2021-12-31-accounts

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Annual Report & Financial Review 2022

www.stbartholomews-wb.com

Administrative Information..................................................3

Financial

Review…………………………………………………………………… …………………7 Vicar’s Report......................................................................8 Bible Study Group report...................................................10 Deanery Synod..................................................................11 Children's Society Annual Report 2022..............................12 Choir..................................................................................13 Church Children.................................................................14 Church Croft Annual Report 2021......................................14 Church Hall........................................................................16 Churchwardens’ Report 2021............................................16 Discussion Group...............................................................20 Fabric Team.......................................................................20 Flower Guild Annual Report...............................................21 Friends of St Bartholomew’s..............................................22 Health & Safety Committee...............................................23 Ladies Guild Annual Report...............................................24 Lay Pastoral Assistants Report...........................................24 Little Stars Baby and Toddler Group..................................25 Mother’s Union..................................................................27 Parish Office......................................................................28 Safeguarding.....................................................................29 Swindon Food Collective....................................................30 Trebles...............................................................................30

Tower Captain’s Review.....................................................31

Administrative Information

St Bartholomew and All Saints Parish Church is situated in the High Street of the market town of Royal Wootton Bassett, in the county of Wiltshire. It is part of the Diocese of Salisbury within the Church of England.

Correspondence address

The Parish Office

1 Church Street

Royal Wootton Bassett

Wiltshire

SN4 7BQ

Email: churchadmin@stbartholomews-wb.com

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a registered charity. Vicar: The Revd Canon Jane Curtis

Assistant Curate: The Revd Oliver Blease (until June 2021) Licensed Lay Minister: Mr Michael Page

PCC members who have served 2021-2022 Vicar

The Revd Canon Jane Curtis

Assistant Curate

The Revd Oliver Blease (until June 2021)

Wardens

Mrs Ruth Sexton (Lay Vice Chair)

Mr Den Foxwell

Licensed Lay Minister

Mr Michael Page

Deanery Synod

Mrs Mary Simpkins

Mrs Sarah Beach (also PCC Secretary)

Mr Daniel Harland (until September 2021) Mr David Taylor

Elected Members

Mr Marc Colpus (Treasurer)

Mr John Oldfield

Dr Karen Murrell

Mr Andrew Meek

Ms Elizabeth Wood (until May 2021)

Mrs Honor Page (until May 2021)

Mrs Frances Watkins (until May 2021)

Mr David Aughey

Mrs Joanna Bennett

Electoral Roll Officer

Mr Ferry

The number on the Church Electoral Roll for 2022 is 213. Since last year’s revision 14 people have been removed and 5 added.

Structure Governance and Management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are

encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

Objectives and Activities

St Bartholomew’s PCC has the of co- responsibility operating with the Vicar by promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibility for the Church and its associated property.

Throughout the year the PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to House of Bishop’s guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

Review of the Year

This Annual Report acknowledges the work of both individuals and the various church groups and committees who have given so much to our church and the wider community during the year. The breadth and depth of activity and service reflected is even more amazing considering that once again life everywhere was impacted by the pandemic. In 2021 some of our groups were still not functioning as they had previously. And others were only just beginning to re-emerge. As was acknowledged last year, some have seen dramatic changes to all that they do, some have had to reinvent how they can get together. And it continued to be the case for 2021, the period covered by these reports, that there is no part of our church, or community, for whom the Coronavirus has not had an impact.

Turning to the Parochial Church Council (PCC), the executive body of the Church, and it met on ten occasions during the year and attendance was invariably high, whether in person or on Zoom. Its business was as full and varied as usual. Of particular note were discussions and decisions around how we managed church life during the various COVID lockdowns and restrictions; the progression of our four mission strands – caring for God’s earth, growing in our faith, helping those in need and working with children and young people ; improving and updating our church buildings and property; taking up the diocesan Generous Giving Campaign; and looking at how we work better together with our fellow congregations/parishes in Calne Deanery. So we were busy!

So too was the PCC Standing Committee, which met 12 times during the year, again by Zoom, in-between the full PCC meetings. This enabled decisions that needed a speedy turn-around, most especially in response to the COVID restrictions, to be taken quickly and efficiently.

Heartfelt thanks therefore go to the members of the full PCC and its Standing Committee (and Melvyn Blackman who joined the latter to assist with his Health and Safety expertise) for 12 months of hard work, and all of it carried out with wisdom, grace, continuing tolerance of the technology and good humour.

During 2021 we bade a fond farewell to the Revd Oliver Blease who, with his wife Mariama, brought many blessings to the parish. We now look forward to welcoming a new Assistant Curate, Katey Minshall, and her family to the

community in July.

For now however I would like to express sincere and grateful thanks for all the hard work, faithfulness and dedication given and demonstrated by individuals, committees and groups that have contributed during the past year in sustaining our church at the heart of Royal Wootton Bassett. And for the continuing support of our retired clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers, as well as the support and superb leadership demonstrated by our Churchwardens Ruth and Den – a huge thank you too.

Financial Review

Income and Expenditure

Our total income from all sources amounted to £97,640, compared with £96,238 in 2020 and £140,740 in 2019, an increase of £1402 (1%)

• Church Hall. The Church Hall provided a net loss of £1,065 in 2021

Croft. The Croft provided a net loss of £8,831 in 2021.

• Flats. The 2 flats provided a net profit of £3,302 in 2021.

Our expenditure also increased to £151,110 from £139,061 in 2020 namely an increase of £11,939 (8%). Consequently, the finances of the church (before the Gillian Thompson Bequest) had a deficit of £53,470. The opportunity created by the COVID restrictions to invest in our properties means the maintenance figures in 2021 were very high but are important for the future. The contributions made to our total funds by Church Croft and

Church Hall reman important and special thanks are due to the volunteers who make this possible.

