. Extra volunteers join in at our big events. We use a WhatsApp group to organise our work. The café is open for help-yourself refreshments during the abbey opening hours for anyone including the public to enjoy our hospitality. Payment is by donation. This seems to work well without volunteer staffing at present except to provide support with cleaning and stocking up. Thanks to everyone who has worked hard through the year and in particular to Andrew and Sue Naylor who ensure we never run out of supplies.

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION & CONTEMPLATION – Gill Gray

Over the last year approximately six of us have met for an hour at 10.30 every Tuesday and practiced Christian mindfulness, imaginative and breath prayer, lectio divina and silence. We welcome anyone who would like to join us in slowing down and finding God in this still place.

We create a place to explore the spiritual approach to the art of listening to God through silence, reflection and presence. We empty ourselves of all expectations, anticipations or demands – simply being open, watchful and awake to the still small voice within. The more we are quiet to all that is around us, the more we can receive what waits within.

CHURCH CLEANING – Barbara Randall

We currently only have a small budget for paid help cleaning the vestry, toilets and Abbey Hall on a weekly basis and I would like to thank all of you who support this by helping to keep the church ‘spick and span’ without further cost. We have had several ‘Saturday cleaning days’ which gives time

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for a deeper clean, often in hard-to-reach areas, and a team coffee and cake break. Thank you too, for those who tidy and clean when volunteering in other roles, especially before and after events, such as the Toddler Group and fairs. Some of you have taken on a particular cleaning role which can be done at your own convenience. Please let me know if you would like to help in this way. In 2025 we plan to have some Thursday morning team cleaning sessions which might suit those who can’t manage Saturdays.

CHURCHYARD and HERB GARDEN – Hilary Hunter

In January 2024 Ann Roberts (NWT) reported many new plants during a wildlife survey in 2023. A James Grieve apple tree was planted in memory of James from Wymondham. A signpost to the Herb Garden and Conservation Areas has now been erected. The Herb Garden has been well maintained with all plants growing well having been mulched with our own compost.

The north-east corner of the churchyard was cleared following work on the Schoolroom (including repairs to the tool shed). Shade-loving plants will be planted in Spring 2025. I’m grateful to Martyn for his help with maintenance of the churchyard and Terry who has repaired the bed surrounds and two picnic benches. A second compost bin has been built. The Abbey Roses in the churchyard have been pruned and mulched with our own compost.

In May, Helen Baczkowska (NWT) gave a talk on Wildlife and Churchyards. In June the herb garden was part of the Wymondham Open Gardens event. Lucy Seeley (NWT) advised us on the best way to restore the Wildflower Conservation Area. With the help of Scything United the area was scythed in August to help with its restoration and the Conservation area in October.

Our annual Green Halloween event, led by John Beckett and members of WyNG, was very successful with outdoor displays and talks. Fr Andrew blessed the churchyard and Abbey volunteers led indoor craft activities and served pumpkin soup. The evening finished with bat-detecting. The Abbey Churchyard Team includes members of Greening Wymondham and Wymondham Nature Group. We are grateful for the support of NWT, Norfolk Herbs and Peter Beales Roses. Sales of herbs and roses fund all our churchyard expenses and booklets.

CONCERTS IN THE ABBEY – Barbara Randall

Over 2,500 people attended music events in the Abbey in 2024. They are an important source of revenue from: tickets sales and donations for events we organise ourselves as well as hire of the building to other groups. We also make good income on refreshments. Total income was around £5,000.

There were seven full evening concerts during 2024: three visits by Wymondham Symphony Orchestra, one by Wymondham Choral Society, a performance by Chaos Collective quartet put on by The Norwich Novi Sad organisation, Wymondham Academy Christmas concert, and we hosted a very popular Christmas concert with Cawston Band.

There were six Saturday morning organ recitals which featured three high-flying young organ soloists and three more experienced players. Other shorter daytime concerts included a Dutch choir and a beautiful Sunday afternoon concert from Norwich Camerata. One of the highlights of 2024 was the choral workshop day and performance of Matthew Coleridge’s Requiem. Another was the outdoor theatre performance of The Secret Garden by The Plandits.

Our small team of concert volunteers have worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of these events and offer a warm welcome to all our performers and audiences. An important aspect of this is serving refreshments. New volunteers are always welcome! We have 17 varied concerts already arranged for 2025.

CRAFT FAIRS AND DUCK RACE – Hayley Cornwall

In 2024, we held three Abbey Fairs in conjunction with Clear Company, Spring Fair – 6th April, Summer Fair – 3rd August and Christmas Fair – 23rd November. These events are now well established, with the community expecting these to take place each year, meaning each one seems to get bigger and better. With the help of Julie at Clear Company the fairs are much more than just another craft fair, they are attended as days out for visitors who can enjoy not only the local businesses stalls but also music, activities and local street food. The Abbey Fairs also help bring visitors into the town and has helped rebuild relationships.

The annual Abbey Duck Race was held next to the River Tiffey at Becketswell on the first May Bank Holiday. Thanks to the good weather, this was very well attended and raised lots of funds for the Abbey.

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ECO CHURCH AWARD SCHEME – Hilary Hunter We are working towards a Gold Eco Church Award.

