The Parish Church of Saint Wulfram, Grantham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st December 2023 Annual Report & Financial Statements For th¢ Year Ended 31 December 2023 St Wulfram's ChuTeh, GTantham Parochial Church Council TABLE OF CONfENrs AIM AND PURPOSES OBJEcfIvES AND ACTMTIES PEOPLE ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT 39 ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION ADDENDUM - FINA￿4cL￿ REVIEW OF 2023 43 STATEME￿ OF FINANCIAL AcfMTIES 45 BAIANCE SHEET 46 NOTES TO FINANCLIL STATEMENTS 47 INDEPENDEwf EXAMINER'S REPORT AIM AIqD PURPOSES St Wulfram's Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in proTnOting in the ecclesiastical paTish of Grantham the whole mission of the Chuieh, in daily worship of God, in matters pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical to serve the people of the town and all who come to the church building. The detail of this programrne of mission is managed severally by the sub-groups (sub committees) of the PCC on its behalf. Their minutes and resolutions are available. From time to time, ad hoc working groups may be established to report to the PCC. Full details of the PCC membership and officeTS are listed undeT'AdministTative Inforrnation, below. OBJECTIVES AIW ACTIVITIES The PCC has the overall responsibility to make available to as many people as possible the ministiy offered by the living Church based at St Wulfi'am's, and to welcome the same people to the chui'ch building. We communicate the Christian faith and exercise Chribtian ministry in the worship of the church through the ministry of word and sa¢rament. We seek to meet the needs of a variety of peuple in the wide r¢in¥e of worbhip and aetivities offered. Our church building is sufficiently flexible that we ean manage occasions sacred and secular on a large or modest scale. When undertaking their PTO8ramtne of activities, the staff and PCC have taken seriously the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefil., and in particular. the specific guidanee on charities for the advancement of religion. It is our express aim to be a community of Christians in the town and, accurding to the An¥licun uTrderstandin8, to be available to every single person in the town and parish. We seek to help the people of the town to live out their Christian faith through: Participation in the worship of the church and the practice of their own prayers at home, growing in confidence in their glasp of their faith through preaching? teaching and btudy together of scripture and Chrislian writings J Provision of pastoral care for the people of the parish and town. and Initiatives and ongoing work that expre8$ the love of God towards a]1 people and rea¢h thoqe who are not regularly in tou(]] with the life of the church. To make all this possible the PCC has a prime responsibility to maintain the fabric of St Wulfram's. PEOPLE Staff Father Stuart Cradduek, Rector and Rural Dean of Grantham. Father Jarnes Clabern (Clay) Roundtree, Associate Rector of Grantham and Associate Pri&8t of St John's Spitalgate, Grantham. Mother Hannah Grivell. Assistant Curate. Mother Kate Hough, Assistant Curate. Father Yuce Kabakci, Assistant Curate. St Wulfram's continues to benefit from the active support of local retired ¢lergy> indudins Mother Geraldine Pond. We benefit also from the active 5UPPOrt of two Readers (Nick Kerry and Katy Castaneda) and several Authorised Lay Ministers. Mrs Anna Bolton, Vocal Coach to St Wulfram's Choir (until 21 July) and Musical Director ol'sinsins lor All, (until 21 March). Mrs Melanie Brown, Operations & Development ManageT. Mrs Elaine Chambers, Parish Adrninistrator,. Mi Carl Kettle, Grantham House Gardener. Dr Judith Muskett, Mission Facilitator and DeaneryAdministrator. Mr Steve Prendergast, Church and Grantham House Cleaner. Mr Clayton stiff, Children, Youth & Families Worker (until 31 August). Dr Tim Williams, Organist and Director of Music. Mr Tim Selman, A551Stant Director of Music (i January to 31 August). Mr James Lloyd Thomas, A5SiStant Director of Musie (22 September to i November). Holders of the Bishop's Licence Those licensed by the Bishop to assist in the administration of the elements at Holy Comrnunion in the parish (some withiii ehui'eh and others within and outtside church) are listed below. The asterisk denotes the persons who did not administer the elements at all in the church during 2023. Pern]ission to Administer in church.. Clare Arthur, Heather Arthur, Shaun Ashley, Daniel Castaneda. Paul Davie, Dorothy Gaughan, Michael Gaughan, Trevor Johnston, Philip Joyce, *Sue Redmile, Matthew Sitnons, Ian Stewart, David West. Permission to Administer in church and out of church,. °Rathel Davie, Helen Dawkins (granted permission during 2023), Eli7.abeth Hill, *Barbaia KI￿e, Sheila Knight, 'Brenda Patten, 'Joanna Swinbourne. Eileen West, Valerie York. Katy Castaneda and Nkck Kerry have authority to administer Communion by virtue of their Reader licence. Gulld of Servers 2023 saw the number of servers increase over the last year - we now have 15 active servers. ' ElaÉDe is a member of the UK Church Adm?nistratOTS' Network (UCAN). The mllth-welcomed revised Guild Handbook has now been printed and issued to all servers with working copies available in the vestiy. Sekvers Teceive ongoing training and support on Sundays, but this year they were invited to two formal sessions based on the new Guild Handbook. The servers were presenled Mriih their handbooks, pendants and re-inducted into the Cuild of Servers in October during olli. Sunday Elltharist. In 2023& we continued to see a reduction in the number of laity responsible for the Altar Linen. Mthr Kate has taken on the interim responsibility for this role, with the Head Server covering in her abbenLE. This IS still an ongoing conceTn, which will require additional volunteeLE as soon as possible to enable sufficient linen for services. This said, following a full audit of linen last year and with approval of the Reetor, we now have addition21 new linen, which will accommodate some two weeks of all services. Ci Foundation Safeguarding training has Continued to be facilitsted by our Parish Safeguarding Officer (Di H￿e) for all servers under the Safeguarding IEarning and Development Framework, using the Church of England's online portal. The Guild has retained sufficient members to pro￿de 8UPPOrt for regular worship, but we would still welcome more volunteers to enable duties to be more evenly distributed monbTbt the membcis. The Guild is not exclusive and is open to all members of the Pdrish, of any Age and experienee. During the reeent Christmas Tree Fiestival, Mthr Kate took the opportunity tc) adverlise foi. new servers, providing full contact detai18 for interested parties - we look forward to welLoming new members. ACHIEVEMETh AND PERFORMANCE St Wulfram's as an SDF Urban Resource Church In 2020, St Wulfram's was d￿lSnated an 'urb&n resource church,, a strategic development, funded in part by the Church Commissioners and in part by the Diocese of Lincoln. We are one of three urban resource churcheb in the diocebe, the other twv being St George's, Stamford (which planted into StAnnc's New Somerby in Grantham in August) and St SMqthin'8, Lincoln. A8 well a5 continuing to serve the people of Grantham, St Wulfram's has a wider responsibility to the whole dioLese. This necessitated a change in the Rector's role. In recognition ot'this, St Wulfram's was able to appoint a new Associate Rector from May 2021, who works in partnership with the Rector in leading St Wulfram's mission, mit]istry, and pastoral care. In June 2022, we welcomed three new 'planting curates,. Each is training at St Wulfram's for three years in readiness to 'plant' (reNitalise) an urban churth elsewhere in the diocese. The diocese will soon announce planting locations and the curates, gradual transition to the newlocationswill begin, eulmindting inpermanent movet> inlate 2024 or the firsthalf of 2025. In their new locations, the three will continue to be supported and resourced by dergyj Staff, and relevant PCC members at St Wulfram's. Along with other resource church leaders, our Reetor (or Associate Rector) participates in bi- monthly SDF Board meetings at the diocesan office in Lincoln. Several tnembers of our staff team travelled to St George's, Stamford on Tuesday 31 January to share in one of the series of netwurking meetings for t'he three churches (an initiative that started in 2022). Stwulfram's hosted a ￿11-daY networking meeting on Tuesday 13 June 2023, at Grantham House, featuring a knom talk in the morning on'Fresh Expressions in a Catholic Model, by Fr Sitnon Runde]] from the Diocese of Exeter, and an inspiring afternoon ta]kby the Very Revd Joe Hawes (Dean of Edmundsbury) entitled 'A Sacramental Future in a Mixed Econom￿. After eaeh talk, we refle¢ted in small groups. The day concluded with gatherings of slaff in similar roles to discuss solutions to the challenges we face in our everyday life. This was followed by Choral Evensong ID the church. We returned to St George's, Stamford for the afteTnooD on 16 Novcmbcr. The next networking day will take placc at St Swithin's, Lincoln on Thursday 7 March 2024. and St Wulfram's looks forw9rd to hosting again on Thesday 4 June 2U24. StJohn's SpTtalgate- our local church plant Our church planting principles are eurrently being'piloted. through our loeal plant, St John's Spitalgate, Grantham2 to which Fr Clay} our Assoeiate Rector, was additionally licensed in September 2022. As part of their training, our planting curates are supporting the ministry and mission there. Public consultation was vital to developing the vision for the St John's community church to Leach new peciple in new ways and also for the recruitment of an initial core team of community volunteeTS (some of whom were drawn from a group with a previous conrAection to St Jolin'b). The outcome of local burveys and tlie public consultations evidenced the need for grant applications to support the work of hospitality around a five-morning-a-week (Thesday to Saturday, 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon) 'warm hub, in the hall, with hot drinks and biscuits, plus seasonal homemade soup or cake on Fridays at 12 noon. The provision is registered with 'Warm Welcome Spaees., whose website includes a searchable map enabling people to aLcess warm pl*i¢es to connect with others, make new friends and feel pari. of the community. bunding for the St John's 'warm hub, initiative was obtained from the ASDA Foundation, Shine Lincolnbhire, the Nation(Il Glid Electricity Distribution Community Mattel's Fund, and the freemasons of the Sir Isaac Newton Lodge. St John's expre5sets £ratitude to the nearby B&Q store for donating painl to refurbish the Parish Room. An appe8J was made in February for volunteers to join an afternoon of gardening to iTnprove the landseape in the ehureh grounds,. this followed the pollarding of branehes of the poplar ¢ind lime trees on the site. General funds were raised for St John's at special events: a pub songs singalong (23 September) and concerts (31 May, i July, 19 November, and 3 December). St John's expressed thanks to its team Of volunteers with ufternuon tea (12 March). A £ioK grant awarded by the Natic)nal LL)ttery Community Fund in October will enable the launch of the new St John's Spitalgate Commuiiity Fridge early in 2024. Interviews were held at the end of the yeaL for & Cominunity Fridge ProjeLt Co-ordinator (a parl'_time, fLYed-term post). The Community Fridge will bring people together to connect, share food (including supelmarket and garden surpluses), reduce food wasie, and learn llew skills from cookery demonstrations. High-quality choral music to support the liturgy is an historical strength of St John's., and this has been Levived by the St John's Winter Singers (a group of singers/musicians previously associated with the ehurch), who support the monthly Choral Evensong. Midweek eneollnters are fundamental to the developing patlei'n of worship at St John's.. Evening Prayer on Tuesdays at 4,30 p.m. and the Eucharist at 10.30 a.m. on Thurbdays. A monthly Sunday morning service of Holy Communion (11.00 am) was introduced in October, St John's is also a place where catholic devotional spiritua]ity is being developed.. Fr Clay led his six-session 2 St John's Spitalgate is Currently part of the Trinity Parish South Grdntham. li c105ed for th¢ pondemi¢ lockdown in March 2020 and did no¢ re-opeii. St Johii's was initÈally categorised as A Type 5 ¢hur¢h explor&ng closure. It re-opened in September 2022 under Fr Clay's leadership, and now aspires to be a Type 2 Local Mission Church within five years. The proposed dissolution of the Trinity Parish South Orantharn 15 ill process through th¢ Diocese ot Lin¢oln and Church CoinmisSiOIl￿s. Introduction to Christian Meditation at St John's in Lent (Mondays, 7.00 p.m.), and also in October/Novernber. Also in Lent, St John's hosted a four-session 'Introduction to Christian Prayer. (Saturdays at 11.00 a.m.). Choral EvensungT on 7 May was a service of thanksgivii]g for the Coronation of King Charles III. A Harvestchoral Evensong was held on i October. followed by a harvest supper. The year ended with a Service of Memories (12 December), Nine Lessons & Carols (17 Deeember) hnd a'No rebears81 Nativity, and Midttisht Mass on Christmas Eve. Worship and Prayer Regular and special seruices The PCC is Committed to offering a range of Worship that refiects the breadth of the Anglican tradition. The Parish Eucharist is the Central act of worship> giving opportLinity to include good choral and congregational musie. Children from the Sunday Club (which includes those aged o to ii) are actively included in this service and lay peuple read the lesbons, lead the inteTcessions, and assist in the administration of the Sacrament. All are welcome to participate in this service. and welcome stewaTds are at the door each Sunday. Visitor8 and newcomers are welcomed and contacted in due course at home. The Se￿iCe pattern differs on the first Sunday of the month. All-Age Worship> or Parade Services for the scout and guide groups, take place at 9.30 a.m., supported by the St Wulfram's band of instrumcntalists. Thcsc scrvices cc)ntinue I'o attract a cross- section of people young and old in the congregation. The All-Age Worship or Parade Service is followed at ii.oo a.m. by a traditional Choral Eucharist, the style of which attracts LEsular members of the congregation, as well as worshippers from other churches aiid newcoTlleTS. 'Extra Half Hour, is an informal rnonthly Bible study on the fourth Sunday of the month, led by the preaeher aft'er the 9.30 a.m. Eueharist. A Said Eueharist is held at 8,00 a.m. each SundayTr the liturgy alternating between Comrnon Worship and the Book of Common Prayer. Choral Evensong is sung at 6.30 p.rn. most Sundays during school terni times. Outside school term and on the first Sunday of each month, Evening Prayer is said at 6.30 p.m. In contrast to the Parish Communion and Choral Evensong, the evening and midweek services are quietei and more reflective. Morning Prayer ib said daily in the Crypt (Thesday to Friday), now at 8.30 rather than 9.00 a.m. (to allow clergy to attend meetings frorn 9.00 a.rn. without missing the apportunity to pray together first with colleagues und parishioners). Members of the congregation attend on an occasional basis. A midweek Euehaiist is held on a Tiiesday at 12.00 noon in St Michael's Chapel. Co￿p1]ne is held at 8.45 p.m. on Wednesdays (Sung Compline on the third Wednesday of the month). A weekly Exposition and Benediction is held at 12.00 noon on Fridays. The Sunday Parish Eucharist, and Sunday Evening Prayer / Evensong and special services continue to be livestreamed to Teach those who are unable to attend chiiTch iii person. BToadcasting servi￿$ via Facebook is part of our strategy for offering eneouragement andwelcome and for sharingthe good news of the Christian faith more widely. Livestreaming is here to stay, but how and when services go online eontinues to change. Due to the sensitive natllre of certain acts of worship (such as a Healing Eucharist, or senTice to mark Suicide Prevention Week), we choose not to livestream. Notwithstsnding this. we do on occasion livestream funerals at the specific request of the favnilies CUllLerned. This year, a change was made in respect of Morning Prayer - part of the daily offeTing and service of Clergy and part of their ongoing spiritual maintenance - which we had started to livestTeatn during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Rector and A5so¢iate Rector feltthatlivestreaminghad ehanged the character of theoffering. So, as a ministry team, they did not lÉvestream Morning Prayer as often, and livestreaming became the exception rather than the rule from i August. Clergy were Sorry if those who had come to share regularly in Morning Prayer were disappointed by this news, but hoped they would be sympathetic to the reasons for the change5. Attention was drawn to the ChurL.h of England's daily prayei via the audio player. The Youth Choir sins Cholal Evensong in the Lady Chapel at 5.15 p.m. on Fridays during temi time. We celebrated Epiphany with a NativÉty at the 9.30 a.m. Eucharist on Sunday 8 January. Our young people told the story of the Wise Men visitÈng Jesu8. We marked Racial Justiee Sunday (12 February) with a special Order of Service for the Parish Eucharist. On Shrove Tue8day {21 fiebruary), we had a pancake giveaway between 3.00 p.rn. and 5.00 p.m. (to coinLide with when children were ledving the National School next door). This was an nppoi'tunity to explain a little nf whai S'hrove TuLsday and Lent are, as well as enjo￿ng some pancakesl On Sunday 5 Marth, we were delighted to welcome Bishop David of Grimsby to celebrate and preaLh at our All-Age Eucharist, and to preach at the Choral Eucharist, Member¥ uf the cungregation were encoura8ed to meet the Bishop and let him know the joys and challen¥es we face at St Wulfrain's. We remernbered in our prayers the Revd Canon Dr Robert Reiss (Rector of Grantham 1986-1996 and Rural Dean of Crantham 1992-1996. Archdeacon of Surrey from 1996., and Canon Treasurer ofWestminsterAbbey from 2005, and later Sub-Dean), who died suddenly on 26 January aged 80. Canon Reiss was tnourned by his wife Dixie, his daughter the playwrisht Anya Reiss, an extensive ari'ay of friends, and the ￿der community olWestminsterAbbey. Three special services for St Wulfram's, St John's Church Manthorpe and St John. Church Spitalgate marked Ash Wednesday (22 February), the beginning of Lent. Our Lent booklet (available online) detailed all the IEnt, Holy Week and Easter services, Lent groupslcourses, Confiiination and First Communion preparations. We were invited to attend a service, written by Christian W0￿en of Tuiwan, at 10.30 a.m. Friday 3 March at St John's Chureh Manthorpe to mark the World Day of Prayer 2023. Through tlie innovative Lent Video Project, we posted 30 to 90-second ￿de05 day-by- day on Facebook. These were made by members of our congregation and those of St John's Manthorpe, who talked about their personal faith and how this has been nurtured by the church. Judging by the scale of the videos Teach, and level ol 'engagement' recorded by Facebook analytiC5, the project was a great success. Mothering Sunday flowers were prepared on Saturday mornins 18 March in the church. Later in the month, in preparation for Palm Sunday, palm crosses were made at Grantham House (Wednesday evening 22 March). Those who gathered for this dextrous task enjoyed some social time together over refreshments. Bibhop Stephen extended an invitation to all congregational members to attend the Chrism Eucharist at Lincoln Cathedral (4 April), when the oils for Baptism, Confirm- ation and Anointing are blessed. Refreshments were served afterwards. As we approached Easter Dayj our Lenten journey included the followkng.. A service of readings and music for Passiontide, including Bach's Cantata Ich habe genug126 March, 6.30 p.m.) Walk of Witness on Palm Sunday (2 April, 9.15 a.m.), beginning at the white bridse in Wyndham Park. followed by a devotional performance of Stainer's cifvon (6.30 p.m.). Holy Monday (3 April, 7.30 p.rn.) - Eucharist with Stations of the Cross. Holy Tuesday (4 April. 