2024-12-31-accounts

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PARISH OF ST FAITH, WINCHESTER

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

www.parishofstfaith.org

PCC registered charity no 1130671

GOVERNANCE	GOVERNANCE
Mandatory Report on the Electoral Roll		8
Mandatory Winchester Deanery Synod Report 8
Churchwardens’ report		8
Safeguarding		9
PCC matters		9
Mission Action Planning Group (MAP)		10
Hospital of St Cross Trustees’ report		10
WORSHIP,	PRAYERS and WELCOME
Music Report		13
After Church Coffee Team		14
Chapel Flower Team		14
Silent Prayer Group		14
PASTORAL CARE
Occasional	Offices	15
Pastoral Assistants		15
LEARNING
House Group report		16

COMMUNITY ACROSS GENERATIONS	COMMUNITY ACROSS GENERATIONS
Social Events		16
Tots & Sunday Club 0-7		17
St Cross Youth and 8+ Group		18
Community Teas		18
Open the Book		18
St Faith’s Church of England School		19
Friends for Tea		19
Lazy Cooks		21
Churchyard		21
COMMON GOOD
Common Good Project		21
St Faith’s Parish Hall		22
St Cross Fête		23
Good Causes supported during 2024		24
SUPPORTING MINISTRIES
Stewardship Working Group		25
Communications (Magazine, website)		25
List of Sidespeople		26
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS		26
MINUTES
2024 Annual Meeting of Parishioners		27
2024 Annual Parochial Church Meeting		28

RECTOR’S INTRODUCTION

December 2024 marked the third of my Advent and Christmas seasons as Rector of the Parish of St Faith. A lot has happened in the past three years or so and much still awaits us. I am grateful to all who support me in my ministry in our Parish and to those who pray for me. I am grateful to our volunteers and PCC members, churchwardens and retired clergy. Without you, and without your faithful commitment, this Parish would struggle to exist. Thank you for your faithfulness and hard work.

Easter and Christmas

We were blessed with an unprecedented number at our Easter and Christmas services in 2024. This increase compared to previous years was beyond what anyone expected. Throughout Easter and Holy Week we noted 544 in attendance, compared to 527 in 2023 and 438 in 2022. This is without taking into account our Easter school service, which gathered this year 360 additional people, taking our total attendance to 804. At our Christmas services, including the carol service, we recorded 858 people in attendance, compared to 754 people in 2023 and 639 people in 2022. I pray that this tendency of growth will continue in the coming years.

Occasional Offices and Services

We continue to be blessed with a large number of couples who wish to be married at St Cross. In 2024 we had 14 weddings and half of them chose to use the 1662 Book of Common Prayer (BCP) liturgy for their service. There is a growing trend among CofE parishes where younger people turn to older and more traditional forms of worship. The BCP

especially attracts people in their 20s and 30s throughout the country. In addition to BCP weddings we had four BCP baptisms and as well as one BCP Churching of a Woman service. This growing interest needs our special attention as we plan our strategy of growth.

To add flavour to our usual worship we were blessed to welcome visiting choirs to sing evensong for us, including The Madding Crowd and The Cathedral Chamber Choir.

I want to thank all who help organise our services, especially to Derek Beck and the Choir who work so hard to make our worship beautiful. Thank you also to Diana Snagge and her Flower Arranging Team for their work in beautifying our church for Sundays and special services. Thank you to Catherine Secker, our virger, for working behind the scenes and preparing the very many things needed for the services. Thank you to Brothers Clive Rigden, John Turner and John Switzer, for faithfully serving at services and for their help in keeping the chapel tidy. And thank you to the many volunteers who read, lead intercessions, welcome us and serve as sides-people. Without you, this Parish would not exist. I am grateful for all that you do.

Community involvement

‘Community Tea’ organised for the families in our community in our Parish Hall continues to be very popular. This is our own interpretation of the ‘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. Tarryn Hyland and Magdalen Rees are the driving force behind this wonderful initiative, supported by the fantastic team of volunteers. They all deserve our heartfelt thanks for their hard work and faithful commitment.

The Parish Fete was a great success and brought us not only a good income but more importantly gave us a chance to reach out to the community. Thank you to all involved but especially thank you to Gill Beck who so faithfully chairs the organising committee.

St Faith’s School

The link and relationship with school is growing thanks to our involvement in the school’s life. I am grateful to all involved in the Open the Book Team for their faithful ministry and commitment. I am also grateful to our Foundation Governors, Catherine Brill and Lysbeth Sleath, for their hard work and commitment. The children continue to come to the Chapel of St Cross for their half-termly services, and their usual Easter, Christmas and leavers service. I also noted a larger number of St Faith’s School families joining our congregation for Sunday worship.

Sadly, we said goodbye to Mr Richard Fountain, who has led the school for the past five years as the headteacher. 2024 marked a long recruitment process, and I am grateful to our chair of governors Katherine Jarrett and to Catherine Brill for their involvement and professional help in this process.

Learning

We continue to grow as a learning community. Greatly popular was the ‘second edition’ of ‘Eucharist Explained’ - Sunday service with a commentary. Overwhelmingly positive feedback and requests for more of such services in the future. The BCP Holy Communion service was divided into three blocks: 1-Introduction, 2-Service of the Word, 3-the Sacrament-the Eucharist. Between these sections I offered in-depth explanations of actions, theology and words used in the service, to help with the understanding and better participation in the service.

Bible study

In Lent and Advent Bible study sessions in the Chaplain’s Lodge were offered. In Lent I focused on the idea of Covenant and sacrifice in the Old Testament. We were looking at the first 12 chapters of the Book of Genesis. In Advent, we looked at the ethical dilemmas we are facing in our life, discussing Assisted Suicide, Same-sex marriages and related subjects. Attendance was good, with between 10-16 at each session.

Stewardship

Throughout Lent 2024 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 the great generosity of everyone in our congregation. We noted growth of nearly 5% in Parish Giving, from £67,251 to £70,606. This is a significant change and a positive sign of growth, so thank you all for your faithfulness in giving and supporting the mission 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 in their presentation of the state of finances in February. 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 2025, and 2024 closed with a surplus of over £17,000.

Parish Pilgrimages

In April 2024, 40 of us, including a few Brothers of St Cross, went to visit Westminster Abbey and to pray in both the shrine of St Edward and Chapel of St Faith. We are grateful to Dodie Mowat and Magdalen Rees

who organised the trip and Fr Mark Birch, the precentor of the Abbey, who hosted us and as gave us a tour of the Abbey Church.

In October 2024, 24 parishioners went on a pilgrimage to Conques in France to the shrine of St Faith at the Abbey of St Faith. The church and priory are home to 8 Premonstratensian monks who are the custodians of the Relics of St Faith. The pilgrimage was organised by our assistant-curate, Fr James Mosher and was led by Bishop David Williams and myself. It was an amazing experience, both spiritually and socially. We had a chance to spend time together and to build stronger relationships as well as to experience the beauty of this holy place and to pray in the presence of the

physical remains of our patron Saint. We hope that the link with Conques will continue and that soon we will be able to return.

Clergy

On the Sunday of Christ the King, Fr James Mosher, our assistant-curate was successfully signed off after completing his training and moved to Southampton to continue his ministry as the Chaplain to the Port with the Mission to the Seafarers.