Reserves

Following from last year’s report, the details about our Reserves - why we hold them and restrictions on how we spend them:

• Property Account. The balance, on 31 Dec 21, in the Property Account was £43,831.

• Gillian Thompson Memorial Fund. The balance, on 31 Dec 21, in the Gillian Thompson Memorial fund was £262,679.

• Designated Funds (Parsons/Wickes) Charities. On 31 Dec 21, £1,067 was held in our Charities account and consists of 2 small historical charities. The spending of money from these charities has a variety of restrictions, namely "for maintenance of Churchyard", and "for provision of groceries or other provisions to the deserving poor".

• Bibblecombe. On 31 Dec 21, £13,981 was held in an endowment account (Bibblecombe Account) from which the income has no restrictions.

The unprecedented times that were 2021 had a significant detrimental impact on the income and expenditure of the Church. We were protected to a great extent by our reserves and the Gillian Thompson bequest. This situation is likely to continue for 2022. Finally, I would like to say a big Thank You for your support and all the work that is completed "behind the scenes" as part of the Finance Function. We rely on the help of volunteers for so much of the work - bookkeeping for the Church Hall and the Croft,

counting the money on Sundays, banking every week, organising the Energy Basket scheme, collating the report of Standing Orders and the Property Account, administering the Gift Aid scheme and the Parochial Fees, and many jobs beside these.

Marc Colpus (PCC Treasurer)

Vicar’s Re ort p

We seek to grow through prayer and share Christ’s love through engagement with all.

Last year my report featured a whole litany of thanks. After a very tough 2020 it felt only right to say thank you to all those who had helped keep St Bartholomew’s serving God and serving this community. And I had thought that my message this year would be different! But not so. 2021 turned out to be similarly challenging, albeit the vaccinations brought some hope and relief. So I am keeping it simple, and saying thank you once more. Thank you to those…

who have kept our worship going, be it in church, online or via Zoom
who have kept us safe and COVID-compliant in our buildings – and cleaned them too
who have inspired us with their music-making
who have kept us thinking about our faith and opening our Bibles
who have connected with our children, young people and young families with creativity and panache
who have helped us stay connected with the wider
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community via newsletter, email, website, social media, YouTube and Zoom

who have worked and donated tirelessly to ensure that no-one goes hungry
who have made sure we don’t forget the long-term well-being and health of our planet
who have served on PCC and Synods
who have kept the Parish office going
who have worked behind the scenes looking after our buildings and opening them up to the wider community once more
who have served coffee in the Croft, or welcomed people into church
who have served our schools via Open the Book, governing bodies and collective worship
who have decorated our church building with beautiful flowers
who have a on our in kept wary eye finances
challenging times
who have ensured we safeguard our children and vulnerable adults
who have kept saying their prayers and caring for loved ones and giving solace to the poorly and bereaved
… and everyone else who has enabled the community at St Bart’s to play its part in the Body of Christ here in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Once again, our APCM is held in the season of Easter, that

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time of the year when we remember the desperation of the Saturday following Jesus’ death on the cross; Jesus’ friends finding his tomb empty that first Easter Sunday; and those who loved Jesus meeting with him subsequently in strange and unaccountable ways in the garden, on the road and behind closed doors. Hearts were wintry and grieving, and yet somehow Love came and called them back to life again.

As I write COVID infections remain widespread, there is awful war and devastation in Ukraine, and we have lost several much-loved members of the church family. But Easter beckons, and with it Love’s call back to life again.

Now the green blade riseth from the buried grain, wheat that in dark earth many days has lain; Love lives again, that with the dead has been: Love is come again, like wheat that springeth green.

Canon Jane Curtis

Bible Stud Grou re ort y p p

It has been good to have been meeting in reality for the last few weeks since the easing of some Covid restrictions.

We have now completed the four volumes of Kevin Mayhew’s Grappling with God (studies in the Old Testament)

Recently we have started ‘Knowing and Growing’ a Lent course by David Adam.

As ever, new members are always welcome, and transport can be provided to the venues in Wootton Bassett where we meet on Fridays at 2-4pm

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Lesley Gilbert

Deaner S nod y y

Meetings held

Three meetings of the synod were held in 2021, all were well attended. Due to the continuing pandemic February and May meetings were held via zoom.

During the year new Synod representatives from the benefices were elected for a new 3-year term. Two representatives resigned at the end of 2021 and their replacements are currently being sought.

At the February 2021 meeting members, both returning and new, were welcomed to the new Synod term, and membership of the new Standing Committee (with a couple of vacancies still to be filled) was confirmed. The business also included updates from the benefices, and a look at future agenda items.

Bishop Nicholas was welcomed to the May 2021 meeting and gave a presentation about the global issue of climate change. The business also included updates from the Diocesan and General Synods and the Deanery Plan Working Group and information about the Diocesan Synod/DBF elections.

The October 2021 meeting was held at St Mary’s Church, Calne. The Synod welcomed Andy Malcolm, Children and Young People Advisor for the Diocese of Salisbury, who gave a presentation about Community Hubs. The Rural Dean updated the Synod about the progress made on the Deanery Plan and of clergy movements and retirements.

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Clergy and Lay movements

During the year the Venerable Hedley Ringrose and the Reverend Bill Franklin, both of whom had associations with Calne Deanery sadly died. The Rector of Calne, the Reverend Bob Kenway announced his retirement (last Sunday 17/7/2021); the Reverend Oliver Blease took up the post of Team Vicar at Radlett, in the Diocese of St. Albans, on completion of his curacy; Daniel Harland, lay representative for Royal Wootton Bassett moved to Cranmer Hall to begin ordination training and Reverend Karen Rizzello resigned from her House for Duties post at Lyneham and Woodhill.

