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2021-12-31-accounts

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin Davyhulme

Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31 December 2021

Presented to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 11 May 2022

1

Contents
Page
1.Address and Contact Details 3
2.Governance 3
3. Membership of the Parochial Church Council 2021-22
3
4. Elected to the Deanery Synod for the Triennium 2020-23 3
5. Elected to the PCC for 3 years 4
6. Other Appointments and Positions 4
7. Foundation Governors of St Mary CE Primary School 5
8. Vision Statement 5
9. Aims, Objectives and Activities 5
10.
PCC Meetings		 6
11.
Risks		 7
12.
Policies and Procedures		 7
13.
Achievements and performance		 7
14.
Electoral Role Ofcer Report		 8
15.
Treasurer’s Report		 9
16.
Deanery Synod Report		 9

2

  1. Report of Safeguarding Officer 10

  2. Wardens Notes 11

2021 Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin, Davyhulme

Address and contact details

Church Postal address St Mary the Virgin, c/o 13 Vicarage Road Davyhulme Road Davyhulme Davyhulme Manchester Manchester M41 5TP M41 7BU

Telephone c/o 0161 748 2210

Website: https://www.stmarysdavyhulme.org/

Governance

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC of St Mary the Virgin, Davyhulme, has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, Canon Christopher Ford until his retirement on 9 December 2021, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. From that date the responsibility transferred to the sequestrators, namely the Area Dean, Rev Nick Watson, together with the church wardens, Mrs Fiona Jones and Mrs Yvonne Mackereth.

The appointment of PCC members is governed by, and set out in the Church Representation Rules

Membership of the Parochial Church Council 2021 – 2022

Ex-Officio

Revd Canon Chris Ford 2021)

Vicar and Chair of PCC (retired 9 Dec

Revd Jenni Beaumont Assistant Curate (until 24 Dec 2021)

Revd Dr Simon Wright

Assistant Curate

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Mrs Fiona Jones Churchwarden, Children’s Church leader Mrs Yvonne Mackereth Churchwarden, Vice-Chair of the PCC, representative on Deanery Synod and Diocesan Synod, Chair of the House of Laity

Elected to Deanery Synod for the Triennium 2020- 2023

Mrs Sue Wright Representative on Deanery Synod Mrs Yvonne Mackereth Church Warden, PCC Secretary, Mrs Karen Swales, Representative on Deanery Synod Mr Neil Pagan Representative on Deanery Synod Mrs Liz Spencer Representative on Deanery Synod, Safeguarding co-ordinator

Elected to the PCC for 3 years

Mr Peter Williams (24/05/2021) Mr William Boxford (24/05/2021) Mr Glyn Chatterton (24/05/2021) Mrs Andrea Shepherd (18/10/2020) Mrs Fiona Jones (18/10/2020) Ms Rebecca Hession (18/10/2020) Electoral Roll Officer Mrs Niki Taylor (27/03/2019) Church Treasurer Mrs Sue McGrane (27/03/2019) Deputy Church Warden, dep elect roll officer Mr Simon Orr (27/03/2019) Deputy Church Warden Mr Andrew Spencer (27/03/2019) Deputy Church Warden

Other Appointments and Positions.

Honorary Assistant Curate

Father Chris Waddleton

Eucharistic Assistants

Until October 2022

Mrs Shirley Artus Mr David Shepherd Mrs Andrea Shepherd Mr Andrew Spencer

Mrs Irene Hegg

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Church Organist Newsletter Editor Church Hall Lettings Manager Co-ordinator for Church Flowers Children’s Church leaders

Website and ACNY Editor Independent Examiner Bookkeeper GDPR Officer Health & Safety/ Dis Access officer

Mr Philip Hegg Mrs Sue Waddleton Mrs Niki Taylor Mr Simon Orr Mr Andrew Jarman Miss Elizabeth Miller (retired Dec 2021) Mrs Yvonne Mackereth Mr Andy Penzak Mrs Yvonne Mackereth Mrs Angela May Vacant Mrs Fiona Jones Mrs Joanne Hardy Mrs Fiona Jones Burton and Company (Accountants) Mr Colin Wilkinson

Mr Ian Artus

Mr David Shepherd

Foundation Governors of St. Mary’s CE Primary School

Canon Christopher Ford (ex-officio) (until 5 December 2021), Mrs Yvonne Mackereth (Diocese), Mrs Karen Wilkinson, Mr Andrew Jarman (Chair of Governors), Mrs Jennie Jones, Mrs Melanie Burden, Mr Peter Taylor, Revd Jenni Beaumont (until December 2021).

Vision Statement

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Davyhulme is a sacred place

Aims and Objectives and Activities

The PCC (Powers) measure 1956 states that a PCC ‘is to co-operate with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.’

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The Mission Statement of this parish is to be a growing, serving and nurturing church at the heart of the local community. The PCC is committed

The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and Scripture, music and sacrament. During the year our services have differed in accordance with guidance from the Government and the Church of England in relation to Covid pandemic measures. As such, services may, of necessity been limited, and, until August 2021 we additionally offered worship via Zoom on a Sunday morning in addition to worship in church. The worship with a particular focus for families and younger children also had to be limited to Zoom worship for some time.

When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

• Worship and prayer; learning about the gospel; developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus.

• Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish, noting that this has been restricted in order to comply with Covid guidance when home visiting was not permitted / discouraged.

To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the church of St Mary. This has been achieved despite the considerable costs involved and the reduction in income from giving and other sources.

None of this work is possible without the help of a small group of volunteers who offer many, many hours of expertise and work to enable the church to function and grow.

It is not possible to name all our volunteers, but particular thanks are given to Elsie and Frank Firth for all they do, to the warden team, the PCC, the sidespeople, Fiona and the gardening team, John, Glynn and many more.

In December 2021 the parish said goodbye to our Vicar of the past 16 years, Canon Chris Ford. We give thanks for all that both he and Verity have done and given to this parish over that time, for his ministry, support, prayers and friendship. We wish them much happiness in their new life in retirement.

