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2021-12-31-accounts

Wilmslow Parish

APCM Report 2022 (covering January—December 2021)

INDEX

Those items marked * are provided necessarily re the Church Representation Rules 2020, Parish Governance, model rules APCM (page 75)

Additional reports thereafter are in alphabetical order as much as possible.

possible.
PAGE(S)
Achievements & Performance* 4
Administratve Informaton* 6-7
Aims & Purposes* 4
Bell Ringers 40
Buildings & Finance 5
Churches Together in Wilmslow 41-44
Diocesan & Deanery* Synods 37
Electoral Roll* Ofcer’s Report 28
Fabric Report* (Fabric Commitee report) 29-31
Fabric Report* (Warden’s report) 32-33
Financial Statements* 11-20
Finance (ref Financial Statements re Jan-Dec 2021*) 9-10
Friends of the Parish 45-47
Independent Examiners Report* 8 –10
Lay Parish Assistants 48-49
Magazine 50-51
Neighbourhood Network 52
Objectves & Actvites* 4
Organists & Choir 53-54
Proceedings of the PCC Annual Report* 21-27
Safeguarding Report* 34-36
St Anne’s Ladies Report 55
Structure, Governance & Management* 5

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Aims & Purposes

Wilmslow Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Reverend Caroline Throup, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the the four Wilmslow Parish church buildings: St Bartholomew’s Church, St Anne’s Church, the Parish Hall and St Anne’s Church Hall.

Objectives & Activities

The general functions of the PCC are stated within section 2 of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

During 2021/2, Wilmslow Parish continued to pursue the five marks of mission in line with Chester diocesan policy:

To proclaim the good news of the Kingdom

To teach, baptise and nurture new believers

To respond to human need by loving service

To seek to transform unjust structures of society

To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and to sustain the life of the earth

In providing leadership to Wilmslow Parish, the incumbent and PCC give consideration to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance to charities concerned with the advancement of religion. The activities of the PCC are outlined in the report on pages 18-24.

It is difficult to estimate the total volunteering time offered by many members of Wilmslow Parish but it amounts to well in excess of 150 hours in a typical month. We are grateful to all who do so much to contribute to the life of the church: the churchwardens, the PCC secretary and treasurer, the Friends of the Parish, and Food Friend; those who help lead services, do children’s work, play music, do readings, intercessions, flowers, lay assist, act as sidespeople, count the money, garden, clean and provide welcome, hospitality and church sitting - and much more besides.

Achievements and Performance

See all additional reports

.

4

Church buildings

The Church buildings have all been maintained to keep them Covid compliant and fulfilling RA requirements throughout 2021

Thank you to all volunteers and paid staff who have helped enable the buildings to reopen in line with Governmental guidelines.

Finance, giving and fundraising

... continue to be challenging as our expenditure commitments continue to increase and prices for goods and services continue to rise, with no comparable increase in the size of the membership or the income of the church.

Regular giving enables us to meet our obligation to pay parish share, and covers many of our other costs..

The annual accounts have been approved by the PCC and are attached for your inspection.

Structure, Governance & Management

Wilmslow Parish PCC operates under the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 and the Church Representation Rules (2011 & 2020).

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church

Representation Rules. All church members are encouraged to register on the electoral roll and stand for election to the PCC.

Risk assessments are carried out as and when required and recorded in the PCC’s Risk Register.

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Administrative Information

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Wilmslow St Bartholomew and St Anne is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Charity registration number: 1131056

It is part of the Diocese of Chester within the Church of England. The correspondence address is:

Parish Office, Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliiff Road, Wilmslow SK9 4AA

Incumbent Revd Caroline Throup Assistant Curate Revd Jennie Prince PTO Revd Canon Professor Roger Yates Revd Val Hollis Rev Georgina Watmore Churchwardens Jackie Watts (also Lay Chair) Caroline Lucas Deanery Synod Reps Isobel Chetwood (also PCC Secretary) Barbara Foster (2 vacancies until April 2023)

Elected members

Complete term of office in April 2022

Grace Reed Julian Bowker (Treasurer) Jon Horne Martin Kinsey (5 vacancies for April 2022-April 2025)

Complete term of office in April 2023

Diana Smith Georgina Lewis Wendy Yates (2 vacancies for April 2022-April 2023)

Complete term of office in April 2024

Angela Philpott Flo Knowles Ray Oates Phil Gaskell Ann Hodson

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The Standing Committee

The Standing Committee is a sub-committee of the PCC as required by the Church of England. The Rector and Churchwardens are ex-officio. The additional members, elected by the PCC are: Julian Bowker Isobel Chetwood Georgina Lewis Bankers NatWest Bank Wilmslow, Cheshire Independent Examiner Patrick Tyrrell

Approved by the PCC :

and signed on their behalf by the Reverend Caroline Throup (PCC chairman)

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Parochial Church Council of St. Bartholomew’s, Wilmslow INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2021 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and the related notes

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under the Charities Act 2011, s.144(2) (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or

the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any

requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns 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.

Patrick Tyrrell FRSA FCMA

“Craigmore” 35 Handforth Road Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 2LX

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Financial Review for 2021

The consolidated Parish accounts are presented on the accruals basis.

Unrestricted Funds.

Income.

Total income was £145,864, a slight reduction from £148,274 in 2020. Of this, some £76,825 was from unrestricted planned voluntary donations through standing orders and envelopes (a decrease of some 10% from the equivalent figure for 2020). A further £16,829 was obtained from Gift Aid, a reduction from the previous year due to extra amounts being brought into account in 2020 to reflect the adoption of accruals accounting.

Income continued to be adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, as the two church halls were subject to closures and/or restrictions for part of the year. However, £10,289 was received from Cheshire East Council in the form of Additional Restrictions Grants, for the easing of the financial burden on our halls caused by the Covid restrictions.

Expenditure

Cost reductions arose as a result of the decreased usage of the churches and halls.

