2021-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Saint Paul's Royton

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ANNUAL MEETING Agenda Reports from Organisations

ST. PAUL. ROYTON TUESDAY, 15[TH] FEBRUARY 2022

Opening Prayer

– AGENDA The Annual Meeting of Parishioners

Apologies for Absence
The Minutes of the meeting held on Sunday 23[rd] May 2021
Matters Arising from the Minutes of the above meeting
Appointment of Church Wardens for the year 2022 to 2023

– Agenda The Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Apologies for Absence
The Minutes of the meeting held on Sunday 23[rd] May 2021
Matters Arising from the Minutes of the above meeting
Electoral Roll Report
Financial statement for the year ended 31[st] December 2021
Report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the Church
Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod
Election of Representatives of the Laity to the P.C.C. for 2022 to 2025
Appointment of Honorary Senior Church Warden 2022 to 2023
Appointment of Deputy Church Wardens 2022 to 2023
Appointment of Independent Examiners for 2022 to 2023
Reports
13 The Chairman’s Remarks
14 Any Other Business
15 Date and time of the newly elected P.C.C. – directly following the A.P.C.M.
16 Closing Prayer

ST. PAUL, ROYTON ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2021

Parish: St. Paul, Royton Deanery: Oldham West Diocese Manchester The Parochial Church Council is a Registered Charity number 1131589

MINISTERS
Incumbent	Revd. Graham Hollowood
Curate	Revd. Nicholas Johnson(until June 2021)
Reader	BarryBarnes
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
Ex Officio	Revd. Graham Hollowood
	Revd. Nicholas Johnson(until June 2021)
Church Wardens	TonyHawkins
	RoyTurner
DeputyChurch Wardens	Chris Barnes
	Joanne Berry
	Les Fallows
	Connie Heslop
Deanery Synod Members (until 2023)	Adele Beresford-Grindrod
	Rachel Helme
	David Mullin
Treasurer	Peter Schofield
Secretary	Sandra Schofield
	BarryBarnes
Treasurer R & D	Kathleen Briggs
	Maureen Dickens
	Patricia Gulliver
	Andrew Wood
	Eileen Wood
Co-opted	Joanna Whitehead
Independent Financial Examiner	Jenny O’Callaghan
Bankers	Barclays Bank PLC,Rochdale
Insurers	Ecclesiastical
SafeguardingOfficer	Paul Wright
Electoral Roll Officer	Les Fallows

4. ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT

An overall rise from the previous year to 125.

5. FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2021

RECEIPTS
		2021	2020
Direct Giving
Gift Aid	26,603.50		28,451.20
Non-Gift Aid	3,015.35		3,835.90
Cash collections	1,197.30		917.60
Tax Recovered	7,406.06		8,116.12
		38,222.21	41,320.82
Other Voluntary Income
Candle Money	174.45		121.16
Christingle Fund Raising	-		357.00
Lenten Appeal	545.92		261.00
Donations	-		115.00
Fees	5,624.00		4,667.00
		6,344.37	5,521.16
Other Income
Use of Photocopier	100.00		100.00
Coffee Bar	100.00		134.34
Reserve Fund	-		520.00
R & D Church Heating	50.00		50.00
Gas Refund	313.66		-
Sale of Piano	-		100.00
Insurance Claim	-		554.00
Sundry	-		10.00
		663.66	1,468.34
Total Receipts		45,230.24	48,310.32

P.H. Schofield P.C.C. Treasurer

PAYMENTS

AYMENTS
	2021		2020
Grants
Charity Donations		921.92		447.00
Relating to the work of the church
Diocesan Quota	20,000.00		25,616.12
Clergy Expenses	3,619.67		3,903.18
Heat, Light & Water	6,045.72		5,098.07
Insurance	4,001.84		3,998.74
Telephone	762.80		612.24
Upkeep of Services	1,425.19		637.88
Organist Wages	3,890.00		2,650.00
		39,745.22		42,516.23
Administration
Printing & Stationery	1,006.23		521.58
Fees paid to Diocese	2,912.00		3,052.00
Verger Fees	385.00		170.00
Wardle Band	-		100.00
Music Licence	-		140.00
Sundry	-		20.51
R & D re Insurance	-		554.00
Web Site Renewal	-		129.42
		4,303.23		4,687.51
Total Payments		44,970.37		47,650.74
Transfer to Reserve A/c		-		520.00
Total Expenditure		44,970.37		48,170.74
Total Receipts B/F		45,230.24		48,310.32
Net Surplus for the Year		259.87		139.58
Bank Current A/c 1.1.21		2,595.93		2,456.35
Bank Current A/c 31.12.21		2,855.80		2,595.93
Increase in Cash Funds		259.87		139.58

