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2022-12-31-accounts

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Wednesday 19[th] April 2023 8.15 pm St Mary’s Church, Redbourn

THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY, REDBOURN

THE ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS To be held on Wednesday 19[th] April 2023 at 8.15 pm

In St Mary’s Church

AGENDA

Opening Prayer

1 Approval of the minutes of the meeting held on the 20[th] April 2022

2 Election of 2 Parochial Churchwardens

It is necessary to vote on the motion below before the election is held:- “That the requirement of the Churchwardens Measure 2001 that a churchwarden may serve for a maximum period of six terms of office (six years) as churchwarden of the same parish will not apply for the elections for Churchwardens at St Mary, Redbourn to be held on 19[th] April 2023”

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS HELD ON THE 20[TH] APRIL 2022 IN ST MARY’S CHURCH

Present: The Vicar and 39 Parishioners

The Vicar opened the meeting with a prayer at 8.15 pm.

1) Minutes of the meeting held 25[th] April 2021

The minutes were approved as drawn and signed by the Vicar as a true record.

2) Election of Churchwardens

Nominee

Paul Vernon Michelle Parry Slater

Proposed by Stephen Gell Keith McAdam

Seconded by Michelle Parry Slater Stephen Gell

Election of Deputy Churchwardens

Stephen Gell Paul Vernon Catharine Pusey Sue May

Michelle Parry Slater Jim May

All of the above were elected Nem Con

3) Vote of Thanks

The Vicar thanked the Wardens and Deputy Wardens for their work in the past year, for the time they give and for their efficiency.

David Mitchell retired after serving for four years as Warden. We are grateful to him for all he has done and wish him a quiet time after all the calls that have been made on his time in the last four years.

Michelle Parry Slater was welcomed as our new Churchwarden, and we hope she will find the job rewarding.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.20 pm.

THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY, REDBOURN THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING To be held on Wednesday 19[th] April 2023, at 8.15 pm In St Mary’s Church

AGENDA

To receive and discuss

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING HELD ON THE 20[TH] APRIL 2022 IN ST MARY’S CHURCH

Present: The Vicar and 39 Parishioners

The Meeting was opened at 8.25 pm by Keith McAdam, Lay Co-Chairman

Apologies for Absence: Edna & Alan Lindfield, Geoff Garrard Cole, Anne Finnis, Peter Brown, Katherine O’Sullivan, Reona & Albert Joly, Timothy Kirby, Brian & Rosalie Hayward, Ralph Goold, Julia Murphy, Doris Cheetham, Clare Gibbs, Bob Ellis, Christine Farrington

Booklets containing the previous minutes and the various reports were circulated prior to the meeting, both in paper form and electronically, together with the Accounts for 2021.

1) Minutes of the Meeting held on 25[th] April 2021

The minutes were read and approved and signed by the Lay Co-Chairman as a true record. There were no matters arising.

Adoption of the Minutes Proposed by: Stephen Gell Seconded by: Ailsa Hulme

Passed: Nem Con

2) Electoral Roll

The Roll had been circulated within the booklet and was accepted Nem Con. Jim May was thanked for his continuing work as Electoral Roll Officer.

3) PCC Secretary’s Report

The report was circulated within the booklet and was accepted by the meeting.

4) Deanery Synod Report

The report was circulated within the booklet prior to the meeting. The representatives were thanked for their contributions during the year.

5) Treasurer’s Report

A separate booklet containing the Accounts for 2021 had been circulated prior to the meeting. Mike Wood thanked Jim and Sue May for their help with the banking, the Gift Aid records and for maintaining the accounts for Common Round. He also expressed his thanks to Ruth Hughes, our Independent Examiner, for her invaluable help and support during the year. Mike then read his report and comments on the Accounts.

The Chairman thanked Mike and Ruth for their excellent work in maintaining the accounts throughout the year.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (continued)

Adoption of the Accounts Proposed by: David Mitchell Seconded by: John Davie Passed: Nem Con

The Churchwardens’ Report was included within the booklet. This and all the other reports were accepted en bloc.

Proposed by: John Davie Seconded by: Janet Biggs Passed: Nem Con

A Report of the Ministry and Witness of the Church throughout 2021 given at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting – 20th April 2022

I have great pleasure in giving my report on the Ministry and Witness of St Mary, Redbourn for the calendar year 2021.

Today we meet on the Wednesday of Easter week with the joy of our Easter celebrations still very fresh in our minds and hearts. I want to take several of the themes that are very much to the fore in the Easter story as a prelude to this report on the life of our church.

Three themes in fact. The first is about fear that is turned to joy, the second that of new life and thirdly about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others.

Firstly, the sense of fear that eventually is transformed into joy. The last events of Jesus’ life are filled with darkening mood and brewing despair, with betrayal, arrest, denial and with many of those closest to Jesus falling away and abandoning him. Faithful women and the beloved disciple remain at the foot of the cross at the scene of loss and agony. And yet all of that is turned into surprise, transformation and joy as some of his followers discover the empty tomb on that first Easter morn and Mary Magdalene’s weeping is turned into tears of relief and joy through her encounter with the risen Jesus in the garden.

We began 2021 with quite a lot of fear and foreboding. Christmas rules and plans had been changed at the last minute, the numbers of Covid cases were high and there was great trepidation about the schools returning after the Christmas holidays. As a result, we entered a third national lockdown on 6 January – hardly the way we would choose to celebrate the Epiphany, and more about darkness than light. But there was a significant difference with this lockdown in that churches could remain open for services as well as continuing to be available for private prayer. The approach we took was to continue to offer an additional service at 5 pm on a Saturday evening as well as our 8 am and 9.30 am Sunday services and this worked well in terms of achieving similar numbers at each

MINUTES OF THE 2022 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (continued)

to spread the load and maintain good social distancing and greater reassurance for those attending. These services in church were supplemented by a weekly online service broadcast at 9.30 am for those unable to attend in person and were hugely appreciated by members of our congregation and by considerable numbers of people from further afield who worshipped with us in this way. And this was the pattern that took us through the first part of the year, until we reached Easter Day and began to offer our main Sunday morning service outside on the lawn. I can still remember the joy at being able to worship in the sunshine, relaxed and joyful, belting out Thine be the glory and feeling a few tears welling up. It had been a tough first quarter and yet we had got through it by genuine care of each other, some resilience and patience and the hard work, skill and commitment of many who had helped to make our services online and in person happen. Our fear and sadness were indeed turned to joy.

They say that with threats sometimes come opportunities and whilst many things were having to be done in very different ways, and not always in a form we would really have chosen or wanted, there were opportunities to try new things, to experiment, to be bold and creative. The churchyard came to the fore in this – becoming the venue for Forest Tots with different trees for gathering, for saying sorry, for praising and thanking on the Forest Tots trail, happy house teepees and bug hotels. There were sculptures and pictures to inspire from Charlie Mackesy’s book ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ as well as Winnie the Pooh. The avenue of trees became a gallery for Stations of the Cross and then Stations of the Resurrection. The church lawn became our church at 9.30 am and our own singing added to by the descants of blackbirds and the odd bass note of motorbikes! Our meetings, including a Lent course were on Zoom and we shared in the community responses to Covid with prescription deliveries, shopping and pastoral phone calls and doorsteps visits. I was part of a team that conducted 4,500 swabs and lateral flow tests in a local secondary school to try and keep staff, pupils and families safe. I was also privileged to be able to share a Thought for the Week on the weekly Community Call and the first half of these were later published as a booklet of ‘Minister’s Musings’. (Be warned – the other half of these will soon be out as ‘More Minister’s Musings’). In these and other ways, we were adapting and creating and serving. New life was emerging from the fear and difficulties we had faced.

And the third of those resurrection themes is that of sharing Good News. As we did these things, we were able to come alongside others and live out our faith. We were so encouraged that new people were joining us at Forest Tots and at our services inside and outside. Covid was asking questions of us all about our lifestyle and priorities and what really mattered and questions of faith were important and relevant in all of this. It has been especially encouraging that many of those who were new to St Mary’s during last year are now a settled and established part of our church family and we give thanks to God for that and for them.

So, three things – fear turned to joy, new life and sharing our faith with others. Even in the challenges of last year and I don’t make light of those at all – it was very hard at times

MINUTES OF THE 2022 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (continued)

both individually and corporately – even as we faced some hard times, God has blessed us and guided us.

I want now to say a little bit more in terms of some specific areas of church life. And inevitably, in doing so, there will be very precious and valued things that are not mentioned but are nonetheless incredibly important to the life of St Mary’s. Please know that these things, and those who are involved with them and make them happen, are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

At the core of my ministry, and any ministry, must be prayer and, as well as times of personal prayer and reflection, this is undergirded by the weekday services of Morning and Evening Prayer. These continue to be the beating heart of life at St Mary’s supporting all we do day by day and I am so grateful to the loyal group of people who gather and share in these services.

Our Sunday 8 o’clockers are a committed congregation who value the quiet and prayerful start to Sunday mornings, as do I. It has been good to see one or two new people join us for this service as well as gradually welcoming back more and more of the regular congregation as the year unfolded.

Our 9.30 am service has taken some twists and turns during the last year. Firstly, replicated at 5 pm on a Saturday evening as I have already mentioned and then we stopped the 5 pm service at Easter as we went outside for the 9.30 am whenever the weather allowed. There were a few Sundays when we were rained off and had to opt for the online service in our homes but thankfully not so many. And those occasions, served to remind us of the fact that there is no substitute for being together in person for worship and fellowship but also how much we owe a debt of gratitude to the team preparing, filming and editing the online services. These continued to be of a very high standard and we were touched to receive many messages of appreciation and thanks. We celebrated outside for the last time at our Patronal Festival and then was the time to return to indoor services at 9.30 am for the remainder of the year. As we did this, we took the opportunity for the choir to return to singing in person and to reinstate Junior Church for our younger worshippers. Our thanks to all who have been involved in both of these areas of church life. It was also the moment to take stock in terms of our online offerings and we decided to make these a monthly broadcast for the Autumn period. It was a question of not losing our online presence or the skills we had developed gradually being underused and forgotten, whilst at the same time not spreading ourselves too thin as we focused our time and energy on building back up other areas of church life. This middle way seems to have worked pretty well – we are Anglicans after all!

Unsurprisingly, baptisms have been rather unevenly distributed across the year due to Covid but despite the challenges, we continue to host a good number of baptisms at St Mary’s and the majority of these are held on a Sunday at 11.15 am. This wouldn’t be possible without our baptism team who welcome the visitors to these services and assist in the smooth running of the service. We have been very pleased to continue to give each

MINUTES OF THE 2022 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (continued)

child baptized at St Mary’s a hand knitted teddy from the Mothers’ Union and a welcome pack inviting them to various groups and activities for children and families here as we seek to make greater connections in these areas of ministry.

