HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, FORMBY – ANNUAL REPORT
2021
Holy Trinity Church Formby Annual Report for 2021
May 2022
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HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, FORMBY – ANNUAL REPORT 2021
I. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Postal address: Holy Trinity Church, Rosemary Lane, Formby, Liverpool L37 3HA. Email: formby.htc.office@btconnect.com | Website: www.holytrinityformby.com Official correspondence should be sent to the Church Office at the above address.
From the beginning of 2021, the following personnel have served as PCC members for the whole of the reporting period unless stated otherwise:
Vicar
Revd Mark Stanford
Churchwardens Mrs Jan Outram Ms Jenny Hays
Deanery Synod Representatives Mr John Paton (Former Reader-in Charge, Redgate)
The Late Dr Garth Raybould (Reader) until Aug 2021 Mrs Val Skinner
Other Members Mrs Vicky Sime (Reader) Mr Duncan Wylie (Reader) Mrs Vicky Higgins Mrs Margaret Paton Mrs Joan Hilton – until May 2021 (resigned) Dr Laura Neilson – until Oct 2021 (resigned)
Other Ministers Mr Brian Thorne (Reader) Ms Sylvia Beardsell (Reader) Ms Sue Raby (Reader) Mrs Ruth Woodward (Reader)
Honorary Treasurer Mr Phil Crow Honorary PCC Secretary Mrs Jean Raybould - until May 2021 Mr Peter Hitchcock – from June 2021
Bankers Barclays Bank PLC, 265/267 Lord St, Southport PR8 1PD
CAF Bank Ltd, 25, Kings Hill Ave, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent. ME19 4JQ
Accountant Mr Nick Stark
Independent Examiner Mr Michael Chambers
Day-to-day management of the Church is exercised by the Vicar and the Churchwardens, who can be contacted via the Church Office: 01704 878913.
The Revd Mark Stanford is Vicar of both Holy Trinity Church, Formby, and the Church of St Michael and All Angels, Altcar, which form a United Benefice.
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II. STRUCTURE, MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE
A. General
Holy Trinity Parish covers Holy Trinity Church in Rosemary Lane and its ‘plant’ church at Redgate. However, during the pandemic and up to mid-year, all services were conducted online. When time was safe to resume live in-church services, Holy Trinity re-shaped its service schedule to incorporate Redgate services and its congregation. Mr John Paton, the Reader-in-Charge at Redgate, assisted by Ms Sylvia Beardsell, Reader, assumed their role within the Holy Trinity service structure with the Redgate congregation attending also. The other Readers who, together with the Wardens, form the ministry team are Ms Sue Raby, Mrs Vicky Sime, Mr Brian Thorne, Mrs Ruth Woodward and Mr Duncan Wylie. Dr Garth Raybould was also a principal Reader for nearly 24 years and a Deanery Synod Rep, but it is with great sadness that we have to report his tragic and very sudden passing in August 2021. Garth played an exceptionally pivotal role in the Church, not only as Reader, but in his Reflection recordings and as a driving force behind the ECO-Church improvements which gained Holy Trinity a Bronze award in 2020.
Holy Trinity PCC is a body corporate and operates under the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956. The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission, and all elected members of the PCC are registered as Trustees. Our Charity Number is 1131722.
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church members are encouraged to register for the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. Elected PCC Members serve for a three year term and one third retire each year by rotation. However, 1 member retired early last year, Dr. Laura Neilson, due to moving out of area to follow her husband who had been given a ministry in Burscough. The PCC is represented on the governing body of Trinity St Peter's Primary School and we try to hold one meeting each year at the school.
The PCC operates with six committees and a number of officers and representatives as listed below (effective following the APCM of May 2021).
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Standing Committee Required by law to transact any business between PCC
meetings
Vicar (Chair), two Churchwardens, Hon Treasurer, Hon
Secretary, one PCC representative
Fabric Committee Responsible for all buildings belonging to the Church
Vicar, two Churchwardens, Hon Treasurer
Finance Committee Responsible for budgets and control of finances
Vicar (Chair), Hon Treasurer, two Churchwardens, Ann Urmston
(Parish Giving Officer), one PCC representative, with Nick Stark
Accountant, in attendance
Parish Hall Runs and maintains the Parish Hall
Committee
Accountable to Fabric Philip Eastwood (Chair), Ann Urmston (Treasurer)
Cttee
Workshop Committee Runs and maintains the Workshop
Accountable to Fabric Maggie Flodman (Chair), Jan Outram (Treasurer), Anne Jones
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Committee (Secretary), Shirley Fairnie, Ian Jones, Joan Hilton, Alison Stennet
Social Committee Anne & Ian Jones, Shirley Fairnie, Joan Hilton, Gail Moores, Jan Outram,
Churches Together Vicar, Helen Davies
Stewardship Officer Ann Urmston
Health & Safety Churchwardens
Officers
Safeguarding Officer Pam Pearson
Cathedral Rep Nigel Jackson
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Minutes of each PCC meeting are available for inspection in the church office after they have been approved at the succeeding meeting.
