2020-12-31-accounts

Parish Of St Peter’s Church Titchfield

Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

Welcoming all, celebrating life, sharing the journey

Collect for St. Peter’s Titchfield

Father God, thank you for our church and its people. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that our church may flourish. Help us to see you in everyone we meet and fill our lives with your praise. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(written by PCC members at an Awayday, 2016)

Our Mission Priorities:

• To nurture growth in discipleship

• To maintain a particular focus on working with families and young people

• To ensure that our heritage church provides opportunities for visitors to pray and to learn about Jesus Christ

Vicar : Revd Susan Allman until her retirement on 18 October 2020, then into vacancy

Churchwardens: Barbara le Sueur and Sheila Hignell (until 13 September 2020) then Peter Gordon

Hon. Curate: Revd Janet Trevithick

Reader: Roger Bryant (until 4 November 2020)

Local Leadership Team: Revd Susan Allman, Roger Bryant, Peter Gordon, Sheila Hignell, Barbara le Sueur, Revd. Janet Trevithick

1350 Squadron Air Training Corp Chaplain: Roger Bryant until 4 November 2020

Parish Administrator (Honorary): Liz Miller

Administrative Assistant (Honorary): Vicki Taylor

Book Keeper: Rebecca Flamson until February 2020 then Sandra Pereira

Organist/Choir Master: Keith Miller

Captain of the Tower: Lyndon Hatfield

Electoral Roll Officer: Keith Miller

Sacristan: Peter Gordon

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Parish Of St Peter’s Church Titchfield

Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

Senior Sidesmen: Kay Dunleavy (until 13 September 2020), Peter Gordon (until 13 September 2020), John Murray, Iain Windebank, Trevor Streten.

Sidesmen: Joan Angelides, Paul Angelides, Rachel Baker, John Blundell, Roger Day, Stella Funnell, Dudley Hopkins, David Mugford, John Pereira, Sandra Pereira, Ann Porter, John Porter, Jane Reid, Martin Reid, Anna Sketchley (until November 2020), Jenny Windebank, Joy Springett (until September 2020)

Lay Assistants: Linda Allison, Helen Andrews, Helen Blundell, Kay Dunleavy(until 13 September 2020), Peter Gordon, David Mugford, Ann Murray, John Murray, Jane Reid, Martin Reid, Gina Sherwood, Anna Sketchley (until November 2020), Jane Slaymaker, Trevor Streten, Charles Timberlake

*These lay assistants have been authorised by the Bishop to administer Holy Communion to people at home.

St Peter’s Parochial Church Council

Vicar:	Revd Susan Allman (ex-officio), Chair (until 18 October 2020)
	then Edwina Day
Deacon:	Revd. Janet Trevithick (ex-officio)
Church Wardens:Barbara le Sueur (ex-officio) – Vice-Chair
	Sheila Hignell (ex-officio) (until 13 September)
	then Peter Gordon (ex-officio)
Representatives	on the Deanery Synod(ex-officio):
	Iain Windebank (until September 2020)
	Anna Sketchley (until November 2020)
	Andrew Trevithick (from September 2020)
	Vacancy
Elected Members:John Blundell Year 3
	Edwina Day Year 3
	Chris Oakley Year 3
	Hazel Croft Phillips Year 2
	Paul Wenham Year 2
	Martin Reid Year1
	John Parry Year 1
	Paul Angelides Year 1
	Vacancy

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Parish Of St Peter’s Church Titchfield

Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

PCC Secretary: Helen Andrews

APCM Secretary : Helen Perry (from September 2020)

PCC Treasurer: Sandra Pereira

Independent Examiner: Brian Baverstock

Gift Aid Secretary: David Mugford (until 15 June 2020) then Iain Windebank and John Parry

Internet Banking Transactions: checks usually carried out by John Blundell were not possible during 2020

Safeguarding Officer: Jane Reid

St Peter’s Website: Robin Guess

Team leader for live Streaming of services from St Peter’s: Chris Oakley

PCC Representative on Parish Room management committee: Sandra Pereira

PCC Representatives on Friends of St Peters Committee: Vicar (until October 2020) and Churchwardens

PCC meetings were held on 14 January, 15 June, 11 August, 15 September, 3 November and 10 November during 2020. Between full meetings the PCC operates through sub-committees and working groups which report to the PCC.

Sub-Committees of the PCC

Standing Committee: The only committee required by law and has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. Members: Chair - Revd Susan Allman (until 18 October 2020) then Edwina Day, Barbara le Sueur, Sheila Hignell (until 13 September2020) then Peter Gordon , Martin Reid and Sandra Pereira.