Central to our life at St Mary’s is the worship we offer to God and we continue to be blessed and grateful for generous involvement and gifted ministry of members of our Wider Ministry Team. Once again, I want to place on record our sincere thanks and appreciation to Bishop Robin and Lois, Kay and Ailsa following her licensing in September in the Abbey. For our Lay Leaders of Worship, David Forbes and Sue May, opportunities have been significantly reduced due to the pattern of services on offer last year but we thank you for your patient understanding in that and record our thanks for the valued contributions you have made online and in person when opportunities have been forthcoming.

Our ecumenical relationships continue to be important to us and Fr Stephane Maikovsky and the Russian Orthodox congregation are truly grateful for their services at St Mary’s, as are we for them. In September, the Revd Stuart Dyer from Redbourn Methodist Church took up the chairing of Churches Together in Redbourn and his wife Chris became the secretary. This gives me the opportunity to publicly thank Grace Sawyer who has been a central part of Churches Together over so many years and given unstinting service, commitment and creativity to our shared activities and services with our Methodist and Roman Catholic friends. Thank you, Grace, we are profoundly grateful. Some highlights from the past year include a shared Lent course on Holy Habits which went surprisingly well given that we were doing it via Zoom and we were able to share together in the Walk of Witness on Good Friday which had an added power and poignancy given all that we had faced in the first part of 2021.

Lastly, we continue to commit time, energy and resources to the way in which we keep the seasons of Lent and Advent. These are important times liturgically but also spiritually as we seek to deepen our relationship with God. On Tuesday evenings in Advent, we had a series of addresses based on ‘The Four Last Things – Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell’ and each was followed by the quiet service of Compline sung to ancient plainsong tones.

The Mothers’ Union exists to support marriage and family life and I would like to pay tribute to the members of the committee who worked really hard in 2021 in challenging conditions to continue our monthly services when we could and latterly to enjoy visiting speakers when this became possible to resume. One of the many impressive aspects of the MU is the superb care and support offered to its members – in times of illness, as well as birthdays, wedding anniversaries and other celebrations and this has been tirelessly offered in the past year.

Our care is also expressed in our work maintaining our church and churchyard and I place on record our sincere thanks to the churchwardens and deputy churchwardens, to David Swift and churchyard team and those involved in the sacristy work and flower arranging. We were notified that our current architect was coming towards retirement and after

MINUTES OF THE 2022 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (continued)

an extensive process of research and an interview and presentation, we were pleased to appoint Matthew Stevens as our Quinquennial Inspecting Architect. He carried out his first inspection of the building at the end of November and one task for this coming year will be respond to the works arising from that inspection whilst at the same time looking at other fabric issues and the steps we need to take to become carbon net zero.

Our pastoral visiting team has struggled a bit with difficult conditions to try and carry out visits in person and with some members of the team stepping down or moving away. I am pleased to say that we have recruited and trained some new members of the team in the latter part of the year and into 2022 and we are now on a stronger footing to take this important ministry forward. We record our thanks to Ian and Sue Ashton who have led the team with commitment and patience during a testing time. We were pleased to resume monthly communions to New Forge Place, Woollams and St Matthew’s and this face-to-face contact has been invaluable for our outreach and pastoral ministry. It was such a joy to see Coffee on the Common resume at the start of June after a long absence and this now runs on the Common in the pavilion Monday to Wednesday and off the Common in the Village Hall on Thursdays. This ministry has always been about so much more than the coffee being served and the money it raises for the church, and the friendship and social contact have been incredibly precious after long periods of isolation for many.

Part of the privilege and responsibility of being the Parish Church for the people of Redbourn is the conducting of occasional offices at some key moments for families. This ministry has been thwarted at time in 2021 when varying restrictions were in place but notwithstanding these there were 12 baptisms, and 6 weddings at St Mary’s during the year. It is always a joy to welcome families, guests and friends to share in these important occasions.

It has been another sad year for deaths and 20 funerals or memorial services were conducted during the year. We have entrusted into the care and keeping of God some cherished members of our church family and wider community, among them: Janet Godly, Heather Stanley, Marian Titchmarsh, Mick Sweet and David Pepper. I am reminded once again that sadly it’s often only when somebody dies and a eulogy is being prepared or offered that we come to know what an interesting life this person had and how we wished we’d known all this about them when they were alive. For others, we knew very well what amazing people they were and, to return to our Easter reflections for a moment, our deep sense of loss is tempered only by the hope and victory that is ours, and theirs, in the Risen Christ.

Our main charity focus for 2021 continued with the project called ‘Pumps for Mpwapwa’ which we began in 2020, seeking to pioneer a solar-powered water pumping and irrigation system in a village in Mpwapwa, Tanzania where we have longstanding and valued links. The original hope was that St Mary’s would raise about half of the money with the rest coming from grants or a matched funding scheme. During the early part of the year, it became apparent that neither was likely to be forthcoming and so we set about raising as much of the £40k as we could.

MINUTES OF THE 2022 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (continued)

Through events and activities including the amazing St Mary’s Arts Festival weekend and Eight Seasons concert, a Christmas Crafts sale, a crowdfunding campaign, several classical concerts from Quartet Camerata, sales of the book ‘A Minister’s Musings’, a wonderful Lockdown Live concert via Zoom, Virtual Beer & Carols in 2020 and 2021 and many generous individual donations, the whole sum was raised to enable this project to go ahead.

We continue to support a local Food Bank by collecting tinned foods and dry goods regularly, which has been greatly appreciated following the financial pressures on many households during Covid and the prevailing economic conditions. A second Christmas Hamper Scheme was run in December 2021 to offer festive food hampers, fuel top-ups and modest Christmas presents to 57 households (125 adults and 110 children) suffering from hardship – either long-term or resulting from the pandemic. We continue to explore ways that we can build on this work in partnership with other village organisations so that our support and care can be offered more evenly right round the year.

This area of work is one of 11 that we have identified as a church to make a priority focus in 2022. Whilst it is probably not the right time for a wholesale revision of our Mission Action Plan, or a brand new one, there are important areas that need our focussed attention and effort as we start or re-start pieces of work following the pandemic.

From fear to joy, new life and sharing Good News, there is so much in our shared life to give thanks to God for in the past year, signs of new life, faithfulness, vibrancy and vitality in our activities and in our worship and it continues to be a great privilege to share in all of this as your Vicar. Thank you.

Will gave a special mention to Jan Lang who is our Safeguarding Officer. The Chairman gave a vote of thanks to Will for the care and commitment he has given to our members and to the Parish as a whole during another difficult year.

8) Election of Representatives to the PCC

Nominee Proposed by Seconded by
Lesley Poulton David Forbes Kay Vernon
Stephen Gell Paul Vernon Ailsa Hulme
Liz Middleton David Walker Ailsa Hulme
David Walker David Forbes Sue May
Andy Ford Sue May Jim May
The above were elected en bloc.
Proposed By:David Forbes Seconded by:Kay Vernon Passed:Nem Con

MINUTES OF THE 2022 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (continued)

9) Appointment of Sidespersons

The Full list was included in the booklet and approved as drawn. Catharine Pusey mentioned how important the Sidespersons’ role is and asked for more volunteers.

Proposed by: Paul Vernon

Seconded by: Stephen Gell Passed: Nem Con

10) Appointment of Independent Examiner

Ruth Hughes kindly agreed to carry on with this important function for a further year. We are very grateful to her for all she does and for the support she gives to the Treasurer.

11) Lay Co-Chairman’s Closing Remarks

Keith thanked Will and his ministerial team on behalf of all the members for their work during the year, made so much more difficult by Covid. Covid has affected so many, and is likely to continue for a long time yet. Keith made particular reference to the following and the continuing challenges:-

Singing So many varied productions and needs to cover the on-line
challenges
Coffee on the Common Still maintaining a vibrant and necessary outreach for the last 12
years
Bell Ringers Our Champions! and now able to return to their tower
Hampers Revealed the amount of need and deprivation in our village
Pumps for Mpwapwa Amazing results and creative solutions
Churches Together Showed many common challenges from all places of worship
Churchyard Has been a blessing throughout the year, providing an outside
venue for both services and for our tiny young people
Ukraine How do we respond?
Communication Coping with the media challenge
Day Centre Finally able to restart, and with a change of leadership
Friends of St Mary’s Platform for involving all the Redbourn Community
Housing The plans for the considerable expansion of housing will present a
challenge all of its own

Keith McAdam announced that he would be standing down as Lay Co-Chairman after ten years of loyal service. He wished Will good luck with his sabbatical, if he can find the opportunity to fit it in! Will thanked Keith for all he has done and is doing for St Mary’s.

There being no further business, the meeting closed with the Grace at 9.30 pm.

ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT – APRIL 2023

The Electoral Roll has been revised this year in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

Jim May – Electoral Roll Officer

REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2022/2023

The elected period of the Parochial Church Council runs from April to April each year. And any statistics mentioned refer to those dates. At the time of writing, the final meeting of the PCC for the year has been moved, so the statistics do not include the final meeting.

The Full PCC has met for eight times during the year, all in person – farewell to ZOOM.

Those on the Council are:The Chairman The Vicar until his leaving date The Lay Co-Chairman Michelle Parry-Slater Churchwardens Paul Vernon and Michelle Parry-Slater Deputy Churchwardens Stephen Gell and Catharine Pusey Licensed Readers Kay Vernon and Ailsa Hulme Deanery Synod Jim May (Deanery Lay Co-Chairman) Sue May (Secretary) John Davie, Ailsa Hulme Stewardship Committee Chairman - Andy Ford Plus elected members of the PCC

Record of members’ attendances at meetings:-

The Vicar 2/2 (until his leaving date) Sue May 7/7
Deni Ennals 5/7 David Mitchell 3/7
Daphne 1/7 Keith McAdam 5/7
Fisher
Celia Forbes 7/7 Liz Middleton 6/7
David Forbes 7/7 Lesley Poulton 7/7
Andy Ford 5/7 Catharine Pusey 6/7
Stephen Gell 6/7 Michelle Parry-Slater 5/7
Sarah Hill 6/7 Kay Vernon 7/7
John Davie 2/7 Paul Vernon 7/7
Ailsa Hulme 5/7 David Walker 7/7
Jim May 7/7 Mike Wood 5/7

Ill health has prevented attendance at meetings: Ralph Goold, Julia Murphy, Clive Williams

REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2022/2023 (continued)

Offices held by members during the year:

Lay Co-Chairman Michelle Parry-Slater
Stewardship Chairman Andy Ford
Ancillary Buildings Jim May
Churchyard David Swift (Non PCC member)
Charitable Finance Stephen Gell
Youth Work Ailsa Hulme
Treasurer Mike Wood
PCC Secretary Celia Forbes

Not very far into the year our Vicar, Revd. Will Gibbs, broke the news that he had applied for and been awarded a new position at St Albans Abbey. We faced a year at least of an interregnum after he left in September. It has been a challenging year for our excellent Churchwardens who have worked incredibly hard to keep the St Mary’s ship running very smoothly through sometimes choppy waters. We owe them a real debt of gratitude that St Mary’s has functioned so well, keeping all the usual services going and arranging for clergy and others throughout the vacancy. We also are most grateful to Bishop Robin for all he is doing in what has been a personally challenging time for him.

