2023-12-31-accounts

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator. This document is also available as Markdown.

==> picture [53 x 69] intentionally omitted <==

PARISH OF ST FAITH, WINCHESTER

==> picture [285 x 166] intentionally omitted <==

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

www.parishofstfaith.org

PCC registered charity no 1130671

GOVERNANCE	GOVERNANCE
Mandatory Report on the Electoral Roll			6
Mandatory Winchester Deanery Synod Report 6
Churchwardens’ report			6
Safeguarding			7
PCC matters			8
Mission Action Planning Group (MAP)			8
Hospital of St Cross Trustees’ report			8
WORSHIP,	PRAYERS AND	WELCOME
Learning and Sermon Series			11
Assistant Curate’s (in training) Report			11
Music Report			12
After Church Coffee Team			13
Chapel Flower Guild			13
Silent Prayer Group			13
PASTORAL CARE
Occasional	Offices		14
Pastoral Assistants			15
LEARNING
House Group report			15
COMMUNITY ACROSS GENERATIONS
Social Events			16
Tots & Sunday Club 0-7			16
St Cross Youth and 8+ Vestry group			17
Community	Teas		17
Open the Book			18
St Faith’s Church of England School			18
Friends for Tea			19
Lazy Cooks			20
Churchyard			20
COMMON GOOD
Common Good Project			20
St Faith’s Parish Hall			21
St Cross Fête			22
Good Causes supported during 2023			23
SUPPORTING MINISTRIES
Stewardship Working Group			24

Communications (Magazine, website)	Communications (Magazine, website)	24
List of Sidespeople		25
Parochial Church Council Members		25
MINUTES
2023 Annual Meeting of Parishioners		26
2023 Annual Parochial Church Meeting		27

INTRODUCTION

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21.5, KJV)

In my last year’s report for the APCM I focused on the theme of change which is the calling of the Church in general and individually to every one of us as Christians. Change is at the very centre of our faith. Jesus calls us all to follow him and to convert; the word he uses to describe it, is ‘metanoia/μετάνοια’, which in Greek means ‘to turn back, to change ones mind or direction.’ Without the openness to change and without the readiness to embrace Christ’s message proclaimed afresh in our everchanging world we can not follow Him fully.

New initiatives and growth

When I was reflecting on this year’s report, I was reminded of the words of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark: “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Mark 5.4 NKJV). This passage was read at the service of my installation as Rector of our Parish almost two years ago. Especially in this past year, I saw how prophetic for us all those words were and are. We see new initiatives growing and flourishing in our Parish. Growing numbers and increasing engagement with the local community and our Parish school take our ministry further and further every day.

One of many initiatives which gives me so much encouragement worthy of mentioning here is the ‘Community Tea’ organised for the families in our Parish Hall. This is our own interpretation of ‘Messy Church’. Organised and led by the lay members of our congregation with the support of the clergy, these meetings gathered an unexpected number of young families. The first one in October 2023 saw over 60 people attending, and the last one, at the beginning of March this year brought in over 80! Tarryn Hyland and Magdalen Rees are the driving force of this wonderful initiative, supported by a fantastic team of volunteers. They all deserve our heartfelt thanks for their hard work and faithful commitment.

Another, very different new initiative is the service of Compline, offered by Brother Graham Davies. This short, simple, contemplative

service sung on Sunday evenings in the Lady Chapel is a beautiful way to finish the day and to get ready for the week ahead. It is greatly appreciated by all who attend.

Our Sunday services show a steady growth in numbers. Christmas this year showed that we are very close to the pre-pandemic numbers. The new, more interactive format of our popular Crib Service saw a significant increase in attendance with 63 more people than last year, with the total number of 327 moving us closer to the full capacity of the chapel. Overall throughout our Christmas services we saw 754 people attending compared to 639 last year. Similar increases were seen in other services. Our Palm Sunday service this year with over 150 people in attendance doubled last year’s numbers. We need to remember that those numbers don’t just happen. It is an effect of hard work throughout the whole year. Pastoral ministry, outreach, involvement in school ministry, warmth and welcome showed to visitors, social events, bible studies, youth club, building relationships, and many, many other things creating the right environment for growth. I am grateful to all who work so hard to support each of those areas.

Stewardship

Last year’s finances for the Parish, as well as for the majority of our society has proven to be challenging. The cost of living crises made us rethink the ways we spend and save money. Finishing last year with a deficit due to an unprecedented increase in costs of heating and lighting gave us an opportunity to have a more creative conversation about this year’s budget. Both last year and this year I introduced an open meeting for all parishioners to learn and ask about the financial situation of our Parish. Our Treasurer Murray Dixon and chairman of Stewardship Group John Pringle were able to help us all to understand the complexities of income and expenditure. I want to thank them both, and all who support them in their tasks, for their commitment and the hard work they do for the good of us all. As an effect of our work and many meetings and conversations, we have a reasonable and balanced budget for this year.

Throughout Lent this year the theme of our sermons was ‘generosity and giving’, to raise awareness of the financial needs of the parish and of every part of our community. We were blessed that in addition to our Parish clergy we had the chance to hear from our visiting preachers: the Rt Revd Geoff Annas, Acting Bishop of Southampton, Revd Natalie Loveless, Vicar of St Peter and St Paul, Rustington in the Diocese of Chichester and Revd Canon Professor Liz Stuart from St Matthew’s with St Paul Winchester. Our stewardship campaign initiated on the Parish Giving Sunday, 18 February, has shown great generosity of everyone in our congregation. Thank you all for your faithfulness in giving and supporting the mission of our Parish.

Clergy

It is almost exactly a year since the day when Fr James Mosher was licensed to minister at St Faith’s as Assistant Curate (in training). His presence with us is a true gift and joy. As with every member of clergy ministering in our Parish he brings his own unique gifts and calling to enrich our life together. October last year brought us another reason to celebrate, when Fr James was ordained to the sacred priesthood by Bishop David Williams. The service was truly unique and followed the order of the Book of Common Prayer with the Litany, so beautifully sung by our choir. It was perhaps the very first ordination service at St Cross in its history and definitely one of very few Church of England Book of Common Prayer ordinations in the recent years. Over 40 clergy and over 100 in the congregation supported James as he was taking the next step in his formation and ministry. It was a wonderful opportunity for the whole community to come together and celebrate.

As James starts his journey as priest, Reverend Hilary Healey who has been at St Faith’s for over 7 years, is also looking to the next stages in her ministry. All clergy follow the regulations determining their time in office and retirement age is one of those limits given to clergy as a safeguard of their wellbeing. As of 24th March 2024, Hilary’s licence as Assistant Curate to our Parish has expired as she has reached retirement age, and will not be renewed by the Diocese. After talking to Hilary, the Bishop and the Archdeacon, I have extended an invitation to Hilary to minister in our Parish under the PTO - Permission To Officiate - regulations for a period of up to 24 months. In short that means that Hilary (subject to all necessary checks and signing of supervision agreement with the Incumbent) will continue to minister in the Parish as a retired member of the clergy with a ‘PTO’ in a similar capacity to her previous ministry. I know that I express the feelings of us all in saying thank you to Hilary, for her commitment and hard work and for agreeing to stay in active ministry for some more time.

I am grateful and I feel deeply privileged to minister alongside such good, loving, capable and competent colleagues.

There is so much more to write and to share as the ministry of our parish is rich and multifaceted, but I don’t want to stretch your patience with another long paragraph. I simply want to thank you all for your love, commitment, trust and for your faith, which is the source of great encouragement for me. Please keep me in your prayers as I need them greatly.

In Christ, Dominik, your Rector

AGENDA - ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS 2024

Opening prayers

Welcome and Apologies for absence.
To receive the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners, held on 30 April 2023.
The Election of Churchwardens for 2024-25.
Close of meeting.