Fabric Committee: Attends to matters relating to church buildings, including promoting safe practices in the church environment. Also advises the PCC on any maintenance required to the church (except minor repairs). Chair: Barbara Le Sueur

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

Teams and Working Groups

Worship Team: Plans, reviews and co-ordinates services. Chair: Revd. Susan Allman (until 18 October 2020) then a team comprising Revd Janet Trevithick, Revd Peter Kelly, Revd Jane Richards and Revd Julia Foster

Pastoral Support Team: Facilitates pastoral care in the parish and provides bereavement support. Chair: Ros Seward

Prayer Ministry Team: Provides confidential prayer support after services on the 4[th] Sunday of the month. Chair: Roger Bryant (until 21 October 2020)

Prayerline: Confidential long-distance prayer support. Chair: Charles Timberlake

Social Team: Plans and organises social events. Chair: Joan Angelides

Fete Team: Plans and organises the Annual Church Fete. Chair: Kay Dunleavy (until 13 September 2020)

Communications Team: Chair: John Blundell The communication group finished looking at areas of concern and was not supported to continue in 2020.

Stewardship Team: Chair - Revd. Susan Allman until 18 October

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

Worship up to and including 15 March 2020

Sunday Services

8am traditional language Holy Communion Service

First Sunday of the month

10am All Age Eucharist Quarterly 11.30am Choral Matins

All other Sundays

10am Parish Eucharist

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

Third Sunday of the month

10.45-12.30 Café Connect in the Parish Rooms

Children’s Area. A children’s area is always available in the South aisle of the church. Activities are provided at all 10am Sunday services.

Weekday Services

Wednesdays 8.15am Morning Prayer in the South Chapel.

Thursdays 2-3pm during term time Teddy Bear Praise

Worship from 23 March 2020

Life changed in all respects from mid-March 2020. The virus became a pandemic with consequences for all. Churches were not exempt from having to adjust. In the first period of lockdown all churches remained closed and services as listed above were suspended.

At first, Revd Susan led a regular Sunday morning service using liturgy from the Iona Community. The services were pre-recorded at the Vicarage and downloaded to the website. Some weeks later, services were allowed to be conducted in church, but without a congregation, and were live streamed via the church website. When restrictions were lifted at intervals, limited numbers of congregants, socially distanced, were able to attend services which continued to be live streamed. Safety measures for all who attended were observed.

During periods of complete lockdown, the Sunday Eucharist was celebrated at 9am and attended by a limited number of people with responsibility for a part of the service. Conducted from the Chancel and streamed live, services remained available on the church website for people to watch during the following week.

The skill and confidence of all those involved in the technical side of service presentation (video, sound, recording, downloading) grew under the leadership of Chris Oakley. By the end of 2020, Paul Angelides, Russell Streeter and Andrew Trevithick were able to take over the responsibility when Chris was unavailable.

Throughout the year from the end of March, a weekly bulletin was produced by Revd Peter which gave notice of all services; locally, in church or on our website; nationally, on television or radio.

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

Up to October 2020, Revd Susan sent a weekly letter to all members of the Electoral Roll with a reflective message as well as news of the Parish. Since then, Revd Janet has written letters at intervals with the same balance of information and encouragement.

After Revd Susan retired in October, a Worship team composed of Revds Janet Trevithick, Peter Kelly, Jane Richards and Julia Foster took over the planning and delivery of all services.

Ash Wednesday A service was held in church in the morning. Revd Susan visited West Hill Park School and Revd Janet visited Titchfield Primary school to join in the assemblies for the beginning of Lent.

A service held in the evening at St Columba, invited members of our congregation and members from Holy Trinity to join in. Members of St Peter’s choir formed part of the combined choir.

Holy Week There were none of the usual observances permitted in church during Holy Week in 2020.

Easter An online service was offered by Revd Susan on Easter Day. Information about services in the Diocese streamed live on Easter Day and in Easter Week were advertised on the weekly bulletin.

Ascension Day Revd Susan told the story of Ascension in a short video for all ages which was posted on the church website.

Pentecost Revd Susan led an all age service online. Parishes were invited to join a celebration of Pentecost live streamed from the Cathedral in the evening.

Thy Kingdom Come 2020 Plans for a Diocesan event at Portsmouth Guildhall led by J John had to be cancelled because of the risks attached to large gatherings. In the Parish, a Labyrinth Prayer Guide was offered to people to support private devotions during the period between Ascension Day and Pentecost.

Harvest Festival and Sunday 18[th] October

In the week before Harvest Festival, the church was open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with an opportunity to follow a Harvest Trail in church. Lovely flower arrangements accompanied thoughtful reflections created by Revd Susan focussing on food poverty and Fair Trade.

The Harvest service on 11 October was the first of Revd Susan’s leaving services, the second held the following Sunday. People were asked to book a place at one or other service and both were opportunities for people to see Susan before she left Titchfield. There was much appreciation expressed to Susan for her work over ten years in the Parish. Gifts were presented to her at the final service along with all our good wishes to her and Eric for the future.

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

All Souls Day Service

The All Souls Day service was recorded in church on 1 November and streamed online on the afternoon of 8 November. Revd Jane preached and Revd Janet read the names of all who had died and whose funerals had taken place at St Peter’s during 2020 as well as those remembered from previous years.