Special thanks are extended to Dr Simon and Father Chris as they provide ongoing ministry and pastoral support for the parish and now lead our worship on a weekly basis.

We will also be supported by clergy from other local parishes and our Area Dean.

PCC Meetings

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There were 12 meetings of the PCC in 2021. Attendance of PCC members at these meetings was good overall by the majority of PCC members. All meetings were held via zoom with the option to dial in if required.

The follow were among the major issues discussed during the year

The following additional meetings were held, all via zoom:

Minutes from these informal sub-groups are brought to the full PCC for information and approval of any actions.

Risks

All risks are managed with the support of the parish Health and Safety Officer and reviewed / actioned by the PCC.

All areas related to Covid 19, such as opening the buildings and cleaning, follow the Government and Church of England guidance.

The relevant Risk Assessments are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. Fire alarms, lightening conductor, electrical installations and boilers are inspected and maintained on a regular basis.

Policies and Procedures

As the PCC has ultimate responsibility for the implementation of a wide range of actions. To support this a number of policies and procedures are in place including those related to Safeguarding, GDPR, Health & Safety (risk). Additional policies are currently being developed for PCC approval and will be available on the parish website.

Achievements and performance

7

Worship and prayer

Due to restrictions placed as a result of the Covid pandemic, the range of worship offered in 2021 has differed to that in recent years. We have endeavoured to offer worship both on a Sunday and during the week that our community, both young and old find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling. For example, Wednesday morning Eucharist provides a quieter and reflective environment for worship.

During the lockdowns Fiona kept in touch with families with worship and activity opportunities. We have built up a regular worshipping group of 10 families for ‘zoom’ or’ in-church’ (many more receive the emails and invitations to join in when they can). Baptism families have made contact and met each other and the clergy on zoom. Fiona continued with the uploaded video activities until just after Easter and then clergy held monthly zoom worship with resources using the @ROOTS site that we subscribe to

We did have a few opportunities for ‘In Church’ worship at 3 pm on a Sunday and this worked safely with action rhymes (rather than songs) simple bible stories with involvement of the families from their pews. They also had worship activity bags to take home. On 6 June we gathered for a family service in church focusing on nature at home and on holiday. On 3 October Canon Chris led us in a BEE Thankful Harvest festival.

As restrictions eased families returned to church services and weekly pew activity packs related to the liturgy were provided and families were able to attend on different weeks dependent on the covid isolation periods for them all… a tricky time but we kept in touch.

The year closed with Christmas services including the toy service that the children brought gifts to for the Toy House appeal in Flixton. We also held an outdoor crib service for families and members of the community.

With thanks to Clergy, safeguarding officer, Wardens, Stewards and of course, the families we are continuing to grow our faith together as we move forward with plans to restart children’s church in the hall in 2022

All are welcome to attend our services both in church and virtual. The average weekly attendance, counted during October, was 57 but this number varied week by week over the year and reflected the Covid pandemic guidance at the time. Until August 2021 the parish also offered a Sunday Eucharist via zoom which was well attended. Lenten meditations were held each Tuesday in Lent via zoom and services were held on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Eve and Easter Day. Family worship at home was supported with on line videos, non- eucharistic zoom services and latterly 3 p.m. family worship in church. At Christmas we were able to welcome the school community back into church to worship and to hold a carol service and a crib service where we gathered outside round the crib.

As well as our regular services, we enable our community to celebrate and thank God at the milestones of the journey through life. Through baptism we thank God for the gift of life; in marriage, public vows are exchanged with God's blessing; through funeral services friends and family express their grief and give thanks for the life that is now complete in this world and commend the person into God's safe keeping.

The Parish Hall

The church hall provides an important part of our outreach to the local community. As Covid restrictions eased, we are able to use the hall on an infrequent basis for party hire in 2021 with a view to re-opening fully in 2022.

Regular church hall users such as the daily play group, Earlybirds, and the uniformed organisations, have now restarted their regular use of the hall.

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We would like to thank Angela May for managing the church hall lettings which provide us with not only important outreach but additional income.

Pastoral care

Helping and keeping in contact with others is a demonstration of our faith We have tried during the past year to keep in touch with as many members of our church community as possible. This has been done by:

Yvonne Mackereth Fiona Jones Church wardens

Electoral Roll Officer’s report

At present there are 228 parishioners on the church electoral roll, 10 of whom are not resident within the parish. 12 names were added during the year and 6 w ere removed either through death or because they moved away from the parish. 23[rd] Feb 2022

Treasurer’s report

The accounts for the year ending 31 December 2021 show debit of £9,855 in the General Fund, following the Independent Examination of the accounts carried out carried out by Burton and Company (Accountants) Ltd.

Income has significantly increased in many ways due to the church being open for some services. Non gift aid donations reduced by £590, collections in church increased by £2,184 but the church hall rental income reduced by £673 as the church hall was not hired out for parties only to our regular hirers for some of the year. Fees from weddings, funerals and internment of ashes also increased by £3,383. Gift Aid Tax recoverable for the year amounted to £12,274. Many thanks to all those who maintained their regular giving.

Expenditure on major repairs and maintenance in 2021 amounted to £6,391 which included roof repairs of £3,120 to repoint ridge tiles and fit bird spikes to the church. There was also some lighting work which amounted to £1,166 which included lighting in the church car park and expenditure spent to repair the hall door and step. This year our Parish Share was set at £61,200.00 and we were able to pay this is full.

Fund raising activities for the year amounted to £2,325 which includes income from a quiz, raffle, Christmas tree festival and other music and social evening.

I would particularly like to thank Colin Wilkinson for doing all the bookkeeping and also thank Yvonne Mackereth for all the gift aiding and for supporting me in so many ways and to Fiona Jones for all the many things she does as well.

No members of the PCC have received any payments apart from certified expenses.

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PCC Accounts are held as follows:

Current Account HSBC Bank plc.