Mary Pilcher-Clayton

Secretary, Calne Deanery Synod

Children's Society Annual Report 2022

We raised a total of £747.40 for The Children's Society in 2021.

The single largest amount was the £424.40 raised by the 4 Christingle services, which we were delighted could be held in person again. We also raised £323 from supporters' collection boxes.

On behalf of the local committee and The Children's Society nationally, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank members of the church community for their support for our activities. The Children's Society carries out vital work for the most disadvantaged children, fighting childhood poverty and neglect and trying to help all children have a

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better chance in life. Our network of programmes includes drop-in services for runaways, children's centres and support for young carers. We support children who are refugees from violence, and we give those in care a voice. We transform children's lives by pressurising central and local government to protect them, and we challenge attitudes that perpetuate harm and injustice.

Alistair Smith

Choir

2021 was a quiet year for the choir. We eventually got to sing outside the Church on Easter Sunday and then gradually we started singing at Sunday services, in reduced numbers due to Covid restrictions, and alternating with the trebles.

As the year went on, we were able to build up numbers and by Christmas we had able to have the full choir. As well as the usual Sunday services we sing at additional services such as All Souls, Ash Wednesday, holy week services, various carol services and sometimes weddings and funerals. I am always pleased to be able to sing with the adult choir and trebles combined and as you will have noticed, when this happens, I tend to leave the conducting to Sally, who does such a good job with the trebles.

Despite the problems arising from Covid, we have been able to maintain our numbers and during the last few months we have welcomed Kate, Trisha and Claire into the choir. We would love to have more men!

We are currently working on a new Eucharistic setting, Trinity Mass, by David Thorne. We intend to sing this for the

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first time on Easter Sunday. There will be music copies available for the congregation if anyone would like.

Finally, many thanks to David our organist, Alison and John who sometimes help out, and Jane and the Churchwardens for their support throughout the year.

Haydn

Choir Director

Church Children

January through to August 2021, Church Children continued to deliver their themed monthly packs, with all supplies needed for four theme related craft activities, to our younger families. Church Children were back in person from September, alternate Sundays (2nd and 4th of the month) in The Croft from 10am, and all others in the Children’s Corner in Church, which has been partly restocked, again from 10am. In The Croft, we base the session on a Bible reading or story, and then separate into two groups, Primary and Secondary age groups, to push the older group further discussing the theme. We have also welcomed Rachel to our leaders team.

Frances Watkins

Church Croft Annual Re ort 2021 p

What a year! And sadly, in line with Government and Church of England Guidelines the Croft Coffee Shop continued to be closed for much of the time. The Croft however was put to good use throughout this period by the

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Food Collective who were able to expand their operation to meet a rise in demand for their services as well as accept the increased donations and generosity of our local community.

During this time of partial closure, the committee took the opportunity to undertake some much-needed refurbishment and redecoration of the building. The main coffee and shop areas received a complete repaint and the toilet area was refurbished with new sanitary ware and additional storage.

Some smart new cupboards have been added for foodbank donation storage and the office was given a complete make over; a new solid floor has been laid, the walls have been repainted and new carpet tiles put down. The office was also treated to some new furniture and ergonomically reorganised. And as a finishing touch new blinds were fitted across the whole of the front of the building.

The whole building now feels much fresher and fit for purpose. It was this fresh new look that greeted our visitors once we were able to reopen!

Restrictions began to lift with new guidance around safe working. Being mindful of the health, wellbeing and personal circumstances of all our lovely volunteers we were very pleased to be back open for business in the autumn.

Teas and Coffees are now being served, the shop has a new focus, and the wide variety of greetings cards continue to sell well. Customers are gradually returning and groups that use the Croft to meet are starting to return now we are able to meet face to face once more.

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We are very grateful for all our hard working volunteers and want to say a big thank you to all those who have stepped back at this time and to new volunteers who have come forward to help. Without all of these dedicated people giving of their time we would not be able to keep the Croft open and available to all who wish to meet and visit.

Our Committee too has seen two members step down after long and dedicated service and a special thanks goes to each of them as they move on to new ventures.

The Committee meet bi-monthly to chat about all things Croft related and ensure things tick over smoothly. We would welcome new members and so if you have a few hours to spare and you would like to get more involved then please do get in touch to find out more about who we are and what we get up to!

There is always a friendly welcome and a smile for all who visit so be sure to mention where we are and the delicious cakes that are often available!

We look forward to a safe and sociable 2022 

Den Foxwell (Croft Committee Chair)

Church Hall

As with many organisations, 2021 has been a difficult year. Covid has caused many cancellations but bookings are slowly increasing and many regulars are coming back.

During 2020 a Building Fabric Condition Survey was undertaken which highlighted several items needing improvement.

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Hazardous substances were discovered which were not a danger to users but have been removed or made safe.

With the Fabric Team, we are working on updating the Fire Detection and Alarm Systems, generally improving fire safety by changing some doors and improving the general lighting.

We look forward to a more usual year in 2022. Andrew Meek (Secretary)

Churchwardens’ Re ort 2021 p

We began the year cautiously here in the parish, as Covid19 cases continued to rise locally. In mid-January the PCC took the difficult decision to suspend public worship but to continue to facilitate funeral services. However, streaming of services, phone church and virtual coffee mornings were continued, which enhanced parish life during a difficult time. Throughout the year PCC meetings continued most months via Zoom. Due to the high workload, the PCC Standing Committee comprising the Vicar, PCC Treasurer, Churchwardens, a nominated PCC member the Health & Safety lead, also met, to discuss urgent issues as required.

In March, HM Government issued the 4-step road map, a step -by-step plan to ease Covid restrictions, which formed the basis of the guidance issued by the Bishops Recovery Group to churches. Fortunately, this guidance did allow church buildings to continue to be used by food banks. As expected, the demand on the food collective remained high, with 178 referrals and 486 people fed. The townspeople’s generosity in donating food and financial

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assistance to this valuable outreach project continued to be above expectation.

