2024-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of All Saints, Leighton Buzzard

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Diocese of St. Albans

Parish of All Saints, Leighton Buzzard

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

Saturda 17[th] Ma 2025 at 9.45am y y

DIOCESE OF ST. ALBANS

PARISH OF ALL SAINTS, LEIGHTON BUZZARD ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING SATURDAY 17[th] MAY 2025 at 9.45am

PRAYERS

Vestry Meeting:

Election of Churchwardens

Election of Sidesmen and Ladies

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

A G E N D A

Apologies for absence
Minutes of Annual Parochial Church Meeting 28[th] April 2024
Presentation of Electoral Roll
Elections: Parochial Church Councillors: 3 members, Deanery Synod 1 member
Churchwardens’ Report
P.C.C. Report
Other Reports
Presentation of Financial Accounts
Appointment of Auditor
To note the date of 22[nd] May P.C.C. meeting following 7.00pm Holy Communion
Date of next Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Any other business: An opportunity for members of the parish to raise any matter of common concern, and to make any suggestions for the P.C.C. agenda.
Vicar’s Jottings

SIDESMEN AND LADIES:

Lindsay Bevis Dianne Bradfield Liz Corbett Bev Crockett Gemma Dolton Julie Dolton Terry Dolton Anne Flynn Dominic Flynn Pauline Esmail-Scott Jill Hargreaves Rachael Horrocks Jenny Huskisson Zita Jeeves Dot Jessup Pauline Lyon Audrey Mason Steve Mayne Maggie Moran Dave Mowbray Stephen Jury Karen Nash Jackie Rudom Sam Smith Amy Tingay Philip Tingay Sue Revis Rosemary Warburton Terry Warburton David Williams

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Ex-Officio on the P.C.C. are: - Churchwardens

Stipendiary Clergy One representative Reader Elected members of Deanery Synod

Already elected to serve for a further one year:

Jackie Rudom, Carol Yirrell, Stacey Major, Alan Perrott

Already elected to serve for a further two years:

Audrey Mason, Jaine Holford, Hannah Pearce, Andrea Cox, Dot Jessup, Christine Munford

Retiring members:

Janet Wenborn, Linda Kagunga

Eligible for Re-election:

Amy Tingay

Vacancies:

3 vacancies for P.C.C

1 vacancy for Deanery Synod for 1 year

APCM MINUTES 2024

Diocese of St. Albans

Parish of All Saints, Leighton Buzzard

Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 28 April 2024, 11:15am

The vestry meeting was opened in prayer by Mother Kirsty as Chair The APCM meeting was chaired by John Sykes

VESTRY MEETING

1. ELECTION OF CHURCH WARDENS

Initially, Bill Webb announced that he was at the end of his Church Warden tenure and would be stepping down.

Mother Kirsty announced John Sykes and Sam Smith have agreed to stay as Church Wardens, with James Legg a new standing for Church Warden, this was proposed by John Sykes and seconded by Paul Dickens

This was unanimously approved at the meeting.

Mother Kirsty thanked John, Sam and Bill for their work throughout the year.

2. ELECTION OF SIDESPEOPLE

The motion to approve the list of sidesmen and ladies as recorded in the notice of APCM was proposed by Lindsay Bevis, seconded by Stacey Major and unanimously approved by all in attendance.

There being no further business, the meeting was declared closed.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

This meeting was chaired by John Sykes

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

A list of apologies was presented to, and noted by, the meeting.

2. MINUTES OF THE 2023 ANNUAL GENERAL CHURCH MEETING

The minutes of the previous Annual General Church Meeting were taken and read and accepted with no amendments. Acceptance of the minutes was proposed by Stacey Major, seconded by Geoff Marchant and unanimously approved by all at the meeting.

3. PRESENTATION OF ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT

The Electoral Roll report was presented and it was noted that there had been 231 members in April 2024, a decrease of 13 since April 2023. This is part to members moving away or no longer attending church, but sadly there have also been 7 congregant deaths this year.

4. ELECTIONS

Parochial Church Council (PCC)

The meeting was asked to approve the election of new PCC members:

NOMINEE	PROPOSED	SECONDED	ELECTED?
Christine Munford	Alison Dobbie	Brian Bainbridge	Yes
Audrey Mason	Lindsay Bevis	James Legg	Yes
Jaine Holford	James Legg	John Wallace	Yes
Hannah Pearce	John Wallace	Laurelin Burge	Yes
Andrea Cox	Lindsay Bevis	John Wallace	Yes
Dot Jessup	Christine Stopford	Janet Wenborn	Yes

No new Deanery Synod representatives came forward so there are still two places unfilled.

5. CHURCH WARDENS’ REPORT

The Church Wardens’ Report was taken as read and unanimously adopted with no questions or comments being raised.

6. PCC REPORT

The PCC report was taken as read and unanimously adopted with no questions or comments raised.

7. OTHER REPORTS

The other reports set out in the APCM booklet were taken as read and unanimously adopted with no questions or comments being raised.

The PCC would like to thank Kerry Sykes from the flower team for all that she has done for Church.

8. PRESENTATION OF THE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS

As he was away Mark Jeeves (Treasurer) provided a presentation of the financial report and overview of the final audited accounts for 2023, this was displayed for the meeting and read out by John.

Income year-on-year was up £7k primarily from the Coffee Shop.

Expenditure also increased unfortunately by £13.3k, due to inflation and the increased cost of running service. The Diocese quota was underpaid by £6k (£82k vs £88k). Had this have been paid in full, expenditure would have increased by £20k from 2022 and our overall loss would have been £12k for the year.

The acceptance of the financial was proposed by Alan Perrott, seconded by Bill Webb and unanimously agreed by the meeting.