11 Stamford New Road Altrincham WA14 1BW CBF Deposit Account CCLA Management

80 Cheapside, London

Niki Taylor Treasurer

Report of Deanery Synod 2021

In the Church of England a deanery is a group of parishes forming a district within an archdeaconry. Four members of the PCC are parish representatives on the Deanery Synod. This provides the PCC with an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the Church.

After much consultation and prayer, the Diocese of Manchester, in June 2021, brought together the then existing twenty deaneries and established seven new larger deaneries under the leadership of seven fulltime Area Deans and newly elected Lay Chairs. This parish is now part of Manchester South and Stretford Deanery. Our Area Dean is Rev Nick Watson, the Lay Chair is Canon Addy LazzOnyenobi. `

A further development has been the move to small local Mission Communities. St Mary parish now forms part of a Mission Community together with St Michael, St Clement, St John, Christ Church, All Saints and St Matthews.

In February 2021 there was an ‘informal’ meeting of the Standing Committee of the new larger deanery followed by an ‘informal’ synod meeting. Both meetings were held via Zoom and allow synod members to get to know each other a little with presentations from the three deaneries forming to new deanery.

Two meetings of the new synod Standing Committee were held prior to two full synod meetings, all via Zoom. Items for discussion at synod included the election of deanery officers, the establishment of one bank account for the deanery, Parish Share, attendance and income surveys, formation of Mission Communities and lay training opportunities.

We look forward to working alongside colleagues both in the deanery and the local Mission Community.

Yvonne Mackereth Deanery Treasurer

Report of Safeguarding Officer

Each Parochial Church Council, together with the parish priest, shares the responsibility for the duty of care of the children and young people and adults at risk in their church setting. Each PCC must be fully aware of, and work in line with, the Diocesan Policy on Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk.

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The Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator is appointed by the PCC annually and is responsible for ensuring that

In line with Diocesan guidance, a DBS check has been done for all members of this PCC as the PCC have overall responsibility for safeguarding within the parish. DBS clearance should be renewed every 5 years. All volunteers are required to complete online training and attend a training update. This has been delivered locally within the deanery. In addition all clergy are required to have a DBS check completed by the Diocese and attend regular safeguarding training.

As part of good practice, safeguarding of both children and adults who may be at risk, is a standing item on the PCC agenda. In this way the PCC are kept up to date with any issues or policy and document changes such as recruitment procedures and training.

The Diocese of Manchester, in line with best practice, has a Safeguarding Board. Details of this can be found on the Diocesan website. The Safeguarding board develop policies and procedures for safeguarding children and adults and promote a safe church.

However, safeguarding is not just the business of the PCC or the Diocese, it is the role of all of us to help to safeguard everyone who attends or is connected with this church.

I am always happy to answer questions related to policy and practice and any safeguarding issues should be brought to the direct attention of myself.

Once again, I would like to thank all those helpers who willingly complete the required DBS formalities and any required training. This is a further indication of the seriousness that is placed on Safeguarding within this church and the wider church.

There have been no child protection issues at St Mary during the past year.

A list of relevant contact names and address for Safeguarding may be found on notice boards in church and in the church hall.

Safeguarding posters in the Church have recently been updated as have contact details for external agencies who can offer support.

Lis Spencer Safeguarding Officer

Warden’s notes

Throughout the year the wardens and team have continued to work together with the PCC and a range of congregation volunteers to care for the building and fabrics of the church and grounds.

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A detailed inventory was checked and edited during the year including photographs. Pat testing, lightning conductor tests, fire extinguishers were all checked. In the autumn, a new programmable thermostat and a boiler timer was installed making the heating much easier to control. Carpark lighting was improved.

There were repairs and maintenance work to the roof and gutters. Repairs as needed were done for wear and tear around the church hall.

In February Broadband was installed and by April we had a cashless giving machine.

During the year we were grateful for the help of volunteers in extra cleaning involved in covid safety. This included deep cleaning the hall and hall floor. By September we were able to gradually return some fabric furnishing to church as covid restrictions began to ease. By Christmas kneelers and Bibles had been returned to church.

We are always grateful for the extra help that our congregation members bring. This has ranged from repairs to notice boards, some new notice boards donated by the main gate and a folding one for ‘Church Open’. We were donated portable ramps for wheelchair access at the front porch. The outdoor meter cupboard and display shed were kindly re-roofed, white line steps refreshed, a smart new boiler area gate built and installed.

Our resident pianist, Andy, accompanied by Elaine on the violin, has added a musical spiritual side to our worship when singing in church was not permitted. Our thanks to them n their wonderful playing once they were fully back in church services.

We have had a loyal team of side-people who have welcomed, sensitively guided people through covid guidance and sanitized and cleaned after each service. It was special to be able to welcome back those aged over 70 to our teams and we were all aware of the impact that restrictions have had on people’s lives. By the summer people had returned to the church volunteering roles that they love.

We are fortunate to have large grounds surrounding our church but these take some looking after. Our thanks to the 3 or 4 volunteers who help with gardening. Also, to Simon Orr who organizes the gritting and lawn mower teams. All these rotas enable the grounds to be kept neat and safe for visitors. Each week sees visitors walking through the grounds for quiet reflection and visits to the Garden of Remembrance.

As the year drew to a close, we were able to consider covid safe gatherings for more social events and thanks go to David, our Health and Safety Officer, for guiding us through this and to Angela, Elsie and others for their work in enabling them to happen. The major event was Canon Chris’s retirement party (just before the Christmas restrictions …what timing) A wonderful evening was enjoyed with Andy and Elaine’s music. A good time had by all.

Elsie and Frank organised a wonderful Christmas tree festival. Thank you to the people who helped to steward this. Numbers attending were a little lower than we hoped but those that attended really appreciated it. We had visitors who travelled to the Garden of Remembrance and incorporated the festival into their visit.

2021 has been a year of changes as we thanked Angela for her years of Warden duty and welcomed Yvonne as warden to join Fiona. We said good bye and wished Rev Debra all the best as she joined St Johns Flixton as Curate in Charge. As she said, she is only ‘next door’!.

