2020-12-31-accounts

Annual Parochial Church Meeting and Trustee Report

2021

REPORTS FOR 2021 APCM

		REPORTS FOR 2021 APCM
			Page
Agenda			2
Minutes of the previous APCM			3 - 8
**1. **	Vicar’s Report		9 - 10
**2. **	PCC Secretary’s Report		11
**3. **	Church Wardens’ Report		12 - 13
**4. **	Safeguarding Report and Policy		14 - 15
**5. **	BELIEVING
		We’re here because of God, brought together by his love
		Service Planning Group Report	16 - 17
		Home Communion with Eastbourne House Report	17
		Flower Arrangers	18
**6. **	ACTING
		Creating space for all to grow
		Welcoming, Integrating & Caring	19
		Life Events at St Mary’s	20
		Mothers’ Union	21
		Buildings & Resources	21
		Fabric Report	22 – 23
		Gardening Report	23
	Parish Ofce		24
**7. **		CONNECTING
		Looking outwards, being part of God’s world
		Communications	25 - 26
		Links with Schools	27
		Whitley Lodge Community Spirit	27
		Justice & Peace	28
		St Mary’s Concert Series	29
		Children’s Society & Traidcraft	30
		4thand 12thMonkseaton Brownies	31
		6thWhitley Bay Scout Group	32
**8. **		Deanery Synod Report	33
**9. **		Treasurer’s Report	34
10.		Accounts -supplement
11.		“We Welcome, We Celebrate, We Remember”	Inside back
cover

A G E N DA

Welcome.

Appointment of Secretary for the Meeting of Parishioners and for the Annual Parochial Meeting:

MEETING OF THE PARISHIONERS:

Appointment of Tellers.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

1. Present:

2. Apologies for Absence:

3. Minutes of APCM, 20[th] September 2020

4. Matters Arising.

5. Electoral Roll Report.

6. Secretary’s Report.

7. Treasurer’s Report and Adoption of Accounts.

8. Appointment of Independent Examiner for Accounts.

9. Annual Fabric Report by Churchwardens.

10. Churchwardens’ Report.

11. Renewal of Safeguarding Policy.

12. Group Reports

13. Deanery Synod Report.

14. Appointment of 5 members to Parochial Church Council.

15. Appointment of Sidesmen/women

16. Vicar’s Report.

17. Any other business (to be notified to Chair before meeting).

18. Closing Prayers.

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN, MONKSEATON MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS 20[th] SEPTEMBER 2020

The meeting commenced at 11.30 a.m. with a short prayer and a warm welcome by the Chair, Elizabeth Hayes. She thanked everyone for attending, especially during the current difficult pandemic circumstances and then outlined the format of the two meetings to be held.

No. of Parishioners present: 23

Appointment of Secretary for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

Nominee: Grace Morgan

Proposer: Liz Hayes Seconder: David Tompkins. All in favour.

Appointment of Tellers: Carole and David Lax Proposer: Kate Stobart Seconder: Margaret Evans. All in favour.

MEETING OF THE PARISHIONERS.

CHAIR: ELIZABETH HAYES.

Election of Legal Churchwardens:

Nomination: Proposer: Seconder: Sue Johnson Beryl Austoni Grace Morgan David Tompkins Beryl Austoni Grace Morgan

As there were no further nominations, the above were elected Nem.Con.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING.

The Chair welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the APCM.

1. Present: 23 attendees.

2. Apologies for Absence:

Gillian and Malcolm Macdonald, Roger Windass, Alison Stroud, Elizabeth and John Charlton, Jane and William Walker, Rosie and Roland Tate, Dot Clarke, Bryan Morgan, Margaret Campbell, Nicola Denyer, Cheryl and Tom Savage, Richard Hart, Patrick Pratt.

3. MINUTES OF APCM 28[th] APRIL 2019.

As there was no amendments, the Minutes were signed as a true and accurate record.

Proposer:

Ruth Wolf

Seconder: John Appleby

All in favour.

4. MATTERS ARISING: None.

Reports “taken as read” to be proposed and seconded en bloc later in the meeting

5. ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT:

Grace Morgan read out the Electoral Roll Report on behalf of Rosie Tate.

“Any lay person who is 16 years or older and resident in the parish, or if not resident has worshipped at St Mary’s regularly over 6 months, may apply to be entered on to the Electoral Roll. Members of the Roll are entitled to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and to become members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC).

This year, due to the unusual circumstances, online applications to the Electoral Roll have been made available in addition to paper forms. Although no new applications were received in this manner, an existing Roll member has proved the system works!

There has been very little change in the Roll over the last 18 months. 2 members are deceased, one has moved away, and 3 new members have joined, giving a total of 119 members at the date of the APCM.

86 roll members are resident in the parish, 33 are non-resident. This represents 97 households.

All existing lay members and persons nominated for membership of the PCC have been confirmed as being on the new Electoral Roll.”

Proposer: David Tompkins Seconder: Marion Oakes

All in favour.

6. SECRETARY’S REPORT:

Taken as read.

7. TREASURER’S REPORT AND ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTS:

The Audited Accounts for 2019 were compiled and produced by the outgoing Treasurer, Roland Tate. The new Treasurer, Andrew Potter, was

warmly welcomed to the meeting, following which he gave a brief outline of his financial career, stating that he looked forward to working with the new PCC in the year ahead.

In a brief summary of the Church’s financial position, Andrew was pleased to report a positive position, despite the effects of the Covid-19. He advised that St Mary’s was in the fortunate position whereby a large proportion of its income came from generosity in Planned Giving, which had continued to be strong throughout the pandemic.

Questions invited:

John Appleby sought clarification that the large reduction in restricted reserves related to expenditure on the upgrading of the Church car park. This was confirmed.

The Chair thanked Andrew for his work and Roland Tate for his sterling achievements in dealing with the Church finances, whilst at the same time, carrying out his duties as Legal Church Warden.

Adoption of the Annual Accounts:

Proposer: Kate Stobart Seconder: Ruth Blake.

All in favour.

8. APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER FOR ACCOUNTS:

Trevor Hogg of TPA Accountancy Services, South Shields, has continued to offer his services for another year.

Proposer: David Tompkins. Seconder: John Appleby

All in favour.

9. ANNUAL FABRIC REPORT BY CHURCHWARDENS: (Page 24)

No questions. Taken as read.

10. CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT: (Pages 9/10).

No questions. Gratitude of congregation to be recorded to Roland Tate, Beryl Austoni, Jane Walker and Sue Johnson for all their commitment and hard work, especially during the current extraordinary times.

No questions. Taken as read.

11. RENEWAL OF SAFEGUARDING POLICY:

The Chair explained that the Annual Report document referred to the older Safeguarding Policy, which was subsequently updated and approved by the PCC in July 2020. Current policy details on Church website; hard copies available on request.

Proposer: Beryl Austoni Seconder: Marion Oakes.

All in favour.

12. GROUP REPORTS.

Members encouraged to read all the reports, to appreciate all the tremendous work undertaken within the Church. The Chair likened this to a jigsaw, with all the pieces coming together to form the “bigger picture”.

All contributors thanked for their time and energy in producing the respective reports.

13. DEANERY SYNOD REPORT: (Page 6)

John Appleby, Deanery Synod Rep, reported that the new Area Dean had brought an enthusiastic approach to Deanery meetings, resulting in greater unity and positivity moving forward.