Stephen Jury asked, following a meeting with Kate Ford from the Diocese finance team, what had been implemented about fundraising, including Legacy Giving leaflets. He was advised that following this a card reader has been purchased and is being used for donations. The PCC have been discussing Legacy Giving and what is needed to set it up and produce a leaflet.

Mother Kirsty thanked everyone for their help, especially with the coffee shop.

9. RE-APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR

Mark had previously advised that our current auditor is retiring so we will need to find someone new for next year. He is planning to speak to the Diocese & other local churches to see if they have any suitable auditors that could be recommended. It has been suggested that the sourcing of a new auditor is delegated to the finance committee then bought to the PCC once sorted, this has been proposed by James Legg and seconded by Stacey Major and unanimously approved.

10. TO NOTE THE DATE OF THE NEXT PCC MEETING

It was noted that the next PCC meeting will be held on Thursday 2nd May 2024 at 7:30pm, preceded by a service of Holy Communion at 7:00pm.

11. TO NOTE THE DATE OF THE NEXT ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

It was noted that the next APCM would be held on Sunday 27th April 2025 at 11.15am.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

On behalf of the congregation. Judith Lakin thanked the PCC for all the hard work they do for running the church.

Bill Webb thanked Judith Lakin for the work she had done as PCC secretary in the last year.

Mother Kirsty thanked everyone for attending. The meeting closed, with the Grace, at 11:40am

List of attendees:

Mother Kirsty, John Sykes, Lindsay Bevis, James Legg, Alan Perrott, Stacey Major, Geoff Marchant, Dot Jessop, Audrey Mason, Liz Corbett, Gill Hargreaves, June Ayres, Katrina Grant, Linda Kagunga, Sam Smith, Margaret & Brian Bainbridge, Judith Lakin, Steve Major, Marion Carter, Bill Webb, Sarah Webb, Dianne Bradfield, Hannah Pearce, Dorothy Carter, Adam Carter, Mary Payne-Cook, Stephen Jury, Hannah Holbrook, Andrea Cox, Philip Tingay

Apologies:

Marie & Ian Macpherson, Sheila Willett, George Lathwell, Kerry Sykes, Paul & Julia Dickens, Thelma Harris, Jenny & Geoff Huskisson, Amy Tingay, Mark Jeeves, Alison Dobbie, Christine Munford

PCC SECRETARY’S REPORT TO THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING APRIL 2025

The Parochial Church Council was convened six times in the year to end Dec 2024, holding its meetings in the Church. PCC meetings generally take place bi-monthly as is usual, occurring in the months of February, April, May, July, September, November. The meetings were initially chaired by the church wardens until Preb David MacGeoch was appointed as vicar of All Saints, he took over chairing the meetings from September 2024. Minutes were taken by Phil Tingay as PCC Secretary.

Over the year a total of 24 people served on the PCC. The membership includes the Churchwardens, Stipendiary Clergy, a representative Reader and people elected to represent the Deanery Synod and the Diocesan Synod. Alongside these ‘Ex-officio’ members, are elected or co-opted members. Currently there are vacancies for the Deanery Synod and elected PCC members. Most elected members agree to serve for 3 years and can be re-elected to serve again, for a further 3 years. The maximum length of term is therefore 6 years, after which a person must take a break. Anyone interested in joining the PCC can approach myself as Secretary, Preb David MacGeoch, or anyone currently serving who would be delighted to explain the important work that is done. Names of all PCC members can be found on the PCC board in the North Transept.

All meetings follow a standard agenda. Points of discussion include a financial report that sets out how we are performing against the budget agreed for the year. The varied and excellent work that is undertaken by the various subcommittees is reported. Discussions on matters raised are frequently in depth and reflect the views and opinions of a diverse and passionate group of people.

There is also a Standing Committee, a subcommittee of the PCC, that meets bi-monthly around the months where there is no scheduled PCC meeting. The Committee is tasked with addressing matters that arise in between scheduled PCC meetings.

The major event for the PCC and church this year has been the appointment of Preb David MacGeoch as new church vicar. This has taken a lot of time and effort from many members of the church community. The wardens have done a fantastic job in running the church during this vacancy.

Phil Tingay, PCC Secretary pccsecretary@allsaintslb.org.uk

CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

In July, we said goodbye to our curate, Mtr Kirsty, who was appointed as chaplain to Christ Church College, Oxford. We are very grateful to her for stepping up to support us during the interregnum. We are similarly grateful to numerous clergy, readers, and other ministers both within and without the Ouzel Valley Team for ensuring that a full breadth of services continued to be offered up. In September and with relief, we welcomed our new team vicar, Prebendary David MacGeoch. We wish him and his family a very happy ministry with us.

John Sykes, Sam Smith, James Legg Churchwardens

ALL SAINTS OFFICE REPORT

The church continues to be a place for worship, celebrations of baptisms and weddings and funeral services, a meeting place and concert venue. We hold a very popular weekly Toddler Time, and continue to work with Pulford and other schools to offer services, visits and the RE initiative Trails.

We manage the ‘day to day’ running of the church and we continue to be grateful to our churchwardens and band of ‘ompa-loompa’s’, for their ongoing help and support.

Lindsay & Jo

SAFEGUARDING

All Saints continue to keep up to date with all the current guidelines set out by the Church of England and implement them in our policies.

The main change this year is that all children's workers are now required to undertake the domestic abuse training. Those involved have been informed and where necessary on a training course to give additional insight.

A new email has been created for safeguarding, this is safeguarding@allsaintslb.org.uk

The safeguarding lead has also changed Bill Webb has stepped down and Andrea Cox is now our safeguarding lead. Any issues should be reported to the Safeguarding officers.