Our Choir has flourished, despite the departure of its Choirmaster and Organist. Paul Vernon and Stephen Boffey have covered the empty roles, and we have been delighted to welcome Helen Putterill to lead the children’s choir.

Coffee on and off the Common continues to flourish under Sue May’s organisation and also brings in a little profit to St Mary’s. It provides an excellent forum for so many during the week to meet and chat in a warm place. Not only do we have a regular clientele of, shall I say, pensioners, but also a regular attendance of new mums, babies and toddlers.

Our Churchyard is being kept in impeccable order by David Swift, his Churchyard team, and the regular attendance of the Community Payback Team – thank you to all.

Our on-line presence continues to flourish under Kate Ford’s management and we are grateful to her for keeping our presence to the fore. Our PCC minutes are always published on our website, as well as being displayed in the south porch.

St Mary’s would not function as well as it does without the dedicated commitment of so many throughout the year – you know who you are, and we are indebted to you.

Celia Forbes - Secretary to the PCC

REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE WHEATHAMPSTEAD DEANERY SYNOD

Our Deanery comprises the following churches:

Flamstead St Leonard Harpenden St Nicholas, All Saints, St Mary’s Kinsbourne Green, St John Southdown Kimpton St Peter & St Paul, St Lawrence Ayot St Lawrence Markyate St John the Baptist Redbourn St Mary Sandridge St Leonard Wheathampstead St Helen, St Peter Gustard Wood

Three meetings were held. The first, in March, at St Leonard’s Church, Sandridge, included a review of ‘Living in Love and Faith’ led by the Revd Will Gibbs and a presentation by the new Diocesan Secretary, David White.

The second meeting was in July at St Peter & St Paul, Kimpton, where we received a presentation from Revd Jo Burke, in her role as chair of the Diocesan Racial Justice Action Group.

The third, in November at St John’s Church, Harpenden, featured a round table discussion entitled ‘Working Together as a Deanery’, looking at what can we do better together, and we will be looking at ways in which we might do this in the coming months.

Deanery services were held on Ascension Day and in October.

Sue May – Deanery Secretary, 28 February 2023

THE ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022 – see separate booklet

REPORT ON THE FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS

Following the Quinquennial Inspection carried out by our inspecting architect, MDP, in November 2021, we received their report in April 2022. In the summer, the PCC instructed the architect to proceed with a costed specification, which we were still awaiting as at the end of December 2022. It is to be hoped that work may commence during 2023. In May 2022, we had an energy-audit carried out by ESOS. The report of their findings landed on our doormat within a few days of the on-site inspection. However, other things have rather taken over, and sadly we have made little progress (as at December 2022) with the report or any of its recommendations. We hope we will be able to make progress on this in 2023. One way to expedite this would be to appoint someone on the PCC to be ECO Church lead.

The one main improvement we have brought about that should reduce our consumption of carbon-based fuels was to improve our heating controls in both church and transept.

REPORT ON THE FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS (continued)

We have always had two boilers (one for the church, one for the transept), but both had to be controlled by going on-site and setting the schedule. We have now replaced the controllers, so both boilers can be remotely managed and we set a week’s schedule at the time. It is now much easier to respond to last-minute changes and cancellations in the use of the buildings. The best part though is that the transept is now in three zones, each of which can be managed independently; thus for example the Upper Room can be kept unheated, whilst the Hall is warm.

We have also replaced the system pump that is located in the lower vestry. The rather noisy pump was clearly on its last legs, and has been replaced by a much quieter pump, that will switch off when the boiler does not need it to pump water around, unlike the old one which wasted electricity by running continuously.

Gutters, roof alarm, fire extinguishers, boilers have all received their annual checks.

As always, we are grateful to the faithful support of the Friends of St Marys and other fundraising efforts such as Classics on the Common. Without this support, our building and churchyard would struggle to be such a beautiful asset to both the worshipping community and the village at large.

Paul Vernon – Churchwarden, March 2023

MINISTRY AND WITNESS OF THE CHURCH THROUGHOUT 2022

It has been a big year for St Mary’s. Certainly when I took on the role of Churchwarden and Lay Chair of the PCC this time last year I had not imagined what God had in store for us all. January to the APCM 2022 ran regularly as planned, with Epiphany through to our usual Lent programme and into Easter. The time was dominated with discussions around how best to come out of Covid and create our ‘new normal’ as we headed into the first more ‘normalised’ year for some time.

It wasn’t long after last year’s APCM that our Vicar, Will, shared the news that he and Claire, along with Olivia, Darcy and the dogs would be moving on after 16 years in Redbourn. His one big last hurrah was the wonderful Holiday Club that returned in July for the first time since the pandemic. We welcomed 48 children supported by a large group of volunteers who all enjoyed exploring science, under the name of Wonder Zone. Rounding off the week was a superb summer service to bid Will and family a fond farewell.

As Will headed off on an extended summer break before taking up his new role, the volunteer work began to pick up the vicar void. Huge credit to Paul Vernon for taking on so much responsibility during the Vacancy. We are all indebted to his dedication and service. Additionally our Deputy Churchwardens, Catharine Pusey and Stephen Gell too for stepping in to do so much more, not least sharing the unlocking and locking of our beautiful building day by day. Plus our wonderful Wendy Cruickshank, Parish Administrator, who has quietly and steadily got on with her role, taking on so much more than she is ever paid for. We see you Wendy quietly working with dedication in the background, and we appreciate you, and Declan Murphy our cleaner too.

MINISTRY AND WITNESS OF THE CHURCH THROUGHOUT 2022 (continued)

The death of Queen Elizabeth added to unexpected workload for volunteers, as we headed into the vacancy proper following Will being installed as Canon for Mission and Pastoral Care in St Albans Cathedral on 10th September. At the same time as setting up the condolence book for St Mary’s to take a central position in village life over the period of national mourning for the Queen, we also enjoyed a lovely patronal festival led for us by Diane Clark. We have been blessed with so many marvellous visiting priests, who have added a depth of interest to our services which has been a joy to behold. Amongst all the visiting clergy, we remain particularly fond and grateful to our ‘home team’ of Bishop Robin, Ailsa Hulme, Kay Vernon, David Forbes and Sue May for all pulling more than their combined weight during the vacancy. Ministerial life has not stopped despite having no Minister. We enjoyed a summer full of outside services including Hymns and Pimms, our patronal, which led us back inside for Harvest and then on towards the full array of Christmas services, including Beer and Carols.

That home team spreads beyond the Ministry Team. A Church does not exist only in a building and the worship that takes place in that building. Church is people and there are so many people who have kept this building running, the services happening and the people connected to each other and this place. Our Parish Profile, designed by Kate Ford, is a wonderful testament to the vibrancy and energy that is Church here at St Marys. We agreed on the parish profile at the end of the year, in preparation for advertising for our new Vicar.

It has, without a shadow of a doubt, been a full-on year. We haven’t always managed, as volunteers, to do everything. Some things are on pause awaiting our new Vicar joining, and that is fine; God isn’t in a hurry. One area which has somewhat floundered and that we need to address as a matter of urgency is children and youth ministry. Ailsa Hulme has led a strong but depleted team of volunteers in youth ministry however it is not her role ongoing plus we have not seen families return after Covid as their habits and commitments have changed.

It is fair to say that this year hasn’t been without its challenges. Finances have been one to watch closely, as we all know from our own homes and lives, due to the huge leap in the cost of living, including fuel prices. We also have increased costs due to the vacancy. Consequently this has caused the unfortunate circumstances with standing down our former organist, a situation which has dominated a lot of the landscape behind the scenes.

Also sadly we have lost several significant and long standing members of our own congregation as they have passed away. Two of these deaths were sudden children deaths, which have meant that many of us have travelled through the valley of the shadow of death with the families of all these people during this year. We hold them all dearly in our hearts. These many deaths have seen the load on our Pastoral Visiting Team, led by Ian Ashton, significantly increase over the year, and they have performed marvellously.

We rounded out the year with a look at our building’s history through the production ‘If These Stones Could Speak’. Showcasing our choir, alongside their preparation for the usual increase of singing for Advent and Christmas, this was all professionally executed whilst the choir were also navigating new waters of being self-led with volunteers.

MINISTRY AND WITNESS OF THE CHURCH THROUGHOUT 2022 (continued)

All in all, it has been a year with tremendous blessings and we should celebrate all that has been achieved here in God’s name. God loves us as we try our best to spin all the right plates in the right order and to keep the lights on. We have much to be thankful for, and an interesting, exciting year ahead as we prepare to welcome our new Vicar, Rachel Wakefield, her husband Martin, daughter Phoebe and son Benjamin – but that is a sneak peak into the 2023 APCM report!

Michelle Parry-Slater – Churchwarden & PCC Lay Chair, March 2023

SAFEGUARDING

Period covered: 1 January 2022– 31 December 2022

The new Learning and Practice Guidance 2021 came into force in January 2022. There is a national requirement for all dioceses to ensure healthy safeguarding practice, responding well to victims and survivors of abuse in the church context.

The Bishop of St. Albans set minimum requirements for safeguarding training using the new Learning and Development Framework.

St. Mary’s aimed to meet these requirements: the main targets being to renew DBS checks and refresh training – both now required every 3 years instead of every 5. As we progressed through the year, we resumed some activities previously suspended due to the pandemic: therefore, more volunteers needed to complete their training.

Summary of progress in 2022

Safeguarding issues have been embraced and recognised as central to our activities at St. Mary’s. As PSO, I am satisfied that the PCC has complied with its duty to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance in relation to safeguarding. Safeguarding alerts made to the PSO have been reported to the Diocesan Safeguarding Lead.

Janet Lang – Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO)

STEWARDSHIP

At the start of the year the Stewardship Committee was still effectively mothballed due to COVID and the slow recovery from the Pandemic. Just before Rev’d Will left, he asked me to re-form the Stewardship Committee and so in September 2022 we did so. I am very grateful to the members of the committee that have agreed to share their wisdom and energy on this important area of Church Life.

Giving

The initial decision of the committee was not to undertake any major focus on giving during the interregnum. It was felt that you need to have a vicar in post to guide a major giving campaign. This is certainly what is needed, but we will have to wait for the appointment and arrival of a new vicar to undertake this.

We were able to pay our full Parish Share of c. £125,000 in full however, this was not through planned giving alone and the church had to rely on some of its other income to be able to fulfil this pledge. All this said, we should be thankful (and probably need to give thanks publicly more often!) for the gifts that people give regularly towards the work of St Mary’s through our planned giving and one-off donations.