GUILD OF ST BENEDICTS – Jim Hartley

The Guild continues to grow as more volunteers come on board, now totalling around 150. The Team Leaders met 3 times in 2024 agreeing on a number of important management and social issues. There were three social events during the year, a Quiz evening based on the history of and the artefacts in the Abbey, a hot lunch for the Welcomers and an informal Carol Service. Thanks to all who have supported the activities of the Guild and to the regular volunteers who contribute so much to the warm welcome remarked on by many visitors. Thanks also to those who serve, sing and clean.

HEALTH AND SAFETY – Iain Drayton

It’s Health and Safety time with me, So please just wait before you flee. I know it’s something that is boring Yet I want to stop you snoring.

Now accidents, we’ve had a few, But you good folks knew what to do. The first aid boxes they abound Thus don’t take long before they’re found.

An accident book is there too Then you can write down all you knew. Which will at length is read by me To see what linkage there may be.

So now let’s talk regarding fire, And the attempt to burn the choir Paper lantern and its candle Was much more than they could handle.

With fire doors and an alarm, I’m sure that we will have no harm. For our escape plan is prepared You’ll all get out and not be scared. But safety is not just my task, I need your help, so what I ask. If a spillage is in your sight, Don’t walk away as others might.

Arrange to have it cleaned away As that would really make my day. For on that spill someone could slip. Then falling down might hurt their hip.

Or toys could be left in the aisle And while it might just raise a smile You might go skating like a clown Before you crash and hit the ground.

Lord Kitchener simply points out, A comment that none should doubt. So stealing his punch line, I too say Health and safety does need you .

HOME COMMUNIONS AND VISITS to Care Homes, Assisted Living and Sheltered Living Complexes – Margaret Hartley

On average 14 house-bound people receive Home Communion monthly. These pastoral visits also help keep people in touch with activities at the Abbey. Fr Andrew re-commenced the monthly service at Sutherland’s Nursing Home which was paused for a while. From December he also leads a monthly service at Melton House . The monthly service at Robert Kett Court led by Margaret Hartley, Neville (on the keyboard) and Tina Moon has continued all year with a small regular group attending each month with extra people, including staff, at Christmas and Easter.

Kay Dorling visits both Ogden Court and Fairland Court each month for a service with Holy Communion for those who request it. There is also an annual Carol Service at Ogden Court.

NEWBORN GROUP – Margaret Hartley

This group, which is organised by a local midwife, Andrea, meets once a month in St Benedict’s. Andrea realised that parents of newborn babies needed somewhere they could go to receive advice, encouragement and contact with other parents in a similar situation. The group started about two years ago and there are a different group of parents each month as it is for babies under six weeks old. Andrea provides all the refreshments, advice and encouragement. Margaret Hartley is there to welcome parents, make drinks and to reassure other Abbey visitors that they are still welcome to the Refectory. Margaret also takes the opportunity to do a short ‘commercial’ reminding the parents that the Abbey is open daily and is always warm and welcoming. Several of the parents now come regularly to meet up with friends they made at the Newborn Group.

PARISH LUNCHES – Joyce Reynolds

Unfortunately several lunches had to be cancelled due to the shortage of volunteers but thanks to two team leaders and the Rotary club, several meals were served to an average of 40 people. An appeal was sent out for two team leaders plus six helpers. I was delighted that two helpers came forward but four more are required for the lunches

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to continue.

The lunches are held on the first Sunday of the month and at present tickets at £10 are sold after the 10.30am Eucharist two weeks beforehand. Lunch is served at 12.30pm and provides a threecourse meal to those who would enjoy the company. Please contact me on 01953 604904 if you feel this is something you would be happy to help with.

PARISH NURSE – Ramona Chenery

We are progressing well with Parish Nurse Ministry Uk training and the Accreditation of the service here at Wymondham Abbey. This involves continued training and assessment and with great thanks to Fr Andrew, Sue Naylor, Jim Hartley and others who have supported us either through deed, funding or prayer we are on target to have completed this by May 2025. Over the last few months the Parish Nursing has provided support and guidance to many individuals for a variety of different issues, these include but are not limited to: physical health, bereavement, support for homeless individuals, carer support/ prevention of social isolation.

Age range varies considerably and I think it’s fair to say that although there has been a need amongst the older members of our community the outreach has supported individuals from 26 years upwards. The need for such a service in the community has been clear and we are now getting referrals from NHS services, Voluntary organisations and individuals.

The last few weeks I have been supporting a Life and Death Course which has been delivered at Wymondham Baptist Church and continue to work alongside a local GP and Early Years coordinator at Hope Church to provide and event for families with children starting school in September. I have also started work on a walking group project which I will be taking forward shortly and have made good contacts with several local charities and not for profit organisations in order to establish the avenues of support in the local area.

I am pleased to have been invited to join the Abbey Pastoral Vision Steering group and am looking forward to working with them to see the community grow and thrive and be uplifted by the love of God.

My 16 hrs a week are made up with a variety of activities, Group work such as the Life and Death Course, one to one support -– including home visits, and training and administration activities.