Andrea Cox, Lindsay Bevis & Stacey Major Safeguarding Officers

MUSIC REPORT

With the exception of a residential visit to Exeter cathedral, 2004 was a relatively quiet year for the choir.

The Exeter trip went very well indeed, although we were unlucky that our Head Chorister, Francesca Price, fell ill on the second day and was unable to sing on the last day. We sang Choral Evensong on Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August, with a Sung Eucharist on the morning of the Sunday 25th. Most people stayed in the Exeter Choir School where the accommodation was rather basic, to say the least. But people put up with it and we enjoyed trips to a robotic dairy farm, the local ten-pin bowling alley and the Exeter Underground Passages. Some of the adults spent time exploring the city’s hostelries! We were pleased to welcome a number of parents and members of the All Saints congregation on the Sunday.

Francesca Price (Head Chorister) sadly left us after 11 years solid service to the choir. Her successor in the role of Head Chorister is Olivia Olleson and Elisha Ayra was appointed Deputy Head Chorister in September. I am hugely grateful to them for their support.

Our former Organ Scholar, Samuel Kemp, gained his F.R.C.O qualification, a remarkable achievement for someone so young and he also took up his role as Organ Scholar at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.

Two of our choristers (Francesca Price and Harry Murgatroyd were awarded Choral Scholarships to Oxford colleges (Exeter and The Queens, respectively).

Leighton Young Singers has continued to thrive under Saff’s leadership, assisted by Peter and Katrina. They performed brilliantly in church on a number of occasions in 2024. Towards the end of the year they started rehearsing the Ragazzi choir part in Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana which they are due to perform in All Saints in May 2025 with Stewkley Singers.

My thanks to Claire, Isobel and Brian for their continued support of the band for the 11.30 service.

The Advent carol service was as magical as ever. It seems to be almost everyone’s favourite service of the year.

We welcomed new members to the adult and treble sections of the choir during the year.

My thanks to everyone involved with music in the church, especially Lindsay, who plays a huge role in the life of the choir in her role as “mother of the trebles”.

Paul Dickens Director of Music

ALL SAINTS TODDLER TIME

All Saints Toddler Time is a group for parents and carers of pre-school children. We meet every Wednesday morning and afternoon in term time at 9.30 - 11.00 and 1.30 - 3.00 in the North Transept. The children have an opportunity to play and make new friends, learn new skills and generally have fun, and the adults can have a chat and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a slice of homemade cake. There is squash and biscuits for the children. There is a small weekly charge of £1.50 per adult and child plus an extra 50p for each additional child.

Mothers Union continues to support us by doing the refreshments and we greatly appreciate their help. The homemade cakes and biscuits are always popular with both the adults and children. We also provide fruit which has proved popular.

Last autumn the children made carrots, apples, watermelon, grapes, bees and butterflies to decorate one of the church windows at harvest. During the year our fundraising included our annual ‘Toddlers Toddle’ round the churchyard one Sunday in June after Messy Mass, raising money for Mother's Union. In September we helped sell raffle tickets for Alzheimer’s Research and in November we sold chocolate teddies for Children in Need. Christmas term ended with a party enjoyed by 23 families with 25 children. Father Dave joined us for the last part of the morning and we ended with the telling of the nativity story and a round of Hokey Cokey all enjoyed in our beautiful church.

We continue to be busy and are looking forward to welcoming new and returning families this year.

Julie & Terry Dolton Toddler Time Leaders

SUNDAY SAINTS REPORT

Sunday school runs during the 9.30 service every Sunday for children of 3 and up. We focus on a story or theme from the Bible each week and have a story, craft and activities. Children are encouraged to make good choices following how Jesus wants us to live.

This year we have had a change in leadership and Andrea Cox has taken over this role and organising the rotas. Thank you to Alison Dobbie who has been the co-ordinator for many years. We have a great reliable team but are recruiting for additional helpers as covering holidays and sickness is challenging.

This year has seen an increase in numbers of children attending but it can fluctuate hugely from week to week.

If you would like further information or are able to volunteer as a leader contact Andrea.

Andrea Cox

COFFEE SHOP REPORT

During 2024 we unfortunately had to close the Saturday Coffee shop from the beginning of September. This was caused by lack of managers to organise that day. Hopefully by the time you read this we will have been able to reopen for drinks and cake on a morning basis. I know that this will be welcomed by many of our regulars who have made frequent enquiries. The Coffee shop not only provides much needed funds for the church, but also a welcoming and safe place for many people who although not church goers feel that they belong to All Saints.

The managers would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers for their support including our regular cake bakers. What would we do without you. Your friendliness is much appreciated by our customers.

If anyone reading this feels that they could offer help or bake a cake regularly for us, please speak to one of the managers or give your name and contact details in to the Parish office.

Jenny Huskisson

LUNCH CLUB REPORT

The Lunch Club continues to meet usually on the first Wednesday of each month at 1pm. The concept behind the Lunch Club was to provide a home-cooked meal for older people in a relaxed setting. We aim to cater for about 36 diners. Although many of those who attend are church members, we also welcome others, particularly those recently bereaved or who are isolated socially. We have a number of volunteers who make this happen. It starts with helping to clear the North Transept after the Toddler Group and we are very grateful to the leaders for clearing up and leaving so quickly so that we can get things ready. From approximately 1130am, ‘setting up volunteers’ arrive to clear the North Transept, set tables and get the heated trolleys and hotplates ready for the arrival of the food. From about 1230pm our cooks arrive with the home-cooked food ready to serve to our guests. We have continued our themed focus, usually focussing on a saint; some of these saints come with quite gruesome biographies. Geoff Huskisson who offers prayers and says Grace has started to source more humorous Graces and this is much appreciated. We try to provide meals that are seasonal and sometimes themed. We are grateful to members and volunteers alike for making this a very convivial club. And of course, we will always welcome new volunteers and can find jobs to fit their skills. Volunteers are particularly needed to help set up and clear away before and after lunch. Please see me if you can help either on a regular or occasional basis.