In the new year we plan to focus more heavily on giving and preparing for the arrival of a new vicar, so we are in a strong position to launch a giving campaign as soon as they feel ready for that process.

Other forms of Stewardship

Whilst the money we collect as a church is phenomenally important and should be this committee’s priority and pride, we also recognise that members of our community “give” to St Mary’s in other ways.During the first months of the interregnum, we have been so fortunate to have the talents and abilities of so many within our congregation to benefit from whilst we have no priest. These gifts should not be taken lightly and we must be thankful for all who are giving of their talents to keep the church continuing its core job of worship, mission and welcome during this time.

Andy Ford – Chairman

ANCILLARY BUILDINGS SUB-COMMITTEE

It was a quiet year for the committee, with only one meeting, at which sample tiles for the Transept roof were reviewed. It is hoped that the re-roofing can be carried out in the summer of 2023.

The Old Church Hall continues to be rented out to an ongoing tenant.

The Vicarage Cottage was vacated in mid-November 2021. Further renovations to tackle the ongoing dampness were completed in the spring and the property was re-let to a new tenant in April.

In September 2022, we received a claim from the previous tenant stating that we had failed to carry out these renovations while she was still in residence. We have provided a vigorous defence to her claim. The matter will be resolved by the Watford County Court, hopefully in July 2023.

Jim May – Chairman

TEXTILE GROUP

Work continues on the canvas cushions for the chairs either side of the screen and the chair in the Lady Chapel.

Altar cloths for the Lady Chapel and St John’s Chapel have begun. They are in purple and dark blue and will tone in with the altar cloth used in the main altar.

We continue to meet on the 2[nd] and 4[th] Tuesday afternoons and welcome new members. We would like another hand stitcher.

Barbara Corbett – Co-ordinator

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

After an initial exercise to contact the recently bereaved to offer support a few weeks after a funeral at St Mary’s, the Bereavement Support Group has more recently operated reactively on receipt of any inquiries. From an opening team of two clergy and four supporters, we have become, since the vacancy, a team of two.

In each of the past two years, only one person has asked for support and in both cases the funeral did not take place at St Mary’s and neither family, at that time, had a connection with Redbourn. We remain open to inquiries and look forward to learning the views and plans for support when our new incumbent is settled.

Catharine Pusey – Co-ordinator

PASTORAL VISITING TEAM

After the early covid period reduced our visitor numbers dramatically, Will Gibbs was able to train up five new candidates in early 2022, one of whom then withdrew. Then, of course, our leader Will himself left us. So we are at present a team of six, regularly visiting sixteen people and maintaining contact with a further six. We now look forward to our new vicar joining and leading us in our further development.

Ian Ashton – Co-ordinator

SPOTLIGHT (small groups)

Our Spotlight group has continued to meet during this last year in term time. We meet in one another’s homes, sometimes sharing a meal together, and aim to encourage and support one another’s faith journey in a challenging world, through our friendship and sharing. Our focus varies from Biblical text often with the help of art and poetry, using the ‘Mapping’ reflections from the Diocese of Norwich. Since 2011 a number of the congregation and those from other Redbourn Churches have been involved in Spotlight small groups. Now is a strategic opportunity to reassess the role of small groups in the life of the Church and to reconsider what shape/focus these could take.

Penny McAdam

THE CHARITABLE FINANCE COMMITTEE (CFC)

This year we have welcomed to the Committee Hilary Brown, who has moved to Redbourn from Norfolk. We are most grateful to her for taking on the vital role of managing our finances.

On February 13[th] Simon Pusey gave an organ recital as a one-off event in aid of the Beacon School in Ghana.

Our 2022 appeal in favour of Emmaus St. Albans began on February the 22[nd] when Heather Hurford addressed the 9.30 congregation. This was followed up on Sunday the 22[nd] May with the showing of a video which included interviews with Emmaus ‘companions’.

We are indebted to the many people who organised events on behalf of our appeal including the Sonorité Saxophone Quartet, the Nelders for their collection at Open Gardens Weekend, Quartet Camerata, Janet Biggs for her sale of jewellery and Rosanna Milner and Simon Pusey for their recital.

In June ‘Hymns and Pimms’, held in front of The Cricketers, was compered by Will and accompanied by David Beaman. David was to return to The Cricketers in December to accompany ‘Beer and Carols’ which took place in the upstairs room and was hosted by Andy Ford.

In October we welcomed David Gibbs, Head of Music at Kimbolton School, who provided an improvised a virtuosic organ accompaniment to the 1925 film ‘Phantom of the Opera’.

The most ambitious event of the year was ‘If these stones could speak’, a dramatic and musical celebration of 900 years of St Mary’s Church, which took place on November 18[th] and 19th and was directed by David Walker. Special thanks go to the actors from Redbourn Players, to David Howell for his entertaining script and to St Mary’s Choir. The performances were complemented by an open afternoon on the 19[th] which included guided tours of Redbourn, a peal of bells with a video relay into the back of the Church, a display of historic photos of Redbourn and refreshments.

Our appeal in aid of Emmaus culminated with a return visit from Heather Hurford on January 29[th] 2023 to accept our donation of £11,888.

Stephen Gell – CFC Secretary

LAY LEADERS OF WORSHIP

During the vacancy, the two LLWs (Sue May and David Forbes) have been involved in Ministerial Meetings to assist in planning for Services which has meant a greater involvement in the worshipping life of St Marys.

The team has offered evening services in Lent, and been involved in leading other Services such as Remembrance Day Services and a Taizé Remembrance Service on All Souls.

We have also been very much involved in taking Holy Communion to New Forge Place, Woollams and St Matthews as well as to people’s homes.

We look forward to being joined in 2023 by Lesley Poulton as she begins her LLW training in April.

CHURCHYARD

We have been very fortunate indeed to have the services of the Community Payback Team over the last year. They have done sterling work in bringing parts of the Churchyard to life again which have been neglected (despite the valiant efforts of our team of volunteers). They seem to enjoy the work (as much as is possible in the circumstances), partly due to the fact that it is private land away from the public, and partly as they are in the open (even in bad weather!). Unfortunately, due to a shortage of supervisors, they are only able to attend fortnightly now. Nevertheless, it is a huge help to our volunteers. It does mean, however, that the usual request for more volunteers is now even more urgent.

Approximately £3500 has been spent on removal of a dead Beech tree and pollarding the limes. However, money was saved through the Payback team collecting the branches and residents being made aware that they could collect them for plants etc.

Michael Weir has done sterling work in keeping the main part of the grass cut with the tractors. David Swift has been a tower of strength in all aspects of keeping the churchyard looking splendid. This was particularly important when we held our Services in the open during the summer months and will continue to be throughout 2023.

BELL RINGING

The year started with the AGM returning to the ringing chamber and us all feeling that things were beginning to get back to normal. Service ringing and practice nights were still members only – we did not open our practice nights to visitors until much later in the year. We also continued to utilise sanitiser and face masks for the first quarter of the year.

The District Striking Competition was held on May 14[th] at Apsley. Ben, Rebecca, Joe, Pauline, Malcolm and Mary represented Redbourn and were placed third. Thanks to all for ringing.

The first weekend in June saw the celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II and all ringers took part in ringing during the 5 days of celebrations.

In July we bade farewell to our Vicar, Will Gibbs who had always supported ringing at Redbourn. We had a new tower photo taken with him and Ben presented him with a ‘sally’ draught excluder. We also rang a farewell quarter peal.

We had our annual outing in September, and all was set to go ahead on 17[th] visiting 6 towers in the Buckinghamshire area. Unfortunately the week before saw the sad death of HM Queen Elizabeth II and some of the towers we were due to visit cancelled as we were still in mourning and the towers either did not feel visiting ringing was appropriate or they did not have muffles to conform with the requirement for fully muffled ringing with the tenor open at backstroke. Therefore we went to 3 towers, visiting Aston Clinton and Chinnor in the morning, followed by Aston Rowant in the afternoon. All in all, it was a fantastic outing.

We marked the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II on the day of the announcement (Thursday 8[th] September). All that could, met at the tower and full muffles were fitted leaving only the tenor open at backstroke. We also joined the nation in ringing at 12 noon on Friday 9[th] September.

RINGING MASTERS REPORT (continued)

A quarter peal was also rung on Sunday 11[th] September to mark the proclamation of King Charles III. The muffles had to be removed for this. As we had previously thought the proclamation would be on Saturday, the muffles had been removed to ring in the afternoon, however it was not until Sunday and therefore the muffles were replaced for Sunday service ringing, removed for the quarter peal and then replaced again for 10 days of mourning. Special thanks go to Ben and Joe for the number of times the muffles went on and came off!!

November saw a wonderful production of ‘If the Stones could Speak, a collaboration between St Mary’s and Redbourn Players to tell the story of the history of St Marys. The sound and light production included a recording of the ringing from the day of the Queen’s death. On the Saturday afternoon there was a walk around historic Redbourn ending at the Church where there were several displays including a live stream of the bells being rung, shown on a screen by the font. Great interest was shown in the live-stream, and we hope we can use it again when there are events in the Church.

We hosted the District Meeting in December. The ringing room was very full in the afternoon, and our hot supper of chilli and rice proved extremely popular. Thanks to all those who worked very hard in the kitchen, in serving food and tea and setting out/clearing away furniture. It was great to get back to a normal version of a district meeting. Thanks also go to Ailsa for taking the service.

Ringing Progress:

There have been 6 Quarter Peals rung at Redbourn in 2022. 5 were rung by a local band (Queens Platinum Jubilee, Farewell to Will, Proclamation of King Charles, Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II and welcome to Amelia Libby Parrish). The other quarter peal was rung by a visiting band.

Liz Middleton – St Mary’s Ringing Master

TRANSEPT HALL

The Transept Hall and Upper Room have had quite a bit of use during the year, both by hirers and church groups. We lost three of our regular hirers but they have been replaced by new groups. Currently the hall is being used regularly by, yoga class groups, sign language classes, Wednesday Club formerly, Redbourn Day Centre, two worship groups, as well as there being many celebration parties and wakes.

The vacancy has thrown up a few cleaning and admin challenges but we have been working through these and expect to have resolved them within the next few months. In an endeavour to improve the quality of the facilities offered, in October we had all the floors professionally cleaned and where appropriate treated with a protective finish.

Hire fees remain the same but it is anticipated that these will need to be increased by the autumn of 2023, due to the increased heating and lighting costs as well as increased maintenance costs.

Wendy Cruickshank – Hall bookings admin

YOUTH WORK AT ST MARY’S

In 2022 we still struggled to attract Families back to Church after Covid. From having three groups at church pre Covid, we now have one group. So we continued to have a Junior Church in the Service ran by a dedicated but small team. We would like to record our thanks to Claire Gibbs who worked with the team for many years and her teaching experience, knowledge and common sense have been so beneficial to us all, plus she was always there when we were short staffed! We will miss her.