The salaries bill was increased due to redundancy pay for two employees and a back-pay award to another employee. These amounts totalled £7,973. However, these extra costs were ameliorated by the receipt of £6,250 of Coronavirus JRS (furlough) grants (reported under Income).

£174,820 was spent from unrestricted funds to provide for Christian ministry, including the contribution to the diocesan parish share of a net £81,169, which largely provides stipends and housing for the clergy.

Restricted funds.

Grants and donations of £11,714 were received, of which £10,600 related to our Food Friend food bank, and £1,114 related to the activities of the Friends of the Parish, who raise funds for the maintenance of the church buildings and fittings.

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Overall positon.

The net movement on Unrestricted Funds was a deficit of £29,061, and on Restricted Funds the deficit was £2,057. Consequently, over the year, the total fund balances decreased to £901,856, of which £325,843 is Unrestricted. At this level of Unrestricted Funds the PCC has no immediate concerns about the financial impact of any further Covid constraints over the medium term.

Reserves Policy

The PCC retained £236,892 of its excess cash balances in short-term deposits of up to a year’s duration. These are reviewed on an annual basis.

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Parochial Church Council of St. Bartholomew’s, Wilmslow Finances

11

3111- Jii 12

Parochial Church Council of St. Bartholomew’s, Wilmslow

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 December 2021

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Parochial Church Council of St Bartholomew’s, Wilmslow (PCC) is a public benefit entity within the meaning of Financial Reporting Standard 102. The Financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church of England Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, and with the Regulations’ “true and fair view” provisions. As with last year, they have been prepared under FRS102 (2016) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by the Charities (SORP(FRS102)).

ASSETS

Consecrated and benefice property

In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of “charity” by Section 10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements.

Moveable church furnishings

Insufficient cost information is available to capitalise these assets, but in any case all items are included in the Church’s inventory. The policy for future purchases is to capitalise them at cost and depreciate them over their useful economic life.

Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity

These have historically been written off in the year of purchase. The policy for the future is to capitalise them if they can be used for more than one year, and cost in excess of £1,000. They will be valued at cost or else, for gifts-in-kind, at a reasonable estimate of their open market value on receipt. Depreciation will be calculated to write off the capitalised cost of fixed assets (less their currently anticipated residual fair value) over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Land Nil Fixtures and fittings 20 years Computers 3 years.

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No depreciation is provided on buildings as the currently estimated residual value of the properties is not less than their carrying value and the remaining useful life or these assets currently exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charges would be immaterial.

Investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange or whose value derives from them are valued at market value at the year end. Short term deposits

These are the cash held in various deposit accounts and at the bank.

FUNDS

Restricted Funds

These are income funds that can only be spent on the restricted purposes for which they were raised: the £37,624 held by “Food Friend” can only be used for local food relief, and the £18,724 held by “Friends” can only be used for the replacement or refurbishment of Wilmslow PCC property. Unrestricted Funds

These represent the remaining income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC

Proposal: The PCC accept the 2021 accounts for the APCM.

Proposed: Martin Kinsey Seconded: Jon Horne Unanimously agreed

14

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4 . STAFF COSTS

In 2021 the PCC employed an average 4 people on a part-time permanent basis (5 in 2020), and also a number of occasional organists and a choir leader, who were paid according to the number of services and practices they officiated at.

The remuneration of the above permanent employees can be analysed as follows –

2021 2020 £ £ Gross Pay 42217 35971 Employer Pension Contributions 813 658 National Insurance contributions NIL NIL Totals 43030 36629 These costs are allocated to the following funds – Unrestricted funds 29822 31229 Restricted fund (Food Friend) 13208 5400 Totals 43030 36629

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PROCEEDINGS OF THE PCC 2021

The PCC met 8 times during 2021 via zoom and in person .

20[th] January 2021 (16 Members) – Via Zoom

Christmas booking system worked well – no one turned away. Resolution to suspect services until 14[th] February agreed by email with a majority vote.

Rev Georgina Watmore applied for PTO status. Would like period rest and reflection so will take occasional services rather than regular commitment. Wishes to cover parish vacancies across the deanery.

Email agreement by majority to amend bank signatories. Service pattern and ministry team staffing 2021 discussed and all members expressed their views. Plan for all-age service at 4 pm on 3[rd] Sunday in the month.

Jennie still an ordinand until May/June but will be joining us as curate. Discussion about online services and possible live streaming.

Housing allowance and office space for Jennie discussed.

PCC ground rules – draft code of conduct noted. Avoid confusion between church representative rules and this document. Comments to Martin.

Diana Smith taken over role of Safeguarding Lead. All members to complete basic online training by Easter.

Friends of the Parish met via Zoom – annual and finance reports noted. Proposal to broaden the remit to appeal to wider town of Wilmslow.

St Anne’s school more children in school than during first lockdown so more pressure.

CTiW – Jackie liaising with Cathy Fozard re: Lent lunches and Christian Aid week.

Isobel agreed to stand as Deanery Lay Chair. Visit from Bishop Mark later this year.

HR Support proposal noted. 3 quotes to be obtained and email approval once a preferred firm is chosen.

22[nd] February 2021 (17 Members)

Caroline has contacted Kirsty Thorpe (URC) re: live streaming services but not heard back. She has tried OBS software but it does take time.

Noted that some church members have chosen to move to other churches. Caroline discussed with Robin at St Philip’s.

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Members encouraged to think of people who may have lay ministry gifts.

Lent Lunches planned as a zoom meeting at 12 pm on Tuesdays in March.

SAS Daniels now on board re: HR issues and matters are progressing.

Financial summary noted with thanks to Julian

PCC ground rules noted and Martin will send out final version soon. Agreement for curate’s office to be the parish hall in the room which currently houses to copier and TV. To be re-sited, painting, decorating and carpeting to be organised.

Proposal for pre-recorded recital series by Tim Harvey noted. Discussion re: donations and split between performers and church funds.

Rota and pattern of services noted for 2021/22.

APCM preparation highlighted particularly the Church Warden posts. Members to consider who may be suited to the role. Electoral roll revision notice to be out by 28[th] February. Carpets and lighting at St Anne’s – ongoing.