Reverend Hilary Healey, following the CofE regulations for clergy, officially retired from her position as licensed clergy in March 2024. She continues to minister in the Parish under Permission to Officiate at my invitation. The current arrangement will continue until March 2026. I am grateful for being able to work with Hilary who has brought her pastoral gifts to support this Parish for so many years.

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 2025

Opening prayers

Welcome and Apologies for absence.
To receive the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners, held on 21 April 2024.
The Election of Churchwardens for 2025-26.
Close of meeting.

AGENDA - ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2025

To receive the Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 21 April 2024.
Matters arising.
The Mandatory Reports (for discussion and any recommendations to the PCC):
a. Electoral Roll. Report on numbers entered on new roll. [Report on changes in membership of the Electoral Roll since the last APCM - NO SUCH REPORT REQUIRED 2025.]
b. PCC Activities. Report on what the PCC has done in 2024 and the activities of the parish.
c. Deanery Synod. Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod in 2024.
Reporting of Financial Statements of the PCC for 2024 including the Independent Examiner’s Report.
The Elections:
a. [Members of the Deanery Synod NO ELECTIONS IN 2025] b. Members of the PCC.
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 non-residents 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

Elaine Macfarlane - Electoral Roll Officer

On 31st December 2024 there were 228 names on the Electoral Roll, of which 71 were residents and 157 non-residents.

Mandatory Winchester Deanery Synod Report

Adrian Coldridge, Murray Dixon and Catherine Secker

The Deanery Synod met three times in 2024:

1 28[th] February via Zoom This meeting was an update on progress for the Deanery Ideas Fayre. It was held at St Paul’s Church, Winchester in April 2024.
2 23[rd] June - All Saints Church, Winchester Two talks and presentations were given, regarding the applications for grants and the finances of the Winchester Diocese.
3 6[th] November - All Saints Church, Winchester Bishop Philip’s video ”Walking The Wessex Way - a story and vision” was shown and discussed.

Churchwardens ’report for 2024

Gill Beck and Dodie Mowat

Dodie decided 2024 was to be her last year as Churchwarden, her 6th year of service to the Parish in this role, and I thank her for all she has done. Fortunately, Stephen Brill agreed to be Deputy Churchwarden with a view to standing as her replacement in 2025. We all meet regularly with our clergy for support, feedback and planning. We try to be the jam in the sandwich, supporting our dedicated and hardworking clergy whilst also being a listening ear to all in the Parish.

One of our roles is to ensure services run smoothly and this involves attention to detail. We are very grateful to those who are on rotas doing all the things that are necessary for this to happen. Please speak to one of us if you would like to help as more volunteers are always welcome. We are grateful to Brothers John Turner, Clive Rigden and John Switzer for serving on Sundays at 8am and other special services, and we are hugely grateful to Catherine Secker serving as Head Virger and Sacristan each

Sunday. This means we can concentrate on the people arriving in church rather than on the silverware at the altar.

We were fortunate to have had James as our Curate until October which meant we had 3 clergy serving our Parish. Our thanks now go to Dominik and Hilary for their leadership, dedication and continuous hard work. 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 indebted to the Trustees, to Catriona (clerk to the Trustees), to Roger (the Porter), the staff and Brothers. Lastly, we would like to thank all of you for your support in 2024. We really appreciate it.

Safeguarding

Chris Maguire - Parish Safeguarding Officer, Gill Beck & Dodie Mowat - Churchwardens

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 and it is confirmed that the PCC has complied with their duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016.

Addressing its failures in safeguarding over an extended period of time is a challenge for the church and is an area that has been subject to much news reporting over recent months and years. There have been national policy decisions made over the past few months as to how safeguarding will be managed. It is not possible to comment whether these changes will lead to the church-wide improvement that is clearly required but what can be said is that here at St Faith's we believe that we have strong safeguarding measures in place. Moreover, the Rector, churchwardens and parish safeguarding officer encourage a culture of openness and transparency whereby our community asks us questions about safeguarding and why we have confidence in the approach we take within the parish. Please do not hesitate to contact any one of us.

PCC matters

Victoria Arthur - PCC Secretary

During 2024 the PCC continued to meet every other month and, at other times, communicated with each other by email.

The Standing Committee to the PCC included the Rector, the Curate (who left the Parish during the year), the vice-chair of the PCC, the two churchwardens, the deputy churchwarden, Hon Treasurer and PCC

Secretary; they meet before each PCC meeting largely to discuss the Agenda.

Following the 2024 APCM the necessary reports were made to the Diocese which included updates of various persons with a crucial parish role; additionally the annual report and financial report and statements were filed with the Charity Commission.

Mission Action Planning Group (MAP) Stephen Brill

During 2024 we have been preparing to update the Parish’s Mission Action Plan, which is effectively our ‘strategy ’to support and improve our mission as Christians serving the whole Parish and beyond. Every parish is encouraged to update their MAPs every five years or so, and our new MAP will give us a plan to guide our decisions for the next 3 to 5 years.

Early in the year we prepared a summary of the initiatives tried or embarked upon during the last five years, under 5 objectives set out in the previous MAP. Then in the summer we sought the views of parishioners, using large boards set up in the Church on which we asked people to stick coloured labels to indicate whether, in their view, the initiative should be continued, stopped, or developed in some way. We also sought views via questionnaires on the importance and effectiveness of the various ways we support our ministry and of our collaborations with others. We had a very strong level of response – over 500 individual ‘votes’ on the initiatives and nearly 50 completed questionnaires on supporting our mission and collaborations.

Having obtained our feedback from parishioners, we formed sub-groups to review in more depth the specific comments and views for the initiatives included under each of the 5 objectives, to determine what the key priorities should be that form the basis of our new MAP. These groups started their detailed reviews just before Christmas, with the aim to allow the preparation of the new MAP in readiness for the APCM in April 2025.

Hospital of St Cross Trustees’ Report

Jonathan Portal, Chairman of Board of Trustees

2024 was a year when it felt like things were moving, albeit slowly, in the right direction. With the easing of the cost of utility bills, a slight improvement in visitor numbers and a couple of bookings from film production companies, there were positive signs of recovery from the longlasting effects of the pandemic and recent inflation. The Trustees are hugely 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.

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 staff, volunteers, Brothers and Trustees. We did see the retirement of some significant individuals at the Hospital but we are relieved that they are remaining close so that their knowledge and experience is not completely lost!

The Brothers: The Hospital mourned the loss of three Brothers in 2024. Brother Charles Acland (died 22 January), Brother George Watkinson (died 25 May), and Brother John Hodges (died 9 June); their funerals were held at St Cross.

We were happy to welcome three new residents in 2024, Brother Niall McCathie who moved into a newly refurbished flat in April and Chris Secker (with his wife Catherine – our first married couple for some years) who moved from the Porter’s Lodge flat to a Brothers’ flat in March. In December the Trustees approved applications from two new Brothers whom we look forward to welcoming in 2025. They are David Hazeldine and Alec Roth. When the two new Brothers join the Brethren we will have 21 Brothers.

Brother Graham presented and managed the second full season of Perfect Pitch musical lunchtime concerts between April and October and raised over £7,000 for the Hospital through donations. The purpose of the concerts is to provide a venue for young musicians to practice performing in front of an audience and Graham is thrilled that the impact of his initiative is already reaching beyond the Hospital. A local music charity has provided a grant to support the tuition for young musicians as St Faith’s primary school. Graham intends to mix up his programme of performers in 2025, so that younger less experienced musicians will have the opportunity to perform alongside more advanced students (some from the London Music Academy) to, hopefully, inspire them to pursue their studies in music.