At the beginning of December, we wished Canon Chris and Verity all the very best for his retirement and celebrated his ministry to us all. Finally at the end of

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December we wished Rev Jenni and family all the very best as she became vicar at St Michaels church, Tonge-cum- Alkrington.

Finally, thanks to all of you, our parishioners and friends, worshipping together be at home or in church under the loving arms of our Lord. As we move forward in new times in 2022 may we all continue to pray and work together to reach out as a mission community to the wider world.

Fiona Jones Yvonne Mackereth Churchwardens

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Parish of St Mary the Virgin Davyhulme Parochial Church Council

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2022

Accounts

For the Year Ended 31st December 2021

The Parochial Church Council of St Mary The Virgin Davyhulme

Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2021

CONTENTS

PAGE

Accountant and Independent Examiner's Report 1
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st December 2021 2
Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2021 3
Notes to the Accounts 4-10
Appendix 11

The Parochial Church Council of St Mary The Virgin Davyhulme

Accountant and Independent Examiner's Report

Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2021

We report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31st December 2021, which are set out on pages 1 to 10.

The trustees of the church are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and accounting records. The church's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

Independent Examiner's Report

It is our responsibility to:

a) Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act

b) Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act

c) State whether particular matters have come to our attention.

Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission.

An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts prepared with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures made in the accounts, and seeking explanations concerning any unusual matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently we do not provide an opinion as to whether the accounts show a true and fair view.

The report is accordingly limited to the matters set out in the statement below:

In connection with our examination, no matters have come to our attention which:

Burton and Company (Accountants) Ltd 76 Davyhulme Road, Urmston, Manchester. M41 7DN

1

The Parochial Church Council of St Mary The Virgin Davyhulme

Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2021

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31st December 2021

2020
£
INCOME
Note
64,517
Voluntary Income
2a
1,279
Activities for generating funds
2b
99
Income from Investments
2c
9,239
Church Activities
2d
0
Other Income
2e
75,134
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
0
Grants and Charitable Giving
3a
84,653
Church Activities
3b
84,653
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
(9,519)
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) FOR THE YEAR
Transfer between funds in the year
57,677
TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD
48,158
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 2021
£
73,714
2,325
12
10,223
5,000
91,274
0
101,129
101,129
(9,855)
48,158
38,303		 General
Funds
£
71,418
2,325
-
9,983
5,000
88,726
-
99,381
99,381
(10,655)
0
(27,228)
(37,883)		 Restricted
Funding
£
2,296
-
12
240
0
2,548
0
1,748
1,748
800
0
75,386
76,186

2

The Parochial Church Council of St Mary The Virgin Davyhulme

Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2021

Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2021

2020
Total
£
5,000
6,866
23,488
10,487
3,498
37,473
(1,181)		 Note
£
FIXED ASSETS
8
Land and Buildings
Fixtures and Equipment
11,866
CURRENT ASSETS
Short Term Deposit
9
Other Cash and Bank Balances
9
Debtors and Prepayments
10
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors and Accruals
11
36,292
NET CURRENT ASSETS
48,158
TOTAL NET ASSETS
TOTAL FUNDS (UNRESTRICTED)
12/13
(27,228)
General Fund (Unrestricted)
75,386
Restricted Fund
48,158		 2021
Total
£
5,000
5,836
20,003
4,883
4,378
29,264
(1,797)		 £
10,836
27,467
38,303
(37,883)
76,186
38,303

Mrs N Taylor Hon Treasurer

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The Parochial Church Council of St Mary The Virgin Davyhulme

Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2021

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting Policies

The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act (2011) and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, Financial Reporting Standard 102, and the 2016 Charities Statement of Recommended Practice.

Funds

General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes of the PCC.

Restricted funds are income funds and reserves that must be spent on restricted purposes and details of those funds are provided in the notes to the accounts.

The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of other Church groups that owe their affiliation to another body or those that are informal gatherings of Church members.

Income

Collections, donations and legacies are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.

Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received.

Income Tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised.

Funds raised by fundraising events are accounted for gross.

Rental Income from the letting of Church premises is recognised when received.

Income from grants is recognised, where possible, in the same accounting year as that for which any related expenditure is payable.

Interest and investment income is recognised when received.

Expenditure

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if the award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

The Diocesan Parish Share is accounted for when paid, such payments reflecting relief under the Encouragement Scheme.

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The Parochial Church Council of St Mary The Virgin Davyhulme

Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2021

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)

FIXED ASSETS

Consecrated Property and moveable Church Furnishings

Consecrated and beneficial property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.

Moveable Church furnishings held by the Vicar and Church Wardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a Faculty for disposal are accounted for as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the Church's inventory, which can be inspected at any reasonable time.

For inalienable property acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Items acquired since 1 January 2000 have been capitalised and depreciated in the accounts over their currently anticipated useful economic life on a straight line basis.

Depreciation is charged at the following rates to write the fixed assets off over their estimated useful economic lives:

Church Hall 5% per annum to a minimum book value of £ 5,000 Fixtures 15% per annum down to a minimum book value of £ 5 Equipment 25% per annum down to a miminum book value of £ 5

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The Parochial Church Council of St Mary The Virgin Davyhulme

Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2021

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)

2. INCOME
2020
£
a) Voluntary Income
47,231
Gift Aid Donations
1,310
Non Gift Aid Donations
686
Collections in Church
2,792
Donations and Contributions
12,498
Tax Recoverable
Donations for Retirement Fund
64,517
b) Activities for Generating Funds
1,279
Fund raising activities (note 6)
c) Investment Income
99
Interest received
d) Church Activities
2,608
Fees
4,665
Church Hall Income
120
Flowers
1,812
Parish Retreat
34
Churchwomen's Fellowship
9,239
e) Other Income
0
Legacy
0
75,134
TOTAL INCOME		 2021
£
52,162
720
2,870
4,222
12,274
1,466
73,714
2,325
12
5,991
3,992
240
0
0
10,223
5,000
5,000
91,274		 General
Funds
£
52,162
720
2,870
3,392
12,274
-
71,418
2,325
-
5,991
3,992
-
-
0
9,983
5,000
5,000
88,726		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
830
-
1,466
2,296
-
12
-
-
240
0
-
240
-
0
2,548

