## **St Michael and All Angels Bramhall Parish Church Annual Report from the PCC for 2021**
**Accounts for 2021**
**Prepared for approval at** The Annual Parochial Church Meeting
## **Sunday 8[th] May 2022**
**at 11.30 a.m. in the Parish Centre**
## **St Michael & All Angels Parish Church COMMUNITY | INCLUSION | DISCIPLESHIP**
St Michael and All Angels Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC also has responsibility for maintaining the site and buildings that comprise St Michael and All Angels Church and Parish Centre, together with the land and grounds of the church and all other properties owned by the PCC.
The Parochial Church Council of St Michael and All Angels Bramhall is registered with the Charity Commissioners (Registration No.) 1133883
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2021
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• • •
**Incumbent** : The Reverend Calum Piper
**Parish Office** :
St Michael’s Parish Centre St Michael’s Avenue Bramhall Stockport SK7 2PG
**Bankers** :
National Westminster Bank HSBC
**Independent Examiner** : Mr Stephen Burt 3 Hobart Close Bramhall Stockport SK7 1NW
**Charity Number:** 1133883
**Website** www.bramhall.church
**Front Cover Image** Easter Sunday 2021 _taken by Luke Sperry_
_Candlemas 2021. With the absence of chairs, we were able to make use of the space like never before._
## **Vicar’s Introduction**
2021 saw the continuation of the Global Coronavirus Pandemic. It would be easy to write off 2021 alongside 2020 but much still happened. The nation was plunged into its third lockdown just after Christmas 2020 and so services went back online.
Despite this there were many moments of joy throughout the year – the greatest for me however was Easter. As Epiphany moved to Lent national guidance begun to show hope that singing might be able to return, albeit outdoors. This led to a plan beginning to develop for our Easter Sunday worship to take place outside. There were so many uncontrollable factors about this service, not least the weather; it seemed like a massive undertaking.
On Easter Sunday morning I woke early to discover grey skies and fine misty rain, but on checking the weather forecast for the _(I forget which number)_ time I am reassured the rain will stop and the sun will appear by 10am. So set up began. The morning was fairly crisp which didn’t help my fear that I would be joined by only a handful on what was slowly turning out to be a cold but glorious morning. As the countdown began to 10am, the church slowly started to arrive. By the time the first note on Jesus Christ is Risen Today rang out the front field was full of parishioners. Then for the first time in over twelve months we joined together in singing praise to God. Worship should give us a foretaste of heaven – on that Easter Morning heaven was certainly open above us.
That moment will live with me for the rest of my life; it summed up so well what it means to be a member of the church, and poignantly demonstrated the power of the resurrection. God will always overcome. Hope will always win. Joy will always break through.
It continues to be a great privilege to serve as Vicar here at St Michael’s and I am indebted to many people for making it such an honour. Thank you to every single one of you. 2021 wasn’t easy – in some ways it was harder that 2020, but I believe that through our faithfulness, worship and service God is leading us into a fruitful future.
This report will make clear that we have endured hard times, good times and much change throughout 2021. One of the major changes I want to remark on was of the change in Churchwardens with Sue Howgego taking over from Louise Richardson. Louise, served as Warden for six years in some of St Michael’s most difficult years, and did so with enthusiasm, commitment and a smile. I am incredibly grateful to her and to Sue for willingly stepping into the breach.
The other major change has been welcoming Connie Lane as our Children and Families worker in August. It’s been a delight to work alongside her and see new visions cast for our ministry to Children and Families.
In 2022 there will be more changes based on what happens next with the pandemic. My prayer is that we will continue to deepen our faith, to trust in God and to reach out to our community, offering them the hope, love and steadfastness of the Lord. Christ calls us forwards – let us follow with anticipation.
_Revd Calum Piper_
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## **Churchwardens’ Message**
The pandemic restrictions continued throughout 2021 but despite that, there have been some positives and things will hopefully continue to improve for 2022.
Before we mention these however, we would like to say a very large “thank you” to Calum who has done so much to keep us spiritually maintained. His continued thoughts and ideas for moving St Michael’s forward and embracing new methods is inspirational.
Some of the positives referred to above include the return of church groups such as the Flower Club, TGiM, the Thursday Fellowship and the welcome return of Active Angels, not forgetting the external groups, for example, Pilates, Cobra Karate and Sense. We must stress that this is not an exhaustive list.
It was such a pleasure to have the chance, again this year, to hold the Field of Light Memorial service and to re-instate the two Christingle Services.
The high-point for us has been the re-introduction of the Tea and Coffee rotas after the 10am service. We believe this was, and is, a core part of our collective community spirit.
The upkeep of the buildings required a variety of work to have been done. The Buildings section of this Report, coupled with the Health & Safety report and that of the Finance & Building Committee, will identify where work of a remedial nature has taken place.