AGENDA - ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

To receive the Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 30 April 2023.
Matters arising.
The Mandatory Reports (for discussion and any recommendations to the PCC):
3a. Electoral Roll. Report on changes in membership of the Electoral Roll since the last APCM.
3b. PCC Activities. Report on what the PCC has done in 2023 and the activities of the parish.
3c. Deanery Synod. Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod in 2023.
1. Reporting of Financial Statements of the PCC for 2023including the Independent Examiner’s Report.
1. The Elections: 5a Members of the Deanery Synod (to fill two vacancies until July 2026)
5b. Members of the PCC. 6. The appointment of an Independent Examiner of the accounts. 7. Any other business (relating to the PCC or Parish) Closing prayers.

Notes:

All residents of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Faith, together with the nonresidents on the Parish Electoral Roll, may vote on item 3 at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners.

Voting on all items at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting is restricted to those whose names are on the Parish Electoral Roll.

GOVERNANCE

Mandatory Report on the Electoral Roll

On 31 December 2023 there were 217 names on the electoral roll of which 69 were residents and 148 non resident.

Valerie Carver - Electoral Roll Officer

Mandatory Winchester Deanery Synod Report

The Deanery Synod met twice in 2023.

At the March meeting:

Dean Catherine spoke about key issues at the Cathedral.
Alison Coulter gave feedback from the General Synod.
A representative of St Barnabas PCC presented a proposal to extend the minimum hours clergy should have off each week from 24 to 36. A motion to that effect was passed by the Synod.
A discussion was held on the use of Lay Ministries across the Deanery.

John Pringle, Dodie Mowat & Murray Dixon

The meeting due to held on 14[th] June was cancelled.

At the October meeting, held at St Mary’s Church, Twyford:

The purpose of the Deanery was discussed.
A Deanery Uganda Link presentation was shown.
An Ideas Fayre was introduced as a means of sharing Parish success stories and best practices with other Parishes. The Fayre will be held at St Paul’s Church, Winchester in April 2024.

Adrian Coldridge & Murray Dixon

Churchwarden’s Report

No two years are the same and inevitably with new leadership comes new ideas, so the role of the Churchwarden has to adapt accordingly, and the Parish continues to evolve.

We meet the clergy regularly for support, feedback and planning.

We endeavour to support our dedicated and hardworking clergy as well as being a listening ear to all in the Parish. This can at times be challenging but purposeful.

One of our main roles is ensuring services run smoothly. This requires a lot of attention to detail and we are very grateful to all those who volunteer to go on rotas to do all the things necessary for this to happen. Please let us know if you could help in this way either regularly or occasionally.

As in many churches since the pandemic, we have lost most of the older children who used to come on Sundays despite the Youth Groups thriving on Friday nights. This was compounded by the Phipps family moving to Hastings in August. However there are several young families who come on Sundays fairly regularly and we try very hard to cater for them and make them feel welcome.

We are so fortunate to have 3 clergy serving our Parish so our thanks go to Dominik, Hilary and James for their leadership and continuous hard work. Having Dominik as both Rector and Master is proving beneficial for both the Parish and the Hospital.

In most parishes the Churchwardens have to look after the fabric of the church but at St Cross the Hospital owns and looks after the buildings . We are therefore extremely grateful to the Trustees, to Catriona (Clerk to the Trustees) to Catherine (the Porter) and all the Hospital staff and Brothers.

Lastly we would like to thank all of you for your support and cooperation in 2023.

Gill Beck and Dodie Mowat

Safeguarding

Safeguarding all who are involved in parish activities is a priority; it is a standing agenda item which is reported on at each PCC meeting. The policies and procedures we follow are national models approved by the House of Bishops.

The first part of the reporting year was taken up with a high risk safeguarding case. The safeguarding risk was removed when the individual involved was sentenced to a lengthy term of imprisonment for child sex offences:

Former Winchester Cathedral churchman admits historical sex offences | Hampshire Chronicle

In terms of day-to-day safeguarding activity, the National Safeguarding Team has created a range of safeguarding learning pathways for people with roles within the Church of England, including within the parish, to complete. This training has to be renewed every 3 years with most of the courses available online.

Those that work or volunteer in the parish are also subject to an initial and then three-year interval search against the Disclosure and Barring Service database. We are grateful to Janet Rowland-White for her support and diligent work in helping those applying for DBS checks.

If you have any concerns regarding the safeguarding case raised above or in relation to safeguarding more generally then please speak to Father Dominik or Chris Maguire, the parish safeguarding officer.

Chris Maguire - Parish Safeguarding Officer, Rev’d Dominik Chmielewski - Rector, Gill Beck & Dodie Mowat - Churchwardens

PCC matters

PCC meetings continued to take place every other month and the year passed smoothly with nothing particular to report.

As usual, the PCC were reminded of their duties at the first meeting post the 2023 APCM and given links to relevant links on the Charity Commission and Diocesan websites.

The Charity Commission updated its website for charity users during the year which meant we had to familiarise ourselves with the changes. Victoria Arthur - PCC Secretary

Mission Action Planning Group (MAP)

The group did not meet in 2023. But at the end of the year a review took place to assess the achievements of the 2018 – 2022 MAP. This was considered at the November PCC and will form the basis for the preparation of the new MAP for the 2024- 2027 period. John Pringle

Hospital of St Cross Trustees’ report

2023 continued to throw up challenges, mainly from a financial perspective. The increased utility bills put pressure on the Hospital finances and it was widely reported that many heritage sites in Winchester which are open to the public experienced a drop in their visitor numbers partly due, no doubt, to the rise in the cost of living. However, the Trustees are very grateful to all those who support the Hospital. These include the hard-working St Cross Team, the many volunteers, who help on the site generally and in the Hundred Men’s Hall tearoom and the Board and members of the Friends of St Cross Charity which raises much

needed funds for our various conservation projects.

One, very special, and long-term supporter and volunteer retired at the end of 2023. Doreen Jenkins, for many years, helped run the Hundred Men’s Hall tea room and also provided interval drinks for the many concerts and graduation services held at St Cross. Supported by her husband, Cled (who was also a valued Trustee on the Board) and Emeritus Brother Andrew, the Hospital is very grateful for the amazing service Doreen has provided over the years.

The out-turn for the year saw better than expected figures for the Public Visiting activities which was very encouraging and is, in no small way, down to hard work our volunteers, staff, Brothers and Trustees.

The Brothers: After the recruitment of five new Brothers in 2022 and with four flats out of commission due to the refurbishment work, there were few vacant flats available for new Brothers. However, in November we were pleased to welcome Clive Rigden to the Hospital and in December Niall McCathie’s application was accepted in readiness for him to move to St Cross in 2024.

The Hospital mourned the loss of four Brothers Emeritus in 2023. Brother Bob Howard-Jones (died 22 January 2023), Brother John Hird (died 28 April 2023), Brother John Goodman (died 11 August 2023, the day before his 102nd birthday) and Brother Michael Longstaffe (died 27 Nov 2023); their funerals were held at St Cross. Also we received the sad news that a former Brother, Brian Astell, who left the Hospital in 2016, died in July 2023.

On a brighter note, Brother Graham presented and managed his first full season of Perfect Pitch musical lunchtime concerts between April and October and raised over £6,000 for the Hospital through donations. A brand new upright piano was also purchased. The purpose of the concerts is to provide a venue for young musicians to practice performing in front of an audience. Graham arranged for performers from a whole range of educational institutions, from local schools through to the Royal Academy of Music in London. A new concert series will go ahead from April 2024.

The Trustees were also very grateful to Brother Chris Pyke and the volunteers who helped him propagate plants from the Brothers’ garden to sell on a plant stall through the summer in the outer quad. He raised just over £1,600 which, at only a few pounds per pot is a lot of plants sold!

Trustees: The Hospital’s new Master, Reverend Dominik Chmielewski had a very busy first year settling his family into their new home and getting to

know his parishioners and the Hospital. The Trustees were very grateful to Dominik’s wife Barbara, for her impressive work on the Hospital’s Instagram account which resulted in followers increasing from single figures to over 500.

