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2022-12-31-accounts

SANDY PARISH CHURCH - ST SWITHUN’S

SANDY BEDFORDSHIRE

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

April 24[th] 2022 4pm

Venue: St Swithuns Church

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT year end 2021

SANDY PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

The Annual Meetings will take place in St Swithun’s Church On Sunday April 24[th] 2022 4pm

AGENDAS

The Annual Vestry Meeting to elect 3 Churchwardens will take place at 4pm

  1. To approve the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 28th April 2019.

  2. To thank the Churchwardens – Jean Peckham, Sandra Watson and Colin Osborne.

  3. To elect the Churchwardens for the coming year: Nominations received: Colin Osborne, Sandra Watson, Anthony Bell

  4. To transact such business as is incidental to the meeting.

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will take place at 4:10pm

Nominations received:

Elizabeth Adams Matt Bushby Michele Canfield Abigail Davies Elizabeth Gammell Malika Joilie Ruth Lock Jean Peckham Anne Peacock Eva King Jamie Kahn Elizabeth Karuna Co-opted: Kevin Reynolds (Treasurer) Stephen Snow (Secretary) Julia Bickerdike and Anthony Lock (Deanery Synod Representatives)

  1. To appoint sides-persons.

  2. To appoint an Independent Examiner for 2022.

  3. Open Forum for comments from the congregation

  4. Any Other Business. Please notify the Chairman in advance.

  5. Close in Prayer

Sandy Parish Church - St Swithun’s Registered Charity No: 1130680 Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year End 31[st] December 2021

Annual Parochial Church Meeting April 24[th] 4pm in St Swithuns Church Sandy

REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

www.sandyparishchurch.org email: office@sandyparishchurch.org Tel: 01767 682499

Rector: Revd. P. Huw Davies Full Name: Sandy Parish Church Parochial Church Council – St Swithuns Church Address: 34 High Street, Sandy, Bedfordshire. SG19 1AQ Correspondence Address: The Rectory, 34 High Street, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1AQ Bank Address: Barclays Bank, 45 High Street, Biggleswade, SG18 0JF Account name: Sandy Parochial Church Council Acct no: 50818755 20-74-81 Independent Financial Examiner: Howard Skinner 8 Powers Close, Sandy SG19 11JS

End of Year 2020 Accounts Examined and Approved by PCC Tuesday April 5[th] 2022

MEMBERSHIP OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL DURING 2021

Rector (Chair): Revd. Huw Davies
Churchwardens: Jean Peckham Sandra Watson Colin Osborne
Honorary PCC Secretary: Stephen Snow
Honorary PCC Treasurer: Kevin Reynolds
Deanery Representatives:
 Julia Bickerdike, Anthony Lock
PCC Members from APCM 2021: Elizabeth Adams, Abbie Davies, Michele Canfield, Matt Bushby,
Anthony Bell, Elizabeth Gammell, Ruth Lock, Peter Herring
Curate: Phil Macaulay arrived June 2021 Malika Joilie
Diocesan Reader: Jane Godley

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. In respect of Safeguarding, the PCC adopt the Diocese of St Albans Safeguarding Policy and the Safeguarding Representative is Sandra Watson.

The PCC operated with four sub-committees in 2021

Standing Committee: Finance Committee: Building Team: Safeguarding Team:

Safeguarding: Sandra Watson

The PCC have fulfilled their responsibilities regarding Safeguarding and undertaken the required training. The Rector and Wardens have satisfied the Diocesan Safeguarding Team regarding the fulfilment of their responsibilities and duties.

Statistics: In 2021 Baptisms 3 Weddings 5 Funerals 33 Electoral Roll: April 2020 – 134 April 2021 – 124 April 2022 - 113

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OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES

The primary object of the PCC is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Rector in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, social and evangelistic.

Together we aim to Reach, Teach, Mend and Send .

To this end the PCC at Sandy Parish Church are working on a Mission Action Plan (MAP) sharing the Diocesan aims of: “Going Deeper into God, Transforming Communities, Making New Disciples”.

Throughout 2020 – 2021 the Covid pandemic has affected all our lives and our freedoms even restricting the forms of worship available to us at times.

During 2021 the Church has been open for Personal Prayer as well as restricted Sunday Services The Church has been important to many as a place of prayer and sanctuary but during ‘lockdown’ people were not permitted to gather indoors and at its height nor meet outdoors either.

At St Swithuns we responded to this with telephone calls, regular emails, the sermons and services being put on to public social media making use of YouTube, Facebook, our website,

www.sandyparishchurch.org and the amazingly opportune technology of ZOOM.

Sermons and services being available on various platforms and text of sermons delivered by friends to those with no online access have helped keep church members together and accessible to some others who have not usually come to church.

Members of the church have been very active in supporting other families in the town during this last year through the NEED project and the Sandy All In Together group SAIT.

A lot of time was spent by the PCC in 2019 discussing and deciding the priorities for the restoration and refurbishment of the church building in the light of

a) the needs of the external repairs and refurbishments as outlined by the Quinquennial Report

b) the need to face the challenges of change in our society and congregation in terms of worship and mission reflected in the seating and the internal furnishings of the church.

The Covid-19 pandemic of 2020-21 has further revealed the need to be able to adapt the seating in the church in the light of the concept of social distancing and the changes in society that will effect community expectations of public spaces. It has also highlighted the need for a different ministry in the years ahead which has at its heart community and relationship reflected in the need for flexible seating allowing people to talk together and share coffee in small groups in the body of the church. This is most keenly felt in the under 40s demographic and illustrated by the desire for refreshments after the services.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

We recognise that in following Jesus we are called to be a community that not only builds up and strengthens our members but can also be a blessing to the town in which we live. Church members are involved in many community groups and activities, local schools including being school governors. We are indebted to the voluntary effort and financial contributions of our members and sincere thanks are extended to the individuals and teams that help in the church community. The Wardens and PCC, those who teach and care for the children, the Readers, Prayers, the cleaning, flower arrangers and welcome teams, sides-people, bell-ringers, choir, worship team, the technical support and others who perform many varied tasks around the church and parish.