Although the Admin Team do a brilliant job, often under very limited time constraints, they can’t do everything. For St Michael’s to continue to be the welcoming, inclusive and _THE_ place to BELONG this can only be maintained by the help and drive of its people. The mention of BELONG-ing leads us to our Children and Families Worker, Connie Lane. Our thanks go to Connie for her initiatives and guidance in taking St Michael’s into new and fresh areas of worship.
Which in turn leads us to the Clergy Covenant recently referred to and passed by the PCC in 2021. Taking care of the clergy team is so important. Without their support we will be so much the poorer; without all our support they too will be disadvantaged, limiting their drive and initiatives.
We know many of you volunteer in so many ways and we sincerely thank you for your support, BUT- there’s always a ‘but’ – we need more people to assist us.
The Rotas have been decimated during the past year and they now need replenishing. And, please bear in mind it is becoming imperative that we have a new Finance Team in place in 2022.
That said, we are looking forward to 2022 where we hope to see continued activity within the wider community; a return of our parishioners, especially those who have been sheltering; and an even greater sense of community at St Michael’s.
_Sue Howgego & David Walker Churchwardens_
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## **Review of the Church’s Year 2021**
## People
The year saw the sad loss of several members of the congregation, some to the Covid epidemic and some to other illnesses. Among those who died and will be sorely missed were Ian Bell, Anna Bissell, Geb Huxley, Stephen Walters and Diane Whitehead.
In August we were delighted to welcome Connie Lane as our first Children and Families Worker,
At the end of the year David Taylor retired from his much-appreciated role as maintenance man, but continued to serve as verger and sexton. Alex Wilton moved on in order to take up the role of Organ Scholar at Manchester Cathedral. We also welcomed Hayley, who took on the role of Parish Centre cleaner.
## Worship
6 January 2021 saw the whole country placed under a full lockdown once again, and the church building was closed for worship until 21 March. Worship once again went online. By Easter the church was open, with careful provision for social distancing; and other precautions, including mask-wearing. Sadly no Palm procession was possible on Palm Sunday and no footwashing at the Maundy Thursday service. Easter Sunday attendance at an outdoor service was 152, with 142 communicants. Pentecost on 23 May was also marked with another wellattended outdoor service.
Our worship life remained committed to ensuring that there was a range of worship styles making the worship of God as accessible as possible to all, and once the church re-opened for worship three services were offered on Sundays – 8.00 a.m., 10.00 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. – along with a Wednesday morning service at 10.30 a.m. In the course of the year it was possible to relax some of the restrictions imposed by Covid, and the blue chairs were reintroduced into the church. Tea and coffee after services returned and were warmly welcomed back. It has not so far proved possible to appoint an organist or Director of Music for the church, and the musical content of services has been led with recorded music.
A survey of attendance over all services in October showed an average weekly attendance of 182, with an average Sunday attendance of 126, including children. This was an increase of 14 on the previous year. During this month 60 people attended Church@Home online.
Advent attendance was 1057, including 337 attending school carol services. On Christmas Eve two Christingle services were held, with a total attendance of 240, including 98 children. Christmas Midnight Communion brought 87 worshippers, with a further 66 streaming the service from their own homes. On Christmas Day 60 people attended the 10.00a.m. service, with again 69 people streaming the service from home.
_T_ he illuminated JOY artwork outside the east wall of the church was once again admired as a way of focusing attention for passers-by during Advent and Christmas.
A Prayer Labyrinth was mowed into the church field as part of the Thy Kingdom Come initiative at Pentecost, and remained there until July.
For most of the year baptisms were not possible, and a large number of families had to wait until it was safe to re-introduce them. In the latter part of the year there were eleven baptisms, mostly of children over the age of one, one of them of course our own vicarage toddler Samuel. Six weddings took place, thirteen funerals in church, twenty-one funeral services at the crematorium, and fourteen burials of ashes or simple committals.
