## The Parish of Knebworth ## **Annual Report 2021** Including the Agenda for the Annual Meeting 11:30am Sunday 8 May 2022 in the Parish Centre The Church of St Mary & St Thomas of Canterbury Knebworth Park Old Knebworth Lane Old Knebworth SG3 6PY The Church of St Martin St Martin’s Road Knebworth SG3 6ER www.knebworthparishchurch.co.uk UK Registered Charity 1133728 Governed by the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as amended and Church Representation Rules ## **The Annual Parish Meetings** ## **11:30am Sunday 8 May 2022** ## Opening Prayer ## The Annual Meeting of Parishioners - Appointment of Secretary - Election of Churchwardens ## The Annual Parochial Church Meeting - Apologies - To receive the revised Electoral Roll - To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 16 May 2021 - Election of members to the PCC - To receive the Annual Report of the PCC, including Accounts for the year ended 31 Dec 2021 - Appointment of Independent Examiner of Accounts - - Chair’s Remarks - Matters arising from minutes of 16 May 2021, or discussion of matters of general parochial interest – _to be received in advance via revcharlesking@gmail.com_ - - Grace Annual Meetings 2022 Pg. 2 ## **Introduction** Dear friends, Welcome to this year’s Annual Report for the parish of Knebworth! When we come to our Annual Meeting in May, I will nearly have been in post six months, and I would like to offer sincere thanks to you all for your very warm welcome to me, Anke and Hannah, as we’ve settled in and got to know the parish. An annual review such as this looks back and summarises activity over the past 12 months. In the Church of England, it is a legal requirement and a helpful point of review. However, it can only ever be a snapshot overview of parish life. There is, of course, much more to who we are as Christians in Knebworth than is contained within the pages of this report. And in the case of a parish such as ours, that wider life is about the weaving God’s love into the everyday life of the local community. It has been so good to be with you since November as Priest-in-Charge, and as I read through the individual contributions to this report, and reflect over my first few months in post, there are encouraging signs. As we learn to live with Covid, it has been heartening to see groups reconvening; and there is a real desire across the week for people to meet regularly in person, as we should all hope and expect to, following the disruption of the last two years. Then there are those new to Knebworth and to the area who want to connect – it is important that we support them, too, in whatever ways we can. At the heart of all we do, though, is our worship and prayer. It has been good to restore regular worshipping patterns with a weekly 10am service at St Martin’s, and to reintroduce a monthly Evensong at St Mary’s. Worship continues throughout the week, and I have been encouraged by those supporting Morning Prayer Mondays-Wednesdays at 9am, with a communion service at 10am on Thursdays. However good the online technology, it is vital as Christians that we regularly gather in person. In the months ahead, and guided by the Holy Spirit, our offer of praise, worship, teaching, nurture and pastoral care will develop further, and we will want to do this for different ages and stages. Parish life brings together the work of so many, and it will always be invidious to single out particular people. However, I do want to pay grateful tribute to all those who supported the parish during the interregnum in all kinds of ways; and especially to my ministerial and clergy colleagues, to Mark as Churchwarden, to Alan as Deputy Warden and to Penny as Church Administrator. It is very good to continue the collaboration as we go forward as a team together. Bishop Tom Wright writes of being ‘surprised by hope’. And in the resurrection of Jesus, it’s a hope with special emphasis in this Easter season. The hope and knowledge that God is always with us is something that Jacob is reminded of at Bethel: _Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place – and I did not know it!”_ (Gen 28:16-17). How wonderful for us, too, to be surprised by God in all that we do in our lives and in our parish of Knebworth! Charles Annual Meetings 2022 Pg. 3 ## **Contents** |**Contents**|| |---|---| |**Parish**|| |•Public Benefit Statement|5| |•Churchwarden’s Report|7| |•PCC Members|9| |•APCM 2021|10| |**Reports**|16| |**Accounts**|20| Annual Meetings 2022 Pg. 4 ## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF KNEBWORTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1133728 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2021** ## **Aim and purposes** Knebworth Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the Priest in Charge, the Reverend Charles King, in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is responsible for the Parish Church of St Mary and St Thomas of Canterbury, Knebworth Park; St Martin’s Church, St Martin’s Road, Knebworth and the Parish Centre, St Martin’s Road, Knebworth. The correspondence address is: 15 St Martin’s Road, Knebworth, SG3 6ER. ## **Objectives and Activities** The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our two churches and become part of our parish community. We try to enable people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through: Worship and prayer, learning about the gospel and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus. ## **Public Benefit Statement** The Ecclesiastical Parish of Knebworth (UK Registered Charity 1133728) exists to offer Christian worship, teaching and pastoral care. Our provisions are open to those of all faiths and none, and are free at the point of delivery. (Some occasional offices do incur statutory fees, although we would strive to ensure that none are excluded on the grounds of economic or other disadvantage). During the past year, public benefit has been advanced in many ways, including: 1. the provision of regular and seasonal worship in word and prayer, sacrament and music; 2. the provision of occasional offices – baptisms, weddings, funerals – to mark important stages in the journey of life; 3. the provision of opportunities to engage with the Christian faith in preaching, teaching, small groups and children’s activities (including Messy Church), both inside and outside church, including in and for our local school; 4. the provision of services to a range of groups with particular needs, including the Smarties pre-school group, and