Remembrance Sunday

National and local services of remembrance in 2020 had to be of reduced size due to the ongoing issues of virus transmission. Collaboration between St Peter’s and the local British Legion created a moving service and Act of Remembrance in church, and streamed online, led by Revd Janet and organised by Neil Blewett. Representatives of all military services and organisations, plus village groups, laid wreaths at the altar rail. The names of local servicemen who had died in both world wars and more recent wars were read and the last post played.

Churches were closed throughout November up to and including Advent Sunday though services took place in the Chancel and were live streamed.

Advent services From Sunday 6 December, services were held in church with limited numbers able to attend. There was no Christingle Service or any Community Carol services as would usually have been the case through Advent.

Christmas Eve

A Traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, organised and led by Revd Peter, was pre-recorded and streamed online at 6pm. The readers stood alongside displays created for the Christmas Trail allowing people who had been unable to visit the church an opportunity to see them. Carols and music from St Martin’s in the Fields were played.

Christmas Day and Sunday 27 December

The Eucharist to celebrate Christmas was offered on each day at 9am and places had to be booked to attend one or the other. Revd Jane and Revd Peter presided or preached at each.

Choir and Music Group Both come under the leadership of Keith Miller, Choir Master and Organist. The robed choir maintained the pattern of support for all sung services (Parish Eucharist and Matins) up to the first lockdown. Beyond that date the choir did not sing in church for any further services during 2020. The music group supporting All Age Worship on the first Sunday of each month were able to do so up to and including March.

A small group of choir members took the opportunity to sing carols on the two Saturdays of the Comfort and Joy Christmas Trail in December. Gathered outside the bell tower, and socially distanced from each other, they sang for about 30 minutes during each afternoon. The chance to sing was welcomed by the group and their performance much appreciated by those who stopped to listen.

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

Retired Clergy We are grateful to retired clergy Revd Canon Peter Kelly, Revd Jane Richards, and Revd Julia Foster for their commitment to leading and supporting services and other activities throughout the year and especially since the retirement of Revd Susan.

Open Church The church was open daily from 9am until 4pm as usual until 23 March. At any point that restrictions allowed after that date, the church was opened for private prayer on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11am-3pm. A steward was present on each day to welcome visitors and ensure that all safety measures were observed.

From the registers for 2020:

Baptisms - 7

Confirmations - 0

Weddings - 1

Funerals - In 2020 there were 22 funeral services, 10 held in church and 12 services held at local crematoria

Safeguarding

I can report that St Peter’s Safeguarding Policy was up to date and a copy submitted to the Diocesan Office as required. Following the APCM this will need to be reviewed and updated for 2021. St Peter’s church Safeguarding Policy is now on our website and prominently displayed at the back of the church.

We all individually and collectively have a responsibility to ensure our church is a safe place for everyone but church and group leaders are specifically charged with implementing all aspects of our Safeguarding Policy.

Susan Allman completed St Peter’s Past Case Review which contributed to the wider House of Bishops Safer Church review. A confidential copy is held locally. There are no on-going issues for our church.

It is hard to ascertain how many active volunteers we have retained during 2020 when our services have been greatly affected by the pandemic. It is likely to be around 85. When the church activities resume an audit of volunteers will need to be carried out by church and group leaders.

All of our volunteers have been assessed using the C of E Safer Recruitment criteria. We have one outstanding application awaiting completion.

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

DBS checks have continued throughout the year in order to keep everyone up to date and ready for action in 2021! During this period ‘thirtyone:eight’ advised all Safeguarding Officers that digital copies of identity documents would be acceptable in order to complete identity checks during the pandemic. My thanks to all those who have battled with technology to send me these documents by many and varied means.

It is a requirement of the Church of England that all volunteers undertake training/refresher awareness training every three years. During 2020 the diocese has continued to provide safeguarding training on-line for individuals and limited group training via zoom. The training calendar and links can be found on the diocesan website.

Historically there has been a very good take up of training provided locally. I had organised another local bulk training session for 2020 on the 29[th] April covering Domestic Abuse. Clearly this could not go ahead, I will endeavour to organise another date when the future is more predictable.

The APCM is a rare opportunity to publicly thank all of our volunteers for offering their skills and for their ongoing dedication. You have enabled our church to continue playing an active role in the wider community as well as supporting our own Church community during 2020. You are very much appreciated.

Jane Reid St Peter’s Safeguarding Representative

Engagement with Families

2020 has been a year when maintaining relationships and communication has been tested for many individuals and organisations. This is certainly the case for our engagement as a church with family groups.

During January and February of 2020 there were no families present at any of the 10am services. Whenever public worship was possible during the rest of the year, provision for families in the Children’s Area was unavailable due to safety concerns about handling toys and books,

Plans had been discussed in February and at the beginning of March aiming to establish a different form of outreach to families. Opportunities to meet at the Wheelhouse after the Easter holidays and to agree some similar opportunity for the summer holidays was an aim. The hope was to revive connections and build relationships between families and other church members and to engage in some informal discussions with each other. One line of a prayer gave us our sense of direction: ‘May Jesus increase in us our capacity to relate and belong to God and each other’ (Sister Stella, Community of St Mary the Virgin, Wantage) Due to the circumstances during 2020, none of these plans were realised.