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## _**Testimony from Megan Skinner**_
_My husband Matt and I first got in touch with Calum in 2018 when we got engaged to book our wedding. We enjoyed chatting with Calum and the wedding was booked for the 4th April 2020. Little did we know there would be a global pandemic and the wedding was rearranged twice - firstly to the 9th April 2021 and then the 6th August 2021._
_In the spring of 2020, Calum invited us to do the alpha course (remotely because of covid). I’d grown up going to church but for years my faith had been distant. About four months before Calum invited us to do the course, I’d been feeling a strong sense of wanting to explore my faith, so the invite came at the right time! Matt and I really enjoyed the course and my faith was fully reignited._
_When we were able to (when the covid restrictions changed) we started to attend the evening service at St Michael’s. We really enjoy going to this service due to the friendly and relaxed atmosphere and_
_contemporary feel - everyone has been so welcoming and you really feel as though you are part of something special._
_Despite the long wait, the wedding on the 6th August was everything we wanted it to be and so much more. The service was beautiful - and we are so thankful to Calum for all the work he put in - he also supported us through all the rearrangements and throughout our journey of faith. We’d also like to thank David Taylor, Val Huxley and the incredible flower team who helped to make the service and the day extra special!_
The Flower Club had a quiet year but whenever possible they arranged altar flowers, especially those done in memory of loved ones. They were unable to do anything for Easter but hope that 2022 will be back to normal and they can respond by arranging Easter lilies as in past years. They arranged flowers for seven weddings, and Patronal and Harvest were done on a smaller scale. They were determined to do their very best for Christmas, and feel that what was achieved was one of their best efforts. Excitingly, six weddings and a blessing are already booked for the coming year. The Club currently has twenty-one flower members and one very important tea and coffee maker, and always welcomes new members
Under the leadership of Head Server Phil Wadsworth the Serving Team was fully active again from April onwards, when changes to Covid-19 restrictions allowed serving to resume. Additional members of the team are always welcome.
Those who look after the silver and altar linen have continued to be fully active when possible.
A collection of food and toiletry items continued to be made during the various Covid restrictions, and was donated to Chelwood Food Bank in Stockport. The congregation continues to give generously.
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## _**Testimony from Jenny Gallimore**_
_We were due to have our daughter, Hannah, baptised in 2020. Covid, of course, had other ideas! Eventually we managed to have her baptism in October 2021, when Hannah was two and a half years old._
_What can I say? It was worth the wait! We had such a wonderful day with all of our family and felt so welcomed by everyone at church. It was lovely that our eldest, Luke, was able to help pour the water into the font. He was so excited that he couldn't keep still or stop dancing around! Hannah's baptism meant so much to all of our family, and we would like to thank everyone who made it possible (especially Calum, Chris and Sally)._
_The day was full of joy, and I felt a renewed sense of closeness to God through Hannah's baptism. We are so very grateful - thank you to all at St Michael's for being such a lovely, welcoming church!_
## Discipleship
During Lent in 2021 the Vicar led two study groups on Zoom, each focussing on the book “Living His Story: Revealing the Extraordinary Love of God in Ordinary Ways”.
Despite Covid the Thursday Fellowship, led by Andrea Millington, continued throughout 2021 to follow their study guide, delivered monthly to each home. Those with internet then submitted comments on the discussion points and these were printed and circulated along with the next session’s notes. This was the very best they felt they could achieve in difficult circumstances and it helped to retain the sense of fellowship as a group. Sadly they lost two members through the death after long illness of Diane Whitehead and the relocation to Chester of Nina Hawkins. Their contribution will be very much missed. The group is now able to resume meeting together in person and look forward to continuing themed Bible study and discussion: new members are always welcome.
The Doorway house group continued to meet fortnightly on Monday evenings, mostly via Zoom, with some autumn meetings in the Parish Centre Lounge. New members have been warmly welcomed.
The Vicar led a Bible study group each Wednesday afternoon throughout the year via Zoom, and the Library, based in the Lounge, continued to resource the congregation once the Parish Centre reopened.
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## Ministry to Younger Generations
Connie Lane was appointed as our Children & Families Worker in August 2021, with a mission to deepen and develop our relationships with the three primary schools in our parish, not excluding other schools who serve the people of Bramhall; to resource the church in connecting with our established play groups with new talent, resources, and energy; and to establish a children’s ministry alongside our weekly worship, which would be a place where particularly young children feel safe, included and passionate about the love God has for them.
By the end of the year considerable progress could be seen:
- the number of regularly attending families at church services had quadrupled.
- Active Angels had been relaunched under the leadership of Jenny Gallimore, and by the end of the year it was regularly welcoming fifty children, with more families joining every week.
- all but one of our baptism families had returned to church after the baptism service.
- • plans for the launch of “Buds”, a new imagining of Young Church, and “Belong”, all-age worship on third Sundays at 10.00 a.m., were ready to launch in the beginning of 2022.
- plans were underway for Easter and the rest of 2022, with lots of school engagement and family involvement.
## Festival 2023
The planning group involved in the Wonderland event finally met for a debrief in October 2021, only 19 months late!! A decision was taken by the group to hold one last Festival, in 2023, around the story of the Wizard of Oz, and they met to watch the original film starring Judy Garland just before Christmas. The date of the Festival will be 6 –12 February 2023, assuming that there are no restrictions on gathering. Sue Taylor and Julie Sweeting will be coordinating the festival, and monthly planning meetings are underway, in the hope that the Festival will go ahead. However, the group is very aware that that could change!