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Revd Huw Davies Rector May 2021 Rector April 2022

Changes and Challenges Revd Huw Davies

As I write this report things are still uncertain as to what the impact of this global pandemic will be upon people’s mental health, social interactions, finances, employment and family relationships as well as children’s social development and schooling.

Added to this in 2022 the unexpected spectre of a war in Europe raises its head and the rate of inflation reaches a 30 year high, and the NHS is struggling from midwifery to end of life care.

In such uncertain times it is important that the church remains a beacon of hope and a signpost to the One who is unchanging and who throughout history has walked with people through many difficult times with communities and with individuals.

“Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever!” Bible Book of Hebrews 13:8

One thing is clear, many people are re-assessing their priorities and examining their values and purposes. For some a new spiritual awakening is happening while for others a new desperation is at work. Some are finding a new gratitude and generosity of spirit while others are discovering that life is more fragile and less predictable than they thought. This is bringing opportunities for ministry and mission to Christians to be salt and light in the community.

The PCC and myself are most grateful to you all for your support of the ministry of the church in Sandy. During this crisis giving Community Leadership as well as Pastoral Care and leading worship and recording of sermons is only possible with your financial support and the PCC are grateful for your continuing regular support as well as extra gifts and offerings as you feel able.

Some are finding they must reduce financial outgoings but many are increasing their charitable giving recognising people in here and in other countries are desperate for help more than ever before.

I refer you to my comments in the Annual Reports of 2020 and 21 which still have relevance for today:

Small churches particularly in the villages are finding it difficult to maintain ministry. Churches in the future will need to help each other. As a church with a few more people and a few more resources than many around us it is important that we understand our responsibility to encourage and support our fellow Christians in the smaller churches. Across the country many churches are seen by their Diocese as key ‘Resource Centres’ for the area running courses and conferences for the support of parents, teenagers, people in debt with relationships and marriages in crisis or running TEFL language courses for refugees. Who knows if this may not be part of the role God is preparing St Swithuns for in the years to come and how our preparations with sound and visuals, seating and heating may not be part of a bigger plan in the face of a changing and challenging time for the Church?

During 2022 the PCC will be looking into what we can learn from this time of change and how we can approach the challenge of relevance and public benefit in the years to come. In particular we will be re-examining our vision and values, aims and priorities and how we can best use our facilities and resources, in particular the church building itself as a significant asset to the furtherance of our mission and ministry.

We will be looking further into the best use of the building and consulting on possible changes. This process began many years ago but took a big step forward with PCC discussions in 2019 over many months, and more recently the PCC vision and mission planning days with a third planned for later this summer with the new PCC.

Thank you for your prayers and the role you play in all of this.

Sincerely Huw May 2022

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SANDY PARISH CHURCH St Swithuns THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND Insplrlry¥ Wor5hlp El￿aZIng￿ Young Peopl Deepenlng Dlsdple5hlp Good GovÈrnan & Sale8uardln8 Wami Wekome & Invitstion ndness Frlendship Ho115tk Smal groups Generoui Flnances Effective C¢¥nrnuni¢atiixi Empowerini Leadership C4mmunlty Engagement Concerts Conferences Festivals Rorted in God's Love and Presence Following Jesus with generosity and joy imagination and courage

Curate's Re ort from Revd. Phili Macaula Dear St Swithuns, I pray that this Annual Church Meeting will be an encouragement to every one of us. As we look back over the challenges and sorrows that the last year may have brought, we can see the Good Shepherd's faithfulness through the valleys and the mountair15. 15ee a family here of great faithfulness and good value5, and it has been a privilege to come and Serve the Lord Jesu5 by serving in your midst. 'Privilege' is the best word to sum up my role. I don't think my collar make5 me any more special than anyone else, but it is a sign towards the investment into me in order that I can help others. Curacy is a training season, but the ministry is still very real and very fulfilling. The calling to work by being a friend, being hospitable, praying for those I love and helping you worship brings me deep joy. Leading Worshlp 15 my most fulfilling responsibillty. Previously in my Ilfe I've done this in different contexts and styles around the world, but here I have found a regularity that helps me to grow in confidence each week on Sundays and co-operate arnongst a brilliant team with the wardens, Luke, Anna, lane, the choir, the visuals operators, the welcomers, and of course Huw. Recently Huw's trust in me to cover servlces wlth Jane has been a great joy- even if I know I'm a little clumsy with things sometimes. l a150 particularly love the 'SomethinB Different Sundays, the joy of Spirit in our midst, the ability to get more people involved up the front, and especially the engagement across age group5 Wlth our worship. l am looking forward to being able to preside at Communion both to expand our possibilitie5 for services and as a personal prlvilege to enable people to meet with the God who loves them In such a speeial way. Funera15 have been a responsibility holding great beauty and holine55 alongside the sorrow. Sittlng wlth bereaved families and learning about their stories is powerfully precious. l always seek to pray with them at the end of our time, no matter how familiar, or not, they may be with church, and ivs usually a moment of tangible peace. The rest of the service planning and delivery flow from those movements as we see the Lord guide all of us through memories, grief, and hope. Onè of my first priorltles when l arrived was to provlde something new for young adults who were alreadv connected to our church but struggling to attend or et)gage with our current services. I wanted to create a Sunday evening muslcal worshlp focused gatherlng wlth an emphasise on soclal engagements alongside it. However, while the desire to see this happen was there, a combination of Covid/Omicron's rise and other life demands made me realise It might take longer to build the team necessary to help this project to thrive. Please pray for wisdom and opportunities to turn back to these ideas in the year to come. One area I could more easily get stuck into was alongside Deidre, Hayley and Wanita with the Youthwork 114s-18sl that was already going. With Hayley moving on to Nepal, I was happy to come in and I've loved working alongside Deidre as I think my task-focu5ed personality is balanced well by her amazing heart for these young people and skill at leading activities. I've been passionate about moving our meetings in- person but we have kept an online option so far. Our meetings are now a little sporadic to fit our diaries, but we are committed to keep providing space to meet with these amazing young people. It is such a joy.