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

Revd Susan used Facebook to reach families who had been attending Teddy Bear Praise and All Age Worship, posting short videos telling the story of Ascension Day and Pentecost.

In July, Helen Perry and Edwina Day wrote to Revd Susan to say they were stepping down from their roles so that a fresh approach to engagement with families could be introduced. New leadership from within the congregation, ideally from within our family groups once life became ‘more normal’, was the hope. That remains a hope for the future.

Some families were able to visit the Comfort and Joy Christmas Trail in December to look at the nativity displays in church. Family packs of craft material, puzzles and colouring sheets along with Nativity story books were given out to all families and to adults who were likely to see young family members at Christmas.

Looking ahead and into 2021, something new needs to happen in this important area of church life and we would encourage anyone with thoughts on how ‘new’ might be realised to get in touch with Helen or Edwina for an informal conversation. Helen Perry and Edwina Day

Links with Schools

Titchfield Primary School (Church of England Affiliated)

At the beginning of 2020 our assembly team maintained their two weekly pattern delivering Bible stories to the children. Also on Ash Wednesday (26[th] February) we were invited to take an assembly focusing on the tradition and meaning of Ash Wednesday to mark the beginning of Lent. Sadly visits to the school had to come to an abrupt end in mid-March.

We understand that the school has been doing a sterling job in keeping open to teach vulnerable children and the children of front line workers.

From our congregation at St Peter’s, Jill Underwood and Paul Angelides continue to play an important supportive role on the board of governors.

West Hill Park School

Ash Wednesday was also our last opportunity to visit the pupils of West Hill Park before the first lockdown. We have maintained contact with the school and are aware that the majority of their teaching moved to online lessons for non-boarders, until the children were able to return to school with Covid safe restrictions in place.

In October, during Revd Susan’s last week, we were asked to visit the school to assist with a harvest assembly for the younger school. It was an opportunity for the school to say thank you and farewell to Susan and she was presented with a bouquet of flowers. There was just one class of pupils in the hall and the assembly was streamed to other classrooms.

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

Revd Julia was contacted before Christmas and asked if she could attend the school’s Advent Carol service to offer prayers and a blessing. Even with strict Covid rules in place this was, as usual, a delight.

It has not been possible for our independent listener for the boarders, Edwina Day, to visit the school but her number is available to pupils should they have a need.

Jigsaw Pre-school

Sadly it has not been possible to meet with the pre-school children this year. However, on hearing that Revd Susan was retiring, they made a two foot high card with beautiful butterflies and childlike scribbles. The teacher delivered the card to the church for Susan which was very thoughtful.

We certainly missed our schools regular visits to the church during 2020. We look forward very much to welcoming back the pupils and teachers when it is safe to do so. Revd. Janet Trevithick

Team and Group Reports

St Peter’s Home Groups

Home groups remain an important part of church life at St Peters. Meeting fortnightly members enjoy hospitality, mid-week fellowship and Bible study.

Home groups help us to fulfil one of our mission priorities which is to ‘nurture growth in discipleship’. As followers of Christ we continue to grow in faith and knowledge and it’s a lot more fun with others.

In 2020 our home groups were at the beginning of a five week Lent course called ‘Daring to see God now’ produced by York Courses, which had to be suspended because of the lockdown. One group completed the course via email. Most of the year, we could not meet one another in groups. One of our groups however did manage maintain communication and Bible study by email throughout the year!

Some of our home group members without internet connections have been supported with the weekly bulletin and other material as and when issued. We really look forward to a healthier future so that we can resume meeting together for study and friendship. Revd Janet Trevithick

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

St. Peter’s Bell-Ringers

All ringing ceased when lockdown started and very limited ringing was allowed when the first lockdown ended. When services resumed, we rang handbells as people arrived, and then 4 bells (2 couples, suitably distanced) until the second lockdown. In an effort to keep our band together, we started to hold handbell practices in gardens, weather permitting. With only 3 ringers having previous experience of handbell ringing, we made considerable progress until weather and lockdown intervened. Fortunately, we were able to ring handbells at the conclusion of Susan’s last service, instead of the traditional quarter peal on the tower bells. Christmas ringing was severely impacted, and we did not “ring out the old, ring in the new year” for the first time in 40 years.

To keep interest going we have used an internet program called Ringing Room, which allows us to ring from the comfort of our own sofas! It is very different from tower or handbells, but we are making progress.

For the future we look forward to being able to ring all 6 bells again. We will continue to keep everyone informed of ringing activities through Titchfield News. Lyndon Hatfield

Café Connect

During 2020 we were able to hold Café Connect as planned in January and February. Both those opportunities were the usual sociable, well attended sessions. Beyond February, the Cafe was unable to continue because of the pandemic and the associated rules and restrictions regarding social distancing and indoor venues.