Chris Anderson, retired in March 2023 after 13 years of service on the Board of Trustees and specifically the Finance Committee. He guided the Hospital on investments and other financial matters, using his skill and experience and was a very valuable member of the Board. Chris continued to advise the Finance Committee during 2023 and his tenure was celebrated at the Trustees’ Christmas lunch in December. We welcomed a new Trustee in March 2023. Sir Jonathan Portal joined the board in March 2023, following in his ancestor’s footsteps.

Staff: In February 2023, the Hospital’s Maintenance man, Steve Pragnell retired after 15 years’ service to the Hospital and we were pleased to welcome, Phillip Le Riche who was appointed to take over from Steve. Recruiting a new Deputy Clerk proved to be much more challenging but, finally, in October Louise Wood joined the team and our Clerk, Catriona was very relieved to have her team back up to a full complement!

Building Projects: Delays in the granting of planning permission affected two projects at the Hospital. In April 2023, work finally started on the refurbishment of flats 21 to 24. The lead Architect is Paul Chatham (Partner at Peregrine Bryant Architects, who also designed the refurbishment of the accommodation at Chelsea Hospital, London). The Builders, Simon and Michael Haime are no strangers to St Cross, having worked on projects at the Hospital with their former employers for many years. They now have their own building firm and have worked incredibly hard all year with the help of M&E sub-contractors to transform four flats. The project aims to better utilise the small amount of space available in the flats, reducing kitchen sizes to provide better bedroom and bathroom facilities, upgrade the plumbing and electrics to a modern standard and provide better insulation throughout. The project completion date is forecast to be mid-March 2024.

Listed Building Consent was finally granted, towards the end of 2023, for the installation of an automated lift. The lift will provide access for the disabled to the Brethren’s Hall and work will start in February 2024.

Coronation Oak Tree: The Hospital was honoured to be chosen as the location for the planting of a commemorative Oak tree to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. A tree was planted in each county so it was really special for the Hospital to be chosen for the Hampshire tree. HM

Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mr Nigel Atkinson attended to plant the tree which was blessed by Rt Revd Geoff Annas, honorary assistant bishop in October 2023.

Jonathan Cooke, Chairman of Board of Trustees

WORSHIP, PRAYERS AND WELCOME

Learning and Sermon Series.

“Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Mark 5.4 NKJV

To fulfil this charge of Christ we need to be prepared and equipped for the task. Growing deeper in the knowledge of Scriptures and in the understanding of the teaching of the Church, is essential on our journey. It is a true joy to see that more and more people are joining our Bible Study courses offered in Advent, Lents and in between. This past year at various Bible Study groups we spent time reading Books of Philippians, Timothy and Titus, as well as going through the themes of ‘covenant' and ‘sacrifice’ in 12 first chapters of the Book of Genesis. All in the warmth of the Rectory with coffee and homemade cake.

Greatly popular was the ‘Eucharist Explained’ - Sunday service with a commentary. Overwhelmingly positive feedback and requests for more made me plan another service in similar format in the near future. The service was divided into three blocks: 1-Vesting, 2-Service of the Word, 3- the Sacrament-the Eucharist. Between these sections I offered in-depth explanations of actions and words used in the service, to help with the understanding and better participation in the service. Upon the request of a large number of our congregants a similar format of the service will be repeated in the autumn, this time focusing on the Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion service. We are blessed that our Parish is so open to learn and to embrace the many opportunities for spiritual growth.

Assistant Curate’s (in training) report

It continues to be a great joy and privilege to serve as Assistant Curate in the parish of St Faith at St Cross. As Curate, it makes a great difference to be part of a congregation that is welcoming, engaged and spiritually mature, and where there is a real opportunity to get involved in different activities, while also staying rooted in prayer and worship. I am grateful to many members of the congregation, the choir, the PCC, the Wardens, Hilary and Fr Dominik for your support and encouragement throughout the year.

As I am Curate alongside my full-time role as Port Chaplain, each week I join you for Sundays and for at least one (in practice often two or three) other commitments, ranging from home communions to funerals to PCC meetings to joining the school governors at St Faith School... It is a blessing to get involved in such varied ways, spanning both the everyday and the most profound moments in life and death.

I have particularly enjoyed joining the youth group on many a Friday evening, which is always lively and involves some really interesting exploration of faith. For those who don’t see it first hand, I would commend to you the wonderful work I see Ellie, Alison and the rest of the youth team doing week by week.

Shanti and I were married last June, and we’ve both been so grateful for the warm welcome Shanti has received as a member of the congregation. I reflected on our recent marriage when I gave a talk to the couples planning to be married here at St Cross in the coming year, and I look forward to taking weddings here.

My ordination to the Priesthood took place on the Feast of St. Faith – the first ordination service in St. Cross to take place in living memory. I want to personally thank all those who were involved and made both the Ordination and my first celebration of the Holy Communion possible and so very special and beautiful.

I am excited for the year ahead in our parish life, including walking through Holy Week, the parish fete, and the parish pilgrimage I am organising for us in October to Sainte Foy (St Faith) Abbey in Conques, France. I hope these will provide a chance for us to grow deeper in our faith and in our fellowship with one another.

Reverend James Mosher - Assistant Curate

Music Report

We continue to maintain a valuable choir of 20+ adult members who, together with volunteer assistant organist Chris Jones, provide loyal and robust support to the Music Director in all Sunday services and principal Festivals. Occasional Choral Evensongs - including one marking the Coronation - supplemented our regular commitments. Our very experienced Junior Choral Scholar has remained with us during her ‘gap ’ year and made beautiful solo contributions on a number of occasions.

Family and work demands put individual singers under pressure at times and some move on to new homes elsewhere. There will always be a need

to listen out for new recruits across all sections of the choir. Scholarship assistance is still available for student-age voices interested in gaining wider experience.

Canon Deedes ’faithful upright piano, used regularly for Wednesday evening choir practices and in emergencies when the organ has been out of action, has found a new home at the ‘Bell Inn’. This is because we now have access to the Hospital’s new piano purchased by and used for the successful series of ‘Perfect Pitch ’concerts which took place weekly during the Spring and Summer months.

All the parish musicians are grateful for the encouragement and practical help of the clergy, members of the congregation, the Brothers and the staff of the Hospital.

The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir……

Derek Beck - Organist and Choirmaster

After Church Coffee Team

We are a happy team. Coffee was served every Sunday of the year except on December 24th. We collected over £700 in donations for which we are very grateful. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team who show up every Sunday without fail. Special thanks especially to Emma and the Sleaths for baking those delicious cakes and cookies. Evelyn Pringle

Chapel Flower Guild

This has been an eventful year for us.

After six weddings during the summer Trish Spiers retired as team leader due to deteriorating health. She had been in charge since Tony and Christine Outhwaite retired about twenty two years ago . So we have all much to be grateful for.

At that point the team of six felt that they could collectively share the responsibility of the flower arrangements. The ordering of flowers for weddings and Festivals done by Roz Wright and Diana Snagge.

On 23rd October Trish died suddenly, so we were left without our Mentor. Many of the old team members came back to help prepare a very colourful Thanksgiving Service for her on November 14th.

Before Christmas the Church Wardens put out a notice inviting people to contribute towards the cost of flowers in memory of a loved one. We had a fantastic response and were able to decorate the Chapel very handsomely. We plan to do something similar for Easter.

We have fourteen weddings booked for this summer and have already met the couples at a special day organised by Father Dominik, Hilary and Wendy. We will soon be meeting with them individually to discuss their favoured flowers and colour schemes.

It is looking to be a very busy summer for the team and we are lucky to have some of the previous team back with us and two new members.

We always welcome new and old faces. We are a very happy and enthusiastic team.

Diana Snagge, Team Leader

Silent Prayer Group

During the past year, we have been meeting in each other's houses. It has been a good decision and we continue to pray in silence for the community and the world. Please contact me if you wish to join our small, friendly group. Evelyn Pringle

PASTORAL CARE

Occasional Offices

2023 was another joyful year for weddings in the Chapel. The year started with our annual Wedding Preparation Morning - always the closest Saturday to Valentine's Day - where our couples spent the morning with Father Dominik, Reverend Hilary and myself. We collectively contemplated and discussed what it means to have a Christian marriage, took a lighthearted look at marriage priorities and conflict and ultimately blessed each couple's hopes, plans and preparations. The season then began in earnest mid-April through to September with nine happy couples making their marriage promises and vows within the Chapel's sacred space. Wendy Harrison

Pastoral Assistants

The Pastoral Assistants Group continues with a small core team supported by a number of others who visit, welcome, pray for, and provide support to, parishioners and their families.