P.H. Schofield

P.C.C. Treasurer

ST PAUL'S CHURCH, ROYTON RESERVE FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021 RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

RECEIPTS CBF Account Interest Transfer from Church Expenses Deficit for year PAYMENTS Transfer to Exp. Account Gift for Bishop Glynn Bible Storybooks for School Surplus for Year	2021 16.13 - 291.63 307.76 - 152.00 155.76 - 307.76	2020 64.21 520.00 -
		584.21
		520.00 - - 64.21
		584.21

BALANCE SHEET Current Assets: Current Account 1.1.21 CBF Account 1.1.21 Deficit for year Financed by: Current Account 31.12.21 CBF Account 31.12.21		2,159.66 16,339.17
		18,498.83 291.63
		18,207.20
		1,851.90 16,355.30 18,207.20

P.H. Schofield P.C.C. Treasurer

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, ROYTON PARISH CENTRE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31.12.2021 INCOME 2021 2020 EXPENDITURE 2021 Rent History Society 108.00 27.00 Post & Stationery 100.00 Uniform Organisations 352.00 264.00 Cleaning Materials 158.85 Ladies Society - 32.00 Concept Hygiene 2,775.00 Weightwatchers 1,026.00 837.00 Trade Waste Disposal 934.77 Slimming World 3,876.00 2,958.50 Cleaner 2,843.56 Luncheon Club 682.50 577.50 Telephone 608.95 Art Workshop 702.00 297.00 Electric 1,464.95 Keep Fit Club 567.00 210.00 Gas 3,900.69 Yoga Club 840.00 1,283.00 Water 573.29 Thursday Art Class - 176.00 Insurance 1,987.34 Wednesday Art Class 484.00 419.00 Repairs & Maintenance 2,681.02 Wine Society 227.50 97.50 Alcohol Licence 140.00 Polling Station 250.00 250.00 Copier Lease 1,303.20 Springboard 748.00 504.00 Garden Maintenance 1,820.00 Henshaws 132.00 374.00 Environmental contract 180.00 Elwoods 2,120.00 1,478.00 Cedar Room Decoration 950.00 Tots Play 2,618.00 1,909.00 New Radiator - Fierce Dance 3,316.00 - Sundry - Bloom Oldham 700.00 - 1st Floor Tenant 6,000.00 8,000.00 Sundry - 200.00 24,749.00 19,893.50 22,421.62 Other Income Interest 16.25 60.31 Ground Rent 12.00 12.00 Tenant's Gas & Elec 729.11 562.14 Gas Refund - 199.06 25,506.36 20,727.01 Surplus for the year 3,084.74 Deficit for the year - 4,255.36 25,506.36 24,982.37 25,506.36 Credit Balances 1.1.21 Curr A/c 31.12.2021 9,750.30 C.B.F. A/c 31.12.2021 16,467.44 Increase in Credit Balances P.H. Schofield P.C.C. Treasurer	ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, ROYTON PARISH CENTRE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31.12.2021 INCOME 2021 2020 EXPENDITURE 2021 Rent History Society 108.00 27.00 Post & Stationery 100.00 Uniform Organisations 352.00 264.00 Cleaning Materials 158.85 Ladies Society - 32.00 Concept Hygiene 2,775.00 Weightwatchers 1,026.00 837.00 Trade Waste Disposal 934.77 Slimming World 3,876.00 2,958.50 Cleaner 2,843.56 Luncheon Club 682.50 577.50 Telephone 608.95 Art Workshop 702.00 297.00 Electric 1,464.95 Keep Fit Club 567.00 210.00 Gas 3,900.69 Yoga Club 840.00 1,283.00 Water 573.29 Thursday Art Class - 176.00 Insurance 1,987.34 Wednesday Art Class 484.00 419.00 Repairs & Maintenance 2,681.02 Wine Society 227.50 97.50 Alcohol Licence 140.00 Polling Station 250.00 250.00 Copier Lease 1,303.20 Springboard 748.00 504.00 Garden Maintenance 1,820.00 Henshaws 132.00 374.00 Environmental contract 180.00 Elwoods 2,120.00 1,478.00 Cedar Room Decoration 950.00 Tots Play 2,618.00 1,909.00 New Radiator - Fierce Dance 3,316.00 - Sundry - Bloom Oldham 700.00 - 1st Floor Tenant 6,000.00 8,000.00 Sundry - 200.00 24,749.00 19,893.50 22,421.62 Other Income Interest 16.25 60.31 Ground Rent 12.00 12.00 Tenant's Gas & Elec 729.11 562.14 Gas Refund - 199.06 25,506.36 20,727.01 Surplus for the year 3,084.74 Deficit for the year - 4,255.36 25,506.36 24,982.37 25,506.36 Credit Balances 1.1.21 Curr A/c 31.12.2021 9,750.30 C.B.F. A/c 31.12.2021 16,467.44 Increase in Credit Balances P.H. Schofield P.C.C. Treasurer	2020 372.51 156.96 1,665.00 911.85 2,705.86 738.39 2,411.44 4,321.25 647.43 1,987.34 4,761.14 - 1,303.20 1,695.00 255.00 - 1,020.00 30.00 24,982.37
EXPENDITURE Post & Stationery Cleaning Materials Concept Hygiene Trade Waste Disposal Cleaner Telephone Electric Gas Water Insurance Repairs & Maintenance Alcohol Licence Copier Lease Garden Maintenance Environmental contract Cedar Room Decoration New Radiator Sundry
	25,506.36	24,982.37
		23.133.00 26,217.74
		3,084.74