During the early part of the year, Health & Safety measures were constantly reviewed and updated to ensure the safety of all within our church building. This due diligence allowed the PCC to reach a decision to recommence Public Worship, in March, Initially, with 10am Sunday Service and Wednesday 10.30. The number of worshippers increased slowly, as confidence grew in the community.

As Easter, approached it was decided that some Holy Week services would be offered online, with Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday being held in Church. We were blessed, on Easter Sunday morning with beautiful weather and the choir sang in the churchyard; their offering was joyous to hear.

In May, the cap on numbers attending funerals was lifted, which brought comfort to many grieving families; the churchwardens and assistant wardens were privileged to act as vergers Also, at this time relaxation governing church choirs performing indoors was eased, to permit 6 choristers to sing in the Lady Chapel. Relaxation of Government and consequently Church of England Covid-19 restrictions continued apace. This allowed restrictions on numbers attending weddings to be lifted, much to the relief of our wedding couples!

Also in May, the APCM was held virtually via Zoom, where the required business and documentation were ratified. As part of the evening’s event Jane shared the Parish Vision to the well-attended meeting.

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The Churchwardens visitation happened in June, again via Zoom. Sadly, throughout 2021 we did not receive a visit from the Bishops of Ramsbury or Salisbury, so we hope to see one of them in 2022.

On 6th June, Oliver officiated at his last service in St Bartholomew’s before moving to take up his first incumbency in Christchurch and St John’s, Radlett. He and Mariama were presented with several gifts and best wishes. In July, a small number of parishioners, plus the Vicar and churchwardens were invited to represent this parish at his Installation, which was a memorable occasion. Oliver and Mariama will be sorely missed by us all.

August saw the removal of the booking procedure, to attend church services, which relieved the office of a considerable burden. However, it did increase the workload of the stewards who were required to re-enforce health and safety measures and give support to those attending services.

In September, the Sunday 8am Holy Communion service was re-introduced on the first Sunday of the month and was well supported. This month, we also said a fond farewell to Daniel and Abbie Harland, as they moved to Durham, where Daniel had been accepted to train for ordination.

Occasional offices of weddings, baptisms were plentiful in the summer and autumn months and resulted in many townspeople entering our lovely church. In October we held an All Souls Service to commemorate the departed and this was well attended and appreciated by families. Earlier in the year we were able to participate in and offer to the

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community an opportunity to pay their respects to HRH, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on his sad death.

As Christmas some approached, sadly government restrictions had to be re-introduced due to the emergence of a worrying new Covid -19 variant. The PCC made the decision to re-instate the booking process for the popular Christingle Services, as well as to offer 4 rather than the normal 2 services. Unfortunately, the Christmas Eve Midnight Communion had to be cancelled, to comply with the health and safety guidance surrounding cleaning of church buildings between services. However, Christmas Day services did go ahead. At all services offered the number attending was severely impacted due to the new variant being prevalent in the community, which additionally created uncertainty.

Throughout 2021, routine maintenance of church equipment was undertaken by external contractors in a covid compliant manner. Additionally, an Inspection of the gargoyles and the Quinquennial inspection were both undertaken in November. During this year, both our rental properties underwent significant redecoration programmes, to enhance their appearance.

As government restrictions eased the Church Hall reopened in April, followed by the Croft in October. Relief was palpable as these facilities had been closed for a long period of time. The Parish Office was manned throughout the year, providing communication to the town and wider community as required.

In June, we found ourselves relying on our retired clergy and LLM to officiate at services, due to Jane being

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hospitalised for a time. We would like to extend our thanks to all who assisted in ensuring the continued ministry within our parish. Fortunately, Jane returned to her role in late July, and we are grateful for her return to good health.

There are many people we would like to thank for their support throughout the year, without whom the smooth running and successes of 2021 would not have been possible.

Throughout 2021 the Vision of this parish and its 4 strands of mission: Children and Young people, Social justice, ECO Church and Ministry and Mission have been uppermost in the minds of Jane and the PCC. These 4 strands will inform plans for the future and we look forward to your support.

God Bless

Dennis and Ruth

Discussion Grou p

The St Bartholomew’s Discussion Group have been meeting fortnightly from late September 2021 onwards. There are often around ten of us and everyone is welcome. The format of the meeting is that one person takes responsibility for leading a discussion around a subject of interest to Christians. Our discussions are usually centred around Bible readings. We have discussed subjects as diverse as welcoming strangers, meeting Christ, the Holy Spirit, forgiveness, and the Church and State. It’s a place where everyone is encouraged to speak openly and honestly and it’s a great opportunity to share experiences and thoughts. We are grateful to Francis, Jane, John, Paul, and Peter for leading discussions. We have taken a short

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break to join the Lent Study Group and will be starting again after Easter with a discussion about the Resurrection. We hope to meet in person again after a Winter of discussions by Zoom.

Paul Archer

Fabric Team

During 2021, The Fabric Team met on about 5 occasions when meeting face-to-face was allowed. At other times items were dealt with by email.

The major work was concerned with dealing with the items highlighted in the Building Fabric Condition Surveys undertaken for the Hall and the Croft.

These were –

Identifying and dealing with any hazardous substances found. These were not a hazard to the public but were removed or made safe.
General safety issues including the quality of various doors. It was found that some of these were not up to current standards and are being replaced.
The Fire Detection and Alarm Systems. These were also found to be below current standards and a specification is being drawn up to remedy these issues.

Along with this, we are planning improvements to the lighting systems in both buildings to make them more efficient.

It was agreed that the trees and bushes in the churchyard were in need of some attention. A survey was undertaken by Nigel Freshwater who produced a detailed report on

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what is needed to be done. We are now in the process of obtaining permission from the Diocese and Wiltshire Council for the work to be done.