7.30 p.m.) - Healing Eucharist. Holy Wednesday (5 Ap1￿1, 7.30 p.m.) - Tenebiae Service Maundy Thursday (6 April, 7.30 p.m.) - Choral Eucharist with foot-washing and Vigil until midnight. o Good Friday (7 Apiil) - The Good Friday Workshop IIo.15 a.m. to 12.45 p.m.), a moi'ning of creativity and reflection fol our young people,. The Litui%y (2,00 p.m.). o Holy Satllrday18 April, 6.00 p.m.) - The Sedermeal. The Christian obSe￿atIOn of this iitual meal celebrates our trad?tion of Christ's last SUPPCT and OUT OMTA Jewish heritllse that provided the Lolltext for Jesus. institution at tlie Last Supper. ServieL' uf New Light and Easter Vigil (8.00 p.m.). On Easter Day (9 April) we Celebrated the risen Christ with a Said Eucharist (8.00 a.m,) and Choral Eueharist Muth Procession and Children's Easter Egg Hunt (9.30 a.ni.). The Grantham Scout and Guide St George's Day Parade through town took place on Sunday 23 April, culminating in a service at St Wulfram's at 3.00 p.m. On Sunday 7 May at ii.oo a.m., we held a Civic se￿ICe of Thanksgiving for the Coronation of King Charles III, following a parade through the town involving the Mayor of Grantham, Charter Trustees, and civic and community groups. At I'he service a collection was taken for the Grantham Aik charity. Our monthly outdoor Muddy Church service (on the second Sunday of the month, at 3.00 p.m.) began in June, with the focus on drawing closer to God through nalure. This usually takes place in the gardens at Grantham House and is opento all, In July) Muddy ChuiLh featured a Bear Trail through the Woodland Walk. eliding in a Teddy Bcar's Picnic on the lawn to which participants were invited to bring their favourite teddy. In October, Muddy Church involved planting some bulbs to make the ehurchyard bright for the Spring, On Thursday 8 June, we held a Eucharist for the Day of Thanksgiving for the Institution of Holy Communkon (Corpus Christi). We Prayed for our three curates as theyprepaTed for their Ordination to the Priesthood at Lincoln Cathedral on Saturday ¥ June. Afterward$, each offered their first Mass for the Guidance of the Holy Spirit: o Mthr Hannah Grivell: Parish Mass, Sunday 25 June, 9.30 a.m. (Preacher: Fr Jonathan Page, Vicar of Christ Church Belper, and Acting Area Dean of Dove & Derwent DearAery. Diocese of Derby) Fr Yiice Kabakci.. Parish Mass, Sunday 25 June. 6.30 p.m. (Preacher", Clemency Flitter, Hornsey Parish Church, Dioeese of London) Mthr Kate Hough.. An A]l-AgeVotive Mass, Sunday 2 July, 9.30 a.m. (Preacher,. Fr Stuart). Refreshments followed the morning seNiees. Then, after Fr Yuee's Moss, we had the opportunity to celebrate with all three curates, their families and guests over a bring- and-share supper. It is traditional for the parish to give their curates a gift upon being ordained, and each was presented with a stole on this occasion. A special Choral Service was held (Sunday evening 9 July) in thanksgiving for the dedicated and challenging work of the NHS Trusts acro$8 Lincolnshire as the NHS celebrated 75 years. We like to hold an outdoor Service (Parish Eucharist) on the lawn at Grantham House once a month through the summer, weather permitting. The 9.30 a.m. All-Age Eucharist on 3 September included a'Blessing of Backpacks,, for anyone changing 5thools or jobs, or moving on for fresh adventures in the new academic ye&L. In line with our aim to mark certain'awareness days, in the national calendar, we held a service in church at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday io September, World Suicide Prevention D(ly, the theme vf which was'creating FlopeThroush ALtion'. This was an opportuiiity tQ LETnember a loved one, to show support for suicide prevention and for the survivors of suicide and the families and fillends affeeted. Fryuee gave the homily and Mthr Kate led the iiiterce58ions. All were invitLd to light a eandle of hope during the anthem sung by the choir. Clergy were available after the serriLe for anyune who wished to talk or to i'eceive a blessing. The Order of Service contained details of resources available to help anyone strllggling with mental hea]th issues. We held a Civic Service for the Mayor of Grantham, Councillor Mark Whittington (Sunday 8 October, 11.00 a.m.). We marked our Patrona] Festival at the Parish Eucharist on Sunday morning 15 October and a Choral Evensong and Benediction the same day. The All Souls Mass, including Fauré's Requiem, was held in church and broadcast on Facebook from 7.30 p.m. on ThuTsday 2 November. E￿all invitations were issued to all our Contacts. The names of departed loved ones were included in the prayers (an online form was available to register names belorehand). Grantliam paid its respects as the annual Remembrance Parade tookplace through the town centre on Sun¢lay 12 November. Crowds gathered to watch the pardae, which made its way to St Wulfram's Church, wliere the usual Service of ReMernbran￿ was held at 10.55 a.m., followed by the laying of Mpreaths at the war memorial in the churchyard, before the parade made its way back to St Peter's Hill for the salute. Following the success of the Lent Video Project, contr1￿UtIonS were sought for Advent and ChrÈstmas to share what Christmas means to us, memories of attending ehurch at Christmas, and how the message of this season feeds us as Christians. For one hour from 7.15 p.m. on three Wednesdays in December, Fr Clay led 'Merry Mindfulnegs, sessions in the Great Hall of Grantham House. The series aimed to give people peace and quietness in a time that can be busy and stressthl. The evenings explored the theni&s of Advent, with silence, live ambient guitar music and an oppoitunity to light a candle. The series ended (20 December) with a session entitled 'Mary Mindfulness,, when Fr Clay introduced the spirit of Advent expectancy through a convei'sation on the pelson of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Simple refreshments were offered from 6.45 p.m. each time, Anyone was welcome to come along and give time for reflection and btillness. At 6.00 p.m. on Thursday 14 December, the Lights ofLove Service of earols and prayers was attended by niore than 65 people. We stepped away from the busyness of this time of year, pausing to remember those whom we love but see no longer, and to light candles in their memory. On the morning of SatUTday 23 Dccember, hundreds of Christingles were prepared by volunteers for the Christingle Crib service at 4.00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, where we followed Mary and ,Toseph's journey to the stable in Bethlehein. Young people were encouraged to Come to the service dressed a8 a character from the nativity story. We thank the volunteerswho support this very popular8ervicebylighting Christingles and keeping everyone bafe, We held the candlelit Festival of Nine Tkssons and Carols on the evening of Friday 22 December. Attendance was high, and people appreciated the proxiniity vf this service to Christmas. Midnight Mass wa8 held at 11.31) p.m. on 24 December. On Christmas Day, there was a Said Eucharist according I'o the Book of Common Praycl at 8.00 a.m. (in the Chancel). the Parish Mass was held at 10.00 a.m., when con81'e8ant8 were encouraged to bring along an unopened present to open during the service. In May/June we ran the 'Church Development Tool, survey designed by the Church of England. We invited everyone in the church to coniplete the quick anonymous questionnaire (online or on paper) to help us undei'stand ourselves as a church and shape our prayers and planning for the year ahead. The sulvey helped us to answer thrce questions: Wh&t t>hould our fLILUS beP Flow do we like L'o express our faith and grown our faith in this chulrh? and What groups of people do we have in OUL Church? The results will help lis to see where we're doins well and discern arcas where God might be calling us to do somethins new or different, We shall analy8e the findings over the next few nionths, We look forward to a weekend pilgrimage to the Shrine of our Lady at Walsingham, Friday 12 to Sunday 14 April 20¥, organised by Mthr Hannah, and open to the cougregation of St Wulfram's and other deanery churches. In 2024, we also look forward with excitement to the first recording by BIIC Radio 3 of Choral Evensong from St Wulfrdm's Church, featuring the Gesualdo Six and members of OUT Youth ChoiT. io Preparation to receive the Socroment of the Eucharist. and Confirmation Since January 2014 the PCC has allowed thildren frorn the age of those in school Year 3 to receive the Sacrament of the liucharist, following a period of preparation. This takes the form of a five-weekperiod of preparation undertaken in Lent, with the young people receiving the Sacrament for the first time, with their family) on Easter Day. Communion Club (as the period of preparation is known) is led by fir Stuart and Mrs Laura Cradduck. The Youth Confirmation Group is aimed at young people in school Year 8 upward.%. Its usual foimat is 8 six-month programme, with monthly meetings, with the Confirmation service in the centre, and a confirinatioii ietleat over three days where a significant amount of the pre-confirmation course eontent is eovered Oed by clergy). Adult L￿nfirmation prepai'ation is open to all who wish to recognise their personal development in faith. The usual format is meetings held on six consecutive Sundays, where we intruduce what the Anglican Church believes and explore the esseiitials of the Christian faith. Bishop Nicholas ￿llfIrmed candidates at a service for the Grantharn and ￿Veden Deaneries on Trinity Sunday (4 June, 4.00 p.m,). TheTe were no confirmand8 from St Wulfram's this year. Occasional Offices The occasional offices continue to be an important point of contact and ministrywithin the widei comn]unity. In 2023 there were 7 maLriage8, i renewal of marriage vows and i marriage blessin8. We conducted 21 baptisms; 19 children and 2 adults lio under one year of Age, 3 aged between one and four years old, 5 aged between five and ten ye go through the DBS checking process. We carefully monitor periods for which cleaiance is granted und apply for renewal, as appropriate. Adult thoristers, who are not also chapelones, no longer qll2]ify (or an Enhanced DBS check and thirtyone'.eight (the organisation that provides our DBS che¢k8) does not carry out Basic DBS Llearance. The ASO oversees a system to ensure that all individuals with DBS clearance complete nnline courses relevant to their role within the church. All PCC members undertake 'Basic Awareness, training (level Co), the 'Foundation Module. (Ci) and Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse. All are available online through the Church of England training portal. When PCC membership changes at the APCM, steps are takeii to ensure I'hat new members undertake the necessary training as quickly as possible. Pastoral assistants, leaders of groups for young people or adults at risL the Bell Tower Captain, church administrative staff, and servers a]so undertake Co and Ci. Licensed clergy and Teaders, clergy with the Bishop's Permission to Offiei&te, PSOS, ASOS, dnd Authorised Lay Ministers are required to undertake the Leadership Module (C2). Completion certificates are sent to the ASO to update the parish records. 14 The House of Bishops introduced new and expanded 'Safer Recruitment and People Management. guidance in January 2022. Under this guidanee, there is a requirement for all those working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults to have a role descriptlon and person specification, to have DBS renewals every 3 years (rather than every 5 years) and for there to be an annual review meeting. The PCC És in the process of implementing these thanges, in consultation with the Dioce￿ ol Lincoln, as necessary. Periodically, the PSO provides the PCC with copies of reports from the Safeguarding Dashboard, our progress on which is monitored by the Diocesan Safeguardin8 Team. All parishes start at ]￿e1 i, which contains 18 dashboard lights. To progress to L￿Ve1 2, lit least 12 lights must be turned green. The PSO continues work on the Level 2 actions. From time to time, the PCC reviews thelist of ehurch &etivities, for which mini- dashboards are automatleally Created. The PSO attended the PCC meeting on 25 JarAuary 2023 to outline the requirements in niore detail, projecting the live dashboaid onto a screen to show the stalus of various actions. Most of tl)e amber zones are within the 'Chureh Activities, section of the dabhboard, but btem from the 'Safer Recruitment and People Management, section. Detailed work to implement role descriptions for all leaders and helpers is ongoing. In line with national safeguarding requirements, the PSO continued to draw up a full register olvolunteeiE (aged 18 and overl attllehed to church aetivities and to en.gure the names are recnrded correctly on the Diocesan Register of Volunteers. Introductory training sessions for volunteers have yet to be arranged. At its meeting on 23 May (the first after the Annual Meeting, when changes to PCC membership had been m(Ide), the churehwardens acknowledged their awaiencss of their.8afeguaiding responsibilities (as set out in the 2017 House of Bishops Key Roles ondResponsibilities of Chui'L.h Offic'e Ilolders and Bodie,$ Practice Guidance). On that OLe¢ision, the PCC also adopted the revised ¢innual Safeguarding Policy (subsequently signed by the ReLtor and displayed in the churth) and approved the Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders and the revised Code of Practice (which had l)een Lirculated). At its meeting on 26 September, the PCC reviewea and approved procedures for dealing with and reporting any safeguarding eoneern or allegation. and relevant documentation was subsequently displayed prominently in the church. The PCC u8es a step-by-step process (adopted in 2018) for approval of all off-site activities (e.g., by the Clioir and Youth Group), delegating certain powers to the Parish Safeguarding OffI￿r (PSO). In May, we used the weekly Community News to remind members about the use of social media in our Lhurch comtnunity. For us to ensure that everyone is pi'oteeted under our safeguaTdiDS policy) we ask that'friends, on social media apps are selected care￿1]y. It is best practice that adults in our church community do not aecept ur invite anyone under the age of 18 years to be friends on social media. likewise, anyone under 18 years of age should not accept or invite an adult from our church community to be their friend on social media. People were welcome to speak to the Rector, Associate Rector or Parish Safeguarding about any issues regarding this. 15 Our resouree centre at GTantham House St Wulfram's continues to lease GTantham House (opposite the thurth, on Castlegate) from the National Trust. Our Parish Office is located there. As our 'ehurch hall., spaee 18 Utilised on a regular basis fr)r a range of daytirne and evening meetings (PCC and several sub-groups. youth groups. Deanery Chapter, Synod and committees. Friends of St Wulfrarn's. Almshouses Trustees,. Grantham ATk Trustees" flower arrangers. Philip Lank Trustees). The