We again worshipped outdoors during the Summer but we took children to the Teddy Tots area at the back of the Transept so we could have an outside Junior Church which children enjoyed.

In July we ran a Holiday Club, Wonder Zone, it was a very exciting week based around the wonder of our Universe. This was for a smaller group of children but still 45, with a slightly shorter day and our thanks go to all the wonderful volunteers without whom it would not have run. This Holiday Club was the last event that the Reverend Will Gibbs was very much involved in, which was bitter sweet for us all. We cannot even put into words what Will has done for Children and Youth over the time he spent with us. He has been a mad scientist, robot, eco warrior, to name a few, using his scientific knowledge and practical skills to do and make exciting fun things in the Holiday Clubs aided and abetted by Curates and other members of the Team especially Paul and Kay Vernon joining in the creative Music. We would also like to thank Olivia and Darcy who grew up with the Holiday Club and even became Young Leaders and Leaders. Will Gibbs did not just fully embrace the Holiday Clubs but was also involved with all the Children based activities the Church offered. Watching Gospellers at a basketball match in Hemel, thoroughly enjoying time together as a group was one thing I recall, but thinking seriously about Scripture on other occasions, having Christmas dinner together, Christingles, joining family Breakfasts at Teddy Tots, the list has been endless and that does not involve the number of Baptisms, First Communions and Confirmations he prepared. We will miss his every present humour with children in whatever environment he was in, his upbeat tempo when things were difficult but always relating God’s word to our children in a memorable way. We will miss his strong presence and we know that he will be an asset to the Abbey and our love and prayers go with him and all his family.

In Vacancy we have continued to have one Junior Church activity each week. We ran a successful Christmas Club and had a beautiful Nativity which was enjoyed by children and adults alike. Kay Vernon also continued our Crib Services on Christmas Eve. We also managed to hold our first indoor Christingle in three years which was very well attended and a beautiful example of the Light of the World being amongst us. Our thanks go to the Rainbows and Brownies who worked hard to make all our Christingles and to our Volunteers who made the evening safe! Money was sent to the Children’s Society.

We have also had links with our Primary School as our Reader Kay was asked to go to their Harvest Service and they came to Church in December for two Services. We hope to continue and grow this relationship.

YOUTH WORK AT ST MARY’S (continued)

Junior choir also came back into Church and has been an asset to our Service.

I would like to thank all those who give up their time and talents to nurture our children in Christian values and also to those people who hold our groups and the children in their prayers, you are very much valued and appreciated.

Ailsa Hulme – Youth Co-ordinator

TEDDY TOTS

Jaffa cakes and sponge fingers with raisins are definitely the favourite snacks on a Friday, together with endless cups of coffee for mums who have been awake since 5am with little ones! (Other biscuits and beverages available). And so Teddy Tots continues to offer a safe, supportive environment for children and their carers, running from 10-11.30am every Friday during term time.

We have a wonderful Teddy Tots team: Penny McAdam, Pam Bellis, Sarah Hill and Kay Vernon.

In the Spring term we had fun exploring ‘What Jesus did’ and ‘The stories Jesus told’. Week by week we build up our Teddy Tots board in the hall with the children’s craft activities. Every week Pam is surrounded at the craft table by tots eager to get sticking and painting.

In the Summer term we focussed on ‘God gives new life’, and we built up a tableau of trees, flowers, birds, bees and butterflies. As summer progressed we added ladybirds, frogs, dragonflies, snails, spiders and worms. The children learned that all God’s creatures are equally valuable and loved, and we need to take care of them.

Having discovered the joy of being outside we have been eager to continue to incorporate elements of Forest Tots. When the weather has allowed we have gone outside to blow bubbles, sometimes watching them blow right over the church. We also developed a veggie garden, with the help of Chris Hill and David Swift. The children helped us to plant, water and harvest peas, beans, carrots, courgettes, tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries and brussel sprouts. Anglia in Bloom gave us an award for our efforts.

During the Autumn term we reflected our success by creating a board of growing vegetables with the title ‘God gives us food.’

It has been wonderful to welcome a new group of Teddy Tots mums and carers since September; in fact some Fridays we have been heaving with the numbers! As many as 30 babies and young children are welcomed each week, and we are gradually getting to know them. Some are mums returning with new little ones. What a delight to watch the babies start to crawl and then walk as they develop.

As well as the joys there are inevitably also the sorrows. 2022 saw the tragic deaths of two young children who had belonged to Teddy Tots. The families’ connection with the church through Teddy Tots has given them support through an awful time. We continue to explore ways in which we can stay in touch with our TT alumni and their families. Please pray for Teddy Tots and the families we support.

Teddy Tots Team

ST MARY’S CHURCH CHOIR

This was an eventful, challenging and successful year for the choir. As the UK significantly eased its Covid-related restrictions the choir was able to sing for indoor services, though remaining in the chancel and wearing masks except when singing. In response to pressure from choir members this regime was progressively eased for both rehearsals and services, allowing complete freedom from masks, though retaining the use of spaced seating in the chancel.

From Easter Day (17[th] April) until 4[th] September services were held outside, unless threatened by rain, and the choir’s live singing was amplified through the PA system. At times the choir was joined by an excellent live band, including guitar, cello, violin, keyboard, flute and drums. Hymns were usually accompanied by recordings previously made for online services – St Mary’s now has a vast library of such recordings.

Following the PCC’s decision that it could not afford to support the staffing costs of an organist and choirmaster, Jonathan Goodchild left his post in early September. A meeting of the Adult Choir and parents of Junior Choir members took place on 16[th] September to discuss the implications of Jonathan’s departure and the way forward. There was unanimous support, and great enthusiasm, for continuing to provide a full programme of high quality music, building on the considerable expertise of choir members. There was a commitment to collective decision-making and a rapid return to pre-Covid arrangements for rehearsals and services. It was also agreed to move Friday practices forward by half an hour, so the Junior Choir would start at 7.00pm and the adults would join them at 7.30, aiming to finish by 9.00pm. Paul Vernon and Stephen Boffey would share responsibility for playing the organ and conducting the main choir and Helen Putterill would be responsible for the Junior Choir. It was also agreed that we would discontinue the practice of bringing in extra singers on the day of ‘special’ services such as evensongs and carol services, since we have confidence in our own, hard-working choir members.

On that basis the choir has been able to put on a full programme of music for all 9.30am Sunday services. A Harvest Evensong was sung on 2 October, without any need to supplement the choir numbers; but It was decided to reduce the frequency of sung evensongs, in view of the generally small numbers in the congregation.

However, the choir was kept very busy for the rest of the year. Following a Taizé service on 6[th] November it made a major contribution to two performances of ‘If these stones could speak’ on 18[th] and 19[th] November (singing 11 choir items in each performance). On 27[th] November the choir joined forces with its counterpart in St Helen’s Church, Wheathampstead, to sing an Advent Carol service twice on the same day – once in St Helen’s and once in St Mary’s. The year was rounded off with the traditional ‘Lessons and Carols’ on 18[th] December and choir items at the Midnight Mass and morning service on Christmas Day.

ST MARY’S CHURCH CHOIR (continued)

It has been very pleasing to see that, in spite of the loss of our paid organist and choirmaster, choir numbers and quality of performance have been maintained. After 22 years of dedicated service to the choir, Rosalie Hayward decided to enjoy a thoroughlydeserved retirement. She will be greatly missed, but we are delighted that she will continue to join us as a member of the congregation. The Junior Choir has four members, all with good voices but, for various reasons, they are rarely all present for services. We have at least two regular adult choir members per voice part but are vulnerable to absences through illness or other commitments. Therefore a recruitment campaign is being planned and it is hoped this will yield dividends in 2023.

Although organ and conducting duties are shared, on a voluntary basis, by Paul Vernon and Stephen Boffey, we are very lucky that Paul has a wealth of experience as a church organist and director of music, and is a professionally qualified musician. He has therefore quickly taken on the lead role, with Stephen as a very willing and grateful deputy and administrator! However, being a Churchwarden during the vacancy has placed a huge load on Paul and he deserves our thanks for also playing such a key part in maintaining (and often extending) the quality of music at St Mary’s.

Stephen Boffey – Volunteer Deputy Organist and Choirmaster

‘COFFEE ON THE COMMON’ AND ‘COFFEE OFF THE COMMON’

‘ Coffee ON/OFF the Common’ continue to provide a valuable opportunity for people of all ages to meet and find friendship and a welcome in The Cricket Pavilion Monday to Wednesday mornings and in The Village Hall on Thursday morning. We are grateful to the Cricket Club and the Hall for enabling our venture to exist, as they both offer central and accessible locations.

The early part of the year saw us relocating on Monday to Wednesday, as the pavilion closed for nearly 3 months while the kitchen and toilet facilities were reordered. We now work in a much better facility with a catering kitchen and lovely new toilets.

I must record our huge thanks to Gordon Dickens, at The Hollybush, for enabling us to keep trading, by offering the Old School Room for our use during that time. It was really appreciated, and much loved as a venue by all our customers and volunteers!

In terms of volunteers, there has been some change this year. We welcomed Philippa Newey as a new recruit to ‘Coffee ON’ but lost Ros Mansell towards the end of the year. We are pleased to welcome back Amanda Stansfield, also to ‘Coffee ON’, after a break. We are still enjoying St Luke’s young people who come to us on a Tuesday morning, for work experience, under the great guidance of their teacher, Annette Harrison. It is a joy and a privilege to work alongside them.

I continue to be so grateful for my amazing team of volunteers, for both ON and OFF, whose endless hard work and commitment, and essential sense of humour, make it all possible!

Sue May – ‘ Coffee ON/OFF the Common’ Co-ordinator

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN REDBOURN

Again we did not engage in joint services at the beginning of the year, as they were historically 6.30 on a Sunday evening, and these services are not currently returning here in St Mary’s.

We did, however, have a hugely engaging Thursday evening Churches Together Lent series this year, entitled ‘Living the Parables’. This was to continue the programme that was started in Lent 2020, which had to be abandoned. Each Thursday evening saw an examination of one of 5 parables: the talents, the sower, the labourers in the vineyard, the shrewd steward, and the great dinner. The parables were explored in various ways, including art, music, discussion, and even courtroom drama!

The Walk of Witness took place this year, and our lovely Friday Lent Lunches in the Methodist Church, provided by the 3 churches, were as popular as ever. Collections from our Lent programme saw £500 sent to CAFOD. £250 of that went directly to their appeal for the floods in Pakistan.

About half way through the year, we were sorry to see the departure of Revd Stuart Dyer from the Methodist Church, together with his wife Chris. After a while, his place was filled by Revd Donna Fowler-Marchant, and an outreach worker, Robin McEwen. We look forward to working with them.

A decision was made, after many years, to stop the circulation of the Christmas and Easter cards. It was felt that people had a number of ways to source the information that they contained, and a concerted effort would be made to ensure that the information was made available on all social platforms. This decision was exacerbated by the fact that it has grown increasingly hard to get deliverers for all the roads.