Trustees: In May we were very pleased to welcome back the former Mayor, Cllr Angela Clear as one of our two Nominative Trustees. Angela replaced Cllr Fiona Mather and we gave thanks to Fiona for her time and support whilst in post. At the end of the year, Commodore Jonathan Cooke retired from his Trustee role after 12 years’ service on the Board. Jonathan was Chairman through the pandemic and so had the difficult task of helping the Hospital to interpret and apply the lockdown rules and then

lead the way to recovery. We give thanks to Jonathan for all his hard work and support. Dr Tim Foster also gave notice that he would be standing down. Tim provided so much valuable advice to the Trustees and the St Cross Team and he will be sorely missed. At the Quarterly meeting in December, two new Trustees were voted in to join the Board. Both have medical backgrounds but offer a great deal besides these skills; they are Dr William (‘Will) Hellier and Dr Jonathan Sleath.

Staff: 2024 saw a significant member of the St Cross Team retire. Catherine Secker, the first woman to become Porter at the Hospital, retired after 24 years’ service. Catherine and her husband Chris, moved to the Hospital in 2000 as the Porter’s Lodge shop was created and their flat was moved to the first floor, where it is today. Catherine dedicated the next 24 years of her life to developing the shop and looking after the Hospital, its Brothers, visitors and the parishioners of St Faiths. We are grateful too, to Chris for giving so much support to Catherine and the Hospital as they dealt with emergencies and anything the Hospital challenged them with, day and night! Chris has become a Red Brother and Catherine has taken on the role as the Chapel Verger, so the Hospital, once again has a married couple resident in the flats.

The recruitment of a new Porter was a task the Hospital took very seriously. Roger Ossa Trivino was appointed in May and we welcomed Roger and his wife Alice to the St Cross Community. We must admire Roger and Alice’s strength of character to take on the challenges of a move to the Hospital and for Roger to start such a pivotal role, especially when Alice was also pregnant. In October Alice gave birth to a beautiful baby son, Raphael, who was baptised in St Cross Chapel in early December. They have quickly become an integral part of the Hospital and Roger is dedicated to his role as Porter.

We also saw the retirement of the Hundred Men’s Hall Co-ordinator, Janet Rowland-White after 8 years in the role. Janet started this role in April 2017 (and before that in 2016 she was a Relief Porter). She expertly recruited and co-ordinated the volunteers, sourced delicious cakes, from local cake makers and over the years, grew the income from HMH impressively year on year. During the pandemic, Janet and her band of volunteers also supported the Brothers by collecting lists and shopping bags to do their grocery shopping. It was an important operation for which we were so very grateful during that difficult time. We are very thankful to Janet for her years of dedicated work and wish her well as she takes time for herself to properly retire! At time of publication we are pleased to announce the appointment of Claire McDonnell as our new HMH Coordinator. Claire was an HMH volunteer for 4 years and is also a member

of the Board of the Friends of St Cross, so knows the Hospital well. We look forward to working with her.

Building Projects: The work on the refurbishment of 4 flats at the Hospital was completed in early April 2024. The design and finish is very impressive and the Brothers who have moved into the flats have given positive feedback. The Trustees have decided to take time to evaluate phase one before proceeding with the next phase.

In early 2024 the installation of an automated lift between the Old Kitchen and the Brethren’s Hall was completed, made possible by financial support from the Friends of St Cross and other legacies. There have been some reliability issues with the lift but it is hoped that these have now been overcome and it is certainly an extremely elegant and impressive solution, which is sympathetic to the Grade 1 listed status of the Hospital.

To further improve the accessibility of the Hospital, the doors between the Ambulatory and the North Transept, where ramped access has been provided, have been automated and can be opened via push buttons. This gives independent access for wheelchair users and anyone with restricted mobility. The Trustees will continue to assess the site to ensure that it is as accessible as possible to all visitors.

WORSHIP, PRAYERS AND WELCOME

Music Report

Derek Beck - Organist and Choirmaster

Organ, choir and organists continue in rude health for another year. We sadly lost Tony Ayres, our vastly experienced alto, in the Summer but we continue to recruit singers to our ranks and are grateful for the Chapel Choir’s loyalty and flexibility. Less successful has been recruitment to our student choral scholarship positions but we will continue to publicise these annually both to reinforce our choir and to offer wider experience to capable young voices.

Choirs at Matins usually outnumber congregations and we hope in future to promote choral evensongs as a preferred option. Our singers always enjoy presenting the poetry of the Psalms to Anglican chants as well as the many fine settings of the Canticles. We also have three sets of Prayer Book Responses together with three versions of the communion service. The 2024 Carol Service had one of the largest congregations in recent years - always rewarding for our hard-working choristers and their

organists. All the musicians greatly appreciate the support given them by clergy, parishioners, Brothers and staff.

Let every instrument be tuned for praise! Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!

After Church Coffee Team

Evelyn Pringle

We continue to have great pleasure in serving refreshments after the 9.30am service on Sundays. Through the generosity of Emma and the Sleaths, we now have freshly baked cakes as well as biscuits. Donations amounted to £938.96 for which we are very grateful. I would like to thank my team for their time and dedication.

Chapel Flower Team

Diana Snagge, Team Leader

We have dropped the ‘Guild’ which now sounds a little old-fashioned. 2024 was a very busy year for the Team, covering fourteen weddings and inevitably some funerals. We also really love making the most of the chance to decorate the Chapel for Christmas Easter and Harvest. A bonus for the team was Cathy waving her magic wand over the Flower Room from time to time.

We now have eleven members in the Team, and Alice Trevino is hoping to join us at Easter. With grateful thanks to Trish’s legacy, we have been buying new plants for the Cutting Garden, an invaluable space which was originally set up by Trish.

Owing to rising costs, we have slightly raised the prices for Wedding flowers, but the brides still love an Arch and several have asked for the pillars to be decorated as well, only possible with the guidance of Br Andrew Crowther-Walker.

It is all great fun, but ‘heavier’ work than many people realise, but we feel lucky to have such a beautiful Chapel to worship and work in.

Silent Prayer Group Evelyn Pringle

We continue to meet once a month on the 4th Thursday at 11.00 am. Our decision to meet in our homes seems to work well. Please call me if you wish to join us so I can give you the address.

PASTORAL CARE

Occasional Offices

Wendy Harrison

2024 was a bumper year for weddings in the Chapel with the season beginning in May and wrapping up in early November. Fourteen happy couples walked down the aisle and made their marriage promises and vows. The year started in February with our annual Wedding Preparation morning where our couples spent the morning with Father Dominik, Reverend Hilary and myself contemplating and discussing what it means to have a Christian marriage. This preparation continues on an individual basis as the wedding date draws near and each couple is prayed for throughout their journey to the altar. They are a valued addition to the congregation of St Faith as they prepare to take their vows. Additionally, 2024 saw the largest number of couples choosing the Book of Common Prayer marriage service – something we expect so see grow.

Pastoral Assistants

Reverend Hilary Healey

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 have regular contact with one another for reviewing, reporting and support. A Pastoral Report is submitted at each PCC meeting. A mid-month newsletter is delivered to housebound, elderly, non-tech parishioners to help keep them in touch with the parish.

The Grange Nursing Home has reopened with a small number of residents and communion is offered there as required. Communion services continue monthly in Meadway. There is a named Parish Pastoral Link for each of the two care homes in the parish and they visit residents on behalf of the Parish.