weekly Coffee Morning l'akes place in the Hall if space in the chureh is unavailable. The Hall is used for choir IEhcaiBals after school thi'ee days a week, and ￿SuallY on Thursday evenings by the diocesan 'To IA)ve And Serve the Lord, Course and ALM Follndation Modules taught by the Grantham and Loveden Deaneries. Six wakes took place at Grantham House (using the Hall and Dining Room). Family membeis appreciate the level of peT8onal attention fro￿ our Operationb & Development Manager, the opportunity to deliver photographs and other mementoes beforehand ready for display on the day, and the chance to select some background music. They and other mourners enjoy the privacy that GrAntham House offel's and the peace and tranquillity of the g¢irdens, Outside caterers are used on these occasions. The full diseretlODary eharitable relief on the Grantham House Business Rates granted by South Kesteven District Council in 2022 Continued beyond i April 2023. Asix-month grant from Shine Lineolnshire enabled us to offer a newwellbeing activity, 'Singing for All,, on Tuesday afternoons from September 2022, under the diiTction of Anna Bolton (also Vocal Coach to the churcli's thoristers). Participunts didn't need previous singing Dr miisical e￿ellenCe. It was not a thuir and didn't involve performanee. The sessions involved relaxation, breathing and VULal exerLisei> and then ?ingingJ just for fi]n. Staff and partieipants were extremely sorry that no continuation funding was available beyond March. On a volunl'ary basis, Dr Tirn Willlian)s kindly offered a few'Sin8 with Tim, sessions until the summer. Sadly, at least for the time-being, Shine's support for 'Singing for All. was the last external grant for Wholeness & Wellbeing activities at Grantharn House. In the early months on the site, we benefitted Significantly from new funding streams to enable people lo reeovel from the social and health irnpacts of Covid-19. It proved to be relatively straightforward to capture grants for wellbeing activities uiidoi. the 'Wulfram Centre, banner, and there were few strings attached. beyond Tegular Teporting and comprehensive evaluation at the end of funding periods. Tlie grants landsLape is now different. Funding prioritie8 have changed. There tend to be fewer funding rounds. and rounds Can be massively over-subscribed, so it is much harder to stand out the crowd even with a high-scoring bid. The level of annual income to St Wulfram's as a chality can count against us, especially if funders do not disregard restricted funds (sud] as for the church fabric). Monitoring by funders is dose and robust, and reporting is often against mental and physical health metric8 that the Wulfram Centre has not been accuston]ed to collecting (and which participants hitherto attracted to Grantham Hoiise might not be willing to share). We sha]1 continue to research ￿naTrng sources (not lea8t through 'Church Grants,, a relatively new database to which we have now subscribed) and will explore any fruitful opportunities identified by a local fundraising consultant who has kÈndly offeTed pro bono assistance to St Wulfram's Church. 16 In January, we reached the end of the 8-month grnnt ￿ndIng from the People's Postcode tA)tteiy (Postcode Places Trust) to support our outdoor actLVities through the Wulfram Centre foi'wholeness and Wellbeing.'llie enthusiastic and dedicated team of community garden volunteers, built during the ￿ndIng period, eontinue to work on site on Tuesday dndlor Wednesday murnillgs, under the supervision of our full-time Gardener (whose post is now generously supported by donations from a local firni). A vegetable patch was cultivated so that vcgetables could be grown and donated to the lucal Foodbank, dlung with fruit from the garden. Some garden volunteers continue to be involved inthe wider activities of St Wulfram's (for example, helping at the Artisan Broeante and deeoiating a tree in the Christmas Tree Festival). Once again, on Sunday afternoons in Lent (26 February, 5, 12 and 26 March, and 2 April, 3.00 p.m. Io 4.30 p.m.), we welcomed people to L'he tranquil sui'roundings of the Walled Garden for'stations of the Cross,, a self-guided prayerful wa]k recalling the la%t journey our Lord took on hi8 way to his crucifixion. With the help of a specially pippared booklet, we stopped at each eross to read the story, offer prayer and meditate on the themes. To mark the national 'Mental Health Awareness Week. (15 to 21 May), we offered a special'singing for All, sessiun ¢it Granth¢iTn Huuse ('fuesday 16 May, 1.30 p.ni. to 2.30 p.m.), followed by refreshments. a Healing Mass (the same evening). and we opened the Grantharn House sardens on Thursday 18 May from 2,00 p.m. to 4.00 p.rn. This year, the national theme for the week, set by the Mental Heillth Troundation, was 'Anxiety', The Found4tion'$ ¢'ampai8n airned to help people and organis&tiuns to understand the difference between anxiety and anxiely disordeTS and to confidently seek and signpobt each other to the Tight support. Clergy weiE on hand in the garden to listen and talk to visitors. The garden is a popular venue for events. The Friends of St Wulfram held a Coffee & Cake morning (17 August). Folksy Theatre presented the family musical 'The Ugly Duckling. in the gardcii (31 August), with live mut>iC. puppetry and colourful ehaTacters' gates opened from 2.00 p.m. to allow the audien￿ to bring picnics, prior to the 3.00 p.m. start. A wedding receptiun was held in a marquee on the lawn (23 September). On Friday 9 June, we m(Irked the national Carers, Weok (5 to li June) by treating nominated carei's to aftern(ion tea ill the garden to recognise the incredible work they do and to show that they are respeeted and valued. We thank lan f4irth, ASDA Community ChampiL)n, for donations of scones> jam, and cream for the event. The Artisan Brocante fair in the grounds of Grantham House was a great success, attended by about 600 people (Saturday 9 September). St&llholders sold French brocante, homewares, vintage t&Ytiles, decorative gardenalia and furniture. Refreshments included wood-fired pizza, and artisan eakes. and Fr Clay ran a popular Pimms bar. An international festival celebrating pipes and tabors was based at GTantham House for th& weekend of ￿-17 September. Delegates gave a concert ITh the church (16 September). rollowing success in 2022, two Christmas wreath-makins workshops were held for members of the public on Saturdays 9 and 16 December {io.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon). Materials were proirided, and participants brought theÈr own decorations to 17 personalise their wreath. Coffee, rnince pies and mulled wine were served. All the places were sold, su we plan to repeat the workshops in 2024, and to add an Easter wreath making workshop. We thank Lynne Ferguson, the tutor on these occasions. For the third year running, 'Carols in the Courtyard,, sung by current and former mernbers of the Youth Choir, was held ¢it Grantham House (Thursday 21 Deeember). This time, inclement weather forced the event to be staged in the Great Hall rather than outside. Mulled wine and mince pies were served in the interval. We engaged in discussions Mrith the Grantham Charter Trustees about reviving the Gravity Fields Festival (Patron, Grantham-born Professor Valerie Gibson), with a view to St Wulfram's Church and Grantham House playing signifieant roles. To honour the legacyof the event (last staged in 2018 befoie the pandemic), significant fundingwould be needed (e.g., from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Arts Coullcil), together with 'soft' help from SKDC (e.g., free to use venues). Although the PCC decided in December 2021 to tllke a new five-year lease offered by the National Trust. financial considerations (especially the rising Lost of utilitieb) militated ag(iinst such a lengTthy commitment in 2022-23. The ongoing tenure is based on an extension of the oiiginal 12-month lease signed on 4 December 2020. The future of our use of Grantham House was considered by the PCC at a special meeting in August 2023, following three meetings of tlie Standing Committee. It is now expected that a firm decision about the ￿tUre of St Wulfram's on the Grantham House site WAII be reached by the PCC eally in 2024. Music Introdu¢tion Over the past 16 years, Organist and Director of Music Dr Tim Williams, fRCO (DipCHD) has a¢hieved notable success in the recruiting and ti'aining of yL)ung members of the choir, drawing on relationships with loeal schools and other music Lontacts. Choristers are not auditioned, and all members shaLE a remarkable committnent and professionalisni in their approach to music, The standard of the ehildren's seetions of St Wulfram's Chureh Choir is one of the sueeess stories of the church music programme. Choii. clubs take plaee on Tuesday afternoon after school and on Wednesday afternoon after school. Choristers join from the age of 7 upwards, without a formal audition proLess. New Tecruits dre given their own introductory sessions. The c,hildren's choirs continue to be averysignificant part of our outreach through schools, draMng in many youn8 people and t.heir families, who would ol.herwise not have been part of our church cornmunity. Recruitment continued well - a waiting list for the girls, choir (at capacity) and the boys, choir maintained at its existing level, with several younger members joining in 2023. The youth choir (SATB ensemble), which meets on Monday afternoon, responds to the choristcrs as they graduate from the boys, and girls, choirs. This school year, there aTe five'ehoTAI scbolars, supportedbythe Philip IAnkTru8t, and two senior choral scholars supported by St Wulfram's (through the endo￿llent gifted in 2019 by the Fiiends of Cathedral Music). Most Fridays during term time, the youth choir sings Choral Evensong in the Lady Chapel at 5.15 P.rn., supported by our portable box organ. a regular congregation attends. 18 Thanks to a generous Cathedral Music Trust (CMT) grant, we welcomed Anna Bolton as our chorister Vocal Coach in September 2022. The work she undertook with individual choristers during regular rehearsal time yielded impressive results. Anna's role Mrith us eoTheluded in July 2023. Thanks to the $8llLe glant and a generous grant from the Diocesan Transfonnation Fund, we appointed Tim Selman to the new part- time125-hours per week) post of Assistant Director of Music in January. The Rector and Tim Willtams are profoundly grate￿1 for the support of CMT and the Diocese. Choral Evensong & Benediction on Sunday 15 January was attended by the Director of CMT. The service included the fonnal institution of the music staff, inc]uding a reinstitution of Dr Tim Williams, who Celebrated 15 years at St Wulfram's that weekend. We wished T?m Selman well as he moved to a prestigious two-year Organ Scholarthip tit Southwell Minster in August. James Lloyd Thom¢￿ was in post a$￿siStant Director of Musie for a short while in the autumn. A decision will be taken eaily in 2024 about the future of this post. The job description of the new Assistant Director of Music included setting up a new St Wulfram's Comrnunity Choir. The choir, open to all, launched in the ehureh on Thuriiday evening 2 bebruary, under the direction of Selman, and ran unl'il the sumnier. Participants needed no piEvious experience and did not need to read musie, The choir enjoyed learning a wide vaiiety of songs frr)m different genres of music. In 2024, we plan to seek funding from the Phillp Lank Trust (Re8i8tered Charity 1135362) for a part-time member of staff to serve as PA to the Music department, easing the significant administrutive burden on the Director of Music, Highlights in the early part of the year included a Service of Readings & Music for Passiontide leal'uring thc youth choir and some past choribters, includiiig J.S. Baeh's Cantata Ich Habe Genug sung by Samuel Dawe (26 Mdreh); a 'eume and sing, devotional perforinan¢e of Stainer's Crucifvon (rehearsals from 3.00 p.m.), with 801oists Samuel Davie, llynn Campbell and Tom fletcher {Pa]m Sunday, 2 April, 6.30 p.m.)' and a Commemoi'ation of the Resurrection with Leighton's fiaster Sequence (14 May). The Youth Choir made a two-day trip to Cambridge and Ely, including singing at Selwyn College alongside the college choir (Thursday 16 February) and singing Evensong in the Lady Chapel at Ely cathedr￿ (Friday 17 February). On Thursday 16 Mai'eh, thcyouth Choir sang at the Harlaxton CollegeAdvisoiy Council meal la regular activity); and on Wednesday 12 April at St Mary and St Petcr's Chureh Hai'laxton atthe 1-IarI￿ton College Concert alongside the College choir. Several members of the Youth Choir sang for a wedding at St Andrew's Chureh, Irnham {Satui'day 4 MarLh) and one at Belvoircastle (Saturday30 Septernber). The two weddings represented profession8J engagements. and each involved a fee to the choir. In June, we began a sustained series of fundraising events for the choii8teTS' summer residency in the beautiful setting of St Davi(ts Cathedral (3L July to 6 August). 'fhis followed the regular choir eake sale after the 9.30 a.m. Parade and All-Age Eucharist on Mothering Sunday (19 March) and Saturday Morning Recitals through the year by members of the Music, department. Taking ehoristers away for a week is a massive oi'8ani8ational challenge and relies heavily on volunteer chaperones. who give freely of their time. It is also a rnassive financial QOrnEnitrnent. The actual cost per chorister in 2023 was £650. To ensure the 19 opportunity is as accessible as possible, St Wulfram's 8ubsidises the contribution families make per chorister. Our target in the weeks immediately before the residency was £9,500. Throughout this fundraising campaign, we posted a QR code to enable direct donations. We were delighted to reach the target through the hard work by our musicians and the senerosity of our supporters. The events included: A combined eoncert in the church by the pupils of three local primary schools the NatlOT]I11 School, Goncrby Hill Foot School, and Grantham Prcparatory School (Wednesday 28 June, 6.30 p.m.). The evening culminated in the singing of 'The Rhythm of LiEe' by all the school choirs and our choristers. A 24-hour Music Marathon (from Choral Evensong at 5.15 p.m. on Friday 30 June to a closing service of celebration starling at 5.15 p.m. on Saturday i July). This featUTed oul regular Friday evening choir practices. a livestreamed recital by the Youth Choir, who then provided music through the night. organ recitals by Tim Selman and Rosemary Field. songs Irom Elaine Bi8hop, Ellen Campbell, and Samuel Davie. Allara Canipbell on drums,. Holly Riordan on Cello The Big Sing,, an open public singing session, including a perfoTmance by the St Wulfram's Cummunitychoir. our choristers; the St Wulfram's Chur¢h Choir. and a'corne & Sins, workshop for Key Stage i children. o An'Alternative Concert, when chorister¥ and Youth Choir member¥ performed anything other than choral works, in a variety of musical styles (Thursday 13 July). A Saturday morning Recital by our Youth Choii. (15 July). An Organ Extravaganza cfhursday 20 July), featuring Joseph Bee¢h (Sub- OTganist, Durh¢im CuthedT¢il), Matild(i Juhnbon (Orgun Student at the Rvyal Academy of Music), Dr Ilm Williams. and four of our YOST (The Young Organ Scholars, Trust) Organ Scholars. The choristers were very excited to have the opportunity to sing services for a whole week in the inspirational setting of the twelfth century cathedral of St Davids, as well as spending time on the beach and taking a boat trip to Rarnsey Island. Such a residency is an amaLing opportunity for our chorislers to grow as musicians and develop as a team, with many further aetivities beyond music- the annllal talent show is one of the many highlights. Our experiences in 2023 add to the snemories of our preirious trip to St DaMds in 2017. On Sunday 8 October, we sang a se￿iCe of Celebration for the RSCM International Chorister8' Day, including Joanna Furbey L'Eytrange's settins of the 'Chorister's Prayerf composed for the RSCM International Chorister Day 2021. During the service there was an opportunityto light candles in memory of a loved one or to reeognise that in our worship through music, Jesus is the light of the world. Towards the end of the long summer holiday, choristers enjoyed a singing 'away-day' (Tuebday 29 August) at Harlaxtan College, wheTe Di Williams works as Director of Music and Lecturer in Music. The college was keen to offer this opportunity, freely and on an onsoing basis in ￿tllre sumrners, foT ehoiister5 and youth choir to work in a foeused wayin a different setting. There was access to the college facilities and grounds outside during the day and during bleaks. This was two days before a visit to Westminster Abbey to sing Choral Evensong (Thursday 31 Augllst), and the away-day provided a great opportllnity to prepaTe both for the choral discipline of that trip and for the new tenn. The visit to Westminster Abbey was the choir's third (pre￿ouS occasions being New Year's Eve 2019 and 17 July 2022). 