No questions. Taken as read.

14. APPOINTMENT OF DEANERY REPRESENTATIVES.

Nominee: Proposer: Seconder: Nicola Denyer Dot Clarke Ruth Blake John Appleby David Tompkins Marion Oakes.

All in favour.

15. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL:

Nominee: Proposer: Seconder: Cheryl Savage Kate Stobart Sue Johnson Andrew Potter Grace Morgan Bryan Morgan Carole Lax Elizabeth Hayes Roger Windass.

There were no further nominations. Three vacancies remain.

NB. ELECTED PCC MEMBERS CAN ONLY SERVE FOR MAXIMUM OF TWO TERMS, i.e. 6 YEARS WITHOUT A BREAK.

16. APPOINTMENT OF SIDESMEN/WOMEN.

As read.

Gratitude expressed to all volunteers, remembering especially the late David Bottrill, who served us so well.

17. VICAR’S REPORT:

Taken as read.

My main words today are of thanks. I would firstly like to join with Liz in thanking all those who have served on the PCC and are stepping down at this point and add some personal thanks of my own:

I first want to mention David Bottrill. David told me he wished to resign from PCC in February when I visited him shortly after he was taken ill on holiday earlier this year. David said then that he could retire happy from PCC as he had achieved the two changes he wanted to see – the arrival of Ben last year as curate and the resurfacing work done on the carpark in January meant that he had achieved both his aims! David’s warmth and experience is a huge miss to us as a congregation. We continue to pray for Pat and family in their loss and look forward to a proper memorial service when Covid restrictions can be lifted.

Kate Stobart has served on PCC as Churchwarden, Lay Chair and more recently as Deanery Synod Rep. Her support and expertise, particularly in project and people management, during the re-ordering and 2 clergy vacancies, has been of huge benefit to the ministry and mission of St Mary’s. Having served continuously since 2009 Kate has been allowed to take a break, although I hope it will be brief!

Judy Ross too has served St Mary’s with real dedication, previously as a Churchwarden and then recently on PCC. Her wisdom and concern for mission and pastoral care is of great value and much appreciated.

Alison Stroud has brought a deep concern for the worship of the church, having also served on Service Planning Group and responsible for overseeing the intercessors, sacristan and servers’ rotas, my thanks to her for being willing to serve on PCC too.

Roland Tate stepped down in May as Churchwarden and Treasurer and we owe him a huge debt of thanks for his work on our finances, both diagnosing some difficult issues and providing workable and clear financial processes going forward. William Walker, in giving his apologies for today’s meeting, asked that we particularly thank Roland for his excellent work in restoring the parish finances into a system governed by a balanced yearly budget approved by the PCC with variances reported to the PCC on a monthly basis. I agree with William that Roland’s work will help to enable St Mary’s finances to continue on a sound basis. Roland was a diligent and conscientious Churchwarden and has ensured the fulfilment of all our obligations regarding the building’s upkeep and maintenance, for which I am also extremely grateful.

The Coronavirus Pandemic has brought many challenges, Beryl Austoni as Warden with Sue Johnson and Jane Walker as Assistant Wardens, have more than risen to these. They have adapted to Zoom meetings, been prepared to meet for long wrestlings with Risk Assessments and contingency plans. As outgoing Wardens, I would particularly like to thank both Beryl and Jane for their keen pastoral sense.

Their care and attention to people’s emotional and spiritual welfare has been valued. I am sure they will both be glad of a break from Zoom for a while but I am grateful for them both stepping into the breach in these extraordinary times.

I would normally present outgoing wardens with something for them to grow at this point but we will need simply to applause instead.

My thanks too to Roger Windass who has quietly kept a watchful, expert eye on our church and hall buildings during the lockdown and beyond. His knowledge and efficiency are hugely appreciated. David Tompkins too has done much to support the church during this pandemic and helped out enormously, even before his election was confirmed this morning. Dot and Carol have also had to adapt to running the many and varied administrative tasks of St Mary’s from home. I would also like to mention and thank our cleaner Debra. Debra has done many extra hours and responded cheerfully as each new risk assessment was done and yet more cleaning was required. She has proved herself as an essential part of the St Mary’s team in these times.

Finally, I thank Liz for preparing for and chairing her first APCM and doing so with her usual reassuring calm and competence! As PCC secretary, Grace has shown great resilience as we have experimented with new ways of meeting and recording meetings and has risen to the challenges of these strange times. Revd Canon Eileen and Eric Lewis have similarly been prepared to learn news ways of leading worship on new digital platforms and the St Mary’s Staff team of Nicola, Clare and Ben have helped hold everything together with creativity and care. St Mary’s would not be the church it is without their hard work and support. We particularly look forward to Ben’s ordination in less than 3 weeks’ time.

As we face the winter and the possibility of greater restrictions it might be easy to feel almost despairing, but our faith continues to remind us of the hope that we find in God through Christ. There are things to look forward to and work continues. We said farewell with our appreciation and thanks, to our organist Sue Morgan and so we are beginning a process of reviewing our music, the spirituality and ageing meaningfully project and our toddler group though paused are still being worked upon.

As this delayed APCM for 2019 draws to a close I’d like to draw your attention to the final page of our APCM booklet lists all those who have been baptised, those who have been married and those whose funerals we have held at St Mary’s last year. This is a key work of our church and together we will continue to walk beside people in good times and bad and keep the hope of God’s eternal, loving presence alive in this community.

Rachel wished to formally record her thanks to all the Staff; a phenomenal team, helping us to be the best Christians we can be.

ALL REPORTS ‘TAKEN AS READ”

Proposer: David Lax Seconder: John Appleby.

1. Any other business – NONE.

Elizabeth Hayes thanked all clergy for their service to St Mary's and us as a community.

Closing Prayer: Rachel Wood. Everyone thanked for their attendance. Vicar’s Report 2020

It is a daunting task to try and summarise 2020 in a report. The 2019 report confidently pointed to future events, all of which were thrown into disarray by the Covid19 pandemic. The consequences of this will be felt for some time but this report will try to map the key challenges that began in March 2020 and our response as a congregation.

As we were ordered by the Prime Minister to stay at home from March 23[rd] , one key issue was how we were to continue to worship together. One of our Curates, Benjamin Jarvis, had already been exploring updating our website and our online presence and had presented to the PCC in February a proposal for a new website. This became an urgent priority as everything started to move online. Ben also had some experience of making videos and it was agreed to offer worship online via video. This allowed us to involve different voices from the congregation as they could record their voices and video themselves doing readings and leading prayers. From Mothering Sunday to Trinity 4 we were able to offer worship in this way, encouraging singing along to hymns at home. Those without access to the video were sent a printed weekly service with readings, prayers and the sermon as well as weekly notices. Offering worship online via our YouTube channel has meant engaging with new people and connecting with never previously reached groups. It is difficult to imagine how this would have been possible without Ben’s knowledge and willingness to try new ways of worshipping online. Our Reader, Nicola Denyer, has built a key ministry via our church Facebook page too. There are more details and statistics about all this in other sections of this report but our increased impact online has been an exciting and unforeseen opportunity of the pandemic which we hope to build upon.