Before Hayley left for Nepal She drew my attention to a key'cohort, of Junior Church members all reathing the age limit. This tied in with my own stirring to offer confirmation to the church, and sure enough we are now close to commencing a new group on Sunday afternoons for this cohort, with food, fun, and sharing our wonderful faith in Jesus together. I pray and hope this can be sustained beyond its need simply for confirmation as we need something for our children when they grow beyond junior Church. Would you like to be conflrmed thls year7 onflrmatlon wlth Blsh fB willbeonjul 14, at6 m contart us for more intormatlon. At the end of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus commissions the disciples to make more disciples, to share the good news of God's story, truth and love, and to "GO" to reach the wider world. The Church inherits thi5 commission to thls day, and while there is no harm in enjoying our present congregation or valuing our present forms of worship - we must continue to Share God's vision and mission to reach. It's a joy to be involved with the PCC as we think and pray about what God's plan could be for us here in Sandy. I hope our church building can be a place people are eager to tome to, but I hope our church people grow responding to God's activity wherever they are, especially forming friendships and sharing meals this year. There are other elements to my role like my Pinnacle articles, helping with weddings, pastoral visits, school engagements- each wonderful and I love the varlety day by dav. I realise I'm so blessed to have thls role and I don't take it for granted. Thank you all for your support of me. In c105ing I will share that something I think the Lord may have been saying to me about 2022 related to a verse from the Hebrew Prophet Isalah (where he is chastising Israel for trusting in earthly powers (Egyptl rather than In Godl. °For thus sold the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel.. In returninq to me ondfindlng rest you sholl be saved,. in quietnes5 and trust sht711 be yourstrength. Isaiah 30v15 I pray through our ministry that you can find something of God's rest in your returning through this year. That all the paln, all the stress, the fatigue, can be washed away through quietnes5 and trust in a refreshing renewal of your strength. I can always think of new ideas or projects, but really our hope is In God alone. Real deep rest wlll never be found in sleeping longer, rather it will be found in our Father's presence. We can rejoice that our return is pos$ible not through our own merit but because of the Grace of God shown in Jesus Christ. It will be a privilege to help you meet with him. Phil Revd Phil Macaulay .mac3ul3 mail.com 07977849670

PCC Secretary's Report for Calendar Year 3031. The PCC are keen to express their thanks to Sandy Town Council for the generous grant in December of £1,500.00 which paid for the new light5 now illuminating the Southern footpath from the High Street to the Church Front door and in the cherry trees at the front of church. The lights look great and the footpath is now rnuch safer to walk during times of darkness. The PCC met 12 times in 2021 and the Standing Committee met once, all conscious of the Council's responsibilities and the need for unity and vision. January- The COVID lockdown over Christmas meant that St Swithuns could not open for services on Christmas Day 2020. With regret, it was decided that the Church must remain closed for JanLsary. The closure will be reviewed every month and the Church re-opened as soon as it IS Safe. The next day Huw wrote to the Bishops and Archdeacons to advise the above and received a very posltlve reply saying many other Churches had reached the same decislon. February- To mark the deaths of more than 100,000 people to Covid Nationwide, Huw rang the Church Bells 1,000 tlme5 on Sunday 31" January. Many townspeople found thls to be a help March- The Bishop has delegated decisions about when to re-open Churches, and for what functions, to the PCC of each Church. After debate it was still not considered safe to re-open St Swithuns so the Easter Service must, unfortunately, still be held on Zoom. There was, however, strong support for opening the Church Building to allow Private Prayer. Aprll- Some 30 people attended the Quiet Prayer time on Good Friday with a similar attendance on Easter day. Huw formally recorded his thanks to Sue Bell for transcribing the Sunday Zoom Sermons so that these can be read on the Church Website. The Final Accounts for Calendar year 2020 have now been fully audlted. Zoom services wlll contlnue on Sunday mornings until Pentecost, but the Church buildin8 will open on Sunday5 for qyiet Prayer between 4pm to 7pm with a short evening service at 6pm. Repairs to the tower went over budget as much of the walls requlred double depth re-pointing. May- It was debated and decided that from Pentec05t until September there will be a Sunday Communion Service in the Church building at 9.'30am and again at 6pm, Junior Church will Continue on Zoom at 10:30am with the Adult Zoom 5ervlce stsrtlng at 11am. The PCC enjoyed a 10 Minute 'brainstorming" session considering our aetivities as a Church and how these support our vision to Reach, Teach, Mend and Send in Sandy. Many felt that we should plan a half day PCC conference to develop these thoughts further. June- A spike in Covid cases in Bedford was worrying but the PCC decided to ¢ontinue with Church Services as planned at the Meeting in May. Congregation Members can make up their own mind about whether to attend services in the Church building or not. There was debate about the future activitie5 of St Swithuns. The overrlding consensus was that there is a great opportuntty and responsibility toward the young people in Sandy, many of whom have expressed the need for spiritual guidance and the Church MUST respond to this need. July- lean recorded her thanks to Bob Browning for planting flowers around the Church Grounds and to David Butcher for his care of the triangle area in front of the building. Huw chaired an open forum considering what we have learned in the last 18 months. Again, the need to bring Jesus's ministry to age groups be￿een 7 to 18 was apparent along with the ardent desire for the 'main" service to return to the Church building. August- The full Council did not meet in August but the Standing Committee met on 3, August to discuss the return of Monthly Family Services on the I" Sunday of each month at 9.'30am from 5 September onwards. This is to encourage families with young children to return so it will not be Communion Service. The Zoom service at 11:00am and the service at 6-.00pm will continue as before.