20 The choir was invited to sing Choral Evensong at Lincoln Cathedral on Thursday 26 October. This was the fiTSt time the choir had sung there for a decade. and both DiTectors of Music (Mr Aric Prentice and Dr Williams) would like this to happen annually. Highlights in the latter part of the year included major services from All Souls (a liturgical olfering of Fauré's Requiem), through Remembranee, to Advent Caro]s, An Advent Liturgy including Britten's Ceremony of Carols with Eleanor Turner, haTP (io December), and the traditional Nine Lessons & Carols (Friday 22 December). In the two weeks belore Christmas, sections of the thoir sang at Harlaxton College, Belvoir Castle, Grantham Hospital, Royal Windsor Care Home, and in Kitchen & Coffe Through the choral training programme at St Wulfram's, thoristers achieved 13 RSCM awards in 2023. Between thern, the choiuterts have now amassed over 160 RSCM awards since 2011, with many beckoning in 2024, including several potential Gold Awaidts. The ministry and dedi¢ation that the choir offers brings beauty to many people's lives and helps change their perceptions and experiences of the WOTld. The chorislers (broadly defined, meaning all ages) should never underestimate the lasting value of everything they bring to the Lhoir, in, day out. This would not be possible without the support of a wonderful team. The Director of Music pays tribute to: The music administrative team of volunteers for the assistance they provide, especially with communication of schedules and paperwork. The dedicated choir chaperoning team, which takes care of the choristers and helps with so many losistical and administrative tasks. The commithient and dedication of choir parents. Despite a]1 the wonderfijl oppuitunities the choristers have I'ogether, it requires a huge amount of time and care to get the cholisters to all the pluces we requirc. Everyone who dedicates so much of their life to singing in the choir. We are gratthl tu As'sistant Organist5 Michael Dutton, Rosemary Field. David Humphreys, Harry Jacques, Edward Mccall, Darren Williams, and Andrew Wyatt for their ongoing eanlributions to the tnusic at St Wulfram's. Organ teaching school The musical training of young people at St Wulfram's includes a highly aetive organ teaching school. Currently ten young stholars are learning to play the organ under the tutelagc of Rosetnary Field, FRCO (former Head of Organ Studies, RSCM) and Dr Titn Williams FRCO, with some supported by the Dr Martin Clarke Young Organ Scholars, Trust (YOST), and by the Royal College of Organists. Our portable box organ (houscd in the Lady Chapel) is also avaluable Tesoureeforthe organ scholars. The digital organs gifted to the King'$ School and KGGS by the Royal College of Organists support the Grantham OLEan te&ching school and enables both practice and teaching provisions in school time. Dr Williams teaches severa] pupils in KGGS via this resource. The organ scholars have achieved notable success in ABRSM examinations this year. and three ale now working at or above Grade 5 level. 21 Wider rnusicprogramme The recital series continues, on the third Saturday morning of the month. Entry is free and there is a retiring collection for St Wulfram's Chureh. In 2023, we welcomed organists (Richard Tanner, Tim Selnian, Christopher Weaver, Tim Williams) and singers (Will Burn + accompanist Philip Robin80n, Helen Winter). and perfoiynances were given byvarious choirs (our own choristers, ouryouth Choir, The Bridge Singers, Invol￿ Singers, and The St Jolin'5 Winter Singers). We thank Mel Brown. in a volunteer capacity, for t8king on the organisation of the recitals. Organists and singers are already booked into 2024. Alnong the other musical highlights in the church were: Grantham Choral Society concert- Mozart and Vivaldi (25 Mareh). Michael Card in concert (following a Salvation Arniy conference in the church) (Saturday 27 April). 'Scenes from the Life and Music Df William Byrd, written aiid acted by Brean Hammond, performed by Melismata, conducted by Philip Robinson {27 May). A concert by the 40-niember Flitchin Concert Band (15 July). o A staged performance by Grantham Operatic Sc)ciety,'A Policeman's Lot is not a happy one, featurirjg many Gilbert and Sullivan fg4vourites (2 September). A concert by The Gents of St John's (¢1 Llose-harrnony group foi'med of the choral and organ seliolars of the world-renowned St John's College, C(Imbridge) (7 September). A Lonc'ert in aid of the Arniy Benevolent Fund by the Band of the Irish Guards (27 October), fedturing a perfonDanLe by Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thackery who won ITV's'Britaiii's Got T(Ilent' in 2019. o A enncert (and Christmas market) orgai)ised by South Lincs Blind Society (9 December). Church Communlty (a) Children, Young People andFamllle8 Children are welcomed at St Wulfram's and involved in the life of the congregation at every opportunity. Thi8 key aspect of our work is overseen by the 'ChildTen & Youth Sub-group, established by the PCC and luntil 31 August) by our Children, Youth & Farnilies Worker, who was appointed in Septembei 2021 on a two-ye*r contract (runded by the Diocese of Lincoln as part of the SDF programme). The sub-group meets regularly and includes in its membership several individuals who do not serve on the PCC. It hears Teviews on each aspect of the church's work with children and young people (includins safeguarding). and it also discusses the church's involvement with church schools in the parish. It celebrates achievements and discusses challenges and points for action. Occasional Children and Youth evenings al￿ held at Grantham House, when leaders at St Wulfram's can share learning and ￿lebrate our ongoing work with childiEn and young people. The Sunday Club meets every Sunday during term time at the same time a8 the Parish Eucharist. Due to COVID-19 andlack of regular attenders, the original three age groups were condensed down to one. however, they still enjoy a full prograrnme of teaching, prayer, music, and activities. They re-join purents/carers at the Parish Eucharist during the IA)rd's Prayer and tben show and tell the congregation what they have been 22 doing at the end of the service. There is a very dedicated team of volunteers, including a teeDager. Since 2014, on the fjrst Saturday afternoon of the month, youngsters aged between 3 and 7years have been in￿ted to'come and Sing'with the Director of Music and others, which includes singing, musical games, and refreshments- aimed at developing a love of singing and basic musicianship skills. This was also designed to encourage family attendance at the fiist Sunday serYic&g. Pre-covid this model was success￿1 but post- covid attendance has been more sporadic. In September 2023, Tim Williams and the Children & Youth team decided to suspend the gTOUP and consider alternatives for 2024 and beyond, including the possibility of more ad hoc Early YeaiB and Key Stage One musie workshops. Our Children's Area continues to be well used during services and throughout the week as a'stay and Play. resource for families with young children who want a place 'to be, witli their children. Wulfi'am Wcdnesdays take place during sthool holidays when children aged 4 to li years and families are invited to participate in claft activities in ehulch (or alternatively at Grantham House). The Wednesday workshops were led this year by Laura Cradduck (Chair of the PCC'$ Children & Youth Sub-group) or Clayton Stiff (Children, Youth & Framilies Worker until August). Dui'ing the February half-telin break (15 February), there was a 'drop-in' Treasure Hunt in thc church and churchyard, allowins children to explore our historic building. Scavenger hunt ait was created during the May half- teTm break (31 Miiy) An the garden of Grantham House. The summer themes (26 July, 9, 16, 23 and 30 Augiist) in¢luded Lgg Carton Bugs, Stained glass window art, Sea creature Lrufts, Draw what you see. and Mini-saiden hide-outs. In the October half- tLrn] holiday125 OctL)ber), there was an autumn craft workshop. Number8 of children and adult's al'tending range from 16 to 58 (avel.￿￿tt 26). Positive feedback was received from participants on each of the days. For example: Ama7ingly laid out. Very eusy for children and interesting. My son just said°We will have to do tl)is next half term.. Great value, fab friendly team. A great way to get children and adults to explore and learn about the history of this beauliful church. + Thank you forgiving us kids and adults the chance to explore the stunning garden and find the be¢iuly of nature. arLS and cralis. + Keallylovely. Well set Out. Perfcct haifterm activity. Again 2 verywelcoming session. AL￿1Vity well organised with map to follow etc. Lovely to explore an area we didn't know was here. Thank you for a great session. 4> The boys have had a lovely time. Thank youl We can't come to Wulfram Tots any more due to nursery so it's so nice to have a holiday optiun. Two sets of feedback written byyoung participants: •> I loved this project. I thought it was cool. I love your recyclingp It is great forthe planetl • It was so loved it! @ Bye bye CIAyton. Babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, their parentslcarers, meet at Wulfrarn Tots. in the church at 9.30 a.m. every Friday. The aim is to have fun and share the Christian faith in an informal way through play, singing (with guitar accornpaniment). Bible stories and Craft activities, hopefully building some new friendships for the adults as well as the children. The sessions are led by tnembers of the clergy and (until August) also by our Children, Youth & Families Worker. After the sessions, people stay for Tefreshments and to enjoy the children's play area. Details are sharea on the Wulfram Tots noticeboard and through Facebook. Wulfram Bear's Baby Clothes Carousel Oaunched ITh September 2022) continues on the second firiday of every month, after Wulfram Tots. Parents can go along to donate and pick up baby elothes (ages 0-24 months) completely free of charge. The baby dothes 'swap' is advertised regularly on soeial media. In September, Stod￿ of clothes wele so high that we had to put a temporary stop to donations. Ouryouth provision has developed again over the past 12 months with a change of the groupings, moving to three different age groups or 'cohorts', in response to the needs and distribution of ages of children and young people attending our groups. We now Isu offer d prugianime foT children in school years 5 to 7. They meet on a Friday evening at Grantham House and consist of around io members. Our two other groups meet once a month on separate Sundays. Both gloups meet at Grantharn House. The middle age group is aimed at those in yeaTS 8 to io. Tliere are aiound L5 mernbeTS of this group. A mixture of choir and non-choir members. Our oldest group is well established, many of whom were confirmed together and draws uprjn members of youth choir and beyond. This group consists of around 15 young people in years li to 13. The young people have been irAStTiiniental in deSlgTning the prograrnme and members enjoy a range of activities. They are encouraged to invite their friends to join, and our older two %rDups are also encouraged to volunteer for wider church events, In the early part of the year, our hugely successfijl programme of Wulfram Family Fun Dayts continued un the second Saturday of the month, when families (whiLh we recognise come in all manner of shapes and sixes) met togeiheL foi, an activity. The Bourd Games JJonanza114 January) was especially popular, when we provided games suitable fnr ages 6+, and the thurch Coffee Shop was open serving refre8hrnents. At the end of theyear, we advertised a'eall-out, to all Dads to come along to a'Bre8kfast Club,, a new initiative starting in Janualy 2()24. This is a new group airned primarily at Dads and their children aged o to 5 years (though all parentt> and child caregivers will be welcome). The group Wkll meet in church flom 8.30 a.m. to 10.00 &.m. on the first and second Saturday of eaLh rnonth, for breakfast* playtime, singalongs, and story time. The￿ are three Scout groups associated with the churth and five regular parade services &re held each year. CleiEy and other members of the church are invited to go and speak to the groups. The groups also visit the church from time to time as part of their badge work and spiritual development. Fr Stuart i8 Chaplain to the Scouts and led their Carol Service this year. Little Gonerby Infant School, Harrowby Infant School, and the National Junior School became primary schools in Septe￿ber 2023. ￿ part of this development, the National School was renamed the St Wulfram's National Church of England Primary School. Three rnernbers of our clergy team are govemors of local schools. Fr Yuce serves on the Interim Local Board 0£ the St WuIfram's National Church of England Primary and Harrowby Churth of bngland Prirnllry Schools (within the LinLoln Anglican Academy Trust). Members of the clergy team lead weekly collertive worship in two church schools, as did our Children, Youth & Families Woiker (until the end of the summer term). 24 Local sthools, especially the church schools and the local state nursery school, rnake regular vi51ts to learn about the chuTch buildingi about Christianity and about the church's role in the community. Several schools also use the chureh for seTvices thioughout the year, including duiing Lent, for carol services and services to mark the end of the school year. The neighbollring gramrnar school uses the church building for its annual Founder's Day Serviee and Speeeh Night. Ib) Pastoral Care The elergy and lay pastoral support team ale available to any pelson in the parish who asks for their support oi. help. The team meet regularly to discuss the needs of the parish, of individuals and of those resident in care homes. Those whu ale new to the conbyregJation air made welcoii]e and vi?iited ats soon a8 convenient, and a welcome card was created to eaptui'e contact details as well as LequesLs for pl'ayer. Thnse who are ill, housel)nund, oi. t(Jo fl'ail to at'tend chulch are visited regularly. Likewise, in normal times, residential and nuising homes, and a local sheltcred housing development are vislted monthly, and the reserved sacran]ent is taken by members of the team. Visits to the care honies in the parish iii 2023 havebeen a source of ble88in% for the team as well as for residents. A Serviee for wholeness and healing was held in Holy Week and again later in the year. Additional opportunilies to invile beLeaved families to memoi'ial services continue to grow. A]1 Souls, Day, Lights of14ove, and a Service on Suicide Prcvenlion Day welc well uttendLd. IrA 20¥, an ¢idditiOn¢il Li%hts of IL)ve Seivice will be held on the Friday before Mothering Sunday. (c) Community groups We have a populal Sunday lunch group for people of any age who would otherwise eat a]one. Members of the group visit a local iEstaurant or pul? on the second Siinduy of eaLh niunth. The luThc,hes continue to be a valuable opporlunity for fellowship for congi'egation membei's and tliose with other connections to St Wulfram's. We are most grateful to Jane Sharp who co-nrdinates the gatherings. Our monthly Art Group meetb on the first Wednesday ofeach month, If there is a clash of events in the chuirh, the meetins takes place in Granthatn House. The popular weekly Coffee Morning (which began online during the paiidemic lockdowns) continues on Wednesdays in the church (or the Hall at Grantham House if there is a clash of bookings). Numbers fluctuated between io and 24. and average weekly atlendance was 14 (as eompared with 17 in 2022). The gathering provAde5 valuable fellowsliip for members of the St Wulfram's communiLy. Roger Graves (HSBC Bank) gllve a talk,'Fraud.. Don't miss a trick,, at the Coffee Morning on 19 Apiil to help members proteL* their finances and save all the stress associated with beins seammed. In December, members of the Coffee Morning group enjoyed a Christmas lunch at Grantharn House. A simple lunch of homemade soup and bread is served in church (or at GTantham Hoube ifthe Lhureh is unawailable) at 12.30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month, following the 12 noon butharist.'fhe luneh is open to all, iLLtspective of whether they worship at St Wulfram's. Up to 25 attend each time. The lunch is friendly and the fellowship there can Provide a lifeline for newcomers to the local community and those who are lonely andlor feel isolated. We are indebted to those who prepare the soup and bake fr&%b bread. There is no charge, but donations are Welco￿e. We were most 25 grateful to Jo Castro of Shine Lineolnshire for sourcing valuable 'winter' funding to support four soup lunches (induding the cost of ingredients and church heating) until March, induding an additional lunch lio January) when sandwiches were served with a mug of soup. Our Craft, Prayer & Chatter sroup continues in the thurch lor Grantham House if the church is unavailable) on the second Tuesday of each n]onth, fro￿ 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 P.Tn. Around 20 people attend, including some signposted by social prescribers (who may accompany clients until confidence srows for them to atteiid alone). Participants bringy along their 0￿￿ crafts (e.g.) knitting) sewing> card making* embroidery* crochet) or various small crafts are provided. They share refreshments, and also use the time fol prayei. in a rel￿ed atmosphere. The group ereated a stunning display of knitted, eiocheted, and felt poppies in the thurch for Armistice Day. The PCC'S Mission & Social Responsibility Sub-sroup allocated a grant of £100 to the Craft, Praytti & Fellowship Group towards the cost of supplies. The Men's Brea￿ast meets montlily on Saturdays, now at King's Walk Cafc in Guildhall Street, Graiithain. Following the depaiture ofour Children, Youth & Families Worker, the giY)up is co-ordinated by Mike Knight (churchwarden). It continues to be a positive social space for men to enme logether lor a leisurely start to the weekend and connect with each other. The Men's Gi'oup Iield a Curry Night on 22 March. The Ladies Social Group, led by Mthr Hannah and Mthr Kate, continues to meet at different venues every other rnonth on a Friday evening. Chureh and Fabrle The past year has again been busy with several smaller