ST PAUL'S CHURCH ROYTON CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021

Unless otherwise stated all funds are unrestricted under the terms of the 1993 Charities Act

ST PAUL'S CHURCH ROYTON

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021

Unless otherwise stated all funds are unrestricted under the terms of the 1993 Charities Act

	Opening Bal.	Income	Expenditure	Closing Bal.
General Expenses	2,595.93	45,230.24	44,970.37	2,855.80
Reserve Fund	18,498.83	16.13	307.76	18,207.20
Parish Centre*	23,133.00	25,506.36	22,421.62	26,217.74
Restoration Fund*	25,410.57	10,980.90	6,730.34	29,661.13
Ladies Society	1,061.49	-	35.00	1,026.49
Rose Queen	5.00	760.18	289.88	475.30
Pilgrimage Fund*	18.26	-	-	18.26
Card Stall	30.00	127.65	127.65	30.00
Flower Fund	269.28	539.11	620.44	187.95
Coffee Bar	0.00	267.75	170.00	97.75
Magazine Account	1,152.38	20.00	77.59	1,094.79
St Paul's Weekly
Draw	183.00	320.00	470.00	33.00
Sunday School	8.57	5.00	-	13.57
Sweet Stall	21.70	-	-	21.70
Youth Group	78.95	-	-	78.95
	72,466.96	83,773.32	76,220.65	80,019.63
Less transfers between	accounts	946.00	946.00
	72,466.96	82,827.32	75,274.65	80,019.63

*Restricted funds

ST PAUL'S CHURCH ROYTON RESTORATION APPEAL FUND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021

RECEIPTS & PAYMENT ACCOUNT Receipts: Per Schedule Payments: Per Schedule Surplus/Deficit for Year BALANCE SHEET Current Assets Cash at Bank (Barclays) C.B.F. Investment Cash in Hand Financed by: Barclays Opening Balance C.B.F. Opening Balance Cash In Hand Surplus/Deficit for Year	2021 2020 10,980.90 11,263.65 6,730.34 12,675.08
	4,250.56 -1,411.43
	7,451.73 3,639.00 22,209.40 21,687.89 0.00 83.68
	29,661.13 25,410.57
	3,639.00 5,252.48 21,687.89 21,569.52 83.68 - 4,250.56 -1,411.43
	29,661.13 25,410.57

K. Briggs Treasurer

ST PAUL'S CHURCH, ROYTON RESTORATION APPEAL FUND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021

RECEIPTS Donations Card Stall St Paul's Weekly Draw Rose Queen Bedding Plants Sale Oldham Youth Brass Band Evening Oldham Symphony Orchestra - Donations Quiz Nights Bar Takings at Events Flower Fund Christmas Fair Grand Festive Raffle Seasons Greetings Talents:- 1p Mile Cell of Walsingham Lunch Church:- Barclays Interest C.B.F. Interest	85.72 211.33	2021 2020 867.00 - 127.65 284.06 180.00 257.30 - 1,434.41 5,594.30 4,955.35 - 1,076.48 200.00 - 382.27 369.80 279.00 231.00 539.11 224.79 1,664.49 - 618.00 - 210.00 - 297.05 805.45 - 1,502.05