Margaret Wallace Lunch Club Co-ordinator

VERGERS REPORT

This year has been an eventful year supporting the wardens during the interregnum. More eventful was welcoming the new incumbent, Prebendary David, with fifteen changes in his first two weeks!!

As usual, we had the civic services, including Remembrance and, of course, the licensing of Preb. David. With the church open daily, we are always welcoming visitors, schools, and groups, often explaining the building and Christian faith and providing a listening ear.

Unfortunately, we lost another long-serving verger in December, Ian Macpherson. We soldier on with a small band officiating at weddings and funerals; moving chairs and staging; and cleaning. We are always eager to recruit anyone who wishes to join us. Just ask any of the vergers for information.

We had a few outings during the year, including to the Abbey and to St Andrews, Bedford. We enjoyed our annual Alban Service and Supper, and the Christmas Lunch with the wider Guild. We also had a Lenten Devotion and a Corporate Communion at St. Saviours, with our Chaplain Father Andrew as usual.

Jenny Huskisson filled the post of secretary and treasurer for the guild as well as all her other duties here, for which I thank her very much.

We, the vergers, find it very fulfilling to care for the people and the building of All Saints and, as always, I am reminded that it is an honour and our duty to be the gate keepers in the house of our Lord.

Lindsay Bevis

Head Verger and Chairman of the St Albans Diocesan Guild of Vergers

BAPTISM GROUP REPORT

Our Baptism team currently consists of 4 Baptism visitors who welcome and prepare families for their child’s baptism. We hold Baptism Preparation evenings monthly for All Saints families and those from St Barnabas and the villages. We have kept the booking system in place and this works well. During the evening we show a short presentation about baptism and families have chance to book a date for the service. We answer any question and there is opportunity to look around the church. Families are invited to two church services, one before baptism for a Thanksgiving for their child, and one after baptism when the newly baptised child is welcomed by the church congregation. Baptism services at All Saints are generally held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month in the morning.

During 2024 we had 41 enquiries and baptised 29 children. So far this year we have had 10 enquiries and baptised 3 children at All Saints. We have also received several enquiries about adult baptism and a Thanksgiving.

Julie Dolton Baptism Co-Ordinator

BEREAVEMENT GROUP REPORT

The Bereavement Team meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month, which includes a short act of worship, and praying for the terminally ill and bereaved. We arrange members of the team to make contact with those recently bereaved, taking them a copy of the magazine, and updating the RIP list of names. Our thanks go to Jane Smith who is retiring as administrator, and we welcome Jill Sharman to the role. A bereavement café continues to meet on the first Sunday of each month, where friendship and support is available in a relaxed atmosphere. Our service of thanksgiving and remembrance in the spring was well attended and appreciated. Families stayed for tea and cake afterwards. Many thanks are due to June, who helps with set-up and refreshments. We had our usual tree of remembrance in the Lady Chapel at the Festive Fayre. The tree was full of stars hung by people in memory of their loved ones.

We welcome any interest from potential new members.

Bereavement Team

FLOWER GROUP

The Flower Group provides floral arrangements in church and coffee shop week by week and for special services and events such as weddings or funerals and in memory of loved ones. We are pleased to have welcomed 2 new members to the team this year.

In the past year we made a particular effort to use more garden flowers and are grateful to those who have kindly given flowers and foliage from their gardens to use in church. This helps reduce costs and is more environmentally friendly as garden flowers don’t have air miles.

We are also being environmentally responsible by reducing our use of floral foam (Oasis) as it is made of plastics which don’t biodegrade, and it contains some nasty chemicals, making it harmful to wildlife and aquatic creatures. We held a workshop to help us improve our skills in using eco-friendly alternatives and have researched a new type of floral foam which is not harmful to nature and can safely be composted.

In January we began planning the Flower Festival for June 2025.

We have enjoyed our year of flower arranging as our offering to God and welcome anyone who would like to join us or learn more about using flowers in church.

The Flower Group

DIOCESAN & DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

The Synod have met three times in the past year. As well as the business matters of the meetings we have welcomed speakers from The Mothers Union and the Children’s Society. At the July 2024 meeting Judith James spoke in her role as the West Cluster Leader and Prayer Circle Friends Coordinator for the Diocese on the work of the Mother’s Union, both locally and worldwide. At the recent meeting in March 2025, Phil Evans spoke about the current work of the Children Society in his capacity as the charity’s Church Engagement and Fund-Raising Officer for the Home Counties. As there was no speaker at the November 2024 meeting there was an open discussion on the recent resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby, particularly in relation to safeguarding in the Church.

In July 2024 Revd. Noel McGeeney became our new Rural Dean following the end of Revd. Nicola Lenthall’s term.

It is worth noting that as a Deanery we are under represented at Diocesan Synod. The Deanery is allocated five members to each of the ‘Houses’ of Clergy and Laity. Presently there are only two members of clergy and one member of laity from Deanery Synod elected to our Diocesan Synod (St. Albans). It is important that Dunstable Deanery is adequately represented so the views of the parishes are heard at Diocesan and General Synod level. Representatives are elected by Deanery Synod, but they do not need to be a member of that Synod – anyone on their parish electoral roll may put themselves forward. They automatically become ex-officio members of their PCC and attend Deanery Synod meetings. Diocesan Synod meets three times a year in March, June and the Autumn, at least once on Zoom. If anyone on the electoral roll is interested in this, they should speak to any of the Deanery Synod representatives below or one of the churchwardens.