As lockdown eased we were able to establish the ability to live-stream worship from St Mary’s. All those on our rotas have responded to these completely new circumstances. Revd Canon Eileen Noble and Revd Eric Lewis have similarly been prepared to learn news ways of leading worship on new digital platforms and the St Mary’s Staff team of Nicola, Clare and Ben have helped hold everything together with creativity and care. St Mary’s would not be the church it is without their hard work and support. We have also had an extremely welcome addition to the staff team in 2020 in Margaret Evans who began Reader training in September. She has already preached twice and has quickly become very much part of the team.

Our administrators Dot and Carol have had to adapt to running the many and varied office tasks of St Mary’s online from home, learning lots of new systems and procedures. The new website offered new possibilities in terms of sharing information and staying in touch with people. Dot and Carol have patiently worked through each new challenge. It would be hard to believe just a year ago what has been possible in terms of the revolution in our administration and communications. All those on the different committees and groups at St Mary’s have also had to adapt to meeting online, usually via Zoom. Our Lay Chair Liz Hayes and PCC secretary, Grace Morgan have shown great patience and resilience as we have experimented with new ways of meeting and recording meetings.

A highlight of this year was Ben’s ordination to the priesthood in October. This was not quite the large celebratory gathering it would have been, but it was nevertheless a moving occasion, followed the day after by his first service presiding at the Eucharist. Another major event that was delayed but not cancelled was our organist Sue Morgan’s wedding to Adrian Picton in September. This also managed, despite restrictions, to be a real celebration. We continue to miss Sue’s talent and commitment as an organist and pianist. A process of reviewing our music was begun in 2020. We have certainly missed singing together in church but have been very ably supported in our weekly worship by a rota of talented pianists who have been prepared to learn new organ skills.

Communications were key in our response to the lockdown not least staying in touch with one another. An initial list of our worshipping community was drawn up and we tried to contact everybody by phone. As the lockdown dragged on this was less than ideal and it became clear a more coordinated response was needed. A small team lead by Clare Connors with Eileen Noble, Beryl Austoni and Jane Walker had ensured from the beginning that our most vulnerable congregation members were contacted. This system became the basis for the Contact Groups that launched officially in November.

After closing the church building in March we realised that it was not possible to simply abandon it. As chair of the Buildings and Resources Group, Roger Windass quietly kept an expert eye on our church and hall buildings during the first lockdown and beyond, inspecting the building twice weekly to ensure all was safe. We were able to finish almost all the quinquennial works needed too and the church is in extremely good repair. We began the year with a brand-new organ and a newly resurfaced car park. I would like to record my thanks here to our outgoing Church wardens Roland Tate and Beryl Austoni for all their hard work in overseeing the care of the building and the congregation. Roland had added responsibility as Treasurer and the finances continued through the pandemic on an even keel in no small part thanks to his careful oversight while in post. The carpark particularly has been a real gift to local families during the lockdowns and has been heavily used for bike riding lessons.

As lockdown eased and then again as restrictions were tightened, the PCC and Wardens have been prepared to meet for long wrestlings with Risk Assessments and contingency plans in order to offer a Covid secure worship space and community hall. The first lockdown particularly drew our attention to people we had been in danger of taking for granted and I would like to mention and thank our cleaner Debra. Debra has done many extra hours and responded cheerfully as lockdown was eased and each new risk assessment was done and yet more cleaning was required. Debra proved herself as an essential part of the St Mary’s team in these times.

There have been so many changes this year. We have suffered some sad losses; some have laid down some responsibilities whilst others have chosen to take up new roles. At the time of writing we are still uncertain as to when we might start to say this pandemic is ending. As summer 2021 approaches, we hope to welcome the return of our hall users and restart the Spirituality and Ageing Meaningfully project and our Toddler Group, along with working on our Eco church status and grounds redevelopment. As ever, we offer all that has been to God in thankfulness and look to the future in hope as together we move forward as a congregation bearing with one another in love and mutual support for the growth and flourishing of this part of God’s creation. Revd Canon Rachel Wood

PCC SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2020

As everyone is aware, 2020 has been a very difficult and different year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, I am delighted to report that the PCC and Standing Committee have continued to hold their monthly meetings throughout. It has been necessary, of course, to conduct these meetings online via Zoom, adhering at

all times to the Government and Church of England guidelines. All members have been committed in their attendance and consideration of each business item on the Agendas.

The PCC continues to conduct its meeting under the three headings of Believing, Acting and Connecting. Further details are contained in ratified copies of the Minutes which are filed in the Church Office. However, throughout closure of Church, these have been available by hard copy or email, upon request.

In accordance with Church of England rules, where funds have been given to St Mary’s Church for a specific purpose, these are to be defined as “Restricted Funds”, with others being recorded as “Designated Funds”. Necessary adjustments have been made accordingly.

The 2021 Budget was approved by the PCC at its November 2020 meeting.

The financial viability of Church has, of course, continued to be carefully monitored, through the production of monthly accounts presented and qualified by the Treasurer. Special importance has been given to cashflow, due to Church being closed for protracted periods and traditional fundraising events being banned. The PCC is grateful to members of Stewardship and other donors for their continued, generous commitment to giving during this difficult period.

I am pleased to record that St Mary’s received a letter of gratitude from the Diocese, for continuing to maintain its Parish Share contributions during the pandemic, as many churches had been unable to do so.

The APCM, due to take place in April 2020, was eventually held in Church on the 20th September 2020.

The PCC approved charitable payments to the three charities nominated by the congregation and due to the Church’s very comprehensive website; people have been kept informed of ways to donate to other charities and organisations e.g. Christian Aid, Children’s Society, Whitley Bay Community Spirit, The Bay Food Bank etc.

A resolution was agreed by the PCC, to consolidate renewal of all Lay Licences for the administration of Holy Communion in Church and to the sick and housebound, enabling these to be updated collectively every three years.

The PCC wishes to express its gratitude to all Staff and volunteers who, under everchanging, demanding and very stringent conditions, have continued to work tirelessly to sustain our Church and congregation. St Mary’s looks forward to when its doors can be reopened and its spiritual work extended, enabling God’s message of love and hope to be spread throughout the community and beyond.

GRACE MORGAN PCC SECRETARY APRIL 2021

Church Wardens’ Report 2020

January 2020 began just like many other years but then by March life changed and 2020 proved to be a very different year – however St Marys has risen to the challenge.

January saw our new church carpark and drainage completed. Our thanks to Roland Tate. In February the church resounded to the installation of our new organ. Our grateful thanks for all donations and the work of David Lax and his team.

Our Mother and Toddler Group, which meets in Church began life in 2019 as on a trial basis was continuing to thrive on a Monday morning. This became permanent.

Sadly, it was in March that all our lives changed and the Church and Church hall were shut. Happily, we found new ways to worship and connecting with each other.

Fortunately, our curate Ben came to the rescue. He was in the process of updating our website and Facebook. Then came lockdown - Ben continued throughout 2020 using his growing IT skills and expertise to bring us worship on Sunday morning first by video, then to develop live streaming services. To do this we needed to purchase a computer and two cameras. We express our gratitude to Ben for all his perseverance and wisdom.

Ben was due to be ordained Priest in June; however he patiently waited until 10[th] October and was ordained Priest at St Marys, an inspiring service. The next day Ben presided at his first communion service- a joyful and moving occasion. We hope to be able to properly celebrate his ordination when it is fully safe to do so.

Congratulations to Margaret Evans who, having been selected for Reader training commenced the course in the Autumn.