projeL'ts, routine maintenance wurk and planninb for future piujectsj particiilarly the pi'oposal for the installation of solar PV panels on the LhuiLh ioof. The TrabTiC Fund bturted 2023 with a balance of some £178,(ioD but the ehuieli has benefitted by averygenerous legacyfrurn the estate of the late Mr Alan Geeson from which a total of £135,000 has now been received. Proposal for Solar PV panels and other electrical work. We are very grateful to Anthony Fletcher of AF Eleetrieal for his work in adjusting settings iii the lighting control system and replacing larnps and fittings throughout the year, using more energy efficient fittingb wherever Poslyible. The PCC in July 2022 asreed to the proposed introduction of 78 solar PV panels together with battery storage units and inverters. The equipment will be located on the south-facing slope5 of the nave and north aisle roofs so that panels are not visible from ground level. If approved, this major investmenl. will iEsult in substantial Savings to our electricity usage at a time of higher electrical prices, as well as a major step towards the Church of FJngland's Net Zero Carbon target pledge by 2030. Planning approval was sranted in Trebruary 2023 Subject to conditions, induding detailed information about the design of the fTame to support the panels and the fixings. These details were agreed with architect Peter Rogan. the structural engineer, and ACE Solai and an internal location for a more compact battery sLorage systeJn close to the c]er&Y vestry and the main distribution board has been identified. The whole scheme (without the need for the external steel cabinets) has been respecified (including a minor amendment to the size of the solar panels (still 78 in number)) and repriced byACE Solar with tender8 ieceived from two otherinstallers. The revised detaileddrawings and produLt information were approved by SKDC in November 2023. These revised drawings and project infonnation have now been subrnitted to the DAC. The Faculty application will then need to go through the public notice period and then to the Registrar and Chancellor. The total cost of the solar PV panels together Mrytb batteries and installation is now some £58,000 (plus VAT). although the potential for reducing electricity running costs L'emains consideiable and there will be a payback over several years. Thanks to the work of metnbers of the Creation Care Sub-group? there 16 now a display about the project located by the west door and donations have been made or pledged. An application foi the UK Shared Prospcrity Fund has been agrood by SKDC awarding a srant of £49,500 with the proviso that the work takes place in the finanLldl year commencing i April 2024, by which time the Faculty approval process should be completed. Clergy Vestry. The PCC has agreed plans for refurbishing the elergy vestry to incorporate more storage space and the Faculty for this work was granted on io February 2023 subject to various conditions. Architect Peter Roganhas put this project oul to tender as a Minor Woi'kb. projeLt. Two tenderi> were received which are being evaluated by Peter Rogan. It is anticipated that these works may be completed in 2024, subject to PCC approval. Monuments. Work to conserve nine further monuments in the Lady Chapel and Colyiis Chiisti CThapel began in June and by the end of November 2023 work on six monuments had been completed by Alex Carrington, ACR. This ha8 been largely funded by donations, including rhe Francis Coales Charitable Foundation (£750), Grantliam Civic Society (£750) tl)e Friends of St Wulfram's ChuTch (£500), the Finnis Scott Foundation (£2,100) and Ihe War Memorials Trust (£380). (the latterspecifically towards the eonservation oFthe alabaster rnonument to Lt Rupet* Hardy Paiker, killed in 1917). It is anticipated that the cnn8ervatinn work an thc remaining three Monuments in the Lady Chapel will be completed in February 2024. Brass WOF'k. The Faculty for the repair, conservation ¢leaning of the eagle lectern, the railt> to the t>teps to the leL'tern &nd the banisters tu the pulpit, was granted by the Chancellor on 3 April 2023. The cnsts of the proposed works amountLd to £4,536 (less any recoverable VAT) and I'he Friends of St Wuifram's ChuTch have kindly paid forthis. Alex Carrington and Manoi. Welding cal'ried out the work crjinrnencing in June and the last elernent was completed before the Remembrance Senrice in November. Trigge Library. The PCC Y4greed proposals for the acquisition of new 8las8 and metsl display cabinets to replace the wooden display eases, wliieh are now regarded unsuitable for display of book5 as they do not meet established criteria for displaying rÉlre books in tern]s of secuiity and environinental standards. The first cabinet made by Click Netherfield was installed in April 2023. The Friends of St Wulfram's have Lontributed £4,000 towards this and Churchcare has paid £5,000. The total cost was £8)944 plus VA'f (total £10,732,80). l*undraising for the second eabinet raised £3,950 from Churehcai'c aiid £4.000 from The Friends of St Wulfran]'$. The second Cabinet has been manufactured by Click Netherfield at the price of £9,135 (plus VAT). The balance will be met from the Trigge library Teserve 2024 with VAT being reclaimed under the Listed Places of Worship (LPOW} scheme. This display cabinet will be installed in JanuvAry 2024. The fiaculty for the eonservation of both volumes of Conrad Gesnei's Historia Animalium by Bridget Wari'ington ACR was granted in January 2023. We are again mosl grateful to The Friends of St Wulfram's for a donation of £1,000 and to Churchcare for a grant of £10,000 towards this woik which is likely to cost up to £13.750. The Auielius Tn]st has given £3,600 for this project including for the purchase of the display eabinet. The balance of Losts will be drawn from the church's Trigge Library book conservation ft￿a. Conservation work by Bridget Wai'rington began in Apilll 2023 and is now neaiing completion. Regarding the second Gesner volume, the Friends have pledged £4,500 towards conservation work and 27 Chuirhcare have agreed £7,000 towards the total cost of conservation work, which is estimated by Bridget Wai'ringion to be up to £12,375 with any balance to come from the Trigge Library fund. Remedial work fvllowing the break-in on Thursday 18 May 2023. The Faculty for repaiiE to the stained glass and steel frame was granted on 16 August 2023. The cost of the glazing and othei repairs is £3,552 of which £2,552has been agreed byour insurers net of the policy excess, OF which £500 has been met by The Friends of St Wulfratn's Church. Derek Hunt, Master Glazier has completed work on the glass panel and the repaired window aiid metal frame will be installed in January 2024, NewAltarfrontal. One Faculty condition ielating to the repairs to the existing green fi'ontal was that the Pccformally considers the advice of the Chulch Buildings Council to retiiE that green frontal. The PCC (17.11.22) agieed that a Faculty be sought for a new altar frontal and super-frontal based on a aesign by Tracy Franklin. The DAC I'ciised questions which have been referred back <111d partially resolved, but a final design has not yet been agreed by the Working Party and PCC. Lxcavating Test Pits and draTnage. 111e Faculty application for the test pits was granted on 30 December 2022. Test pits were dug in various parts of the churchyard during Api'il. Peicolation tests were carried out by Peter Rogan (Ind will now be used to help detemiine the future design of a modified drainage system which Can incorporate modifi¢ations to the west entrance to improve acc￿$ to the church. Ouerhaul of Church Bells. On 21 September 2023, the PCC agreed proposals for the overhaul of the ehui'ch bells inellldins the replacement of beaillngs and i'ethrbishment of the cl¢ippers, etc, to be undertaken by Taylors of IJ)u8hboiough in the sum of £15,306 (pliis VAT). Repainting of the bell frunies will be done by Braunton Homes. A List B application has been granted for these works which will be undertaken in eaLIy 21)24. Quinqueiinial Inspection 2022. Arcbiteet Peter Rogan's report was circulated to the PL'C and key recomrnendatioi]s have been discussed at the Fabric Group. Some recommendations l)ave been implemented and Peter Rogan hasbeen asked to draw up rnore detailed proposals for particular recommendations. The WOTk on i'epair and maintenmllee of the fabrie of St Wulfram's Church, iyhich has a surface area in exc'ess of une aLre, has been constant but successful. We should like to thank members ofthe14abric Sub-group for their input and attendance. Th¢lnks are also expressed to everyone who helps with routine weekly cleaning and with the arrangernent of flowers. Additional volunteers are most welcome. All help to make St Wulfram's a warm andwelcoming church. We are greatlyindebtedto John Manterfield for his dedication in chairing the PCC'S Fabric Sub-group and overseeing all its work. During the year, access from Swlnegate to the ehureh bllilding (for people with disabilities, conl'raclors, and deliveries) was impeded by a Chuffh Trees neighbour, who took the view that the route is a footpath not a road. Despite efforts to ree>ulve the displlteby Val￿oUS individuals, including the county councillor who holds the executive portfolio for highways, the situation is unresolved. Chureh flowers Throughout the year and especially at liturgical festivals. we benefit from the dedication of our band of flower arrangers Oed by Val York), whose skills enhance the beauty of our church. We express gratitude to all those who contribute towards the costs of flower arrangements throughouttheyear: many suth donations are in memory of lovcd on&8 and an 'ln Memoriam, list is displayed at the west end of the church at Easter and Christtnas. In the summer, the weekly Community News drew attention to the increasing use of plants instead of fresh flowers at the high altar, and the occasional practice of dibplaying flowers in a vase, meaning that the display may be smaller than in the past. This initiative cuts down on the amount of oasis that our floweT arrangers use, so is more environmentally friendly, as well as reducing Cobts. Ringing at St Wulfram, This yeai the rebuilding work of the team of bell ringers has continued. We have adopted the Belton RingeTS as St Wulfram's Rinsers (they make up the rnajority and have enabled us to keep the bells ringing on Sundays throughout the year). We also have new leai'nels and returning ringers in Grantham who have joined the team this year, so our membership has increased from five active members to 17 in total. In March/April we adopted eight brand new learners (from Saltby) for the 'Bing for the King, nationwide initiative,. ofthese, eight rang for the Coronation and we have kept six, who are now just beginning to ring regularly for services. We were only able to do this with the dedication of all the teachers who helped train the learners, throughout Holy Week and in the weeks following Easter, prior to the Coronation. On 6-7 May, combined with other Ioccll ringers and bands including those from Belton, Graniham, Harlaxton and Saltby, approximately 41) lingers en8ul.ed ihat the bells L'ang oul at 18 local churches around Crantham, in l.incolnshire and Leicestershire for the Coronation of King Charles III & Queen Camillu. Over the course of the yeai. there h&ve been io Quarter l)eals and two successful Peals. We arc now i'ebTLilarly tLyn&r to attempt both more complic&tcd Quarter Peulb and more simple methods to brins the e5tabli.shed rinser.% along. Quotes for the overhaul of the bells have been sousht and Taylors will be carrying out thi work in or near Spri￿7 2024. This Mrill invulve: The original ten bells being lifted and their bearings replaced (being 70 years old and weeping oil). o clappers for the old ten bells being rebuilt to original ball shape, the bearing being replaced as needed. The sound control fitted in 2004 will be adjusted and put back to working order. The frame will be painted in hvo coats for protection and longevity, The two lightest trebles will have slightly heavier cl&ppers to make the sound more balanced both internally and externally. Thanks to the Fabric committee for their help with processing the quotes. These have been forwarded to the Lincoln Guild and Southern Branch Bell Repair Fund who are likely to suppoit us with some fundingy towards this project. Hospitality fi)r Pilgrims and Visitors St Wuifram's, a landmark medieval parish chureh restored by Gilbert Scott (1866-75), is Grade I Listed (1062501) and of nationally recognised significanee, Set baek from main roads and surrounded by old buildings, the area has the feel of a cathedral close. The chained Trigge Libi'ary (established in the ehurch in ￿98) is of exceptional significance as the earliest in Engjand for public use, and attrttcts local, national, and 29 international visitors and scholars. The church plays a dynamic role in attracting visitors to the town and district. The church and churchyard are a focal point of South Kesteven District Council's (SKDC'S) Grantham TOM￿ Conservation Area. They lie within the 'Grantham High Street Heritage Aetion Zone,, which celebrates the to￿￿'S built, social, cultural and natural heritage and is funded by Historic England to restore historie pmperties and regenerate public realm area5. Consistent with our 'saored space. comrnon ￿'oUnd, strategy, we encourage eveiyone in the con]munity to see St Wulfram's as their parish church. T]ie building is open for private prayer or to sit in quiet ieflection, from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Satulday and from 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Sundays. The Coffee Shop opens for Saturday morning reeitals, during the Heritage Open Day, the Beer Festival, aiid the Christmas Tree Festival, and for interval drink8 at. concerts (when dlcuhol and soft drinks are also on sale). We are giateful to Jan Burrows, Di Hale and Eileen West for organising refreshments at recitals, to ￿e￿berS of the Li¢ence Management Committee for organising inteMI drinks, and to Di Hale for the signifie2nt woi'k in overseeing the provision of refreshments (including recruitment of volunteers from organisations beyond St Wulfrdm's) for maioT febtivals. We have volunteer stewards on hand to offer a generous welcome to visitors on SatUTday mornings and un weekdays duTing the'visitor season, (from the end of March to the end of September). This is always an importaiit aspect of our ministry at St Wulfram's. With fewer stewards since 2017, it has been neces8ary to leave the church open unattended at certain times (this is in line with advice froni the diocese and Iccle&iastic'al, our insurerb). Although this strateby Lontinues to be larbvely unpiDbletnatic, we expericnced some antisocial behavioui and vandalism inthe cliui'eh this year, about which we wel* in discu&8ion with relevant authoi'ities. Sadly, this nece8Sltated early closure of the church on a few occasions. The number of visitors to St Wulfrthm's continued to increase this year, after the pandemie loekdowns. Olganised visits induded groups from Harl￿On, Lincoln Civic Society and Hough on the Hill History Society. Inscliptions in our Visitorb, BuL)k are overwhelmingly favourable. Visitors enjoy the history and architecture, for example: The wonderful window8 and carvings make this thurch amazing. *> Encredible building. Gobsniacked! + Fantastic craftmanship and labour. Visitors also appreciate the welcome offeTrd by stewards and the hard work of those who keep the building in good ol'der, for example: Wonderful place. Tania and F.li7abeth were most welct)ming. Had a greatvisit witli cup of coffee wliile we waited for Brian to opeTL the Trigge IAbrary. Most wonderful people. Visitors al'e al80 grateful fol the peace they find in our church, for example.. A stunningly beautiful and peateflll place. + So blessed to visit this church. The plaee has an amazing feel of calmj peace and joy. Ever so grate￿] to behere. Will visit again. As part of the 2023 Heritage Open Days on the theme 'The Arts of Lincolnshire - Creativity Unmwapped,, we opened St Wulfram'b Church (9 Seplember, 10.00 a.m. to 30 4.00 p.rn.) and Grantham House and gardens lio September, 2.00 to 4.00 p.m.). The event in church coincided with the outdoorArtisan Biocante at Grantham House: this was to the advantage of each as stewai'ds eiicouraged Irisitors to CTOS5 the road to see the other. Much positive feedback was received irA person and on social media. Approximately 310 people visited the church as part of this event. The Trigge Library was especially popular. Families climbed the tower to Vi81t the i'inging chamber and try ringing bells. Much fun wd5 had by all. Con]n]ents included: I was faseinated by history of the site. JJJvely to see the Lhurch and Trigge Library. + We enjoy this typo ofevent. + Seein% parts that weren't usually open to public. + All very good- very help￿1 guides. Very welcoming team. Approxinlately 390 people visited Crantham House and gardens. The event there started at 2.00 p.m. and was verybusy in thefirsthour,. but we were affected by a heavy shower at 3.30 p.rn., so people #ither went home or sheltered in the house. Comments included: tA)vely gardens- very good community. Liked refreshments- beautiful house and garden. Near the west door of the church, we h¢ive a bales unit that displays posteaids, guides, and souvenirs of the church, together with assorted sreetings eards lineludins the popular Friends olst Wuifram's Chiistmus cards). Peregrines first iiested at St Wulfram's in 2007 With the last successful fledging in 2012. Surveillinee Cdmeras wei'e installed in December 2020, ￿nded l)y the Liiicolnshire Bird Club. The peregrines ure sishted around St Wulfram's (Ill year. In the spi'in% of 2023, they showed initial intere¥t in the nest trays but did nol tlien attempt to nest. Trigge Library It has been pO￿lble to open the Triggc Library for a complete season during 2023, weeldy from April to the end of September, on Wednesday aiid Saturday Mornings. This waiTr only interrupted once, on Saturday, 6 May) due to the coronation of King Charle5 111. A total of 517 ViSAturs to the Libraiy in 2023 represents an inerease of 20% over the number fol 2022, and the highest recorded since 2019. The numbeT of visitors fi'orn the local area in 2023 was nearly double the number recorded in 2022 (102 compared to 53). but there were fewer visitors frum the rest of the UK and only a modest number fi'om Europe. However. there were notable increases in the number of visitors from the USA, Canada and Australia, accounting for an increase of nearly 57%. Our conservator. Ms Bridget WaLTington, completed work on Henricus Mollei's commentary on the Psalms, printed in Geneva in 1591. The front and l'ear woodboards were replaced, various LEpairs to the text blockwere carried out and the book returned to the Library. A new project that was initiated in 2022, involving the eonservation and repair of the first volume of Conrad Gesner's Historia Animalium, and the purchase of a replacement display case to meet current standards, was duly implemented thanks to the generosity of The Friends of St. Wulfvam's Chureh, Churehcare. and the Aurelius 31 Trust. The work on the Historia An7malium will continue into 2024, but the display case was supplied, installed and in use for the 2023 Visltor season, Following this, further fiillding provided by Churchcare and the Friends of St Wulfram's Chureh permitted the purchase of a second display case, wliich will be installed in early 2024. On Friday 19 May 2023 a success￿1 symposium was held in St WuEfrarn's Church, foeussing on the AntweLV PolJi glot Bible printed by Christopher Plantin in 1568-72. Participants attending this event came from a wide area, including London. Oxfold, and the US. It is hoped that a 5eLond synposium will be held in 2024) focussed oil the Historia An7malium. Speakers included Dr Dirk Imhof, Dr Jessica Purdy and Ms Bridget Wa￿l￿¥toll as well a5 Dr Brian Stagg and Dr John Manterfield. 