B. Risk Assessment
The PCC ensures that health and safety legislation is complied with. Procedures are in place for recording accidents. Lists of first-aiders are kept at Rosemary Lane. All assets are insured; cover is reviewed annually and approved by the PCC. During the year, no accidents were recorded and there was no cause to employ any legal adviser on behalf of the PCC.
C. Safeguarding
Our safeguarding policy is displayed in church and its implementation is overseen by the PCC. The Safeguarding Officer and Lead Recruiter (formerly DBS Verifier) is Mrs Pam Pearson. Particular responsibilities are given to the following: Anne Hothersall and Wendy Wilding are first points of contact for anyone who wishes to raise any concerns about safeguarding; Philip Eastwood is Children's Advocate. The PCC and officers continue to ensure that every person working with children and/or vulnerable adults has a current DBS check. The current Holy Trinity policy was scrutinized during the Annual Parish Review in Oct 2021 and was received positively. Nevertheless, it was incumbent upon the PCC to review the Policy again to ensure its complete relevance. No incidents were brought to the attention of the relevant officers during the year.
D. Serious Incidents
The PCC is unaware of any serious incident during the year which has resulted or could have resulted in a significant loss of funds or a significant risk to the charity’s property, work, beneficiaries or reputation. The PCC minutes for the year stand as a record that no such serious incident has occurred.
III. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 states that the PCC ‘is to cooperate with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical’. When planning activities for the year, the PCC gives consideration to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance to charities concerned with the advancement of religion.
Our vision is that we may be living proof of Jesus Christ and lead others to believe in Him, offering worship and a welcome with God’s love as central in the heart of Formby. We are a church wanting to draw out a living faith in people of all ages, working as partners to this aim with the other churches in Formby.
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The Church was very much in the grip of Covid restrictions for much of the year and some key personnel were struck down by the virus, including the Vicar. But our fundamental objectives were kept clearly in view and acted upon via media methods until the Autumn when an easing of Covid restrictions allowed Church events to gradually open up but with sensible and safe precautions in place.
Having religiously and meticulously produced 2 recorded services each Sunday on YouTube throughput the pandemic, as well as daily reflections (apart from Sunday), Holy Trinity cautiously re-commenced in-person worship at the church from 28 March 2021 expanding, by the Autumn, to 3 Sunday morning worships: conventional communion with hymns; contemporary family worship; and a conventional service of worship and hymns populated well by the former Redgate congregation as mentioned above. A further service was held each Sunday, too, at our sister church at St. Michael’s, Altcar, maintaining a genuine feeling of togetherness. The policy remains to encourage the wearing of face masks, certainly whilst singing, and hand sanitisers are liberally available throughout the buildings. Daily Reflections continue with an extensive repertoire from both Readers and new broadcasters keen to share their views and wanting to spread the Christian Faith. Morning prayer has been transmitted on Zoom also. Both topics are covered in greater detail in the Group reports. The challenges, both technical and liturgical, posed by these mix of services and venues have been embraced enthusiastically by a wide range of people from our congregations, many of whom had never previously been involved in the planning or provision of worship.
Further objectives from last year remain such as the Child-Friendly Church Award and the Eco-Church Award, for which we reached the Bronze stage in Mar 2020. The aim now is to strive for the silver award and eco criteria are very much in the forethought both on outside projects in the grounds as well as in office activities. For the former, Isobel Jordan has taken the initiative to create and maintain a ‘wild garden’ section to the rear of the church; and, in the latter, less dependency on paper is a must and online activity a preference. To that end, the church website has been overhauled and further Parish information has been uplifted to the ‘Church Near You’ website thereby reaching out hopefully to a wider audience. The Diocesan Rule of Life – ‘Pray, Listen, Learn, Tell, Serve, Give’ – has continued to influence the theme of several of our services and sermons, both online and in church. We continue to support the Tanzania (UK) Trust at the Africa Inland Mission in Kenya (the Rossingtons have now moved back to the UK). Some church and youth organisations were able to re-commence some activities during the year, as reported below.