A small example of the difference we are making in this service: a young man arrived at the Abbey in a very distressed state, he reported having slept rough following a disagreement with a friend and a recent discharge from a mental health facility. We were able to provide a warm environment and a hot drink, the opportunity to be listened to and really be heard. I took him to a local church-based coffee shop which has access to Food bank and CAB and was able to ensure he had a meal and was able to charge his phone. I also supported him whilst he arranged accommodation, benefits and transport with officials. This individual was very frustrated by his situation but was profoundly grateful for the support he was given by all who were involved in supporting him that day. His situation highlighted the importance of not trying to fix what we perceive the problem to be but to walk alongside someone whilst they figure it out. I had the privilege of being able to pray with him and have recently met with him again and although there is still a long way to go he has shared that he is now in a much stronger position, mentally and physically and is exploring his relationship with God. This intervention that was not just my input but very much a community input has made him feel a valued individual.

May I take this opportunity to thank you all for your ongoing love, support and prayers.

SACRISTAN AND SERVERS – Iain Drayton

2024 has seen a changes in these roles as Pauline retired with the departure of Fr Christopher. Morwenna also took a step back from being lead server. Both these roles have been passed on to Iain and Glynis as they’ve become joint Sacristan.

SACRISTAN: There has been a steep learning curve in discovering both what needs to be done for each service and each season and adapting to the changes Fr Andrew has brought in. However, with give and take we have made breakthroughs in all areas. Glynis has turned our home into a Chinese laundry for a few months as we got on top of laundering the linen, while Iain has kept the weekly services equipped with the necessary silverware, bread and wine etc. We are especially grateful for Morwenna who has helped us on every step of our journey. Having completed a good six months, we are beginning to feel our feet and Iain has started to document our practices for future incumbents of this role. Iain would like to find a suitable apprentice during 2025 who could be trained in the basics to create a natural route of succession. Is this

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something you might consider? Come and see what it involves.

SERVERS: The serving team has remained largely static in the number of people during this year. There have been adjustments to the serving routines brought into being by Fr Andrew which have kept us on our toes. Iain has documented the duties of the various roles and Morwenna’s experience is thus preserved for posterity. With a small and dedicated team we have been able to supply the number of people required for each service. However, in September some of our younger people will be off to University and some of our more mature people may require to take a bit of a backseat. So, if you think that this could be an area you would feel at home in, please come and speak to Iain or Morwenna or any team member. Despite how we look, we really are quite friendly.

SAFEGUARDING – Diana Grant, Safeguarding Officer

The main activity has been to promote the message of how the role of safeguarding is vital in keeping our church community as safe as possible for ourselves and those in the community who visit us. This ongoing work has continued by engaging with all church staff and volunteers to ensure their commitment to completing the necessary training. The Church of England safeguarding training rules have again changed to require every volunteer to complete at least the Basic online course. Also, each new volunteer must now complete their training before starting. Some others will now need to undertake additional training dependent on their role and the organisation of this training is being done one team at a time. We started with the PCC who have now completed all mandatory training by the year end.

Those working with children will follow as this is a priority. Future work is planned, a team at a time until everyone is up to date and new volunteers are enrolled in the new system on starting. Job descriptions are being generated which improve understanding of roles and training requirements while meeting the new rules.

The Church of England has introduced improved ways of recording training at a national level so that compliance can be checked by our Diocese and beyond. We may also be physically inspected to check compliance. Transferring our individual records onto this system has yet to be tackled once our team are all fully trained.

I would like to acknowledge the invaluable support of Fr Andrew and the assistance of Hayley Cornwell with the mountain of administrative work. The

Norwich Diocesan Safeguarding Team are supporting us with valuable advice on all matters of safeguarding whenever required. I am pleased to report that there have been no safeguarding issues or concerns during the year.

SCHOOL LIAISON – Fr Andrew Hammond, Vicar

During the course of the Autumn Term I visited all the schools in the parish, as well as Wymondham College (which is just over the border), to make first contacts. None of the Wymondham schools are church schools, so we have to tread carefully. But all were interested in my coming to do the occasional assembly or other activity. Several came to do Christmas carol services or concerts, which were very happy events.

A particular ambition is to involve pupils at the primary schools in our Patronal Festival weekend, to create a carnival procession and service in early September 2025.

SHOP – Chris Grant

The shop ended the year with a profit of just over £9,000 on an income of around £17,600, a magnificent contribution to Abbey funds. This was down on 2023 but likely explained by the gap in shop management during much of the year when stock was not being replenished and some bestselling product suppliers ceased trading. However, we are very pleased to report that at the end of the year, Stef Adams offered to take on the task of managing day-to-day administration. Stef has an excellent command of stock control, the EPOS system, reporting and order processing and has already proven an enormous asset in bar-coding and restocking all the shop content.

Thank you to everyone in our loyal and hardworking team, especially Hilary Hunter who looks after second-hand books, Joe Harris who looked after food orders and Vivienne Clifford Jackson who managed the rota. We are confident that 2025 will return better results.

– GODLY PLAY / SUNDAY CLUB Kay Dorling

This report is in two sections: January to September and September to December. Between January and September we were continuing as we had been previously. The Godly Play scripts were adapted to fit the Gospel for the day and the circumstances – Godly Play was taking place in the midst of the whole congregation and we had to be very aware of the timing. This was quite difficult requiring intense preparation.

