## **ANNUAL MEETING Agenda Reports from Organisations** # **ST. PAUL. ROYTON TUESDAY, 15[TH] FEBRUARY 2022** ## **Opening Prayer** ## **– AGENDA The Annual Meeting of Parishioners** 1. Apologies for Absence 2. The Minutes of the meeting held on Sunday 23[rd] May 2021 3. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the above meeting 4. Appointment of Church Wardens for the year 2022 to 2023 ## **– Agenda The Annual Parochial Church Meeting** 1. Apologies for Absence 2. The Minutes of the meeting held on Sunday 23[rd] May 2021 3. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the above meeting 4. Electoral Roll Report 5. Financial statement for the year ended 31[st] December 2021 6. Report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the Church 7. Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod 8. Election of Representatives of the Laity to the P.C.C. for 2022 to 2025 9. Appointment of Honorary Senior Church Warden 2022 to 2023 - 1 Appointment of Deputy Church Wardens 2022 to 2023 0. - 1 Appointment of Independent Examiners for 2022 to 2023 1. - 1 Reports 2. - 1 The Chairman’s Remarks - 3 - 1 Any Other Business - 4 1 Date and time of the newly elected P.C.C. – directly 5 following the A.P.C.M. Closing Prayer ## **ST. PAUL, ROYTON ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2021** Parish: St. Paul, Royton Deaner Oldham West y: Dioces Manchester e The Parochial Church Council is a Registered Charity number |**MINISTERS**|| |---|---| |Incumbent|Revd.Graham Hollowood| |Curate|Revd. Nicholas Johnson (until July
2021)| |Reader|BarryBarnes| |**PAROCHIALCHURCH COUNCIL**|| |ExOfcio|Revd.Graham Hollowood| ||Revd. Nicholas Johnson (until July
2021)| |Church Wardens|TonyHawkins| ||RoyTurner| |Deputy Church
Wardens|Chris Barnes| ||JoanneBerry| ||LesFallows| ||ConnieHeslop| |Deanery Synod
Members|Adele Beresford-Grindrod| |(until 2023)|Rachel Helme| ||DavidMullin| |Treasurer|PeterSchofeld| |Secretary|Sandra Schofeld| ||BarryBarnes| |Treasurer R&D|Kathleen Briggs| ||Maureen Dickens| ||Patricia Gulliver| ||Andrew Wood| ||Eileen Wood| |Co-opted|JoannaWhitehead| |Independent
Financial Examiner|Jenny O’Callaghan| |Bankers|BarclaysBank PLC,Rochdale| |Insurers|Ecclesiastical| |Safeguarding Ofcer|Paul Wright| Electoral Roll Officer Les Fallows ## **4. ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT** **An overall rise of 15 from the previous year to 117.** ## **5. FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021** |**RECEIPTS**||| |---|---|---| ||**2021**|**2020**| |**Direct Giving**||| |||28,451.2| |Gift Aid|26,603.50|0| |||3,835.9| |Non-Gift Aid|3,015.35|0| |||917.6| |Cash collections|1,197.30|0| |||8,116.1| |Tax Recovered|7,406.06|2| ||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| |||5,521| ||6,344.37|.16| |**Other Income**||| |Use of Photocopier|100.00|100.00| |Cofee Bar|100.00|134.34| |Reserve Fund|-|520.00| |R & D Church Heating|50.00|50.00| |Gas Refund|313.66|-| |||100.| |Sale of Piano|-|00| |||554.| |Insurance Claim|-|00| |||10.| |Sundry|-|00| ||663.66|1,468.34| |**Total Receipts**|**45,230.24**|**48,310.32**| **P.H. Schofield P.C.C. Treasurer** **2021** ## **PAYMENTS** ## **Grants** Charity Donations ## **Relating to the work of the church** |Diocesan Quota|20,000.00|| |---|---|---| |Clergy Expenses|3,619.67|| |Heat, Light & Water|6,045.72|| |Insurance|4,001.84|| |Telephone|762.80|| |Upkeep of Services|1,425.19|| |Organist Wages|3,890.00|| |||39,7| |**Administration**||| |Printing & Stationery|1,006.23|| |Fees paid to Diocese|2,912.00|| |Verger Fees|385.00|| |Wardle Band|-|| |Music Licence|-|| |Sundry|-|| |R & D re Insurance|-|| |Web Site Renewal|-|| |||4,303.| |||**44,97**| |**Total Payments**||| |Transfer to Reserve A/c||| |||**44,970.3**| |**Total Expenditure**||| |||**45,230.2**| |**Total Receipts B/F**||| |**Net Surplus for the**||| |**Year**||| |Bank Current A/c||| |1.1.21||**2,595.93**| |Bank Current A/c||| |31.12.21||**2,855.80**| |Increase in Cash||| |Funds||**259.87**| 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 ## **BALANCE SHEET** |Current Assets:
Current Account
1.1.21
CBF Account
1.1.21
Defcit for year
Financed by:
Current Account
31.12.21
CBF Account
31.12.21||2,159.6
6
16,339.