A report on the gargoyles and the Quinquennial report have been received. The team will be dealing with outstanding items during 2022.

Andrew Meek (Chairman, Fabric Team)

Flower Guild Annual Re ort p

We welcome new members to the Flower Guild. We have lost several members and are struggling to keep the church flowers looking special.

We have recently purchased two new vases for the High Altar with the hope that we will tempt members to arrange in them, and not have to do the stand.

Our funds are good, thanks to a very generous bequest from one of our past members.

If you would consider joining the Flower Guild, we would love to have you with us.

Janet Gilder, Chair

Friends of St Bartholomew’s

The Friends of St Bartholomew’s was formed to help with expenses arising from the maintenance of the church building. We have assisted with many projects over a number of years. We are always looking for ideas for

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money-raising or just social events. Please let us know if you have any ideas.

In spite of Covid restrictions, we were able to hold our Coffee Morning and Annual General Meeting as usual in November. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our usual RWB Brass Band Concert. Hopefully, we will be able to hold this in November 2022.

During the year our Membership Secretary, Helen Perry, decided to hang up her receipt book and stand down. We thank her for the many years’ service in this role. Therefore, we are looking for someone to take on this role. Please let me know if you if you would be interested in helping in this role. I am sure Helen will be willing to advise and make the handover as easy as possible.

Please come and speak to me or a member of the Committee if you can help in any way.

Andrew Meek (Chair, The Friends of St Bartholomew’s)

Health & Safet Committee y

Unfortunately, the team were unable to meet during 2021 due to the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus crisis.

However, health & safety remained a high priority for the PCC with the principle focus being, of necessity, the pandemic and its implications. The constantly evolving situation, and the Church of England guidance resulting from it, was regularly discussed at the PCC’s Standing Committee meetings. These discussions informed the decisions needed and were the basis for regular reviews of the various risk assessments to ensure the procedures in

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place remained robust and effective and that the premises for which the PCC is responsible remained covid-secure at all times.

In addition, other significant health & safety issues during 2021 included the preparation of an Asbestos Register for Church Croft, the Church Croft Apartment and Church Hall following a survey undertaken in February 2021. This survey had identified the possibility of the presence of asbestos-containing materials in all three premises and as a result various measures were necessary in order to satisfy the requirements of The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The required remedial action was carried out in September and October 2021 by a specialist contractor.

With the gradual return to normal it is anticipated the Committee will resume meeting on a regular basis in the near future

Melvyn Blackman

Chair

PCC Health & Safety Committee

Ladies Guild Annual Re ort p

We have not had a meeting since 2020 but I am pleased to say we are starting Ladies Guild on March 16th 2022. We have decided that we will meet at 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. We are unable to have speakers but we will have a good chat with tea and maybe cakes or biscuits !

And we will be pleased to welcome new members, if you would like to join us.

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We have given Local Young Carers the money we had raised on 2020 until we shut down, it was approx £400, and well received by them.

Janet Gilder, Chair

La Pastoral Assistants Re ort y p

Lockdown has hit our Pastoral team quite hard at times. A big part of our role is to visit people. From the point of view of the church there are Baptisms - Weddings - even Funerals. Fortunately, all of these are now back on track but Baptisms and Weddings were often postponed because of the small numbers allowed to attend. I think wedding couples were the most affected but it has all returned and there are at least 11 weddings taking place this year, which is ‘joyful’.

Our group stayed in touch via Zoom from March 2021 onwards thus enabling one of our members to join us from Dubai. Fortunately we now have our meetings in The Croft, led by Rev Jane. It feels ‘normal’ again.

Our new Lay Pastoral Assistant is Astrid Laurence who was recently commissioned by Bishop Andrew, along with eight others from the Diocese.

As Woodhouse has his as Geoffrey given up post Safeguarding Officer, we are pleased to welcome John Palmer as his successor.

Access to Care Homes is still difficult and the visits to The Ridgeway have only recently been re-established allowing hymns and communion to some of their residents. We are optimistic that this will soon restart at Bassett House and

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Miranda House. Christmas cards were delivered to some of our church family. These were so gratefully received. We are doing the same again with Easter cards to let those, who sometimes are unable to attend church, know that they are still part of our church family and in our prayers.

We give prayers and thanks to our hardworking Clergy and Church Wardens, and look forward to a brighter 2022. Chris Fitter LPA Secretary

Little Stars Baby and Toddler Grou p

The group had to shut down after Monday 16th March 2020 due to Covid 19 restrictions.

We reopened on 4th October 2021 until 13th December 2921 (Christmas Party).

After the Christmas break, we delayed the restart until 7th February 2022 and continued to present date.

During these periods the average attendance was 27 Children per session with two peaks of 37.

The Craft Table has proved to be very popular, and Joanna selects the appropriate themes according to important occasions i.e., Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, and Pancake Day.

The Christmas Party was well received, including a visit from Santa, and all the children received a gift. The whole event lasted 3weeks, which included making decorations to put on our own Christmas tree.

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For Mother's Day, each child presented a lovely posie of spring flowers to their Mums at the end of the session. Kind thanks to Kate and Janet Gilder for making them.

Pancake Day was a Sticky success with all the children involved using icing to decorate, and eat, their pancakes!

On Monday 7th March, we asked the Mums if they would agree to the usual donations to be put towards the Emergency Fund for Ukraine. They very generously added to the usual amount and the total came to E96.OO. Which was handed. over to the Church administration.

In memory of Cheryl Deller, who was a very popular and active member of Little

Stars prior to her untimely Death, we had a glass artwork made which now

resides in the Croft Coffee Shop. We though it appropriate that it was a floral design.