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In September we met Fr Andrew and started discussing a new format: the children would be sent out intentionally to St Benedict’s after the first hymn and Godly Play and some relational craft work would take place there. The children would rejoin the congregation at the Peace or during the following hymn. We would still be basing the Godly Play on the liturgy of the day. During these months we were becoming increasingly aware that we were moving away from the Godly Play material, and indeed the philosophy behind it, so much so that the title Godly Play was no longer suitable. Finally in December Godly Play became Sunday Club.

We have around ten children in total and this is augmented once a month when we are joined by the Junior Choir. The session starts with the story, the children then go on to craft work based on this or play with the toys provided. We end by joining in a circle to say the Peace followed by the Grace before rejoining the congregation. At the end of the service before the final hymn the children show the congregation what they have been doing. We are always glad to have more helpers – if you would like to become involved in any way please get in touch.

SUNDAYS AT THREE – Brian Randall

As in 2023, we arranged a series of talks during the spring/summer, all of them on Sundays at 3pm. The talks, all by unpaid speakers, were on topics ranging from Lent 500 years ago through church bells and bell ringing to wildlife in church yards and the history of toilets.

They proved popular, and were well attended, with an average audience of around 50. The talks were based on a free entry, retiring collection basis, and raised in the order of £400 for Abbey funds. Refreshments were served afterwards, which allowed informal chats with the speakers. Perhaps as important was that the talks are relatively easy to organise once suitable speakers have been identified. We hope to continue the talks, or other events, in 2025.

VISION DAY: 9 NOVEMBER 2024 – Jim Hartley

This was held in Spooner Row church and attended by the PCC. The session began with the Eucharist, followed by lunch. Under the heading of Good Church - Good Pastoral the PCC were asked to share their ideas and suggestions which would shape the future mission of the Abbey. Fr Andrew also shared aspects of his vision. These were arranged under the following headings: Resources and Finance,

Hospitality, Eco-church, Outreach and Mission, Communication and Publicity, Services, Theological Education and Enrichment. Some of these were already being addressed by existing groups so it was decided to focus on three broad areas:

  1. Community, Pastoral and Outreach

  2. Finance and Communication

  3. Theological Education and Spiritual Enrichment. Task groups have been set up and asked to begin to develop these areas and identify two specific actions (for each area) to be implemented within the next year while working towards producing a Mission Action Plan for the next two, three and five years.

Mission is about giving more energy, thought and prayer to our outward facing relationships with the wider society while being watchful of the quality of our inner community life.

WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA AND PUBLICITY – Brian Randall

Our new website is a big improvement over the old one and has received many favourable comments. However, it is not easy to edit, and some of the design features hamper the ease of use. We need to address these points next year.

We continue to post regularly on the Wymondham Abbey Facebook page, which has a good number of followers, and enables us to keep local people abreast of our activities and happenings. We also share posts to several Wymondham community sites. This increases our presence, but whether that translates into people’s direct involvement with the church is hard to ascertain.

We used posters and flyers to promote events within the Abbey, as well as occasional mentions in local press.

However, we really need greater engagement with the Wymondham community at all levels; this is an important aspect of being the town’s parish church. Our ambition for 2025 is to develop a proper publicity strategy, using a variety of means to underpin and enhance our community outreach.

WEDDINGS – Fiona Prentice

In 2024, we received 30 enquiries, conducted 13 weddings, had one wedding cancelled, one marriage blessing, one renewal of vows, and published four external banns. These figures are higher than in 2023 and lower than what we expect in 2025.

Nine weddings in 2024 included bellringing. Most of the weddings (10 out of 13) requested the organ

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(usually with the choir), while a few opted for prerecorded music only. To accommodate this request to play pre-recorded music, the wardens purchased an independent music system. The couple organises someone to manage their music, and we charge a nominal fee of £25 towards the abbey costs, including the license fee. Apart from the statutory fees determined by the diocese, wedding fees have not changed.

From September, Fr Andrew implemented a new process where he not only provides pastoral ministry but also guides the couple in planning the service and ensures that the legal documents are correctly submitted to the register office in Norwich.

Fr Andrew, Fr Christopher, the wardens, Chris Grant, Hayley Cornwell, Rob Goodrich, Iain Drayton and Hayden Charles all demonstrated exceptional kindness in their service to the couples and their families. It has been a pleasure to be a part of this life events’ ministry! Our Parish Administrator, Hayley, will now assume this role.

WELCOME DESK & TOURS – Gill Curtis / Carol Bolderstone

We are happy that the running of the Welcome Desk has been relatively smooth over the past year. We have a dedicated team of regular Welcomers

and a helpful bunch of irregulars who slot in where necessary. A glance at the Visitors’ Book shows that the Welcomers are doing a very good job. We are particularly pleased that we have been able to open on winter Sunday afternoons. New volunteers are appearing in a regular trickle and we are assured that they enjoy doing the job. Our policy now is to get them interested in the shop as well as the desk so that is easier to fill in gaps where needed. We ran a thank you lunch for front of house volunteers in October which was very well received. Despite the hard work, it was well worth doing. According to our much-loved clicker our visitor numbers are up on last year to 36,208 – an increase of approximately 3,000.

We had eleven Guided Tours last year which included two for new volunteers. Bookings for 2025 already include 50 people from Mid Norfolk Railway, a collaboration we fostered pre Covid. They organise an excursion which includes the tour fee and it is heartening that they have come back to us. We will go all out to give them an interesting and enjoyable time so that they will book more profitable tours!