Having taken a stall at last year’s Christmas Market, it was felt that we would be stretched as a group to take that on this year. We may revisit this in the future.

Plans for 2023 are already forming, so we look forward to continued collaboration in 2023.

Sue May – for Churches Together in Redbourn

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA

The website received 29,500 visits during the year. Our social media pages were busy and growing – we now have 694 followers on Facebook (up from 639 in 2021) and 390 followers on Twitter.

Kate Ford – communications

ST MARY’S MOTHERS UNION

January 2022 saw St Mary’s MU host the Annual Epiphany Ecumenical Carol Service when we welcomed friends from other Churches in the village and our fellow MU members from St Johns and St Nicholas Churches in Harpenden.

In February we held our AGM and were delighted that Peter Jewell accepted the invitation to become Treasurer for the ensuing year, initially. Our Bring and Buy raised the healthy sum of £100.

On 25[th] March. Revd Will led a Lady Day Service at St Mary’s and we welcomed MU members from Harpenden. On a glorious Spring Day four Branch members attended the Spring Sharing Day at Radlett.

We welcomed various speakers Big Seas and Big Skies in Orkney, Harpenden Money Advice Centre and a speaker on the theme – Transformation now!

At our meeting in June. Will dedicated the beautiful Banner made by the Textile group in memory of our late dear friend Betty Henry.

We attended a service at St Mary’s for the World Wide Wave of Prayer on the 23[rd] June. After our Service in July it was time to bid farewell to Will and together with our friends from Harpenden we marked the occasion in suitable manner. In wishing Will and his family well and thanking him for his years of dedication and encouragement to the branch, of which he was a member.

After the summer break in September 20 members spent an interesting and informative time at St Albans Cathedral with our superb guide for almost three hours. Our thanks to Redbourn Community Group for the use of the bus and to Clorinda for making the original booking.

The Prayer Book Society celebrated 50 years in October and on Sunday 9[th] the new Prayer books donated to the Church by the MU were used for the first time at the 8 am Communion Service. Thanks to Isobel and Damian Cranmer for the special breakfast they provided after the service.

In November Stephen Boffey and Paul Vernon thrilled us with the secrets of making St Mary’s on line services.

We completed our programme for the year with a selection of readings and carols chosen and presented by members. Our thanks to Bishop Robin and Gill Chapman. Sadly, at the end of the year, our very long time member, Connie Crawley died aged 97.

Our overall membership has fallen considerably over the last few years and at the renewal date in December we have only 22 members plus 1 Prayer Circle Friend.

We very much hope to host a special celebration in July 2023 to mark 130 years of St Mary’s MU.

Rosemary Woodhouse – Branch Contact

REDBOURN COMMON ROUND

Following the challenges of the 2020/21 Covid 19 lockdown, it was decided to ask the RCR subscribers to submit their annual subscription directly to the RCR Treasurer – rather than this be collected by the RCR street delivery teams. This change has explained why the number of copies printed each month has reduced to 800, most of these being for regular local orders, and some posted to addresses outside Redbourn.

There were 11 editions during the year, July and August being combined. The price is 80p per copy or £8 for the year (11 editions).

A meeting of the RCR Committee in 2022 approved the idea to offer the magazine as a printed version and also an online version , and details of how to receive these RCR options was published in the magazine. The plan is to introduce the online version of the RCR in 2023. The RCR Committee also agreed to create generic email addresses for the editorial, financial and distribution administrators. Kate Ford was very helpful in advising and being willing set-up these two initiatives.

Grace Sawyer continues to receive the copy for the magazine each month, and this is passed on to David Walker to provide layouts of the 29 editorial pages. Jim May and John Ridgwell are the printers. A team of street deliverers supply the magazines to the subscribers, and Tony Bartlett is responsible for organizing distribution. Tony has been very efficient in recruiting new volunteers as required. Jim May is the Treasurer and responsible for producing the Classified Advertisements.

The Redbourn churches continued to give monthly news and details of their services. A wide variety of village activities traditionally submit copy, and there is an open invitation to village organizations to do so. The Covid 19 pandemic and the lockdown restrictions meant that many events were postponed in 2020/21, but by 2022 the Redbourn organisations were operating again and contributed to the RCR once more. Happily, the articles on local, general or specialized interests continued to be submitted throughout the year and have created a varied content in the magazine.

It is our policy to deliver a complimentary copy of the magazine to all new residents.

Those responsible for the production and circulation of Common Round in 2022: Editor Will Gibbs – up to September 2022 Copy, and design layouts Grace Sawyer and David Walker Distribution Tony Bartlett Treasurer Jim May and Classified advertisements Printing Jim May and John Ridgwell

REDBOURN COMMON ROUND INCOME / EXPENDITURE STATEMENT 2022

Funds Brought Forward
[A]
CREDITS
Magazine Sales
Distributor and direct
Postal
Post Subscribers Post/pack contribution
Advertisement Sales
External Services Provided
TOTAL INCOME
[B]
DEBITS
Printing
Machine Rental
Stationery
Sundry Production Expenses
Distribution Expenses
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
[C]
NETT MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
[B] - [C]
TOTAL FUNDS
[E]= (A + B - C)
Transfer to PCC
[F]
FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
[G] = (E + F)
FUNDS SUMMARY
Current Account
at 31/12/22
Debtors
Creditors
Analysis of Debtors
2022 Copying invoiced in 2023
Analysis of Creditors
Machine usage 2022 paid in 2023
Copier click charges Oct to Dec 2022
2023 Magazine sales received in 2022
2023 Postal subs received in 2022
Stationery received and used in Dec 2022
2023 Advertising received in Dec 2022		 2022
2021
£7,838.02
£13,166.52
£5,418.60
£5,750.60
-6%
£140.00
£104.00
35%
£180.00
£156.00
15%
£4,485.99
£4,645.99
-3%
£381.88
£470.64
-19%
£10,606.47
£11,127.23
-5%
£5,255.25
£3,690.19
42%
£1,984.68
£1,955.11
2%
£1,000.76
£624.57
60%
£384.39
£0.00
£184.36
£185.86
-1%
£8,809.44
£6,455.73
36%
£1,797.03
£4,671.50
-62%
£9,635.05
£17,838.02
£0.00
£10,000.00
£9,635.05
£7,838.02
£12,213.32
£10,583.90
£235.30
£252.72
-£2,813.57
-£2,998.60
£9,635.05
£7,838.02
£235.30
£252.72
£0.00
£30.64
£1,026.92
£1,163.12
£1,699.00
£1,605.20
£20.00
£120.00
£67.65
£44.64
£0.00
£35.00
£2,813.57
£2,998.60		 2022
2021
£7,838.02
£13,166.52
£5,418.60
£5,750.60
-6%
£140.00
£104.00
35%
£180.00
£156.00
15%
£4,485.99
£4,645.99
-3%
£381.88
£470.64
-19%
£10,606.47
£11,127.23
-5%
£5,255.25
£3,690.19
42%
£1,984.68
£1,955.11
2%
£1,000.76
£624.57
60%
£384.39
£0.00
£184.36
£185.86
-1%
£8,809.44
£6,455.73
36%
£1,797.03
£4,671.50
-62%
£9,635.05
£17,838.02
£0.00
£10,000.00
£9,635.05
£7,838.02
£12,213.32
£10,583.90
£235.30
£252.72
-£2,813.57
-£2,998.60
£9,635.05
£7,838.02
£235.30
£252.72
£0.00
£30.64
£1,026.92
£1,163.12
£1,699.00
£1,605.20
£20.00
£120.00
£67.65
£44.64
£0.00
£35.00
£2,813.57
£2,998.60
£2,813.57 £2,998.60

Jim May – Treasurer February 2023

WEDNESDAY CLUB

After being closed for Covid, the Day Centre (as it was then still known as) restarted slowly. There were a maximum of 12 visitors and we met twice a month, finishing for the summer as usual in July.

During the break, now without the Rev Will Gibbs, the new leadership team and the team leaders looked at how things should best be run in the future. In September the newly named Wednesday Club began weekly with a maximum of 14 guests.

I am pleased to report that the autumn term was a success with only minor problems occurring.

We have a great team of volunteers, with each of the 5 teams bringing something stimulating and different to their sessions.

Ros Mansell – Team member

THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY, REDBOURN

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31[st] DECEMBER 2022

MARCH 2023

Charity No. 1130677

St Mary’s Church, Redbourn

Annual Report for 2022

Background:

St Mary’s PCC has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent, in promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish of Redbourn, the whole mission and ministry of the church, pastoral, social, evangelistic and ecumenical. It also has the responsibility for the care and maintenance of the church and ancillary buildings.

This report relates to the calendar year 2022 which is also the period covered by the church’s financial year.

Membership: For the year 2022
Incumbent: The Reverend Will Gibbs (Until September 2022)
Licensed Reader: Mrs Kay Vernon
Ms Ailsa Hulme
Churchwardens: Mrs Michelle Parry-Slater (Also Lay Co-Chair)
Mr Paul Vernon
Deputy Churchwardens: Mr Stephen Gell
Mrs Catharine Pusey
Diocesan Synod Member: Mr Jim May
Mr David Mitchell
Deanery Synod Members: Mr John Davie
Ms Ailsa Hulme
Mrs Sue May
Mrs Michelle Parry-Slater
Elected Members: The two Deputy Churchwardens
plus Mrs Deni Ennals
Mrs Daphne Fisher
Mrs Celia Forbes PCC Secretary
Mr David Forbes
Mr Andrew Ford
Mr Ralph Goold
Mrs Sarah Hill
Mrs Elizabeth Middleton
Mrs Julia Murphy
Mr Keith McAdam
Ms Lesley Poulton
Mr David Walker
Mr Clive Williams
Mr Michael Wood PCC Treasurer

Committees:

The PCC operates through several committees, which meet between full meetings of the PCC.

Standing Committee:

This is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council.

A ncillary Buildings Committee:

This committee deals with matters of upkeep, development and stewardship of all the buildings associated with St Mary Redbourn, other than that of the church itself.

1

Churchyard Committee:

Attends to matters concerning the care and upkeep of the churchyard and grounds.

Charitable Finance Committee:

This committee fosters, reviews and oversees the fundraising, charitable giving and relationships with the nominated charities to be supported by St Mary’s Church.

Stewardship Committee:

Considers how best to encourage the use of time, talents and finances in the service of God in this parish.

Youth Committee:

This committee enables the leaders of the various groups for younger members of the church to work closely together in our provision and care of this key age group in our fellowship.

Church Attendance:

There are currently 207 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll, of which 25 are not resident in the parish. St Mary’s seeks to meet the worshipping and spiritual needs of the congregation and community. St Mary’s offers a full range of services:- Sundays 8 am Communion service, 9.30 am Eucharist and Family Service, Wednesday Evening Communion Service, Mondays to Fridays Morning and Evening Prayer Services.