		10,958.87 11,140.69 0.52 4.59 21.51 118.37
		10,980.90 11,263.65

K. Briggs Treasurer

ST PAUL'S CHURCH, ROYTON RESTORATION APPEAL FUND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021

PAYMENTS Oldham Met. Borough Licence Renewal Costco Membership Card Stall Rose Queen Bedding Plants Oldham Youth Brass Band Evening Quiz Nights Wine etc.for future Events Flower Fund Equipment Christmas Fair Grand Festive Raffle Talent:- The Church Christmas Trees Contribution to heating at events Repairs & Maintenance Stationery	220.00 50.00 1,164.90	2021 2020 20.00 20.00 33.60 33.60 87.20 114.80 - 207.89 3,888.35 3,172.26 - 466.48 66.20 73.97 159.75 152.67 620.44 296.70 13.17 54.65 338.73 - 68.00 - - 145.67 1,434.90 7,929.40
		6,730.34 12,668.09 - 6.99
		6,730.34 12,675.08

K. Briggs Treasurer

6. REPORTON THE FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS OF THE CHURCH

Due to the continued Government restrictions in 2021, as in the previous year most of the work was stopped or suspended. To fulfil our legal obligations, a Quinquennial Report was completed by Graham Holland Associates in late November, and the final Report is still awaited. Much work has been carried out to enable church to be open when restrictions allowed.

A. Hawkins Church Warden

7. REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE DEANERY SYNOD

See Appendix No. 2

David Mullin

13. REPORTS 2021

SAFEGUARDING REPORT

As at the end of 2021 it is pleasing to report that all the necessary DBS forms have been obtained, and almost all the online courses have been completed. Any outstanding items will be completed in early 2022.

As with all things the lockdowns and restrictions have made life difficult at times, but outcomes have always been satisfactory.

Paul Wright Safeguarding Officer

ST. PAUL’S SUNDAY SCHOOL

At the start of the year Sunday School was closed due to Covid lockdown, but Chris Barnes delivered work packs to the children’s homes to keep them learning and following each week. When we re-opened restrictions were still in place, so we were not able to do our normal crafts and learning, but we asked the children to bring in their own pens and pencils and we had worksheets that followed the gospel each week. We also had one of the children read the gospel out and then we would discuss what we had learnt from it. We followed that with a game based on what we had learnt ending with a closing prayer.

In November a nativity scene was donated to us and in December we learnt about each figure and what part they played in the nativity. The children enjoyed putting the figures in the nativity scene each week.

On Christmas Eve we were asked to start singing the carol Away in a Manger at the Crib Service. A few children turned up and enjoyed being there.

Rachel Dowd

PARISH CENTRE REPORT

2021 was another strange year, and a special thanks should be extended to Tony Hawkins, Church Warden, for overseeing the stopping and starting of tenants as, and when, Government restrictions allowed.

As expected, some Groups did not return, others moved on, but thankfully new Groups came. The first floor tenant stayed with us, although they are now paying quarterly in advance rather than annually. Our relationship with all the tenants remains good.

The first meeting of the Parish Centre Support Group was held in October 2021 when the baton was picked up from February 2020. Work continues and the Parish Centre security camera system was given an overall with the software being updated and a camera being renewed. Re-decoration of the Parish Centre started, and whilst in the past we have closed the Centre for about a week, it was felt that it should be done piecemeal this time following the enforced closures due to the Pandemic. In November the first room to be re-decorated was the Cedar Room and work will continue into 2022.

Towards the end of the year Oldham Councillors approached us with the possibility of the Defibrillator at Royton Town Hall being re-sited to the Parish Centre until the renovations of the Town Hall were completed. As at the end of the year we were still awaiting a final decision.

Sandra Schofield Sub Committee Secretary

RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT

MISSION STATEMENT

The Restoration and Development Committee will work to secure funds for the restoration and development of St. Paul’s Church, Royton whilst ensuring all our work is done through the CELEBRATION of our FAITH and in love and FELLOWSHIP.

Having spent the most of 2020 and 2021 in fundraising lockdown due to COVID, we are pleased to report that the last 3 months of 2021 proved successful. We have picked up the baton and continue the race. As always we have ensured we met the terms of our Mission Statement whilst raising funds for the Restoration & Development of our Church. In addition we have again been able to seize opportunities to reach out, to people in our community.

In a year that has been full of COVID worries, it feels good to share each-others company again.

We welcome back Aubrey to the Weekly Draw. Well done Aubrey for getting the Draw back on track, keep up the good work. There are some vacant numbers ask Aubrey. IF YOU’RE NOT IN IT YOU CAN’T WIN IT!

RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT (CONTINUED)

Trevor and Janet’s Quiz Nights continue to be well supported, greatly appreciated and very profitable. It is noted that these quizzes reach out to the wider public, (great outreach work). We were unable to work with Mr Leedale and Oldham Music Centre Youth Brass Band during 2021. We are music lovers at Saint Paul’s, and in the past these young people have given us some of the best.

A special thank you to the Rose Queen, her Retinue and the team of mums who have continued to work through a very difficult time. Thanks to them for their time and generous gifts throughout the year. All of which will benefit the Restoration Fund.

The Licensed Bar has not featured much during lockdown; however we plan to continue to use it in the future.

We decided in September 2021 to go ahead with the Christmas Fayre and Grand Festive. Through discussion it was agreed to do a toned down version as we felt we could not be sure how many people would feel safe attending. We were also able to support our school PTA by allowing them to have two stalls to boost their funds. The PTA were unable to have a Christmas Fayre at School due to the hall being used for wrap-around-care. In the end we needn’t have worried, the Festive Draw and Christmas Fayre were extremely profitable; the school PTA raised in the region of £400 and in addition brought families to the event.

The annual bedding plant sale is one of our main fundraisers and I am pleased to say we have been able to continue it through 2020 and 2021. It allows us to reach out to our Parish and beyond; another fine example of teamwork and fellowship. The profit from this event remains exceptional. So long as we continue to have your help and support we will keep the Plant Sale on our annual programme of events. We need your help to make it a success; we can’t do it without you.

Because we have all grown to love the tinkling sound of Vivien with her bucket! Shaking the pennies of course! We aim to continue collecting your troublesome little coins.

Just to remind you again!.....back in 2007 the Diocese gave us valuable information that allowed us to use GIFT AID for some of our fund raising. We were issued with the Inland Revenue criteria on what could and could not be GIFT AIDED. In relation to the fundraising done by Restoration & Development it only applies to DONATIONS or SPONSORSHIP. The initial donation or sponsorship goes to Restoration whilst the reclaimed Tax helps to pay the Parish Share. Thank you to everyone who has utilised this. A good example of how we can utilise this is the Mile of Pennies Race, and ‘One Off’ Donations from individuals. The extra income recovered via tax goes towards our Parish Share while the initial donation/sponsorship goes to the Restoration & Development Fund. This amount is such that we will continue to operate this system, and will utilise it for other events. If you are a tax payer please take time to think if you can Gift Aid via Restoration in this way.

RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT (CONTINUED)

On a final note we are in great need of a Treasurer to keep our Restoration Accounts in order is this something you could do? We can give help and support! Speak to Eileen or Father Graham.

Father Graham Hollowood (Chairman Restoration & Development Committee) Eileen Wood (Deputy Chair Restoration & Development Committee)

WAYS YOU CAN HELP US IN 2022

If you have a talent or skill, use it to raise funds for us, join. We can help you to make your ideas into events!
Continue off- loading those troublesome little coins to Vivien Cross for The Mile of Pennies, and if you pay Tax, Gift Aid them.
Join the Weekly Draw, speak to Aubrey
Support the Restoration Events.
Support the Rose Queen Events.
Tell us of any new ideas to raise funds.
Join us every 3[rd] Wednesday in the month at our planning meetings, they are low key, informal meetings and everyone is welcome. WE DESPERATELY NEED MORE COMMITTEE MEMBERS (see Eileen).

Please pray for the continuing work of the

Restoration & Development Committee.

Whatever you do, put your whole heart in it……………..

Colossians Chapter 3 verses 23 -24

I will show you my faith by what I can do………….

James Chapter 2 v 18

CELL OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM, ST. PAUL, ST. GEORGE & ST. DENYS

All meetings between January and April were cancelled due to Coronavirus restrictions. However, as these restrictions began to lift we were able to have a service in church for our Cell members to attend.

On the 26[th] May we gathered in church for the service of “May Devotions to Mary”. Fr. Graham conducted a wonderful service which was enhanced by Walsingham hymns being played over the sound system from a CD. Attendance was really good and we all went forward to present Mary with flowers, which were placed at her feet. Many thanks to Fr. Graham and all who came.

CELL OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM, ST. PAUL, ST. GEORGE & ST. DENYS (CONT)

Our second Cell service was held on the 23[rd] June in church. On this occasion we were led by Fr. Graham saying the Rosary. Unfortunately, attendance was really poor, however, we did not let this diminish our responses or dampen our spirits. Those who attended really enjoyed the service and we thank Fr. Graham for his time and endeavours.