The annual Wedding Preparation session was held in January, with almost all of the 2024 couples present. Parish clergy, administrator, Flower Guild reps and Evelyn joined the session. There was lots of discussion, networking amongst the couples and cake! The All Souls service was again a moving and meaningful occasion for those who attended. The Tea & Chat pastoral initiative continues during the winter months with everybody invited to ‘drop in’. Surplus income from donations has again gone to support the work of the Common Good Project at HMP Winchester.

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 speak to one of the clergy if you are interested; and also if you know of any people or situations needing help or support.

LEARNING

House Group report

Cheryl Irons

Although we are a small group, we have continued to meet regularly once a fortnight on Zoom. This means that we don't have to worry about driving at night, nor whether it is raining or windy. This year we have concentrated our studies on a book "Loving Justice". This centres discussions around a short Bible passage but looking at issues that affect our daily lives. We have discussed Acceptable Worship, Caring for Enemies, Nationalism, Cultural Identity and Materialism. From the Bible readings selected we have been stretched in our own thinking and challenged as to what we really hold on to, so it has provided stimulating debates! We have found this type of study most meets our needs and hope to continue with a similar formula in the future. We would welcome any newcomers to the group. Thursdays 7.30 on Zoom.

COMMUNITY ACROSS GENERATIONS

Social Events

Dodie Mowat and Gill Beck

At St Cross we plan a variety of social event the main object is to get all generations together to enjoy fellowship and to enjoy our time together and if it raises funds for our Parish a bonus.

This year we had a variety of activities, and in the Spring we had our plant and produce sale in the Parish Hall car park, including the ever popular bacon rolls provided by Lysbeth and Jonathan Sleath.

The fete is always well attended and a wonderful time had by all it helped our funds and the charities we supported. Lovely to see generations coming together.

Our Community Teas proved a real hit with craft tables, a wonderful talk, cake and tea and everyone having a good natter.

The pet service was as popular as ever and no fall outs between animals or owners a real plus. Talking of animals, the donkey was a great hit again on Palm Sunday - a must for the future.

Going into Autumn we had 2 wonderful pilgrimages. The first to Westminster Abbey as guests of Mark Birch and then the one to France organised by James. Those who were able enjoyed these times of fellowship and friendship and learning something new in new environments.

Autumn brings Harvest and we were able to have our popular supper with live band and dancing.

As we moved towards Christmas we made Christingles together; a lovely afternoon spent chatting with tea and biscuits. Next our Wassail so popular with mulled wine and lovely food - a perfect start to our Christmas services.

It is important to remember our tea and coffee after our morning service on a Sunday and the lovely cakes made by members of our congregation; we thank you not sure our waist lines feel the same! Also the refreshments after the service on Easter Sunday and the Carol service. Our tea and chat have been so popular again over the winter months when the tea shop is closed. Our aim I hope is to make people feel welcome and thank you to all who do that.

Tots and Sunday Club 0 – 7 Magdalen Rees

Children age 7 and under explore bible stories and seasonal themes through play, craft, music and storytelling. We have seen our numbers grow a little in 2025 and we welcome regular attendees and visiting children. On Easter Sunday, we welcomed approximately 35 children and they decorated the Cross with beautifully drawn flowers to bring into church. The Palm Sunday donkey was a highlight. 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!

St Cross Youth and 8+ Vestry Group Ellie Payne - Wildfire Youth Project

Every Friday night during term time both a Kids Club for those in school years 3 to 6, and a Youth Club for those in school years 7+ run at the parish hall. The groups offer fun and games, as well as the opportunity to learn about the Bible and grow in faith. This year's topics have included, friendship, prayer, a detailed and creative look at the Easter story and an introduction to the Youth Alpha Course. The kids club is mainly attended by local children all of whom are connected with St Faith's school. Before the Summer holidays numbers would regularly reach 15 at the Kids club, and about 7 at the youth club. Several of the kids club members have since graduated to secondary school and unfortunately they have not attended the youth group. Therefore, numbers at the kids club towards the end of the year did go down to about 6. In March of this year Adam Davey joined the Wildfire team and worked alongside Ellie Payne to help run both groups. In November of this year Chloe Lefore also joined the Wildfire team and now Chloe takes the lead on the younger age group, whilst Adam leads with the older age group, according to their skills and preferences. Ellie Payne remains the main point of contact between the church and Wildfire, but has stepped back from Friday nights.

Community Teas Magdalen Rees

We held two community teas at the Parish Hall (Saturday afternoons 3- 5pm) in March and October. We welcomed approximately 60 people at each event including many pre-schoolers and children from St Faith’s School. The events were packed with craft, games, baking, and a time for tea, cake and to gather for a short story. A successful time for all attendees thanks to the kindness and efforts of Mary Ayres (Head of Nancy Harper Nursery), Tarryn Hyland and the wonderful team of volunteers running the kitchen and craft tables.

Open the Book Cheryl Irons

Open the Book is run through the Bible Society and the aim is to enable the sharing of Bible stories in an accessible and enjoyable way for children everywhere, of all faiths and none. So our group visit St Faith's Primary school weekly on a Wednesday afternoon to enact a Bible story. We select our own syllabus with discussion with staff at the school, and using props, costumes and some children, the whole school hear an Introduction to the story, Watch the story, then have a moment for reflective thought and finally a prayer. The school staff end the session with asking the

children where in the story they have seen the School's Values demonstrated. These Values are Love, Courage, Trust and Hope. Some stories use these words in them and the children are quick to spot them. Frequently they can find all four values in the story which is a great achievement considering the huge variety of stories from Old and New Testament. Those children who participate in our story, some even get to say lines, are given a sticker which they appreciate. The Open the Book use their own Storytelling Bible written by Bob Hartman which has 90 Bible stories from Genesis to Revelation.

We are always eager to get new recruits as individually we cannot be available every week. So if you are free on Wednesday afternoons in school term, even occasionally, you would be most welcome.

St Faith’s Church of England School

Katherine Jarrett

Chair of Governors - St Faith's CE Primary School

2024 was an extremely busy year at St Faith's CE Primary School. We had visits from Ofsted as well as from SIAMS and I can report that we were really pleased with both reports. SIAMS reflected that "Leaders, including governors, at St Faith’s Primary School have a demonstrable and unwavering commitment to the Christian vision. Their confident and thoughtful planning ensures relevant Bible teachings are used to root discussions and actions. The understanding that we are 'all one in Christ. Jesus' (Galatians 3:28), underpins the school's approach to equality and inclusivity".

Ofsted awarded the school 'Outstanding' ratings in 3 of the 5 key areas including Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development and Early Years. Behaviour was commended as "exceptional", and Ofsted commented that "Pupils at this school demonstrate the values of courage, trust, love and hope. These values drive decision-making in all areas of the school. Pupils benefit from the school’s high ambitions and expectations that they will achieve well". Whilst overall the school was awarded a 'good' judgement, it is notable that Ofsted ceased making overall judgements shortly after our inspection following wide-ranging concerns about the validity of such judgements!