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## _The Mill_
The ecumenical youth space The Mill is a registered charity started in 2000 by Churches Together in Bramhall. Its premises are at 42A Bramhall Lane South and it is open after school 3 days a week and Saturdays. Two part-time youth leaders organise the sessions alongside some volunteers who manage the kitchen and help with sessions. During 2021 youth leader Rosie left for fulltime work; however, Sharon is now working alongside Ian, running the sessions and planning new projects and ways of engaging our young people of Bramhall, Woodford and neighbouring areas.
Like many institutions, the Mill had to close at times owing to pandemic restrictions, but Zoom kept the trustee meetings going and social media was used to some extent by the youth leaders. Since September the Mill has been open fully and gradually the sessions have become populated by cheerful and bright young people happy to be able to meet together (even if it has been behind a mask). Prayer and perseverance were needed during lockdown and during the days when no-one turned up for sessions; however, The Mill is now extremely popular at some sessions and its future looks good.
Significant funding from local sources in recent years has been lost, but a bid to the National Lottery Community Fund called “The Mill -– after Covid – Stronger” produced £9900 for running costs and new leaflets. It costs approximately £45,000 a year to run The Mill. A further bid to Morrison’s Foundation produced £1000 for gaming equipment. A fund-raising concert will be held at St Michael’s in May.
## _Schools_
The church continued to maintain good relationships with Moss Hey, Pownall Green, Valley and Ladybrook Primary Schools. This year we had to restrict much of our normal interaction with schools, but videos entitled “Church Explained” were created by Connie Lane and the Vicar and welcomed by schools.
An “Experience Christmas” event planned for December for primary schools was sadly cancelled because of the high rates of Covid infection at the time.
St Michael’s now has a presence in Bramhall High School and we are helping the Christians in Schools Trust to run a lunch club there. We will also be accompanying The Message into the High School when they cover some PHSE lessons in 2022.
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## _Brownies & Rainbows_
The 11th Bramhall Rainbows started back meeting in April, mostly outside when the weather was good. Some of the activities were the Frog trail in Stockport and a Bramall Park night walk followed by a barbecue. At Christmas they went to Middleton to watch Treasure Island pantomime.
4th Bramhall Brownies stayed with online activities until May, including a virtual escape room, a mindfulness session, Zumba, making cakes in a mug and a magician; they were even introduced to a fox! For Thinking Day there was a trail around Bramhall. Face to face meetings resumed outside in May, playing lots of games (parachute photo) and making fairy gardens.
## _St Michael’s Guides_
2021 saw the continuation of meetings by Zoom which sadly resulted in losing a few Guides from the Unit: some were reaching the end of their time with us anyway and some found they had Zoom fatigue! However, it was fantastic to see everyone once we were able to meet face to face again and we had a super summer of outdoor activities including night hikes, camp fires and getting to know each other again. We ended the summer with a hike through Lyme Park to the GG campsite at Seven Springs where the youngest girls (and our new leader in training) made their promise.
The autumn term saw a return to “normality” and even though numbers were reduced (we now only have 9 girls with us, but this is a problem for all of GirlGuiding UK) the unit has become very close, and the older girls have been very welcoming and supportive to the new girls. The girls made “apples” with papier maché over a couple of weeks which were then painted and attached to a tree, along with pledges and memorable messages they wrote to themselves. We then planted a real tree in the St Michael’s orchard.
As a Christmas treat, we made pizzas at Piccolino’s restaurant, and our District Commissioner joined us and presented a very special award to our young leader, Abby Baxter, who is a key member of our leadership team.
Overall it was a really good year for the Unit, and with a bit of luck 2022 will be even better!
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## _4th Bramhall (St Michael’s) Scouts_
By the end of 2021 Scouting was returning to normal, with group activities and camps planned. The group celebrated its 60th year with a barbecue, presentation evening, and new church badge. A set of previous Scout and church badges was presented to the church for display. Chief Scout, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Diamond Awards have been achieved by the young people, and Leaders have also been recognised with awards - Woodbadge, Years of Service Award, Commissioner’s Commendation and Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service.
A replacement bell has been installed in the Scout Hut; it is rung at the end of each flagdown for a moment’s prayer and thoughts. The original, from when the Hut first opened, had gone missing over the years. The Group have also funded a defibrillator, now installed outside the Hut for the use of the local community.
The Scout group continues to grow, with new youth members joining and moving up through the sections; it could always take more leaders.
## Pastoral Care
Pastoral care of our church members is of course the duty of us all and this is mostly covered very well by groups within the church, such as the Mothers’ Union _._ Careful preparation and care was offered throughout the year to those involved in funerals, and resumed in the second part of the year for those requesting baptism and weddings. Our Pastoral Workers Andrea Millington and John Baker have made contact with members who are no longer actively involved or who may be ill or lonely and especially during Covid have been feeling isolated. They visit at times of special need eg bereavement or a family issue, or when life feels difficult, and a confidential conversation might help. During Covid it has sometimes been difficult to meet in person but phone contact has been helpful.