'rhe'rolliiig' exhibition of books in the south aisle, using the ease donated to the church by The National Trust, continues lo attracl interest. This serves to introduce visitor5 to the types of books in the collection, with the contents being replaced periodically. Castors were fitted to the less of the casc, as approved by the Fabric Committee, which give5 greateT flexibility as to wheiE it is sited. A¥ ever, tlianks are due to Dr John Manterfield who kindly undertook the analysis of visitor statistics for 2023. ATchlve There have been no further acquitsiti()ns of materia] in the course of 2022, Other than hard Lopies of JAL)Muya7.ine. The Interim Curator (John Manterfield) has not had any enquiries during I'he year. Regarding stura8e of the urLhives in the Vebtiy und elsewhere in the thureh, the propobals f(IT refulbibhment of the ClergyVestLy (incliiding a dedicatcd secuTe Archive cupboard) have been approved as a Faciilty application. Learning opportunities Hosled by St Wu]fram's at Grantham House, the third joint deaneiy To Love aiid Scn the Lord, course began in September 2022 and ran until March 2023. Among the group of tutors fiom the Grdntham dnd Loveden Deaneries, were five members of I'he St Wulfram's ministryteam,'Ihree members of St Wulfram's congregation completed the coui'se. Following a period of diseei'nTnent, two ALM Foundatioii ModuleswcTe offered in May/June, culminating in a joint deanery Authorisation Senlice in the garden of Grantham Hoiise on Sunday 2 July, when a total of 12 ALMS were authorised. Among the six fiom the Grantham Deanery was Helen Dawkins. Inte￿Iewed for our ma.qa￿ne, Helen said: 'During the 16-week To Love and Serve the Lord course. I met some great fellow Christians, and it provided an opportunity for me to leain more abolit the Anglican Churth and its strnctures, as well as strengthening my faith and love of our heavenly Father. l then went on to complete another 4 weeks of study to become anALM, assisting with public worship at St Wulfram's Church. I feel honoured to have been &C￿pted to undertake this role and hope to do $0 to tbe best of my ability.. TheTe was insufficient take-up forthe fourth To Love and Serve the Lord, coursewhich would have started in September 2023. So, 2023-24 was a fallow year. However, the deaneries will offer ALM fioundation Modules in May/June 2024, if there is sufficient interest from eurrent ALMS. 32 On Wednesday li January. we %tarted'Being With,, 8 new io-se%sion course to explore more about the Christian faith, using material developed by St Martin in the Fields and HeartEdge. The course, aimed at people who had recently started coming to church or had questions about the Christian faith and life, was pursued by io people. When the course ended. the sroup continued to gather monthly foi a while for mutual support. A new monthly Women's Bible Reflection and Prayer GTOUP was launehed in May. The group, which meets on the second Wednesday ofthe month from 7.15 p.m. at St John's Spitalgate, provides space for wornen to come together to share and reflect thTough the Scriptures and prayer. All are weleome. Lent groups and coui'ses (advertised in our online IEnt, Holy Week, and Eastei booklet) ineluded: 'Introduction to Christian Prayer, (Saturdays, 11.00 a.m., St John's Churcli Spitalgate)- 'The Rosary in l£nt', based on Fr Clay's 2011 Canlerbury Press volume The DailyPrayei'Rosary (Saturdays, 5,00 p.m., St Wulfrarn's Church).'If God is good, why do 8ood peoplc 8uffcr?' micsdays, 7.00 p.In., St ,Tohn's Church, Manthorpe). Later in the year, Th. Yuce offered a two-session 'lntroduction to Christian Baptism, course on Saturday afternoons (28 October. 4 November), at Crantham l.louse. He discussed the theolo￿1 history, and tradition behind Christian Baptism, and how we might revisit our current practices to recapture the significance of this great Sacran]ent. We advertised 'Theolo8y 4 Everyone,, a chance to explore our faith through different themes over four Saturday5 in the autumn at Edward King House, Lincoln. Mlnistry training Members of the congregation continue to take a full part in thelicen8ed ministry of the church and new volunteers are trained and introduced on a resular basis to share in leading worship and exercising pastoral ministry, As mentioned above, in partnership with the IL)veden Deanery, Grantham Deanery runs the diocesan 'To Love and Serve the Lord, course. This meets several needs: it is appropriate for tho.se wlio simply wish to learn inore about theiT faith,. it provides a discernment process for those exploring a possible call to Authorised Lay Ministry and tbe initial module ftsr ALM truining. ana it's also appropriate for existing ALMS who Wi8h to do a refresher course. Major Churches Network St Wulfram's is a member of the Major Churthes Network; and we are in regular cont'act wtl'h ather large churches to beiiefit from illforniation about good practice in areas of administration, fabric, mission, outreach, and how to best engage in selvice to the eoinrnunity. Inclusive Church Network St Wulfram's continues as a member of the Inclusive Church Networlc endorsing the statement uf belief: 33 Wc bgli¢v¢ in in¢lusiv¢ Chu￿￿ chU￿h whi¢h dogs not discriminat& on any level. on grounds of economic power, gender, Inenlal health, physic21 ability, race or sexuality. We believe in Church wliich welconies and serves ttll people in the n&Ine of Jesus Christ. which is scripturally faithfi]I; which seeks lo proclaim the Gospcl #fresh for eaGh generalion: and which, irt the power of the Floly Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and Iiigh and deep is the love of Jesus Christ. Eeumenical relationships By the time of the Chuiehes Together in Giantham (cfiG) Annual General Meeting (22 Mareh), attendance at meetings had reduced signiflcantly. Despite i'equests for two new people to join the executive team (including a Tieasurer), no nomiiiations were forthcoming. and the organisation beeame non-compliant with the constitution. So, reluctantlyJ the decision was taken to suspend CTICT for one year (until ihe AGM 2024). Annual subscriptions were not collected, and the bank account was held with no transactions. Despite this, there w8s a determination for the church leaders to continue to work together and share ideas/re8ources. The Secretaiy continued to disserninate information by email on a regular basis. Sadly* thei'e was no energy to oiganise the annual Walk of Witnebs in thetown on Good firiday) bul the i'ernaining officers pledged to ensure that the worshipping commuiiities came together on at least two occasions during the year. A Churches Together service took place on Sunday evening 22 January at St Anne, Chui*eh, Harrowby Rolld, forthe Week of Prayer for Chi'istian Unity (18 to 25 January). and a Carol Service on'fuesday 19 December at Christchurch, Finkiii Street. St Wulfvam's weleomed Churches'fogether to Grantham House fol an open-air Service of the Word foi. Creation on Sunday 27 August at 6.30 p.m. (viith the gardens open from 5.00 p.m.). During Prisons, Week (8 to 14 OctobLr). we iiivited members of our congregation to consult the Piisons, Week webbite und offer up a prayei.. We continue in a supportive relationship with Christchurch, our Methodist/URC neighbours. We continue to publieisc eaeh otlier'b t>erviLes and events, through the respective monthly pai'ish magazines and weekly pew-sheets, Lincoln Diocesan Synod St Wulfram'$ is Trpresented on Diocesan Synod by the Reetor, Fr Clay Roundtree, and Paul Davie (who alt>0 serves on the Bisliop's Cowicil of Diocesan Trustees). Fr Stuart continues to serve on General Synod, as a representative of the diocesan House of Clergy. Diocesan Synod meets three times a year (April, July. November). After each Diocesan Synod meeting, the PCC receives a Digest of Proceedings, as published on the diocesan website. and, from time I'o time, the PCC receive5 communications from the Diocese of Lincoln. Much time continued to be devoted within the diocese and at Diocesan Synod to the implementation of 'A Time to Change - Together, (rrcT). This is foundational to the diocesan vision for OUT shared future, which involves Collaborative partnerships, relationships of generosity and growth. The nine Deanery Partneiships (DPs} are roughly mapped to the nine local authorities and follow existing deanery lines for the 34 most part. Deanery Partnership Steering Groups (involving a range of local and external, layj and ordained TepiEsentativ&s) were tasked with supporting the initial development of the nine areas, Èncluding agreeingwith parishes the boundaries for the Deanery Partnership and suppolting the planning of Local Mission Partnerships (LMPS). The DP Steering Groups were regarded as short-term bodies. A Partnership Dean oversees the South Kesteven Deanery Partnership Comprising the deaneries ol Bell'isloe, Cyranl'ham, Loveden, and Slamford. The four Deanery Synods came together for their first joint meeting in January at Corby Glen. We understand that the South Ke$teven Steering GTOUP ¢ompleted its work in 2023 and disbanded. 'ound half the 700+ ministers of all types fronl aeross the diocese attended one of the Archidiaconal Vision Days in September and October 2023, or an abbreviated catch- up session. St Wulfram's Chureh hosted the Vis?on Day for the Boston Archdeaconry on Wednesday 4 October. The key messages weiE collaboration, growth, and generusity. All the leai'nin&T and discu&%ion was embedded in a day uf rich dnd relevant prayer and worship, based on the monastic round of daily prayer. Key materials were posted online afterwards, The Vision Day W<75 offered to sliare next steps, i)ow Deanery Partnersliips have been defined as administrative sllbdiwsions of the dioeese, and Local ML ission Parlnerships established as collaborative families of local churches, each with a dear vocation expressed in its self-identified Chui'ch Type. The diocese now enters the next phase, beginning to fill affordable vacant posts, to develop dynamic ministLy teams, clarify missional objectives, and look at new ways of offerins local leadership. The Diocese of Lincoln is8ued an Invitation to attend the Enthionement of the Rt Revd Stephen Conway as Bishop of Lincoln at Lincoln Cathedral on the afternoon of Saturday li November. Grantham Deanery 'rhrough its elected and ex officio representativ&8, St Wulfram's coiitinues to takc a ILuding part in shaping and implementing deanery policy. OUL Rector, Fr Stuart Cradduck, serves as Rural Dean. supported by Judith Muskett (our PCC Secretary) as Deanery Administrator (for 6 hoiirs per week). Following the increase in the number on our Electoral Roll to over 200, St Wulfram, now has plaees for four elerted lay represent&tives on Grantham Deanery S>￿0d. Triennial elections were held at Annual Parochial Church Meetings in 2023 and the new terms of office began on i July: Paul Davie continues to serve on Synod until 2026 and Cherry Edwards, Chris Impey and Darnien Macdonald Bloomfield were eleeted for the first. tirne. Damien stood down for personal reasons in September. No-one has yet been elected to replace him. We thank Jan Buii'ows and Val York for the service they gave over the last three years as two of our elected lay representatives on Deanery Sjmod. A]1 deanery PCCS are provided with regular written repolts on Synud business. and a sumrnary of Deaiiery Synod business is provided for Annual Parochial Church Meetings. A pastoral reorganisation is in progress in the deanery in line with the agreed Deanery Plan. The schetnes, currently with the Church Commissioners for consultation, are as follows: 35 To establish what is termed the West Grantham Group of Villages, comprising the united benefice of All Saints, Barrowby and St Sebastian's, Great Gonerby and the Harlaxtun Gioup of Paiishes (Denton, HaTlaxton, Stroxlon, Woolsthorpe by Belvoil, ana Wyville with Hungerton). To dissolve the Trinity PaTish, South Grantham and create two separate parishes, styled St John's Spitalgate witli Earlesfield (where there ceased io be a place of worship severaI yeaLS ago) and St Anne's New Somerby (into which St George's Church Stamford planted in Augu.st as part of the Stiatesic Development Programme). The RevdAndyAcheson was licensed bythe Bishop of GrIll￿by at a well-attended service at St Anne's on Sunday 27 August. To hold in plurality the benefices of St John's Manthorpe. St Wu]fram's Grantliam, and the PToposed new Pai'ish of St John's Spitalgate Mryth Eailesfield, thus fomiing a eentral grouping within Grantham Deanery, Lonsibtent with the De¢lnery Plan. We hope finally to hear the outcome of the consultations on the pastoral schemes Irj 2024. During 2023, Deanery Synod heard talks from the Archdeacon of Boston (the Venerable JiistiiieAlldin Chapman) on hei experience of delivering'l)ause forThought' on BBC Radio 2 (July)., and from Maiion Hewis (newly appointed Joint Warden of Lay Ministry in the Diocese of Lincoln) who addiessed questions Pubed by our Synod abuut training and Lesources foi lay ministry (Readers and ALMS), and from the Revd Andy Acheson about his vision for St Anne's New Sornerby (October). In March, in light of the decision by the Loveden Deanery Synod not to join after all with the Cranthani Deanery to form a Local Mission Partnership (LMP), Grantharn Detiiiery Synod agreed to recommend to deanery PCCS that our LMP be enterminnus witli the curiEnt Granthain Deaneryboundary. lThi¥ recomniendation was accepLed by all deanery parishes, The diocese waq notified accordingly. The Glantham LMP was inaugurated at the Visitation Seivice in St Wulfram's Church on 18 June 2023, during which Churchwardens wei* admitted. Grantham clelgy continue to work ollaboratively with Loveden De4nery clergy through Deanery Chapter, For its P(lrt, Grantham Deanery Synud continues to discuss patterns of collaborative working across its deanery churches. From time to time, Grantham House has hosted evening meetingS* led byour Children, Youth & Families Worker, when those who work with childi'en and young people in deanery churches gather to share learning and celebL8te their ongoingwork. Following the departiire of Clayton Stiff at the end of his diocesan-funded ttvo-year appointment, the support group Lontinueb to meet regularly under t.he leadership of the Revd Samantha Parsons (Benefice of Harrowby Mryth Londonthorpe). Deaneiy parishes are also supported with a monthly newsletter fonvarded by the diocesan Children & Youth Mission Enabler. A six-session deanely Youth Alpha, course starting on 26 April was hosted by St John's Church Spitalgale. Led by oui Children, Youth & Families Worker, this course offered the opportunity for to 18s to explore the Chlistian faith with other young people. We joined fellow Christians from around the deanery for a Deanery Ascension Day service at the Chureh of the Ascension, Edinburgh Road, Grantham at 6.30 p.m. on 'rhursday 18 May. The Se￿iCe was followed by refreshments. 