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The Parochial Church Council of St Mary The Virgin Davyhulme

Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2021

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)

3. EXPENDITURE
2020
£
a) Grants and Charitable Giving
-
St Mary's School
0
Disaster Appeal
-
Night Shelter
-
Other Home Charities
0
b) Church Activities
Ministry:
46,840
Diocesan Parish Share
3,746
Clergy Housing
206
Clergy Working Expenses
Church Running Expenses:
10,772
Heat, Light, Water and Insurance
1,143
Repairs
8,707
Salaries and Support Services
1,080
Upkeep of Church surroundings
204
Flowers
1,319
Cost of Services
22
Bank Charges
2,813
Major Repairs and Maintenance
(note 7)
5
Churchwomen's Fellowship
1,963
Parish Retreat
2,257
Stationery, Sundries and IT
1,872
Church and Church Hall Running Costs
1,212
Depreciation of Fixed Assets
0
Retirement Gift and Party
492
Accountancy
-
84,653
84,653
TOTAL EXPENDITURE		 2021
£
-
0
-
-
0
61,200
4,028
310
10,228
167
9,463
0
227
2,309
800
6,391
0
0
913
1,908
1,030
1,521
634
-
101,129
101,129		 General
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
61,200
4,028
310
10,228
167
9,463
0
-
2,309
800
6,391
0
-
913
1,908
1,030
(0)
634
-
99,381
99,381		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
0
-
-
0
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
227
-
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
1,521
-
-
1,748
1,748

7

The Parochial Church Council of St Mary The Virgin Davyhulme

Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2021

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)

4. EMPLOYEES AND EMOLUMENTS

During the year the PCC paid a cleaner, musician and a support worker for sevices rendered. PCC members were directly reimbursed for expenses incurred on its behalf but did not themselves receive any remuneration from Church funds.

There was one employee during the year.

5. LEGACIES

In March 2021, a legacy was received for the sum of £ 5,000.

6. SUMMARY OF FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES

A detailed list of amounts raised is provided as an appendix to these accounts.

7. MAJOR REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
Roof Repairs
Lighting
Heating
Church Hall
Fire Protection
Joinery
Sundry Items		 £
3,120
1,166
964
418
568
155
6,391

8. FIXED ASSETS

Actual/Deemed Cost
At 1st January 2021
Additions
Disposals
At 31st December 2021
Depreciation
At 1st January 2021
Charge for the year
Eliminated on disposals
At 31st December 2021
Net Book Value at 31st December 2021
Net Book Value at 31st December 2020		 Fixtures and
Church Hall
Equipment
157,123
30,164
157,123
30,164
152,123
23,298
1,030
152,123
24,328
5,000
5,836
5,000
6,866		 Total
187,287
0
187,287
175,421
1,030
176,451
10,836
11,866

8

The Parochial Church Council of St Mary The Virgin Davyhulme

Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2021

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)

Restricted
9. CASH AND BANK BALANCES
General Fund
Fabric Fund
£
£
CBF Church of England deposit fund
-
20,003
HSBC Bank
(45,742)
50,625
Churchwomens' Fellowship cash and bank
0
-
(45,742)
50,625
10. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS
2021
2020
£
£
Unrestricted Funds:
Income Tax Recoverable
3,164
2,367
Insurance Paid in Advance
0
0
Sundry debtors and prepayments
1,214
1,131
4,378
3,498
11. CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS
2021
2020
Gas, Electricity and Water
309
692
Sundry Creditors and Accruals
1,488
489
1,797
1,181		 2021
£
20,003
4,883
0
4,883		 2020
£
23,488
9,936
551
10,487

9

The Parochial Church Council of St Mary The Virgin Davyhulme

Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2021

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)

12. FUNDS

Restricted funds include the fabric fund and the funds restricted for specific purposes.

13. MOVEMENT ON INDIVIDUAL FUNDS
Balance at 1st January 2021
Net Income for the Year
Transfer between funds
Balance at 31st December 2021		 Unrestricted Restricted
Restricted
Total
General
Fabric
Flower
£
£
£
£
48,158
(27,228)
75,386
-
(9,855)
(10,655)
800
38,303
(37,883)
76,186
-

14. BANK CHARGES

Please note that the expense of bank charges includes the associated costs of operating the bank account. These include the costs associated with acquiring card machines and facilitating the payments and receipts of expenses and income.

These are in addition to the regular costs of operating a bank account.

15. ASSOCIATED CHURCH GROUPS - INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

Mothers' Union
Play and Stay
Children's Society		 Balance
Income
Expenditure
Balance
1 Jan 2021
31 Dec 2021
£
402
2,957
1,550
1,809
480
0
360
120
27
0
0
27
909
2,957
1,910
1,956

10

The Parochial Church Council of St Mary The Virgin Davyhulme Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2021

SUMMARY OF FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES - 2021

Quiz
Raffle
Other Music and Social Evening Fundraising
Christmas Tree Festival		 £
560
475
818
472
2,325

11

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin Davyhulme

Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31 December 2021

Presented to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 11 May 2022

1

Contents
Page
1.Address and Contact Details 3
2.Governance 3
3. Membership of the Parochial Church Council 2021-22
3
4. Elected to the Deanery Synod for the Triennium 2020-23 3
5. Elected to the PCC for 3 years 4
6. Other Appointments and Positions 4
7. Foundation Governors of St Mary CE Primary School 5
8. Vision Statement 5
9. Aims, Objectives and Activities 5
10.
PCC Meetings		 6
11.
Risks		 7
12.
Policies and Procedures		 7
13.
Achievements and performance		 7
14.
Electoral Role Ofcer Report		 8
15.
Treasurer’s Report		 9
16.
Deanery Synod Report		 9

2

  1. Report of Safeguarding Officer 10

  2. Wardens Notes 11

2021 Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin, Davyhulme

Address and contact details

Church Postal address St Mary the Virgin, c/o 13 Vicarage Road Davyhulme Road Davyhulme Davyhulme Manchester Manchester M41 5TP M41 7BU

Telephone c/o 0161 748 2210

Website: https://www.stmarysdavyhulme.org/

Governance

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC of St Mary the Virgin, Davyhulme, has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, Canon Christopher Ford until his retirement on 9 December 2021, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. From that date the responsibility transferred to the sequestrators, namely the Area Dean, Rev Nick Watson, together with the church wardens, Mrs Fiona Jones and Mrs Yvonne Mackereth.