PAs meet quarterly and have regular contact with one another for reviewing, reporting and communicating. They have a link with St John’s Charity, supporting their Befriending Scheme for those over 55 referred via GP social prescribing who live in the parish.

Another successful Wedding Preparation session was held in January, with the parish clergy, parish administrator, Flower Guild reps and Evelyn joining the session to help with the preparation and planning of weddings, and to provide a welcome with coffee and cake.

The All Souls service was again appreciated by all who attended. And the Tea & Chat pastoral initiative continues during the winter months, with a mix of visitors, Brothers and parishioners dropping in. This year T&C has again been registered as part of the Warm Space Campaign.

A huge ‘thank you ’to all who have helped with Pastoral care in the parish this past year. Our team is always open to new recruits joining so please do let us know if you are interested; and also if you know of any people or situations needing help or support. Reverend Hilary Healey

LEARNING

House Group report

We started the year looking at Women of the New Testament. There are many women named especially in the forming of the church after Jesus ’ Ascension. However, there is not always enough detail to fully know them or how their lives continued after first mentioning. We then changed to another series of studies looking at Integrity. These led us to various passages in the Bible and looking at our own reactions and behaviour to situations posed. These were more challenging on us and we learned some home truths!

We are a small group and meet fortnightly on zoom. We have a good opportunity for chatting over these issues and as we are in our own homes, further references can be checked on. We would welcome anyone else who would like to try us out. The weather or darkness does not affect our meeting together.

Cheryl Irons

COMMUNITY ACROSS GENERATIONS

Social Events

We continued to have social events thought the year which often made a profit for the parish. Our first in May was a plant sale in the parish hall car park along with wonderful refreshments in the hall. A wonderful chance for us to fill our gardens and enjoy chatting together over a bacon roll. Many thanks to all our growers and refreshment helpers. Of course the fete was a wonderful social event but I think more about that elsewhere in reports.

We were sociable over the summer with coffee after our 9.30 services and a new introduction coffee after our monthly cleaning on the first Saturday of the month.

The Autumn brought a very busy time we had our first Family tea party in the Parish Hall. We had so many families and I was overwhelmed to see a full carpet of children to listen to my Harvest talk. It is something we are planning to repeat a few times a year.

Next was what has become a popular yearly event the Harvest Supper. It was well attended and I had been to teach the youth group some dances so the floor was filled. A lovely supper was provided again by Jonathan and Lysbeth many thanks - there was a quiz and lots of dancing and socialising.

The year finished with our Christmas Wassail a lovely time for us to share with singing, mulled wine, food, quiz and conversation.

Sharing time together is so important and thank you for all have made this possible and if you would like to organise anything or have any ideas please let us know.

Dodie Mowat and Gill Beck

Tots and Sunday Club 0 - 7

Children age 7 and under explore bible stories and seasonal themes through play, craft, music and

storytelling. The number of children varies each week and we welcome regular attendees and visiting children. On Easter Sunday, we welcomed approximately 25 children and they decorated the Cross with beautifully drawn flowers to bring into church. The children enjoy and value showing their craft and explaining a little of what we explored to the congregation at the end of the service.

We are a small team of volunteers, please let us know if you are interested in joining our team! Magdalen Rees

St Cross Youth and 8+ Vestry group

Every Friday night during term time at St Faith's hall, the Kids Club runs from 6:30-8pm for children of school years 3-6, followed by the Youth Club 8-9:15pm for those of school years 7+. These groups include lots of creative fun and games, all based around Bible based themes. The aim is to introduce and nurture faith in a way that is relevant and engaging for their age groups. Over the course of last year we've looked at topics such as the book of James, women in the Bible, the Easter story and the theme of forgiveness. Since September we have had a number of young people graduate up into the youth group which is now a group of 9 young people. 5 of the youth group are also young leaders at the Kids Club and every week support the volunteers in setting up, packing down and leading elements of the club. The kids club now has 28 children on its register with around 10-15 attending each week. Almost all of the children and young people attending are from the parish and are connected to either St Faith's Primary or Kings School. Members of the youth group have also taken part in wider parish events such as the St Cross Fete and Good Friday service, as well as attended activities organised by Wildfire Youth Project such as a weekend away to the Isle of Wight and local city wide youth events. Ellie Payne - Wildfire Youth Project

Community Teas

In September we held a Harvest themed Community Tea in the Parish Hall to welcome all ages with craft stations (including baking and Murray's original Meccano set) for young children and play areas for babies. We welcomed around 70 people and the different craft stations were enjoyed by all. A special thank you to Mary Ayres, Manager of the Nancy Harper Nursery for facilitating the setup, play areas and much of the craft. The youth group took cups of tea and cake round to the parents which was much appreciated as they could enjoy a refreshment whilst their children moved around the craft stations. Delicious cakes and refreshments were kindly coordinated by Evelyn Pringle and Lysbeth Sleath and Dodie Mowat led a story time and prayer. A fun Saturday afternoon with a chance to welcome many people across our community. We hope to run another tea at Easter time.

Tarryn Hyland and Magdalen Rees

Open the Book

As 2023 saw the coronation of King Charles III, we took as our subject for the assemblies kings in the Bible both good and bad. This enabled us to act out such stories as the Fiery furnace to show that God was with those who defied the King’s edicts and how Queen Esther saved her people from Haman. During the Autumn Term, we concentrated on the life of Jesus and his teaching through parables and miracles.

We are a small group, but the children really like the Open the Book sessions. We try and incorporate some children into the stories as servants/soldiers/jailers etc. wherever possible as they do like dressing up. Sometimes we use the whole school to reflect character’s feelings by repeating a short phrase. This keeps their attention as they have to listen and watch carefully to come in at the right time!

If anyone would like to join us, we meet on Wednesdays 2.30-3.30. We have a rehearsal of reading the story through in church then we walk to the school and sort out costumes, props and brief the children selected on their role. The actual story takes about 10 minutes and finishes in time for them to go home.

Cheryl Irons

St Faith’s Church of England School

It has been another extremely busy and purposeful year at St Faith’s CE Primary. Mr Fountain (HT) and the entire staff team continue to work hard to achieve the best outcomes for all pupils. The St Faith’s Governing Board has continued to work in close partnership with the school, as critical friends, to ensure that strong progress is being made towards the identified school improvement priorities for this academic year. We were delighted that our year 6 children maintained their usual high standards of academic attainment in the SAT tests in summer 2023, and we wish them all the very best adapting to life at secondary school.

Both Dudley Rees and Bev Attewell stepped down from the board earlier this academic year, and I know that I speak for the whole governing board when I say a huge thank you to them both for many years of committed service to the school. We wish them both well for the future. We continue to have a full governing board - quite the rarity among schools both locally and nationally. I was pleased to move into a Foundation role, having previously been a parent governor. We have welcomed Mr Will England (parent governor) and Mrs Tarryn Hyland (Foundation governor) to the Governing Board. Not only do Tarryn and Will bring a wealth of

professional experience to their roles, but they have already demonstrated through their contributions that they embody the values of St Faith’s: love, courage, trust and hope. Ms R John (SENDCO) has joined the board as an Associate Staff Governor which has enabled the staff voice to continue to be represented during Mrs Guy’s maternity leave. Rev’d James Mosher has joined the board as an Associate Member, in addition to Rev’d Dominik – testament to the school’s commitment to developing the links between the school and the church. I would like to recognise the hard work and dedication of all of the school’s governors for the outstanding effort they put in – often behind the scenes - to both support and challenge St Faith’s to be the best that it can be.