However this report offers an opportunity to thank all those who have been involved in Cafe Connect: all the cake bakers; the team who managed the music and slideshows; the team who cooked bacon, buttered rolls, cut cake and made endless cups of tea and coffee; those who set up the tables, wiped them down and put them away; the stalwarts who washed up countless cups, saucers and plates. Most of all thank you to our lovely waiters who faithfully turned up and whose enthusiasm and smiles lit up each café. Lastly thank you to all who came to the cafes and made them alive with laughter and conversation.

St Peter’s continued to support Patrick in Sierra Leone throughout 2020 to help him complete his education.

Penny Murrells

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

Teddy Bear Praise

At the beginning of the year Teddy Bear Praise continued to meet on Thursdays between 2pm - 3pm, during the school term time, with a break on the 20[th] February for half term. This delightful group of Mum’s and babies, or toddlers, functions mainly as an early contact with the church for parents requesting baptism for their little ones. Mums are usually on maternity leave for up to one year and continue to come after the baptism. It is a very good opportunity for us to develop early relationships with families.

Our last TBP was on the 12[th] March. After that the Teddies were placed in isolation. This meant a temporary halt to baptisms in church until we were allowed, with Covid safe restrictions, to invite families for baptisms with 15 guests. We held these baptisms in the chancel area of the church using a temporary portable font.

We baptised 4 children, the last family being rather special because Dad requested to be baptised too.

Revd Janet Trevithick

Stewardship Team

“All things come from you, O Lord, and of your own do we give you.” (1 Chronicles 29:11) Objectives:

1. To encourage our congregation to live thankfully and give generously - time, talents and money.

2. To help our congregation overcome its reticence in talking about money and asking for what is needed.

3. To work closely with our stewardship recorder.

4. To ensure a good flow of information to the PCC and the wider congregation.

5. To maintain confidentiality where necessary.

Regular givers continued to be encouraged to join the Parish Giving Scheme and, where possible, to sign up to an annual increase of giving in line with inflation.

Due to the pandemic there were no stewardship events during 2020. However, in advance of her retirement in October, Revd Susan gave notice that in lieu of a monetary gift for her she wanted all donations to go to St Peter’s. As a result over £4,000.00 (four thousand pounds) was collected.

In December a Card Reader was purchased to facilitate giving and was used for the first time during the Christmas Trail. It allowed people to make a contactless donation to St Peter’s. This arrangement will be a permanent option for anyone choosing to donate in this way.

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

Pastoral Support Team including Tea Parties

Janet Webb

2020 was a year like no other! However, although we were not able to meet every 6/8 weeks as normal, we have kept in touch and been able to function as a group. We have regularly spoken on the telephone to those who live alone and are lonely and those who normally enjoy the Tea Parties. We also sent Easter and Christmas cards to those on our care list.

During the Summer when restrictions were less tight, we were able to help one or two people with medical appointments. Our main function was to make sure no-one who needed help and support was overlooked but we can only do this if we know where there is a need. Communication is therefore vital.

Thank you to all those members of the congregation who have helped and supported others during a difficult time. Rachel Baker

St Peter’s Prayerline

Over the last eleven months it has been a privilege to have been able to ‘meet’ together, at 8 pm each evening, to pray for the needs of our community, country, continent and world with specific reference to the pandemic. During these difficult months I understand this has been valued by many who have felt able to join us, and a great source of comfort and strength. I have taken great solace and found an enormous sense of unity and togetherness in, our team and our collective prayers.

Before the first lockdown, on 6[th] March (which happened to be our 24[th] birthday!) we were able to meet as a team in the Chapter Rooms to pray for all those on our Prayerline list as well as the world as the virus began to gather pace.

A great number of names and situations have been on our prayer list, with regular updates and good record-keeping essential! Many prayer requests have been very sad ones – this is why we are in existence – some have been for end of life (15 deaths since 6[th] March 2020) including our very own Joy Springett who served as a much-loved and valued member of our team for a number of years. There has also been an opportunity to give much thanks and praise.

As always I am indebted to the whole team for their loyalty and commitment. Charles Timberlake

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

St Peters Healing Prayer Ministry

The opportunity for shared prayer with a member of the Prayer Ministry Team following the 8am and 10am service, on the fourth Sunday of the month, took place as usual during January and February 2020.

After each lockdown when public worship resumed, the need for social distancing and having to leave directly after services meant the Ministry team were unable to pray with people in the usual way.

Although the team were unable to meet in the usual way during the year, communication continued between members via email. Those we knew of who were in need of support were prayed for by us at home and in private. A faithful member of our team, Joy Springett, died towards the end of the year. Her contribution to the team was highly valued and she will be missed by us all.

Roger Bryant

NB Grateful thanks go to Roger Bryant who has resigned from his leadership of the Prayer Ministry Team pending his and Carol’s move to Wiltshire.