17| |---|---|---| |||**18,498.**
**83**
291.63| |||**18,207.**
**20**| |||1,851.9
0
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** |**INCOM**
**E**
**2021**
**2020**
**Rent**
History Society
108.00
27.00
Uniform
Organisations
352.00
264.00
Ladies Society
-
32.00
Weightwatchers
1,026.0
0
837.00
Slimming World
3,876.0
0
2,958.5
0
Luncheon Club
682.50
577.50
Art Workshop
702.00
297.00
Keep Fit Club
567.00
210.00
Yoga
Club
840.00
1,283.0
0
Thursday Art
Class
-
176.00
Wednesday Art
Class
484.00
419.00
Wine Society
227.50
97.50
Polling Station
250.00
250.00
Springboard
748.00
504.00
Hensha
ws
132.00
374.00
Elwoods
2,120.0
0
1,478.0
0
Tots
Play
2,618.0
0
1,909.0
0
Fierce Dance
3,316.0
0
-
Bloom Oldham
700.00
-
1st Floor Tenant
6,000.0
0
8,000.0
0
Sundry
-
200.00
**24,749**
**.00**
**19,893**
**.50**
**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**|**EXPENDITURE**
**2021**
**2020**
Post & Stationery
100.00
372.51
Cleaning Materials
158.85
156.96
Concept Hygiene
2,775.0
0
1,665.0
0
Trade Waste
Disposal
934.77
911.85
Cleaner
2,843.5
6
2,705.8
6
Telephone
608.95
738.39
Electric
1,464.9
5
2,411.4
4
Gas
3,900.6
9
4,321.2
5
Water
573.29
647.43
Insurance
1,987.3
4
1,987.3
4
Repairs &
Maintenance
2,681.0
2
4,761.1
4
Alcohol Licence
140.00
-
Copier Lease
1,303.2
0
1,303.2
0
Garden
Maintenance
1,820.0
0
1,695.0
0
Environmental
contract
180.00
255.00
Cedar Room
Decoration
950.00
-
New Radiator
-
1,020.0
0
Sundry
-
30.00
**22,421**
**.62**
**24,982**
**.37**
3,084.7| |---|---| 4 |||| |---|---|---| |**year**
**Defcit for the**
**year**
-
4,255.3
6
**25,506**
**.36**
**24,982**
**.37**
Credit Balances
1.1.21
Curr A/c
31.12.2021
9,750.3
0
C.B.F. A/c
31.12.2021
16,467.
44
**Increase in Credit**
**Balances**|4|| ||**25,506**
**.36**|**24,982**
**.37**| |||23.133
.00
26,217.