On the 18 Nov 2021, The Venerable Pete Spiers, “Archdeacon Pete”, conducted his Annual Parish Review covering Holy Trinity’s Mission and Ministry, finance and stewardship and buildings. He also graced the PCC with his presence on that evening’s PCC meeting. The Review went well and the Vicar and Wardens (the 2 J’s) in particular received some well- deserved praise for their preparation and presentation. The Archdeacon did make recommendations which have either been implemented or are under consideration.
Some charitable activities such as the collection of clothing, etc., for local refugees remains suspended because of the pandemic but collections for a local
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Foodbank continue thanks to the brilliant efforts of Helen Davies. We benefit from the work and enthusiasm of many volunteers who give their time and talents for those organisations and for general maintenance tasks. We are also a driver for Christian Aid and host for the British Legion Remembrance Parade and War Memorial Services.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
A. Number on the Electoral Roll and Sunday Attendance
i. Electoral Roll
The number on the electoral roll as at the APCM in 2021 was 180 (183 in 2020).
ii. Sunday Attendance
Sunday Services resumed at Rosemary Lane on 28 March 2021 and, thereafter, the average service attendance was as follows:
8.30am 26 adults (55 in 2020) 10.00am 30 adults (38 in 2020)
11.15am 18 adults and 8 children (replaces 6.30pm service)
In-church attendances reflect the continuing nervousness of some parishioners to actually come to the building; rather, they receive their comfort through the medium of YouTube – both service transmissions and daily Reflections.
B. Pastoral Care and Service to our Community
Below are reports on some of the activities through which we exercise our mission in the church and in our local community, most of which, of course, were still affected by Covid for much of 2021.
Little Tiddlers Toddler Group: This report is, of necessity, shorter again as in 2020 due to the pandemic. It was with great pleasure that we reopened the group in September amid speculation as to how many people would turn up. However, we needn’t have worried. We welcomed such a lot of children and adults. Apart from about 3 adults, everyone was new. All the children who used to attend before closure were now at nursery or at school. Three sets of children and grandparents who used to come, came but with children who were new additions to the family! Caroline Collins, Deanery Family Worker, came along again and the children enjoyed her craft sessions. We held our annual Christmas party for 60 children which was greatly enjoyed by all who attended. Our Christmas Eve service was held as usual but unfortunately Barbara and Joyce were unable to attend due to Covid. Thanks are due to Caroline and Maggie. Thanks are again due to our Tea ladies. We welcomed some new additions – Ann Morrish, Alison Stennett, and Pam Pearson who replaced Gill Griffiths, Oonagh Killen and Helen Davies. Many thanks to those tea Ladies who have helped us over the years and to Steve Griffiths and Jean Raybould for their help. Barbara Smith and Joyce O'Connell
Sunbeams Sunbeams is a Sunday School group for pre-school age children (under 5’s) which historically had met at some Rosemary Lane services but has
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not done so now since before the pandemic. With the 10a.m. friendly family service now in full swing, it is unlikely that we will be starting up a Sunday school group again at this service. Nothing else to report. Nina Killen
Pizza Eaters The New Pizza Eaters group first met in November; they are young people from Year 6 upwards, to about age 15, and there are 11 of them, all associated with Holy Trinity and St Michael’s.
The leadership has changed since we last met in person in 2020. Duncan has stepped down for health reasons and Sylvia has stepped aside, mainly continuing with providing refreshments. The parents of the young people have become the leadership team, Vicky Higgins, Sam Barnes and Marlize Coleman with the addition of Mike Wylie.
Our aim is to promote Christian maturity, friendship and fun. We meet monthly, on the 1[st] Wednesday evening, 6.30-8. The risk assessment involves supervision, especially outside and on the mezzanine, and also ensuring that Esther is only offered gluten free food and that any other allergies are identified.
The young people have been provided with copies of the Gospel of Luke, so that they can make notes and use as they wish, and we will be using Luke during the coming year. The November meeting concentrated on Advent, and the December one on sorting the fact from the fiction about Christmas. In December they were involved in the Christmas tree dressing activity and they put up and dressed one of the main trees. They joined in Wreathing and Christingle.
In the New Year, we hope to be involved with the family Services, in leading, preaching, reading and prayers etc. and are fortunate to have Mike to help with sourcing music as several members are instrument players. Although a dozen is an ideal number to have in the group, we are very open to newcomers, and friends of members, and when we go on activities like bowling and the like, we will be inviting brothers and sisters.