## Fellowship
Despite the lockdown and general restrictions, 2021 saw continued fellowship within church activities and organisations.
Mothers’ Union Committee members worked hard during the year to maintain contact with members, undertaking phone calls, visits and deliveries of MU matter. The group met in church for the May Wave of Prayer, led for the last time by the joint leader, Diane Whitehead, who sadly died in December. Meetings re-commenced in September and people have been welcomed back to in-person meetings.
During the early part of the year some of the Arts and Crafts Experience (ACE) group were able to keep in contact via Zoom sessions, though this was not really conducive to teaching and sharing skills. However we were able to show each other some of what we were getting on with at home. ACE sessions in the Hall restarted in July, but the numbers attending have diminished. The pattern of sessions has now changed from alternate Thursdays to 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays, with the latter being an extended session and including a "faith lunch". One of the more interesting and unusual activities was making 'gelli plates' from gelatine and glycerine and in subsequent sessions learning how to print with them. Great fun! Another was embroidering on voiles, and making some into cards with some gelli-printed frames! To learn more, do come along to ACE.
The Thank God It’s Monday (TGiM) group for men resumed its Monday meetings in the autumn.
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## **Buildings** (incorporating fabric and ornaments report)
Any building the size of St Michael’s requires maintenance and attention, and considerable work has gone on in 2021. The Wardens report that during the year there have been two safety checks of the Fire Alarm system, along with an Energy Audit to see where savings might be made. As part of a five year electrical test requirement the old asbestos-lined fuse and distribution boards were replaced with a modern RCD trip switch distribution board. Steeplejacks were engaged to climb the roof of the tower in order to paint the louvred facia of the bell housing, to repair the weather vane, and to repair the lightning strip, which had sheared. Over the year the Wardens carried out a thorough review and updating of the Terrier, a document which records all the fixtures and fittings of the church. After one boiler broke down the Parish Centre boilers have both been replaced and are now more easily controllable. The patio outside the Hall has been made level and safe. A survey shows that our numerous trees remain in good shape, but they still need regular attention. The uneven crazy paving in the memorial garden has been replaced by gravel and the drainage there has been improved.
_Gardeners Trip to RHS Bridgewater_
_Flowers blooming around St Michaels_
## Gardening
Work has continued to maintain the church grounds throughout 2021, weeding, hoeing and digging. Several projects have been achieved. One was the making of leaf litter bins for the large volume of leaves that fall in autumn. They are situated at the side of the orchard and have been surrounded by a deadwood fence that has also been created by the gardeners. The pathway in the memorial garden had become very uneven due to the tree roots and we were concerned that it presented a trip hazard. The paving was removed by an outside contractor and it has been replaced by gravel, with added drainage. Hopefully this will provide a much safer and more presentable space.
Despite the intention not to expand the flowerbeds, the gardening team moved onto the Robins Lane bed outside the hall. This has been planted up with bulbs, hellebores and ferns, and more planting will be added throughout 2022.
In August the team visited the gardens at RHS Bridgewater. They are very different from the church gardens but plenty to see and to gain inspiration. Visits to plant auctions have continued to raise money to continue to improve the gardens.
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## Health and Safety
Weekly fire alarm zone tests for the Hall were carried out throughout the year, as was a monthly functional emergency lighting test for the Hall, together with an annual one-hour test to prove the lighting will function on the battery back-up system to enable safe evacuation. Following much discussion with regard to the deluge of rainwater periodically pouring from the south porch roof, a cost-effective and successful alternative to the architect’s suggestion was installed. The south porch steps were reconfigured so that there are now equal height steps, and the patio flagstones edging onto the lawn outside the Hall were levelled off to remove the trip hazard that had become apparent. Following an inspection of the electrical system in the basement, we were advised to install a new system as the existing one was approximately 75 years old, and this work has now been completed. Following much work on the church drainage system over the last couple of years a drains matrix has been created clearly showing which manhole cover is for which system. The soffits and bargeboards associated with the Hall have been noted as requiring treatment; this work will be carried out by a contractor in the spring.
## **Safeguarding**
The Parish Safeguarding Lead role changed during the year to Louise Sell, who with Sue Taylor (adults’ lead) and Sheila Collins (children's lead) makes up the new Parish Safeguarding team. The team meet regularly. They have reviewed the safeguarding training required for those with roles at St Michael’s, from basic awareness for all PCC members, to foundation levels for those with specific roles with children and vulnerable adults in the church, and leadership level for clergy and the Parish Safeguarding Lead. They have established a central record of all training and DBS checks required and completed. The team are working with the Churchwardens and Vicar to ensure updated guidance and requirements from Chester Diocese are implemented and that new and revised parish policies are consistent with good safeguarding practice. They work closely with the Children and Families Worker to ensure all safeguards are in place.
The view East from the top of the tower.