36 Communication The Pai'ish website twulframs.or is a piime contact point for people hing to know more about the parish church, its people, and activities. Regular postings of information by the Parish Admini8trator keep it up to date. The home page offerb the opportunity to sign up to our mailing list. Contacts and requests continue to increase in number. The website was updated in late September. We make full use of social media (Facebook, Instagiam) to involve members of our church community and of the wider community in the life of the ehurch. socia] rnedia is especially valuable in attracting visitors and audience members to our special eveuts and engaging them in online conversations at those times. The Church of England 'A Church Near You, webslte directs those who view, to our own website and social media. Details of services and events alongwitli the CommunityNews and the monthly parishmagazine are also posted to A Chur¢h Near You: The ChurchD&qk software is used daily in the Parish Office and enables us to send out weekly newbletters and informatioii on forthcominkv services and events. Our website and calendar information are also powered by ChurehDesk. Via ChurchDesk we can pIDduce forms and donation projecl's wliere we can take bookings and payments lor eveiit and collections. By the end of 2023, we had accumulated 4,171 contacts, more than three tirnes the nuinber recorded pre-covid (i.e., in 2019). This total includ&8 members of the community of St John the Evangelist, Manthorpe, our sister church. ChurchDesk tbased in Denmark) offers online and email support. The software pack(Ige is a gleat asset to how we woi'k and oul outreach to oui parish and widel eoinmunity. The Sunday Community sheet updates the congregation, with news of services and activities. Continuing the practice staited durin¥ the pandemic, il. is shared with a weekly Friday email frorn the Parish Office. Printed copies are available in church on Sundays. The full-coloui. monthly Ma.qazine continues to provide high quality and varied Lontent in information and articles. Bi'ian Buttery (Editor) belongs to the Assoeiation of Church Editors, whose secretary sends out a monthly bulletin of use￿1 tips. The Magazine is available onlirje through the church website. while printed eapies are available in the church and are mailed out to those who siibscribe. Brian has indicated that he will step dowii from the editorship in 2024 (producing his final edition in April 2024), after 13 years, dedicated service. The hunt is on for a replacement. We have good relations with the Grantham Journal (whose Offi￿ was near St Wulfram's until recently). llnd articles tLdon of fir James Titley (our foLTher curate) as Guild Vicar and Chaplain to the Corporation of London, at St l.awrence Jewry, a C7uild Church in the Iieart of the City of London, We congratulated Fr James on this appointment and wish him well in the new role, The Beer Festival 'Land of Hops and Glory, (run jointly with the Grantham branch of CAMRA) opened on Thursday 19 October and ran until Saturday 21 Oetober, with the bai's open fL'om 12.oo noon to ii.oo p.m. onThuisday and FridAy* andfrom 12.()U Lioon to 10,00 p,m. on Saturday. At Thur8day's launeh, Fr Clay blessed the beer before the Mayor vf Gi-untham, Councillor Mark Whitlington, rang the bell to open the festival. Real tilli>, ciderb, perries, mead and Fir Clay's cocktail bar wei'e on offer. The alcohol- free bar was well re￿IVed. Live eveni1￿ entertainment was offered on fiolk8yThur8day (Murris Dancers, Charlic's Aunt), Fridciy (High Point Players, 23 Reasnn%) and Saturday (Groove Cartell). Ovel 2,000 people visited from the town and from far and wide. The event, a permanent feature in the Grantharn calendur, was deemed a huge suc'cess. We extend thanks to all who helped to make the festival such a wonderful and safe event. We arranged a five-mile Palish Walk on the Spring Bank Holiday (29 Mlly) thioiigh Sudbrook and Ancaster, IEtiirning to Woodland Waters for luneh. Then on the August Bank Holiday (28 August), there was a Parish Walk of similar length from the village of Redmile, into farmland, along the canal tol￿ath, and baek to The Windmill InrA in the villuge for lunch. After the 8ueeess of theAL*is&n Broeante at Grantharn House (9 September), anArti3an Brocante Christmas Fair was held ii) the churth on Saturday 4 November, fI￿rn 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. This included carefully curated vintage and artisan stalls with festive treats, and the Coffee Shop sold rninee pies, mulled wine, and a selection of homemade c&kes. Chapel House PiLza wele on site froln 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. A 'Disco for Grown-ups,, pop-up disco party, took pla￿ in the church on Friday evening 17 November. This was a great success, and a further event is booked for 2024. The Christmas Tree Festival with skating rink ran from Tuesday 28 November to Advent Sunday> 3 December. This was one day longer than hitherto. and alluwed for more dedicated skating in the morninss by nurseries and schools (including for children with additional need5). Tuesday'5 opening ceremony began with a torchlit procession of around loo people fron] the Market Place at 6.00 p.rn. and the formal switching on of the lights in the church followed,. the festival was then open until 39 9.no p.m. The festival opened from 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. on the Wednesday, Thursday) Friday. arAd Saturday, and from 12 noon to 4.00 p.m. on Advent Sunday. A record numbeT of tiYe8 (189) was eThteTed' and more people than ever before visited. As a celeblation of the wonderful work and talents in the town, the Christmas Tree Festival is the best annual eveTht that we hold at St Wulfram's. Refi'eshments were served daily by a large band of volunteers oiganised by Di Hale, who calculated that we sold more than 23 dozen rnince pies, 22 Stollen, 140 sausage rolls, and used 73 bottles of mulled wine, close to loo pints of milk and made over 450 cups of hot chocolate. Once again, our own 22ft ChristTnas treep Pobitioned at the west end of the church, was adorned wÉth around 200 wooden decorations crafted by people at the woodworking project Olltwood CIC, which supports and promotes wellbeing and positive rnental health through meaningful activities. As. usual, a large Piayei Tree was set lip beneath the Ladychapel steps. Both were to remain in position until Candlemas. As in pievious years, hundreds of prayers were hung. During November, members of our congregation cut out papei. hands that visitors to the fiestival then coloured, de¢oTated and covered with Teflections, thoushts and pr¢iyers. Afterwalds, the hundleds of hands were displayed as a pair of gigantic'angel wings, on a pillal facing the west end of the chureh. In a video (part of our Advent video projecl.), the Rector encouraged people to take photographs in Iront of the wÈngs and to share these on Facebook and Insta, tagging them #wulframangels. A total of 33 photos was subsequently posted on our social media, and these attracted many'likes,, Early in 2024, theie will be a long overdue oppoitunity for the clergy and stdff team to show our deep appreciation to all the volunteers (numbering mol'e tlian 120) who ¥nrLLh vur Community life in so many ways. At a special 'Volunteer8 Thank You evening,, we shall celebrate and give thanks for all the time and talents our volunteers brins I'o enable St Wulfram's to flourish. FINANCIAL REVIEW It has not been possible to include financial statements within this Annual Report. fiollowing the transition between Treasiirerb in 2023, und Jide Oduyoye'.%' resignatirjn with el(ect fLYJm 31 December, work to prepare I'he financial stateinent5 has taken sigiiificantly longei than usual. Work on these is now significantly advaneed, and they will be plepared, examined, and filed in line with Charity Commission ￿qUirements. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Churcli Representation Rules 2020 (as amended). At St Wulfram's the membership of the PCC consists of the Incumbent, Associate Rector, Assistant Curates, retiied clergy with permission to officiate. a Reader, lay Deanery Synod representatives, churchwardens, and l&y members elected by those who are on the eleLtc)ral roll of the churcTrL. The number of elected lay representatives serving on the PCC and the number of co-options on an annual basis are governed by the number on the Electoral Roll. The Electoral Roll is the basie list in every parish of all those entitIed to vote in Church of England elections. Those entitled to have their names on this roll must be 16 years of age or rnore and reside in the parish or be regular worshippers in the church whose Roll they wish to join. The Roll is renewed every six years lthe next time will be 2025). Joining the Roll opens the way for gTeatei involvenient LII the life of our church, at deanery, diocesan and national levels, as well as being entitled to vote at the Annual 40 Parochial Church Meeting. Regular invitations to join the Electoral Roll are in¢luded in the weekly Cominunity News. At least six months before our annual Tneeting, we encourage members of oul cornmunity to iEgister on the Roll, so they Can play a full part in our governance and are eligible to stand for eleetion to the PCC. as a churchwarden. or to Deanery Synod. The PCC mernbers are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general conceTn and importance to the parish including decisions on how PCC funds will be spent. The ￿11 PCC eondueted business on 15 oceasions during the year. The Chuirh Representotion Rules 2020 (M29) allow for bu$ine88 to be conducted by correspondence. and the PCC conducted business in this manner on six occasions in 2023. The average level of attendanee for the nine in-person meetings in 2023 was 77% (as cornpared with an average 0174% in 2022). We invited our two local eouncillors to attend a PCC meeting (18 July). To inform the PCC, Coutjeillur Tim Harrison (newly elected, Independenl, Granl'ham St Wulfram's Ward) and Councillor Ray Wootten (Conservative, part of the South Kesteven Coalition Group Grantham St Wulfram's Ward) each spokn foi. 5 minuteb about their vision for the ward and responded to questions afterwards. At the subsequent PCC nieeting (26 Seplembei.), we paid ti'ibute to Councilloi. Woolten, who sadly died in late August. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) was conducted in the church on Sunday 14 May. At the APCM 2023, it was announced that the nurnber on the Electoral Roll i'emained The rules gnverning the PCC Standing Committee changed with the introduction of the reMsed Church Representation Rules 2020. A]though the Standing Committee has power to transact thc PCC'8 business between mcetings, it may not discharge a duty of the PCC, nor exercise a power of the PCC whicli is subject to the passing of a resolul'ion by the PCC. The committee comprises the Rector, Associate Rector, and Churchwardens (ex officio) and two ￿rther member8 (elected by the PCC). John Manterfield and Paul Davie served on the committee throughout 2023. The Ireasurer and PCC Seeretary al attendees. Written reports from the committee are submitted to the PCC at the subsequent rneeting. The Standing Cornmittee met three times this year. Its business concerned the future of Grantham House. Given its wide responsibilities, the PCC has several sub-groups (Children & Youth, Creation Care, Fabric, Finance, Licence Management [t'o meet obligations under the Premises Licence granted from 20181, Mission & Social Responsibility, and Social), each dealing Mryth a particular aspect of parish life. Roles and responsibilities are set ollt in tern]s olrelei'ence adopted in 2020. PCC members are expected to sit on at least one sub-group. Members of the congregation aiE also invited to join sub-groups. Each sub-group includes at least one 41 member nf the elergy team and cithcT one orboth Churchwardens. Currently* all clergy seiwe on all sub-groups. Minutes OL written reports of sub-group deliberations are received bythe full PCC and discussed as necessary. We are immensely grateful to those who chair oursub-groups for the tI￿e they devote to their role and for the dedication and knowledge that they bring to our governall￿. The chairs in 2023 were.. Laura Cradduck (ChildTen & Youth). Frances Roundtree (Creation CaiE). John ManterfLeld (fiabric). Paul Davie (Finance. Licence man<￿e- ment),. Mike Knight (Mission & Social Responsibility). who took over on 23 November frorn Jo Counsell who resigned for personal reasons on 23 August. Cherry Edwalxls (Social) who took over Mel Fletcher on 23 May. From time to time, the Rector may gathersub-group Chairs and'HeAds of Department. (Director of Mui>iC, Head Server, Verger, Parish Admii)istrator, PCC Officers) to discuss strategy concerning St Wulfram's mission. Slleli a meeting is planned for early in 2024. Crdteful thanks are expressed I'o Jan Bui'i'ows, who completed her term of office as ehurchwarden on 14 May 2023. Speaking about Jan in hib report at the APCM. the Rectnl said she had been a true source of wisdom and grace, and he would miss her very mueh in that role. We also thank Miehael Knight, churchwarden, and Mel Fletcher who was elected churchwarden on 14 May, Immense gratitude is expressed to Sl'ephen Howe, who stood down as our Treasurer at the APCM after five years, dedicated service. Paying tribute to Stephen at the Al)CM, the ReLtor said that he had been a pcrbon of great integrity. honebty, and ehallenge. Altliough theyhad not always seen eye to eye, he and many others had benefitted from the sheel. determination and hard work given by Stephen to God through this wolk wilh St Wulfrarn's. The Rector said Stephen would be missed. Jide Oduyoye was appointed Treasurei'by the PCC at its rneeting immediately after the APCM. We are grateful to Anna Janies, a PCC member, for taking on the role of sistant Treasurer to supporl Jide with day-to-day bDok-keeping. Hei. appointment was agreed by the Pccby correspondence on 31 October. The PCC wab nutified by the Rectoi on 28 Noveiiiber that Jide h￿a decided to stand down as Treasurer from.31 De¢embei 2023. The ReLtor reported that he had begun a conversation with Hood PaTkes & Co (who proeess the St Wulfram's payroll) about a consultation on how the Treasurer role c'an be made less deTnanding and how the AsSlbtaDt Treasurel can be supported in her work. We also thank our Secretary (Judith Miiskett) foi- the time she devote8 to this role and for the knowledge she brings to the governanee of St Wulfram's Church. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION St Wulfrain's Church is situated in Gi'antliam, Lineolnshire and is part of the Diocese of Lincoln within tILe Church of England. The address for correspondence is: The Rectory, Church Street, Grantham, Lineolnshire, NG31 6RR. The Parochial Church Council {PCC) is a charity registered wtth the Charity Commission. charity registlation number 1131575, as "The P￿0¢hIal Church Council of the Ecelesiastical Parish of St Wulfram, Grantham." 42 The PCC Treasurer is Jide Oduyoye (who took over from Stephen Howe on 14 May). The PCC Secretary is Judith Muskett (who undertakes this role on a voluntary basis alongside the salaried post of Mission Facilitator). Neither the Treasurer nor the Secretary is an elecled member of the PCC. PCC members who served at any time fiY)m i January 2023 until the date this report was approved are set out below. Five vacancies for elected mernbers were unfilled at the APCM on 14 May 2023. Name Post Date if part year Ex officio members Fatherstuart Craoduck Father Clay Roundtree MotherJulle Rowland Mother Geraldine Pond Moihcr Flannah Grivell Mother Kdtc Hvugh Father Yuce Kabakci Katy L'astaneda Jan Ilurrow5 Incumbent, PCC Chair, Rural Dean, Diocesan Synod, Ceneral S)mLxI $50ciate Rector, Diocesan Synod Bishop's Permi.