The Diocesan Synod also has significant and interesting people to make presentations on topical issues as well as dealing with the budget and parish shares (Quotas). The presentation and approval of accounts explains how every pound has been raised and spent and shows just how well we have been served by financial experts. The Diocese of St Albans has not been subject to savage cuts in clergy numbers as some others have. One of us (SJ) found his two three-year terms a fascinating experience.

Deanery Synod Representatives from All Saints are: Preb. David (ex-officio), Stephen Jury, Geoff Marchant and Lindsay Bevis.

Stephen L. Jury

BELL RINGERS REPORT

Despite falling numbers of ringers, we have managed to ring the bells over the last year for Sunday services, weddings and other main events. We are very appreciative of the support from other towers that has enabled us to do this. Unfortunately, however, there have not been enough ringers available to allow us to run the regular the Monday evening practice in recent months.

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Alan Knowles in May 2024 who was dedicated ringer in the 1980s and 1990s.

The church is fortunate in having one of the finest peals of bells in the country and we receive regular requests from visiting bands who wish to ring peals or practice on them. It is a real shame that we do not currently have a local band that can ring the bells as frequently as they have been in previous years.

The dwindling numbers of ringers and challenges in recruiting new people is nationwide issue and it will take a concerted effort to reverse the situation. We are looking at ways in which we can rebuild the local band with Prebend David. There is a lot of interest in the bells, which is demonstrated by the number of people who wish to visit the tower when we open it during fetes, we need to find a way of converting that interest into an active group of learners.

By necessity, the bell ringers are largely invisible because we are up in the tower. People do notice when the bells aren’t ringing and, in the words of Jeremy Pratt, head bellringer at Westminster Abbey or, to give him his official title, conductor of the abbey company of ringers, church bells “are the loudest and most public, outward-facing voice of the Christian Church. When people hear them, they know something is happening.” If we are to succeed in rebuilding the band, the support from the church will be essential.

Emma Birtles

ALL SAINTS SERVERS’ GUILD REPORT

The past year has been busy for the small team of servers at All Saints with few Sundays off for the core members.

As ever, the highlight of the year was Holy Week, which was particularly rewarding.

We have been joined by some new servers, which is very welcome, and we are hopeful for more new adult servers to add to the rota; if you are interested in joining our happy team then please speak to me or Lindsay, thank you.

This was my first year as Head Server and I would like to thank my fellow servers for their valuable support.

Mike Sharman

ECO-CHURCH REPORT

The Eco Church group helps All Saints to show its commitment to care for God’s creation and be environmentally responsible in line with the Church of England’s 5[th] mark of mission.

In this past year the group’s activities included:

A successful event for Great Big Green Week in June, attended by over 70 people of all ages (including other churches and local community). Activities included: tree trail; making wild seed bombs; plant stall; helping with the national biodiversity audit of churchyards; nature bingo, and refreshments. The event raised £225 for All Saints Net Zero Carbon Fund.
Promoting an environmental topic each month such as: food waste, recycling, Big Garden Birdwatch, eco-friendly Christmas.
Promoting the Great Garden Birdwatch with a special birdwatch chart showing birds commonly found in the churchyard.
A visit to Tring Baptist Church to learn from them. It is the only church in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire to have achieved the Eco Church Gold Award.
A display in church during Creationtide about how the churchyard is managed to benefit biodiversity, and our Eco Church work.
Held a Clothes Swap in September to raise awareness of the environmental damage caused by fast fashion and over-consumption of clothing. Over 75 items of clothing were swapped, the remainder going to charity and £190 was raised for All Saints Net Zero Carbon fund.
Carried out research of case studies of churches which have installed eco-friendly heat and energy solutions and presented the findings to the PCC. We liaised with the Diocesan Net Zero Carbon team. The outcome was that All Saints accepted the offer of a free energy audit with additional funding to help with energy saving measures.

Katrina Grant

Eco Church Group

PARTNERS IN MISSION REPORT

Members of the Partners in Mission committee are:

Brenda Howard (Treasurer); Emma Birtles; Christine Munford; James Legg (Secretary); and Linda Kagunga (Chairman). The Committee met four times during 2024. Sadly, we said goodbye to our chair, Linda, who has moved away.

The church responds to many one-off appeals, but we have also formed long-term relationships with several groups. Leighton Linslade Helpers is one of these and we were glad to dedicate our Lent Appeal to them, which involved not only the Jars of Hope but also a food collection.

In the autumn, the bishop’s harvest appeal was focused on the work of the Leprosy Mission in Sri Lanka. Despite abundant wildlife and history, the recent economic crisis has hit the country hard with three in ten households without sufficient food. Leprosy thrives in these conditions, but the Leprosy Mission can help families grow their own food and develop a sustainable income.

As in the previous couple of years, we supported the Link to Hope Christmas shoebox appeal and, because of its popularity, this looks set to become a regular activity.

In previous years, we had been sponsoring Sam Ang in Cambodia via World Vision. This and the associated project have now come to a successful ending.

Donations during the year:

Local	£
Keech Hospice	700
Leighton Linslade Helpers	500
Willen Hospice	500
National
Alzheimer’s Society	500
Beyond Detention	500
Combat Stress	500
Coram	500
Crisis	500
Shelter	700
International
Bishop's Harvest Appeal – Leprosy Mission in Sri Lanka	1,000
British Red Cross (Overseas)	500
Christian Aid Week	500
Hope & Aid Direct	500
Médecins San Frontières	500
Mercy Ships	700
Save The Children – Gaza Appeal	500

James Legg

SIDES PEOPLE REPORT

The job of sides person is a very important one. It involves welcoming everyone into the church (whether they are regular church goers or new visitors), the distribution of books and pew sheets and generally keeping a friendly eye on the congregation in case anyone needs help. After the service sides people are responsible for locking the doors, counting the collection and ensuring the building is left secure.