If you are would like to read them in full, both reports can be found online at:

https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/116374 https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/siams-reportst-faiths-church-of-england-va-primary-school-winchester-116374220324.pdf

St Faith's CE Primary School said goodbye to Mr Richard Fountain as Headteacher in July 2024 after four years as Headteacher at St Faith's. Governors were delighted that Mrs Ellie Guy (Head of Juniors) stepped into the Acting Headteacher role in the Autumn term, with support from Mrs Hanratty, Headteacher of Sparsholt CE Primary School. Mrs Guy approached the role with ambition, determination and courage, and we were very grateful for her excellent leadership. Governors held a first recruitment round for a new permanent Headteacher in September 2024; unfortunately we were unable to appoint a suitable candidate but are excited to hold a second recruitment round in January 2025. In the meantime we have appointed Mr Jim Hartley - a highly experienced Headteacher from the Portsmouth area - to take on the Interim Headteacher role until a suitable candidate is found. We would like to thank him for all that he is doing to support St Faith's CE Primary during this time of change and are confident in his ability to continue to grow the school.

You may have seen in the Hampshire Chronicle that St Faith's was the third highest performing primary school in Hampshire in the academic year 2023-2024 with 92% of pupils reaching expected standard across reading, writing and maths. This is an absolutely fantastic achievement, and testament to the hard work, dedication and skill of our wonderful teaching staff - and equally hard working children!

Governors are really proud of St Faith's and know that it provides a first class education to the community that it serves. Pupils not only leave with excellent attainment, but as well rounded, kind individuals who embody the school's Christian values. We are looking forward to seeing all that will be accomplished in 2025.

Friends for Tea Sue Fairbrother

During last year we met once a month in the Brothers' Library for tea, cake and chat. Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, our last meeting was in September. "Tea and Chat" is now available throughout the winter months and the Hundred Men's Hall provides refreshments throughout the summer months so parishioners have an alternative place to meet.

Lazy Cooks Evelyn Pringle

We meet once a month for lunch at local restaurants, and on July 13th we had our annual Singapore Buffet which raised £450 for the Parish. We have a lot of fun, so please join us if you can.

Churchyard

John Pringle, John Lunt, Robert Wheatley, Elaine McFarlane and Reverend Hilary

We had two visits by Probation Service teams. These, together with Saturday morning work by Parish volunteers, have kept the Churchyard tidy.

In June the shed was broken into and mowing and strimming equipment stolen. The insurance payment was sufficient to cover replacement machinery and pay for improved security of the shed. A hard-core surface was also laid in front of the shed.

Key activities in 2024:

A number of memorial plaques have been laid, some of them where ashes are buried.
Three hazel trees were coppiced and the poles used by St Faith’s Allotment holders who made small donations to the Parish.
The central area continues to be kept as a wildflower haven. Yellow Rattle is spreading satisfactorily.

We do need additional volunteers to help with our work. If you can help on some Saturday mornings please contact one of us to learn more about our work.

COMMON GOOD

Common Good Project

John Lunt (Co-ordinator)

Lysbeth Sleath reports: ‘The Prison Tea Group is continuing and the rota for 2025 is in place. Due to lack of new volunteers and ill-health among the team this has been achieved by increasing the number of sessions undertaken by individual volunteers. The Tea Group appears to be working well at present although there is the on-going need for more volunteers.

Christina Mathews, as Leader of ‘Listening Faith’ reports on her work in the prison: ‘Early Monday mornings the “Wings” are busy and noisy. We are thankful for a growing connection with Prison Officers who take care of the men and volunteers and keep watch as we meet with the men in their cells.

Thankful too for the connection and rapport we have with the POMS. (Prison Offender Managers-probation officers within the prison). Their clarity about the men’s situations makes it easier for us to understand the needs of the men, as we prepare them for release.

The Winchester Prison Support Group meets 3 times a year to pray for and support all the work being done in the prison: for the men exploring faith; for support for relatives and families; for Bible study courses and Alpha courses; for the Chapel Services; for openings and opportunities for those being released; and for the staff.

Anna-Maria Holt leads the ‘Bags of Faith’ (BoF) initiative, providing clothing and toiletries for those prisoners due for release. In 2024, at least 5 men were helped with a BoF. The Winchester Basics Bank (WBB) continues to be a supportive and an essential partner in this project. The BoF team supplement other items the WBB are unable to provide. Change in personnel at the prison and unpredictability of release dates has made referrals from the prison to the WBB challenging. Sincere thanks to Christine, John and all who continue to support this project.

Grateful thanks to the “Tea and Chat” group for their contributions in funding the BoF project and the £86 spent during 2024 on books and other support literature.

My personal thanks to everyone involved in this scheme.

St Faith’s Parish Hall Peter Sawbridge Chairman, St Faith ’ s Parish Hall Committee

On 31 December 2024 Lisa Bone, Catherine D’Arcy (Treasurer), Murray Dixon (PCC representative), Sophie Firth, Janet Honigmann and I were the six members of the hall committee; Mary Ayres and Andy Mardle were attending members, absenting themselves from all financial discussions to avoid conflict of interest. Sara Arnold continues to carry out the paid role of Bookings Secretary very efficiently.

The year saw the long-overdue replacement of the ageing kitchen door and frame, swelling during wet weather having made it almost impossible to open and close. The replacement was constructed, installed and painted very expertly, and Croma have reset the digital keypad lock.

Since September the Nancy Harper Nursery has been occupying the Back Hall alone, meaning that the Front Hall is available to other users in the mornings. To facilitate this new, shared use of the building, a set of standard operating procedures has been established; these can be viewed on application to the committee. Since September the Nancy Harper Nursery has been receiving its LEA grant in monthly instalments, and the committee has accordingly instituted a schedule of monthly rent payments from Andy Mardle.

As the person most closely involved with the day-to-day running of the building, Mary Ayres was warmly welcomed to the committee as an attending member in October. The committee remains grateful to Mary for her excellent daily cleaning of the building.

General maintenance works carried out in the year included weeding of the car park, gutter clearance and Periodic Appliance Testing (PAT). At its October meeting the hall committee decided to increase hire tariffs to keep pace with rising costs. From 1 January 2025, one-off users pay £23 per hour in the Front Hall and £21 per hour in the Back Hall; regular users pay £19 per hour in the Front Hall and £17.50 per hour in the Back Hall. The Scottish dancers have made several donations to hall funds during the year, for which the committee is very grateful.

The hall committee’s annual surplus of £10,000 was transferred to the PCC in late December 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.

St Cross Fête

Gill Beck - Secretary to St Cross Fete Committee

The 2024 fete was held on Saturday 29th June and was a really great success in every way. The sun shone, lots of people came, a good time was had by all and we made a record profit.

We took about £19,000 and after deductions for expenses this left a profit of £16,185.

75% (£12,138) was given to the PCC for Parish funds 25% (£4,046) was divided thus:

£50 to the Ukulele band’s chosen charity, which this year was Winchester Hospice, and the remainder was divided equally between:
Winchester Bereavement Support (£1,332)
Winchester Hospice (£1,332)
Winchester Young Carers (£1,332)

The success of the fete relies every year on many people volunteering to help, so a massive thank you to all who helped in any way. It is an important fundraiser but its future is fragile unless younger people take on some of the roles.

We look forward to this year’s fete which will be on Saturday 28th June. Do put it in your diary and think what you can do to help. See you there!