Our thanks to our retiring wardens Roland Tate, Jane Walker and Beryl Austoni who continued as legal warden until we could hold our APCM in September. Roland whilst warden was also our treasurer. Thanks for all his sterling work. Welcome to Andrew Potter as Treasurer.

Sincere thanks to the team of staff and lay members who strived to keep in touch with everyone, particularly those who are vulnerable, alone, those unable to attend church during the year and those with no computer. Contact groups have been created with each member given the opportunity to join. Currently keeping in touch by telephone but hopefully in the future meeting face to face.

From March Covid risk assessments became a norm enabling us to declare that our church and church hall were Covid safe for all. We began a phased opening, initially for private prayer progressing to a Service of the Word on Sundays. At our Patronal Festival in September, we were able to celebrate our first Eucharist after lockdown. For each service numbers were limited and a booking system in place.

Church closed again in November so we returned to livestream worship only.

It is with great sadness that due to Covid our uniformed organisations could not meet in the Church hall and there was no meeting of our young church groups either.

We were pleased however to welcome young families to our Christingle service in Church in December. Also, to our Crib service on Christmas Eve which was different and outside. The service was enjoyed by everyone, including several of our neighbours, especially as we were able to sing carols. Our church was decorated beautifully for Christmas with our service at midnight and on Christmas day.

We bade farewell to our organist Sue and congratulate her on her marriage to Adrian, albeit delayed. May every blessing be upon them in their new life together in Derbyshire.

Our congratulations to our Vicar Rachel on her appointment as Acting Archdeacon of Northumberland.

Dot and Carole have continued to work from home to enable smooth running of our church. Thanks for their dedication.

Thanks to all our staff team for their talents and hard work which has enabled us to be looked after spiritually.

We are not able to say thanks to everyone specifically but thanks to all who contributed including participating in worship financially, and in any way over the last year.

The wardens should report to the APCM that the terrier, inventory and logbook are all accurate. At the time of writing this report it has not been possible to do this. However, the planned easing of lockdown restrictions means we hope to be able to report verbally to the APCM that they are all correct.

We now need to look to the year ahead and beyond. The pandemic has changed things. As we come out of lockdown and restrictions, we need to undertake careful planning to re-establish ourselves as an active growing community. We need to make decisions as to what we want to retain from the new ways we have found of connecting and worshipping but also look at what extra we can offer. In particular we need to reach out to our young people and those who are unable to come to church because of infirmity.

David Tompkins and Sue Johnson

Safeguarding Group Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• To ensure that St Mary’s Church is a safe place for everyone.

• To ensure that St Mary’s Church complies with all relevant legislation and guidelines.

• To inform the PCC of any changes in procedure and guidelines.

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• Our thanks to Jeff Pickering, who stepped down as our Safeguarding Officer, for his invaluable work and support,

• Sue Johnson appointed Safeguarding Officer.

• Safeguarding policy updated to comply with guidelines of Newcastle Diocese Policy. Approved by PCC

• Updated Policy and required information displayed in the Church and Church Hall

• Action Plan drawn up and approved by PCC

• Safeguarding on PCC agenda each meeting. Report provided.

• Website updated with current policy and information

• Required DBS checks carried out

• Arranged for a number of people to attend Safeguarding training. Unfortunately cancelled due to pandemic.

Key plans for development in 2021

• To ensure that Safeguarding Policy is kept under review and amended as necessary to comply with Diocesan guidelines.

• To review Action Plan and update if necessary. To carry out the Plan.

• To ensure people who need training to do so through the Church of England online training programme.

• To carry out DBS clearance as required.

• To keep PCC up to date.

Members of the Group

Revd Canon Rachel Wood and Sue Johnson

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

This statement was adopted by The Parish of St Mary, Monkseaton at the meeting of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) held on 24[th] March 2021

As members of this Parish we commit ourselves to care for one another safely.

We recognize that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that each of us may be regarded as at risk at some time in our lives.

We commit ourselves to:

• the Safeguarding of people who may be at risk, ensuring their wellbeing in the life of this church.

• promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust, ensuring all appropriate training is undertaken and updated as necessary .

• promoting the inclusion and empowerment of people who may be at risk.

• recruit safely following the recognised procedures.

• supporting, resourcing, training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work with children/young people and adults who might be at risk.

It is the responsibility of each of us to prevent physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse. We will report any abuse that we discover or suspect.

We agree to adopt the House of Bishops’ document 'Promoting a Safer Church' and to work within the guidelines of the Church of England and the Diocese.

Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

This church appoints Sue Johnson as the Parish Safeguarding Officer. This policy is reviewed each year by the Parochial Church Council and reaffirmed at the Annual Meeting.

The Church of England national safeguarding information is at www.churchofengland.org/more/safeguarding

This provides contact details of specialist agencies who are available to assist.

If you have a safeguarding concern you can contact: Revd. Canon Rachel Wood, Vicar [e-mail] 01912529319

Carol Butler, Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor [e-mail] 07825167016

Incumbent The Revd. Canon Rachel Wood

Churchwardens Mr. David Tompkins Mrs. Sue Johnson

Date: 24[th] March 2021

BELIEVING

We’re here because of God, brought together by his love

Service Planning Group Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• The group explores and incorporates various styles of liturgy to suit the occasion.

• The group works hard to use and develop the talents and skills of all the congregation in worship participation.

• We meet approximately every 2 months to plan both the regular and occasional worship at our Church and in the local community.

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• The group maintained the regular pattern of worship, if a little curtailed, and in accordance with all the changing regulations and guidelines from both the C of E and the Government. This was mainly through streaming services, where numbers of views have been encouraging. Those unable to view worship online were sent services including the scripts of the Sermon and the Intercessions.

• Revision of Palm Sunday Liturgy done by the team, but not able to be used in 2020.

• Easter Day Eucharist led by Rachel at home with her family.

• Eucharists in Church celebrated again from our Patronal Festival at the beginning of September.

• Harvest was celebrated with generous gifts for the Foodbank and Walking With, and Margaret Evans being introduced as a Reader in Training.

• Ben’s Ordination to the Priesthood took place in St Mary’s and he celebrated his first Eucharist as President the following day.

• All Souls service liturgy completely revised by Clare and was much appreciated by those who came.

• Remembrance Day service had the largest viewing of the year online, with 197 views, but sadly took place in a beautifully decorated, but almost empty Church.

• Advent Bags for families were produced and distributed.

• The Christmas services were a creative mix of ideas – Christingle in church with families sitting in their bubbles. A Carol service online. The Crib service in the car park with video and everyone joining in singing carols. Christmas Eucharists celebrated in Church with a small group of our own singers providing the music. For Midnight Mass we had 37 people attending with 62 online views, whilst for Christmas Day Morning there were 53 people in church and 65 online views – a total of over 217 joining in.

• Music Questionnaire distributed and analysed as a basis for a music strategy.

• Streaming of Sue Morgan’s wedding to Adrian viewed by many worldwide.

• Streaming of Edna Davis’ funeral enabled many to see it, not just locally.

• Much of this work has been achieved through teamwork in the initial planning stages but streaming our worship has been masterminded by Ben, who keeps us straight week by week. Thank you all!

Key plans for development in 2021

• Producing a strategy for the way forward in music and making associated appointments.

• Implementation of all revised service booklets

• Continue to plan, implement, review and evaluate all our worship

• Seek opportunities to embrace liturgy and other ideas from local and national organisations.