One of our tour guides recently retired and we are on the lookout for somebody we can train up to be part of our team. Might that be you?

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TREASURER’S REPORT

For the Year ending December 31[st] , 2024

Income in 2024 amounted to £362,722 which included generous reserved gifts of £55,480 (see details later). After grants from the Wymondham Abbey Preservation Trust (WAPT) and Wymondham Abbey Friends (WAF) of £136,291 (Building repairs, gas and electricity utilities support, Insurance, Friends), the ‘Sustainable’ balance of £170,951 was from Giving via the Parish Giving Scheme, visitor donations, gift aid, events and the Abbey shop.

For the second year running we can report a small surplus, almost £7,000 based on what we view as sustainable income after subtracting Reserved funds and expenditure. The Parish Share, our largest single expense of £72,000 suffered a regrettable 9% increase on 2023 but was again fully paid.

Our sister church of Spooner Row has a maintenance fund of £22,403 and sufficient regular income to meet essential annual expenditure such as utilities and insurance.

Significant activities:

Vision Finance and Communications team (FinCom)

Following the PCC Vision Day in November, a Finance and Communications team has been put together with thanks to volunteers John Durrant, Chris Jackson, Brian Randall, Barbara Randall, Andrew Naylor who have agreed to move this forward with the treasurer.

We discussed the purpose of the Vision project under one of the three broad areas Finance and Communication, the other two being Community/Pastoral/Outreach and Theological Education/Spiritual Enrichment.

We highlighted that without a secure financial footing, nothing we do in these essential Spiritual and Pastoral areas can be guaranteed or even planned. Often regarded as a back-room task, a secure financial footing really is the key to our future in more ways than one and we should not be shy to make it a high priority and send out the message.

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To do this, we require a strong level of communication to spread the word of our Mission and entice our congregation and the community into supporting us financially through giving, events, grants and other channels that we will seek to uncover in the coming months. Finance and Communication therefore forms a natural and powerful partner.

We examined the current, still very delicate financial position after two years under this PCC management and identified some of the key areas producing maximum returns.

Our Mission Action Plan for the next 5 years is:

Our targeted actions to implement in 2025 are:

Conclusion

We continue to use every generously given pound wisely and carefully and emphasise that the expenditures necessary for maintaining the Abbey have been funded by the Wymondham Abbey Preservation Trust (WAPT) and Wymondham Abbey Friends (WAF) without whose ongoing support the Abbey would not be financially viable.

The reality is, that without their additional support of over £18,000 for heating and electricity, we would be unable to maintain anything like a comfortable environment and a warm welcome to our regular congregation, over 65,000 recorded visitors, outreach activities such as the weekly Baby and Toddler group, our community provision as a ‘Winter Warm Space’ and not least for our dedicated volunteers to enjoy working in.

Thanks go to so many who have supported us this year and particularly those who continue to give or have joined the Parish Giving Scheme with regular monthly donations. For their sound advice and support: Fr Christopher; Fr Andrew; church wardens Brian Randall and Jim Hartley; Fabric officer Andrew Naylor; Chris Jackson for her long-standing efficient management of gift-aid. Chris Grant, Treasurer

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Page 21

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

Profit and Loss summary:

d Loss summary:
Summary 2024 Total Reserved Unreserved
Income 362,722 55,480 307,242
Expenditure 304,501 4,208 300,293
Surplus 58,221 51,272 6,949

Funds:

Reserved Start 2024 Income Expenditure End 2024
ABBEY CONCERT fund 1,310 0 0 1,310
OUTREACH Community projects 77,500 0 6,895 70,605
OUTREACH Community projects building fund 0 32,500 1,076 31,424
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC 6,958 0 3,100 3,858
CHOIR fund 0 2,000 1,672 328
FAMILIES SUPPORT 4,000 4,000 0 8,000
WARDEN'S FUND 0 1,089 0 1,089
DOOR FUND (Fr C leaving) 0 12,861 0 12,861
FLOWER FUND (Andy Free) 0 3,030 1,460 1,570
TOTAL 89,768 55,480 14,203 131,045
Bank and saver accounts Start 2024 Change End 2024
Abbey Current account 78,904 -1,553 77,350
Abbey Saver 80,017 51,085 131,102
Spooner Row Current account 1,464 700 2,164
Spooner Row Saver 26,871 -4,467 22,403
CCLA Ron Hyam 29,741 1,518 31,259
CCLA F Buttolp 549 22 571
CCLA CB3030537-001 2,613 37 2,650
CCLA Bailey 17,836 408 18,244
TOTAL 237,993 285,744

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Page 22

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW Financial Activities Registered charity number 1130495