We have been fortunate to have Kate Storey, Sherrie Watson and Nicki Harris join the team. They have already made a valuable contribution to the running of the group. We have lost Pat Hughes temporarily since having eye surgery, but hope to have her return in the near future.

Recently we have had a steady influx of young babies which augers well for the future.

Our big thanks to the Church Admin staff for their continued support and to Andrew Meek for his Technical back up.

From the Team.

Joanna, Kate, Sherrie, Nicki and John

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Mother’s Union

Our first Mother’s Union meeting for, what seemed like, a very long time was in January of this year - 2022. Our numbers were few but nevertheless we were entertained by John Fitter playing music for us on his keyboard with songs ‘old’ and ‘new’. It gave us all a lift hearing the music and singing along.

In February after our short service with prayers, we had a bit of a craft session. We all made beautiful flower bookmarks which were laminated to give us many happy hours of reading. There was one for ourselves and we made an extra one to give to a friend or loved one.

Although we didn’t have a March meeting, some of us attended, or took part, in the World Day of Prayer at the Sacred Heart Catholic church. We remembered our last World Day of Prayer which took place in March 2020 in our own St Barts church just before the first lockdown. Little did we know then what was to follow.

We hope to improve our membership. Any new members or visitors are always very welcome on the third Tuesday of every month. Our April meeting will be held at the new time of 1.30pm and will be hosted by our own Rachel Smith of BeadsbyVerchiel. Rachel will be demonstrating on how to make a wire wrapped pendant with possible jewellery goodies for sale. Refreshments are always served too.

We continue to back Mother’s Union which is a very special world-wide Christian Charity supporting families and those less fortunate than ourselves. We remember the Mary Sumner prayer:-

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All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for thee; and every life I touch, do thou by thy spirit quicken, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I breathe, or the life I live. Amen.

Chris Fitter Committee Member

Parish Office

Sorry to have missed last year’s deadline, so to start with, thanks again to Lesley Jones and Elaine Leighton for their much appreciated several years of service, working in the Parish Office.

As an update this means that the office is now only formally staffed on Wednesday and Friday mornings, so apologies if admin items may seem to move slowly at times. Of course, informally, the office is usually buzzing 5 or 6 days a week, as (usually Ruth) attends to all the bits and pieces involved with running the parish.

In 2021, the parish carried out 18 Baptisms, 10 Weddings, 1 Banns reading and 48 Funerals – the hard work there is from the clergy and those involved with the actual rites and ceremonies, while the office tries to help coordinate and assist with paperwork.

We are still in the process of implementing the “iknow church” management system which should help us be

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more efficient in communication and data management and is already used in helping with the “Life Events” tasks.

We produce the Pew Sheet every week – printed copies for the Sunday congregations, as well as emailing to the Parish Family and delivering or posting some 21 copies a week.

In the “every cloud has a silver lining” department, we were able to take advantage of the Croft’s forced closure to move out of the office - the floor was thoroughly repaired, and the office redecorated. We changed the office layout, and as well as the refreshed décor, now enjoy a view out of the window while we work.

Safe uardin g g

When you hear the word safeguarding what do you think of?

My thoughts turn to any concerns if there is belief that a child, young person or vulnerable adult may have suffered or may be suffering or is at risk of harm through bad influence, exploitation, neglect or abuse in whatever form it manifests itself.

Promoting a safer church, the safeguarding policy statement of the Church of England, remains the basis on which we, at St Bartholomew, implement safeguarding within the Parish. It is this that drives the incumbent and her officers to successfully promote awareness and protection from harm within the community and the various groups and activities within this.

The move to electronic communication and recording through the steady introduction of the DBS Microsite has

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been taxing at times for our DBS verifier. Nevertheless, the elimination of manual recording will be a thankful blessing for a short-term irritant. Indeed, a further module roll-out will, I understand, enhance further the ability to include personal training data.

Finally, most would agree that the impact of abuse within a church community will tarnish, indeed destroy, the assumption that the church is a safe place with a loving and trusting community, which cares for each other. Certainly, much is done and much continues to be done in our church to uphold these long held views. It stems from the incumbent, through the PCC to leaders and supervisors who head up the array of church groups and those affiliated to us.

So, the message to us all is please vigilant, be aware to the signs of harm, mitigate risks and report your concerns in confidence to your Parish Safeguarding Officer.

JOHN PALMER

Parish Safeguarding Officer

Swindon Food Collective

Although demand was still high, our activities during 2021 were less demanding than the first year of lockdown. Referrals totalled 178 which meant we provided food for 486 people (as opposed to over 800 in 2020). This was probably due to an increase in Universal Credit during this time. Christmas was very busy as usual. We are most grateful for the donations we received from parishioners and people from the surrounding area: Harvest donations amounted to 190.3 kgs and the total amount sent during

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the year, excluding the Harvest donation, was 4532.3 kgs – absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for your support. Carol Kemp and Ruth Sexton

Trebles

It’s been a challenging year for the trebles. This time last year we were in lockdown and although we continued to meet via zoom every week, I think everyone was starting to suffer from “zoom-fatigue” and it was difficult to keep the momentum going. We have also lost some members over the year, which is somewhat inevitable as the children grow older, and haven’t been able to recruit until very recently because of COVID-related restrictions.

Having said that, there have been some very positive aspects for the group. We all enjoyed singing outside the church at Easter and it was lovely to be back singing with the adult choir for Carols By Candlelight. The trebles choir also led the singing at some services when there were restrictions in the numbers that could attend, and had very good feedback from the congregation, although it is great to be back to something like normal where we can be involved in services alongside the adult choir.

Furthermore, those singers that are still with us have progressed by leaps and bounds. Praise and Emmanuel have achieved their dark blue ribbons and continue to delight with their solos and general attitude, whilst Adele has blossomed in her new role of head choir girl, even singing psalms as a soloist with the adult choir at Evensong!