Members of the Group

Elizabeth Hayes(Chair), Rev Rachel Wood, Rev Clare Connors, Rev Ben Jarvis, Nicola Denyer, Margaret Evans, Mary Cooper, Thelma Gilhespy, Carole Lax, Sue Johnson (Warden Representative)

With thanks to Alison Stroud, Sue Morgan and Beryl Austoni for their input over the years.

Home Communion Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• Distribution of Holy Communion to those who are sick or housebound.

• Monthly distribution of Holy Communion and short service at Eastbourne House.

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• All home visits were stopped in line with Government guidelines, and are yet to resume.

• Visits by clergy in extremis were possible, and sacrament reserved in church for this purpose.

• Contact made with new Activity Coordinator at Eastbourne House.

• Online services made available to Eastbourne House (the Online Carol Service was particularly valued); it was a pleasure to learn that longtime member of our congregation, Shirley, was able to join in at least some of our services in this way.

• Reconfiguration of licensing arrangements. All Home Communion lay licenses to be renewed in March, renewing every 3 years.

Key plans for development in 2021

• Return to regular visits.

• Establish how need is determined and monitored, both long term and short term.

• Refresher training for license holders.

• Review liturgy.

Report by Revd Benjamin Jarvis

Flower Arrangers Group Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• To provide flower pedestals for the weekly Sunday service

• To provide arrangements for members of the parish in memory of loved ones

• To ensure the flower team deliver flower arrangements in church during Easter and Christmas

• If required, to make provision for floral arrangements in church for weddings and funerals

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• Limitations to providing flower arrangements in church due to the pandemic.

• Easter – outside flowers on the cross and spring garland over the front door.

• When flowers were allowed in church again in July we provided arrangements and included those who had donated for flowers in memory of loved ones.

• In September the flower team were delighted to be part of Sue Morgan’s wedding and filled the church with flowers!

• At Christmas we decorated the church with: 2 pedestals in the ambos, one in the vestibule (Ruth), candles and greenery on the windowsills and a Christmas garland with lights over the front door.

• A silk arranged pedestal in church from January 2021 until lent.  Several members of the flower team did not feel comfortable coming into church, or buying flowers during this time. Thus reducing the rota.

• Pam Miller took over the flower rota from Sheila Torrance

• Flower Fund Finances are as follows: Cash in the bank: £548.51 Donations: £540

• Candle donation: £205 (41 candles)

Key plans for development in 2021

• A drive to attract more flower arrangers onto our flower team – especially younger ones!

• To get back to providing church with regular weekly flower pedestals.

• Looking to have a garland over the front door of church for each season. We have such a plain frontage so it would be good to have a focal point for the community to see the church in a cheerful light!

• A thought is to have communication with other church flower teams in our area. I feel we need fresh ideas and we could feed from each other in a positive way.

Members of the Group

Beryl Austoni, Ruth Blake, Jean Magowan, Pam Miller, Margaret Scanlon, Lucy Smith, Jane Walker and Margery Reed (this year’s new recruit!!)

Creating space for all to grow

ACTING

Welcoming, Integrating and Caring Group Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• Continue to promote Welcoming, Integrating and Caring as an integral part of church life.

• Ensure newcomers, worshipers in church and those worshiping from home feel valued and cared for.

• Provide an inclusive environment in church and on-line allowing worshipers to explore and grow in faith.

• Use social media, the website and live streaming as important communication tools to maintain connectivity with church members and the wider community. Maintain printed communications as an outreach tool.

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• Online communications developed. Good numbers of users engaged with online services, website and Facebook.

• Christmas postcard sent out to the parish to maintain contacts.

• The Pastoral team have continued to provide support and care for individuals over this last year.

• Informal Contact groups set up to maintain a means of contact for everyone, during this time of restrictions and church closure.

• Spirituality and Ageing group now in place. To commence their work when restrictions lifted.

• Welcome group and staff team maintain a welcoming presence at services when the church is open.

• Awareness maintained of community contacts that have been interrupted due to present restrictions; baptism families, toddler group, home communion and young families.

Key plans for development in 2021

• Maintain and continue to develop digital and paper communications for newcomers and the wider community.

• Continue to develop the Pastoral Care system.

• Review contact group system and develop appropriately as restrictions lift and the church community can once again come together.

• Deanery pastoral online course available to interested individuals.

• Spirituality and Ageing group to become active within church.

• Review Home Communion guidelines prior to group recommencing their ministry.

• Review format and requirements of Welcoming as the church reopens.

• Proactively engage with newcomers and the wider community, following a year of severe restrictions.

• Increase WIC group membership.

Members of the Group

Rachel Wood, Clare Connors, Ben Jarvis, Dot Clarke, Judy Ross, Marion Oakes.

Life Events in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

Baptism

Key results of 2020 and looking forward in 2021

• In March 2020 we had one baptism at 12noon and then unfortunately as everything went into a lockdown due to the pandemic we have been unable to hold any further baptisms during 2020.

• The office has continued to arrange the sending of a first anniversary of baptism card on the appropriate date in 2020 to those baptised during 2019.

• The Parish Office will continue to keep in touch by email with Baptism families from the past five years, when there are special events or services that may be of interest to the families especially around Christmas and Easter time.

• On 10[th] January 2021 we were able to hold the baptism of an adult during the live-streamed Sunday service along with a limited number of those attending the service in person.

• At present we have six families awaiting a date for a baptism, two of which have been organised for August and September 2021 whilst the remaining ones will hopefully be scheduled soon.

Marriage

Key results of 2020 and looking forward in 2021

• On the 4[th] September 2020 we were delighted to hold the wedding in church of Sue Morgan & Adrian Picton. This was a much waited for event as it had been postponed from July due to the pandemic.

• One other wedding was postponed from September 2020 and rescheduled for March 2021 but unfortunately this couldn’t go ahead either. Hopefully this wedding will now take place in August here at St Mary’s.

Funerals

• In 2020 our clergy presided at 17 funerals. During the first part of the lockdown we weren’t able to hold funerals in church so all were at the Crematorium and as guidelines changed over time we were able to hold one of the funerals in church in October 2020.

• As we entered 2021 we were able to hold a further two more

• funerals in church in February and March and others were held at the crematorium as before.

St Mary’s Mothers’ Union Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

To follow the aims and objects of the Mothers’ Union within the life of the church.

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• We last met on 25 February 2020 for our Shrove Tuesday Coffee Morning at which we raised £120.

• Our members contributed £197 to the People’s Kitchen Shoe Box Appeal in December 2020.

Key plans for development in 2021

• Our aim and hope is to be able to meet together in 2021.

Members of the Group

We have 32 members (4 of whom are classed as indoor members). During the past year 2 members have left the branch and, sadly, 2 have died.

Buildings and Resources Group Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• Ongoing improvement and maintenance of buildings and grounds of the church

• Overseeing work that cannot be taken by church members

• Responsible for finance team

Key results of our work in 2020-21

• Planning undertaken relating to ground redevelopment

• Undertaking work relating to the last Quinquennial inspection

• Ongoing maintenance

Key plans for development in 2021

• Grounds landscaping and redevelopment

• To continue to maintain buildings and grounds

• To undertake necessary repairs in a timely fashion

Members of the Group

Roger Windass (Chair), Revd. Canon Rachel Wood, John Charlton, Cheryl Savage, Richard Hart, David Tompkins (Legal Warden)

Fabric Report for APCM 2021

Prior to Lockdown commencing, work on the car park and organ installation (including removal of the old organ) was completed.