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## **The PCC**
## Membership
Members of the PCC either hold office _ex officio_ or are elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. A small number of members may also be co-opted. Elections to the PCC confer membership for one year, with a maximum service of six consecutive years, after which members must stand down for at least one year. During the year the following served as members of the PCC.
## _Ex-officio Members_
|**Clergy**|The Reverend Calum Piper|Vicar & Chairman|
|---|---|---|
|**Churchwardens**|Sue Howgego|from APCM 2021|
||Louise Richardson|to APCM 2021|
||David Walker||
|**Reader**|Mark Hackney||
|**Pastoral Worker**|John Baker||
|**Deanery Synod**|David Beveridge||
|**Representatives**|Bryan Goodwin||
||Jo Oughton||
||Phil Wadsworth||
|**Diocesan Synod**|Bob Munn|PCC Vice-Chairman|
## _Elected Members_
|Hamida Adkins|to APCM 2021|Sue Howgego|to APCM 2021|
|---|---|---|---|
|Frances Beards||Jill Illingworth||
|Imogen Bird||Janet Ketteringham|to APCM 2021|
|Glynis Brown||Graham Knight|PCC Treasurer|
|Robert Cryer||Andrea Millington||
|Pauline D’Souza|to APCM 2021|Tricia Munn|PCC Secretary|
|Doreen Donnan|to APCM 2021|Sheila Newbon||
|Fred Donnan|to APCM 2021|Louise Sell||
|Georgina Foot||David Taylor|from APCM 2021|
|Shelagh Gall||Susan Taylor||
|Sally Harwood||Stuart Villard||
|Michael Holmes||Georgia Watson|to APCM 2021|
|||Rob Watson||
## _Co-opted Member_
Connie Lane from September 2021
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## Report
The full PCC met six times during the year, the first four times via Zoom. The average level of attendance at meetings was 79%. Committees and working groups met between meetings, via Zoom for much of the year, and reports of their deliberations and activities were received by the full PCC and discussed as necessary.
During the year the PCC received reports and discussed, among other things, the closure and re-opening of the church, the resumption of communion in both kinds, the resumption of baptism services, and the Clergy Wellbeing Covenant. The PCC also affirmed “that children are part of the community of St Michael’s, and [it] welcomes them unreservedly and wholeheartedly in Services, as part of their growth as disciples of Jesus”.
## Committees
The PCC operates with two permanent committees, and with working groups set up to tackle any special projects or tasks. These committees and working groups meet and report as necessary to the PCC.
## _Standing Committee_
**Membership:** _Vicar, Churchwardens, PCC Vice-Chairman, PCC Secretary, PCC Treasurer_
This Committee is required by church law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. It met four times during 2021, primarily to set agendas for PCC meetings.
## _Finance and Buildings Committee_
**Membership:** _Bob Munn (Chairman), Vicar, Churchwardens, Graham Knight (PCC Treasurer), Hedley Smith (PCC Health & Safety Officer), George Foot, Mike Holmes, Peter Pugh (co-opted), Louise Sell, David_ Taylor
The overall aim of this committee is to provide and maintain the material resources needed to carry out God’s work at St. Michael’s. It is responsible for finance, care of buildings and grounds, health, safety and environmental issues, and personnel matters. It has powers delegated from the PCC to deal with smaller and more detailed matters, and it provides advice and makes recommendations to the PCC on more substantial ones, including the annual budget. It met five times during 2021. We were pleased to welcome Louise Sell as a member and to welcome David Taylor back after a ‘fallow year’.
The coronavirus pandemic continued to affect income during the year, though hirings in the Parish Centre picked up later. Planned giving again held up well, but was adversely affected by a continuing sad toll of deaths among the congregation (three-quarters of whom are aged over 70), while other givers have moved away. As a result, the budget recommended to the PCC for 2022 provides for continuing reductions in income leading to a year-end deficit.
Around our buildings and grounds, after the work to stop water overshooting the gutters on the south porch during heavy rainfall, we may need to do the same on the north side. The Church and Parish Centre electrical systems have been thoroughly checked, updated, documented and certified. A survey of energy use has shown where we might achieve some modest savings. Meanwhile, the Parish Centre boilers have been replaced and are now more easily controllable. The patio outside the Hall has been made level and safe. A survey shows that our numerous trees remain in good shape, but they still need regular attention.
During the year, all four remaining banks in Bramhall closed. Our accounts at two of them remain accessible, and some banking facilities are available at Bramhall Post Office, but inperson banking now has to be conducted at branches some miles away.