January - December 2024

Financial Activities
January - December 2024
Registered charity		 number 1130495
Total
Jan - Dec 2024 Jan - Dec 2023(PY)
INCOME
Abbey tours 516.35 286.09
Activities and events 7,788.70 19,196.60
Bar Sales 870.35
Cafe sales 1,806.40
Hire - Abbey 4,212.00 855.00
Stall sales 9,719.00
Ticket Sales 1,716.73
Total Activities and events 26,113.18 20,051.60
Bank and building society interest 2,346.45 1,333.52
Bank Cash Deposit 0.00
Donations and legacies 50.00
Abbey concerts - reserved 1,309.69
Abbey Hall fund - reserved 26,000.00 2,061.50
Childrens worker grant - reserved 4,000.00 4,000.00
Choir - reserved 2,000.00
Director of Music - reserved 7,200.00
Flowers - reserved 3,030.00
North Door fund - reserved 12,861.07
Outreach Fund - reserved 62,000.00
Tax recoverable on Gift Aid - reserved 6,500.00 15,800.00
Wardens account - reserved 1,089.04
Total Donations and legacies 55,480.11 92,421.19
Donations appeals etc 851.48
Fees for weddings and funerals 4,262.00
Burial of Ashes 848.00
Funeral fees 5,713.00 8,326.00
Weddingfees 15,154.00 1,635.00
Total Fees for weddings and funerals 21,715.00 14,223.00
Giving
Baby and Toddler 1,043.68 1,603.60
Cafe Donations 6,896.16 4,623.61
Loose plate collections 1,245.20 2,011.68
One-off gift 4,969.35 3,500.00
Other planned giving 486.00 198.94
Service offertory 538.00 3,907.30
Small card donations 7,213.58 5,153.34
Tax efficient giving 1,140.00
Bankers order 3,830.00 5,160.00
One-off Gift Aid gifts 8,560.00

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495 Registered charity number 1130495 Total
Jan - Dec 2024 Jan - Dec 2023(PY)
Parish Giving Scheme 36,038.04 28,813.68
Tax recoverable on Gift Aid 17,546.03 27,170.09
Total Tax efficient giving 57,414.07 70,843.77
Visitor cash donations 10,275.27 12,217.61
Votive stands 2,688.92
Total Giving 92,770.23 104,059.85
Grants - funding support
Winter warmergrant 2,000.00 5,000.00
Total Grants - funding support 2,000.00 5,000.00
Grants - non recurring 10,892.97 -10,892.97
VAT LPW grant -468.04 10,892.97
WAF grant 24,619.67 8,155.61
WAPTgrant 101,246.11 102,215.28
Total Grants - non recurring 136,290.71 110,370.89
Rent from lands or buildings 1,474.00
Hire - Abbey Hall 5,123.00 1,870.00
Hire - Spooner Row 1,075.00
Total Rent from lands or buildings 6,198.00 3,344.00
Sales income
Other Products 275.00
Shopsales 17,656.74 24,351.12
Total Sales income 17,656.74 24,626.12
Unapplied Cash Payment Income 107.24
Uncategorised Income 9.00 500.00
Total Income 361,947.25 376,323.50
TOTAL 361,947.25 376,323.50
EXPENDITURES
Abbey Hall
Hall Refurbishment project 1,115.58
Hall running maintenance 1,094.14 4,993.29
Insurance - Abbey Hall 739.58 904.33
Utilities - Abbey Hall
Electricity - Abbey Hall 1,686.76 950.00
Gas - Abbey Hall 2,297.77 1,033.90
Water - AbbeyHall 428.14
Total Utilities - Abbey Hall 4,412.67 1,983.90
Total Abbey Hall 7,361.97 7,881.52
Administration 512.90
Church office telephone 1,368.46 801.81
DBS costs 140.00 98.00
Guild expenses 445.83 143.75
IT Costs 510.89 3,304.94
Office Equipment 183.33 1,482.90

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Page 24

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

Registered charity num ber 1130495 Total
Jan - Dec 2024 Jan - Dec 2023(PY)
Office Supplies, Postage and Stationery 1,393.67 1,441.31
Photocopierprinter 98.80
Total Office Supplies, Postage and Stationery 1,492.47 1,441.31
Recruitment 1,108.21
Subscriptions 1,302.26 780.22
Workingexpenses of incumbent 420.98 394.61
Total Administration 6,972.43 8,960.44
Advertising/Promotional 717.50 659.10
Bank Charges & Fees 596.00 805.15
Bookstall costs 9.00
Cafe purchases 748.81 612.74
Church Cleaning & Maintenance 206.49
Cleaning contractors 3,793.50 3,002.25
Cleaning materials 604.15 471.44
Cleaning waste collection 374.53 1,029.09
Repair and maintenance Abbey 517.98
Funded by Abbey 369.00 281.53
Funded by Friends 25,124.24 2,510.00
Funded byTrust 78,478.62 78,463.99
Total Repair and maintenance Abbey 103,971.86 81,773.50
Total Church Cleaning & Maintenance 108,950.53 86,276.28
Church running - utilities 752.56
Church running - electricity 6,560.31 11,706.51
Church running - gas 11,619.54 12,676.20
Church running - water 451.16 532.82
Water charges Abbey -232.85
Total Church running - utilities 18,631.01 25,435.24
Costs of fetes & other events 5,112.65 5,706.86
Management fees 1,080.00
Ticket Sales for event hirers 1,167.40 1,196.09
Total Costs of fetes & other events 7,360.05 6,902.95
Costs of services 774.37 680.29
Choir expenses 1,899.28
Church flowers 1,459.82 962.16
Printing 532.86 2,065.00
Refreshments 452.67
Service consumables 2,214.64 3,035.29
Service sheets andprint 508.13 78.55
Total Costs of services 7,841.77 6,821.29
Costs of Weddings and Funerals 1,155.00
Bell Ringing 1,680.00 1,125.00
Choir fees 880.00
Deposit refund 400.00
Diocese fees 6,803.00 4,465.00