The maintenance of the church’s fabric was identified as an essential part of surviving lockdown as a church. To do this, Roger Windass completed a weekly check of both the church and hall to identify any property related issues.

The Business and Resources Group (BaRG) decided early in lockdown that only essential work should be undertaken, and that is reflected in this report.

The following Quinquennial repairs were undertaken over the summer:

• Extensive repointing to the northern and southern elevations

• Ventilation to the cellar door and redecoration of the shuttering and the cellar

• Repair to the sump pump

• Partial renewal of leaking sump pipework

• Redecoration of external metal window frames & ventilation grilles

• Redecoration of southern elevation doors and northern side handrails

• Redecoration of render to northern and southern doorways

• Repairs to two northern gullies

• Renewal of southern inspection cover and rim

• Renewal of flashings above lower church hall roofs and rebidding of loose sills

• Re-instatement of missing trims to hall windows

• Repair to felt roofing of lawn mower shed

• Renewal of cracked plasterwork in back of church hall

Electrical work:

• PAT testing was undertaken.

• The five yearly electrical test was undertaken which revealed some unexpected issues. None of the fuse boxes at the west end of church were appropriately labelled. The fuse boxes themselves were considered safe, so there was no risk. However, it is essential that we know which fuse relates to which electrical item, so this work is to be undertaken early in 2021, having been delayed due to Covid.

• Regrettably, despite several visits by the contractor, the lighting unit behind the altar remains broken.

This year’s Lightning Conductor inspector revealed that the earthing rods had been damaged and were repaired.

The hall floor was re-varnished over Christmas.

Externally, the redevelopment of the grounds moves forward slowly. Budgets have been agreed but it has been deemed necessary to undertake a full survey of the grounds to ensure there are no potential problems with drainage or other unexpected subterranean issues. The BaRG is particularly mindful of sensitivities around the consecrated area at the north west corner of church.

We are pleased to report to the APCM that, at present, the condition of the buildings and fabric of the church are as good as they have been for many years.

The wardens would like to express their gratitude to the BaRG, and particularly Roger Windass, for his leadership on property matters and the time he invests on our behalf. Also John Charlton for the unseen work he does.

And finally to Cheryl, Richard and Rachel for their work relating to the grounds redevelopment which will now move forward at pace.

David Tompkins and Sue Johnson, February 2021

Gardening Group Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• To facilitate the regeneration of the church grounds

• Hedges to be maintained. Huge thank you to the hedge cutting team of John and Liz Charlton.

• Grass mown by Robert Cure

• Weeds dealt with by Dave Haddock

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• The gardens were tidied by an outside contractor. The scale of the problem is evident as two people were working for 8 hours.

• Topographical survey has been completed

• Wardell Armstrong have been instructed to present a design for the grounds which reflects the consultation process undertaken with the young people, hall users, parishioners and neighbours

Key plans for development in 2021

• Agree the design of the gardens following a presentation by our landscape architect.

• Detailed plans to be completed

• Plans go out for tender

• Work to be completed.

• Regular maintenance by outside contractor 2/3 times a year. New design does, however, specify low maintenance.

Members of the Group

Rachel Wood, Cheryl Savage & Richard Hart

Parish Office Report

The role of the office in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• To provide a friendly, caring and competent reception area for all who come to St Mary’s seeking help or information. Welcoming, supporting and providing a confidential listening ear for those who just need to talk.

• Dealing with phone calls, emails and enquiries in person.

• Working with those who want to arrange baptisms, funerals and weddings and keeping all registers up to date.

• Arrange church and hall bookings and record all payments taken.

• Keep an up-to-date diary of all events taking place in both church and hall and keep staff and wardens informed of this.

• Produce and email the weekly notice sheet.

• Provide secretarial support to any of St Mary’s groups when needed.

• Record statistics for use in the annual Church of England Parish return.

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• The year started off in the usual way with bookings for baptisms, weddings, hall hire. This was brought to an abrupt halt with the Covid 19 lockdown.

• Two of our objectives for 2021 was ‘to maintain a high standard of administration’ and ‘to deal with change as it happens’ and both were certainly put to the test in March when we started working from home. This was a totally new experience which brought some good points and many challenges. New technology skills needed to be learnt but we’d like to think that we managed ok.

• At the start of the lockdown, Ben set up our new website which was a godsend as it enabled our notices and services to be put online allowing all those with internet connections to view everything that was happening within our church community.

• For those people who were unable to access the internet, a postal service was created. Letters, which included notices and weekly services, were sent out each Thursday to around 20 people. A weekly visit to the office was undertaken by Rachel to print off and post these during the first lockdown when no-one at all was allowed to enter our church premises. As we went forward from July we then did this task ourselves - fully masked and gloved the weekly visit to the office for printing and posting became something of a treat. But sadly, with the increase of infection, even that came to an end and printing was done at home during the third lockdown. The postal notices, full intercessions, readings and sermon are now sent out to 16 members of our congregation and as at March 2021 we will now return to the office weekly to print these for posting.

• Zoom meetings became the normal way of getting to see people and help keep the church up and running.

• Remote access to the office phone made it possible to hear any messages that had been left.

Key plans for development in 2021

• The Parish Directory which was promised for 2020 will hopefully be produced in autumn 2021.

• To continue providing a welcoming and friendly reception to all who need our services – when allowed.

• To maintain a high standard of administration regardless of whether at home or in the office.

• To deal with change as and when it happens.

Office Staf

Dorothy Clarke & Carol Nesbitt

CONNECTING

Looking outwards, being part of God’s world

Communications Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• Strategic oversight of all aspects of communication:

• Newsletter and printed communication with parish and beyond

• o Website

• Social media

• o Notice-sheet in conjunction with Office.

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

The new website launched in March 2020, and has undergone several tweaks and changes since then, adding pages for seasons etc. We are still learning what can be done, and how to produce the best results.

It may be a surprise that the group has not formally met since the last APCM. Throughout 2020 our way of communicating changed on an almost weekly basis, and so meeting to discuss everything has not been possible. However, the strategies put in place already were sufficient for getting through the pandemic.

WIC has a specific interest in the way in which our communications affect our ability to be an outward-looking and welcoming church, and this element of the Comms group has been very naturally taken up by that group.

The need to adapt our communications week in and week out has not been easy for anyone, but what St Mary’s produces is of good quality, and that quality is maintained by being open to improvement. Carol and Dot in the Office have been exceptional in adapting to new things and helping to improve what we do, and they deserve special thanks.

In addition to the website, notices and weekly email, and daily social media presence, St Mary’s has produced a Christmas Postcard which went out to every home in the parish, using an informal delivery method which brought in new deliverers and worked well. We are sending out an Easter Card to our worshipping community.

The Table below shows the traffic to our website over the last year. We have had 3,728 unique visitors to our site.

Key plans for development in 2021

• Continue to respond to any teething problems and analytics to improve the website.

• Continue to explore ways of improving the effectiveness of our social media presence and growing our audience,

• Create and agree a social media policy and schedule, trying to make the jump between ‘stopping the scroll’ and spiritual practice.

• Explore the role of communication for evangelism; develop the invitation to church, especially as the church re-opens.

• Work with WIC to produce new literature and material for new people.