The Cell’s next meeting was on the 28[th] July, and we met in church for a service of healing. Unfortunately, this had to be changed as Fr. Graham explained that he would be unable to anoint people as it was too soon after the lifting of some restrictions for physical contact. So we enjoyed a lovely said Mass, the theme of which was the Wedding at Cana. Attendance was quite good, even though the weather was bad. Thunder and torrential rain battered the church as we all worshipped. Fr. Graham as always gave a beautiful service, for which I sincerely thank him and all who attended.

Our August Cell meeting was brought forward to Sunday the 15[th] to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Even though this was a Mass for everyone in the Parish to attend, it was good to see so many Cell members there. Fr. Graham conducted a beautiful service during which we had a procession around the Parish Centre grounds. The statue of Our Lady of Walsingham was carried as we all sang the hymn beginning “Immaculate Mary” with the chorus of Ave, ave, ave Maria. We returned to the church for the Blessing and on conclusion of the service, enjoyed refreshments in the Parish Centre.

On the 22[nd] September our Cell meeting took place in church. As Fr. Graham was away on holiday, Barry Barnes led us in Stations of the Cross. Attendance was quite good which helped us to become “the crowd” following Jesus on his way to the Cross. Sincere thanks to Barry for his endeavours and to all who came. We sadly lost Vera Radcliffe who passed away on the 9[th] September. She joined the Cell at its inception back in 2006 and was a loyal member in attendance, until health issues made it impossible for her to continue. She will be greatly missed by everyone in the Cell and everyone at St. Paul’s who knew her.

Several members of the Cell together with Fr. Graham went on pilgrimage to Walsingham for the October Cell meeting. They travelled after Mass on Sunday 17[th] October and returned on Wednesday 20[th] October. Everyone really enjoyed the pilgrimage.

Our final Cell meeting of the year was our Cell Fundraiser Lunch which took place on Sunday 21[st] November in the Parish Centre. We all enjoyed a lovely meal and drinks in a warm and convivial atmosphere. Everyone was very generous both with donations and the raffle, and we raised £211.33, which has been donated to the Talents Scheme for our church Restoration Fund. A great result and my sincere thanks to every Cell member for making it a success.

Beryl Furlong

LADIES SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT

This year has been another strange one with more lockdowns and viruses.

We held our A.G.M. on the 1[st] June. We read our Reports and also decided to suspend our meetings in the Parish Centre for the foreseeable future, and instead have a couple of lunches out when restrictions allowed.

On the 31[st] August we went to The Turks Head, and then in November we went to The Halfway House for a Christmas meal.

At this moment we do not know what will be happening, so we will still try to get another meal booked soon.

Ann Longbottom

ST. PAUL’S C.E. PRIMARY SCHOOL

Once again 2021 has been dominated by Covid. School has continued to deal with the various challenges and done remarkably well. Mrs Henderson and her staff have been very resilient and kept disruption to a minimum.

School has tried to maintain as much normality as possible during the last year. Obviously learning is the main focus and the children are working hard, but lots of other things happen alongside the teaching to make St Paul’s the school it is.

Mrs Henderson is very keen on promoting Children’s mental health. A steering group meets regularly in school made up of staff, governors and parents. The meetings focus on various aspects of mental health and how we can support our children. In May, over a period of a week, Mrs Henderson ran 225 laps of the school daily mile track which covered 31 mile in aid of a children’s mental health charity. She raised over £1,500. Most of the children and some staff and governors joined her at some point.

We held an Easter Garden competition. The theme was to produce an Easter Garden with an eco-link demonstrating an understanding of the Easter Story from the bible. Many children used natural resources such as moss, leaves, flowers and stones and some even grew plants such as cress seed to represent grass. Every child who took part received an Easter egg. The Chair of Governors selected winning entries across the different phases in school. They provided special prizes with more chocolaty runners up prizes too.

We also have forest school giving the children opportunities to be creative outdoors and build up their confidence in a natural setting. They enjoyed making houses for the fairies. They made all sorts of creative things for the fairies out of the natural materials such as swings, trampolines, secret hideouts, camp fires out of sticks, fairground rides, slides, roundabouts and lots more. The children really used their imaginations and had a fantastic time.

ST. PAUL’S C.E. PRIMARY SCHOOL (CONT)

Children raised money for charities during the year, £220 for the poppy appeal, £400+ for Children in Need and more recently filled shoeboxes for children in Romania.

The parent support group, St Paul’s Together goes from strength to strength and over 20/21 made over £5,000 with a great variety of fundraising activities.

St Paul’s had a new uniform in September which looks very smart with a red and gold tie.