*8ion to Offici&te,. Communlty Chaplain Bishop's Permilsion lo Offieiale A55i5tsnt CIiFate A5555tant Cuyatc A%5j5tant Curate Reader Warden and Vice Chair (until 14.5.231, Deanery Synod (until 30.6.23) WardLn and IfTClm 14.5.231 Vice Chair Deaiierysynod (until 30.6.23) Deanerysynod, Dlocesan Synod Deanery SynLKi IfroTll 1.7.231 DeallerySyn(￿ (from 1.7.231 DeallerySynL￿ (from 1.7.23) (until 14.5.23) (until 30.6.23) Mlke Knlght Val York Paul Davie erry Edwards Chris Impcy D8ml¢n Macdonald Bloornfield (until 30.6.23) (from 1.7.231 (from L.7.231 (until 6.9.231 Elected members Jasun Bloumfleld Jo CounsL.11 Helen Dllwkins Cherry F,dwards elanie F]BidJer Philip.Joyc Sheil& Knight John Mantcthcld Lu¢ille Pritchord JaDe.8harp .JoAnn8 S￿nbOu￿e D&vld West Eileen West (until 14.5.231 (until 23.8.2,41 (from 14.5.231 (until 14.,S.231 Warden from 14.8.23 (from 14.5.23) lfvom 14,5.23) {until 18.1.23) Co-opted members Mark Bate5 Chri& lrnijey ADnJ JamL's PhilipJoyce John Manterfield (from 23.5.23) (until 14.5.221 (from 14.5.23) lllntil 14.5.231 (until 14.5.23) Jjankers Investment Managers HSBC Bank plc, Westgate, Grantham. CLIA InvestmLnt Mdnagejnent LiTElited, 84 Queen Virtoria Str(%L I￿ndUn. Ecelesia$ti¢al Insuranee Croup, Gloucester. Newton Fallowell, 68 Hish Street. Grantham. Street5 1.1.P, Wind50r HDuse, AL Bllsine5s Park, tA)ng Btnnington. Insurers LettingAgent5 Independent Eyaminers Approv and signed on their behalf, 19. O.o.L.L. 2114 43 Addendum to 2023 Annual Report- Financial Review of 2023 Introduction The Annual Report adoptea at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting made reference to the extended time taken to produce tbe Financial Stat¢m¢nts. This Addendum to tlie Annual Report is a review of the financial perforn]ance of St Wulframs Church during 2023. Summary The General Fund budget foT 2023 was set at a deficit of £27,631 for 2023, with an actual outturn for 2023 was a net defieit of £26,322, A margin&l improvement on budget. However, it needs to bc notcd thatwith a Gencral Fund balance of £9.L38 al the start of 2023, this means that the Genertil Fund Wds in defiLit by £17,184 at 31 Deceinbei- 2023. Taking into account all designated and restricted ￿llas, the overall balance sheet comrnenced the yeal at £425,103 aiid stood at £474,341 at 31 December 2023, an increase of £49.238 in the year. Commentary Heating and lighting costs remain a significant burdell. The amounts attributed to Grantham House (desisnoted funds) and the ehureh (General Fund and restrieted funds (Fabrie)) ean clearly bc sccn in Notc 3a, whcrc half of thc gas bill has becii coveTcd by the Fabric Fuiid. Fabrie Fund has eontinued to cover half of the cost of insurance of the church building, in line with previous years, PTactice. St Wulframs Church encouTage5 giving to 8upport not only the ¢huTch, but also the wider Loinrnunity, and will continue to muke local, nation and international donations via the Mission & Su¢ial Respoiisibility Sub-Group for as long as it 18 financially able to do so. The Mission & Social Respoiisibility Sub-Group donations for 2023 aTe outlincd in thL section besinnins on p. 10 of the Annual Report, In addition, donations for, &nd expenses ineurred by, St Wulfram's Passage, which provides nieal.s for thc l)r)mcle55 and otheiE in Deed, were also managed by the Mis.4ion & Social Re8ponsibility Sub-Group. Details uf collections for other charities can be seen in Note 13. Incomeforthe church continuesto depend heavily on Plllnned Giving, with income of £65,506 to compare to £62,008 in 2023. This is welcome growth, but is less than the budget of £67,000 for the year. It 18 planned to hold a Stewardship campaign in autumn 2024, With the intent to significantly reduce the General Fund defieit. Fundraising incometotalled £96,282 in 2023, an increase on tbe budgeted perforniarjce. This is a welcome boost to tlie church's finances, but 8hows that limited reliance can be placed on ndraising events to aohieve a surplu$. In setting this budget, PCC reeogiiised tliat it would be necessary to liquidate sorne assets in order to retain a positive balance on the General Fund. In support of tbis PCC agreed to sell the investment propcrty owned by the Church. There were delays in being able to achieve vacant possession of the pix)perty duTiDS early and mid 2023, With the result that the property eould not be sold, and the income realised, during 2023. In lin¢ with previous practice the church's activities at Grantham House werc not resourced through Gener81 Fund. Early in 2023> projections provided to PCC supported a decision to remain in Grantham House on the basis of extension of the 12 tnoiith lease signed on 4 De￿mber 2020, subject to close review. Folloming the trend from 2022$ grants such as those from Shine Lineolnshire have become much less available. Unfortunately> therefore, it has not been possible to deliver on those projeetions, and ineome of £45,640 for Grantham House has not offset the costs of £75.388 to Inaintain OUT operations at Grantham House. Total incoming Tesources to General Fund amounted to £183.95212022: £179,162), and total IEsouI'ces expended amounted to £210,274 (2022: £211,210), resulting in a deficit for the year before transfeTS of £26,322 (2022: £32,048 deficit). No transfers have been made, and General Fund is now in defieit by £17,184. The plan of PCC is that the sale of the investment property. which will permit reapportionment of the designated fund for the revaluation of the investment property, will restore the General Fund into surplus during 2024. This will allow PCC to develop fuller plans to rebalanee income and expenditure to a level that will restore General Fund to St Wulframs policy, in line with Charity Commission guidance, of beiiig iii suTplu8 With 3 months of predicted expenditure. The balanee sheet position had increased by £49,238 as at 31 Decernber 2023. A major contributor to this inerease in the balanee sheet was a legacy of £135.000 to Fabric Fund. There was an unrealised10$5 on thc investment property of £6,392 (2022: £13,304 gain), but unrealised gains in the overall value of financial investinent assets of £13,873 (2022: £42,779 losscs). £59.726 of investment seeurities were sold during the year. Overall, our financial investment portfolio made a capitul return of 8.7% (i.e. excluding incorne received) in 2023 (2022., 12,4% loss), and the overall value decreased by 16.0% to £201.516 (2022: 30.4% deerease to £239,985). Cash on deposit aiid with tlie bank inci'eased by £99,241 (2022; £87,072 decrease during the year. 45 PAROCHML CHURCH COUNCIL OF sTWUlF￿, GRANfHAM STATEMEwf OF FINANCIALACTIVITIES Fortlie year ending 31st Deeember 2023 Not¢ Unresiiicwl Fulld$ General Desisllaled Restrfctod ETrdoiwiellt iuds Fwid$ TOTALFifNDS X023 X022 INCOMING RRSOURCFS VoluntaryiDCQtne ActliryiiesforgeJerAtiiigfvllJ$ Income froni investineijls Chiirehacliiihos 93.838 74,067 2b993 13,054 41,286 9,909 81 229.068 I2￿06 7,6?6 8.086 Q38b347 7SI865 X41311 aA,135 irb) 9fy282 IOJ760 aX.140 TofALINCOMING RFSOURC&8 18 RFS0URc￿ FXPENDED 3(a) 176.985 30S95 894 Iwoo A7OS34 423.39Z 3Xts72 IA81 1*800 433>096 SOIS33 11397 600 Fiitsd_ratsiU8tosis Ill%￿$￿illeD1 mau)￿illeD1 eos1$ Crf>ven)aiicoco815 cl 127) 614 TVI'ALRE¥0URcF￿ BXPENDED 210 NEf INCOMING RESOURCFsiioirrGOINCI RESOURCES BEFORETRI4NSFERS 1%6Tr3221 125.#74) 861315 34Tr719 (185Tr968) TMllsfer8betriwi 24,730 124.7301 NET INCOMINCV RL80URCBYIIOLrrGOING RIISOIJRCIS) BEFOBEOTIIER RFLOGNISED aAIN.$ & L05SE8 Ix6132S) 15441 6$￿85 841719 (13SI968) bAlnJlll<>¥J￿}o1J Inve¥tilleD1•$5ets'. 6fD) 16,7sy) 8,819 1gd53 ¥1SX9 (￿185￿ Nh-fMOVF.MEKf XN FLTNDS 1#6132a) (7,2971 70AQ4 121463 491938 <171.3*01 BAIANCES IIROUGirrFORWABII XrtJANUARY 91138 761701 2781941 896y4g3 io Tb¢u(>trSOU pttges43 Iu 52forni pDrtOfthcsaoce￿Ints 46 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST WUIFRAM, GRANT BALANCE SHEEr As at 31st DeeembeT 2023 2023 2022 Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets Inve5tTnents 6(a) 6(b) 2.295 4,134 346,313 393>012 CURREwf ASSETS Debtors Short tcrm deposits & cash at bank and in hand 53,475 112 166,242 61,636 75,172 LIAJILITIES Creditors - amounts fallins due in one year 38,214 43,081 NET CURRENT ASSETS 128,028 321091 TOTAL NET ASSErs io PARISH FUNDS Unrestrieted Generul fund Designated funds (17,184) 9,138 oi 85,839 io 52,220 RcslrlLted Endowment io io 349,325 72,796 278,921 60,343 Approved by the Paroehial Church C Its behalf by ncll on OcLL.2oi* nd slgned on (PCC Chairnian) The notEts on pages 43 lo s2 forn) part oftheseaccourjts 47 PAROCHTALCHURC1q COUNCILoFsfwiJLFPAM, QRANrnAM NOTvsfoTFIF.FtNANcIAL￿ATQmctrn 3151 Jke¢inber20?3 IrKvI11140RifAovRCIIS Piin Fun 9<4) ￿ul1￿ryIN￿offt• I,J 4M6* 0,1 0oJuo 6JJ74 dJ4J éDI 7a4sJ• -8&1179L ijoyo l*D- 971 Sip6 aiW7 SXIIPD VlnlwVNihil Iwrpuih JS.94 )IpA 7.19 fjth4B TofALIN¢OMI￿￿l¥WkCEj 48 PAROCHIALCHURfH COiNCILQFSTWULFKdM, GRANnL NontsTOTIIEFNANCblLVVATL.ME A841 31IID¢etmb¢Y2U2y AthrlEtDd WowrAoat indb FUA Qell¢rnl 20aa ?￿j3+ 01916 J£,dd7 14.vS6 43. *o.O s7.￿$ PA09 I,YSg 96.ill6 J￿30￿ J9W3 fJWdri￿¥ qoAg b,gVJ n4 374 P,Bl 8.?44 70 S(bl vuild￿*￿IllIIOjts J.A34 9tLQO (<> 467 3(411 Ooo 49 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST wULFR￿, GRANfHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEwrs As at 31st December 2023 sTA￿F COSTS & EX￿ENSE PAYMEKrs 2023 20E2 4(a) Staff e08ts Wages and salaries: Gross pay Employer'sNI and Pension Contributions 142460 12,62 08 127,252 11.8 08 The full-time equivalent number of staff M'as 5.012021- 3.1) 2nd no employee reeeived remunerdtSon in oxee of £60,000. No wages or s&laries iiEre paid to PCC members diiring the year. Grantham Stwulfram PCC participates in the Pension Biiilder Scherne section of the ClJure]I W(Irke Pension Fuiid (CWPFI for laj'stliff. CWPF i) administered by the ChuTLh 0[En￿land Pensi¢>ns Board, Ivhich holds the CWPF assets separately from those of the Employer and other partieipatinsemployers, CWPF has two sections.. i. the Defined Benefits Stheme 2. the Pension Builder Scheme, Ivhich hu5 ti¥'o sub5L*liunb' a. , a deferred annuity section knoivn as Pet)sion Biiilderclassic, and, ca8h bal8ncesection l(ng11'n as Pension Builder 2014. Ptn$lon Bullder Scheme Both scelions of the Peiision Buildei. Scheme are c]assed a$ defithed benefitschem&. P¢nBion Builder c1<￿81c pruvid&%o pettsion, accuniulaied from coiitribution$ paid and converted into 8 deferred onnuity durin% employmenl based tsn iei'nis set and rcvlciild by tlic Cliur¢h of Fillglaiid Pensions Board Ironi time to time. r)￿CretIr>￿aTY inLMW Inay al8n be added, dcp¢ndin8 OtL thc iiivcstrn¢nt return8 and otherfuclors. Pe￿￿40n Bulldcr 2014 is a casli balan￿ scheme that pru1,id￿ x lump 511m M'hieh meml)eis use to proirydcbcnefl at retirttmeiil.. PeI￿lO[l eunLribuLlniis are itcordcd in ali aeeount foreaeh member. r)i&'retivnary boniL8&* inay be addcd before retir¢meiit, depeL)diiis un iiivestment relurns and othei. foetors. The aeeount, plus any bonuses declaied, is payable, unrcduccd, frotn age 65. There Is iio su￿dI￿s1on of assets beti¥een employers in eac]i section of tlie Pension Buiia¢rSch¢m¢. Tlleseheme is eonsidered to be a multi-employerscheme 8$ d￿ertbed in Section 28 of FRS 102. This is becattse it is ntst possSble to atti'lbiite tlie Pension Builder Scheme's assets Mild li jil)ilities to specific eEYJployers and means that contributiOll5 are accounted foras if tlie Sclicinc MfTC a dcfincd contributioii &elieLne. Tlie pensiojts eosis ehArged to the Statement of Financial Actlvilies in theyear are the conlribiitions payable (80&91 £6,%8a' 2022.. Es,4921. A valualioii of tlie Pensioii Builder Sclieiiie is carried out oncee)Ery, tlireeyears. The most recent valuation iiY$ carried out a8 at 31 December 2019. The next valuation is due as at 31 December 2022. For the Pension Buildw. C]assieseetion, tlic valuation revealed a deficil of É4.8m oil Lhe ongoingassumptions used. At the tll03t recent annual reiqei%', theBoard cliose to grant a discretionary. bDiiUS of 10.1%, follomiiig improvernents in the fiijiding p(L8tion 0￿r 2022.'fiiere is no requirement fordeficit payments at the Current timc. For the PeiisioFL Builder 2014 section, tl)evaluatioii revealed o surplus of £5.5m on the on8oinsasgllmptitsns used. There is no requirement fordeficit payments ai ihe current liin& Thelegal structure of the seheme i8 sucli that if aiiotlier employer fails, Grantham StWulfr8m PCC could becoine responsible for payin8 a shareof the failed employcr's pension liabilitiu. 50 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST WUIFRAM, GRA￿ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENrs As at 31st December 2023 41b) Payments to PCC m¢mber8 4 tnembers of the PCC ii'ere reimbursed a total of £6.341 expel￿eS in relation to their i¥ork at St Wulfran]'5 that ivas unrelated to tlieiradditional diitie5 as PCC member5. These HEre fortrdvellmileage (£4,690), phone costs (É499}, meals/8ubsistence (£4431 & otherchai'itable expeThse$1£7091. ASn￿lI immaterial portion of the expense5 pald tts the Rector ￿8Y haiE related to hiSserri￿ as chairnian ofthe PCC. AF Electrical Installations ivas paid a total of £2.439 during 2023 for repair workdone. Melanie Fletcher is married to the ow'ner of the firtn, but is not a mefftberof the PCC Fabric siib-group that 5elecfs the contractor.% to undertake repair & moinienanee Ii'ork. Life In Action Ltd, of ii,hich Jason Blooinfield is a directrjr, was paid £700 for couwellinsserri¢e& in 2023. No otherexpens&%, exeept thoSe1S￿ed above, Ivere pald to any other PCC ]nember, personselosejy connected to them or related parties. NEf INCOMING RESOURCFS FOR THE YEAR 2022 Net ineomins Tesour¢es for the year are after ehar8in8: Depreciation of eompiiteTS & gardening equipment Oawnintsiyers) Indepcndoni Examination of the Annual Report & Finaneial Statements 1,839 18()0 1,889 600 FIXED ASSETS a) TttThgiblc tt88ets GFNERAL FUNDS D￿IGNATED IIUNDS Office Computert* TOTAL FISNDS Gardcnln Equ5pmeni Oftl¢¢ Phtstotopler Co¥t or deemed cost At 1st January 2023 Additions Dlsposals At 3tsl December 2023 1,950 3,990 7,245 131185 18 Depredatlon At 1st January 2023 Charge for the year Disposals At 31st December 2023 Net bookvalue At 31st Decetnber 2023 1.398 390 3,990 3,663 IA49 9,051 1.839 112 162 At 31st Deeemb¢r 2022 51 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST WULFRAM, GRANr NOTES TO THE FtNANCIAL sTATEmE￿s s at 3tst December 2023 b) Investments InvestMent property Investment securities Tota] investments Market valu¢ i January 2023 Additions Disposals Rmluaiioii Iloss)Igain' At 31 December 2023 148,89 239,986 346 ts9.726) 388,878 346 (59?726) 2U. 201 12 20 Historie cost asat3lSt Deeember 2023 68,768 ' Tliis ￿lUation isbasEd on Ihe offer reeeived for Uie propety durins the preparntion of these ac¢ollnt$ and Is based on the actual market valiie ai tjie tirne. The market value at 31st December 2023 represents Investments for: InvestineE)t properti, InveBtrnent securilies 'rotAI investments Ceneral funds DesiRnAted funds Re51ricted funds Endowment funds 73,732 68,768 73,732 197>490 128,722 Thealloeation of the asscts to the fvnds reflect% the income is eurrcntly apportioned. I￿th ihe exttption of the designated invcsimont property resejve of E73,7,42. Rental incojne relatiiig to th&t part uf tlie ii)Ireslilleiil properi), is allocatcd to Gcncral fund¥. Tile type uf 8s¥ttt aclually used by a partieulai. fiind is ultiiiiately diciatcd by liquidity nccds- a fact tliat i*ill 4iid the understandiiig of Notc 12 also. Total fixed as8et in1￿[ment securil2es are wiiliiji thc Unitcd Kin8dom and are all unlisted. i'liey arc intcndcd to be he]d fvr lo1￿er tliaii oiie yearallhougli can besold at short notice, thereby ensuriiigsufficieni liquidity. DEBTORS 2023 2021E Prepayments: Lc8S than i >ear More tlian i year Tax recoi'ernble Otherdebtots 8,521 9,154 9,578 CASH AT BANKAND IN IL4ND 2023 Short term dep08its Cash atbankand on hand Other 30,080 82,687 80 13,456 112 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST WULFRAM, GRANfHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENrs s at 31st December 2023 LIABILrrIES 2023 2022 Amounts falling due in oneyear Aecruals for Utility costs Accruals forother costs Deferred incom¢° Granthal￿Ark {Registered Charity No. 1190668)" 6.987 24,165 3,960 6.628 24,815 8,536 ,102 081 ,102 *Deferred income includes Parish Ma￿line ineome relAtinA Io 2024 (£90). Walsingham Pil8ramage 2024 deposits IE600), choir trips 2024 (£1673) & adi'&nce income relating to cancelled events I£IN5701 The movement in deferred income isaiialysed below: *0*3 o*# Balance as at 1st January Amounts addcd itl current pcriod Amounts released to ineoinc from preiious periods Balance AS at 31st December 8>536 690 13>462 4,523 St Wulfram's Church still occasionally re￿]Ve$ income on behi£ If of Grantham Ark, whicli is regi8tered 141th Tlie Charity Conimission Iniin)ber 1190668). Thi¥ is larsely due to difficulty the chdrity has been expEriencing in operatinga bonk account. BelNI' is a brief surnrnary of incorne and expeiiditiire for 2022 & 2023, iYhhLlI li&& been recordcd sepirateI>' from tlic thureh s inctsmc & cxpcnditure, and tlie net cag11 ainoiint oiveil bji Yt Wulfrani'b Cljurcli Lo Cyrnntliani Ark for net Income received on its bohalf al the end of thoseyears. 2023 2022 BAlknee As At 1st JAnu&ry 3110# *?T34 Income Cyf411ts recei1￿d oi? behHlf of CTrqntham Ark DonatiOll8 (inc. GiftAid) 8r ￿ndraIsIn8 income 622 3,622 E￿enseS Leatlets re. Sleepout 2021 Pa>Thents madelo Grantham Ark (3,243) anee as at 31St December No otlierexpenses Ivere paid to any other Grantham Ark tnistee, person$ closely connected to tliem or related parties. 9b OPERATING LEASE Theeharity has future liabilities undernon-caThcellable operatiThg lease8 as follows SyIE offi￿ Equipment (pliotocopier) 53 NOTESTOTHEFINANCIALsfJllF%IErir8 Asal 3iil D￿tr￿bet￿923 fr￿+fO *¢ FUNDS Ojyi #i 54 lPAR¢)LHIALLHV￿FJ CQtIWCTLQVSTivfFLFRhbl.GRAPiTEIAM FiiyfESTOTHlIPINANCLIL￿AT£N1EtrlTs 113111 DvrLyNbcr2Tr23 FIJNM(¢thirtkIi￿> thbrmil T4L 7A htlMIoNAR¥&clth*lrAllLLOii'ltr41¥ Q7 STREETS INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT To th¢ Tru¥teei+ of The Paro¢hlal Church Coundl of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Wulfr2m, Grantham I reptsrt to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of Th¢ Parochial Church Council of th¢ Ecolcsiaslical Parish of St WulfTalll, Grantham (the Trnst), for the year ended 31 Deceillber 2023. whi¢h ar¢ s¢1 out on pages 45 10 46. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity LNstees of the Trust you are responsible for the preporalion of th¢ a¢¢ounts in aceordanee with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('thc Act,). I report in respect of iny exainination of tlie Trustee's accounts carried out undei. section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out iny examination I have followed all th¢ applicable Di￿110nS given by the Charity Cominission under section 145(5){b) of the 2011 A¢1. Indep¢nd¢nt ¢XAmlner'$ stAtement I l)av¢ compl¢t¢d my ¢xainination. I confinn that no material matters have come lo my alleniion in connection wilh the ¢xamination giving ine causc to believe Ihal in any Inateri81 respect.. { l) accounting records were not kept in r¢sp¢ct of lh¢ Trust a$ required by section 130 of the Aci. or (2) the accounts do not accord with those records. or (3) the accounis do not ¢0inply with the applicable requireLnents concerning the fonn and content of occounls set out tn tlie Charities (ALcounts artd R¢ports) R¥gulation$ 2008 otlicr Ilian any requirem¢nl ihal lh¢ accounts give a 'true and fair view, which is nol Inatter considered as parl of an independent cxainindiion. I have no concerns and have ¢oine across no oih¢r inatters in connection with the examination to whicli atlenlioii sliould b¢ drawn in this report in order to enable a proper underslpnding of the accounts to bc rcachcd. 04 October 2024 Chris Hubbard. FCA Streets LLP Windsor Hous¢ Al Business Park al Long Bennington Nottingham NG23 5JR