The atmosphere in the school is purposeful with pupils demonstrating superb attitudes towards their learning. We are grateful to Mr Fountain and the senior leadership team who have worked hard to keep pupil experience as consistent as possible through maternity absences and some considerable staff absence due to ill health. We are proud of our highly skilled and committed staff body who never settle for anything less than pupils’ best.

The school continues to develop its Instagram account and you can see pupils’ work and extra-curricular opportunities by following @stfaithsprimaryschool. St Faith’s has vastly increased the range of cocurricular activities it offers over the past year, which has been recognised by parents. We have also been pleased to engage with Winchester College in order to augment the breadth of pupils’ learning experiences even further.

The school really does value the support provided by parents, grandparents and other members of the local community. Our visitors continue to support the school through initiatives such as ‘Open the Book’ and guided reading. We are, as always, grateful for the support given by parishioners and we look forward to developing further links moving forward.

Katherine Jarrett - Chair of Governors

Friends for Tea

A small group usually meet in the Brothers' library on the first Wednesday of the month for a chat and a cup of tea with cakes. The charge of £2 for the afternoon is collected and then given back either to the Parish, the Hospital of St Cross or another charity which the group decide is currently in need of extra funds.

Once a year we are invited to join the Brothers, for a visit from the Winchester College students. They come to entertain the group. On

March 6th this year we were given a recital by a string quartet which was delightful. They stayed for a cup of tea and cake afterwards and it was an opportunity, for us older members of the parish, to chat with the talented musicians.

Sue Fairbrother

Lazy Cooks

We continue to enjoy good food and good company. The Singapore Buffet raised £670 for the Parish. Thanks to all who came and their generosity. If you wish to join us, please see details in the Parish magazine and/or the Mailchimp, or just call me. Evelyn Pringle

Churchyard

Care and maintenance activities continued throughout the year. This has been done by parish volunteers who give time on some Saturday mornings to keep the churchyard neat and tidy.

We are always on the lookout for additional volunteers who would enjoy some gentle Saturday morning exercise. Please contact one of the team to find out more.

John Pringle, John Lunt, Robert Wheatley, Hilary Healey.

COMMON GOOD

Common Good Project

The team under Lysbeth Sleath (‘Caring Faith’) which is helping to provide teas to visitors at Winchester Prison have continued with their regular slots on the 4[th] and 5[th] Thursdays of each month. Anyone interested in helping with this valuable support of prisoners’ families should contact Lysbeth, who will be pleased to explain what is involved.

Early in 2023, there was a flurry of activity for the team, led by Anna-Maria Holt, involved in the scheme for helping prisoners due for release with clothing (‘Bags of Faith’), and another prisoner was helped in November. It is a case of reacting as and when we hear from the prison, and a new team at the Basics Bank has been extremely helpful.

Christina Mathews as Leader of ‘Listening Faith’ has provided her own account of her work, now very much inside the prison:

‘We continue with weekly one to one sessions - now with three men being released March April and May- helping them to prepare for their release both emotionally (leaving the safety of the Prison ‘family’ can be challenging and frightening; for some withdrawing from methadone for the first time in their lives having someone without medical knowledge, without an agenda, metaphorically walking alongside them, can be helpful); and practically (making links to suitable accommodation, employment, ID, Bank accounts, community mentor support, linking to ‘welcoming churches’). During the Christmas and New Year period we managed the ‘continuity’ of weekly sessions which is so important with men who have often been let down in life. The keys I initially found big and clunky, unlocking the many gates with heavy heart begin to feel lighter.’

Sincere thanks are due to ‘Tea and Chat’ for their financial support of this project, with just under £200 being spent during the year on bibles and bags for clothing.

John Lunt (Co-ordinator)

==> picture [79 x 62] intentionally omitted <==

St Faith’s Parish Hall

On 31 December 2023 Lisa Bone, Catherine D’Arcy (Treasurer), Sophie Firth, Janet Honigmann, Andrew Mardle, Murray Dixon (PCC representative) and I were the seven members of the hall committee. Sara Arnold continues to carry out the paid role of Bookings Secretary very efficiently.

The principal undertaking of the year was the negotiation of a new lease for the building with the Hospital. The former lease, which expired in September 2023, has been replaced with a new one of twenty-one-year duration (thus until 2044), with rent reviews in line with CPI at years seven (2030) and fourteen (2037). Redecoration intervals are to be at the discretion of the hall committee. The Hospital has increased the annual rent payable from £750 to £2,500.

Although income has now returned to pre-pandemic levels, the hall committee concluded it must increase hire tariffs to keep pace with rising rent and utility costs. From 1 January 2024, one-off users pay £22 per hour in the Front Hall and £20 per hour in the Back Hall; regular users pay £18.50 per hour in the Front Hall and £17 per hour in the Back Hall.

Maintenance works carried out in the year included weeding of the car park, gutter clearance and internal redecoration. The latter job, a substantial one, was awarded to the most competitive contractor. The

colour scheme is identical to that selected during the building’s general refurbishment a decade ago.

The hall committee remains grateful to Mary Ayres for her excellent daily cleaning of the building.

The hall committee’s deposit account has been closed and these funds paid into its current account. The hall committee’s annual surplus of £10,000 was transferred to the PCC as usual.

The hall committee hopes parishioners will make use of their hall and its excellent facilities this year. To book, please contact Sara Arnold via the PCC’s website, on 07850 231497 or at stfaithsph@secretgenius.co.uk. Peter Sawbridge - Chairman, St Faith’s Parish Hall Committee

St Cross Fête

The 2023 annual fete was on Saturday 24th June and was a success in every way. The weather was hot and dry, lots of people came and enjoyed all the stalls and entertainments which many had worked so hard to organise.

We raised £15,356.12 and after deducting £2,939.67 for expenses, this left a profit of £12,416.45.

75% (£9,312.34 )was given to the PCC for Parish funds 25% (£3,104.11 )was divided between the charities thus– £50 to Winchester Hospice on behalf of the Ukulele band and the remainder divided equally between— 1)Winchester Womens ’Refuge. (£1,527.05 ) 2)Wildfire Youth Project. (£1,527.05 ).

Many thanks to the Fete Committee, stallholders and all who helped to make the 2023 fete a great and financially successful event.

We look forward to this year’s fete which will be on Saturday 29th June. Please put it in your diaries and see you there! Gill Beck - Secretary to St Cross Fete Committee

Good Causes supported during 2023

Good Causes supported during 2023

Good Cause	Amount *	Remarks

Churches Together in Winchester – Christmas Project	£250	General Funds

Winchester Hospice	£50	Fete Good Causes

Women's Refuge - Stop Domestic Abuse	£1,527

Wildfire	£1,527

Potters Village (through Church Missionary Society)	£346	From Retiring Collections

Christian Aid	£454

Farm Africa	£582

Winchester Basics Bank	£582

Royal British Legion	£274

Childrens Society	£100


Common Good Project – Prison support	£195	Tea & Chat and Donations

HIHCT	£670	Ride & Stride

Total	£6,556

* Does not include income collected through Children's Society Boxes, or produce donated to Winchester Basics Bank in March.

Murray Dixon

SUPPORTING MINISTRIES

Stewardship Working Group

The Stewardship Group was formed in late 2018 to develop ways to encourage our worshipping community to give, serve and care generously.

During 2023 it met four times with its focus on two activities:

A Planned Giving review in February
A Legacy reminder in November with an external speaker.

Planned Giving is the largest source of income for the Parish and is therefore key to achieving balanced budgets. We will continue to focus on ways to encourage generous giving to support the many strands of ministry we aspire to provide. John Pringle, Chair

Communications (Magazine, website)

Printed copies of the Parish Magazine are still produced each month by Sarsen Press and thanks are due to Diana Snagge and her team for delivering them. The printed Magazine is appreciated by the elderly and others without computer access but most people now receive their Magazine electronically via a link in each week’s Parish email. How many people open the link and read it regularly?

Perhaps the time has come to reconsider the role and format of the Magazine. The weekly emails are inevitably better than the Magazine for up to date information. One strength of the Magazine should be the thoughtful articles which the clergy and a few members of the congregation continue to contribute – are these read and appreciated?