30[th] March 2021 ( 15 Members) – Via Zoom

Final draft of ground rules noted but discussion with new PCC. Plan of action needed to curate’s office. Restrictions on singing remain for review after 21[st] June. Food Friend opening on Thursdays from 8[th] April.

PCC and Church Warden vacancies noted. 2 Deanery synod places available but suggest PCC places filled first. 2020 Financial Report approved for Annual Meeting. Discussion re: post covid recovery plans including changes to overall church membership and reduced staffing. New all-age service on 4[th] Sunday in the month. Discussion about service patterns for May/June to enable 2 HC services on Sundays. Agreement for St Anne’s at 9.30am and St Bart’s 11.00am. Other issues to consider are accumulated loss, grief, financial losses and psychological impact of the pandemic. Flo and Alison willing to support recovery. Diana suggested appropriate services would be welcome. Careful ministry of rescheduling weddings and baptisms. Regular members gone from church family as well as groups and activities stopping. Foundation Governor needed for St Anne’s School. Should be practising Christian and worshipping member of a church congregation.

Most members have completed safeguarding training. Diana can help with any problems.

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Phil and Jon looking at down pipe at St Bart’s. One quote received, 2 more to be obtained. Flooring and electrics at St Anne’s in hand. Friends will be holding AGM shortly and need new Treasurer as Phil Hardy wishes to step down.

Zoom Lent lunches great success with generous donations. Deanery Synod meeting notes received. Isobel has taken on role of Deanery Lay Chair. Changes to wedding registration procedures noted. Progress with HR/SAS Daniels noted. Thanks expressed to Alison as she will not be standing again but is always willing to help.

27[th] April 2021 (16 Members) – Via Zoom

Members welcomed to first meeting of the new PCC and particularly to Ann Hodson. Warm welcome to 2 new churchwardens Caroline and Jackie.

Caroline is aware of possible Foundation Governor – nomination to be offered at May meeting.

Appointments were agreed as follows; Standing Committee, Lay Chair, PCC Secretary, PCC Treasurer, Sidespeople, Electoral Roll Officer and Parish Safeguarding Officer. Changes to marriage registration procedures come into effect nationally on 4[th] May.

Jackie to collate list of key holders and full sets to be made available for those who need them.

Finance and Fabric sub-committees to be agreed as a priority at next meeting.

19[th] May 2021 (13 Members) – Via Zoom

Ground Rules discussion deferred to next meeting. Two further sidespeople added to the list and formally accepted. Ongoing work at St Anne’s but deadlock with regard to carpet so will raise at the Quinquennial. Prices being obtained for porch lighting and changing outside light to a sensor one.

Leaking drain pipe at St Bart’s causing damp and mould in choir vestry. Quotes being obtained and once scope and cost established faculty may be needed. Damage to the lych-gate noted. Friends happy to support cost of remedial work. Discussion about small working groups for fabric and finance. Confirm membership and terms of reference initially. Jennie Prince nominated for foundation governor. Unanimously agreed.

DBS checks complete for majority of PCC members.

23

Posters updated. Diana Smith covered to do shopping for people as she has relevant DBS check.

Richard Smith volunteered to take on role of Treasurer for Friends. Zoom AGM to present annual report and accounts as well as formally electing Richard and the committee.

CTiW pleasing Lent lunch total. Details of the harvest appeal for 2021 and 2022 noted.

Flo returning to Lay Pastoral Worker training in September. Foundations for Ministry due to start again in September. Clergy Covenant passed by General Synod with implications for churches and clergy. Discussion document for PCCs to follow. Isobel to circulate the report as well as The Living in Love and Faith documents.

New service patterns noted and feedback invited. Ray asked if midweek service at St Anne’s could be on a Thursday. Caroline will consider but may cause logistical problems.

Legislation/Guidance about singing in church noted with reduction to maximum number of 6. Discussion and mixed views expressed. Over £1K raised from Lent lunches and similar amount from envelopes. Just Giving £2,289 to date and water walk raised £300.

27[th] July 2021 (16 members)

St Anne’s quinquennial done on 14[th] June, issue with carpet clarified so proceed to estimates.

Discussion re: Harvest Charity.

Deanery/Diocesan Synod – Clergy Covenant and Living in Faith and Love to be discussed at Deanery and parish level.

Ground rules agreed – thanks to Martin

Full discussion re: Covid H&S, timing of services, Sundays and midweek. Discussion about maximum numbers and agreement. PCC agreed to proceed with caution in lifting restrictions. Discussion about Fabric and Finance TORs.

PCC unanimously accepted.

Financial summary – mid year report to 30-06-21 noted.

Reports received – Safeguarding, Food Friend, Friends of the Parish, CTiW and Deanery Diocesan synod.

Parish magazine to start printing copies from October. Work ongoing to check with distributors and subscribers how they would like to receive magazine. Costs noted and income from paper copies with the suggestion of a voluntary donation for online ones.

Agreement to sell speakers from the parish hall which were donated by Manchester Airport but not used.

Postcards and leaflets to be sorted and put back in church.

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5[th] October 2021 (15 members)

Mid-week services moved to Thursdays alternating between the churches.

Discussion re post Covid services, groups, activities and mission. Spacing – more pews in centre of nave + plenty of chairs. Continue to remain socially responsible. Mask wearing – most people do but noticeably different for occasional offices. Agreed to continue as we are. Caroline and Jennie to manage occasional offices on case by case basis. Singing – Maximum in choir increased to 15 and desire for more congregational singing. General consensus for more singing so agreement for opening hymn, Gloria and closing hymn. All to stand for this and passing the peace. Refreshments – Various comments received. Noted it would be easier to restart this in St Anne’s. Sing-up sheet for St Bart’s ready and dishwasher tested and working. There do remain concerns so proceed with caution. Services – Mid-week at St Bart’s in Jesus chapel would be viable as numbers between 6 and 10. Evensong worked well there.