Fair Trade

Up to the point of the COVID-19 pandemic, support for Fairtrade was increasing steadily. Many thanks are due to Anna Sketchley who organised sales of Easter Eggs in 2020 and managed to distribute them before lockdown

We were only able to hold 3 stalls (Jan, Feb, March) in 2020 so ‘Fairtrader profit’ was minimal. Realising that we were very unlikely to hold stalls for the foreseeable future, in July I sent the majority of the profit accrued to date and any donations to Traidcraft and I attach the record of this.

Our supplier, Shop Equality, closed in the first lockdown but was able to open one day per week for ‘click and collect’. It opened again over the summer and was allowed to remain open in the November lockdown. I offered a collection service for anything needed. People were able to e mail me or phone the shop. I collected their orders and the shop invoiced them. Despite circulating information about this through the Weekly Bulletin and an article in the Titchfield News, there was little take-up. However I have been able to collect orders for 3 Fairtraders in Fareham and some of their customers. I no longer receive a Fairtrader Profit on orders because I think the shop needs all the income it can get to stay open

A big ‘Thank you’ to people who supported Fairtrade in 2020. Your purchases are making a difference to people who, in these difficult times, lack basic necessities such as clean water. Karen Postle

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

Christian Aid Report for 2020

Unfortunately it was not possible to continue with the planned fundraising for Christian Aid throughout 2020 because of Covid restrictions. The diocesan Christian Aid ‘Sponsored Walk’ committee had planned a walk to be hosted by All Saints’ Church, Botley for May 2020 during Christian Aid Week. Although the walk had to be cancelled all of the preparation has been saved and will be used, if not in 2021, hopefully 2022!

St Peter’s planned to hold a morning ‘Sale’ in March in support of Christian Aid which was postponed to September but then again was unable to take place. People have been very generous and many items were gathered for sale which I believe are probably still taking up most of Margaret Pace’s dining room! Thank you Margaret!

Christian Aid went through a major restructuring of their offices across the country in 2019/20 to cut administration costs and it is with regret that I have to tell you that our helpful Southampton Office has closed. There is now just one office across the South East covering a very large area. Help and support from the office including updates about national initiatives as well as support for Christian Aid week, will be sadly missed at a local level.

The Christian Aid representatives from a small ecumenical group of churches in our part of Fareham Deanery met in January 2020 and would have met later in the year but that did not happen. The group’s most important function is to discuss our plans for Christian Aid Week activities in our own churches and to gather and share resources. We are usually fortunate in someone from Christian Aid attending the meetings to bring us up to date with what is happening globally. St Peter’s needs a new volunteer to become a ‘Champion for Christian Aid’ and represent us on the team. Please note the role does not include running the Sponsored Walk which I have passed on to the Walk committee! Anna Sketchley

Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank

Food items and other goods on the suggested list from the Basics Bank were collected at church during January and February and were all delivered to the central point in Fareham before lockdown in March. School collections were not possible and from March no collections were made in church due to the concerns around handling items. Those who were able to continue donating items were asked to do so via local supermarkets in Locks Heath, Fareham and Gosport.

Proceeds from a stall selling Christmas Wreaths and other decorations plus cakes, preserves and chutney was organised and run by Sheila Hignell and her team (Mary Parratt, Ros Seward, Joan Angelides). Over two Saturdays during the period of the Christmas Trail in December

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

they raised £440.00 which was sent as a donation from St Peter’s to Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank.

Jenny Windebank

NB The leadership of this outreach at St Peter’s became vacant as of the end of 2020. Thanks go to Jenny Windebank for her dedication over several years to maintain the collection of all donations at church and their delivery to the base in Fareham.

Ladies Breakfast

We only managed two meetings in 2020. January and February 8.30 - 10am in the Chapter rooms and averaged 14 people. We always start with a continental style breakfast followed by a speaker or just discussions between ourselves. It is a very friendly, sociable time and was greatly missed. We are looking forward to renewing our monthly meetings as soon as allowed. Ros Seward

Flowers at St. Peter's

I stepped down from organising the Church flowers in February 2020 and Sheila Hignell has taken over the role.

There have been few occasions for flowers in church because of lockdowns and the suspension of public worship. The team met in February to arrange a rota for the coming year but alas most people were unable to create their arrangements. We did however manage to provide arrangements for the Harvest Trail and festival in September & again for Christmas. Sheila managed to provide flowers In church for funerals and the Sunday live streamed services.

Ros Seward

Lent Lunches

Only two lunches were possible on two Fridays in March ahead of the first lockdown. Each event was organised by members of a Home Group. They were as enjoyable and well attended as has been the case in the past and raised £156.36 which was sent to St George’s Foundation charity in Sierra Leone.

Comfort and Joy Christmas Trail

Opportunity was taken during the penultimate week of Advent to open the church for people to visit and follow a Christmas trail which was created to reflect the material in the booklet ‘Comfort and Joy’ published by the Church of England. All visitors (and stewards) wore masks and were able to follow a one way route around the church. Limits on numbers within the building at any one time meant that people could focus on the displays and listen to recorded

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

Christmas music as they went. 129 people visited the church during the 5 days that it was open (4 hours each day). As mentioned in the Basics Bank report above, a stall organised by Sheila Hignell and her team raised funds for Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank and provided an opportunity for visitors to join in the support of others in need of help.