The appointment of PCC members is governed by, and set out in the Church Representation Rules

Membership of the Parochial Church Council 2021 – 2022

Ex-Officio

Revd Canon Chris Ford 2021)

Vicar and Chair of PCC (retired 9 Dec

Revd Jenni Beaumont Assistant Curate (until 24 Dec 2021)

Revd Dr Simon Wright

Assistant Curate

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Mrs Fiona Jones Churchwarden, Children’s Church leader Mrs Yvonne Mackereth Churchwarden, Vice-Chair of the PCC, representative on Deanery Synod and Diocesan Synod, Chair of the House of Laity

Elected to Deanery Synod for the Triennium 2020- 2023

Mrs Sue Wright Representative on Deanery Synod Mrs Yvonne Mackereth Church Warden, PCC Secretary, Mrs Karen Swales, Representative on Deanery Synod Mr Neil Pagan Representative on Deanery Synod Mrs Liz Spencer Representative on Deanery Synod, Safeguarding co-ordinator

Elected to the PCC for 3 years

Mr Peter Williams (24/05/2021) Mr William Boxford (24/05/2021) Mr Glyn Chatterton (24/05/2021) Mrs Andrea Shepherd (18/10/2020) Mrs Fiona Jones (18/10/2020) Ms Rebecca Hession (18/10/2020) Electoral Roll Officer Mrs Niki Taylor (27/03/2019) Church Treasurer Mrs Sue McGrane (27/03/2019) Deputy Church Warden, dep elect roll officer Mr Simon Orr (27/03/2019) Deputy Church Warden Mr Andrew Spencer (27/03/2019) Deputy Church Warden

Other Appointments and Positions.

Honorary Assistant Curate

Father Chris Waddleton

Eucharistic Assistants

Until October 2022

Mrs Shirley Artus Mr David Shepherd Mrs Andrea Shepherd Mr Andrew Spencer

Mrs Irene Hegg

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Church Organist Newsletter Editor Church Hall Lettings Manager Co-ordinator for Church Flowers Children’s Church leaders

Website and ACNY Editor Independent Examiner Bookkeeper GDPR Officer Health & Safety/ Dis Access officer

Mr Philip Hegg Mrs Sue Waddleton Mrs Niki Taylor Mr Simon Orr Mr Andrew Jarman Miss Elizabeth Miller (retired Dec 2021) Mrs Yvonne Mackereth Mr Andy Penzak Mrs Yvonne Mackereth Mrs Angela May Vacant Mrs Fiona Jones Mrs Joanne Hardy Mrs Fiona Jones Burton and Company (Accountants) Mr Colin Wilkinson

Mr Ian Artus

Mr David Shepherd

Foundation Governors of St. Mary’s CE Primary School

Canon Christopher Ford (ex-officio) (until 5 December 2021), Mrs Yvonne Mackereth (Diocese), Mrs Karen Wilkinson, Mr Andrew Jarman (Chair of Governors), Mrs Jennie Jones, Mrs Melanie Burden, Mr Peter Taylor, Revd Jenni Beaumont (until December 2021).

Vision Statement

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Davyhulme is a sacred place

Aims and Objectives and Activities

The PCC (Powers) measure 1956 states that a PCC ‘is to co-operate with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.’

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The Mission Statement of this parish is to be a growing, serving and nurturing church at the heart of the local community. The PCC is committed

The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and Scripture, music and sacrament. During the year our services have differed in accordance with guidance from the Government and the Church of England in relation to Covid pandemic measures. As such, services may, of necessity been limited, and, until August 2021 we additionally offered worship via Zoom on a Sunday morning in addition to worship in church. The worship with a particular focus for families and younger children also had to be limited to Zoom worship for some time.

When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

• Worship and prayer; learning about the gospel; developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus.

• Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish, noting that this has been restricted in order to comply with Covid guidance when home visiting was not permitted / discouraged.

To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the church of St Mary. This has been achieved despite the considerable costs involved and the reduction in income from giving and other sources.

None of this work is possible without the help of a small group of volunteers who offer many, many hours of expertise and work to enable the church to function and grow.

It is not possible to name all our volunteers, but particular thanks are given to Elsie and Frank Firth for all they do, to the warden team, the PCC, the sidespeople, Fiona and the gardening team, John, Glynn and many more.

In December 2021 the parish said goodbye to our Vicar of the past 16 years, Canon Chris Ford. We give thanks for all that both he and Verity have done and given to this parish over that time, for his ministry, support, prayers and friendship. We wish them much happiness in their new life in retirement.

Special thanks are extended to Dr Simon and Father Chris as they provide ongoing ministry and pastoral support for the parish and now lead our worship on a weekly basis.

We will also be supported by clergy from other local parishes and our Area Dean.

PCC Meetings

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There were 12 meetings of the PCC in 2021. Attendance of PCC members at these meetings was good overall by the majority of PCC members. All meetings were held via zoom with the option to dial in if required.

The follow were among the major issues discussed during the year

The following additional meetings were held, all via zoom:

Minutes from these informal sub-groups are brought to the full PCC for information and approval of any actions.