the hosting of the monthly Knebworth Family of Churches (KFC) coffee morning; 5. the provision of numerous formal and informal acts of pastoral care; 6. the maintenance of St Mary’s and St Martin’s as buildings of listed heritage in stone, wood, glass and metal, hand in hand with working towards being open more and more as a venue for prayer, reflection, and tourism Pg. 5 Annual Meetings 2022 7. the maintenance and supply of the Parish Centre and our church buildings as spaces for community gathering and hire; 8. the raising of funds for partner charities, and donations in kind for Feed Up Warm Up, our local foodbank at Stevenage. Subsequent entries in this Annual Report expand on the above. Pg. 6 Annual Meetings 2022 ## **CHURCHWARDEN’S REPORT** The past twelve months have been both challenging and encouraging from my perspective as churchwarden for both churches. There are three major items in particular that I would like to pick out from the past year and to share with the wider Parish **Firstly** , the past year has seen the establishment of much greater stability in Knebworth Parish. A year ago, we were still in our interregnum and the future remained uncertain. Nevertheless, in the period before the appointment of a new incumbent, a number of people worked very hard to ensure hope of a better future. As Churchwarden, I remain deeply grateful to members of the PCC for their commitment, unity and hard work during a most difficult time – it was a privilege to serve as lay chair of this group. In addition to everything else, seeking to maintain Covid-safe spaces has been a constant challenge! At the same time, I want to put on public record my personal thanks as churchwarden to the pastoral and ministry team who looked after us so well and began the work of reconstruction – to Karen Turner, Jane Hatton and to Richard Syms for their uplifting pastoral and teaching ministry within the churches, and to Archdeacon Janet, Bishop Michael and Rural Dean Andy Thomas for their constant support, encouragement and desire to help us reach better days ahead **Secondly** , the appointment of Charles King as Priest-in-Charge of Knebworth has marked an enormous step forward for the Parish. We have been delighted to welcome Charles, Anke and Hannah to Knebworth. For me, Charles’ installation service in November 2021, the culmination of much planning and hard work, was a true highlight of the past year. It is a great pleasure as churchwarden to be able to work closely with Charles and to appreciate the levels of planning and fresh vision which he brings to us. We meet regularly to discuss and plan, and I am grateful for the enhanced channels of communication The **third** highlight for me is a continuation of something that began during the covid restrictions, when the 8am Sunday service at St Mary’s was the only opportunity in the Parish to worship in person. Since we have returned to some kind of ‘normality, I have continued to appreciate being able to worship at the St Mary’s services. As churchwarden, this has been a source of blessing. In that context, I wish to record my deep thanks and appreciation to Deputy Churchwarden Alan Williamson for his hard work, expertise (especially on the buildings front), practical repair work and support over the past year The **Buildings Committee** has now reconvened and is starting to get to grips with the challenges of, among other things, the roofing issues at St Martin’s Church. Thanks go to the members of the committee, not least to Phil Skinner for his work as secretary. It is an encouragement for us to see Charles’ interest and involvement in this area of work We have been able to re-establish the **Readers/Intercessors Rota** at St Martin’s – thanks to all those who have joined this ministry. One of the next tasks is to re-start the **Sidespersons Rota** . I am tremendously grateful to Penny Paton for her competence and hard work in `supporting my work as churchwarden, and to those who do so much behind the scenes in both churches – we Annual Meetings 2022 Pg. 7 do not always see what they do, but we would certainly notice if they did not do it! So thanks to Mary Theobald, Linda Mitchell, Anne Purvis, Phil and Sue Skinner, Karen Turner, Lizzie Jeanes, Julia Vickers, Ufuoma Okpako, Mike and Margaret Stiff, Ulrike Proff and William Anderson – each of you helps to make my life as churchwarden a little easier! A final thanks goes to our gardener, Alan Crisp. Our churchyards are regularly commended at our annual inspections by the Diocese, and much of that is down to Alan’s hard work The year ahead will be another challenging one as we seek to rebuild finances and congregations, develop new ministries and get to grips with various buildings issues. Yet we look forward with hope. In the words of the Apostle Paul, ‘ _Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus’_ ## **Mark Clifford, Churchwarden** Annual Meetings 2022 Pg. 8 ## **PCC Members 2021** The PCC is a charity registered number 1133728 with the Charity Commission. Members of the Parochial Church Council and Trustees of the Charity who have served at any time from 1[st] January 2021 to the date this report was approved are: ## _**Ex Officio**_ _Incumbent_ The Revd James Pye ( _resigned 01.04.21_ ) _Priest in charge_ The Revd Charles King, Chair ( _from 15.11.21_ ) _Churchwarden_ Mark Clifford Lay, Vice-Chair ( _from 16.05.21_ ) ## _**Deanery Synod representatives**_ Mrs Jane Lucas Mrs Melanie Pye ( _resigned 01.04.21_ ) Mrs Alison Coulson ( _from 16.05.21_ ) ## _**Elected members**_ Mrs Penelope Paton, PCC Secretary Mr Timothy Coulson Mr David Graham Mrs Sharon Smith ( _resigned 11.06.21_ ) Mr Alan Williamson, Deputy Churchwarden Mrs Sally Groves ( _resigned 19.07.21_ ) Mrs Elizabeth Graham Mrs Anne Purvis Mr Mark Clifford ( _from 20.01.21, then Churchwarden from 16.05.21_ ) Mrs Mary Theobald ( _from 16.05.21_ ) ## _**Co-opted members**_ The Revd Karen Turner The Revd Jane Hatton ( _from 17.01.22_ ) Mr William Anderson, Treasurer ( _from 17.01.22_ ) Annual Meetings 2022 Pg. 9 **MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS OF KNEBWORTH held on 16 May 2021 at 6.30pm via Zoom due to Covid 19 Restrictions** **Present:** Archdeacon Janet Mackenzie, Penny Paton, Bill Osborne, Canon Jane Hatton, Rev’d Karen Turner, Hazel Hall, William Anderson, Anne Purvis, Alison Coulson, Tim Coulson, Mary Theobald, Paul Theobald, Margaret Stiff, Mike Stiff, Andy Lewis, Alan Williamson, Mark Clifford, Lis Clifford, Phil Skinner, Sue Skinner, Liz Graham, Dave Graham, Jane Lucas, Rev’d Richard Syms, Jane Rodbard, Jane Ker-Reid (25 parishioners and the Archdeacon). 