Review of the Year:

The full PCC met 8 times during the year. There was an average attendance level for the meetings of 68%. It should be noted that three of the PCC members unfortunately suffered long term illness and were not able to be present at meetings. Church committees met in between PCC meetings and the minutes of their deliberations were received by the full PCC.

September saw the departure of the incumbent to take up a new position at St Albans Abbey. It therefore fell to the two Churchwardens and many others to organise and administer the normal running of the Church. This was a task that they rose to and the day to day running of St Mary’s has continued.

Despite the challenging conditions, the PCC has worked hard on a number of key areas in the life of St Mary’s including the care of church fabric, pastoral care, community support and our worshipping life together. St Mary’s continued to play a key part in the life of the community, which has included friendly phone calls for conversation and pastoral support, collecting and delivering prescriptions and shopping for those who are housebound. The church had its Quinquennial Inspection in November 2021 and quotes have been requested for the works required.

St Mary’s, like all churches, suffered a drop in income following Covid but has been able to weather the impact of this reasonably well. The contribution to the Diocesan Common Fund was £124,669 and was paid in full. There will be financial challenges ahead resulting from the impact of increased fuel costs and potentially from the rising cost of living affecting Stewardship giving.

The Russian Orthodox congregation of St Simeon and St Anna continue to offer their liturgy once a month in our church. It remains a highly valued relationship, as is our part within Churches Together in Redbourn and the relationship between the ministers and congregations of the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Methodist churches is cordial and strong.

Our main charity focus for 2022 was Emmaus, for their St Albans branch, raising funds to help the homeless and to provide work and ongoing accommodation. Through many events and activities, several classical concerts from Quartet Camerata, Hymns & Pimms in summer and Beer & Carols in December, and many generous individual donations, the sum of £11,889 was handed over to Emmaus.

We continue to support a local Food Bank by collecting tinned foods and dry goods regularly, which has been greatly appreciated with the ongoing financial pressures on many households.

2

This year has seen ongoing progress in the upkeep and maintenance of the churchyard through the commitment of volunteers involved in the mowing rota, the ongoing hard work of several people who care for specific flower beds and areas, and the regular and sustained visits from the local probation service.

St Mary’s Church continues to benefit from the generous ministry of a wider ministry team which includes two licensed readers, and a retired bishop. Our two Lay Leaders of Worship (LLWs) have had opportunities to plan and lead services. Our pastoral visiting team continues to offer an important ministry to the sick and housebound as does our Bereavement Visiting Team following funerals conducted at or by St Mary’s.

We continue to play a full and active part in the life of Wheathampstead Deanery, with four members elected to the Deanery Synod. The Deanery consists of twelve churches across seven benefices who seek to support one another in collegiality, shared worship and joint projects, training and collaboration. The Vicar (whilst in situ) and an additional two members of St Mary’s serve on St Albans Diocesan Synod.

The occasional offices are an important part of the wider ministry offered by St Mary’s. These have included 26 baptisms, 35 funerals or memorial services, 12 burials, 32 interments of cremated remains, and the solemnisation of 1 marriage.

Safeguarding is given the highest priority and attention and Janet Lang, our Parish Safeguarding Officer, has led the way whilst working closely with others in regularly monitoring, reviewing and updating our Safeguarding policies and practices. We continue to use a secure online dashboard to track progress, renewal dates and compliance. DBS checks are carried out for all members of St Mary’s who work with children or vulnerable adults and our policies were last reviewed by the PCC in late 2022. The PCC has continued to ensure that we remain compliant with General Data Protection Regulations.

Our links with local schools are a key and valued part of our ministry, and several lessons and assemblies have been conducted online and in person. Several members of St Mary’s also serve on the schools’ Governing Bodies.

The church owns two residential properties. The Old Church Hall has been occupied and fully let during 2022. The Vicarage Cottage became vacant in the latter part of 2021 and following some significant repairs and improvements a new tenant was secured from April 2022.

In line with requirements, The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary Redbourn is registered with the Charity Commission: 1130677. It is our policy to invest our surplus funds with the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund.

On behalf of the PCC:

Celia R. Forbes

Secretary to the PCC March 2023

3

Independent Examiner's report to the Trustees of St Mary’s Parochial Church Council

I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31 December 2022 which are set out on pages 5 to 15.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The church's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner's report

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

Independent Examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or

  4. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mrs R M Hughes FCA Wych Elms 20 Brache Close Redbourn Herts AL3 7HX

28[th] March 2023

4

Parochial Church Council of St Mary's, Redbourn Statement of Financial Activities

for the year ending 31 December 2022

Unrestricted Restricted
Endowment
Endowment
Total		 Total
Funds Funds Funds 2022 2021
Note £ £ £ £ £
INCOME
Voluntary income 2(a) 173,337 12,228 - 185,565 163,814
Income from church activities 2(b) 33,243 - - 33,243 24,494
Activities for generating funds 2(c) 13,983 - - 13,983 35,921
Income from investments 2(d) 26,461 114 - 26,575 22,418
_ _ _ _ _
TOTAL INCOME 247,024 12,342 - 259,366 246,647
_ _ ______ ______ ______
EXPENDITURE
Charitable giving 3(a) 28,758 - - 28,758 30,016
Other church activities 3(b) 211,365 - - 211,365 190,730
Raising funds 3(c) 7,942 12,257 - 20,199 24,022
_ ______ ______ ______ ______
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 248,065 12,257 - 260,322 244,768
_ ______ ______ ______ ______
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (1,041) 85 - (956) 1,879
BEFORE INVESTMENT GAINS/(LOSSES)
NET GAINS/(LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS (2,790) (115) - (2,905) 3,116
REVALUATION OF INVESTMENT 5,000 - - 5,000 65,000
PROPERTY
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 1,169 (30) - 1,139 69,995
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS - - - - -
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 1,169 (30) - 1,139 69,995
BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT 981,019 7,634 1,398 990,051 920,056
1 JANUARY 2022 ______ ______ ______ ______ _
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT 982,188 7,604 1,398 991,190 990,051
31 DECEMBER 2022 ______ ______ ______ ______ _

5

Parochial Church Council of St Mary's, Redbourn

Balance Sheet

at 31 December 2022

Balance Sheet
at 31 December 2022
Notes 2022 2021
£ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Fixed Assets 5(a) - -
Investment Assets 5(b) 896,885 894,790
_ _
896,885 894,790
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 7 17,307 15,639
Deposit Funds 91,312 89,478
Cash at bank and in hand 28,926 65,556
_ _
137,545 170,673
LIABILITIES
Amounts falling due in one year 8 (a) (23,240) (50,412)
_ _
NET CURRENT ASSETS 114,305 120,261
_ _
TOTAL NET ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,011,190 1,015,051
LIABILITIES
Amounts falling due after one year 8 (b) (20,000) (25,000)
_ _
TOTAL NET ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES 991,190 990,051
_ _
PARISH FUNDS 9
Unrestricted 982,188 981,019
Restricted 7,604 7,634
Endowment 1,398 1,398
_ _
991,190 990,051
_ _

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 28[th] March 2023 and signed on its behalf by:

Michelle Parry-Slater, PCC Lay Co-Chair

The notes on pages 7 to 15 form part of these accounts

6

Parochial Church Council of St Mary's, Redbourn

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ending 31 December 2022

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP (FRS 102)).

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for investment properties, which are included in the accounts at market value.

The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body or those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Incoming Resources

Voluntary Income and Capital Sources

Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.

Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received.

Income Tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the related income is recognised.

Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain.

Funds raised by the Charitable Finance Committee and other events are accounted for gross.

Sales of books and magazines from the church bookstall are accounted for gross.

Income from Investments

Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue.

Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due.

Gains and Losses on Investments

Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December.

Resources Used

Charitable Giving

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

Activities directly relating to the work of the Church

The Diocesan Parish Share is accounted for when paid.

7

Parochial Church Council of St Mary's, Redbourn

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ending 31 December 2022

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)

Fixed Assets

Consecrated property and movable Church furnishings

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2) of the Charities Act 2011.

Movable Church furnishings held by the Vicar and the Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a Faculty for disposal, are accounted for as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the Church’s Inventory which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For inalienable property acquired prior to 2001 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Items acquired since 1 January 2001 have been capitalised and depreciated in the accounts over their currently anticipated useful economic life on a straight line basis.

All expenditure incurred in the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings, on individual items under £2,000 or on the repair of movable Church furnishings acquired before 1 January 2001 is written off.

Freehold land and buildings

Freehold land and buildings held for the use of the PCC are included in fixed assets and depreciated over 50 years on a straight line basis.

Property held for investment purposes is included in Investment Assets at market value.

Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment

Equipment used within the Church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over periods of between five and ten years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £2,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

Investments

Investments are valued at market value at 31 December.

Current Assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.

Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank.

Funds

General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application for the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted.

Restricted funds are only used for the specific purposes for which they are held.

Further details on funds held by the PCC are given in Note 9.

8

Parochial Church Council of St Mary's, Redbourn

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ending 31 December 2022

2. INCOME

INCOME INCOME
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Total
Funds Funds Funds 2022 2021
£ £ £ £ £
2(a)Voluntary income
Planned giving 93,758 - - 93,758 96,542
Cash collections in Church 11,359 - - 11,359 11,963
Sundry donations (excl charity collections) 15,919 - - 15,919 16,342
Gift aid recoverable 26,585 - - 26,585 26,890
Legacies 2,000 - - 2,000 1,250
Grants 1,065 - - 1,065 1,004
Special appeals (incl Gift aid) 22,651 12,228 - 34,879 9,823
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
173,337 12,228 - 185,565 163,814
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
2(b)Income from church activities
Parish magazine sales 5,739 - - 5,739 6,011
Fees for weddings, funerals etc 18,566 - - 18,566 12,969
Transept/Office letting income 6,469 - - 6,469 5,514
Fees for church clubs and trips 2,469 - - 2,469 -
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
33,243 - - 33,243 24,494
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
2(c)Activities for generating funds
Parish magazine advertising & services 4,961 - - 4,961 5,302
CFC Fund Raising 9,022 - - 9,022 30,619
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
13,983 - - 13,983 35,921
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
2(d)Income from investments

Dividends and interest		 1,721 114 - 1,835 676
Property rental income 24,740 - - 24,740 21,742
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
26,461 114 - 26,575 22,418
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
TOTAL INCOME 247,024 12,342 - 259,366 246,647
______ ______ ______ ______ ______

9

Parochial Church Council of St Mary's, Redbourn

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ending 31 December 2022

3. EXPENDITURE

EXPENDITURE
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Total
Funds Funds Funds 2022 2021
£ £ £ £
3(a)Charitable giving
Donations from Charitable Finance
Committee (Note 10(a)) 12,997 - - 12,997 28,922
Other church charitable donations
(Note 10(b)) 15,761 - - 15,761 1,094
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
28,758 - - 28,758 30,016
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
3(b)Other church activities
Diocesan parish share 124,669 - - 124,669 127,871
Fees paid to diocese 5,935 - - 5,935 5,061
Parish office expenses 8,072 - - 8,072 6,905
Insurance 3,774 - - 3,774 3,577
Heat, light and water 7,996 - - 7,996 6,731
Transept management and cleaning 7,056 - - 7,056 6,281
Organist and choir 7,525 - - 7,525 7,472
Churchyard expenses 2,858 - - 2,858 3,059
Church maintenance 11,100 - - 11,100 5,094
Parish magazine printing 8,809 - - 8,809 6,456
Expenses for church clubs and trips 1,762 - - 1,762 238
Other expenses 21,809 - - 21,809 11,985
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
211,365 - - 211,365 190,730
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
3(c)Raising funds
Fund-raising expenses 7,786 - - 7,786 2,522
CFC fund expenses - - - - 4,897
Hamper fund expenses - 12,257 - 12,257 16,518
Stewardship expenses - - - - -
Social expenses 156 - - 156 85
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
7,942 12,257 - 20,199 24,022
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 248,065 12,257 - 260,322 244,768
______ ______ ______ ______ ______

10

Parochial Church Council of St Mary's, Redbourn

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ending 31 December 2022

4. STAFF COSTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH PCC MEMBERS

The PCC pay remuneration to the Organist, the Transept Hall Caretaker and the Church Secretary. In total the amount paid during the year to these people was £18,387 (2021: £16,359). None of these people are members of the PCC.