Members of the Group

Revd Benjamin Jarvis, Carol Nesbitt, Dot Clarke, Marion Oakes, Nicola Denyer, Katy Reay, Craig Pemblington.

Schools’ Liaison Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• We work with all local schools to support them in any way, especially to help them deliver RE curriculum and Collective Worship

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• With schools being closed for much of this past year our work with them has been somewhat limited with our usual activities not being able to take place. However we did a week of Collective Worship visits to Tynemouth Priory School on the theme of Lent just before the initial lockdown and a video assembly on the theme of Advent was given by Rachel and Ben to Whitley Bay High School at their request. Contact with schools has continued to be through the clergy offering support to teachers and staff as well as pupils.

Key plans for development in 2021

• Continuing to offer support as needed in the form required

Members of the Group

Rev Canon Rachel Wood, Rev Ben Jarvis, Elizabeth Hayes, Carole Lax

Whitley Lodge Community Spirit Group Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• To reach out and enable community events for all those in the wider

• community

• Strengthen and improve links with local people and businesses

• Work with the committee to give monies and grants to local charities /

• individuals

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• Unfortunately, the pandemic meant that the summer fayre, and the

• Christmas events were unable to take place. It seems unlikely at present that any communal events will take place in 2021

Key plans for development in 2021

• WLCS members continue to stay in touch virtually.

• ● Recently, members of WLCS have worked with community police officers dealing with anti - social behaviour in Whitley Lodge.

● The WLCS Facebook page remains active, and often links to posts we share on our St. Mary’s Facebook page.

● When lockdown eases, the committee hopes to meet to regroup and assess needs within the Whitley Lodge area

Members of the Group

(From St Mary’s - Rachel, Ben, Jane and Nicola)

Justice and Peace Group Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

The Justice and Peace Group attempts to support both the worshipping and the wider communities in responding to Jesus’ teachings about how we relate to one another and the world we inhabit, specifically in relation to:

• Social justice and human rights at local, national and international levels

• ● International Peace ● Development of the global human community ● Care for the environment which sustains us

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• Made recommendation to PCC for charitable giving at Christmas 2020

• ● Consulted the congregation on their choice of charities to receive donations from the Church for 2021.

• Worked toward the Eco Church award by creating a display in Church and

• inclusion of eco themes in worship.

• During the pandemic it has not been possible to run the Traidcraft stall,

• collect for Christian Aid and The Children’s’ Society or hold fundraising events, so we have encouraged contributions through our notices instead.

• Progress toward Eco Church awards and zero carbon status has also been

• impeded by the pandemic restrictions, particularly with regard to making changes to buildings, land and purchasing policies.

Key plans for development in 2021

• Raise awareness of the charities we support through social media,

• website and in services.

• Progress toward Eco Church and zero carbon status by liaising with other

• groups and by engagement with the wider community through online and inChurch communications.

• Resume the activities which were suspended during the pandemic as

• restrictions are lifted.

• Organise fundraising activity for Christian Aid

Members of the Group

John Appleby, Rick Channing, Margaret Evans, Ben Jarvis, Marion Oakes Imogen Potter and Rachel Wood

St Marys Concert Series Group Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• Prime aim - To deliver quality professional and amateur classical music performances.

• To reach out into the non-church going community

• To entertain

• To cover costs, including artists fees and church costs – heating etc

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• We said farewell to Sue Morgan who married in 2020 and moved to Chesterfield – Sue had been a key member of the group, as well as church organist.

• 7 performances planned in 2020 before the pandemic of which 3 had to be cancelled.

• Bradley Creswick recital and Stephen Sondheim event, plus two lunch time piano recitals were held in January and February 2020 before the lock down caused the cancellation of all plans for 2020

• A profit of £1484 was realised from these events and transferred to the church account.

• 2 short piano recitals by Fiona Gould and Ed Campbell Rowntree to be recorded on video and shared with Concert supporters as a thank you and advertising for the 2021 concert performances

Key plans for development in 2021

• Initially 2 concerts are in preparation – a Bradley Creswick recital as part of the laying of the foundation stone celebrations in May, and a concert by Birkett and Fisk in June - postponed from 2020.

• Financial risks to be shared with the artists.

• Recruited Fiona Gould and Ed Campbell Rowntree to the group – both are pianists who have given recitals and are now part of the team playing the organ and piano at church worship.

• A survey to seek to understand how our supporters feel at this stage of the pandemic about returning to concerts in church.

Members of the Group

Philip Sanderson Carol Nesbitt Dot Clarke Liz Hayes Michael Clarke – treasurer David Murray – music advisor Fiona Gould – new member 2021 David Lax – chair of group Ed Campbell Rowntree – new member 2021

Children’s Society Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• ●to highlight the role of the Children’s Society

• ●to enable the congregation to contribute towards fundraising.

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• ●We managed to process some of the collecting boxes from homes before the pandemic lockdown when we were advised to halt collections temporarily. £207.84 was raised.

• ●We held a socially distanced Christingle service and raised £152.77

• ●Thank you for all the help in making this extraordinary service happen.

Key plans for development in 2021

• ●It is difficult to predict the future of the box collection as people turn away from using cash. However, we will continue to process the boxes whenever possible.

• ●We will try to re-connect with local projects.

• ●We will look to continuing Christingle.

Members of the Group

Sue and Rick Channing

Traidcraft Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• ●To highlight Traidcraft’s work with farmers and craftspeople around the world.

• ●To run the Traidcraft stall in church and at community events.

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• ●The pandemic has prevented events and the stall in church from going ahead.

• ●We have encouraged the congregation to use the on-line service but are unable to quantify its use.

Key plans for development in 2021

• ●To resume the Traidcraft stall when possible, to find out how projects have been affected by the pandemic and to consider ways of assisting.

Members of the Group

Rick and Sue Channing & Anne Otter

4[th] and 12th Monkseaton Brownie Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

Brownies have fun. Brownies help girls aged 7 to 10 years to be individuals and also to be able to work together both in small and large groups. Many new skills are learned. Brownies encourage girls to develop emotionally, physically and spiritually so they can find their place in the world.

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• Our Brownie year started in 2020 as any other with a trip to the Whitley Bay Pantomime Society to see Aladdin.

• Brownies with their usual enthusiasm continued to try new challenges, enjoy activities including games and crafts within the new programme to enable them to gain badges and awards: -

  • Be Well – developing the girls’ knowledge in resilience, nutrition, being active, stress management and relaxation techniques. Also encouraging decision making and self-reflection.

• Know Myself -discover what it takes to be an efficient team and how to be a successful member. Exploring goals and identity, building confidence in themselves and in relationships with others.

• A number of new Brownies started.

• One unit was able to make presents for Mother’s Day.

• Then came the Covid lockdown ……

• Leaders had hoped and expected to open the doors for Brownies to return to unit meetings in 2020.After careful consideration Leaders decided not to do so on the grounds of safety and to avoid compromising return to school for the girls which was considered more important.

• Leaders have kept in touch with their Brownies.

Key plans for development in 2021

• To restart Brownies as soon it is safe to do so.

• To help Brownies readjust to life after Covid

• Through the Guiding programme to give Brownies fun and friendship.

• To continue links and participate in the life of the Church.