Home Communion/Neighbourhood Network – Consideration to be given to restarting Home Communion taking into account need to reserve wafers and hygiene issues. NN continues to work well with mixture of visiting and telephone contact. Capacity – Lindow Singers concert agreed audience to wear masks and limit of 100 (30 choir and 70 audience). Remembrance/All Souls – Caroline meeting with Town Council and will liaise with British Legion. Suggests starting in memorial garden followed by service of the word in church. Caroline’s practice in sending church and she wishes to establish this pattern for future years. Discussion with mixed views and show to hands to proposal permanent change;

6 for, 2 against and 2 abstentions.

All Souls normally CTiW but no plans for this year. Acknowledged that this is greatly appreciated. Caroline and Jennie to discuss options. Christmas – brief discussion about Christingle and St Anne’s Crib Service well attended but large numbers. Last year 2 Christmas Eve services 9 pm and midnight so need to think about this year. Important to consider our own congregation and possible ticketing for Christingle. Boxing Day on Sunday so one said HC service at St Bart’s.

Mission – Open discussion – good publicity and raising awareness important. Wish to open church more on Saturday between 10 am and 4 pm. Choir practice moved to Saturdays so opportunity for cleaning also. Barbara would like to see coffee and cakes return. Ann felt church needed deep clean.

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Georgina would like more involvement from young families. Agreement that it would be helpful for church members to commit to being at all-age service to act as friendly hosts.

Clergy well-being Covenant circulated and read by everyone. Martin has summarised and happy to take the lead, liaising with Jackie and Isobel.

Reports received – Safeguarding, Fabric, Finance, Food Friend, CTiW, St Anne’s School, Deanery and Diocesan Synod. Problems with car parking at St Bart’s noted.

24[th] November 2021 (16 members)

All DBS checks completed and almost all training undertaken. Remembrance Day service worked well, parade cancelled and 54 in church. Positive feedback for outdoor service.

Deanery visits went well. +Mark attended St Anne’s School and +Sam and +Julie looked at work of food friend. Greater chapter meeting held in chapter meeting held in St Bart’s.

Full discussion re: mission and outreach. Focus for future and need to encourage young people. Need to consider what we are going to say to newcomers. Jon suggested having a worship committee to develop ideas. Mission and Outreach officer at the diocese who is happy to come to PCC meetings.

Lay Pastoral Worker project approved.

Discussion re: covid safety; masks, distancing, numbers, catering and Christmas service.

St Anne’s coffee to restart in the New Year and St Bart’s to be reviewed then.

Details of the Christmas Services noted.

Safeguarding report noted.

Fabric report noted and agreement for lights to be replaced at St Anne’s.

Finance report noted including income and expenditure figures. Projected deficit of -£30K noted.

Approval for Julian to set up an online banking account.

Isobel attended webinar about fund raising and invite Martin Smith, Diocesan Giving Officer, to a Friends meeting in the near future. She briefly outlined various suggestions for fund raising and a parish outing.

St Anne’s School has much less disruption from Covid.

CTiW - £482.51 sent to Money for Madagascar from Harvest Appeal Correspondence re: children’s services noted and need to establish something different to encourage young families.

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Agreement to only allow working dogs into the church building. Request from toddler group for space in the parish hall noted. For further consideration after Christmas.

27

Electoral Roll Officer’s Report

There are currently 212 on the Electoral Roll of which 57 live outside the Parish.

2 were added

12 have been removed

( 5 of which are deceased, 1 left the area 1 was ordained and 5 requested to be removed as no longer worshipping in our Parish)

Please notify me of any alterations to your current details which may occur during the year.

Please continue to encourage any new regular members of the congregation to join the Electoral Roll so that they can be eligible to vote

H Grout

(Administration Manager)

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Fabric Report including Parish Hall

Fabric Committee Report

The Fabric committee was set up with Caroline Throup (Rector), Jackie Watts (ChurchWarden), Flo Knowles , Jon Horne, Ray Oates , Georgina Lewis and Grace Reed with each member looking after a section of the Parish.

Parish Hall

Jackie began by organising the sorting and clearing the storage area in the main hall of the Parish Hall . We then investigated the damp on the walls. A leak was found behind panelling in the Ladies toilets. Grace purchased a dehumidifier which we ran for 6 months and the problem was solved . The machine then went to the costume wardrobe at the Wilmslow Guild. Jackie, assisted by Grace and Angela, cleared the toy cupboard and washed and dried all of the toys; some were sold and the damaged ones disposed of and the walls painted . The good toys were put back.

St Bart’s Exterior

Repairs to Gutters and downspouts all around the church including old exterior toilet roof repair

Lychgate roof

Wrought ironwork

–agreed that permission for this would be sought with a view to starting work in spring, 2022.

Security lights

Contractor undertaking gutter and downspout repairs

Quoted £675 for rectification. He deemed the work not particularly urgent but we should budget for this work to be carried out during 2022.

St Bart’s Interior

Bell tower step and doorway at top of stairs

– checked and considered safe and secure following concerns raised. The door could do with some maintenance work but this was not deemed a priority.

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It was agreed that the bird proofing would be checked when the pinnacles were.

Choir vestry

– emergency repair to strip light.

Clergy vestry

St Anne’s Church

St Anne’s Hall

St Bart’s Churchyard

A small team of volunteers meet every Monday morning throughout the year, usually, only missing on Bank Holidays or if the weather is very bad. This year our activity was also hindered by lock downs. The mild, wet spring encouraged early growth and with lock downs there was a period when we struggled to keep pace with nature!

Apart from lawn mowing and leaf gathering, a wide range of less obvious tasks are undertaken. The pruning of shoots around the base of many of our mature trees is a tedious and perennial task. Trimming of the pyracantha hedge which deters intruders at the rear of the extension for example. There are also more enjoyable aspects such as encouraging bulbs and primroses which provide a glorious display during the spring. Most importantly the team enjoy working together in God’s acre. While not obvious to the eye, there are in fact more than a hundred numbered and logged trees in St Bart’s churchyard. For the safety of everyone using the churchyard, every three years a full survey of the trees must be undertaken by a qualified arborist. This survey had previously highlighted several trees which needed to be removed and following approvals relating to Tree Preservation Orders, the work was completed by a specialist contractor. Approximately 30 trees have been highlighted as having health issues and these require inspection annually.