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We now have two new members as a result of advertising in social media and emails to the local primary schools, and are hoping that this will be the start of bigger things for the trebles choir.

Thanks to John, Alison, Ruth and Jane who have helped with the choir and all of the necessary support work such as risk assessments, and have been so supportive over the past 12 months.

Tower Ca tain’s Review p

The primary objective of the bellringers at St Bartholomew and All Saints remains to ring the bells to call people to worship for Sunday morning and evensong services. The sound of bells also lets folk who may not be able to attend church know of imminent activity. We also ring for other occasions, including weddings, memorial services and civic events.

During 2021/2 we rang to mark the death and funeral of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the change of the town’s name to Royal Wootton Bassett; tolled the tenor bell 33 times on Good Friday, once for each year of Jesus’ life; rang to celebrate NHS Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day, rang preceding the RWB Town Council ceremony to award the Freedom of the Town to former Town Clerk, Johnathan Bourne and also rang to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne.

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Tower Roles and Membership

As with nearly all aspects of life COVID severely affected ringing during most of 2020 and 2021. Following the start of lockdown in March 2020 with the exception of Christmas Day morning no ringing took place until we resumed with a minimal band in May 2021, with full practices and service ringing resuming in August.

Sadly a number of tower members have not returned to ring at St Barts, having either moved away or taken on other commitments. We are down to about 10 regular ringers now, which means we sometimes struggle to ring all 8 bells, however after a successful social media advert we now have 3 learners who are starting to make progress and aim to be joining us on Sundays in time for the Queen’s Jubilee in June. We are still keen to welcome new members and are committed to supporting anyone who wishes to join us either from the church or wider town community.

Under Ringing Master, Steve Bucknell’s guidance we have been dusting off the cobwebs of having a year off. Initially focussing on getting our striking (or quality) of ringing up to scratch we are now starting to progress to more advanced ringing during our Monday night practices.

Quarter Peals

We have rung very few quarter peals over the year, with just 3 to date but are trying to resume our monthly performances for evensong, held on the first Sunday of the month:

Date No. of Method Dedication

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----- Start of picture text -----
Chang
es
5/7/2021 1260 Plain Bob Thank you to the NHS and
Doubles congratulations on being
awarded the George Cross on
your 73rd anniversary. Also
rung as a get well message to
Rev. Canon Jane Curtis.
16/10/20 1260 Grandsire Rung to mark the 10th
21 Doubles anniversary of the presentation
by HRH The Princess Royal of
the Letters Patent from her
majesty the Queen changing
the name of our town to Royal
Wootton Bassett in recognition
of the role the town played in
the repatriation of fallen
service personnel.
6/3/2022 1260 Plain Bob Rung for Evensong and to
and show solidarity with the people
Grandsire and country of Ukraine.
Doubles
----- End of picture text -----

Weddings & Funerals

We rang for 10 weddings and 4 funerals (and tolled a single bell for a fifth) over the last year.

Tower maintenance

Regular housekeeping and light maintenance is carried out and funded by the team from the money raised by ringing for weddings, blessings and remembrance services.

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During a very windy spell before Christmas some of the sound proofing fell from the louvres and unfortunately landed in the pit of the 2nd bell, cracking its wheel in the process. Three of us spent a morning up the tower to repair the damage and reinstall the wooden boarding. We also took the opportunity to tighten a couple of the clappers (the parts of the installation which strike the side of the bells to produce the sound) which had worked a little loose.

Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers

St Bartholomew's Tower is a member of the Calne Branch of the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers (SDGR). We hosted the AGM for the Calne Branch on Saturday 8th January. In addition to ringing before and after a service, the bellringers shared a tea and business meeting in the Church Hall.

Visiting ringers

With ringing nationwide largely restricted until recently we haven’t been able to welcome as many guests this year, however we did have a band of ringers visit in October from Bathwick and we welcomed a very enthusiastic young ringer from South Wales to one of our Monday practice nights who lived in RWB when he was younger and had always wanted to return to ring the bells when he was old enough.

Looking forward…

We continue to value our contribution to worship at St Bartholomew's and are extremely appreciative of the regular compliments we receive from the church community, especially following our resumption to ringing

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on Sunday mornings. We are always looking for opportunities to get involved with community and church events wherever possible.

Daniel Knight Tower Captain

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ST BARTHOLOMEW AND ALL SAllYTS CHURCH ROYAL WOOTfoN BASSE FINANCIA TATF.M TS FOR THE YEA ED srDE MBER 2 21 REGISTERED CHARITY 1130533 BANKERS HSBC SWINDON, WILTS CHURCHWARDENS AND ALL TRUSTEES MEMBERS OF THE PCC

ST BARTHOLOMEWS AND ALL SAINTS CHURCH, ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021 GENERAL FUND Notes 2021 2020 ncome Offerings.. General Special Weddings, funerals. baptisms etc Floodlighting 64.806 3,367 1,232 565 8.035 68.240 1,318 366 492 4.526 Fees Fundraising Donation3 & Bequests Flat Rents Inell Church Hall Church Croft & shop Sundry Interest Received Charity Commissioners- endowment funds 2.407 3.302 10,488 2,907 432 14 85 1,438 11,977 4,162 2,685 838 114 82 97.640 96.238 Ex endlture Quota Heal, light, insurance, rates etc Adminislralion Clergy Expenses Ho$pitality Music SeNices and sanctuary Churchyard Repairs and renewals Church Hall Church Croft & shop Bank Charges Depreciation 85,074 9.382 7,623 1.193 83.373 9,775 7,166 2,430 155 3,589 1,911 400 14,930 5,608 6,265 421 3,148 5.176 808 830 12,946 11.553 11,738 362 4,425 151,110 -53,470 139,171 42,933 273,343 230,410 -3,424 226,986 634 227,620 484,867 SurplusllDefi¢ill for the year before Exceptional Items Exceptional Item - Gillian Thompson Bequest SurplusllDeficill for the year after Excepts"onal Items Giving SurplusllDefi¢ill for the year after giving Transfer Itollfrom restricted funds -53,470 -2,685 -56,155 1,044 -55,111 692,487 Balance brought forward Funds carried forward 637,376 692,487