A one-page printed mid-month Newsletter goes to the housebound who do not have a computer, and keeps them in touch with the Parish between Magazines.

The Parish website at www.parishofstfaith.org is a major source of information about the Parish and its activities for those outside the congregation. The website carries details of how to arrange weddings, baptisms and funerals, and how to book the Parish Hall. It is updated every week with details of church services and events, but some of the other wording would probably benefit from being reviewed and refreshed.

The Parish Facebook accounts are also used to share information. Clare Dixon and Magdalen Rees

List of Sidespeople from April 2023

Victoria Arthur, Murray Dixon, Jenny Duchesne, Sue Fairbrother, Tim Goble, Kate Goble, Martin Harlow, Sarah Harlow, Joyce King, David King, John Lunt, Tom Hargreaves, Chris Maguire, Wendy Marsden, Julia Maxlow Tomlinson, Matthew Mcdonnell, Primrose Metcalf, Harry Mowat, Rosco Noott, Jeremy Ouvry, Evelyn Pringle, Jonathan Sleath, Lysbeth Sleath and Carol Wade.

Parochial Church Council Members

(from 30 April 2023 - 21 April 2024)

Ex officio:

Rev. Dominik Chmielewski Chair Rev. Hilary Healey Rev. James Mosher (from 18 May 2023) Dodie Mowat Churchwarden Deanery Synod Member (until July 2023) Gill Beck Churchwarden

Gill Beck		Churchwarden
Elected:	Until:
Rosco Noott	2024
Diana Snagge	2024
Matthew McDonnell	2024
John Pringle	2024	Deanery Synod Member (until July 2023)
Adrian Coldridge	2025	Deanery Synod Member (from July 2023)
Murray Dixon	2025	Deanery Synod Member (re-elected July	2023)
Victoria Arthur	2025
Chris Maguire	2026
Anthony Gaster	2026
Primrose Metcalf	2026
Stephen Brill	2026

Co-opted:

Brother Graham Davies (co-opted 03.05.2023) Thomas Hargreaves (co-opted 03.05.2023) Deanery Synod Member: resigned from both roles on 01.08.2023

THE HOSPITAL OF ST CROSS WITH THE PARISH OF ST FAITH MINUTES

of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners for 2022 opened at 11.05 am on Sunday 30th April 2023

Item Subject 1 Welcome and apologies The Rev. Dominik Chmielewski, taking the chair, declared the meeting open at 11.05 am explaining there would be a meeting to elect Churchwardens for the year followed by another meeting of parishioners. He referred to the note on page 5 of the Annual Report detailing who could attend and vote. 2 Minutes of meeting held on Sunday 18th April 2022 The Minutes of the 2022 meeting had been circulated in the Annual Report and no questions were raised. The minutes were proposed by Tony Gaster, seconded by John Pringle and approved unanimously. 3 Election of Churchwardens for 2023 The Rev. Dominik Chmielewski thanked Dodie Mowat and Gill Beck for their hard work and many sacrifices during the year saying they spent many hours attending to their respective roles both in the Chapel and behind the scenes. He said that each of Dodie and Gill had been nominated as Churchwarden until the next AMP and that as there were no other candidates they were elected to fill the vacancies..

The Rev. Dominik Chmielewski closed the meeting at 11.08 am

THE HOSPITAL OF ST CROSS WITH THE PARISH OF ST FAITH MINUTES

of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting for 2022 held on Sunday 30th April 2023

The meeting commenced at 11.08 am immediately following the Annual Meeting of Parishioners. The Rev. Dominik Chmielewski chaired the meeting. Apologies had been received from Valerie Carver, Rosco Noott and John Lunt.

Item Subject 1 Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 24 April 2022 The above minutes had been circulated in the Annual Report; there were no comments. They were proposed by John Pringle, seconded by Cheryl Irons and approved unanimously. 2 Matters arising None. 3 Mandatory Reports (for discussion and recommendations to PCC) A. Annual Report - Electoral Roll Rev’d Dominik Chmielewski spoke in the absence of Valerie Carver, the Electoral Roll Officer, He confirmed that at the end of revision in March 2023 there were 218 names on the roll of which 72 were resident in the parish and 146 non-resident. The numbers the previous year were reported as 211.

B. PCC Activities

Rev’d Dominik Chmielewsk said PCC activities had been reported in the Annual Report copies of which had been and continue to be available in the Chapel and on the Parish website. He asked for comments; there were none.

==> picture [349 x 39] intentionally omitted <==

Item Subject

C. Deanery Synod

There were no comments on the Deanery Synod report included in the Annual Report.

4 Financial Statements for 2022

Murray Dixon, the PCC Treasurer, addressed the meeting with an explanation of matters and figures included in the Annual Financial Report and Statements (“the AFR”).

Murray Dixon explained the layout in the AFR referring to the balancing figure at year end of £111,793 saying that this was £7,724 less than in the previous year. He said details are shown on pages 4 and 5 the fall (from 2021) was accounted for by:.

• “routine activity” which had a shortfall of £11,639 • “Parish Hall” income, which had a surplus of £10,663 • “investment portfolio” a decrease in value of £6,748 Murray Dixon said the notes on pages 6 and 7 gave a breakdown of figures and he emphasised the importance of Parish Hall receipts to the financial viability of the Parish.

Murray said that there had been a 10% increase in Planned Giving and the fête had raised over £16,500 which highlighted the importance of these two income sources. He thanked all those who gave their time and money.

Murray Dixon said expenditure increased from £138,972 in 2021 to £148,802 in 2022 (with full details in note 3). He mentioned that the Parish had paid their full Parish Share (£84,766) to the Diocese and full contribution to the Hospital of St Cross (£17,750).

Reserves policy : Murray Dixon reminded the meeting of the requirement to have a reserves policy which is detailed on page 3 of the AFR; he said reserves are 40% of the budgeted expenditure and thus compliant with the PCC policy.

Questions were asked and Murray commented/answered as follows:

Query re rise in church running expenses: the utilities in the final quarter of 2022 were much larger although the Hospital

Item Subject (who has the utilities contract) have benefited from Government relief/grants.

Query re savings to be made from use of spotlights: a matter for the Hospital trustees.
Query re decrease in children’s activities: costs decreased following retirement of paid employee and replacement by selfemployed youth worker.
Query re rise in IT costs: they included the purchase of a parish laptop.
Query re donation for Parish Hall heating: to check with PH sub-committee treasurer.
Question about future risks: it was stated that the Parish is very reliant on Planned Giving donations (as are the CofE via Parish Share contributions) and future energy costs are unknown. Murray Dixon said that the parish’s risks can be mitigated if necessary by reducing the Parish Share and that although not a legal requirement there is a strong moral obligation to give.

Rev’d Dominik Chmielewski added that he is working in the Parish as a part-time Rector and the Diocese do not contribute to his housing and, if necessary, the Parish could put a strong case to the Diocese to reduce their Parish Share.

Rev’d Dominik Chmielewski thanked Murray Dixon for his work as Treasurer.

5 Elections 1. Deanery Synod Members Rev’d Dominik Chmielewski said that there were three candidates for the Deanery Synod: • Adrian Coldridge • Murray Dixon • Thomas Hargreaves and they were elected to fill the vacancies . He said they all become ex officio members of the PCC.

Item Subject 2. PCC Members Rev’d Dominik Chmielewski said there were four candidates standing for the PCC for a 3 year term: • Stephen Brill • Anthony Gaster • Christopher Maguire • Primrose Metcalf He declared that they were elected, filling the vacancies.

6 Appointment of Independent Examiner for 2021

Rev’d Dominik Chmielewski said that Yvonne Goddard who had been appointed as Independent Examiner the previous year had moved away and retired during the year and that the PCC had agreed that Sue Woodward had been appointed by the PCC to examine the 2022 accounts.

The appointment of Sue Woodward as Independent Examiner of the accounts for 2023 was proposed by Gill Beck and seconded by Elizabeth Sleath.