September- A Pym memorial plaque in the north transept fell from the wall in August but has been made safe. Specialist conservators inspected all Memoria15 in the Church and Huw obtained a report that all other memoria15 are Safe. The 6pm Communion Service will be replaced in future with a Contemporary worship function in order to try to attract younger people. October- Jean expressed her thanks to Trixie for decorating the Church with Harvest Festival flowers. The usual service on Remembrance Sunday at the Memorial will be followed by a parade with the Royal British Legion to Sandy Market Square for an outdoor Service. The All Souls Day Service will be held on I" November. Whilst this will give thanks foi the outstanding performance by the NHS and Care-workers in the last 18 months the service will be primarily for bereaved families- especially those affected by Covid. The Christmas Tree Festival will again be held outside this year, the second year due to Covid. November- The PCC have agreed to renew the lease of the Church Rooms for a further 40 years. Huw and the Wardens will shortly sign the new lease on behalf of the PCC. Repairs to the Church Bells are required. The extent and cost of the repair5 will not be clear until the work is in progress, e.g. state of the bushes, but authorisation has been given for the repairs. th 6 November - The PCC met on Saturday 6, November for the flrst of 2 morning conferences to discuss the strengths land how we might address the weaknesses) of St Swithuns, Mln15try for the future. Representatives from the Flourishing Churches Team of St Albans Diocese will be invited to the second conference in March 2022. The St Swithuns Tree graphic was accepted as a useful visionary and practical tool along wlth the simple aide-de-memoire that we a5 a thurch are Called to Reach- Teach - Mend - Send. December- Kevln has submitted a budget for Calendar Year 2022 to the PCC. It Is experted that the cost of runnlng St Swithuns Church for the year will be £12,000 more than the value of donation5 received. Everybody on the PCC will be required to complete all new Safeguarding training modules in the new year. Friday evening 8ible Studies are gaining momentum and interest is being expre55ed in Confirmation Classe5. Stephen Snow Hon. Secretaryi St Swlthuns PCC. Churchwardens R ort We have had another uncertain year here at St Swithuns, thankfully our faithful congregation is still attending. Let's hope and pray our 2022123 year will be much better, rf not quite covid-free. All necessary rnaintenance requirements have been achieved and our church building is in good repair. The church rooms, although not let so often this last year, has all maintenance requirements met. There is a Small amount of work needed to the bells, this to be completed end of Feb/ March 2022. The memorials were all checked by Hirst Conservationists after a section of one of the Pym family memorials in the north transept fell. This is my last year a5 church warden after 7 years. I have been blessed to work with Huw and all the team which is St Swithuns. It has been an honour and given me much joy. I wish my replacement the same fulfilment, and pride in the position. Jean Peckham on behalf of the churchwardens, Sandra Watson Colin 05borne

Treasurees R Ort20 Every pound, every legacy, every gift is gratefully received, and l and the PCC thank you so very much for enabling the ministry and pastoral care of the church to go fonNard throughout a difficult year. We also want to thank the Sandy Town Council for their grant of £1,500 for the enhancement of external lighting at St. Swithuns, and which was beautifully displayed at our Christmas events. nd 2021 was the 2 year of the impact of COVID and we were blessed to see its, destructive power lessen as 2021 progressed, which in turn enabled us to expand our Mission, returning to where we were before. 2021 was yet another year where we chooselhad to limit our expenditure to provide the bare minimum. The 3 main items were our contribution to the costs of providing church leaders across the Diocese (known as Parish Share) which wa5 almost £70k, church running expenses of £17k and Diocesan Fees £llk (which we had collected from fees collected for the provision of weddlngs and funeral servlcesl. We are where we are now, and the PCC is now discussing and updating our Mission Action Plan and making it 'come alive,, and this is where we see what GOD is calling us to do, both in terms of worship. and also in our Mission to the wider Sandy Community and further afield. This might include an enhanced office structure to provide efficient support to our Mission, the return of Alpha courses, exploring Within our church 'going deeper with GOD, and homegroups, supporting and getting to know each other in our church family, plus outreach locally and across the world. Listening and acting upon God'5 plans is exciting and wonderful. It will require enthusiastic generosity of our time and money, and this will be amazing, as it is what we are called to do, and to do so joyfullv. Whilst against a background of inflation and increased personal financial stress for many in 2022 this is precisely a time where we need to finance the church's ministry, often through Huw and Phil and Jane. The Accounts ear endln st December 31 2021 The accounts show income, expenditure, our assets and liabilities. l encourage you all to read them and ask questlons to myself directly before the APCM if you wish. Income Income rose £3k in 2021 from £90k in 2020 to £93k in 2021. However, there was a one-off uplift in Gift Aid claimed of about £4k from 2020, and so we might say that income was largely unchanged. Gift Aid Boing forward should return to its normal £12k p. Overall giving fell from £66k to £61k,' a drop of £5k. Regular planned giving fell £7k to £33k and open plate collections fell £4k to £IOk. Within this contactless giving rose to £14k, and fee5 for wedding5 and funerals (largely passed on to the DicÉesel rose by £3k to £IOk. Ex ndlture Expenditure in 2021 rose £17k to £106k, However approximately £4k of 2020 expenses were not claimed and paid until early 2021. Therefore the 'real' expenditure rose by nearer £9k. The 2 major costs increa5e5 were church running expeTr5e5 up £5k to £17k, and Govèrnance costs Ioioeese fees paid for weddings and funerals) up £llk. Within church running costs there were one-off costs of the plinths, inspection and repair El.9k and exlernal lights £1.5k paid for by the grant from Sandy Town Council. With the return of regular services there was a150 an increase across virtually all smaller cost lines, which when combined rose by about £3k.