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## _Young Generations Action Group_
**Membership:** _Jo Oughton (Chair), Revd Calum Piper, Churchwardens, other church members with a passion for children, family and youth ministry_
This group aims to:
- Implement a strategic plan for children and young people previously agreed by the PCC
- Encourage St Michael’s in the stimulation of faith among the young people of Bramhall
- Set goals for the church each academic year for engaging with families and children
- Listen to the needs of families and young people in our church and community
Plans for 2021 were to look at provision for children and families in Sunday worship, explore possibilities for reaching out to schools, develop the Zoom youth group, and continue to sustain and nurture relationships with the uniformed organisations and the Mill. Unfortunately the pandemic put paid to much of our youth work in 2021, with the important exception of the appointment of a Children and Families Worker in August.
## _Newala – Bramhall Link Group_
**Membership** _**:** Open to all with a concern for our link with the Diocese of Newala in Tanzania – at least twenty people from the congregation assist in planning and mounting events_
In 2021 Moyra Cryer had a dream that she should walk the distance between Mtwara and Newala to raise funds for the hostel that the church was building in Newala. She was accompanied every day on the walk by Hamida Adkins and on other days by various other people. They walked over 90 miles (slightly more than they had set out to do) and raised a total of £11,227. Patrick Fenwick also raised £875 towards the hostel, making a total amount raised of £12,102, which has enabled the hostel building to be completed. This means that the diocese of Newala will be able to welcome guests and to have an income. It was a project important to Keith Fenwick and honours his memory.
Sheila Newbon held another successful open garden event which raised £968.50, and further sums were raised by the produce stall led by Bob Cryer and by plant sales led by Pauline D’Souza.
St Michael’s continued to support the porridge project and the water tank project, and money was also sent to help rebuild the dispensary at Luatala. The money is being sent via a charity based in Germany that buys medicines for the dispensary to use
The Nativity Service
Harvest Thanksgiving
Baby Loss Awareness Wave of Light
New Handing for Passiontide
16
## _Eco Action Group_
_**Membership:** Hamida Adkins, Frances Beards, Glynis Brown, Robert Cryer, Doreen Donnan, George Foot, Shelagh Gall, Bryan Goodwin, Sue Howgego, Sheila Newbon, Calum Piper, Louise Richardson, Helen Russ, Phil Wadsworth (Chairperson)_
St Michael’s received the Eco Church UK Silver Award this year. In addition to making the Award, Eco Church UK commented that it was impressed by what had been achieved to date. We also received Fairtrade’s ‘Place of Worship’ Award; we continue to work to promote Fairtrade’s work and values, and to use its products ourselves.
Rather than just celebrating harvest, we introduced observance of the four main observances of the ‘green’ year – Plough Sunday, Rogation Sunday, Lammas Day, and Harvest Thanksgiving – adapting them from their agricultural roots to give them relevant expression in a modern sub-urban parish.
We participated in the national observance of ‘Climate Sunday’ on 5 September. Later in the month, on our Patronal Festival, St Michael’s hosted the inaugural Service for the ‘Week of Prayer for our Planet’, a Greater Manchester Churches Together initiative focusing, in the runup to COP26, on the climate and ecological emergencies.
The continuing restrictions and associated problems caused by the pandemic prevented the achievement of all the Eco-Targets set for 2021.
## _Parish Development Group (Finance)_
**Membership:** _Louise Richardson (chair), Sue Taylor, Ann Walker, Rob Watson and Stuart Villard._
This group seek to support the Parish’s mission and future strategies by identifying, bidding for and securing external sources of funding to support the Parish’s strategies for future development, by producing, organising and evaluating an annual programme of events and activities with the dual aim of generating income and importantly enhancing community outreach and social engagement with the Church and the wider parish, and by working with existing and potentially new church groups to co-ordinate all fund- raising activities across the church organisation, in order to reduce the possibility of event fatigue and duplication. During 2021 the Group developed a Legacy Policy and Leaflet for distribution, worked with the Vicar to develop Job Descriptions and Person Specifications for a Children and Families Worker, a Youth Worker and a Community Worker as part of the Micah Project, successfully sought support from PCC to commit significant funding from Reserves to the Micah Project and developed a revised Reserves Policy agreed by the PCC, appointed Connie Lane as Children and Families Worker, and continued to seek additional funding for the Micah Project
## **Electoral Roll Report**
On 1st January 2021 Revision 1 of the Electoral Roll showed a membership of 257, of which 190 members resided within the Parish and 67 were non-residents.
Under the Church Representation Rules, the Electoral Roll for the Church is renewed every six years and must be revised each year for presentation at the Church’s APCM. Thus, Revision 2, for 2021-2022, started on 2nd February 2021 and was completed on 2nd April 2021. Any changes to the Electoral Roll are presented, as Amendment Lists, at each PCC meeting. During 2021 there were 5 Amendment Lists thus presented, two for Revision 1 and three for Revision 2. Those changes comprised 6 additions, 14 removals and 15 changes to members’ contact details.
The Electoral Roll on 31st December 2021 records a membership, of 249 (183 resident within the parish boundary and 66 non-resident).
Phil Ketteringham has continued to act as Electoral Roll Officer.