Annual Church Fete

The Fete Committee took the decision in early 2020 to cancel the event, which would have taken place on Saturday 16 May, because of growing awareness of the spread of the virus. This was the right and only decision to take. Loss of this opportunity had a direct effect on the overall annual income at St Peter’s in 2020.

Social Team

Before lockdown we ran only one event in January, a “Bring & Share” Burns Night supper. Thank you to Nog Grimstead who piped in the Haggis on his harmonica and Peter Kelly who read the Robbie Burns “Address to a Haggis”. We were also treated to a slide show of Scottish wildlife courtesy of Ross Underwood.

Unfortunately, we had to cancel the rest of the years planned events including a Skittle Evening, Harvest Supper and a Christmas Quiz evening.

We would like to thank once again all those who have supported the events in the past and would welcome new members to the team.

The Net for Men

The NET is an inter-church event for men held on the second Tuesday of the month at 8pm from November through to May. The venues are generally within the Western wards area and often the Queens Head in Titchfield is selected. The format of the evening includes an activity or entertainment with a closing speaker focusing their talk on a Bible based topic. The

number of meetings arranged in 2020 was necessarily reduced. Three were held as described above and one virtually. In January there was a skittles evening at the Kings Head in Wickham; in February, a Blues Night at the Queens Head in Titchfield and in March we held a curry evening at the Park Gate Tandoori near Swanwick station. The only other meeting was a virtual Quiz Night with a speaker in December. Iain Windebank

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Titchfield News

Brian Patten, who did an excellent job of editing Titchfield News for many years, retired in April 2020 together with Dorothy Patten, Associate Editor, Brian Williams, Distribution, and David Mugford, Advertising Sales. Together they ensured a consistently first-rate magazine.

This was a very tough act to follow and coincided with COVID-19. The new Editorial Team included Ann Wheal for its first issue and, since Ann left on health grounds, comprises: Karen Postle, Editor, Margaret Thompson, Assistant Editor Karen Rizzi, Layout/styling, creation of publication-ready magazine formats Gerry Pontefract, Distribution, Nog Grimstead, Advertising Sales. The PCC agreed the change to the magazine being bi-monthly. The Diocese prohibited delivery of printed material so the new team’s first issue, June 2020, was online-only. It was widely circulated with help from the church website, village organisations and individuals.

We produced 3 further paper issues and following a Risk Assessment, delivered them to 237 subscribers with a further 38 for sale in church when it was open on weekdays. Past copies of the magazine are available on the church website. COVID-19 restrictions have prevented sale of the magazine through our usual village outlets.

The magazine is a form of outreach for the church while providing interesting material for all readers. As several clubs and societies have not had activities to report, we have sought articles from various sources, always presenting Karen Rizzi with a challenge for layout. It has been well-received.

Titchfield News continues to generate income for the church from sales and advertising although both have unfortunately decreased during the pandemic. Our distribution team of 14 people deliver and also recruit new sales.

We now have an e mail address: [e-mail] and the Editors, together with Gerry, are ensuring GDPR compliance in relation to its use. We are very grateful to Keith and Liz Miller for their help with this and to Robin Guess and Chris Oakley for IT support. Our thanks go to Revd Susan and the PCC for their support and advice. Karen Postle

’ – St Peter s Church Conducted Tours

On the third Tuesday of the first 3 months of 2020, David Mugford and I carried out tours of the church. Feedback from a gentleman who joined the February tour indicated how much the opportunity was appreciated : “My family and I want to thank Richard Boden for his most interesting tour of St Peter’s; this was enhanced by our personal reminiscences of people and memories of the parish when I was a choir boy at St Peter’s between 1947 and 1953.’

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

From March we had to suspend tours and two booked tours had to be cancelled: a ladies' group of 10 from Fareham and a U3A group from Waterlooville. No other booked tours were possible during 2020.

The church was opened at intervals for individual private prayer and staffed by volunteer stewards. I joined the stewarding team and found that not only did people come in for prayer, some came deliberately to look inside the church. I was able to give impromptu and socially distanced short talks sharing some of the history of the building.

One particular couple were interested in the Earl of Southampton tomb as the lady had been reading Hilary Mantel’s ‘Wolf Hall’ that featured the conflict between Thomas Wriothesley and Thomas Cromwell.

David and I have agreed that when the Corvid-19 restrictions are lifted we will resume the tours subject to any other unforeseen constraints. Richard Boden

Titchfield Churchyard Maintenance Group

In the twelve month period since the last report our small group would have expected to have ten or so Saturday mornings when we might have been working in the churchyard. Understandably we were advised by Christine Callaby, our contact at Fareham Borough Council, that the majority of these could not go ahead due to Covid-19. We probably met on no more than three or four occasions.

Fortunately, having in previous years got the churchyard into its current well-maintained state, it is not looking neglected. We do however look forward to the time when our activities can recommence.