Assets Our assets fell by £8k in 2021 to £174k. However the bulk of these assets are restricted and are as follows.. £58K designated . To cover legal costs to aid the future land sale. £64k restricted To be used for Youth work and curates housing fund £3k endowment For the specific purpose of upkeeping the Graves Family gravestones. This leaves £59k of general funds, of which £43k being sale of Girtford Mission Church in the 1980's is largely restricted to using the income from investments not the capital sum. So net, we have started 2022 with £llk of general funds. Liabiliti These were mostly 2 final bills Iretentionsl in relation to the church refurbishment and now been paid. Bud Our budget for 2022 was formulated on the basls of a continuation of where we are now- a standstill budget so to speak, and not what we are being called to do in OLsr updated Mission discussion5. We have forecast an £llk excess of expenditure over income for 2022, which given the start of year £llk general funds position means that we might just have sufficient funds for 2022. It does however mean that there is no leeway for large, unexpected costs, and indeed nothing in reserve for 2023 and golng forwards thereafter. GOING FORWARDS Please pray for the provision of resources by u5 all as individua15 to enable us as a church to move forwards with the exciting Mission that we are called to provlde. In terms of generosity, compassion and love, we cannot get anywhere near what God has provided to US. John 3..16 For Godso loved the world thot he qove hls onlyson, so that who belleve5 In HIM wlll not perlsh, but have eternal Ilfe. Motthew 6..26 See the blrds of the sky, thot they do not sow, nelther do they reop, nor qother Into bums. Your het7venly Fotherfeeds them. Are you not ofmuch more value than theyP Also see Kelth & Krlstyn Getty's Hymn 'Hls Eye Is on the sporr0￿. Thls can befound on YouTube and Is o wonderful ond popular hymn. When we acknowledge that God always wlll provide the needs for each and every one of us. When we acknowledge that all we are, all that we have, all that we have accumulated, and all that we shall need in the future, is provided by God,. this is a truly awesome understanding. When we root the above in our daily prayers, and reflect on and live, and seek God's 8uldance on our proportionate giving lor journey towards tithing) then we shall have a church that can provide the Mission that God seeks, and we, through Him, also seek. You might read 2 Corinthians chapter 8 v.1-15 Thank you Kevin Reynolds Hon. Treasurer Inde endent Examiners Statement I have completed my examination I confirm that no material matter5 have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. l accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act,. or 2 that the accounts do not accord with those records. I have no concern5 and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Howard Skinn¢r 10/4/-

unior Church During the year 2021-22 the Junior Church Team, leaders and helpers have done a wonderful job of trying to stay tonnected with families and children providing support for families and continuing Junior Church activities for the children on Sundays when we have been able to meet face to face. There are quite a lot of young families in the church compared to some other churches and the PCC are very grateful to all those who give of their time, care and prayer to support the children at this crucial time in their lives. We look forward to continuing this work into 2022 and beyond as we move back to a two service pattern on a Sunday morning, 9.'30am and 11am. We are always on the lookout for more helpers. Please talk to Michelle Canfield or Phil Macaulay. Reader's re ort for 2022 APCM Jane Godley During the Covid pandemic I have attempted to remain in telephone contact with the housebound but am now able to resume visiting those unable to attend church through sickness or lack of mobility. I find these vislts both rewardlng and humbling and have learnt much about people's faith and resilience during testing times. l Currently take communion to three people in their own homes and help lead and preach servlces. I continue to as515t in services when possible and have provided CommLtnion by Extension when needed. As chaplain to the Air Cadets, I lead a 'Padre's Hour, each month which 15 both challenglng and rewardlng l am also chaplaln to the Northern Cluster of the Mothers, Unlon leading services and Qulet Days. The Chtsrch Choir Elizabeth Gammell The Church Choir alter a long enforced silence during the lockdowns, is very happy to be Singing agaln. It is a great happines5 and privilege to lead the worship at the 10 am Service. Regular Friday evening practices have restarted and a5 well a5 preparing mu51¢ for the next service, the choir is also workin8 on new repertoire of anthems which can be incorporated as approprlate. It was agreed not to robe for services for the time being, to avoid congestion in the vestry. However this is under constant review. The choir owes a huge debt of gratitude to Luke Howard,. hi5 cornmitment and musical talent make being part of the choir an absolute joy. The St Swithun, Ellzabeth Gamznell MuMlc#l Director After the challenges of rehearsing via Zoom during the lockdowns, it was a complete joy to be able to meet in person again last summer. Rehearsals resumed after Easter- fortnightly, in the Rectory garden. It was so lovely to sing together again, even if the rain was pattering on the shelter roof and we worked on a few pieces which we presented to a small audience in july- not exactly Glyndebourne. but there was a great atmosphere and so good to share our songs with a real audience again. In September we resumed rehearsals in church, to spread out and have good ventilation. Several new members were welcomed to the choir. It was wonderful to work on music for a Christmas concert which was held on 15 December. Thanks to the generosity of Margaret Wilson a new work called "How Could We Live Without Singing. had its premiere performance and was greatly appreciated by audience. The choir is now much looking forward to taking part in the Summer Festival of Music in July.