74| |||**3,084.**
**74**| **P.H. Schofield P.C.C. Treasurer** ## **ST PAUL'S CHURCH ROYTON CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 202** ||**Opening**||**Expenditur**|| |---|---|---|---|---| ||**Bal.**|**Income**|**e**|**Closing Bal.**| |General||||| |Expenses|2,456.35|48,310.32|48,170.74|2,595.93| |Reserve Fund|18,434.62|584.21|520.00|18,498.83| |Parish Centre*|27,388.36|20,727.01|24,982.37|23,133.00| |Restoration||||| |Fund*|26,822.00|11,263.65|12,675.08|25,410.57| |Ladies Society|1,140.27|249.00|327.78|1,061.49| |Rose Queen|1,218.31|428.99|1,434.41|212.89| |Pilgrimage||||| |Fund*|18.26|-|-|| |Card Stall|30.00|284.06|284.06|| |Flower Fund|341.19|224.79|296.70|269.28| |Cofee Bar|31.34|145.06|176.40|| |Magazine||||| |Account|704.71|559.03|111.36|1,152.38| |St Paul's||||| |Weekly Draw|181.30|489.00|487.30|183.00| |Sunday School|8.57|-|-|| |Sweet Stall|62.06|30.75|71.11|| |Youth Group|78.95|-|-|| ||78,916.29|83,295.87|89,537.31|72,674.85| |Less transfers between||||| |accounts||3,306.00|3,306.00|| ||78,916.29|79,989.87|86,231.31|72,674.85| *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/Defcit 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/Defcit 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 5,594.30 Oldham Youth Brass Band Evening Oldham Symphony Orchestra - Donations Quiz Nights Bar Takings at Events Flower Fund Christmas Fair 1,664.49 Grand Festive Raffle Seasons Greetings **Talents:-** 1p Mile 85.72 Cell of Walsingham Lunch 211.33 **Church:-** 10,958.8 Barclays Interest C.B.F. Interest **10,980. 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 Rafe
**Talent:-**
**The Church**
Christmas Trees
Contribution to heating at
events
Repairs & Maintenance
Stationery|**2021**
20.00
33.60
87.20
3,888.3
66.20
159.75
620.44
13.17
338.73
68.00
220.00
50.00
1,164.9
0
1,434.9
6,730.3|**2021**| |---|---|---| **6,730.** **K. Briggs Treasurer** ## **6. REPORTON THE FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS OF THE CHURCH** During 2020 because of the necessary Government restrictions, most of the work was stopped or suspended. 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** To be inserted _David Mullin_ ## **13. REPORTS 2021** ## **SAFEGUARDING REPORT** As with most areas, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic there is very little to report other than a continued need to finalise a small number of DBS applications. The search for the necessary Courses was also on hold. All matters will be taken forward again once the lockdowns are lifted and everything is back to normal, with an emphasis on the DBS forms. _Paul Wright Safeguarding Officer_ ## **ST. PAUL’S SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORT** The last year has been a very difficult one for all of us in Sunday School, as we know it has been for lots of other church organisations also. The regulations and guidance have prevented us from opening throughout the pandemic, and we have not been able to welcome our children into the Parish Centre since March 2020. During this period we have done our best to maintain a level of Sunday School activity wherever possible. Father Graham has been really helpful in providing us with activity sheets for each week for much of the year, which the children have then either picked up from church or we have delivered to their houses. We have also tried to co-ordinate a number of craft activities for the children via our WhatsApp group, and it has been lovely to see the various decorated stones, rainbows and poppies that have been created during the course of the year. It is intended that the Christingle, which is normally held in December will be held on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January 2021. We are all really looking forward to being able to get back together before too long and we have got lots of ideas for when we do, including, once it is safe to do, rehearsing a song that we would then like to sing to everyone in church. You have all been warned! _Chris Barnes_ ## **PARISH CENTRE REPORT** The Sub Committee held their one and only meeting in February where a list of actions and plans for 2020 were discussed and formulated. However, as with most things in 2020 all came to a grinding halt, but those plans will be taken forward and hopefully come to fruition in 2021. A few Groups did manage to meet when restrictions allowed, and each Group was responsible for ensuring that the correct safety procedures were in place in accordance with Government guidance. A sincere vote of thanks must be recorded to Mr. Hawkins for the work and communications with the Groups to ensure the smooth running when restrictions allowed them to meet. _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 eachothers 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! 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 out reach 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 these young people gave 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. ## **RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT (continued)** 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 to 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. ## **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)_ ## **RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT (continued) 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. 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 to 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. ## **CELL OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM, ST. PAUL, ST. GEORGE & ST. DENYS (CONT)** 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 Pauls 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 meeting focus on various aspects of mental health and how we can support our children. In May Mrs Henderson ran 225laps of the school daily mile track which covered 31 mile in aid of a children’s mental health charity over a period of a week. She raised over £1500 . 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 elected 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, fair ground rides, slides, roundabouts and lots more. The children really used their imaginations and had a fantastic time. 