Being involved with the new generation of God’s people is obviously challenging, but so very rewarding and quite simply a pleasure to count them as friends. Sylvia (07872314103, for further inquiries) and the team. Sylvia Beardsell
Holy Trinity Guides: On behalf of Holy Trinity Brownies and Guides, we have been meeting face to face since September 2021 with numbers growing in both units. Brownies are hopefully going away to Wales for the weekend and have been busy doing badge work, crafts, helping the church at Christmas and making Christmas tree decorations. Guides have been busy doing their backwood cooking badge on fires and working towards their adventure badge. We have had a new leader join us, called Gemma, and 2 new young leaders.
We are looking forward to having a coffee morning in the workshop later on in the year and for the Queens Jubilee Sefton Girlguiding have an official beacon being lit on Thurs, 2nd June, along with 70 others. So looking forward to that. Helen Gillon
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Holy Trinity (4th Formby) Scouts: The Group has bounced back after COVID, albeit in fits and starts as the rule’s changed. The overall numbers of Young People in the Group have risen, now with a total of 55 across all four sections. We aren’t back to pre-COVID numbers, but we are getting there, and we have a small waiting list for spaces in Beavers. Our Leader numbers have stabilised although currently they have concentrated into the Scout section due to the movement of children through the sections, having been predominantly Leader heavy in Cubs previously. We have two new 18-year-old’s who were both young members in the Group, agreeing to remain and take on the Leaders mantle.
All four Sections are fully back to Face-to-Face meetings and there have been a couple of short camps, although one of those was delayed because of the storms in late November/early December. It does seem if it’s not one thing, it’s another.
As reported last year, the Vikingar Explorer Scouts, which mostly consists of former 4[th] and 5[th] Formby Scouts, is slowly moving to become a standalone Explorer Unit, however it will still maintain strong links with 4[th] Formby, not only as a feeder unit but also for the loan of equipment. The Explorers will also always be welcome to help as Young Leaders both during Section meetings and when Camping. There are already three who regularly assist.
The Group sections have managed to run many weekly sessions, initially outside and attend some larger District events. They have been to Waterside Lodge, in Southport, which as the Headquarters for the Sefton North Scout District tends to be the focus for many water-based events. All sections have attended a Water Day with more scheduled for this year. It also has led to a number of the Group’s Leaders beginning to train as Instructors in some of the watercraft disciplines.
Unfortunately, the COVID ‘stand down’ for the Groups’ Minibus meant that corrosion took hold rather dramatically, to the extent that it failed it’s MOT and the repair work necessary wasn’t deemed to be cost effective. This means that currently the Group is without transport. We have hired in a Minibus and a van for events so far but fortunately we have been awarded a grant from the Youth Investment Fund to purchase a replacement, which is currently being sourced. After coming second in the blue discs vote in their stores, the Group was awarded a grant from the Tesco Community Fund towards the purchase of a new mess tent.
The Group has been fortunate to be allowed use an area in one of the side rooms of the Parish Hall as an additional store. This is much appreciated as we have outgrown the current store. The donation received from the Formby Rotary Club, towards the fitting out of this new store area, was also very much appreciated too. After the cancellation of 2020 Christmas Post, it was nice to be able to deliver cards across Formby for Christmas 2021. The card numbers where down on previous years but hopefully they, along with our membership of young people, will bounce back for 2022 John Carr, Group Scout Leader
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Mothers' Union: This report is, of course, much shorter than usual due to circumstances of which we are all too aware. Our first "get-together" of the year was a Cream Tea in the Workshop on Thursday, 2nd September. The proceeds from this event were sent to Liverpool in response to an appeal for funds as there had been little opportunity for fund raising in 2020/2021. This was for help for women in general. This was attended by around 28 members. It was very much enjoyed as many members had not been in contact with each other for such a long time. The sum of £96 was raised. Usually, the first meeting of the year is a Communion service but in October, the Vicar was indisposed due to Covid and a talk was given to us by Rev. Simon McCauley, Curate of St. Peter's, which was both amusing and enjoyable. In November, Caroline Collins spoke to us on various aspects of the work of the MU and what we could do to help. It was decided to hold a Bring and Share lunch as our Christmas celebration as it had not been feasible to book a meal out. Sadly, during the period we were unable to meet, three of our members had passed away - Jean Glover, Enid Halloran, and Marion Page, and since September 2021, Jen Whicher and Mary Davies had also passed away. Mary had been a longstanding member, former Leader of our Branch and keen supporter of the Mothers Union.
On a happier note, Joyce Hampson and her husband Arthur, had celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary and Eva McCreath and Brenda Blackman their 90th birthdays.