Good causes supported during 2024 Murray Dixon


Good Cause	Amount *	Remarks

Royal British Legion	£93	General Funds

Children’s Society	£93

Winchester Hospice	£1,382	Fete Good Causes

Winchester Bereavement	£1,332

Winchester Young Carers	£1,332

Mission to SeaFarers	£338	Retiring Collections

Christian Aid	£710

Anglian Church, Marafa	£539

Winchester Basics Bank	£539

Royal British Legion	£428

Children’s Society	£256


Common Good Project - Prison support	£86	Tea & Chat and Donations

HIHCT	£448	Ride & Stride

Total	£7,576

Does not include value of produce donated to Winchester Basics Bank in March or 'Shoeboxes' donated to Samaritan’s Purse in December.

SUPPORTING MINISTRIES

Stewardship Working Group

John Pringle, Chair

The Stewardship Group was formed in late 2018 to develop ways to encourage our worshipping community to give, serve and care generously. During 2024 it met twice. Its main activity was the Planned Giving Review in January and February. The response to this was good and the budgeted increase was achieved.

The group has been encouraged by the response to our work but recognizes the need for further efforts to maintain financial support for all Parish activities, so that existing, and new activities identified in the Mission Action Plan, can be fully funded.

Communications (Magazine, website)

Clare Dixon/Magdalen Rees

Most information about parish services and events is now circulated via a weekly email. A Parish Magazine is still published every month, except August, and its strength is perhaps as a vehicle for the Rector and others to share thoughts and give spiritual guidance. This function is not covered by the weekly email or parish website.

Most people now receive their Magazine electronically via the weekly email, but Sarsen Press still print around 60 hard copies each month. These are distributed to the Brothers, the housebound, care homes, those without computers, and also some congregation members who just prefer a hard copy. A one-sheet Mid Month Newsletter keeps people without computer access up-to-date with parish matters between magazines. Distribution of the hard copies relies on the efforts of a co-ordinator and team of distributors. Jessica and Adrian Coldridge took over the co-

ordinator role this year from Diana Snagge and we are very grateful to all three of them and all the distributors.

The parish website at www.parishofstfaith.com carries information about the life of the parish, about how to arrange ‘events ’such as weddings and funerals, and about booking the parish hall. It is updated weekly with details of services and parish activities.

The parish has a presence on Facebook, and also on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/stfaith_winchester/ where there have been 43 posts and we have just over 100 ‘followers’.

List of Sidespeople from 8 May 2024

Victoria Arthur, Adrian Coldridge, Jessica Coldridge, David Coombs, Pam Coombs, Murray Dixon, Jenny Duchesne, Sue Fairbrother, Tim Goble, Kate Goble, Martin Harlow, Sarah Harlow, Joyce King, David King, John Lunt, 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 21 April 2024 - 27 April 2025)

Ex officio:

Rev. Dominik Chmielewski Chair Rev. James Mosher (until 24 November 2024) Dodie Mowat Churchwarden Gill Beck Churchwarden Catherine Secker Deanery Synod Member (elected from July 2024) Elected: Until: Adrian Coldridge (from July 2023) 2025 Deanery Synod Member Murray Dixon (re-elected July 2023) 2025 Deanery Synod Member Victoria Arthur 2025 Chris Maguire 2026 Anthony Gaster 2026 Primrose Metcalf 2026 Stephen Brill 2026 Rosco Noott 2027 John Pringle 2027 Diana Snagge 2027 Matt McDonnell 2027 Co-opted: Brother Graham Davies (co-opted 08.05.2024)

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

of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners on Sunday 21st April 2024


Item	Subject
1	Welcome and apologies
	The Rev. Dominik Chmielewski, taking the chair, declared the meeting open at 11.15 am explaining there would be a meeting to elect Churchwardens for 12 months until the next AMP. Apologies: Diana Snagge, Primrose Metcalf, Graham Davies, Wendy Marston, Harry Mowat and Roger Healey.
2	Minutes of meeting held on Sunday 30th April 2023
	The Minutes of the 2023 meeting had been circulated in the Annual Report and no questions were raised. The minutes were proposed by Rosco Noott, seconded by John Pringle and approved unanimously.
3	Election of Churchwardens for 2024/25
	The Rev. Dominik Chmielewski said that each of Dodie Mowat and Gill Beck had been nominated as Churchwarden and that as there were no other candidates they were elected to fill the vacancies. The Rev. Dominik Chmielewski also said that Dodie intends to step down from the role of Churchwarden in 2025 and Stephen Brill (a PCC member) has expressed an interest in becoming a churchwarden. In view of this he will shadow the role during the next 12 months.

The Reverend Dominik Chmielewski closed the meeting at 11.18 am

THE HOSPITAL OF ST CROSS WITH THE PARISH OF ST FAITH MINUTES of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting for 2023 held on Sunday 21st April 2024

The meeting commenced at 11.18 am immediately following the Annual Meeting of Parishioners. The Reverend Dominik Chmielewski chaired the meeting. Apologies had been received from Diana Snagge, Primrose Metcalf, Graham Davies, Wendy Marston, Harry Mowat and Roger Healey.


Item	Subject


1	Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 30 April
	2023


	The above minutes had been circulated in the Annual Report; there
	were no comments. They were proposed by Dodie Mowat,
	seconded by Matt McDonnell and approved unanimously.


2	Matters arising


	None.


3	Mandatory Reports (for discussion and recommendations to PCC)


	A. Annual Report - Electoral Roll
	Valerie Carver, the Electoral Roll Officer, confirmed that at the end
	of revision in March 2024 there were 220 names on the roll of which
	69 were resident in the parish and 151 non-resident. The numbers
	the previous year were reported as 218. Valerie said she will not be
	continuing as Electoral Roll Officer and the PCC will need to find a
	replacement.

	B. PCC Activities
	Rev’d Dominik Chmielewski 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 referred to
	growing attendance numbers at services and over 40 clergy
	attending the Rev’d James Mosher’s ordination. He thanked the
	Rev’d Hilary Healey for her support and work in the Parish.


Item	Subject


	C. Deanery Synod
	Rev’d Dominik Chmielewski said that since the previous meeting
	and elections to the DS one member, Thomas Hargreaves, had left
	the area and resigned. He confirmed that Murray Dixon and Adrian
	Coldridge continue to serve as DS members.There were no
	comments on the Deanery Synod report included in the Annual
	Report.


4	Financial Statements for 2023


	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
	summary on pages 2 and 3, the figures on pages 4 and 5. followed
	by supporting notes/explanation, appendix and IE’s report/signing
	off.

	Murray highlighted the decrease of balance of funds over the 12
	month period (shown as Net Movement in Funds at the bottom of
	page 4) which fell by £12,658 - he referred to information about this
	in paragraph 2 (page 2) saying there had been:




	• a shortfall in routine activity of £21,475
	• a surplus in the operation of the Parish Hall of £4,371,
	• a surplus in the value of investments of £2,565 and
	• donations to the Restricted Vestry Fund of £1,881.

	He said the PCC had been aware from the start of the year of
	challenging circumstances, particularly the energy cost rises which
	increased by around 60%. Murray said income from Planned Giving
	plus funeral and wedding fees had fallen since the previous year.

	Murray said that although not relevant to the 2023 AFR, he wanted
	to inform the meeting that he and the PCC are working towards a
	balanced budget for 2024 as further deficits are unsustainable. He
	thanked everyone who had responded to the Planned Giving appeal


Item	Subject


	and said income from weddings and funerals has increased in 2024
	following discussion between Dominik and the Hospital Trustees.
	He said the Parish Share had been reduced by £4,000 and he was
	hopeful that the overall energy costs will be less in 2024.