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 £5000 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 20months 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** This is my third Chairman’s Report submitted to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on Sunday 23[rd] May 2021. This report covers the period 1[st] January to 31[st] December 2020. The Coronavirus Pandemic severely affected our Nation throughout 2020 and had drastic implications for St Paul’s in almost every aspect of our mission and ministry. On a personal note, I was due to have a sabbatical last year but that was postponed due to the pandemic. Then from June (as indicated in my 2019 Report) I relinquished my role a Catholic Missioner and took on the responsibility of St James, Oldham. ## **The Parochial Church Council.** Due to Covid-19 the Parochial Church Council only met on four occasions during 2020, the Restoration Sub-committee and the Parish Centre Subcommittee were only able to meet on one occasion each. The Standing Committee met twice during the year. 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 2020 work had to be undertaken by the Standing Committee, through which the PCC has been corporately fulfilling its obligations. The decisions made will be reported to the first available full meeting of the PCC of 2021. 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 we had to close for worship for two periods during 2020, and when open we were severely restricted on the numbers that were able to attend due to social distancing regulations. Risk Assessments were carried out at each stage to ensure that we met the Government and the Church of England regulations and guidelines. A Facebook page for St Paul’s was set up to enable us to broadcast our services and as a platform for communication. A national lockdown was imposed in March and a less severe one in November the effect on our worship was as follows: Churches closed for public worship from the 16[th] March until 4[th] July. During this period daily Masses were kept and live streamed via Facebook, initially from our Vicarages, but from the 22[nd] June from inside church. From that date St Paul’s was also open for Private Prayer. From 4[th] July Churches were permitted to open services but without music. ## **Worship (continued)** A further National lockdown took place from 5[th] November until 1[st] December, but this time clergy were permitted to enter church and live stream services. From 1[st] December 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 2020, St Paul’s had 2 Baptisms, 16 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 of 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. During the lockdown period these were livestreamed on Sunday afternoons and so, could be either watched live or watched later. We have run a Lent Course and an online via Zoom Advent Course. I would hope that in the coming year that the homilies and the courses that we shall be running will be both informative and challenging. ## **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 are fortunate that we have the services of Rev’d Nicholas Johnson; 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. One area of concern is that of our ministry in our Parish School which our Assistant Curate Fr Nicholas currently leads, this will need to be covered once he leaves us next year. ## **Mission** This is an important area in which, inevitably, we need to continue to work at during the coming year. Fr Nicholas has taken the lead with our ministry and mission to St Paul’s School which has been 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. ## **Mission (continued)** 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 and its future is one that we must consider as we get back to normal. 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. From March we have had a weekly newsletter 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. Here I would like to place on record my thanks for the help, assistance and the witness that Fr Nicholas brings to the Parish. ## **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. During Advent 2019 the re-plastering of the north side of the church and the south passageway have been completed. 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 2021. New LED lighting has been installed in St Paul’s Centre and the heating in the Cedar Room has been modernised. The subsequent redecoration of the room was put on hold due to the restrictions in force. ## **Choir and Musicians** We are fortunate that we have a ‘hardcore’ of a choir who come week-inweek out. We were also fortunate in having had the services of two organists during 2020, Richard Booth and we welcomed back Chris Idle, who joined us following the retirement of Les Garner. Thank you to all the organists and the members of the choir who have led us well during the past year. ## **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 S/O or D/D I would encourage you to please do so. The Parish Centre has been closed for most of the year in line with Government restrictions and therefore, our income has been greatly reduced. We need to take steps to reduce this 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. As a parish we are indebted to Mr Peter Schofield his work as Church Treasurer. ## **Miscellaneous.** Adequate insurance cover is provided by Ecclesiastical Insurance. The Electoral Roll stands at 104 (2020) 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. ## **The Year Ahead. (continued)** 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. Due to the pandemic the timelines which we had will need to be examined and redrawn and once this is done and approved by the PCC, we will be able to move forward. But this can only be brought to fruition by the whole parish pulling together. We need to be proactive rather than reactive. With some of the steps that we have already taken and others outlined in our MAP, we are moving in the right direction, but there is still a way to go as we emerge form 2020. 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 2021 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 23°° MAY 2021