Parent, staff and governor meetings all continued through 2021, although many meetings took place on zoom. School also has a new website which is now up and running. Please feel free to have a look.

School continues to link with church on as many occasions as possible. Father Graham has now taken over from Father Nicholas in leading assemblies once a week. The harvest service was the first for 20 months and it was lovely seeing the whole school in church with the children singing and the new reception children receiving a bible.

Hopefully during Spring we should be having a new roof on our school. We have had major issues with leaks so keep your fingers crossed all goes to plan.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the school governors for their continued support.

Janet Wright Chair of Governors

14 THE CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS

Chairman’s Report.

This is my fourth Chairman’s Report submitted to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on Tuesday 15th February 2022. This report covers the period 1st January to 31st December 2021.

The Coronavirus Pandemic continued to severely affect our Nation throughout 2021 and continued to have drastic implications for St. Paul’s in almost every aspect of our mission and ministry.

On a personal note, as reported last year, I was due to have a sabbatical in 2020 but that was postponed due to the pandemic. I now plan to take it in the Spring of 2022.

The Parochial Church Council.

Due to Covid-19 the Parochial Church Council only met on four occasions during 2021, the Restoration Sub-committee and the Parish Centre Sub-committee were only able to meet on two occasions each. The Standing Committee met twice during the year.

14 THE CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS (CONT)

The Parochial Church Council clearly has an important role in the life of every Parish. It should be far more than a ‘rubber stamping machine’, it should share responsibility with the Incumbent for the mission of the Church – in matters pastoral, evangelistic, financial and social. Unfortunately, in 2021 work had to be undertaken by the Standing Committee, through which the PCC has been corporately fulfilling its obligations. The decisions made were reported to the first available full meeting of the PCC.

My thanks and that of the whole Parish should go to two hard working individuals of the PCC without whom the PCC nor the Church could not function, namely, the PCC Secretary, Mrs Sandra Schofield and the PCC Treasurer, Mr Peter Schofield.

Worship.

At the very heart of being a Christian is the worship of God. Due to Government restrictions over the last two years this has severely restricted the numbers that were able to attend due social distancing regulations, self-isolation, and fear of the pandemic.

Risk Assessments were carried out at each stage to ensure that we met the Government and the Church of England regulations and guidelines.

Our Facebook page for St Paul’s has enabled us to broadcast our services and use it as a platform for communication.

From 1st December 2020 we were once again permitted to open whilst under restrictions.

In general terms, the number of Sunday communicants varied through the year, with many self-isolating either due to medical conditions or fear of the virus. Very few families came to church during the restrictions.

During 2021, St. Paul’s had 6 Baptisms (following the lifting of restrictions), 13 funerals, 14 Confirmations and 1 wedding.

Finally, in terms of worship, I would like to thank our Reader, Mr Barry Barnes, particularly for his time, commitment and the valued advice he continues to give; our Organists Mr Richard Booth and Mr Chris Idle, our choir, those who serve, and those who read the lessons, for the high standards with which they all carry out their tasks.

Education.

One for the main tasks in any Church is the education of the people (and Priest) and the Sunday homilies form a key part of worship and education

I would hope that in the coming year the homilies and the courses that we shall be running will be both informative and challenging.

14 THE CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS (CONT)

Ministry Team.

This term and the one of Collaborative Ministry are very much in vogue within the Church at the present time. The Parish Priest is no longer to be seen as the only Christian minister in the Parish, but should encourage a team of lay people to join him in his work.

We were fortunate that we had the services of Rev’d Nicholas Johnson, until June 2021 when he moved to his first incumbency in Liverpool. We continue to rely on the services of our Reader, Mr Barry Barnes; people licensed to administer Communion; those who read and intercess at Mass; and we are again fortunate that we also have able and dedicated people who take the Sunday School.

But this still leaves a number of areas where we need to encourage others to help and assist and indeed even in the above areas we would welcome further assistance.

Mission

This is an important area in which, inevitably, we need to continue to work at during the coming year.

During his time with us, Fr Nicholas took the lead with our ministry and mission to St Paul’s School which was a regular Tuesday commitment for him. I am a member of the School Governors, and I would hope that these ties may be strengthened with the school during the coming year. I currently conduct an assembly once a week, either in person or via Zoom, depending on the Covid situation.

One important area of Mission that we tend to forget about is the Parish Magazine. I would like to thank our Magazine Secretary, Mrs Eileen Wood for the way she diligently produces the magazine month by month. I should also thank those who print and distribute the Magazine. Unfortunately, the production had to cease during the restrictions, but it is now back in print.