1. **Opening Prayer** : Mark Clifford (Lay PCC Chair) opened the meeting with a prayer. It was noted that Archdeacon Janet would chair the meeting for item 6. 2. **Appointment of Secretary** : Elizabeth Graham agreed to take minutes of this and the APCM. This was unanimously approved. 3. **Apologies for absence** : John Walker, Barbara Young 4. **Minutes of last meeting held on 18 October 2020** : There were no queries. Approval was proposed by Mike Stiff, seconded by Penny Paton and unanimously agreed. Thanks to Tim Coulson for taking the minutes. 5. **Matters arising from the meeting held on 18 October 2020** : None 6. **Election of churchwardens:** Archdeacon Janet took over the chairmanship of the meeting. One nomination had been received for Mark Clifford, proposed by Penny Paton, seconded by Sue Skinner. There being two vacancies and no other candidates, Mark Clifford was duly elected. Mark Clifford resumed chairing the meeting and advised that Alan Williamson would assist him as deputy churchwarden. Mark and Alan were thanked for taking on these roles. 7. **Report of the Trustees of St Martin’s and St Mary’s Preservation Trust** : The report had been circulated before the meeting. There were no questions. Phil Skinner was thanked for his work on the report. The current trustees are Phil Skinner, Mike Stiff, John Stead and Rev’d Jim Pye, who meet twice a year to discuss the fabric of the churches and agree any funding. Phil Skinner requested another trustee and Mark Clifford volunteered; this was agreed unanimously. Phil Skinner will check whether Jim Pye’s trusteeship was by election or ex-officio. If the former, Archdeacon Janet will arrange for his resignation as part of the handover process. 8. **Any other business** : Archdeacon Janet advised that if someone came forward during the year to fill the casual churchwarden vacancy, then he or she would need to be elected at a Special Meeting of Parishioners, having been proposed and seconded in advance. 9. The meeting finished at 6.45 Signed …………………………………………….Name……………………………………………… Title………………………………………………. Date………………………………………………. Annual Meetings 2022 Pg. 10 ## **MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING held on 16 May 2021 at 6.45pm via Zoom due to Covid 19 Restrictions** Present: Archdeacon Janet Mackenzie, Penny Paton, Bill Osborne, Canon Jane Hatton, Rev’d Karen Turner, Hazel Hall, William Anderson, Anne Purvis, Alison Coulson, Tim Coulson, Mary Theobald, Paul Theobald, Margaret Stiff, Mike Stiff, Andy Lewis, Alan Williamson, Mark Clifford, Lis Clifford, Phil Skinner, Sue Skinner, Liz Graham, Dave Graham, Jane Lucas, Rev’d Richard Syms, Jane Rodbard, Jane Ker-Reid (25 parishioners and the Archdeacon). Mark Clifford invited the Archdeacon to remain; this was agreed unanimously. **1. Apologies for absence:** John Walker, Barbara Young **2. Minutes of last meeting held on 18 October 2020:** There were no queries or comments and the minutes were unanimously accepted as accurate. Thanks to Tim Coulson for taking the minutes. Mark Clifford will physically sign both sets of minutes as soon as possible. **3. Matters arising from the minutes:** It was noted that following the discussions at the 2020 APCM, Rev’d Jim Pye had resigned as Rector on 1 April 2021. The Parish is therefore in interregnum and the PCC has begun the process of finding an interim replacement. ## **4. Election of Deanery Synod Representative** Following the resignation of Melanie Pye (elected October 2020) Alison Coulson had agreed to be the second Deanery Synod representative for the remaining two years of the term. She was proposed by Mark Clifford and seconded by Penny Paton. There being no other candidates, she was elected unopposed. ## **5. Election of representatives to the PCC** In addition to the three regular vacancies, the resignation of William Anderson and appointment of Mark Clifford as churchwarden had created two additional vacancies. The following candidates were elected unanimously. |Candidate|Term|Proposed|Seconded| |---|---|---|---| |Tim Coulson|3 years|Anne Purvis|Penny Paton| |Dave Graham|3 years|Mark Clifford|Anne Purvis| |Alan Williamson|3 years|Mark Clifford|Penny Paton| |Mary Theobald|2 years|Sue Skinner|Elisabeth Clifford| |Anne Purvis|1 year|Mark Clifford|Penny Paton| The following resolution was proposed by Mark Clifford: ‘Regular attendance at the Parochial Church Council meeting is required. Any PCC member who fails to attend at least 25% of the meetings will be asked to withdraw from the Council in order to be replaced by a person willing to take an active part in the management of the Church. Exceptions will be made, (for a short while) on compassionate grounds in cases of ill health or family difficulties. This is to ensure that PCC members fulfil their responsibilities Annual Meetings 2022 Pg. 11 as trustees and will take effect from the 2022 APCM.’ After a short debate, the resolution was amended to increase the minimum meeting attendance from 25% to at least 50%, to reflect the importance of the trustees’ role and their legal responsibilities. The amended resolution was agreed unanimously. ## **6. Electoral Roll Report.** Anne Purvis confirmed that the current Electoral Roll figures were as reported, i.e. two additions and 7 removals, leaving 70 people on the Electoral Roll. Anne thanked Penny for her assistance. There were no questions. ## **7. Clergy Report.** In place of the Rector’s report, Rev’d Karen Turner gave the following report: “Dear Friends This year has been an exceptional one in many ways for us all. Internationally we have been experiencing the worst pandemic since the end of the first world war. Nationally we have also suffered with this virus, having to watch many people suffer through the disease, many being worked to beyond any normal capacity and for many to suffer quietly in isolation, far from those they love and whose support they needed. Locally we have in many ways been fortunate. We have not seen the high levels of the virus experienced elsewhere, we had an excellent support system running throughout the village during the worst of the crisis; and for so many of us, we had our faith. Faith has helped us stay strong, to know the presence of Christ in all things and the knowledge that we were not alone but our Lord was walking alongside us sharing our pains and sorrows. The way in which we worshipped had