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The coordination of these inspections and any consequential tree surgery is quite challenging and we have appreciated the support from Helen in the Parish Office.

During the autumn a major clearance of the brambles and general jungle on the lower plateau adjacent to the river was initiated. This will provide an improved view of the river and enhance the general appearance of the churchyard.

During this year we were asked if we could tackle the hedge between the garden of remembrance and Chancel Lane. With the help of a string of extension cables the team managed to achieve this task and thus save contractors costs.

Annual maintenance of the machinery can be expensive but thanks to the generous donation of three relatively new mowers we were able to avoid all workshop charges this year. However it is unlikely that we will be able to repeat this in 2022 and suggest that a budget of £250 should be allowed for. While working we must always be cognisant of safety issues, environmental issues and wider also enjoy engaging with visitors as they pass through the churchyard.

Grace Reed & Jon Horne Fabric Committee

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Fabric Report (Warden’s Report)

This time last year we didn’t know what was in store for us as wardens! It has been a steep learning curve but here we are at the APCM with many things accomplished.

Because of the disruption over the past two years there were a number of outstanding jobs to be done and I’m pleased to say many are now sorted. From a long term leak in the Parish Hall (resulting in follow on jobs with drying out the building and damp cupboards and contents), to roof repairs in all of our four buildings, other repairs that had been highlighted in the Quinquennial and various tree works in the churchyards. Many thanks to all who stepped in to help.

It has been great to have a team on the PCC and others from the congregation who can help when needed. If you notice something that needs doing, however small, don’t wait to be asked - just volunteer!

We have said goodbye to David Bush and Louise Pipping, who for many years have helped us in all our buildings with cleaning and repairs and general maintenance – thank you to them for all their hard work.

We have moved from online to real life services once again and have gradually introduced old ways of doing things, but it must be noted that we are still not at the end of the pandemic and we need to continue to take care.

Covid led to the decision to have outdoor services for Remembrance Sunday and then the Christingles at both churches. These were a great success and maybe something to continue – especially the use of the Memorial garden when so many could come together.

Earlier in the year Jennie was ordained Curate at Chester – most of us could only watch online which was a new experience. Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals are now happening with greater numbers being able to attend for which we are thankful.

We were able to continue with our Friday afternoon Parish Zoom sessions – thanks to Caroline L for facilitating these – a good way to keep up with each other when we couldn’t always meet in person.

Recently we have planted trees for the Jubilee in both churchyards and plan Jubilee parties.

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We have a time of great change ahead as we say goodbye to Caroline and Jennie – we wish them well in their new places of work and thank them for their time with us.

We are thankful too for Roger, Val and Georgina who will be helping us during the interregnum.

Jackie Watts and Caroline Lucas 31/3/22

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Safeguarding Report

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline measure 2016 (duty to have regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

Safeguarding means the steps that the Church takes to create and maintain a safe environment for all and in particular for children, young people and vulnerable adults. As a Parish we are committed to encouraging an environment where all people, but especially those who may be at risk for any reason, are able to worship and follow their faith journey in safety. I attach a copy of our Parish Safeguarding Policy which was accepted at last year’s APCM. This Policy is reviewed on at least an annual basis.

As a result of the continuing Covid pandemic 2021 was a year when, due to Government restrictions, there were no church services in our Parish from the second week in January until Palm Sunday, 28[th] March. During these months our other usual church activities such as children’s activities, home visits and social events were also suspended. Over the course of the year a review of our activities from a Safeguarding point of view has taken place and documentation and processes updated as necessary in line with guidelines set out by The Church of England and Diocese of Chester. This review is an ongoing process and particularly as our activities recommence and new activities begin.

There were no formal safeguarding reports made to the Chester Diocesan Safeguarding Team during the year.

Over the course of the year PCC members completed the Safeguarding Basic Awareness Course and most have also completed the Safeguarding Foundation Course provided by the Diocese.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) documentation and processes are under ongoing review to ensure that all procedures are kept up to date. Similarly our Safeguarding contact details and safeguarding information is reviewed regularly to ensure that up to date information is displayed on our Parish website and in Parish buildings.

Diana Smith Parish Safeguarding Officer

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Parish Safeguarding Handbook Model Parish Safeguarding Policy Church of England

The Parish of Wilmslow SAFEGUARDING POLICY PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

The following policy was agreed at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 25[th] April 2021.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:

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This church has appointed Diana Smith as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.

Incumbent: Revd Caroline Throup;

Churchwardens: Jackie Watts & Caroline Lucas

Date: 25/04/2021

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Diocesan & Deanery Synods Report

Deanery Synod

There were 3 meetings during the year; 22[nd] March, 28[th] June and 18[th] November. There was a Coronavirus update at each meeting looking at the lessons learnt through lockdown and the areas of concern as churches re-open. Three main areas were highlighted; re-establishing groups and welcoming volunteers, what will ‘normal’ look like – will it continue as a mixed economy with streamed and live services and finances as income has fallen dramatically. There were discussions about Living in Love and Faith, Thy Kingdom Come and The Clergy Covenant. +Mark carried out Deanery visits in October. The changes to wedding registration requirements were noted. Bishops Sam and Julie have been recently appointed and were grateful for the welcome they received in churches across the deanery. The Diocesan Lay Conference (cancelled from May 2020) has been rescheduled for March 2022.

Isobel Chetwood was elected as Diocesan Lay Chair at the March meeting.

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ADDITIONAL REPORTS

Well, it has been another unusual year due to the COVID pandemic.

Our main duty is to ring the bells for Sunday services, and as required by the Rector for other important services.