Risks

All risks are managed with the support of the parish Health and Safety Officer and reviewed / actioned by the PCC.

All areas related to Covid 19, such as opening the buildings and cleaning, follow the Government and Church of England guidance.

The relevant Risk Assessments are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. Fire alarms, lightening conductor, electrical installations and boilers are inspected and maintained on a regular basis.

Policies and Procedures

As the PCC has ultimate responsibility for the implementation of a wide range of actions. To support this a number of policies and procedures are in place including those related to Safeguarding, GDPR, Health & Safety (risk). Additional policies are currently being developed for PCC approval and will be available on the parish website.

Achievements and performance

7

Worship and prayer

Due to restrictions placed as a result of the Covid pandemic, the range of worship offered in 2021 has differed to that in recent years. We have endeavoured to offer worship both on a Sunday and during the week that our community, both young and old find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling. For example, Wednesday morning Eucharist provides a quieter and reflective environment for worship.

During the lockdowns Fiona kept in touch with families with worship and activity opportunities. We have built up a regular worshipping group of 10 families for ‘zoom’ or’ in-church’ (many more receive the emails and invitations to join in when they can). Baptism families have made contact and met each other and the clergy on zoom. Fiona continued with the uploaded video activities until just after Easter and then clergy held monthly zoom worship with resources using the @ROOTS site that we subscribe to

We did have a few opportunities for ‘In Church’ worship at 3 pm on a Sunday and this worked safely with action rhymes (rather than songs) simple bible stories with involvement of the families from their pews. They also had worship activity bags to take home. On 6 June we gathered for a family service in church focusing on nature at home and on holiday. On 3 October Canon Chris led us in a BEE Thankful Harvest festival.

As restrictions eased families returned to church services and weekly pew activity packs related to the liturgy were provided and families were able to attend on different weeks dependent on the covid isolation periods for them all… a tricky time but we kept in touch.

The year closed with Christmas services including the toy service that the children brought gifts to for the Toy House appeal in Flixton. We also held an outdoor crib service for families and members of the community.

With thanks to Clergy, safeguarding officer, Wardens, Stewards and of course, the families we are continuing to grow our faith together as we move forward with plans to restart children’s church in the hall in 2022

All are welcome to attend our services both in church and virtual. The average weekly attendance, counted during October, was 57 but this number varied week by week over the year and reflected the Covid pandemic guidance at the time. Until August 2021 the parish also offered a Sunday Eucharist via zoom which was well attended. Lenten meditations were held each Tuesday in Lent via zoom and services were held on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Eve and Easter Day. Family worship at home was supported with on line videos, non- eucharistic zoom services and latterly 3 p.m. family worship in church. At Christmas we were able to welcome the school community back into church to worship and to hold a carol service and a crib service where we gathered outside round the crib.

As well as our regular services, we enable our community to celebrate and thank God at the milestones of the journey through life. Through baptism we thank God for the gift of life; in marriage, public vows are exchanged with God's blessing; through funeral services friends and family express their grief and give thanks for the life that is now complete in this world and commend the person into God's safe keeping.

The Parish Hall

The church hall provides an important part of our outreach to the local community. As Covid restrictions eased, we are able to use the hall on an infrequent basis for party hire in 2021 with a view to re-opening fully in 2022.

Regular church hall users such as the daily play group, Earlybirds, and the uniformed organisations, have now restarted their regular use of the hall.

8

We would like to thank Angela May for managing the church hall lettings which provide us with not only important outreach but additional income.

Pastoral care

Helping and keeping in contact with others is a demonstration of our faith We have tried during the past year to keep in touch with as many members of our church community as possible. This has been done by:

Yvonne Mackereth Fiona Jones Church wardens

Electoral Roll Officer’s report

At present there are 228 parishioners on the church electoral roll, 10 of whom are not resident within the parish. 12 names were added during the year and 6 w ere removed either through death or because they moved away from the parish. 23[rd] Feb 2022

Treasurer’s report

The accounts for the year ending 31 December 2021 show debit of £9,855 in the General Fund, following the Independent Examination of the accounts carried out carried out by Burton and Company (Accountants) Ltd.

Income has significantly increased in many ways due to the church being open for some services. Non gift aid donations reduced by £590, collections in church increased by £2,184 but the church hall rental income reduced by £673 as the church hall was not hired out for parties only to our regular hirers for some of the year. Fees from weddings, funerals and internment of ashes also increased by £3,383. Gift Aid Tax recoverable for the year amounted to £12,274. Many thanks to all those who maintained their regular giving.

Expenditure on major repairs and maintenance in 2021 amounted to £6,391 which included roof repairs of £3,120 to repoint ridge tiles and fit bird spikes to the church. There was also some lighting work which amounted to £1,166 which included lighting in the church car park and expenditure spent to repair the hall door and step. This year our Parish Share was set at £61,200.00 and we were able to pay this is full.

Fund raising activities for the year amounted to £2,325 which includes income from a quiz, raffle, Christmas tree festival and other music and social evening.

I would particularly like to thank Colin Wilkinson for doing all the bookkeeping and also thank Yvonne Mackereth for all the gift aiding and for supporting me in so many ways and to Fiona Jones for all the many things she does as well.

No members of the PCC have received any payments apart from certified expenses.

9

PCC Accounts are held as follows:

Current Account HSBC Bank plc.

11 Stamford New Road Altrincham WA14 1BW CBF Deposit Account CCLA Management

80 Cheapside, London

Niki Taylor Treasurer

Report of Deanery Synod 2021

In the Church of England a deanery is a group of parishes forming a district within an archdeaconry. Four members of the PCC are parish representatives on the Deanery Synod. This provides the PCC with an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the Church.

After much consultation and prayer, the Diocese of Manchester, in June 2021, brought together the then existing twenty deaneries and established seven new larger deaneries under the leadership of seven fulltime Area Deans and newly elected Lay Chairs. This parish is now part of Manchester South and Stretford Deanery. Our Area Dean is Rev Nick Watson, the Lay Chair is Canon Addy LazzOnyenobi. `

A further development has been the move to small local Mission Communities. St Mary parish now forms part of a Mission Community together with St Michael, St Clement, St John, Christ Church, All Saints and St Matthews.