The Chil&en'$ Socie Jennifer Watson This report relates to the year ended 315t December, 2021. l am happy to report that sums collected for the Children's Society are as follows.. June Box Opening October Box Opening £1,082.20 £680.08 Total £1,762.28 Similar to 2020, last year 2021 was an extremely difficult time because of the various restrictions and the lockdowns imposed by the Covid emergency. Everyone I spoke to, complained aboLSt the lack of small change because we were asked to use contactless bank cards in place of cash. However, I would wish to thank all the Box Holders and the Customers of Pete's Mini Market for their continued support. Every penny counts towards the work of the Society. TheLe tos Mission. Coliti Osborne In splte of the changes we have had to make in the way we fundraise as a result of the coronaviru5, the Sandy 8ranch of The Leprosy Mission- with the wonderful support of so many people both from within the church and from the surrounding community- enjoyed another successful year durlng 2021 wlth a fantastic total of £22,048 being raised. This came from a variety of sources- collecting boxes, World Leprosy Day glft envelopes, donations, coffee mornin8, quizzes, fundraising stall, outings, dinner, catalogue sales, gifts for life, etc. In addition, the funds we raised in the first three months of the year were match-funded by UK Aid and this totalled £8,686. For the seventh year running monies raised went to a specific project which In 2021 was based in Africa. We had lowered our expectations not knowing how long we would be lockdown in 2021 and had pledged £14,000 towards the Mission's work in Mozambique. This was to provide four community hubs servlng eight villages. However, our funding will build six community hubs and, with the UK Ald support, an additional two. These community hubs are similar to our health centres and will provide education, diagnosis, treatment, support and aftercare to those affected by leprosy. This year in our planning, we were challenged by Curate Phil and we have pledged to raise £21,0￿ to support TLM'S work in Nepal and in particular the Research Centre at Anandaban H05Pltal. You may recall we supported Anandaban several years ago but there is now a crltlcal need to rebuild the research centre which was badly damaged by the earthquakes a few years a80. This new research centre, together with the two that the Leprosy Mission have in Bangladesh and India, are on the verge of ending leprosy in our lifetimes. Wouldn't that be on amazing thing to be part o

Minutes of the, Vestry Meeting and Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Sunday 16[th] May 2021 4:00pm St Swithuns Church. Attendance was by Zoom only due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The meeting was chaired by the Rector, Rev Huw Davies.

Attendance at the APCM 28 Electors present. Apologies: Matt Bushby and Julia Bickerdike. Statistics: Electoral Roll: 124

2020: Baptisms: 0 Weddings: 2 Funerals: 26

Huw began by thanking everybody for attending and introduced Phil MacAulay, our new Curate, who will be ordained at St Albans Cathedral on 26[th] June.

Vestry Meeting.

  1. The Minutes of the Vestry Meeting from 4[th] October 2020 were received.

  2. The Wardens, Colin Osborne, Jean Peckham and Sandra Watson, have all agreed to stand again for the new year. Huw expressed his thanks to the wardens for the huge amount of time, effort and passion expended “behind the scenes” in supporting St Swithuns. The wardens were unanimously re-elected.

  3. The meeting was closed with a Prayer from Sue Bell giving thanks for our dedicated and hard working wardens and asking Jesus to guide and help them in the year ahead.

4 . There being no other business, the meeting concluded.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

  1. The Minutes of the previous meeting on 4[th] October 2020 were received.

  2. The Vestry Meeting was reported and the appointment of the 3 Churchwardens notified.

  3. The appointment of PCC Committees and the Standing Committee are to be made at the first PCC meeting on 8[th] June

4. Trustees’ Annual Report and the Annual Accounts and Independent Examiner’s Report had been circulated by email to all members on the Electoral Roll and put on display in the church.

Reports from the Rector, Treasurer, Wardens, Safeguarding Officer, Secretary, Choir, Singers, and Christmas Tree Festival along with reports from The Children’s Society, The Leprosy Mission and Trustees of Sandy Parish Clerk’s Charity.

Huw discussed some of the reports at a high level and gave an opportunity for the meeting to ask questions of each author about their report.

5. Finance Report . Andrew Barber commented that it was amazing to close 2020 with a balanced account. Kevin agreed, commenting that God is wonderful.

Huw explained what St Albans Diocese spent the £65,000 Parish Share from St Swithuns on in 2020. The majority of the expenditure went to pay Salary and Housing Costs for Rectors and Curates, support for smaller Parish churches and Diocesan Costs and Social / Legal Departments and Schools work. Kevin advised that 95% of Diocesan funding comes from Parish Share payments from all their Churches and 5% from investment income.

Huw expressed his thanks to everybody for their generosity and financial support in the face of lockdown and the catastrophic effect this had on incomes and job security in Sandy. Huw recorded, however, that the Church has seen a difficult first quarter for 2021 and the PCC have authorised a draw down of monies from dormant trusts to avoid a deficit in their General Funds. As a Church we have also endeavoured to support other charities including The Children’s Society, The Leprosy Mission and Christian Aid in particular over the years.

6. Wardens Report. Jean observed that the Building Repairs carried out in 2020 were required after the Quinquennial Report (Received in April 2018) highlighted the need for these. Upon inspection by Messenger Construction Limited (our Contractors), it was found that the mortar damage to The Tower was considerably worse than expected. “Double depth re-pointing” (where the inner layer of stonework underneath the outside surface must also be removed and remortared) was required for several areas of the Tower exterior. This caused the repair costs to go over budget. David Butcher saw much of Messenger’s work close up and commented that their workmanship was second to none. David added that Messenger were a great help to St Swithuns in guiding the Church to the most suitable and best repairs. Huw observed that, with these repairs now complete, the focus will turn to the interior.

7. Junior Church. Michele Canfield’s report on Junior Church had been missed from the TAR and Huw apologised to Michele and read her report out loud to the meeting. Malika Joilie commented that her son, Daniel, always enjoys the Junior Church Zoom sessions. Denise Powell said she enjoys the atmosphere of great positivity with Junior Church. Valerie Haygarth felt that the children are an absolute joy and is quite unable to resist joining in with the songs and actions whilst awaiting the adult service!

8. PCC Report. As circulated. No questions raised.

9. Election of PCC Officers. The PCC Committee Officers elected on 4[th] October 2020 are all standing for re-Election in 2021.

Anthony Lock is moving to join Judith as Deanery Rep. Malika Joilie is standing for PCC. Revd Phil Macaulay will join the PCC in July after his ordination.