	Questions were asked and Murray commented/answered as follows:
	• Increase in Parish Hall Debtors: Murray said that this was due to
	a late payment by Nancy Harper Nursery and advised that the
	debt was settled very quickly in January. He said this was
	indicative of a trend in late payments of which the PCC are
	aware. He reminded the meeting of the Parish’s dependence on
	PH income. He stated that the reduced PH income in 2003 was
	due to redecoration carried out under the terms of the lease.
	• Current cash in bank not covering 2 months activities: Murray
	said that, if necessary, investments can be realised and the turn
	around time would be around 2 weeks.
	• Reduction in Planned Giving: Murray said that this was largely
	due to two large donors leaving at the end of 2022 and possibly
	the lack of appeal for funds in early 2023;
	• Parish costs: Murray said that costs are about £150,000 per
	annum, i.e. £3,000 per week.

	Dodie thanked Murray Dixon for his hard work as Treasurer and
	producing such comprehensive accounts; he was applauded.


5	Elections


	1. Deanery Synod Members
	Rev’d Dominik Chmielewski said that one candidate had been
	nominated for the Deanery Synod:
	• Catherine Secker

	Catherine was therefore elected to fill the vacancy and it was
	confirmed she as an ex officio member of the PCC.

	2. PCC Members
	Rev’d Dominik Chmielewski said there were four candidates
	standing for the PCC for a 3 year term (all of them existing PCC
	members):
	• John Pringle
	• Diana Snagge
	• Matt McDonnell


Item	Subject


	• Rosco Noottt

	He declared that they were elected, filling four of the vacancies.





6	Appointment of Independent Examiner for 2024


	Murray Dixon said that Sue Woodward who had been appointed
	Independent Examiner at the previous meeting is likely to leave
	Winchester and a replacement Independent Examiner has not been
	found. No objections were raised to his proposal that the PCC
	appoint an Independent Examiner during the year to examine the
	2024 account.


7	Any other business


	It was asked whether reference should be made to St Cross being a
	church rather than a chapel when leafleting the community. Dominik
	said that he received queries several times each week about the
	correct description. He said he was happy for it to be referred to as
	a church when leafleting. When asked whether it should be referred
	to as the parish church he said this would not be correct as St Cross
	has its own ecclesiastical entity, is not situated in the parish of St
	Faith and is a peculiar; therefore, it is not a parish church and has
	no status as such.

	The new Porter of St Cross, Roger Trivino, was introduced by
	Dominik who said he will be taking over from Catherine Secker in
	May.

The meeting concluded at 11.48 am.

Reverend Dominik Chmielewski thanked everyone for attending and said closing prayers.

Produced and Printed 29 March 2025

THE HOSPITAL OF ST CROSS WITH THE PARISH OF ST FAITH lp Annual Financial Report and Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2024 Contents: Annual Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements Accounting Policies Independent Examiner's Report registered charity no 1130671

ST CROSS WITH ST FAITH PCC Annual Report 2024 was an encouraging year for the Parish financially, We received some welcome donations, energy costs fell by over 300/0 and this, together with a number of other factors, led to a significant inGrease in Parish funds. The funds held Increased by £17,861 from £99,135 on 31 Dec 23 to £116,996 on 31 Dec 24. This is made up of: a surplus of £10,127 in routine activity, a surplus in the operation of the Parish Hall of £7,540, an increase in the value of investments of £1,750, and a deGrease in the value of the Restricted Vestry Fund of £1,556. The increase more than balanced the drop in the value of Parish funds of £12,658 in 2023, Routlne Activity Routine activity covers all Parish activity other than income and expenditure assoGiated with the Parish Hall, the value of investments and Restricted Funds. Routine income increased from £133,337 in 2023 to £160,952 in 2024. The increase in 2024 was due particularly to: A number of generous donations, totalling £12,645, compared with £2,289 in 2023. An increase in Planned Giving of £3,355 (from £67,251 in 2023 to £70,606 in 2024), and an increase in collections during serVIS of £2,476 (from £13,142 in 2023 to £15,618 in 2024). An increase in the number of occasional services such as weddings which led to an increase in fees of £3,839, from £4,464 in 2023 to £8,303 in 2024. The increase in Planned Giving is partlGularly welcome as it is the most important element of Parlsh income - thank you to everyone who supported the Parish so generously during 2024, Routine Expenditure Routine expenditure reduced from £154,686 in 2023 to £150,825 in 2024. This was primarily due to a decrease in the cost of energy from £15,796 in 2023 to £10,374, a reduction of over 300/0. Parish Share was also reduced by £3,795, from £84,639 to £80,844, which we paid in full. However, these reductions were partly offset by increases in other costs, prinGipally the amount we pay the Hospital for the upkeep of the church building which increased by £3,000 (after many years of no or limited increases) from £19,000 in 2023 to £22,000 in 2024. It will now increase in line with inflation Parlsh Hall Parish Hall income was £27,940, down slightly from £28,009 in 2023. Total expenditure also decreased.. £23,638 in 2023 to £20,400 in 2024, The Parish Hall surplus for 2024 was £7,540. l As measured by the Consumer PriGe Index (CPI)

Once again, we have to say how grateful we are to the Parish Hall committee for their work. This year we had a surplus in routine income, but Parish Hall income has provided a vital offset for shortfalls in routine income for many years and remains a key 8oufGe of income for the Parish. Investments Investments increased in value from £71,953 on 31 Dec 23 to £73,703 on 31 Dec 24. We received dividend payments of £3,148 (£3,028 in 2023). Deslgnated Funds The level of Reserves designated for the Parish Hall was increased from £44,670 to £46,903 in line with the reserves policy described in para 11 below. £500 from the Youth Fund was used to contribute to the Gost of employing a youth worker and £2,000 from the Music Fund was used to contribute to the cost of the choir and organ. Restricted Funds 10. The restricted Vestry Fund was set up in 2023 to receive donations speGifiGally to buy, replace, or repair damaged and worn-out vestments, altar cloths and other paraments In the Church of St Cross and used by the Parish. A total of £325 was donated during the year and £1881 was spent. Reserves Policy Each year, the PCC is required to approve its reserves policy, which is: To have in reserve: (a) PLUS (b) Between 25Ph and 50 % of total budgeted expenditure, less Parish Hall A contingenGy re Parish Hall capital costs of £35,000 on 31 Dec 18 and increasing by 50/0 annually It contlnues to be the long-term policy of the PCC for annual budgeted income (not budgeting for legaGies) to cover annual budgeted expenditure. 12. For information, as at 31 Dec 24 our reserves were circa 410/0 of the budgeted expenditure for 2025 which means that we are in line with the reserves policy. In addition, they have returned to about where they were as at 31 Dec 22, having dipped to circa 31 Q/0 as at 31 Dec 23. 2 To increase in line with CPI with effect from 1 Jan 25

ST CROSS WITH ST FAITH PCC statement of Financial Acttvities for the year ended 31 December 2024 Note 2024 2023 INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from donors 2a 119,278 108,713 other voluntary incoming resources 2b 22,811 19,531 Income from charitable and ancillary trading 2c 43,683 37,285 Income from investments 2d 3,445 3,239 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 189,217 168,768 RESOURCES USED Charttable Giving 3a 4,233 3,355 Activities directly for the work of the church 3b 135,342 141,747 Charitable and ancillary trading, fund raising and publicity 20,422 18,843 Parish Hall major repairs 4,135 8,666 Church management and administration 3d 8,974 11,380 TOTAL RESOURCES USED 173 106 183,991 NET INCOMINGI OUTGOING RESOURCES 16,111 -15,223 GAINS AND LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS Unrealised Gainl Loss 1,750 2,565 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 17,861 -12,658 BALANCE OF FUNDS AT 1 JANURy 99,135 111,793 BALANCE OF FUNDS AT 31 DECEMBER 116,996 99,135