Due to COVID and the need to operate with social distancing, practices were suspended and Sunday ringing restricted. Our ropes are too close together to be able to ring all six bells due to a two-metre ruling. We rang four bells on Easter Day and continued with only four for Sunday services. We were required to ring in masks with the west doors open for ventilation but that proved very difficult in cold and windy weather. We had to ring early and vacate the ringing area before the congregation arrived but we do know from comments from some members of the congregation and passers-by that the return to ringing, although restricted, was appreciated, after such a long absence.

From July, following relaxation of the two-metre rule, we have been able to ring all six bells. However, the long absence has had its toll on us both physically and mentally. Muscles that had not been used for a long time proved reluctant to recover, and the methods that we had previously rung with little difficulty have been slow to get back into the repertoire. Practice has been essential but this has been hampered by continuing COVID cases affecting family members and acquaintances causing ringers to be absent.

Our tower captain, Neil Lomas did a wonderful job telephoning all our ringers every Wednesday evening throughout the lockdown to check on our wellbeing and to keep us together as a band so that we have not lost any ringers during the period. As a group, we have communicated through a ‘Whats app’.

R D Keen Tower Correspondent 11 April, 2022

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Churches Together in Wilmslow 2021

The CTiW group met 3 times with members from the Wilmslow churches: St Bartholomew’s, St Anne’s, the United Reformed Church, Wilmslow Methodist Church, St Teresa’s RC Church, Norcliffe Chapel, Wilmslow Life Church, Wilmslow Quakers and Dean Row Unitarian Church.

Tuesday 12[th] January 2021 - Via Zoom (15 members) Andrew welcomed members and Isobel gave a reflection on Philippians 4: 5-9.

Community car service closed. Surplus funds of £170 to CTiW. Current balance £3,320. Agreement to suspend contributions for 2021. Agreement for Bill Deverill to act as independent examiner. Christmas card not produced as the distribution costs too high. Thanks to Carole’s daughter for the artwork which will hopefully be used this year.

Wilmslow Wells correspondence received suggesting different ways of raising money in current circumstances.

Advent and Christmas events for each church noted with inventive online services and outdoor socially distanced carol service. Greater emphasis on decorating outside churches also.

World Day of Prayer focusing on Vanuatu and hopefully online resources will be available.

Plans for Lent will be different with suggested online groups and Zoom lent lunches.

Christian Aid Week difficult to plan ahead. Cathy attending meeting re: fund raising platforms. House to house collections may be coming to an end with CA moving more towards digital donations. Nationally £3.7m raised, just under half the previous year’s total. Emphasis on raising money for Covid19 support.

Nightstop Harvest appeal well supported as it local and benefitted young people. Suggestions for this year’s appeal discussed including Christians Against Poverty group in Wythenshawe. Discussion re: possible greater liaison with churches together in Handforth, Lacey Green and Alderley Edge. Transition Wilmslow proposal to set up community market in Colshaw noted.

Suggestion that In Together be dropped from the CTiW agenda and no longer our “responsibility”. We will of course continue to support it.

Methodist Church – Video services, Zoom and WhatsApp group. Katy announced she will be moving in the summer to a post as Chaplain at Kingswood Foundation School in Bath.

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St Bartholomew’s and St Anne’s – Kirsty Allan finished her curacy on Christmas Day and settled in Brancaster, North Norfolk. Licensing in January. New curate in June details to follow. Isobel to send a card.

St Teresa’s – Continue to hold mass following Covid guidelines and managing numbers.

URC – Live streaming of services without congregation. Larger “invisible” numbers. Not been able to sing hymns but comments that people listen more and reading the words to understand theology. Meals at home services suspended and café stopped. Online Burns Night planned. Volunteers supporting the medical centre stewarding the car park which feels like a new ministry.

Dean Row Chapel – Live streamed funerals at Slacks which felt intimate and personal. Particularly good for those who cannot travel.

Friends – Online services continuing. Joy Anderson now representing Friends in a wider churches together group. Isobel to send thank you gift.

Monday 19[th] April 2021 - Via Zoom (10 members)

Andrew welcomed members and Paul Briers led the opening devotions from Proverbs 19.

World day of prayer did not take place but national service available online.

The annual accounts were accepted. Thanks to Peter and Bill Deverell for acting as Independent Examiner.

Vice Chair appointment vacant and members to consider who might wish to take on the role.

Peter appointed as Treasurer and Isobel as Secretary. Thanks to both.

Annual report accepted.

Zoom Lent lunches well attended with about 20 people at each. £980 raised so far without gift aid. St Bart’s and St Anne’s had online Lent courses using Hannah Steele’s book Living his story. Katy and Kirsty did 5 week online course exploring spirituality. In future it would be nice to have course across all churches.

Discussion about Harvest Appeal – suggestion to have 2 charities for 2021 and 2022 splitting the monies evenly between them. Money for Madagascar and Hope Central were proposed.

Cathy delighted with Lent lunch monies. She outlined Christian Aid week fund raising options.

Transition Wilmslow planning event on weekend of Hallowe’en and suggested CTiW could do something to support this with a joint event. Details of Methodist Zero Carbon Group webinar with Bill McKibben shared.

Farewell to Katy planned for 17[th] July hosted by Andrew with bring and share party.

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St Bart’s and St Anne’s – Vacancy for foundation governor at St Anne’s school. All age service at 4 pm on 4[th] Sunday of each month due to start in May.

St Teresa’s – Continue to hold mass following Covid guidelines and managing numbers.

Norcliffe Chapel – Alex Bradley stepped down last June and it is hoped a new minister will be appointed soon.

Methodist Church – No appointment to follow Katy as yet but cover the next year. Links with URC will continue. Services to resume at church on 23[rd] May with video until then.

URC – Re-opening on 21[st] May. Live streamed services well attended. Halls re-open on 23[rd] May. In Together meeting in large hall.

Using re-opening as opportunity to do things differently.

Large role with vaccination programme with Health Centre providing mission and ministry.

Life Church – Meetings held in the Carrs. Decision not to return to Revolution Bar as lockdown has meant growth and changes with live groups and streaming online.

Friends – Zoom services continue.