to change, the way in which we showed care for one another had to change, but the love and fellowship we share did not change. In some ways I do believe that it has brought us to be closer and stronger than before, certainly more adaptable! During the past two years, this Parish has experienced many difficulties leading to a time of definitive change. Members of the PCC have done their best to manage under great duress and uncertainties. Jane, Richard and I have offered what administrative and pastoral assistance we can, but it has often been difficult to plan a way forward. The PCC have offered support to both the congregation and clergy and this has been greatly appreciated under such difficult circumstances. Despite all these difficulties, and as well as the Covid situation; the numbers in the congregation have held up extremely well. We thank God for this blessing. We were fortunate enough to enjoy a splendid Pancake day just prior to lockdown last year. It was a very enjoyable day and people were extremely generous in their donations. During the Lent and Easter period we were still very much learning how to use Zoom, finding ways of keeping in contact with each other when the churches had to close and adjusting to funerals being so very restricted in numbers and style. It was a harsh learning curve for us all. But the weather was kind to us and somehow we began to live differently, almost enjoying the challenge of getting a delivery slot for Sainsbury’s and certainly changing our routines and priorities very swiftly. Annual Meetings 2022 Pg. 12 During this time Penny has sent out children’s activities and worksheets every week to our junior church and Messy church members. This has largely gone unseen by most of us, but a huge thank you to her for this initiative. She has been guided by two expert users each week as to the level of difficulty for the word search etc and that feedback, along with others, is much appreciated. Thanks also to Tim who organised a telephone rota for keeping in touch with everyone when we went in to lockdown - the first time round! Despite the fluctuating restrictions, the year seemed to fly past, the seasons came and went and suddenly it was Christmas. Many plans had to be changed at the last minute which caused chaos in many households but the one thing that was superbly organised was the carol service in Knebworth Barns car park. An enormous amount of planning, risk assessments and site visits were all completed so well by Richard and Jane Hatton and on a starry night we all enjoyed singing our favourite carols and actually having a special event to attend. An enormous thank you to them both, for all their hard work which enabled so much joy and a wonderful way to begin our Christmas celebrations. The usual style of Christingle was not possible, but the Children’s society supplied bags for us to fill and distribute to any family wanting to make their own Christingle and to attend an amazing interactive service led by Lizzie Jeanes. This was very much appreciated by all and certainly broke new ground in enthusiasm, well done and thank you to Lizzie. Our Midnight service was on Zoom, but on Christmas Day the service was in church to everyone’s delight. During the year we managed to deliver cards on Ash Wednesday, Mothering Sunday and Easter Day to all the Church family. A big thank you to all those delivery folk and also to the children who did such wonderful designs for the Easter cards, I think we all enjoyed seeing them on our mantelshelves. There have been two weddings during this period, both under severe Covid restrictions. When it became possible, we began 8am Holy Communion services at St Mary’s which have become very popular and we are now working on a ‘cocktail’ approach to the services. Currently we will be using both churches on the 1st/3rd/5th Sundays of the month and Zoom services will continue for the 2nd and 4th Sundays. This enables people to attend or stay safe at home, as they feel comfortable. During this year we owe a great many thanks to Bishop Michael, Archdeacon Janet, and to Andy Thomas (our rural dean) for supporting us with so many services. This would have been impossible to manage without their advice and continued assistance. Finally, a sincere thank you to Penny for enabling the Covid regulations to work so smoothly in both churches and keep us safe, as well as enabling services to begin again. Richard, Jane and I were named as the Three Musketeers on Easter Day - and I am sure we will continue to do our best to serve this Parish and defend the faith. In the Musketeer films - I seem to think that actually there were four Musketeers in some of those films - so let us pray for that fourth Musketeer to be found once again. During this time of vacancy in the Parish let us pray that the right person will be called by God to serve Knebworth and to bring new life and breath into us all, helping us to move forward from the maintenance we have inevitably been involved in recently to outreach and Mission in the very near future. Annual Meetings 2022 Pg. 13 May God Bless us all.” Mark Clifford thanked Rev’d Karen for her report. Mike Stiff proposed a vote of thanks to Bishop Michael, Archdeacon Janet, Rev’d Andy, Rev’d Karen, Canon Jane and Rev’d Richard for all their support, service and care over the past couple of years. This was seconded by Alan Williamson and agreed unanimously. ## **8. Treasurer’s Report.** William Anderson ran through the treasurer’s report previously circulated, highlighting in particular the difficulties with loss of income due to the pandemic and the situation in the Parish. Less than half of the Parish Share had been paid. In answer to questions William explained that: - Parish Centre bookings are currently 50% of normal; not all users may return yet; - There will not be a further adjustment to 2020 Parish Share as the 2020 movement on the general account was below £1,000, unlike 2019 where it was over £3,000. Archdeacon Janet asked that any additional Parish Share payments be attributed to current year rather than historic. She reminded everyone that the underlying cost of a full-time parish priest, including housing, was around £58,000. Mark Clifford explained that William was continuing as treasurer though he had resigned from the PCC. ## **9. Adoption of 2020 Accounts.** Mark Clifford proposed that the 2020 accounts be adopted, which was agreed unanimously. ## **9. Appointment of Independent Examiner of Accounts.