No significant payments were made either directly or indirectly to members of the PCC during the year and no contracts were entered into involving PCC members personally or persons with a close family or business connection with them.

5. FIXED ASSETS

5(a) Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Freehold Movable
land and church Office
buildings furnishings equipment Total
£ £ £ £
ACTUAL/DEEMED COST At 1 January 2022 - 15,004 - 15,004
Additions - - - -
______ _____ _____ ______
At 31 December 2022 - 15,004 - 15,004
______ ______ ______ ______
DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2022 - 15,004 - 15,004
Charge for the year - - - -
Disposals - - - -
______ _____ _____ _____
At 31 December 2022 - 15,004 - 15,004
______ _____ _____ _____
NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2022 - - - -
______ ______ ______ ______
At 31 December 2021 - - - -
______ ______ ______ ______

As disclosed in the accounting policies, consecrated and benefice property are not included in these accounts. This includes the Church, attached Transept Hall and the Vicarage. The Church and Transept Hall are insured for £12.71 million.

Movable church furnishings include the PA system installed in the Church which is now fully depreciated.

11

Parochial Church Council of St Mary's, Redbourn

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ending 31 December 2022

5. FIXED ASSETS (cont.).

5(b) Investments

Investments
Investment Investment Total
Properties Funds
£ £ £
Market value at 1 January 2022 870,000 24,790 894,790
Disposals - - -
Increase/(Decrease) on annual revaluation 5,000 (2,905) 2,095
______ ______ ______
Market value at 31 December 2022 875,000 21,885 896,885
______ ______ ______

Investment properties comprise the Vicarage Cottage located at 45 Church End, Redbourn and the Old Church Hall located at 45B Church End, Redbourn which are let on a commercial basis. As investment properties, the Vicarage Cottage (£425,000 2021: £405,000) and the Old Church Hall (£450,00, 2021: £465,000) are shown at market value and not depreciated.

Investment funds comprise shares in the CBF Church of England Investment Fund. 1,060 shares were held at 31 December 2022 (2021: 1,060).

6. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND

Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Funds Funds Funds Total
£ £ £ £
Investment Assets 894,663 824 1,398 896,885
Current Assets 131,148 6,397 - 137,545
Liabilities: amounts falling due in one year (23,623) 383 - (23,240)
Liabilities: amounts falling due after one year (20,000) - - (20,000)
______ ______ ______ ______
Fund balance 982,188 7,604 1,398 991,190
______ ______ ______ ______

7. DEBTORS

DEBTORS
2022 2021
£ £
Gift aid recoverable 9,366 9,234
Other debtors 235 253
Prepayments and accrued income 7,706 6,152
______ ______
17,307 15,639
______ ______

12

Parochial Church Council of St Mary's, Redbourn

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ending 31 December 2022

8. LIABILITIES

8 (a) Short Term Liabilities

8 (a) Short Term Liabilities
2022 2021
£ £
Amounts falling due in one year:
Deferred income 4,332 3,250
Loans repayable (see Note 8(b)) - -
Accruals for utility and other costs 18,908 47,162
______ ______
23,240 50,412
______ ______
8 (b) Long Term Liabilities
2022 2021
£ £
Amounts falling due after one year:
Long Term Loans 20,000 25,000
______ ______

In order to fund a shortfall in building costs relating to the Old Church Hall renovation, a series of interest free long term loans were made to the church in 2017 by several members of the congregation. These will be repaid at various dates over 10 years using the residential letting income from the property. None of the loans are due for repayment in 2023.

9. FUNDS

The headings used for the majority of the fund accounts are self-explanatory such as Church Bells Fund, Transept and Church Hall Funds, Vicars Car Fund, Choir Fund, Churchyard Fund and Common Round Fund, inter alia. These funds are not restricted to their particular heading under the terms of the Charities Act but are generally only used by the PCC for the purpose indicated by the Fund heading.

The General Fund is effectively the reserves of the PCC to be used for any purpose and which will reflect any surplus or deficit made by the PCC in the general running of the Church.

There are some funds held by the PCC which are restricted and can only be used for a specific purpose and these are as follows:

Organ and Piano Fund – Certain contributions to this fund are not restricted, however contributions specifically donated for organ renovation are restricted.

Hall No 1 Fund – Set up for the upkeep of the altar rails.

Baskerville and Trevannion Funds – Restricted funds whose origin and purpose are set out on a board in the Vestry and a tablet in the Chancel.

There are also a number of funds held by the St Albans Diocesan Board of Finance on our behalf which are incorporated into our accounts. There are some restrictions on the use of these funds.

Chancel Fund was originally set up in the 1930’s to discharge a landowner’s liability for the insurance and repair of the Chancel. It was set up in the sum of £43.11s.8d. Only the income and accumulations of income are available for use.

Land Sale Fund originated as a result of the sale of some land by the PCC and the original capital was £1,200. The income is available to the PCC for general ecclesiastical purposes within the parish.

13

Parochial Church Council of St Mary's, Redbourn

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ending 31 December 2022

9. FUNDS (cont.)

The movements on the fund balances during the year were as follows:

Baskerville Fund
Chancel Fund (Diocese)
Charitable Finance Committee
Choir Fund
Church Bells Fund
Church Hall Fund
Church Transept Fund
Churchyard Fund
Common Round Fund
Flower Fund
General Fund
Hall No 1 Fund
Hamper Fund
Land Sale Fund (Diocese)
Organ and Piano Fund
Trevannion Fund
Vicar's Car Fund
Vicarage Cottage Fund
Young People's Work Fund
Total		 Opening
balance at
01/01/2022
£
1,712
2,938
-
78
8,231
464,131
1,671
234
5,128
917
17,918
1,689
29
30,453
330
1,309
13,472
436,568
3,243		 Income
during year
£
22
52
9,022
-
280
14,340
6,469
-
10,700
-
192,986
22
12,228
718
-
17
-
10,400
2,110		 Expenditure
during year
£
-
-
12,997
-
548
2,537
7,365
-
8,809
-
205,393
-
12,257
-
-
-
-
8,873
1,543		 Gain on
market
value
£
-
(115)
-
-
-
(15,000)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(2,790)
-
-
-
20,000
-		 Transfers
between
funds
£
-
-
3,975
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3,975)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Closing
balance at
31/12/2022
£
1,734
2,875
-
78
7,963
460,934
775
234
7,019
917
1,536
1,711
-
28,381
330
1,326
13,472
458,095
3,810
990,051 259,366 260,322 2,095 - 991,190

14

Parochial Church Council of St Mary's, Redbourn

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ending 31 December 2022

10. SPECIAL GRANTS AND COLLECTIONS

£
10(a) Donations from Charitable Finance Committee
Mpwapwa 775
Emmaus St Albans 11,889
Symphonia Academic 333
______
12,997
______
10(b) Collections and donations organised by the Church
Amy Robinson Foundation 11,564
Beacon School 1,643
DEC Ukraine Appeal 2,434
The Friends of St Mary's 120
______
15,761
______
10(c) Collections from funerals paid to charities
Alzheimer’s Research UK 466
Alzheimer’s Society 410
Cancer Research UK 254
Emmaus 395
Keech Hospice Care 180
Macmillan Cancer Support 26
Parkinson’s UK 293
Redbourn Community Group 1,023
Redbourn Village Hall 762
Rennie Grove 512
RNIB Charity 176
Samaritans 395
Smile Train 807
Stroke Unit at L&D Hospital 130
The Barnardo’s Charity 538
The Friends of St Mary’s 219
Ty Hafan 129
World Animal Protection 107
______
6,822
______

These amounts are paid to the relevant charities and have not been included in the Statement of Financial Activities.

11. QUINQUENNIAL INSPECTION

There was a Quinquennial Inspection in November 2021. After some delay the architect has drawn up a statement of work which will be put out to tender during Q2 2023, with work expected to commence in Q3.

15

Independent Examiner's report to the Trustees of St .Mary's Parochial c.hurch Council I report on the accounls of the church for the ycar ended 31 December 2022 which are set out on pages 5 to 15. Respective Respon5ibilitAes of Trustees and Examiner The church's trnstees are responsible for the preporation of the accounts. The chwch's trustees consider th81 an audit is not required for this year under section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 201 l Act) and that an independent examinarion is needed. It is my resFK)nsibility' to.. Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act.. To follow the procedures laid dowlt in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under sectton 145(5)(bl of the 2011 Act). and To state whetheT particular matters have come lo my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's report My examinatson was carried out in a¢¢ordance with the General th'rection5 given by the c.harity Commission. An examination includes a reTriew of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented W'ith those records, It also includes consideration of ani, unusual Items or disclosures in the accounts, and seekingy explaT]ations from you as trustee5 concerning anv such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence tliat would be i'equired in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the a¢¢ount5 presenl a 'true and fair view, and the report 15 limiied to those matters set out in lh¢ statement below. Independent Examiner's statement In conllection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention.. whi¢h gives me reasonable Cause to believe that in any material respect thc requirements to keep accounting r¢cords in accoTdance with section 130 of the 201 l Act,. and to prepare accounts which a¢cord with thc accounting records and comply with the accountin8 requirement5 of the 2011 Act hai'¢ not been mel. or 2. to whi¢h. in my opinton. attentt'on Should be drawn in order to ¢nable a proper w)derslanding of the accounts to be reached. Mrs R fvl Hu8hes FCA Wych Eltns ?0 Brache Close Rcdbourn Herts .4L3 7HX 28 March 2023