Joyce O'Connell
Fell Walking Club: We did manage to restart walking in July 2021 following the lifting of some restrictions. We were masked, had to be vaccinated or have a negative test to travel. We picked up the programme we had planned for 2020. Our first outing was to Eyam, the irony did not pass us by. The village being known as ‘The Plague Village’ because of the way they contained the plague. August saw us in Betws-y-Coed which was busy with visitors and everything had to be paid for by card. For Grasmere we had forty on the coach so we were hopeful of some normality returning. However, Hathersage and Malham didn’t have such numbers but these walks provided hope for the future. We lost money on all the coach trips, fortunately we had reserves to cover that. For the annual meal and walk we decided to walk locally and have a catered meal in the Parish Hall. We had less than half of the club joining us and many dropped out of the walk because it was an atrocious day. We wondered whether we were walking, paddling or swimming?! However, the meal was worth it all and was so appreciated by all that the caterer has been asked to do food for next year’s AGM. We have lost some members and currently we have 66 full members and 10 associate members as of February 2022. We are looking forward to a full walking season and a growing membership again. Jennifer Mathias
Parish Breakfast: The Parish breakfast returned to Holy Trinity after the break due to Coronavirus on Sunday, 4 Oct 2021. After a slow start, we are now welcoming 25-30 customers to have breakfast with us and this is very encouraging but there is always room for more.
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Parish breakfasts take place on the 1[st] Sunday of every month, being served in the Parish Hall after the 0830 service and from 0930 for those attending the 10am service. The breakfast is prepared by a team of men on a rota basis meaning each team is on duty 4 times per year. The washing up is done by a team of ladies who are on duty once or twice a year. Meal items are: bacon or sausage, egg, fried bread, tomatoes or baked beans; bread and butter, marmalade and unlimited tea or coffee. The cost is £1.50 for adults and 75p for children. This is a very good fellowship occasion with time to meet and speak to other members of the congregation in a relaxed atmosphere. If anyone would be willing to join one of the rotas they would be made very welcome. Ian Jones
The Workshop The team at the Workshop have tried to pick up the pieces after the disruption of the Covid crisis with all its restrictions and regulations. We are continuing to keep our building safe and pleasant, especially for the Holy Trinity Uniformed Groups for whom the building was originally constructed. Most of our regular session hirers have returned after the lockdown. We have The Food Pantry, U3A, Judo, Pilates, Conquest Art,Zest for Life, M.S groups as well as, from our own Church, W.O.W(knit&natter), Brownies, Guides, Cubs and Scouts.
Our biggest outreach into the community is the Saturday Coffee Morning. We organised alternate Saturdays ourselves and encourage outside groups to hire The Workshop on the other Saturdays. We try to ensure that The Workshop offers a welcoming meeting place with refreshments on every Saturday in the year. During the year we had Saturdays hosted by our Cubs and Scouts, Formby Squirrels, Formby Inner Wheel and Friends of the Walton Centre.
We have lovely loyal regular customers and each Saturday we welcome newcomers. In December we celebrated 21years of Saturday Coffee Mornings. We also saw the retirement of an amazing team of hardworking friends; Ann, Ian, Joan, Shirley and Alison. We are all very grateful for their years of service and are so pleased to see them as our VIP customers now. We are hoping and praying that we have more helpers to join the team so that we can continue sharing God’s love in the wider community. Maggie Flodman
Bible Study Groups: Bible study 1 For many years, a small group of people have met for Bible Study fortnightly, on a weekday afternoon. During Covid, zoom was used successfully, and could be used again, so that the house bound could be involved. At present, 4 of us meet at Bill and Elisabeth Douglas’ home, Tuesday 1.30-3, fortnightly. We had been following a study guide from Embrace the Middle East, about equality and justice, and are now studying St Luke’s Gospel. In the past, we have chosen Bible books, or themes, tackling the challenging as well as the familiar. We would very much welcome new members to the group, with fresh ideas and opinions.
Bible study 2 A group (6 regulars) meet together for Bible Study, 3 weekly on Sunday evenings, 7.30-9, meeting in each other’s homes, as convenient. We spent most of 2021 following a Lent guide on the Beatitudes by Steven Croft,
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relating the readings to our experience of everyday life. We are now following a LifeBuilder study guide, Resurrection, living as people of the Risen Lord by Kristie Berglund. This uses different Bible books per session to illustrate a theme. We have in the past studied social justice themes, following the use of film and other media. New members would be very welcome.
Prayer group Before Covid, a small group of people began meeting for prayer, each week, inviting anyone to join them. Obviously, these meetings stopped, but you can’t stop people praying. The WhatsApp group ‘Chats with God’ was formed, (30 participants) which was especially well used during 2020 and early 2021, with people asking for prayer for loved ones, and responding with their prayers. This has started to be less used, probably because people are more able to meet each other and attend Church. The regular group continued, using Zoom and phone calls, and in 2021, because of Covid relaxations, we were able to meet together in each other’s homes, weekly, on Thursday evenings, 7-8.30. There are 5 regulars, but all are still invited. In the warmer weather, we hope to resume meeting in the Prayer Room, when we will be able to advertise this wider.