7 Any other business Rev’d Dominik Chmielewski thanked the PCC including retiring members of the PCC and Deanery Synod who had not stood for reelection. He referred to the substantial amount of work carried out by members and time given.

The meeting concluded at 11.37 am.

Rev’d Dominik Chmielewski thanked everyone for attending and said prayers and the Grace.

THE HOSPITAL OF ST CROSS WITH THE PARISH OF ST FAITH Annual Financial Report and Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2023 Contents: Annual Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements Accounting Policies Independent Examiner's Report registered charity no I 130671

ST CROSS WITH ST FAITH PCC Annual Report 2023 was a challenging year for the Parish finanrially. Energy costs increased by over 60¥0 and this, with a number of other factors, led to a significant decrease in Parish funds. The funds held fell by £12,658 from £111,793 on 31 Dec 22 to £99,135 on 31 De 23. This is made up of.. a shortfall of £21,475 in routine activity , a surplus in the operation of the Parish Hall of £4,371, a surplus in the value of investmenls of £2,565, and donations to the Restricted Vestry Fund of£1,881. Trat the shortfall in routine activity has been offset by surpluses in other areas of £8,817 is welcome, but does not hide the fact that the shortfall is not sustainable. Routlne Activity Routine activity covers all Parish activity other than income and expenditure assoeialed with the Parish Hall. the value of investments and Restricted Funds Routine income fell from £137,163 in 2022 to £133:337 in 2023. The decrease in 2023 was due particularly to.. A decrease in Planned Giving of £2,852 (from £70,103 in 2022 to £67,251 in 2023), though this was partly offset by an increase in Gollections during services of £2,071 (from £11,071 in 2022 to £13,142 in 2023). A decrease in the number of services such as weddings which led to a reduction in fees of £1,892, from £6,356 in 2022 to £4,464 in 2023. Though there has been a reduction in Planned Giving, it remains the most important element of Parish income - thank you to everyone who supported the Parish so generously during 2023. Routlne Expenditure Routine expenditure rose from £148,802 in 2022 to £154,686 in 2023. This was primarily due to an increase in the Gost of energy from £9.813 in 2022 to £15,796 in 2023= an increase of over 60(/Fo. The increase would have been greater still if it was not for the reduction in spend on Children and Young People: from £8,209 in 2022 to £4,311 in 2023- consequence of the move from a salaried to a sessional youth worker. During the year, we paid 100 % of our Parish Share, which remained largely unchanged at £64,639, and increased our agreed contribution to the Hosprtal for upkeep of the fabric of the church from £17,750 to £19,000. Parish Hall Parish Hall income was £28,009. up from £21,556 in 2021 and £25,918 in 2022, but is still short of the £29,075 in 2019. Total expenditure also increased though, from £15,255 in 2022 to £23,638 in 2023. This was mainly due to redecoration of the interior of the Hall at a cost of-£7,000. The Parish Hall surplus was £4,371. I Includes a shortfall of £126 in the Sound System Appeal, which is not included in the routine activlty figures in ra$3-5

OTr again, we have to say how grateful we are to the Parish Hall committee for their work. As highlighted in Paragraph 1, net income from the Hall, even though less than in 2022, helps offset the shorttall in RoLrtine Activty. Investments Inveslmenls ineased in value from £69,388 on 31 Dec 22 to £71,953 on 31 Dec 23. We received dividend payments of £3,028 (£2,965 in 2022). Designated Funds The level of Reserves designated for the Parish Hall was increased from £42,54310 £44,670 in line with the reserves policy describeé in para 11 below. £1,000 from the Youth Fund was used to contribute to the cost of employing a youth worker and £2,000 from the Music Fund was used to contribLrte to the cost of the choir and organ. Restricted Funds 10. A new restricted fvnd was set up during the year to receive donations specifically to buy new. orto replace, or to repair damaged and wom-out vestments, altar cloths and other paramenls in the Church of St Cross and used by the Parish. A total of £1,881 was donated during the year. Reserves Pollcy Each year, the PCC is required to approve its reserves pollcy. INhich is,, To have in reserve.. (8) PLUS (bl A contingenGy re Parish Hall capital ¢osts of£35,000 on 31 Dec 18 and increasing by 5Qfi annually. Betsveen 250kn and 50% of total budgeted expenditure, less Parish Hall It continues to be the long-temi policy of the PCC for annual budgeted income (not budgeting for legacies) to cover annual budgeled expenditure. 12. For infomation, as of 31 Dec 23 our reserves were circa 32Yo of the budgeted expenditure for 2024 which means that we are in line with the reserves policy. This, however, is a considerable reduction from circa 40% as of 31 Dec 22.

STCROSS wrrH ST FArrH PCC Statement of Financial Aclivilies for the year ended 31 December 2023 Note 2023 2022 INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from donors 2a 108,713 103,OCI8 Other voluntary incoming resources 2b 19,531 19,29) Income from charitable and ancillary tradirvJ 2c 37,285 37,783 Income from investrnents 2d 3.239 3,002 TOTNL INCOMING RESOURCES 168,768 163,081 RESOURCES USED Charitable Giving 3a 3,355 tivities directty for the work of the church 3b 141,747 Charitable and ancillary trading, fund raising and publicity 3c 18,843 15,726 Parish Hall major repairs 8,666 2,035 Church management and administration 11,380 11,766 TOTAL RESOURCES USED 183,991 164,057 NET INCOMINGI OUTGOING RESOURCES -15,223 -976 GjNs LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS Unrealised Gainl Loss 2,565 ,748 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS -12,658 -7,724 BALANCE OF FUNDS AT 1 JANURy 111,793 119,517 BALANCE OF FUNDS AT 31 DECEMBER 99,135 111,793

ST CROSS WITH ST FAITH PCC Balance Sheet at 31 December 2023 Note 2023 2022 FIXED ASSETS Investments 71,953 69,388 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Short term bank deposits Cash at bank and in hand GROSS CURRENT NSSETS 4,786 9,160 19,789 33,735 2,854 9,[)47 39.511 51,412 CURRENT LIABILITIES Amounts due within one year 6,553 9,OQ7 NET CURRENT ASSETS 27,182 42,405 NET ASSETS 99,135 111,793 FUNDS UNRESTRICTED FUNDS General Fund {Undesignated) Music Fund {PCC Designated) Children and Youth Fund {PCC Designated) 7 St Faith's Parish Hall (PGC Designated) TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 46,005 810 769 44,670 92,254 eo,959 1,822 1,469 42,543 106,793 RESTRICTED FUNDS st Cross Flowers Vestry Fund TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS 5,CQO 1,881 6,881 5,000 5,000 TOTAL FUNDS 99,135 111,793 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on Ll L.knd signed on their behalf by. Dominik ChmIelews (Chairman) ..rraY DExon (Hon Treasurer) The notes on pages 6 10 9 form part of these financial Statements