Monday 13[th] September 2021 - Via Zoom (11 members) Andrew welcomed members particularly Jennie Prince curate St Bart’s and St Anne’s. Kirsty led opening devotions from John 1 v1-5.

Rob Larkman reported on refugees accommodated at Manchester Airport Stanley Hotel (formerly Belfry). Discussion re ways CTiW can help especially if there is anyone qualified to teach English as a second language. Toiletries would also be welcome.

Christian Aid Week raised £10,685. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to help raise this sum and to Cathy for her hard work.

Suggestions for helping to promote COP26 were noted.

The two charities Money for Madagascar and Debt Relief noted. Further information to follow. Churches to decide to support one or both of these charities as they see fit.

No plans to hold a service to remember those who have died this year. Kirsty to discuss with worship team at URC if they can offer something on 31[st] October.

Logistical issues around sending Christmas cards noted. Agreed to make a good show of singing carols at the Artisan market and consider advertising services on wilmslow.co.uk.

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Jennie Prince settling in as new curate at St Bart’s.

Messy Church at URC has started again. They had a successful Big Picnic recently and Wilmslow Youth back in the building with education sessions and the after school café.

Isobel Chetwood – Secretary Churches Together in Wilmslow

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Friends of the Parish Chair’s Report 2021

The Friends of the Parish of Wilmslow have had a fallow year in that we have not held regular meetings or organised any fund raising activities. We did however hold our AGM via Zoom in July 2021 and it was lovely to be able to welcome so many people who could join from all parts of the country without the need to travel! We did however miss our usual splendid lunch and the planned 30 year anniversary afternoon tea was but a distant memory by the time we had the AGM.

During 2021 we continued to have income from membership subscriptions and the 200 club. We tried very hard to spend money for the boiler at St Bart’s but this was refunded following a successful insurance claim. The Friends however were able to pay for the cost of the new combi heating boiler for St Anne’s. Our total income for the year was £6,911.00 (which included the refunds) and our expenditure was £3,200.00. We have a healthy balance to take forward for any future parish needs.

After many years as our Treasurer, Phil Hardy stepped down and we were pleased that Richard Smith agreed to take on the role. We are very grateful to Phil for all his hard work for the Friends and wish Richard all the best as our new Treasurer.

We are looking forward to 2022 with plans to start fund raising once again. The focus of this may well change, as the needs of the parish have certainly done over the last two years, but rest assured the Friends will be here to support St Bart’s and St Anne’s churches for many years to come.

Isobel Chetwood Chair - The Friends of the Parish of Wilmslow

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Friends of the Parish Financial Summary for 2021

I took over the role of Treasurer of The Friends of the Parish of Wilmslow after the annual meeting held by Zoom on 8 July 2021.This report should be read in conjunction with the Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 December 2021 and the Chair`s Report for 2021.

As was the case in 2020, the activities of The Friends were again curtailed in 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic and its associated restrictions of varying degrees and it was not possible to organise any fund-raising events. Nevertheless, the membership subscriptions to The Friends and to 200 Club have been maintained and 200 Club draw has continued each month.

In February 2021, The Friends paid for the cost of the new combi heating boiler at St. Anne`s in the sum of £2,250.00. In the 2020 Accounts, the additional sum of £5,340.00 was paid by The Friends for the boiler for St. Barts underfloor heating, but this was the subject of an insurance claim by the PCC as a result of which the sum of £5,240.00 (£5,340.00 less the excess of £100.00) was refunded in March/April 2021 by two separate payments of £1,500.00 and £3740.00 respectively. These respective payments and refunds appear in the Income and Expenditure Account.

The Friends of the Parish of Wilmslow Bank Accounts

The Friends have two separate bank accounts with NatWest Bank in Wilmslow. They are:

The combined balances were £18,558.36 on 31 December,2021 These are both current accounts and do not accrue any interest.

Income

£1,501.00 received in subscriptions.

£170.00 received as donations

£5,240.00 as a net refund following the insurance claim mentioned above

Therefore, the income for the year was £6,911.00

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Expenditure

£2,250.00 for the boiler at St Anne`s mentioned above £900.00 as monthly draw prizes distributed from the 200 Club £50.00 paid for a book token as a gift for Phil Hardy, the outgoing Treasurer. Therefore, the expenditure for the year was £3,200.

The excess of income over expenditure for 2021 was £3,711.00 and the overall funds held by the Friends increased from £ 14,847.36, the figure at 31 December 2020, to £18,558.36, the closing balance at 31 December, 2021.

Richard Smith Honorary Treasurer 15 March,2022

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Lay Pastoral Assistants

Alison Gosling, Flo Knowles and Julian Bowker did not meet in 2021.

Bereavement Care

Home Communion

Covid restrictions disallowed.

Courses

Styal Prison

Food Friend

We opened for just one morning a week (as we did when lockdown was initially eased in 2020) all year until September when started operating as we continue to do now; for two sessions a week (Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons).

On average, we gave out 12 food parcels each week. Although we welcomed a few newcomers, numbers were down generally since the start of the pandemic. This is undoubtedly due to the improvement of other food bank services who have received significant support, like us , and ‘Covid’ funding.

FK met with Barney Howard (the ‘new’ Hope Centre Handforth Debt Centre Manager - North-East Cheshire Christians Against Poverty) in August in the hope that we would forward our clients their way. Working together is an ethos we have always valued despite trying to be increasingly aware of the parish boundaries. Food Friend continued to give excess food supplies to Handforth and used our judgement regarding clients’ needs re locality and any valid exceptions to the general rule. Certainly, during Covid, our combined aim has been to simply make sure the hungry are fed.

Community support was again overwhelming during the year and Food Friend received a significant number of food and monetary donations. This has resulted in excess food supplies which we have passed on to other food banks and hostels in the Manchester area, as well as Hope Central (many thanks to Phil Gaskell especially who has helped transport supplies to The Mustard Tree in Ancoats).

Also thanks to Andy Daniels, from what was C19 Styal (pop-up food bank), who continued to help us deliver food parcels to those unable to collect e.g. if isolating.