Our prayers are for items on the world news, for local community projects and for individuals. We pray for our Churches and congregations. Before Covid, we offered prayer after the main Services in Church, and as we become more ‘normal’, we would like to again offer to pray for those that request it.
Refections co-ordinator
Ever since the beginning of Covid, very nearly each morning, apart from Sunday, a Reflection on one of the Readings for Morning Prayer has been videoed by a member of the congregation, and posted on YouTube. These readings are Psalms, Old Testament and New Testament and so, the reflections are very varied. Sometimes, the Collect for the week will be the subject, and sometimes special themes, as they arise. These short meditations have been appreciated by the house bound, those in isolation and also by those who listen to them on the way to work. We have been told that they help people find their focus at the beginning of the day.
Services uploaded to You tube
Since the beginning of Covid, a Service has been posted on YouTube, each Sunday morning. These were compilations of small videos, filmed in people’s homes, edited together to make a whole Service. Since being permitted to resume ‘In Person’ Services, one of the Services has been videoed, in its entirety, and transmitted, via YouTube, the following Sunday at 10.45. Unfortunately, because of the length of time it takes for the computer to process the editing, and for the corresponding time YouTube takes to upload the Service (in all about 2-3 hours) it hasn’t been possible to transmit the Service on the same day that it took place. This is most noticeable at seasonal Services, such as Remembrance, Christmas, Easter and Pentecost. But over Christmas 2021, we were able to upload each special Service, such as Wreathing, Christingle and the Carol services. At first,
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the people watching were across the age range, but as the congregations started to meet again, the people watching on line, are more likely to be the house bound, elderly, or those isolating, and it is planned for more variety in the style of Service being videoed. Sylvia Beardsell
Parish Hall The Parish Hall had a mixed year during 2021. The first half of the year saw the country put into the second national lockdown due to COVID so use of the hall was minimal. However, as the year progressed more organisations tentatively started to reopen and the Parish Hall continued to be well used by various church groups and other organisations for differing activities. Karate, Formby Choral Society, Formby artists and Scottish dancing are among some of the regular weekly bookings together with the popular monthly markets and many one-off bookings for parties or social events. As we have come out of Covid restrictions, we have also attracted some new organisations who have relocated or new groups that have started up such as a U3A line dancing group or an ever popular Tai Chi group. The Hall is now used practically constantly throughout the week by a wide range of different groups and is truly a part of the local community of Formby as well as the church.
As usual the Hall has been the centre of the churches social activities, although these have been greatly curtailed due to Covid. It was lovely to welcome back the Mums and Toddlers group and Parish Breakfasts in the Autumn term and we hope that during 2022 more social events will be able to be organised for church utilising the halls extensive facilities.
Throughout 2021 we have continued to maintain and refurbish the hall. Some of these changes have been to meet latest Covid guidance such as the installation of paper towel dispensers in the toilets, while others have been to keep the overall fabric of the building, which is now over 100 years old, in good order. Our largest challenge continues to be the ageing heating system which continues to keep us busy and presently continues to work although it is extremely inefficient and very expensive to run! We hope we will be able to keep the existing system working for a while longer with some TLC but is something that will need to be looked at in the near future and the replacement of the parish heating system is not going to be a quick fix.
In summary, during 2021 the Parish Hall continued to be a well used and valued asset for both community and church use and as we continue to come out of Covid restrictions we are sure that the building will continue to be at the centre of Formby life. Phil Eastwood
V. CHURCHWARDENS' REPORT ON FABRIC
Church Wardens frequently inspect the church buildings and address minor issues on a regular basis.
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Damp in the vestry, mentioned in the 2020 report, was investigated and major repairs
were carried out to the roof and guttering over the vestry and children’s room. At the same time storm damage to the roof in November 2021 was completed. These works appear to have resolved leaking and damp problems.
Parkingeye parking controls in place now running for 12 months is doing its job to keep the carpark congestion free as much as is possible. The system has not been without problems, with terminals deactivating themselves, particularly in the Parish Hall. We are dealing with all issues in a timely manner. Jan Outram, Jenny Hays
VI. FINANCIAL REVIEW
The accounts for 2021 and the report of the Independent Examiner are set out in the enclosed Annex.