ST CROSS WITH ST FAITH PCC Balance Sheet at 31 December 2024 Note 2024 2023 FIXED PSSETS Investments 73,703 71,953 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Short term bank deposits Cash at bank and in hand GROSS CURRENT $SETs 1,958 12,000 36,329 50,287 4,786 9,160 19,789 33,735 CURRENT LINBILITIES Arnounts due within one year 6,994 8,553 NET CURRENT ASSETS 43,293 27.182 NET ASSETS 116,996 99.135 FUNDS UNRESTRICTED FUNDS General Fund (Undesignated) Music Fund (PCC Designated) Children and Youth Fund {PCC Designated) 7 St Faith's Parish Hall (PCC Designated) TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 63,948 251 569 46,903 111,671 46,005 810 769 44,670 92,254 RESTRICTED FUNDS St Cross Flowers Vestry Fund TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS 5,000 325 5,325 5,000 1,881 6,881 TOTAL FUNDS 116,996 99,135 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on their behalf by., IT and signed on Dominik Chmielewski (Chairman) .Murray Dixon (Hon Treasurer) The notes on pages 6 to 9 form part of these financial statements

ST CROSS WITH ST FAITH PCC Notss to the Financial Statemonts for the year ended 31 Docombor 2024 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Se8 APPer1XA attached 2 INCOMING RESOURCES 2024 2023 2a Incoming resources from donors Planned glving: Income from donors Income lax recovarable on Grft Aid Collections (Plate) at all servlces Sundry donations Vestry Fund Donations, Reslrlcted (inGI Gift Aid) IVF) Sound System 4opeal (SSA>, Incl Gift Aid TOTAL 70,606 20,084 15,618 12,645 325 67,251 18,609 13,142 2,289 1,881 5,541 108,713 119,278 2b Other voluntary Incomlng resources Churchyard income Legacy Non recurring one-off grants Fele income Other fundralslng le.g. Rlde & Stride) TOTAL 1,398 250 1,20D 15,356 2,725 19,531 18,962 2,453 22,811 2¢ Incorne from charltable and anclllary tradlng Parish Hall {PH) Income Fees for seNices Parish Magazin6 Flowers Conlribulion from Sunday Coffee Tea and Chat TOTAL 27,940 8,303 438 6,063 939 28,009 4,484 720 3,348 744 43,683 37,285 2d Income from Investments Dividends and Interest 3,445 3,239 Incomlng Resources 26 Routina P£tivity Income (2a+2b+2d+2c less PH, SSA& VF) 189,217 168,768 160,952 133,337 3 RESOURCES USED 3a Charitable Giving Overseas charities National charities 187 ocal charities 4,046 TOT 4,233 (in addition, retiring Collections ftrr Go(xl Causes snd Teg & Chot donatfons totalled £3343 (£3,201, 2023).. overseas £1249, naèlonal £lQ22, loofil £1072). 3b NLtivities directly for the work of the church Parish Share Clergy and SeNic& &xpenses Church runnlng expenses ChurGh maintenance Vestry Fund (Res) Vestry Sundries Choir and organ expenses Sound System (SS) Upkeep of Ghurchyard Flowers Children and Young Peopl6 TOTAL 3,355 3,3 80,844 4,228 10,374 22,000 1,881 390 3,832 84,839 4,572 15,796 19,C(10 3,658 5,667 490 3,614 4.311 141,747 2,071 5,913 3,809 135,342

3c Charitable and ancillary tradlng, fund ralslng and publlclty Parish Hall (PH) running costs Magazine expenses Fundraising TOT 16,265 747 3,410 20,422 14,972 816 3,055 18,843 3d Church management and admlnlstratlon Printing and copying Clergy administrative support Information Technology Hospitality General adm inistralive expenses TOTAL 1,792 4,610 1,429 241 902 8,974 1,478 5,824 2,703 258 1,117 11,380 Resources Used 1S8,971 175,325 3e Routlne ktivity Expenditure (3a+3b+3d+3c less PH, SSA& VF) 150,825 154,686 4 DEBTORS Income tax recoverable on Gn% ld Other receivables, less Parish Hall Parish Hall Deblors TOTAL 1,413 545 1,491 326 2,969 4,786 1,958 5 AMOUNTS DUE WtTHIN ONE YEAR Creditors, less Parish H811, inc Ao&ncies Parish Hall Creditors TOTAL 6,530 464 6,994 5,889 664 6,553 6 INVESTMENT ASSETS Historical Costs 2,024 4,076 9,015 13,091 1023 4,076 9,015 13,091 2,024 33,775 39,928 73,703 Galnl Loss 857 893 1,750 2023 32,918 39,035 71,953 Charrfund Income Units CCLA Investment Fund Unts 7 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS General Music Youth Hall Sub Total Balance as at 1 January 2024 Nel increasel decrease 2024 li) Transfers 48,OD5 10,136 7,807 63,948 810 1,441 -2,000 251 769 300 -50D 569 44.870 92,254 7.540 19,417 -5,307 46,903 111,671 Flowers Vestry Sub Total Total Balanc8 as at 1 January 2024 Net increasel decrease 2024 Transfers 5,000 1,881 -1,556 6,881 -1,556 99,135 17,861 5,000 325 5,325 116,996 Note I, See Man8gen7ent of Funds seclion in Appendix A.

ST CROSS WITH ST FAITH PCC Appendix A AGGounting 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 Gost convention, except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. Funds In the year-end Balance Sheet the PCC has no funds which are required to be identified as ' Endowment" or "Restricted except for: a donation of £5,000 made to the Flower Fund in 2000, and the Vestry Fund created in 2023 and currently standing at £325. Unrestricted funds represent thefunds of the PCC that are 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 statements include all transactions, assets 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. Managem6nt 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 costs relating to MusiG 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 increase/ decrease 2024, row shows: General and Hall Funds. Difference in income and expenditure and (for General Fund) change in value of investments. Music and Youth Funds. Income only. Incoming ReSoUrS Collections are recognised when received by, or on behalf of, the PCC. Planned Giving re1vable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the appropriate claim is made to the I nland Revenue. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain. 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 entitlements 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 Dember of the relevant year. Resources Used Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that

award creates a binding obligation on the PCC. The Diocesan parish share is accounted for when payable. Any parish share unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet. Assets All capital ilems within the church of St Cross, Imnchester are the property of the Hospital of St Cross and are Govered by the Hospital's insurance. Items within the church, for which the PCC provided the funds, are deemed to have been purchased on behalf of the Hospital and presented to it by the Parish and hence 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 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors. There are no amounts that are deemed uncollectable. Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit 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 involS 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 December 2024 whiGh are set 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 charity's trustees consider that an audit is nol required for this year under Section 144(2) of the Charities AGt 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 directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act) and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of this report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by th@ charity and a comparison of the accounts pres8nted with those records. It also includes onsidering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. Th& procedures undertaken do not provide all the eviden that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention,. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements..

to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act, and to prepare accounts, which acGord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Charities Act have not been met", or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached, Signed 14 March 2025 Susan Woodward io