One activity that did take place was a survey carried out by the Hampshire and IOW Amphibian and Reptile Group which is trying to identify sites where it would be possible to carry out reptile surveys. These involved putting a number of 50 cm tiles in taller vegetation or along an edge to encourage little reptiles such as slowworms to hide. Being cold blooded creatures, they do this to warm up. The tiles are checked once a month and sightings recorded. More sensitive habitat management can then be arranged for those sites where amphibians and reptiles are present. I have not yet been informed of the results. Tim Mason

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

Finance Report

2020 was a unique year for St Peter’s financially. When COVID struck and the church closed a few calculations showed that we would have a large deficit at the end of the year. As it happened the deficit turned out to be £6700 thanks to two legacies amounting to £7000, a grant from Hampshire County Council of £3000 towards necessary work and thanksgiving donations on Susan’s retirement of £4000.

During lockdowns weekly donations and casual donations were reduced. Several people, understanding the situation, switched their method of giving to either standing orders or the Parish Giving Scheme and others kindly increased their regular donations. As a result, we managed to pay our Parish Share for the whole year, along with every other church in our deanery. During the year we have ventured into online giving, via the website, and contactless giving, although the machine has hardly seen the light of day!

There were staff changes during 2020: Becky Flamson, who had been employed to replace Wendy Donnelly, decided early in the year that she could not juggle bookkeeping and childcare and left at the end of January; Wendy kindly stepped into the breach to complete the accounts for 2019; Martin Reid offered to succeed me as treasurer but COVID prevented any handover; David Mugford stepped down as Gift Aid Secretary, and his duties were successfully taken over by Iain Windebank and John Parry. I am grateful for all their help during what has been an interesting year. David also retired from the role of Titchfield News advertising manager and his shoes were ably filled by Nog Grimstead.

I am very grateful for the help of all the above plus the ‘Counters’ who have enjoyed extended leave since last April.

Sandra Pereira Treasurer

Friends of St Peter’s (FOSP)

Friends was established to preserve and maintain the fabric of St Peter’s – (including its land, buildings, fixtures, furnishings, fabrics, archives and treasures) and to generate enthusiasm in the origins, history, architecture and development of the building.

We raise funds and make grants of money to the clergy, churchwardens and Parochial Church Council (PCC). From January –December 2020 the total sum raised via membership and donations was not very high given that we have not been able to carry out any events and a few members have not renewed their membership.

Our total income for the year was £2844.68. This will go towards funds committed for ongoing high cost projects, such as the church heating, something we can all benefit from! During 2020 we made grants to the Church totally £4375.34.

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Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

The grants were for:

• Lighting on the left side of the church

• Part payment for the heating consultation

We look forward to our continued relationship with the PCC, the congregation members and the community to support and maintain our ancient church building. Pat Shirley Chair (FOSP)

Fabric Report

Chair: Barbara Le Sueur Members: Peter Gordon, Chris Oakley, John Pereira, Paul Wenham, Philip Allison, Sandra Periera

Despite restrictions applied at intervals of the year the following actions were taken during 2020:

Services were carried out on the boiler and the lightning conductor

PAT testing was carried out in March

The damage caused during 2019 to the stained glass windows in the South aisle was repaired in April/May

Fire extinguishers were examined in October

Freemantles cleared the blocked downpipe on the east wall of the church, removing rope, tile fragments and rags.

The roof alarm had to be investigated because it was sounding unnecessarily.

E Bound attended and found that one of the detectors had been damaged so fitted a new one.

The screen in the belfry was replaced.

The Alarming Company visited to check the internal alarm which would not set properly. The keypad, which is old, was thoroughly cleaned which meant the alarm system could be set but the advice was that the keypad will need replacing at the next annual service.

A new Passive Infrared Sensor was fitted in the nave to ensure lights come on when anyone enters the church.

Intentions delayed due to restrictions were the inspection and investigation of the Southampton Monument and the plan to repair the mortar on the east and south walls. Barbara Le Sueur

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Parish Of St Peter’s Church Titchfield

Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council 2020

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Church Representation Rules 2020, Part 9, Rule M5 (1)(b)

Registered Charity: Registered Number 1131773 PCC Correspondence Address: St Peter’s Church, Church Street, Titchfield Hants PO14 4AG Email: [e-mail] Office telephone: [phone] Church Office – temporarily closed Website: www.stpetertitchfield.org.uk

Diocesan website: www.achurchnearyou.com

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 2[nd] March 2021 and signed on its

behalf by Mrs Edwina Day (Vice Chair of PCC) Edwina Day

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ST PETER’S CHURCH, TITCHFIELD

Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council

For the Year Ended 31st December2020

Vicar:

(until 18th October 2020, then to vacancy) Revd S Allman 24 Frog Lane Titchfield

PCC Bank:

Lloyds TSB Bank PLC 43 West Street Fareham

Honorary Treasurer:

Mrs Sandra Pereira Mill Cottage, Mill Lane Titchfield

Honorary Secretary: Mrs Helen Andrews 21 Fairacre Rise Fareham

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