I would also like to ensure that copies of the Magazine go to the doctors, dentists, schools and Residential Homes within the Parish. If anyone has any ideas of any other ‘outlets’ would they please let Eileen know.

We have continued with our weekly newsletter and that has been emailed to those whom we have their email address, which I hope has been of use to them to keep in touch with St Paul’s through these difficult times.

Other areas of outreach have been funerals and baptisms (which have recommenced this year).

Here I would like to place on record my thanks for the help, assistance and the witness that Fr Nicholas brought to the Parish.

14 THE CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS (CONT)

Church Buildings

In general terms the Church and Parish Centre are in good repair. There is a programme of works for each building which is realistic and affordable. We are fortunate that we have two welcoming and comfortable environments, one in which we worship and one that is our Parish Centre, both of which should enhance our efforts in the mission of the church.

Our thanks must also go to those who do sterling work each week keeping the buildings clean and tidy.

The work of repainting inside St Paul’s that was scheduled to be done in 2020 had to be postponed. It is hoped that will be done in 2022.

The postponed redecoration of the Cedar Room was finally completed at the end of 2021.

Choir and Musicians

We are fortunate that we have a ‘hardcore’ of a choir who come week-in-week out. We were also fortunate in having had the services of two organists during 2021, Richard Booth and Chris Idle.

Thank you to all the organists and the members of the choir who have led us well during the past year – restrictions permitting.

Financial.

It is with regret although not surprising to you, that last year was a financial disaster. As reported by the Treasurer we fell short of paying our Parish Share, although all the other bills were paid. Once again, if we project our figures forward we shall be in a deficit position by the end of the year.

To help to mitigate the impact of the closure of the church and the reduced attendance when the church was able to open, we have encouraged as many as possible to pay by Standing Order / Direct Debit. I would thank all who have converted to this method of payment as it has helped us enormously during the last year. For those who have not as yet moved to Standing Order or Direct Debit, I would encourage you to please do so.

The Parish Centre was closed line with Government restrictions and therefore, our income has been greatly reduced.

We need to take steps to reduce the deficit and to reach at least a break-even situation. To this end we each need to examine our stewardship in terms of our Tithing (money), our Talents and our Time. Following the pandemic and the re-opening of society we all need to examine what we are able to offer to get us to where we all want St Paul’s to be.

I hope that we can spur many others into action, and that we can continue with a wide and varied calendar of events that have held the Parish in good stead in the past.

A more detailed Report on the parish Finances was given earlier.

14 THE CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS (CONT)

As a parish we are indebted to Mr Peter Schofield in his work as Church Treasurer.

Miscellaneous.

Adequate insurance cover is provided by Ecclesiastical Insurance.

The Electoral Roll stands at 117 (2021) people.

Finally, my personal thanks must go to the Churchwardens Mr Tony Hawkins and Mr Roy Turner and also to the Assistant Wardens (whose work often goes un-noticed) for their help and support over the last year and I greatly appreciate their work and their contribution to the smooth running of the Parish.

The Year Ahead.

My hope for the year ahead is that this Parish will continue to move forward and that our Mission Action Plan will be the leading factor of our collective mission.

Our financial position is worrying, and we must take steps to address our ‘general’ position. Our Centre finances and our Restoration finances are okay, but our general day to day running expenses is an area of great concern.

We need to encourage more volunteers to help in every aspect of our communal life. Going into 2020 we had an ambitious but achievable MAP (Mission Action Plan). Recently the PCC has been looking at what a future MAP might contain and include. It is planned that a new MAP will be produced this year which not only the PCC but the parish in general will buy into and work together to bring it to fruition. We are moving in the right direction, but there is still a way to go as we emerge from the pandemic into what will be a new normal for some considerable time. Indeed, at the time of writing this Report, restrictions and guidelines placed on us by the Government and the Church of England would indicate that 2022 is going to be another very difficult year.

We need to forge a community that not only worships together, but one that is a true Christian family, with all the joys and heartaches that go with it, one that is not afraid of Christian witness outside, as well as inside the confines of the Church, then we will have the basis for an active, lively and growing church. One that can be at the centre of this community and within this town of Royton.

This is a time to begin to look to the future with confidence and to build on our strengths, as well as acknowledging our weaknesses, but above all it is a time to place our trust in God, because after all, it is His Church, and we are merely its custodians here on earth. Ultimately, we pray that it is His will that may be done.

Fr. Graham Hollowood

ST. PAUL’S, ROYTON

15[TH] FEBRUARY 2022