In February 2021 there was an ‘informal’ meeting of the Standing Committee of the new larger deanery followed by an ‘informal’ synod meeting. Both meetings were held via Zoom and allow synod members to get to know each other a little with presentations from the three deaneries forming to new deanery.

Two meetings of the new synod Standing Committee were held prior to two full synod meetings, all via Zoom. Items for discussion at synod included the election of deanery officers, the establishment of one bank account for the deanery, Parish Share, attendance and income surveys, formation of Mission Communities and lay training opportunities.

We look forward to working alongside colleagues both in the deanery and the local Mission Community.

Yvonne Mackereth Deanery Treasurer

Report of Safeguarding Officer

Each Parochial Church Council, together with the parish priest, shares the responsibility for the duty of care of the children and young people and adults at risk in their church setting. Each PCC must be fully aware of, and work in line with, the Diocesan Policy on Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk.

10

The Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator is appointed by the PCC annually and is responsible for ensuring that

In line with Diocesan guidance, a DBS check has been done for all members of this PCC as the PCC have overall responsibility for safeguarding within the parish. DBS clearance should be renewed every 5 years. All volunteers are required to complete online training and attend a training update. This has been delivered locally within the deanery. In addition all clergy are required to have a DBS check completed by the Diocese and attend regular safeguarding training.

As part of good practice, safeguarding of both children and adults who may be at risk, is a standing item on the PCC agenda. In this way the PCC are kept up to date with any issues or policy and document changes such as recruitment procedures and training.

The Diocese of Manchester, in line with best practice, has a Safeguarding Board. Details of this can be found on the Diocesan website. The Safeguarding board develop policies and procedures for safeguarding children and adults and promote a safe church.

However, safeguarding is not just the business of the PCC or the Diocese, it is the role of all of us to help to safeguard everyone who attends or is connected with this church.

I am always happy to answer questions related to policy and practice and any safeguarding issues should be brought to the direct attention of myself.

Once again, I would like to thank all those helpers who willingly complete the required DBS formalities and any required training. This is a further indication of the seriousness that is placed on Safeguarding within this church and the wider church.

There have been no child protection issues at St Mary during the past year.

A list of relevant contact names and address for Safeguarding may be found on notice boards in church and in the church hall.

Safeguarding posters in the Church have recently been updated as have contact details for external agencies who can offer support.

Lis Spencer Safeguarding Officer

Warden’s notes

Throughout the year the wardens and team have continued to work together with the PCC and a range of congregation volunteers to care for the building and fabrics of the church and grounds.

11

A detailed inventory was checked and edited during the year including photographs. Pat testing, lightning conductor tests, fire extinguishers were all checked. In the autumn, a new programmable thermostat and a boiler timer was installed making the heating much easier to control. Carpark lighting was improved.

There were repairs and maintenance work to the roof and gutters. Repairs as needed were done for wear and tear around the church hall.

In February Broadband was installed and by April we had a cashless giving machine.

During the year we were grateful for the help of volunteers in extra cleaning involved in covid safety. This included deep cleaning the hall and hall floor. By September we were able to gradually return some fabric furnishing to church as covid restrictions began to ease. By Christmas kneelers and Bibles had been returned to church.

We are always grateful for the extra help that our congregation members bring. This has ranged from repairs to notice boards, some new notice boards donated by the main gate and a folding one for ‘Church Open’. We were donated portable ramps for wheelchair access at the front porch. The outdoor meter cupboard and display shed were kindly re-roofed, white line steps refreshed, a smart new boiler area gate built and installed.

Our resident pianist, Andy, accompanied by Elaine on the violin, has added a musical spiritual side to our worship when singing in church was not permitted. Our thanks to them n their wonderful playing once they were fully back in church services.

We have had a loyal team of side-people who have welcomed, sensitively guided people through covid guidance and sanitized and cleaned after each service. It was special to be able to welcome back those aged over 70 to our teams and we were all aware of the impact that restrictions have had on people’s lives. By the summer people had returned to the church volunteering roles that they love.

We are fortunate to have large grounds surrounding our church but these take some looking after. Our thanks to the 3 or 4 volunteers who help with gardening. Also, to Simon Orr who organizes the gritting and lawn mower teams. All these rotas enable the grounds to be kept neat and safe for visitors. Each week sees visitors walking through the grounds for quiet reflection and visits to the Garden of Remembrance.

As the year drew to a close, we were able to consider covid safe gatherings for more social events and thanks go to David, our Health and Safety Officer, for guiding us through this and to Angela, Elsie and others for their work in enabling them to happen. The major event was Canon Chris’s retirement party (just before the Christmas restrictions …what timing) A wonderful evening was enjoyed with Andy and Elaine’s music. A good time had by all.

Elsie and Frank organised a wonderful Christmas tree festival. Thank you to the people who helped to steward this. Numbers attending were a little lower than we hoped but those that attended really appreciated it. We had visitors who travelled to the Garden of Remembrance and incorporated the festival into their visit.

2021 has been a year of changes as we thanked Angela for her years of Warden duty and welcomed Yvonne as warden to join Fiona. We said good bye and wished Rev Debra all the best as she joined St Johns Flixton as Curate in Charge. As she said, she is only ‘next door’!.

At the beginning of December, we wished Canon Chris and Verity all the very best for his retirement and celebrated his ministry to us all. Finally at the end of

12

December we wished Rev Jenni and family all the very best as she became vicar at St Michaels church, Tonge-cum- Alkrington.

Finally, thanks to all of you, our parishioners and friends, worshipping together be at home or in church under the loving arms of our Lord. As we move forward in new times in 2022 may we all continue to pray and work together to reach out as a mission community to the wider world.

Fiona Jones Yvonne Mackereth Churchwardens

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