Stephen Snow as PCC secretary read out the names of those thus applying:

Elizabeth Adams Anthony Bell Matt Bushby Michele Canfield Abigail Davies Elizabeth Gammell Peter Herring Malika Joilie Ruth Lock Kevin Reynolds (Treasurer) Stephen Snow (Secretary) Julia Bickerdike (Deanery Synod Representative) Anthony Lock (Deanery Synod Representative)

There being no objections from anybody in the meeting assembly, all candidates were declared by Huw as duly elected. As in previous years,

Howard Skinner acted as our Independent Examiner for 2020. We are grateful for his help. Howard was re-elected as Independent Examiner for 2021.

10. Open Floor.

Huw opened the meeting to Contributions from everybody on Church activities. How do we go about our task to Reach, Teach, Mend and Send in the community of Sandy that is different to what we thought we knew in 2019.

There is more poverty now. The Need Project and Sandy All In It Together are busy and Huw was heartened by the number of people looking after their neighbours since lockdown. The PCC this month, considered how our Activities under the four headings: Reach – Teach – Mend – Send: meet Jesus’s Great Commandment (to love God and your Neighbour) and Jesus’s Great Commission (to spread the Gospels).

Sue Bell – Sandy Baptist Church will return to running a Summer Club for the Town Children from 9[th] to 12[th] August 2021. This will include a Barbeque. Sue and Jane Godley will both be active, but more volunteers and support are desperately needed – even if only to help with making tea or sweeping up afterwards etc.

Sue prays that St Swithuns is able to host more live music events this year and expressed her thanks to Luke for keeping the Community Choirs going.

Luke responded to this with a promise that he will be working with Phil and the Wardens to “get some concerts going” The Church Choir will be contributing to the Services after the Church building re-opens on 20[th] June.

Anthony Bell asked if a contribution might be made by St Swithuns to Sandy Baptist Church for the Barbeque. Kevin asked Anthony to bring this as a proposal to the next PCC Meeting.

Jean Peckham and Valerie Haygarth – The Church Hall Rooms re-open from next week. The kitchen will be locked and cupboards taped shut and there will be strict rules about taking refuse away afterwards but the rooms will still need to be cleaned by Church volunteers 4 times a week. The more people who volunteer to join the Cleaning Rota the lighter the duty will be for everybody. Typically, it can take 2½ to 3 hours to clean the Hall. Offers of help to Jean would be welcomed.

Sandra Watson – Wanted to express her thanks to Huw and Anna for all the unseen work that is conducted “behind the Scenes” to keep the Church running smoothly. Sandra also expressed her thanks to Luke for St Swithun’s musical direction.

Huw also joined in with expressing his thanks to Anna for the hours of work that she puts into the Church Website and choosing the fitting background music for the Quiet Prayer sessions etc.

David Butcher – At the start of Lockdown David felt his faith being compromised by doubt, particularly after members of his family succumbed to COVID-19. As a result of the pandemic David struggled in 2020 – as many people did – but the opportunity for private prayer in church was a great help and David was able to “see” again. David found it lovely that St Swithuns was able to help in this way and expressed his thanks to Huw, The Wardens and the PCC.

Kevin Reynolds – Kevin felt a Call to extend help into Sandy upon the onset of lockdown and, in tandem with Mark (an NHS Manager) founded Sandy All In It Together (SAIT). With guidance from Huw, Kevin and Mark were able to approach Councillors and other people in the town with a plan and proposal to launch SAIT. A passionate and energetic committee was soon founded and SAIT developed quickly. SAIT found many families in the Town who were in serious financial distress.

Ruth Lock - Observed that, in her role for the local Council, she hears many very tough stories of financial difficulty faced by parents of young children. This situation shows no sign of abating in 2021. Many parents seem to be grateful just for the opportunity of being able to explain their position to an open and sympathetic ear. Ruth asked that we all continue to Pray for local families facing financial hardship.

David Stewart – David extended his thanks for the Church Building being opened for Private Prayer. St Swithuns is where he wanted to be and, when Jean invited him inside one day when the Church was quiet, David felt moved to tears to be back inside. David expressed his thanks to the Sidespersons, to Luke for the music and to SAIT for delivering prescriptions.

David recalled that, as a boy, he attended a Baptist Church where people were seated on chairs, rather than pews. In the course of a single day the chairs were moved and re-arranged several times to fit the activities going on inside the Church Building making space not only for worship services but also informal coffee for parents and toddlers and young people’s activities. The pews in St Swithuns simply aren’t versatile enough for all the activities that need to go on.

Phil MacAulay – Life will change post COVID. With the easing of Lockdown, Phil was able to visit his family, but somehow felt awkward. Will there be a Spiritual Parallel? Will we find it hard to get back to Jesus? If anybody keeps journals it might be interesting to see what feelings they experience as we all return to traditional Church worship.

Elizabeth Gammell – Elizabeth feels so proud to belong to St Swithuns. Zoom Services gave us the opportunity to learn the names of some familiar faces and helped to continue the social side of Church as well as formal services. Elizabeth is excited and scared at the idea of going back but we will all go back stronger.

Luke Howard – Luke expressed his thanks to Huw for supporting his work and the continual encouragement he brings and a Thank you to Elizabeth Gammell for re-starting the Church Choir after lockdown was eased the first time. Luke was glad that one Christmas Carol service in 2020

was performed before Lockdown was re-introduced. Expressing his thanks to Huw, Anna, Elizabeth Gammell and the Wardens – who all contributed help and support in 2020 – Luke commented on what a great thing it is to be part of a Community.

Michele Canfield – Michele has been working from home since the onset of Lockdown but is thankful to still have a job. Michele is very grateful to Daniel Joille (aged 10 years) for inspiring her to revamp Junior Church by simply asking “when will Sunday school come back?” Denise Powell has been amazing in helping to transform Junior Church and carry it through its re-start in 2020. Michele expressed her thanks to everybody who has helped.