ST CROSS W]TH ST FAITH PCC Notes to the Finanelal Statsnnts for the ytar ended 31 OeceTrknr l)23 I ACCOUNTING POLICIES See ApperKlix A attaclEd 2 INCOMING RESOURCES 2D23 2022 2a IncoTrln9 re3ourcgB frorn donors Plannéd giving. corn8 from donors Income t8x reCoNEraO on Gfft. CdlectiotB (Platel at all services Sundry donatn$ Vesty Fund Donations, Restrict I.¢1 Qft (VFI Sound SteM NpF£al1SSAI. Planned A4)e81- Ore Off Donations litKI GfftAI TOTAL 67,251 16,609 13,142 2,289 1,881 5.$41 70,103 18,483 11,071 2,124 1,225 103,0 108,713 2b Other voluntary Incomlng rèsources Churchyard income La¢Y Non rUmr0 one-off grants Fete income Other fvrKlraisirg le.g. RKle & StrKb} TOTAL 1,2Q) 15. 2725 19,531 625 14.131 4,284 19,290 2e Ineomè from eharttabf¢ and andllarytradlng Paish Hall IPHI iwcyne Fees for see$ Parish gazine Flowers ContribLition Irwi Sunday Cof Tea and Ch81 TOTAL 2d Incon from Inv•8trrnts Dmdends and interest 28.OCYJ 25.918 8,358 822 3,830 T20 3.348 744 78 37.78 37.285 3.ocr2 2è Rout1 knlvlty Ineomèl2#+2b2d+2C le88 PH, SSA& VFI 3 RESOURCES USED 133,337 137.183 3a Charltabla Glvlng Overs&as charib'es National chorities Local charEtse$ TOTAL 1,232 3,355 3,355 2,114 In aoVitA)n. tstift.w G&105 forGo)Y c8sS T&8 Ll)n8tions trt811g0 rJ.2010)22. £4.4321- owsfr8s 281. nation61 £374. Iw81 £14461 3b Pdlvltl•s dlraetly for th• of the ¢hurch Psri8h Shar8 Clwgy arKI Service exFens6S Cmrch runnirKJ e>PS&S Church maintanancè Chr and organ Èxpenses Sound Systèm ISSI Upkeep of ehurchyard Flowers Chi.dn and YOUNJ Pecple TOT 84.639 84.7fj6 2,872 9,813 17,75D 3,198 15,7 19.C(O 328 4,248 8,2 131,184 3.614 4.311 141.747 3¢ Ch•rilable and anclllarytradlng, fttnd ral8lng and publklty Parish Hal.. IPH) iunning costs Magazine FuThJiaising TOTAL 14.972 818 3.055 '.8.843 13,220 668 1.838 15.726

3d Church nMnagènnt and adMtratIOn Printing and copwng Clergy adminislratwe suppKYt Infomalion Technelogy Fbspitaity General ¥lminy51rative eypenses TOTAL 1,478 5,824 2.703 258 1,117 11,380 1,191 5,824 3,075 237 1,439 11,786 38 Routlne ktlvlty Expenditure {3a+3b+3d+3c less PH & SS) 154,686 148,802 4 DEBTORS Income tax recoverat on Pld Other receivalAes Parish Pkll Debtors TOT 1,491 326 2.%9 4,786 1,294 1,480 100 2,854 5 NNOUNTS DUE WTHIN ONE YEPR Creditors, less Parish Hall Parish Hall CreYlitDTS TOTPL 5.889 8,897 110 9,QD7 6,3 6 INVESTMENT ASSETS H15torfcal Costs Gain/ Loss Z022 -792 33,710 3,357 35,678 2,565 t 69,388 Chariftmd Income UThts CCLA Investment Fund Unts 4,076 9,015 13,091 4,076 9.015 13,091 32,918 39,D35 71,953 7 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS General Music Youth Hall Sub Total Balance as a11 January 21r23 Net increasel drease 2023 Transfers 60.959 -20,198 5.244 48,005 1,469 300 -1,O¢X) 769 42,543 4,371 -2,244 44,670 10S,793 -14,539 810 92.254 Flower5 Vestry SubTotsl Totsl Ba]ce as al 1 January 2023 Net increasel decrease 2023 Trans 5,000 1.881 111,793 -12.658 1.881 1,8S1 6,881 99,135

ST CROSS WITH ST FAITH PCC Appendix A Accounting Policies The financial statements have been prepared In accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP.2015. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cosl convention, except for the valuation of investment assets, whiGh are shown at market value. Funds In theyear-end Balance Sheet the PCC has no fvnds which are required to be identified as ' Endowmenf, or "Restricted" except for. a donation of £5,000 made to the Flower Fund in 2000, and the Vestry Fund ¢realed in 2023 and currently standing at £1881. Unrestricted funds represent thefunds of the PCC thatare not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted such as the Hall. The financial statemenls include all transactions. assels and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law They do not include the financial statements of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members. Management of Funds Routine income and expenditure relating to the General Fund and the Parish Hall fund is attributed to the respective fund during the year. Routine ¢osts relating 16, Music and Youth are paid during the year from the General Fund. Money is then transferred from the Music and Youth funds into the General Fund at the end of, the year towards these costs. This means that the 'Net increasel decrease 2023, row shows.. General and Hall Funds. Dtfference in income and expenditure and (for General Fund) change in value of investments. Music and Youth Funds. Income only. InGomirpg Resources Collections are recognised when received by, or on behalf of, the PCC. Planned Glving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on Grft Aid donations is recognised when the appropriate ¢laim is made to the Inland Revenue. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as Soon as the PCC is notified of its legal enttlement and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably rtaIn. Funds raised by the Fete and similar events are accounted for gross. Sales of the Parish magazine are accounted for gross. Rental income from the letting of the Parish Hall is recognised when the rental is due. Dividends are accounted for when due and payable- interest entttlements are accounted for as they accrue. Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments as at 31 December of the relevant year. ResourGes Used Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, rf that

award creates a binding obligation on the PCC. The Diocesan parish share is accounted forwhen payable. Any parish share unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational Ithough not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet. Assets All capital items within the church of St Cross, Wnchester are the property of the Hospital of St Cros4 and are covered by the Hospital's insurance. Item5 Within the church, for which the PCC provided the funds, are deemed to have been purchased on behalfof the Hospital and presented to it by the Parish and hen are expensed on purchase. Fixtures and fittings within the Parish Hall are the property of, and are insured by, the PCC. All expenditure incurred on the repair of the building is expensed on purchase. Investments are shown in the balance sheet at market value on 31 December of the relevant year. Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 Dember in respect offees, rents or other income are shown as debtors. There are no amounts that are deemed uncollectable. Short-term deposits includecash held ondeposit in Central Board of Finance (Church of England) Funds. Amounts owed by the PCC at 31 December in respect of expenses which have been incurred and for which invoices have not been reived, or have been received but not paid, are shown as creditors. All the amounts fall due within one year.

ST CROSS WITH ST FAITH PCC INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 Dember 2023 which are sel out on pages 2to9. Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charrty's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under Section 145 of the Charities Act, follow the procedures laid down in the general direciions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145{5)Ibl of the Chartties AGt) and State whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of this report My examination was carried oui in accordance wrlh 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 onsidering any unusual items or disclosures in the acwunts and seeking explangtions from you as trustees Conrning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence thal would be required in an audrt, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fai¢ view and the report is limited to those matters sel OLrt in the statement below. Independent oxaminer's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to rny attention.. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements..

to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act,. and to prepare aGGounts, which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Charities Act have not been mel" or to which, in my opinion, attention should be dravm in order to enable a proper understandlng of the accounts to be reached. Signed April 2024 Susan Woodward io

PARISH OF ST FAITH, WINCHESTER

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

New initiatives and growth

Stewardship

Clergy

AGENDA - ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS 2024

Opening prayers

AGENDA - ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

Notes:

GOVERNANCE

Mandatory Report on the Electoral Roll

Mandatory Winchester Deanery Synod Report

Churchwarden’s Report

Safeguarding

PCC matters

Mission Action Planning Group (MAP)

Hospital of St Cross Trustees’ report

WORSHIP, PRAYERS AND WELCOME

Learning and Sermon Series.

Assistant Curate’s (in training) report

Music Report

After Church Coffee Team

Chapel Flower Guild

Silent Prayer Group

PASTORAL CARE

Occasional Offices

Pastoral Assistants

LEARNING

House Group report

COMMUNITY ACROSS GENERATIONS

Social Events

Tots and Sunday Club 0 - 7

St Cross Youth and 8+ Vestry group

Community Teas

Open the Book

St Faith’s Church of England School

Friends for Tea

Lazy Cooks

Churchyard

COMMON GOOD

Common Good Project

St Faith’s Parish Hall

St Cross Fête

Good Causes supported during 2023

SUPPORTING MINISTRIES

Stewardship Working Group

Communications (Magazine, website)

List of Sidespeople from April 2023

Parochial Church Council Members

Ex officio:

Co-opted:

THE HOSPITAL OF ST CROSS WITH THE PARISH OF ST FAITH MINUTES

THE HOSPITAL OF ST CROSS WITH THE PARISH OF ST FAITH MINUTES

of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting for 2022 held on Sunday 30th April 2023

B. PCC Activities

Item Subject

C. Deanery Synod