ST BARTHOLOMEWS AND ALL SAINTS CHURCH. ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT MOVEMENT OF UNRESTRICTED FUNDS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021 Deficlt for the Year Transfer between funds 31.12.20 31.12.21 General 309,583 48.517 22.885 283.951 Thompson 271.366 4,687 262,679 Propety 54.740 3,302 -14,211 43,831 Croft 21,595 -8,831 12 12,776 Hall 35,203 -1.C65 34,139 692,487 -55,111 637,376

ST BARTHOLOMEWS AND ALL SAINTS CHURCH. ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021 Notes 2021 2020 FIXED ASSETS 244,098 242,993 CURRENT ASSETS Bank accounts Charities Deposits Charities Investrnenl Fund Cash in Hand 362,595 25.000 420.874 24,987 12,240 80 458,181 3,500 4,711 466,392 40 401,616 3.500 6,111 411,227 Stock Debtors & prepayments CURRENT LIABILITIE Creditors and accruals NET CURRENT ASSE 2,895 2.814 408,332 463,578 TOTAL NET ASSETS 652,430 706.571 FUND Unrestrfct d General Thompson Bequest Share Property Croft Hall 283,951 262.679 309,583 271,366 43,831 12,776 34.139 54,740 21,595 35,203 637,378 692,487 Restricted 1,073 1,844 Endowm 13.981 12,240 652,430 706,571

ST BARTHOLOMEWS AND ALL SAINTS CHURCH. ROYAL WOOThON BASSETT INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021 ENDOWMENT FUNDS WSekes Parsons Groceries Church ard Blddlecombe General Total CBF Dividends 118 155 85 358 Transfer lo General Funds Transfer lo Restricted Funds Increase in Funds - unrealised -85 -85 -273 1,741 -118 573 -155 753 415 Market value at 31 De( cember 20 20 4.027 5.283 2.930 12,240 Market value al 31 Dec cember 20 21 4.600 6.036 3.345 13,981 182 COIF Charities Investment Fund - Income Shares CBF Church of En land Investment Fund - Income Shares RE TRICTED FUNDS Parsons Transfer from Endowment Funds 118 155 273 Transfer fromlllol General Funds IncreasellDecreasel in Fund Balanee at 31 Decemb er 2020 -567 449 1.149 477 -322 695 273 1,844 Balance al 31 Decemb ber 2021 700 373 1,073

ST BARTHOLOMEWS AND ALL SAINTS CHURCH, ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021 2021 2020 1 Offerin s General General weekly and lump sum offering$ Gift Tax refund 53,038 11,768 64,806 53,452 14.788 68.240 2 Hall Net Income Lettings elc 10,488 4,162 Caretaking Heat, light. insurance and rates Repair5 and Maintenance 2,325 931 8,297 11,553 2,184 1,069 2.355 5.608 Net expenditure -1,446 3 Church Croft- N Inc Shop sales Coffee sales Croft hire and miscellaneous donations 1,478 923 506 2,907 867 1,441 377 2,685 Shop purchases Coffee purchases Cleaing including wages He81, light, insurance and rates Repairs and Maintenance 696 25 2.160 2,193 6,664 11.738 759 359 2.120 1,384 1.643 6,265 Nel expenditure -8,831 -3,580 4 Flxed As Leasehold Pro Pro Pl nl and rovements M hine Total Co Al 31 Dece ember 2020 Additions at cost At 31 Dece ember2021 148.754 101,137 15,144 265,035 5,530 5,530 20,674 270,565 148,754 101,137 At 31 Deceember 2020 Charge for the year At 31 Deceember 2021 8,167 2,725 10,892 13.875 1,700 15,575 22,042 4,425 26,467 Net Book Value Al 31 Deceember2020 148.754 92,970 1,269 242,993 At 31 Dece ember 2021 148,754 90,245 5,099 244,098

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE PCC OF ST BARTHOLOMEW AND ALL SAiwfs CHURCH ROYAL WOOTT BASSErr This report on the accourkts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2021. which are Set out on pages I to is in resp¢ct of an exatniTration carried out under Section 145 of the Charilies Acl 2011. Res tive Res onsibilities of Truste Examiner As the members of the PCC, you are responsibl¢ for ih¢ preparation of the aounts. you consider that the audit requirements of Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Acl) do not apply. It is my responsibility to-. examine the CoUn(s under Section 145 of the ACL * to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b)of the Act. and * to stale whether particular matters have come to my allention. nde Examiner. My examination w&s carried out in a¢¢ordance with the Generdl Directions given by the Charity Commission. That examination includes a review of the accounling records k¢pt by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. li also includes coiisiderii)g any unusual items or dis¢losiires in the accounts and seeking explanalions from you as trusl¢es conceriiiiig any such mall¢rs. The procedur¢s undertaken do rkot provide all the evidence that would b¢ required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view siven by the accounts. endent E in tement In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attentions: (l ) Which gives me reasonable cause that in any material resp¢¢L the requirements.. to keep accounting records in aOrdanCe with Section 130 of th¢ Charities Act, and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting record5 and comply with regulations, as also contained in the Church Accounting Regulations have noi been met: or (l ) to which. in my opinion, attention should drnwn in order to enable a proper understanding of th¢ a¢counts 10 be reached. Derek R Kemp 9" April 2022 3 Aspen Close Royal Wootton B&$5ett SWINDON, SN4 7HN Page 6