Abigail Davies – Abbie is excited at being able to get back to the Church Building. She has missed everybody and feels that she speaks for many who find that face to face interaction is much easier and more satisfying than relating through Zoom.

Elizabeth Adams – Elizabeth has worked all through the last 18 months in full PPE on a ‘COVID ward’ but sometimes felt safer there than in open society and crowded shops. It will be an awkward transition in these next few months and years. Elizabeth has recently retired after more than 35 years nursing in the NHS.

Elizabeth and Ruth Lock have been very concerned for the young people and the effect this year has had upon them. They would urge the church to consider what we can do to reach out to and support the teenagers in Sandy.

Adrienne Massey-Thoday – Adrienne concurred with Elizabeth and Ruth and wondered if the Steven Taylor fund might be utilised for this?

There being no other business, the meeting came to a close. Colin Osborne announced that Lucy Henry, has returned to Kenya and intends to retire there shortly. St Swithuns have conveyed their best wishes to Lucy.

Colin closed the meeting by leading the Assembly in Prayer.

Signed correct: P H Davies June 15th 2021Dated:

SANDY PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL - X77019

Balance Sheet detailed

31/12/2022
31/12/2021
As at
As at
Fixed assets
6420: Plant
6430: Church PA Systems
6450: Investment Fund
6451: Curates Fund 132001004K
6452: Curates Fund 132001006J
6453: Curates Fund 132001398S
6454: Curates Fund 132001016P
6460: Graves Trust 132001018P
6470: Sale of Girtford Mission 132001003K
6471: Sale of Girtford Mission 132001005J
6472: Sale of Girtford Mission 132001607S
6473: Sale of Girtford Mission 132001017P
6480: Church Repairs Savings 132001001K
6481: Church Repairs Savings 132001004J
6490: Stephen Taylor Memorial 132001005K
6491: Stephen Taylor Memorial 132001009J
Total Fixed assets
Current assets
6501: Bank current account 20-74-81 50818755
6505: Business Saver 20-74-81 30818933
6506: Rect.& Ch/ws Acct. 20-74-81 70814016
6507: Base Rate Tracker 20-74-81 20354287
6510: 132001001K CHURCH REPAIRS
SAVINGS FUND
6511: 132001004J CHURCH REPAIRS
SAVINGS FUND
6520: 132001002K GRAVES BEQUEST
6521: 132001003N GRAVES BEQUEST
6522: 132001018P GRAVES BEQUEST
6530: 132001003K SALE OF GIRTFORD
MISSION CHUR
6531: 132001005J SALE OF GIRTFORD
MISSION CHUR
6532: 132001607S SALE OF GIRTFORD
MISSION CHUR
6533: 132001002N SALE OF GIRTFORD
MISSION CHUR
6534: 132001017P SALE OF GIRTFORD
MISSION CHUR
6540: 132001004K CURATES FUND
6541: 132001006J CURATES FUND
6542: 132001398S CURATES FUND
6543: 132001001N CURATES FUND
6544: 132001016P CURATES FUND		 —
—
—
—
—
—
4,655.23
5,242.77
5,579.11
9,290.90
27,700.60
30,498.60
6,419.24
6,971.45
2,511.73
2,727.81
3,813.96
4,295.32
7,688.31
8,459.21
22,684.48
24,975.83
4,491.96
4,878.39
—
—
427.25
470.09
3,000.66
3,379.38
6,476.01
7,125.36
95,448.54
108,315.11
982.53
84.92
5,480.33
11,337.55
1,343.97
1,394.91
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

21 February 2023

Page 1

31/12/2022
31/12/2021
As at
As at
1,075.19
6550: 1320011175D STEVEN TAYLOR
MEMORIAL FUND
1,061.23
—
6551: 132001005K STEVEN TAYLOR
MEMORIAL FUND
—
—
6552: 132001009J STEVEN TAYLOR
MEMORIAL FUND
—
49,780.40
6555: Sandy Parish Clerks Land Sale
56,423.23
—
6590: Cash in hand
—
—
Z05: Accounts Receivable
—
58,662.42
Total Current assets
70,301.84
Liabilities
340.81
6699: Agency collections
183.35
340.81
Total Liabilities
183.35
153,770.15
Net Asset surplus (deficit)
178,433.60
Reserves
(12,661.61)
Excess / (deficit) to date
(57,249.67)
178,433.60
Z01: Starting balances
222,922.47
(12,001.84)
Z02: Other gains/(losses)
12,760.80
—
Z03: Gains and losses own use
—
153,770.15
Total Reserves
178,433.60
44,086.50
Unrestricted
53,847.87
52,265.88
Designated
58,288.23
54,906.04
Restricted
63,569.69
2,511.73
Endowment
2,727.81
Represented by Funds
153,770.15
178,433.60
Total

21 February 2023

Page 2

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSYEES Page 7 OF SANDY PAROCHIALCHURCH COUNaL I report to the trustees on my examination ofthe acctyjnts ofsandy Parothial Churth Counal TrLSt'I for the year ended 31 December 2022. which are set out on py Ito 6 8ttathed. Responsiknfftie5 and basis of rep(t As members of Sandy Parochial (hurth C￿n￿l and the charity's trustees you are re5pon5ible forthe preparation of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charrties Act 2011 Ilhe Art'l. I report in ￿$pert of my examination of the Trttsvs a¢cOur￿ (arried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying my examination I have followed all the applicable Directionsgiven by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. I have completed rny examination. I confimi that no material matteT5 have come to my attention in onnection with the examination giving me cause to believethat in any materia5 respect: l. accounting records were not kept in re5rtt of theTrust as required by section 130 of the Att: or 2. the accwnts do not accord with th05e record5 I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connertit)n wÉth the examination to which attention should be dravm in this rewt in order to enable a proper under5tandirig of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Howard Skinner FCA 8 Powers aose, Sath, Beds. SG19 IJS Date=