** William Anderson advised that Ray Meredith was standing down as Independent Examiner after many years’ service. He confirmed that Paul Boielle, Deanery Treasurer, had agreed to be nominated for 2021. Liz Graham explained that Paul had been her Independent Examiner at All Saints Pin Green. He is a retired charity accountant. William prosed a vote of thanks to Ray, which was seconded by Rev’d Karen Turner and agreed unanimously. William then proposed that Paul Boielle be appointed Independent Examiner for 2021, seconded by Liz Graham and agreed unanimously. ## **10. Any Other Business** ## 10.1 Prayer Circle update Bill Osborne clarified that Yvonne Denning was still part of the Prayer Circle and that Andrew Wheelhouse had joined. However, Sally Groves will be moving away, leaving only three local members out of five. He asked that the Prayer Circle be made aware of situations where prayer support was needed, which would be treated in complete confidence. ## 10.2 Appointment of Interim Minister Annual Meetings 2022 Pg. 14 Mike Stiff and others asked for more information about the process of appointing the interim minister. Mark Clifford explained that the PCC had met with Archdeacon Janet and Bishop Michael shortly after Easter to discuss next steps and had agreed to seek an interim appointment for up to three years to settle everything back down, including pastoral relationships. Archdeacon Janet explained that she and Bishop Michael were looking for suitable people to introduce to the parish and that the process was underway. There will still be applications, meeting people and interviews to help both parties decide whether it is the right next step. It is possible that this will be a bit quicker than the standard process. She requested prayer for all involved. Penny Paton clarified that during, or at the end of, the three years the appointment can be made permanent but it can also be ended by either party. Regarding the patronage, Archdeacon Janet explained that this will be temporarily suspended as only the Bishop can make an interim appointment. At the end of the interim period, they expect to lift the suspension and resume the patronage. The Diocese will always work with the patron even if the patronage is suspended. An interim appointment ends the interregnum. The interim appointee is a priest in charge rather than a rector but what he or she does is exactly the same. It was confirmed that, as from 1 April, Rev’d Pye had finished his work in the parish and a handover to the Archdeacon was almost complete. In answer to questions about the Rectory and the practicalities of any redecoration requirements, Archdeacon Janet explained that, as a consequence of the Covid rental situation, the Pyes will be able to stay in the Rectory for up to the end of October. If an interim appointment has not been made by then, the Diocese will not be seeking to rent out the Rectory. She pointed out that the Diocese and churchwardens will assess any works required and new clergy can apply for a decorating grant as well as a house-moving grant. Mark Clifford closed with a prayer and the meeting ended at 7.54pm. Signed ……………………………………………. Name……………………………………………… Title………………………………………………. Date………………………………………………. Annual Meetings 2022 Pg. 15 ## **Reports** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF ST. MARY’S AND ST. MARTIN’S PRESERVATION TRUST** The Trustees only met once during 2021. As usual the main areas of discussion were the maintenance of the fabric of the two Churches and their churchyards and finances. The number of Trustees has increased to 7, which means the Trust can continue to function properly. There was no major expenditure in 2021. On 5th April 2021 the Trust had assets of £21,108. ## **Phil Skinner, Secretary** ## **BUILDINGS COMMITTEE** Because of Covid restrictions and other matters the Committee only met on one occasion in 2021. The Committee agreed an action plan to address the high priority items raised in the Quinquennial Survey report. Highest priority is to arrange for a drone survey of St. Martin’s Church roof to locate where rainwater is getting in, so that repairs can be carried out. During 2021 only minor work has been carried out, and the Committee members are grateful for the volunteers who carry out minor repairs and maintenance jobs. Happily there are now 7 members which is a sufficient number to carry out the Committee's duties properly. ## **Phil Skinner, Secretary** ## **ST MARTIN’S PARISH CENTRE (SMPC)** Following the lifting of some Covid 19 restrictions hirers started to return to run their classes/groups in April 2021. Most had returned by the autumn term; however, we did lose one group and some hirers had cut back on hours of hire due to people not returning. Our hirers are all having to work hard to promote their classes/groups again but their numbers are still below pre Covid. I have placed hall availability times in the Parish News and on our Facebook and Website. Thursday is particularly a day that I would like to attract new hirers, plus some afternoons. ## **Penny Paton, Bookings Secretary** Pg. 16 Annual Meetings 2022 ## **SMARTIES BABY & TODDLER GROUP** I reopened smarties in the winter term of 2021, it was lovely to be back and we had a keen start back with the mums and toddlers. I have very much appreciated the support of Sue, Sylvia and Mary who help during the mornings. During the spring term our group is increasing which has made it more enjoyable for the children and their learning skills to be with their peers. We do need more help as we all have to come in every week during the term time. If anyone is off sick or on holiday it has an impact on the delivery of the session. It seems to be harder and harder to get the help we need. ## **Jeanette Dreads** ## **ST. MARTIN’S JUNIOR CHURCH** During 2021, I have continued emailing material out weekly to both Junior Church and Messy Church parents so they can use it with their children. Included most week were a wordsearch, question sheet, colouring page, a video of the story (produced by the diocese following the same Gospel reading as our 10am service) and sometime a craft item. A lot of the year we were still having services via Zoom and we had two regular children who worked on their sheets during the service and then shared what they had been doing at the end. When we returned to in church services our Junior Church groups still did not meet, but the children attending used the worksheets in their pews. Then near the end of the year the very young did colouring