We have a dedicated small band of people who are willing to do this task each Sunday. We would very much like to encourage more people to join us, and if you feel that this is something you would like to do, please contact the Parish office. Sunday services are currently 8am, 9.30am and 6pm. Family services are at 11.30am on alternate weeks. You would be on a rota for which ever service you usually attend, and would be very much welcomed.

Jenny Huskisson

MOTHERS UNION REPORT

Members are meeting at least once a month at All Saints, diocesan meetings and Crafty Natter. Mothers’ Union members at All Saints continue to support the Parish providing Baptism packs, sending cards to couples on their wedding day, providing a cross stitch cross in the pocket for bereavement visitors, and maintaining the books and bags for children to use during services. We raise funds for Make a Mother's Day, the MU main fundraising campaign enabling women to transform their lives by health care, education and empowerment. Some of us meet monthly with non-members at Crafty Natter where we make various items for diocesan projects ( including Luton and Dunstable hospital NICU) plus items for local care homes and other charities.

In June we took part in the Toddle to raise money to support 4 refuges in the diocese. This raised over £100.

Usually twice a year we have a stall selling haberdashery items. These have raised about £200 last year and enabled items to be used. We have also enjoyed repurposing cards to sell for various projects.

As everything we do is underpinned by prayer. We are very pleased to have corporate communion on the third Thursday of the month when the work of Mothers’ Union is remembered in prayer. In addition we usually celebrate Lady Day in March and participate in the MU wave of prayer in June (this involves all 4 million members around the world in praying for each other every hour of every day. In November we promote the UN campaign of 16 Days of Activism to end gender based violence, highlighting its many forms. Through the Rise Up campaign MU are keeping domestic violence in the spotlight throughout the year.

Mothers’ Union is a worldwide organisation which campaigns for family life to be valued. This often begins with recognising the value of women in societies where they are neglected and abused.

Alison Dobbie

SOCIAL EVENTS TEAM REPORT

No report received.

ACTIVE YOUTH GROUP

No report as unable to run due to lack of leaders.

LITURGY AND WORSHIP REPORT

No report received.

SAINTS ALIVE MAGAZINE REPORT

No report received.

FABRIC REPORT

No report received.

CHURCHYARD GARDENING TEAM REPORT

No report received.

Registered Number 1131221 ALL SAINTS CHURCH, LEIGHTON BUZZARD REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 17

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, LEIGHTON BUZZARD STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Unrèstricted Dèsignated Funds Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds 2024 Tol81 2023 Total Note8 Incomlng resource8 Incoming reSOue$ Irorn donor8 Other voluntary incoming resources Charitsb18 and ancillary trading Income from investments 107,338 8,881 68,749 703 11,273 43,113 161,722 8,881 70,679 12,553 152,350 10,894 87,097 2,917 1,930 11,845 Total Incomlng re8ource8 185,6e9 11,273 45,046 11,845 253,835 2S3,258 Re¥ou$ u$gd Missionary and charitable giving Direct Church reldled activitiès Fund raising and publicity Church managemanl and 8dminlstratlon 9,350 39.492 9,350 195,861 1,031 S4,873 10.130 1e8,330 156,370 1,031 54,601 72 43.077 Total r•sourc•8 U8•d 212,002 48.914 260,916 239.537 Gains on revaluation of investmènts Pro¢eed8 01 I Pulford road Snlroduced 64.395 286,289 64,395 266,269 Net Incomlnglloutgolngl re80urc•6 128,3321 11,273 13,8661 342.509 328,584 18.2791 Tranorn b•tw••n fund8 10 11,845 16,0001 18,804 41,343 111.84SI 6,000 118,8041 17,436 158.7791 N•t mvement In lund8 39,660 28,709 156,6451 311.860 323,584 16,2791 8alanc8s brought forward 1 January 2024 134,013 70.645 51.91x1 256,558 262,837 8olance8 31 December 2024 173,873 26,709 14,000 363,760 580,142 25e,558

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, LEIGHTON BUZZARD BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Notes Fixed a8set8 Tangible assets - freehold propety 125,000 125.000 Investments 360,187 485,187 33,096 158,096 Currenl assets Debtors and prepayments Bank deposits Cash al bank and in hand 7,588 44,233 62,684 23.031 28.602 50,850 114,505 102,483 Current liabiliti08 Amounts falling due within one year 19,551 4,021 Net eurrent 888ets 94,954 98,462 Net 8880t8 580,141 256,558 Funds Unreslricled Designated Reslriclod Endowment 10 173,673 28,709 14,000 363,760 134.013 70,645 51,900 580,142 256,558

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, LEIGHTON BUZZARD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulalions 2006 and under section 145 of tho Charities Act 2011 , and follow the accounting and reporting by Charitl8S Slatemenl ol Recommended Practice applicable (Charities SORPI and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Slandard for Smaller Enlitias IFRSSEI 2015. The linancial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of invèstmènt assals, which are shown at markel value. Thè financial statèments include all transactions assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of Church groups that owe their main aff iliation to another body. nor those of informal gatherings of Church members. Funds Endowment funds are funds, the capital ol which musl be maintained.. only income arising from the investment may be usgd either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established. Restricted funds represent lal income from trusts and endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or b8qu&sI, and Ibl donations or grants recelved for a specific object or invit8d by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only b6 expended on the SP8cific object lor which they wer8 given. Any balance remaining unsp8nl al th& end of the year musl be carried forward as a balance on that fund. Tha PCC doas not usually invest separately tor each lund. Wher8 Ihare is no s8parale investment, Sn¢om8 is apportionad lo th6 individual funds on an average basis. Unrastrl¢live lunds are general lunds which Can be used for PCC ordinary purposes. Incomlng re80urce8 Planned giving, collections and donations are recognized only when received. Tax refunds are recognized when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted lor when Ihe PCC becomes legally entitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognized when il is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross. Resources expended. Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, il Ihal award Creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The Diocesan Parish share is accounted lor when due to the exlenl thal the PCC agree should be paid. All other expenditure is recognised when due. Fixed assets Consecrated propety is not included in accordanco with S1012)la) of the Charities Act 2011 Moveable church furnishings hold by the Rector and Churchwardens on Special Trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the Church's inventory and no value for these is included in the accounts. The property, 138 Brooklands Driv&, Leighton Buzzard, is shown al valuation in 1997. Invastmants ar8 shown al market value. Office and Church equipment has been fully depreciated so the value shown is nil.