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Page 25

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495 Registered charity number 1130495 Total
Jan - Dec 2024 Jan - Dec 2023(PY)
Organist 2,340.00 3,191.52
Verging 360.00
Total Costs of Weddings and Funerals 13,618.00 8,781.52
Giving to missionary societies 1,359.43
Guild 1,129.31
Home mission 150.00
Insurance - Abbey 12,175.13 11,913.42
Interest Payable 5.67
Ministry parish share etc (Diocesan) 70,419.96 70,000.00
Organ / piano tuning 404.00 575.00
Other Professional Services
Accountancy paid services 2,874.00 6,998.80
Total Other Professional Services 2,874.00 6,998.80
Shop Purchases 7,546.27 10,186.65
Spooner Row
Insurance - Spooner Row 853.82 398.93
Repair and maintenance - Spooner Row 4,859.40
Upkeep of churchyard - Spooner Row 720.00 1,102.00
Utilities - Spooner Row 1,558.48 1,038.77
Total Spooner Row 7,991.70 2,539.70
Telephone 38.75
Uncategorised Expense 201.90
Wages & Salaries
Aviva Pension 867.45
Director of Music 6,678.88 2,916.65
HMRC 470.14 2,194.90
Salary of parish administrator 12,462.30 12,542.36
Salary of Verger 1,056.00 1,136.00
Salary Parish Nurse 6,635.00
Wages & Salaries Aviva Life 1,480.59 396.00
Total Wages & Salaries 28,782.91 20,053.36
Total Expenditures 304,501.47 276,787.79
NET OPERATING INCOME 57,445.78 99,535.71
OTHER INCOME
Z02 Other Gains/(Losses) 1,926.52 4,798.24
Total Other Income 1,926.52 4,798.24
OTHER EXPENDITURES
Giving to other causes 146.00
Reconciliation Discrepancies 1,151.19
Total Other Expenditures 1,151.19 146.00
NET OTHER INCOME 775.33 4,652.24
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) £58,221.11 £104,187.95

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Page 26

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Balance Sheet

Registered charity number 1130495

As of December 31, 2024

Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2024
Registered charity numb		 er 1130495
Total
As of Dec 31, 2024 As of Dec 31, 2023(PY)
FIXED ASSET
Tangible assets
Office Equipment Cost 56,482.44 56,482.44
Office Equipment Depreciation -56,482.44 -56,482.44
Total Tangible assets 0.00 0.00
Total Fixed Asset 0.00 0.00
CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Abbey Activities account 0.00 76.35
Cash in hand 210.60 165.00
CCLA (CBF) Account 0.00 0.00
CCLA Bailey 18,243.81 17,835.58
CCLA CBF 2,650.24 2,064.10
CCLA CBF Buttolph 570.88 548.76
CCLA Ron Hyam 31,259.35 29,741.06
PCC Main account 77,350.30 78,903.67
PCC Saver account 131,101.93 80,016.86
Shop account (Cash & Cheques) 0.00 75.00
Shop Saver account 0.00 0.10
Spooner Row Current account 2,164.17 3,851.67
Spooner Row Saver account 22,403.38 26,844.96
Vicar and Church Wardens account 0.00 961.84
Weddingfees account 0.00 -782.72
Total Cash at bank and in hand 285,954.66 240,302.23
DEBTORS
Accounts Receivable 163.00 312.00
Total Debtors 163.00 312.00
CURRENT ASSETS
Prepayments 0.00 2,149.00
Stocks 4,365.80 3,502.87
Undeposited Funds 0.00 0.00
Total Current Assets 4,365.80 5,651.87
NET CURRENT ASSETS 290,483.46 246,266.10
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade Creditors
Accounts Payable 240.00 985.78
Total Trade Creditors 240.00 985.78
Current Liabilities
(Deposits for weddings) Loans received 6,300.00 4,200.00
Accruals 0.00 15,357.97
Payroll Clearing 0.00 0.00
Pension Control 0.00 0.00
Tax and NI Control 0.00 0.00

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Page 27

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495 Registered charity number 1130495 Total
As of Dec 31, 2024 As of Dec 31, 2023(PY)
VAT Control 0.00 0.00
Total Current Liabilities 6,300.00 19,557.97
Total Creditors: amounts falling due within oneyear 6,540.00 20,543.75
NET CURRENT ASSETS(LIABILITIES) 283,943.46 225,722.35
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 283,943.46 225,722.35
TOTAL NET ASSETS (LIABILITIES) £283,943.46 £225,722.35
CHARITY FUNDS
Retained Earnings 225,722.35 121,534.40
Starting balance 0.00 0.00
Surplus/(Deficit) 58,221.11 104,187.95
Total Charity funds £283,943.46 £225,722.35

Statement of Cash Flows

January - December 2024

Statement of Cash Flows
January - December 2024
Total
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income 58,221
Adjustments to reconcile Net Income to Net Cash provided by operations:
Accounts Receivable 149
Prepayments 2,149
Stocks -863
Accounts Payable -746
(Deposits for weddings) Loans received 2,100
Accruals -15,358
Total Adjustments to reconcile Net Income to Net Cashprovided by operations: -12,569
Net cashprovided by operating activities 45,652
NET CASH INCREASE FOR PERIOD 45,652
Cash at beginningofperiod 240,302
CASH AT END OF PERIOD £285,955

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Page 28

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Structure, governance and management

The Charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity. The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England and operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure.