or playing in their new area which is more within the main body of the church and alongside pews for their parents. A very welcome change from being at the back of church. The new area was arranged by Charles and includes both children and parents more in the service. We expect to be able to restart Junior Church groups sometime during 2022. ## **Penny Paton, Junior Church Team** ## **PRAYER CIRCLE** The prayer circle exists to provide a group of people who will pray for people in distress whether that is due to health problems or other problems that we encounter these days. Any one of the circle members can take requests and circulate them to the rest. We do this now by email rather than phone round a circle. This means the requests are passed to all at the same time and there is no risk of a message being confused and accidentally altered. Requests are dealt with confidentially with the person's approval and are not discussed outside of the group. Although the Prayer Circle is still active it has not had many requests for prayer since the beginning of the Covid pandemic. One reason for that is that people have not been out and about as much in order to avoid becoming a victim of Covid. Another reason is that during 2021 Yvonne Denning, Janet Hammond, and Sally Groves all left St. Martin's and these were the Circles principal gatherers of requests. The current members still attending St Martin's are Anne Purvis, Andrew Wheelhouse, Colleen and myself. In addition, Yvonne, Sally, and Julie Ansell wish to stay part of the circle although they will not be likely to submit requests. ## **Bill Osborne** ## **ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT FOR APCM** There has been one new addition to the Electoral Roll and nine have been removed. Of those who have been removed, two people wished to be taken off the Roll, six people have moved away, and one is deceased. ## **Our Electoral Roll now stands at 62.** Copies of the new roll will have been exhibited at both churches before the meeting. ## **Anne Purvis, Electoral Roll Officer** ## **KNEBWORTH FAMILY OF CHURCHES** Over the past year we have gradually begun to meet in person again and to begin to take up some of the regular activities. There was Carol singing around the village at Christmas and the Week for Christian Unity service was held at Saint Martins on this occasion. The service was followed by refreshments in Saint Martin Centre. It has been very good to have Reverend Charles King on board to bring new thoughts and fresh input into the regular events program. As I write this we are planning the walk of witness on Good Friday followed by Hot Cross buns at Trinity. The most recent event initiated by Charles was a meeting at the St. Martin’s parish centre for anyone interested in helping and supporting Ukrainian guests in this country. It was extremely successful and we are hoping to develop this group further. A central point for giving out information and being a practical response to the requests that are made. It would appear that the Knebworth response team format will be resurrected and used as the central hub, possibly using Saint Martins church or parish centre for some activities. We look forward to having the opportunity for more activities in the coming year and building on the fresh ideas and energy that Charles has brought to this group. An example of this is a suggestion of a themed approach to teaching/learning and praying together about environmental issues or similar issues of wider concern. ## **Karen Turner (Revd), KFC Representative** Annual Meetings 2022 Pg. 18 ## **KNEBWORTH CHRISTIAN AID** Knebworth Christian Aid continued fundraising during lockdown with Big Brekkie, the annual quiz and delivering envelopes for Christian Aid week 2021 with collection buckets at the Co-op and the Post Office. Christian Aid week was celebrated at Trinity with an excellent service and speaker from Christian Aid. Our accounts showed fundraising totaling £2,146. ## **Tim Coulson** ## **SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN & ADULTS WHO MAY BE VULNERABLE** The main role of the Parish Safeguarding Officer is to ensure that the PCC complies with the safe recruitment process, and safe practices in working with children / adults who may be vulnerable. All those who work with children need to be DBS checked and complete the Basic and Foundation online safeguarding courses. Those in these roles have completed their training and are DBS checked. PCC members are also DBS checked and all have completed safeguarding courses. In 2022 there will be a new requirement for them to also complete the Domestic Abuse course. The Churches’ Safeguarding Policies are based on the House of Bishops’ publications. Knebworth PCC has complied with its duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016. (duty to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). The main areas of children’s work at the present time is Smarties Baby & Toddler Group. Junior Church has not started back in groups yet but the children are catered for in church. Messy Church has started back again in 2022. ## **Penny Paton, Parish Safeguarding Officer** ## **BELL RINGING AT ST MARY’S** This year has been a progression in returning to ringing the bells at St Marys. During the summer months we had three weddings to ring for which we were able to do with the help of ringers from Codicote, Graveley and Aston. This group of ringers make up our band that are pleased to ring for evensong once a month. We have started practicing on a Friday evening and hope to sustain this, welcoming other ringers from the district. The Christmas carol service gave us also a chance to ring. The bells have been inspected also looking at the bell ropes and splicing two in preparation for a peal attempt. This was a successful peal of Yorkshire Surprise major taking 2hrs 50 mins rung for the 90[th] birthday of Barbara Young and Sylvia Hunter members of the parish. Our Queen Elizabeth II accession anniversary was also celebrated with visiting ringers from St Ippolyts to help us and we all enjoyed cups of tea and cake with other members of the parish. On the first Saturday of April we hosted a district meeting in the afternoon and the bells were rung before the meeting. Looking forward, our numbers are low so we will need to recruit. We welcome a visit from the Knebworth Scouts and the Guild of Medical ringers in May. **Rosemary Pateman, St Mary’s Bellringers** ## **TREASURER’S FINANCIAL REVIEW** The