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We remain indebted to regular volunteers; Christine Little, Sheena Hatton and Ann Hodson who between them collected stock, made up food parcels, manned the doors (track and trace) and ensured social distancing measures etc. were adhered to.

Also thanks to Ray Oates for helping sort stock and date check.

It was a great success for the Food Friend team to witness the homing of ‘Billy’ (well known in the community) in assisted accommodation after supporting him living rough - and refusing any long term help - for many years.

Flo Knowles March 2022

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Magazine Team

We are pleased to report that the magazine continued without a break throughout 2021 despite a further lockdown. Since March 2020 the magazine has been published digitally and this has proved to be a great success. In particular this has enabled us to use much more colour in the magazine which has made it more attractive for our readers. Preparations have been made to restart printing the magazine in January 2022. However, we are planning to print only the number required for those who cannot access the online issue or would prefer to pay for a printed copy. The cost for the printed copy will remain at £7 per year. The online version, which will have more colour than the printed one, will continue to be sent to everyone as now and no charge will be made, although donations are very welcome.

We thank those who, during lockdown and over the past year, have printed and delivered copies of the magazine to members of the congregation who do not have access to the online magazine.

During 2021, in addition to the Rector’s letter and our regular features, we published a series of articles on the Apostles. There was an interesting and varied ‘Birthday’ series of articles on famous people who have the same birthday as a member of our church family and members of the choir shared their favourite pieces of Sacred Music. We also featured regular updates from our Churchwardens, music updates and reports from St Anne’s School as well as reports from various church activity groups and the Friends. In addition we printed interesting occasional articles, poems and photographs all generously written or provided by members of the congregations.

Thank you to all our contributors. We love to receive your articles, reports, photographs and drawings and we are lucky to have so many talented artists, photographers and writers in our parish.

Thank you to Jean Parker who kindly sends out the timely reminders for articles and to Helen Grout who sends the magazine out.

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Do please keep sending us your contributions.

During the year Chris Murray retired as one of our editors. We take this opportunity of thanking him very much for his commitment and all his hard work for the magazine over many years.

If there is anyone out there who would like to join our Magazine Team, particularly from St Anne’s, please do get in touch.

Advertising

Isobel Chetwood looks after the ads very competently, ably assisted by Liz Parris.

Please do support these local businesses.

Distribution

Thanks to Wendy and Roger Yates for co-ordinating both the distribution and the banking of subscriptions

We would love to hear from you with ideas and suggestions for future magazines – and, of course, articles and pictures too.

Magazine Team Wendy Yates, Jill Dodson, Diana Smith, Isobel Chetwood, Jean Parker, Ann Hodson, Christopher Dodson

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Neighbourhood Network

2021 was a little improved from the previous year as some Covid restrictions eased. Our team of around 20 people did a marvellous job in keeping in touch with members of our Parish, either by phoning, some visits and when possible giving lifts to services as they happened.

We produced Parish Cards for both Easter and Christmas (thanks to Stuart Martin and Helen Grout for help with these) and we were able to host our Christmas Tea party in the Parish Hall having not been able to for two years! That was a great success and we included a sales table (including beautiful Christmas cards of the church painted by Shelagh Turner-Smith) which raised valuable funds for church.

It has been lovely to welcome some new members to our churches and we look forward to getting to know them better as we are able to meet up more easily.

Jackie Watts NN co-ordinator 14/03/22

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Organist, Choir and Church Music

2021 was certainly a busy year for music within our parish even with the imposed restrictions.

As a parish we hosted:

10 organ recitals (4 online only)

1 trumpet and organ recital

8 Tundra Concerts (online) Tundra Revisited Concert with Andrew and Jan. The Lindow Singers. Matt Brown Concert (clarinet). Sale Choral Society Concert (Messiah)

In addition to the usual Sunday services the robed choir have sung for:

2 Choral Evensongs (October and November) Remembrance Sunday Advent Carol Service Christmas Carol Service.

The monthly evensong services we introduced later in the year and were attended by an average of 24 people. Several congregation and choir seating arrangements have been tried in response to the feedback given after services. The best balance comes from bringing the choir forward in front of the screen and reducing the volume of the organ. The numbers are growing and 150 people view each service online during the weeks in between the monthly services.

The Advent Carol service was a wonderful Advent journey in words and music accompanied by glimmering candlelight. The choir sang beautifully, and all their hard work paid off. If you wish to enjoy the majesty of the Advent Carol Service please follow this link: htps://youtu.be/EZ7S7qGBw8Y

The musical year was rounded off with the Parish Carol service by candlelight. The event was well attended and the choir sang well. The service can be viewed via this link: htps://youtu.be/hoVwSD7_QKg

The choir currently has 16 members and rehearses on Saturday mornings from 0930 – 1045. We are looking for new adult members to cover for absences and holidays. I would like to thank the choir members for their hard work and loyalty during the COVID restrictions.

The organ is being well maintained and minor faults have been addressed at the tuning visits twice a year. We have a significant number of online viewers for organ recitals and evensong services throughout the world. This number continues to grow. People also have the opportunity to listen to the organ online (via YouTube) and there is also a history of the organ on the Parish Website.

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Looking ahead to 2022, covid restrictions permitting, we hope to provide a wider range of musical concerts and music activities for our congregation and wider community. We are currently developing the Saturday church opening sessions to encourage more community footfall.

Tim Harvey. Director of Music.

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St. Anne's Church Ladies Group

AGM Monday February 14[th] 2022

Our last AGM was 2 years ago in 2020 followed by 2 further meetings before lockdown.

We didn't meet again until July 2021 when we had an afternoon tea outdoors, it was good to meet again after so long.

In September 2021 we restarted our meetings and have continued. We had 3 interesting talks on various topics with the speakers fees being donated to:

The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust

The Talking Newspaper and The Macclesfield Scouts Holiday Fund.

In December we had a very enjoyable Christmas lunch at The Pinewood attended by 24 members.

We look forward to our future meetings.

Ray Oates

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