VII. VICAR'S REPORT
In many ways 2021 was another stop start year marred by Covid restrictions, but nevertheless there were some significant highlights to celebrate.
Our online ministry continued to reach significant numbers of people twin tracking the in -person services which expanded to three Sunday morning services during the course of the year, these have needed some adjustments in timing and I’m grateful for everyone’s patience in this respect. Our online ministry has given the opportunity for some different people to lead and speak, it is encouraging to see their gifts develop.
The benefice ministry again made a significant contribution to CTiFAH, facilitating the Easter Trail which made use of QR code technology.
We were honoured to host the Sefton South Deanery Confirmation service when six of our young people were confirmed. Their faith and sense of togetherness shone through the service and Bishop Beverly rose to the occasion engaging everyone with her spirited and prayerful ministry.
During the summer Mark co-chaired a Deanery Review of Parish Share which has resulted in some adjustments to the contributions that local churches make, this was a significant and challenging piece of work; that we achieved a successful outcome was due to the generosity of those churches who recognised that they were underpaying in relation to the contributions being made by their neighbours. The outcome is a system which is both equitable and flexible enough to respond to the challenges of the future (for more on this please see the Diocesan Web Site “Getting Fit for Mission” which we will be hearing more about in the coming months).
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Our church finances continue to hold up under the watchful care of Phil and I’m really grateful to him for both his diligence and eyes of faith for the task.
Laura Neilson continued her placement with us until the summer, when she moved to St John’s Burscough to join Chris and the rest of the family, she will be ordained deacon this June. Over the last five years we benefited hugely from her considered insight as well her gifts of leading and preaching.
In November we underwent our Archdeacon’s Parish Review, Pete firstly met with Jan and Jenny before spending time with the whole PCC, it was a lively time, with Pete affirming both our compliance and imaginative missional outreach. Pete encouraged us to make some specific targets for 2022, which the PCC have now done.
With Christmas looming it seemed that we were finally able to take the brakes off, the church was packed for a memorable wreathing service led by our young people (the Pizza Eaters) many of whom had been confirmed earlier in the year, and we could sing carols, this followed by a whole church service on Christmas Day, a Christingle with communion.
The maintenance of our buildings was particularly challenged by the winter storms; but the wardens, Jan and Jenny along with Phil and the hall committees were speedily diligent in ensuring the safety of the site and the processing of insurance claims.
It has been really good to see our hospitality ministry, both on Saturday morning in the workshop and midweek in the foyer return. I extend our thanks to all who take their part in all the practical rotas that ensure that Holy Trinity is able to continue its ministry of welcome so that we are truly a place where everyone is invited, included and important.
I need to conclude by reflecting on the shock that we all felt on losing our good friend Garth Raybould so suddenly. His prophetic preaching, strategic thinking, prayerful encouragement and his practical and quiet service were all marks of the integrity of the man we, and especially Jean miss, and in whom we clearly saw Jesus.
13
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, FORMBY – ANNUAL REPORT
2021
Appendix
Accounts for 2020 and Independent Examiner's Report
14
Pag&AI PAR¢XHIAL CHURCH COUNCL OF Hoty Trinty Fomiby STATEMENY OF FINNIICiALACTivmES TOTAL FUNDS Funts 20 INGOMINQ PESOURCE$ urYInco 119.710 IX.710 1311T3 21b) 21dJ .158 29.146 9.331 9.JY1 TOT•LIlICOMI RESOURCES 178mO 1712* RfSCWR¢ESUS 151. 17WI 171.&Jl 235,919 ei IDYAL AESOuRCESEXPEIID 1¥.774 17.311 170.Jt6 I41¢011PI0 (OUTQOINGI RESOL¥ICES ¥EFORE OTrER RECCQtdSEDGAWI6 AND LOSSES 41. 331 JJI Fetr71uknn NETMQVTrAV471N FLINDS {4.533) at Isl J•nw2fo1 1431 943.149 eR4a J.iJD