financial outcome for 2021 was a net deficit on all funds of £6,755. The deficit on the General fund was £10,526. A surplus of £3,655 was recorded on Restricted funds, and there was a surplus of £117 on Endowment funds. The General fund deficit arose after paying 2021 parish share of £29,300, representing a slight increase on the amount paid in the previous year. The PCC has hereby departed from the approach adopted in recent years of paying only as much parish share as brings the position for the year on the General fund broadly into balance (nil surplus/nil deficit), with the goal now of putting the amount of share paid each year at least onto a rising trajectory, to reflect both our rejoicing that the ministry in this parish has new leadership and our continued great privilege in being served by a priest whose duties are focused on our parish alone. This it must be said is a very ambitious aim. The years 2020 and 2021 were difficult financially due to both COVID and the uncertainty surrounding the previous leadership of the parish, and levels of giving in 2021 were significantly down on where they were in 2019 and prior. The amount of share paid is well below the amount of £53,437 requested by the diocese for 2021. There are two further significant areas of risk. First, despite our sourcing of gas and electricity through the national Parish Buying Scheme the recent substantial increase in general levels of energy costs will undoubtedly be a burden, and second, while some building repairs are expected to be financed by the Preservation Trust, the costs of imminent items such as repairs to the leak around the St Martin’s bell tower are yet to be established and may be substantial. The increase in energy costs may necessitate a raising of rates for hiring out the parish centre. Our Christian faith, however, commits us to look to the future with confidence. Giving for the current year 2022 includes monies from fellow parishioners who have re-instated their giving after the turbulence of the past couple of years. In a world in which fewer people than before carry cash, the electronic card machines in each church are proving to be a useful additional source of giving. Nearly half of regular giving is now via the Parish Giving Scheme, a scheme which reduces the burden for the parish of administering Gift Aid. (The Treasurer encourages people to sign up for this scheme!) Lettings for the parish centre have recovered strongly after the COVID lockdowns. The parish magazine continues to circulate nearly 600 copies each month. Unrestricted reserves totalling £25,442 as of 31[st] December 2021 represented nearly 6 months’ worth of general expenditure; this position is favourable when compared to many other parishes. At its July meeting the PCC will address plans for a stewardship campaign that will take place in the autumn. For the separate Mission Fund, the Follett Trust has continued its generous funding of £1,000 each quarter. As Messy Church and other activities restart after the lockdown gap, cumulative funds of £10,801 are being carried forward in anticipation of future use in this area. ## **William Anderson, Hon. Treasurer** _**The Annual Accounts which form part of this document are attached in a separate file** ._ Annual Meetings 2022 Pg. 20 KNEBWORTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Registered Charity Number 1133728 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2021 Page No. Statement of financial activities Balan￿ sheet Accounting Policies and Notes Incoming resources ReSoUr￿S used Further Notes to the accounts KNEBWORTh PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021 Note Total 2021 Totsl 2020 funds funds fijnds INCOMING RESOURCES 4a Incoming resour￿ from donors 4b Other voluntary incoming resour 4c Income from investsnents 4d Church Aciivttes 4e Other income resources 1,614 31,878 31.802 326 15.520 117 442 15,520 559 21.229 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 46,610 5,614 117 52,341 57.590 RESOURCES EXPENDED 5a Grants Sb Activities directty relating to the work of the Church sc Church mallagernent and administration n1 52.187 53.842 52,409 4,￿9 TOTAL RESOURCES USED 57.136 56.863 NET MOVEfdEKf IN FUNDS BEFORE TRANSFERS (10.526) 117 {8,755} 727 Net Transfers NEf MOVEMENT IN FUNDS {10.526) 117 16.755) 727 8ALANCE BIFWD 1.1.2021 11518 17.048 64.563 83.836 BALANCE CIFWD 31.1121 25.442 15201 17.165 57.808 64.583 P&3e I KNEBWORTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL BALANCE SHE AT 31ST DECEMBER 2021 Note 2021 2Q21 2020 7 Flx¢d Agsets 8 Cash al Bank and in hand Paterson ACC(￿nI Cambndge & Counties 8aftk 9 Debtors 6,125 707 49.980 3,098 13,374 707 49,537 2,292 65,910 59,910 Currept1Sablliiies 10 Arnounts due wthin one year {2.102} 11,3471 £57.808 £S4 563 Flnanced by: Funds- Unrestnded Reslncted Missi)n & Outreach fund Elsie Marbn tequest Paterson bequest Churchyard maintenance fvnd 25,442 35.￿8 10.801 205 707 3.490 15,203 11,548 Endowment Bishopp beque* Cobtrold fund Green bequest Nea￿ bequegt 5.579 10,325 751 17,163 17.046 £57.808 £64,563 Approved by the Kneihvorth Parcthial Church Counol on. 2 Zoz Signe(l on its behaw by: (PCC ChaimBnl (Trusteel *J The notes on pages 3 to 8 foftn part of these financial statements. Page 2 KNEBWORTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES TO THE FINLYCIAL STATEMEM5 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021 I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES General The fLnancial statements ha￿¢ been prepared under the historical cost convention. Th¢ financial statetn¢nts include all transactions. &8sets and liabilities for which PCC is responsible in laNw. They do not include accounts of church groups that ow¢ their main aifiliatTon to another IM)dy. nor those that are infornMI gatherings of church members. Incoming resources Planned giving is recognised when receii'ed. Grants and donations recetvable are accounted for when awarded. Resources exp¢nd¢d Grants and donations pa)'able are accounted for when paid over. or when awarded. if that creates a biDding or CODStn￿tive obltgation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when paid. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for Fixed Assets Consecrated and kneficed PTorKrty of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.96 (2) (a) of the Charities Act 1993. No value is placed on mov¢able church furnisbiDgs heRd by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and wthich require a faculty, for disposal: since the PCC Conside￿ this to 1￿ inalienable property. All expenditure incurred duringy the vear on Consecrated buildings and moveable church furnishings. whether rnatntenance or improvement, is wriiten off as expenditute in the Statement of Financial .4ctivities. No value is placed on the Knebworth Parish Centre. Vitiich w&s built at a cost of £267,191 in 1994. Other assets used WTthtn the church premises are deW￿lated orA a straigbt-lille basis over their estimated useful live& as follows: St. Mary's Organ 10 years oirice equipmeni 4 years Sound sys(em 5 years The &ssCts wcre all ￿lIV depreciated at 3]￿ Dee¢tDber 2021. L RELATED PARTY TRANSAcfioNS There th.ere no tr3Dsactions in yvdr under review with related parties: Page 3 KNEBWORTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL IYOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021 3. RESERVES POLICY Endowmenifunds are funds. the capital of which MU￿ be mainlained. only income arisino from the inTrestment mav k used as either restricted or unrestricted funds depending on the purpose for which the endON￿nent W&8 established. ReJlricledfiirkls represent (a) income fron] trusts or endowThents which ma) be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the tellns of the trust or bequesL and {b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds mav only be expended on the specific object for which they ere oiven. An). balance remaining unspent at the end of the year must b¢ ¢arri¢d forriard a8 a balance on that fund. The PCC does not invest separately for each fund. Lrnre.YlrieledfvndY are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary pUT￿SeS. The PCC has the aim of matntsining ￿￿estrIcted fi￿d$ at a level whÉch represents 6 months, worth of expenditure. As of 31" December ?O?I: unrestricted reserves amounted to approximately 5 months" worth of expendFwre. Page 4 KNEBWORTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL INCOMING RESOURCES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEKrs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021 Note Unrestricted Restricted & funds endowment Total Total 2021 2021 2021 2020 4a Incoming resources from donopJ Regular giving - Gfft-aided - Not grft-amled Open Plate collecttons Gfft-aTrd￿J donations Special collections Gtft aid re¢overable Other donations Other income 23.058 1,116 2.522 300 23.058 1,116 2,522 300 304 3,098 1,310 169 31.878 19,959 2,019 2,517 3.098 2,527 3,285 1,030 31,802 1.310 169 30,264 1,614 4b Other voluntary incoming resources Gfants: Follett Trust- for Messy Church Herts County Counctl- Sound Systefri 4,000 500 4.000 500 4.500 4,000 4c Income from investments Bank Interest 326 326 117 117 442 442 559 559 4d Income fn)m charltable and anclllary tradlng Parish Centre lettings Library Rental Parish News aifvertisiTrJ Parish News sales Fees for weddings, frJnerals FundraisiTVJ aCbvit￿5 4.791 4,791 4,638 4,000 5,646 4,241 1,915 789 21,229 4,442 4,528 4,442 4,528 1,466 294 15,520 294 15,520 4e OTHER INCOPAING RESOURCES TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 46.610 5.731 52,341 57.590 KNEBWOlml PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL RESOURCES USED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021 Unrestricled Restn"cted Endowrnent frjnds funds ftjnds Total 2021 Total 2020 Sa Grants (see a180 Note 41 Missionary and charitsble gNing Special COll￿tiOnS and ev 40 305 304 304 304 40 305 Sb Actlvltlgs relating dlrocty to the worf( of the Church Ministy. - Parish Share - Clergy Expenses - Vis(ting Mini%ters Upkeep of serv￿eS Pastoral care social actsvrti Youth and chihlren Parish News printing and expenses Church buildings.. - insurance - maintenance - churchyard - Serv￿Ing of organs - power & other running costs Parish Centre: insuranc* - maintenance cleaning . & ott￿r runnng costs 29.300 185 100 55 316 71 7.C60 29,300 185 100 55 316 71 7,060 29,291 450 198 45 435 5,422 3,929 2,745 2,080 2.236 2,236 1,655 610 2,030 1,655 610 2.030 1.493 760 1,412 1,683 2,465 52,409 1,020 1.572 3.148 52.187 1,020 1,572 3,148 53.842 1,655 5¢ Church management and a¢knlnlstratlon Church Offi sUb￿rip￿.0nS and Musr Li¢ences Office equipment Sundry Expenses 3,632 692 3,632 692 341 -53 562 3,684 586 4,909 4,909 TOTAL RESOURCES USED 57,136 1.959 59,095 56,397 Paue 6 KNEBWORTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total GRANTS MADE From PCC funds." Beds & Herts Historic Churches 40 Special Collections." Bishop's Harvest Appeal Chiklren's Society {Christs'ngte) 278 26 278 26 304 Further Christian Aid collections are not recorded here. St Matys Organ Sound system FIXED ASSETS offi￿ equipt Total Cost at 1.1.2021 4.233 3.334 6,117 13,684 Cost at 31.12.2021 4,233 3,334 6,117 13,684 Depreaation at 1.1.2021 4.233 3,334 6,117 13,684 at 31.12.2021 4,233 3,334 6,117 13,684 Net Book Value at 1.1.2021 at 31.12.2021 Assets are fully deprecjated KNEBWORTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021 Note 2021 2020 CASH IN HAND Barclays- main current account Bar¢lays- Parish Centre Lets account Cash in hand 12.514 637 223 13,374 15 128 6.125 DEBTORS 2021 2020 Income tax reco¥erabSe. Gfft AKI 3.098 2,292 3.098 2.292 10 CREDITORS 2021 2020 DBF- Fees for Weddtngs and Funerals St Ma￿5 & St Martsn's Presefvthn Tn Accrued costs Herts County Council grant receNed but not stent Wedding depostts Olher credit(Ks 75 138 1.269 223 138 430 100 20 2,102 150 407 1,347 Page 8 Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of Knebworth Parochial Church Council. charity number 1133728 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31° December 2021 set out on pages 1 to 8 of the 2021 Financial Statements. As the chanty's trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of th& Charities Act 2011 {Ihe Acr) I report in respect of my examination of the PCC'S accounts carried OLrt under sedion 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under sec*ion 145(5)(b) of the Ad. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come lo my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect" the accounting records were not kept in accordanc8 Wtlh section 130 of the Charities Act,. or the accounts did not accord wtth the accounting re￿rds", or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the fomi and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement thal the accounts give a Irue and fair. view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no mncems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: I Date: 29°. April 2022 Name: P. L. Boielle MAAT