Sue Johnson and Emma Surtees

6[th] Whitley Bay (St Mary’s) Scout Group – Beavers, Cubs and Scouts

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

The Scout Association helps young people achieve their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• We’ve continued to provide a wide and varied range of programme activities for the beavers, cubs and scouts throughout the lockdown periods, although we’ve not been able to meet often, the cubs and scouts have been able to run some face to face activities which were well supported.

• We’ve actively engaged with the parents of the group to provide additional activities to support our young people and ran family orientated events outside of normal meeting nights.

• Due to the Corona Virus, camps planned for the past year were suspended although we have made arrangements to reschedule them to 2021 if restrictions allow.

• Although our numbers have reduced by approximately 20% due to lack of face to face activities, we expect numbers will increase with new members in the next 2-3 years.

Key plans for development in 2021

• Scouts will be taking part in two indoor residential weekends in November at Cheviot View and International Camp in Holland in the Summer where a wreath will be laid at Arnhem – restrictions permitting.

• Beavers, cubs and scouts will be taking part in the county MARRA camp in May 2021 if restrictions allow. Or a virtual camp if restrictions are in place.

• We hope to continue to develop our Group Executive Committee to assist in the ongoing expansion of scouting at the 6[th] .

• Continued support of leaders to complete their training and achieve their wood beads in the next year.

• Progression of beavers, cubs and scouts to achieve their chief scout awards in 2021.

Members of the Group

• Beavers, cubs, scouts, young leaders, parents, helpers and section leaders. Aged from 6 years upwards.

Scott Blackett , Group Scout Leader 6[th] Whitley Bay (St Mary’s) Scout Group

Deanery Synod Report

The role of the group in the ongoing life and mission of St Mary’s

• ●To connect with, and be part of our Deanery

• ●To share best practice, and learn from each other

• ●To work out how best to communicate the Diocesan visions and targets

Key results of our work in 2020-21 (with reference to the corona pandemic as necessary)

• ●All meetings have been on Zoom this year, which has actually led to more people across the Deanery attending.

• ●The Deanery Treasurer has worked hard with staff and Treasurers across the Deanery re: Parish share; and creating an open, collaborative approach.

• ●The development of a Deanery Development Group, chaired by Tim, to look at how Diocesan changes might best be developed across the Deanery. This group is a mix of clergy and lay people, and after 3 meetings is starting to begin work.

Key plans for development in 2021

• ●Pastoral training for lay people

• ●Continued transparency from all involved re; Parish share

• ●Working with the community missioners across the Deanery to explore how we can meet the needs of our communities as the pandemic continues to make social contact almost impossible

• ●DDG continuing to work with Diocesan standards and visions

Members of the Group

Nicola Denyer (DDG), John Appleby, Rachel Wood, Ben Jarvis, Kate Stobart

Treasurer’s Report 2020

The financials in 2020 have largely been about the impact of Covid 19 and how this has affected our financial transactions in the church. Our income was lower

to lack of income from plate collections, no fund-raising events (concerts and Autumn fair) and very little income from the church hall, however similarly our costs were lower through reduced usage of the church buildings.

We are very fortunate at St Marys in that a large percentage of our income comes from Planned Giving and the level of income from this source during the pandemic has not been very adversely affected, in fact total income from Planned Giving was higher year on year. Our income is down in other areas, but our main income stream remained very strong during the pandemic which is very different to the impact on other parishes in the area.

With regards to costs, by far the biggest cost to St Marys is the parish share which represents almost 60% of our total outgoings. Due to the strong income from planned giving we were able to maintain the parish share budget and the Bishop wrote to St Marys personally to thank us for this as many parishes were not able to meet their obligations because of their lost income. We were also able to meet our budget for donations to the charities chosen by the Justice and Peace group, having being helped by lower building maintenance costs compared to prior year and significantly lower utility bills and office and administration costs.

In terms of our closing cash position, the general fund finished lower than at end of 2019. The PCC believe it was correct that we should maintain the parish share payments at a time when many other parishes were struggling but with a view that we should maintain a balance of £30k in the general reserves whenever possible as a minimum operating balance. In terms of our nongeneral funds, the main outgoing in the year pertained to the new car park, a project that had been committed to in the 2019 accounts.

Looking ahead into 2021, we are thankful that the income from planned giving remains strong and we are hopeful that once the church hall is available again for hire and we can restart more normal worship in church that we will be able to return to some normality in the finances. We also look wherever possible to support the diocese through our parish share as the diocese struggles with its income shortfalls and we plan a higher parish share in the second half of 2021 once we are certain about the recovery of the other income streams.

The PCC agreed in the year that funds previously reported as Restricted should be reclassified as Designated. This change is linked to the definition of funds per the Charities Commission, which gives clear rules between what is Designated and what is Restricted. Most legacies are given to the church to use in its mission, however the PCC believes that this definition of mission does not meet the Charities Commission definition of Restricted money. The term Restricted is given to funds that are given to the church for a specific purpose, for example donations specifically given for the new organ, once restricted the funds can only be used for this purpose.

The PCC however believe that the legacies left for the church should not be used for general purposes and so report them in the accounts as Designated, which means they are to be used at a later date for the specific purpose of promoting the mission of the church. The change in presentation from Restricted to Designated does not change the fact that these funds are kept in separate bank accounts and can only be accessed by agreement of the PCC. There are plans to utilise some of these funds in 2021 to develop the grounds around the church.

Andrew Potter We Celebrate, We Remember

We pray for those Baptised at St Mary’s in 2020 Jasmin Kirton

And for those who were married here at St Mary’s in 2020 Sue Morgan & Adrian Picton

We remember by name those members of our community who have died in the last twelve months

May our friends departed now claim that promised place at the wedding feast of heaven. Christ is risen - the first fruits of all who have died! God of our Life, God of all our years, God of our beginning, hear us as we pray, in a mixture of sadness, gratitude and hope, for those who have died during our last year and we pray for all who mourn.

David Barrow David Bottrill Patrick O'Brady-Jones George Mendham Norma Smith Irene Hindley Ethel Aldridge David Thomas William Irvin Mavis Slack Sheila Elizabeth Leach Edward Warden Annie Warden Anne Ainsworth Edna Davis Norman Kenneth Searle John Barker Bessie Raine Edna Harrison Terry Dawson John Cure Florence Redford Frank Muscat Grenville Jones

Our times are in your hands Lord. Amen

St Mary’s Parish Office, Claremont Gardens, Whitley Bay, NE26 3SF

 0191 251 4216 [e-mail]

www.stmarysmonkseaton.org.uk

www.facebook.com/StMaryTheVirginMonkseaton Registered Charity No: 11315

Patish of St Alary The Wirgin hlonkseaton Financial Statamonts for the year ended 31 Decembpr 2020

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P￿lsh LIStWTheWwgii b]nk5 F(YU*JwEAtsI 31 tknbu2JXI SY9 113,IM 113.026 139,381 3,PJ]7 13227 10,C65 17,420 127,413 127,413 170395 3,X 5,¥21 11135T 113,357 151083 10,r2 10.322 10,254 127.1e6 127,185 174259 228 P2631 10 1103,W 10 107. 213 143.07T 146,340 42n 131L133 143.305 143,077

a5*31StDKem￿rIIul 6 113, 1,Tr4 Cashat 14747 cR￿oRs￿￿O￿ts￿1￿j 35,037 141077 TOTILNETISSEIS 14331$ 143,077 FUNDS 10 42T2 1￿.[[13 107R&I 3S213

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