Pagg A2 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF Holy Trinity Fonnby BALANCE SHEET 31$t December 2021 2021 2020 FIXED ASSErs Tangible Inve51menl 51a) b) 824,098 2.762 824,098 2,431 826,860 826,529 CURRENT ASSETS Debtor8 Short teim deF¥)sits Cash at bank and in hand 7,938 20,186 38.956 8,647 10,185 42,960 67,080 61.792 LWBILlnES Greditors- amounts falling due in om Year 10,810 6,Of8 NET CURRENT PSSErsiiu1LrnESI 56.270 55.716 TOTAL ASSETS LESS GURRENTLIIBiITES 883,130 882,245 TOTAL NET >SSETS 883,130 882.245 PA5 FUNDS Total 883.130 882.245 883.130 882.245 Approved by thè Paroelmal Chur(* Cwwl and signed on ts behaw by P.Crow Date
PagEA3 PAROCfrIAL CHURCH COUNQL OF Hc4yTrknlty Fornity NOTESTOTrE XCJJN For the to 3181 temtr4r INCOMIKG IIESOURCES Td piènned gNing Tax recDveTatle cdieLors (open F4ate I Colle¢ior8 l&Jm Up) .490 2V.523 8S,4 20,523 2,805 89.127 21.387 3,493 10,568 1.205 4.413 2,000 From d Just givino Lee5 1gJ4 10,(XJO 3.5N 10.000 129710 129.7N 132,173 Church mag a1& FUrang evtttbB Non<hantètle Itthn Chuich ttirg 271 763 7.251 145 7,8 7,3 8,430 DNidfrnth and lrtere Induthng lax IWi8r IncLMnpfrom Chuvch ActEvMtgs Chtsrch Hai, ar dubthty In(e 111 M4azirÉ Ineomtr fFOm sales PCC Fee5 Cure 13.565 13,565 5g 6,631 8.3 10.T45 ITTO 8.515 8.3 22 468 I1 Sports L4ub rent Job ret•Mon xtsme Re9tsrt GTWt 5.951 5,931 5.931 3.40Q 19)2 1.CQD 9.433 TOYALINCOMING RESOURCES 150.741 Z2.468 2.&51 17e.ceg 179 29)
PAROCMAL COUN¢IL¢S Fofry Totsl 30 31•1 ChLYth ktivl¢i •rA Sht• 119.417 128.5 1615 2M15 2.714 3.450 4.3Y 2.42 10 3.5 ,271 815 ID) Upk•49¢lSoN•s 1.$70 17.627 5,7 15f.X 2J01 171.IOT 238.919 3,7 3.3 3323 155274 17.381 2E81 240.$03
HoprfTwviityF¢Thty WAjB5•r S•lJr& 6.763 6.7 PAYMPP+7¥TQPCC IEMBERS AsThal ar•J ImiT¢ier4aiw tsllh•xJw•¥F•¥k>ltrtroxnteffl May PCC. 1(41 Tc4 1.&?1 325 41S.6#3 13J.47T 415. 131,477 N•t800Kk SU.D•l Ilb) knbY5brrt AsgEts 24• Vatrrfetvath at 31si furter 2121 IT 2.7S 2.431 Ta%r•eov•M PrApAym*ftsAM ActIrt 3.653 1.1 5.163 &U7
1.271 Tar<¥¢d1wS 12>18 14 4Z5
TtkntyF 11WA TLI 10. Ir7• 450 Q31• IiJty 1 1>) QT3 ¥(*nPwr
pAROCHL ¢HiIRCH C¢YJNUL OF yTrinrfy Fonnby PXJTES TO THE STATEMEPffS For1 31 DèEn1 Z021 12 ACCOUNMWG POUC1 ICONTINUÈD) LLIknllty ccgr4ttoYTr L1Je5 rwogrll5ellww¢ rt* rrtyc Iiketylkn nctthatthwe Is a leo• chwtyto ffxed awts br use ty ¢hadty In¥tsbMnts
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Indèpendent Examiner's Report Roport to the trusloesl mgmbers of The Parochial Church Coun1 of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Holy Trinity Formby On accounts forthe year ended 311t December 2021 Charlty no {if onyl 1131722 Sot out on pages A1toA8 I report to the trustees on my examination of the aCUnIS of the above charityllhe Trust'l ft)r the year ended 31¢t December 2021. Responslblltles and ba813 of report As the charitys trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in 8¢cord8nce with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {Ihe Act"). l pOrt in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under sedion 145 of the 2011 Act and in Carrng out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under $8Ction 145ISMbl of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confi that no material matters have oxaminerfs stslement come lo my attention in connection wilh the examination which gNe me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act,. or the accounts did not accord Iwth the accounting Cords., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the fomi and content of accounts s@t out in the Charities (Accounts and Rep)rtsl Regulations 2008 other than any requirement thal the a¢counts give a true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and hav8 come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understandirKJ of the accounts to be reached. Slgned: Dat•: aoaa Nam•: Relevant profossional quallfl¢ation{sl or body lif any): (hhhr sp Address: S LYTLCS CLQ IER Oct 2018
Section B Disclosure Only complete Il the examiner needs lo highlight material matters ol concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts= directions and gutdance for examiners). Glvg here brlaf detalls of any Items that the examlnerwlshes to dlscloso. IER Oct 2018