Governing Documents of Parochial Church Councils The Church of England have agreed with the Charity Commission that for the purposes of agreeing ‘governing documents’, Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) are governed by two pieces of legislation: the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended. This defines the principal function, or purpose, of the PCC as “promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church”. You can find the full text of the PCC Powers Measure in its currently amended form on the legislation.gov.uk database at: www.legislation.gov.uk/ukcm/Eliz2/4-5/3/contents and the Church Representation Rules (contained in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969 as amended) You can find the full text of the Church Representation Rules in its currently amended form on the legislation.gov.uk database at: www.legislation.gov.uk/ukcm/1969/2/schedule/3

The PCC was registered with the Charity Commission on 9 July 2009. The Church is classified as a charity under the Places of Worship Registration Act 1855.

Charity number: 1130495

Objectives and activities

The primary objective 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 is required to co-operate with the Minister in promoting in the parish the whole message of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, and ecumenical.

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at the church and to become part of the parish community. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how its services can involve the many groups that live within the parish.

Public benefit

The PCC is aware of the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit. It is also aware of the supplementary guidance relating to religious charities. The PCC promotes, where allowed, the whole mission of the church through the following activities - regular public worship open to all; pastoral work; provision for the poor, teaching of Christian worship through sermons, courses and small groups; promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and meetings and the distribution of literature; encouragement for all in faith and wellbeing by developing provision in the churchyard, promotion of the whole mission of the Church through activities for all ages.

Principal address: Wymondham Abbey, Church Street, Wymondham, Norfolk, England, NR18 0PH.

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Page 29

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

Detailed information:

Registered Charity Name: The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of SS Mary and Thomas of Canterbury, Wymondham with Silfield and Spooner Row.

Working name: Wymondham Abbey PCC

Bankers: Barclays Bank Plc, 45 Market Street, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0AL

CCLA Investment Management Ltd, The CBF Church of England Funds, 80 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DZ

Related parties

The PCC is supported by Friends of Wymondham Abbey (registered charity number 1064418). The PCC is also supported by Wymondham Abbey Preservation Trust (registered charity number 1054896).

Independent examiner: Peter Bussey, Abacus Accountancy, The Willows, Ipswich Rd, Long Stratton, Norwich NR15 2TG

Trustees

The following Trustees (who were elected and/or re-elected commencing 20 April 2024) served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Rev’d. Canon Christopher John Davies, Priest-in-Charge (appointed 1 Sept. 2022, retired 8 Sept. 2024) Rev’d. Andrew Charles Hammond, Vicar (appointed 12 September 2024) Ruth Elizabeth Brett (appointed 4 March 2023, resigned 31 March 2024) Brian Peter Marcus Randall (appointed 17 July 2022) William James Hartley (appointed 17 July 2022) Barbara Joan Randall (appointed 4 March 2023) Morwenna Corfield Thomas (appointed 4 March 2023) Catherine Sian Mack (appointed 28 April 2019) Kathleen Melvill Dorling (appointed 28 April 2019) Isabel Louise Davidson (appointed 4 March 2023) David Valentine Hamilton (appointed 4 March 2023) Alex Perry (appointed 29 May 2022) Christopher James Grant (appointed 30 October 2022) Philip Sydney Aldred (appointed 1 March 2020) Andrew Richard Naylor (appointed 28 April 2019) John Martyn Chamberlain (appointed 20 April 2024), Iain Alfred Drayton (appointed 20 April 2024), Diana Margaret Grant (appointed 20 April 2024), Hilary Frances Hunter (appointed 20 April 2024)

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

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Page 30

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

Financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out and comply with the Charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)’ (effective 1 January 2019).

Financial review

The results for the year are set out in the Statement of Financial activities.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the PCC believes that material uncertainties have mostly been identified. The PCC has considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the PCC to be able to continue as a going concern.

Reserves policy

The PCC aims to cover normal expenditure by regular income. As the income and expenditure both vary from month to month, the PCC's policy is to maintain free reserves in the region of three months average expenditure. On occasions when income does not meet expenditure, the deficit will be drawn from free reserves.

The Trustees’ report was approved by the Board of Trustees on Sunday 27[th] April 2025.

• Date: ----[�] Z -:. t{ <'

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Page 31

The Willows, Ipswich Road Long Stratton, NR15 2TG Tel. 01508 333040 office@abcabacus.co.uk www.abcabacus.co.uk

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of “Wymondham Abbey PCC”

I report on the accounts of the above charity number 1130495 for the year ended 31 December 2024

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (the Act). The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Act 1993 and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Peter Bussey FFA FIPA

24[th] April 2025

abc abacus ~ the name you can count on !

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Page 32

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of WYMONDHAM ABBEY with SPOONER ROW

Registered charity number 1130495

© Wymondham Abbey · 2025 · Rights reserved

Notes

www.wymondhamabbey.org.uk

Wymondham Abbey, Church Street, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0PH office@wymondhamabbey.org.uk +44 (0)1953 605671 wymondhamabbey.org.uk © Wymondham Abbey · 2025 · Rights reserved