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, LEIGHTON BUZZARD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 INCOMING FIESOURCES Unrestricted Funds D&5ignaled Funds Ae5tricted Funds Endowment Funds 2024 Total 2023 Total 2181 Income froffl donors Planned giving.. Cov8nanls and gift aid Income tax recoverad Unwvenanted Collections at all sarvices Sundry donations and activities Legaci8$ 51,276 15,591 21,064 12,805 6,599 37.000 88.276 15,591 21,084 12.805 13,985 10,000 67,899 18,385 17,992 11,905 36,189 1,273 10.000 6.113 107.336 11,273 43,113 161.722 152.350 21bl Othgr voluntary Income Feles, bazaars and othér fundraising events 8.881 8,681 10,894 21C I Charltable and onclllary tr8dlng Ineomo Bookstalls and ¢ards Church and proparty lètlings Youth and holiday club Magazine¥ and printing Foes. Inclu¢Jing bollrlnging Coffee shop Proparty rantal 3,422 3,422 1,930 2,242 14,114 48,971 360 1,211 2,020 14,260 49,246 1,930 2,242 14,114 48,971 68,749 1,930 70,678 67,097 21dl Ineom• Irom Inv•Btm8nt• DlvSdends & Int8resl 703 11,845 12.553 2.917 703 11,845 12.553 2.917 Total Incomlng r•8ourc•8 185,669 11,273 45,048 11,845 253,834 233,258

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, LEIGHTON BUZZARD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 RESOURCES USED Unrastrietèd De$ignated Funds Funds Restrictgd Funds Endowrnenl Fund$ 2024 Total 2023 Total 31al Mlsslonary and charltable glvln9 The Church overseas". Missionary soci8118s and relief and devglopmenl agencies Hom8 rni5sion8 8nd other Church societies Secular charities 4.200 750 4.400 4,200 750 4,400 6,274 2,106 1,750 9,350 9,350 10,130 31bl Actlvltle8 dlrectly relotlng to thè work of the ¢hurch The mini81ry'. Diocesan quoto Incumbent's and clergy expense8 Vicarage expensas Curates house Church. running expan$o$ Church rnainlenance Upkoap ol saNicè$ Upk88p ol churchyard Ballry eo$i$ Exp8ndilur6 on church magazlna and book$lall Expen(Jilure on Collee Shop Choir costs Youth and lunlor church Maj¢r work8 lo buildings 89,399 69,399 82,000 1.380 596 29,195 7,375 25,685 3,257 1,380 596 29.195 26,591 25,665 4,257 3,687 5S6 2.407 23,889 15.450 34,938 969 19,216 1,000 3.687 13,794 13,794 13,784 3,735 3,779 14,352 11,791 13,784 1,805 1,930 3,779 156,370 39,492 195.861 186.330 31CI Fund ralalng gnd publlcSty Cost ol leles, bazagrs and other fund ralslng 1.031 1,031 31dl Church man?99ment gnd admlnl8trAllon Salarios and wages Qfli¢o and Sundry expenses 33,065 21,536 33,065 21,608 30,633 12,444 72 54,601 72 54,673 43,077 31el ExtrrdInary •xp•ndltur• Major works lo the church Grants from The Presgrvation Trust 14,267 110,4881 14,267 110,4881 33,5S7 133,5571 3,779 3,779 Total r880uree8 U8¢d 21 S.781 48,914 264.695 239,537

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, LEIGHTON BUZZARD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 FIXED ASSETS Frèehold land ancl build1ngs Oftlc6 Equipment Church Equipment Total Value at 31 December 1997 or later cost lo D8C8mber 2023 Additions 125,000 14,365 530 139.895 Valu8 at 31 D8cember 1997 or later cost lo December 2024 125,000 14,365 530 139.895 Depreciation 10 31 December 2023 Charge lor year 14,365 530 14,895 14,365 530 14,895 Nel Book Value Al 31 Dèeambar 2024 125,000 125,000 al D8c8mbar 2023 125,000 126,000 The Ireehold property 18 a house, Inlroduc8d at professlonal valuation as al 31 December 1997.. 138 Brookland8 Orlv8, Lelghton 8uzzard 125.OCx) Thi3 propety wa8 inforrna1ty valued by Mcconville Bowden on 18 March 2005 in a price rang* 01 £215,000 to £230,000. INVESTMENTS Endowment fund• Markal valua 2024 2023 H$ld by tho Contral Board ol Finan¢e ol thè Church ol Englond Leighton Buzzard Church House Fund 2029.04 CBF Investment lund, 70,502 68,924 Canon S¢arnrng11 BgqU951- 1998 907.23 C8F Inveslm8nt fund 20,977 20,S08 I Pullord Fload Fund 11,620.99 CBF Inveslrn¢nt fund 268,708 282,696 360,187 352,128

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, LEIGHTON BUZZARD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND Unrestricted De8gnated Funds Funds Restricted Funds Enik)wment Fund5 2024 Total 2023 Total Fixed assets ancl investments Current asse18 125,000 70.153 119,5511 360,187 3.573 485,187 114.505 119,5511 158,096 102,483 14,0211 28,709 12,070 Total net assets 175,602 28,709 12,070 363.760 580,141 256,558 DEBTORS 2024 2023 Sundry Debtors 7,588 23,031 CURAENT LIABILITIES 2024 2023 Creditors for good$ and $eNi¢o8 19,551 4,021 FUNDS Endowment lund8 The Church Hous9 fund The income from this fund can bg us8d lor tha lurth•rlng th8 raligious and olhaf charitabl8 work ol th8 Church ol England In thè parish tsl All Saints, Lgighton Buzzard. The Canon Scarnmell Fund The incom6 Irom this lund 1$ to be used toward$ tho co¥1 ol Communion broad & wlno, In¢&n80 and ¢andlo8. The I Pullord Road Fund Tha 1 Pullord Road Fund arisè$ Irtsm Ihg sale of tho property in 2023. The PCC h?vg invested th$ pwo¢d$ and regard this as an endowment, the Incom8 Is used lor genoral unNstrictiv8 purposés. R•6trlct•d Fund• Thè misslon fund racalvès règular ¢onlribulions Irorn the gengral account lo9glh9r with olh¥r ¢olle¢lion$ and d¢natigns whl¢h are donated to varlous charllles. The Bellry lund recelves donallons and faes lor waddings, tha nal Incoma Is usad lo maintain the towar. Th8 Youth Trails aceount r8caivè$ donallons whieh ara usèd tts provldè acthitiès and résourcas lor youth woth. The Jane Hunt fund racgiva8 grants Irorn thè Jan8 Hunt Charlty. The funds ar8 to be used lor Cholr 8XP8ns88 and 8ny 8XC888 n b9 used for Church upkeep and repalrs and the malntenanoe ol Church seNlces. The Choir fund was grants recelvod lor the Cholr trlp to Exgter The Swire fund is used lor churchyard malnlenance De61gnated Fund8 These fundg represent money the PCC is reservlng lor specific expenditure at a later dale. 10 Translers Transfers have bean made batwe6n funds to allow lor thè raclossilication ol amounts praviously shobvn as in rèslrieled lund9. Sorne ol these are now shown as designated funds and some have been transferred lo the general account A transfer is also made on account ol 8ndowment InCOm8 which is transf8rr£d lo th£ g8n6ral account.

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, LEIGHTON BUZZARD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 11 FUND MOVEMENTS 88lance blfwd Dwidends & interest Translars Gain on revaluation Balaneo clfwd Endowment Fund$ Church House Fund 23,096 1,913 1,913 47,406 70,502 Canon Scammell Bequest 10.000 569 569 10,977 20,977 1 Pullord Road Fun¢J Introduced 266,269 9,362 9,363 6,012 272,280 299,365 11,844 11,845 64,395 363,759 The values shown lor investments Sn pravSou$ yèars was ba$&d on th8 valu8 in 1997 or cost. The gain on rgvaluation therefore aros8 over a number of y&ars. 8alance bnwd Incoma Expandllura rrAnsl6r to & from olh$r funds BalÈnea clfwd R¢$lrl¢lgd Fund8 Mission Fund$ 3,098 4,043 9,422 e,000 3,719 Belfry Fund 6,220 2,075 3,687 6,608 Youth Irai18 546 3,000 1,805 1,743 The Jane Hunt Fund 25.000 25,000 Thg Swire fund grant 1,000 1,000 Choir grants 8,000 8,000 D•signal•d funds Translorr8d 58.779 58.779 70,645 Transferred from Reslrlcted Fund8 In¢om¢ Expenditure Balan¢e clfwd De8lgnated Fund8 The Collee Shop Boilèr Fund Chancel Llablllly L8gacie$ 13,473 1,548 2,415 13,473 1.548 2,440 11,248 25 11,248 11,273

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE PCC OFALL SAINTS CHURCH, LEIGHTON BUZZARD Introduction This report on the flnanclal statement Of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2024 is in respect on an examinatlon carried out in accordancewiththe Church Accounting Regulations2006 ("the regulations") and Section 145 of the Charitles Act 20111"the Act l. Respectlve responslblllties ofthe PCC and the Examiner As members ofthe Pccyou are responslble forthe preparatlon of the tinancial statements. You considerthat the audit requirement of the Regulations and Section 14412) of the Act does not apply. It Is my responslbilltyto issue thls report on those flnanclal statements in accordance wlth the terms of the Regulations. Basls of thls Report My examination was carried out In accordance wlth the General Dlrections given by th8 Charlty Commlsslon under Sectlon 14515llbl of the Act and to be found in the Church Guldance, 2006 edition, Issued by the Flnance Dlvision of the Archblshops, Councll. That examlnation Includes a review of the accountlngrecords kept bythe PCC and a comparison ofthe accountswlththose records. It also includes conslderlng any unusual items or disclosures In the Ilnanclal statements and seeklng explanations from you asTrustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide allthe evldence that would be requlred In an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the vlew given by the accounts. Independent Examlner's Staternent In connectlon wlth my examination, no matter has cometo my attention: l. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any materlal respectthe requirements- to keep accounting records In accor(Jance with Section 130 of the Act. And To prepare flnancial statements, whlch accord with the accounting records and complywith the requlrements ofthe Act and the Regulations have not been met. or 2. To which in myoplnion, attention should be drawn In orderto enable a pioper understanding ofthe accountsto be reached. David A Thompson Chartered Accountant 30 High Street Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 IEA signed Date All Salnis Church Independent Examinets Report 31.12.24

Registered Number 1131221 ALL SAINTS CHURCH, LEIGHTON BUZZARD REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 17