17
## **Deanery Synod**
Cheadle Deanery Synod met three times in 2021. At the March meeting (held on Zoom) the Synod considered the Clergy Wellbeing Covenant which had been approved by General Synod, whilst also arranging elections for the Deanery Standing, Finance and Pastoral Committee. The June meeting (again held on Zoom) received the results of elections to Diocesan Synod and received a presentation about Festival Manchester from Daniel Eduardo. The October meeting took place at All Hallows Cheadle in a Hybrid format, with some members appearing on Zoom. The Synod was joined by Revd Peter Froggatt, Director of Outreach for the Diocese who led a discussion on the church’s recovery from the pandemic.
## **Churches Together in Bramhall and Woodford**
The leaders of the Churches in Bramhall continued to meet together throughout the year, with a number of these meetings taking place on Zoom. Ford’s Lane hosted a hybrid service on Good Friday, and Praise in the Park took place in July at Bramall Hall. There was a gathering in September to bid farewell to Jonathan Dawson, pastor of Ford’s Lane.
Remembrance Sunday
The Easter Tomb
18
## **Clergy Well-Being Covenant**
At its meeting on 30 June 2021 the PCC discussed an important matter referred to them by the Deanery Synod, that of the importance of supporting and promoting the well-being of our clergy. After discussion and prayer the following was agreed at the meeting on 21 September.
**In this Covenant** ‘we’ includes clergy, those in other specific roles and positions whether licensed or internal, and all other members of St Michael’s. We recognise that working to ensure the wellbeing of our clergy necessarily is set in the context of seeking the wellbeing of all members of St Michael’s. We will express this by applying appropriate sections of this Covenant to our interactions with others in general.
**We will work** to promote and maintain the shared ministry that comes from communally and individually practising Discipleship. As part of our expression of this we will –
- ➢ promote a culture of positivity: while allowing for legitimate criticism when necessary, we will actively discourage negative and personal comments, ‘whispers in corners’, etc;
- ➢ encourage everyone to engage in good communications – in terms of content, style, and manner;
- ➢ seek in all situations to be kind (as distinct from nice);
- ➢ encourage everyone in a culture of avoiding immediate responses (except where obviously necessary) – next day allows time for reflection, gentler ways to phrase things, etc.;
- ➢ work collaboratively.
**Noting the successful model** of Baptism ministry we will recognise other areas of church life where delegation and sharing, in terms agreed by the Vicar, already obtains, and seek other areas to which it might be applied. We will encourage the Vicar to delegate more, where appropriate, and recognising that volunteering is the key to this we will –
- ➢ make volunteering a standard part of the St Michael’s culture, and individually consider whether we are able to do so when requests are made. In doing this we will individually recognise that, while some tasks are suitable for anyone willing to undertake them, some roles will require discernment of those called to fulfil them;
- ➢ undertake any instruction and/or training necessary to fulfil a role we are asked to undertake;
- ➢ ensure we liaise with the Vicar and keep him fully informed, and maintain awareness of the limits of delegation he sets;
- ➢ set up on computer a Skills Database to assist task and volunteer assignment.
**Noting that diocesan** provision for clergy support may be introduced following the appointment of new Bishops, meanwhile we will pay for the Vicar to have support by having a monthly appointment with an extra-parochial professional counsellor (or a quarterly twoday ‘retreat’).
**We recognise** that we all have a part in ensuring that the Vicar’s day off and Bank Holidays are respected by everyone and in all circumstances (except for pastoral emergencies). We will when necessary advocate for the Vicar with those who do not understand his workload and work pattern.
**We will look out** for and offer to do tasks that could readily be done by someone else but which the Vicar does ‘because he lives next door’.
**If asked** , we will assist with the Vicar’s work planning so he has rhythm and structure in his life.
**We will apply** these principles to other clergy ministering at St Michael’s as appropriate to their circumstances and as agreed by the Vicar.
**We will review** our working of this Covenant at annual intervals.
19
## **Public Benefit**
The Charity Commission requires charities to report on how their activities carried out their aims for the public benefit. In reporting, the PCC has had regard to the Commission’s guidance on public benefit. During 2021 many church activities were suspended temporarily due to the Covid pandemic.
## _Worship_
Services are open to all, and in normal times the church is open for private prayer and meditation on weekdays, though during the periods of lockdown and other restrictions this was restricted to specific weekdays or stopped entirely. Services are also normally provided in local care homes and at Christmas in Bramall Hall Chapel.
## _Occasional Offices_
The church is normally used for baptisms, weddings and funerals. During 2021 there were 1 1 baptisms, 6 weddings, 13 funerals in church, 21 funeral services at the crematorium, and 14 burials of ashes or other committals.
## _Education_
Contacts have been made with some local schools, and links are maintained with uniformed organisations. Learning about the Christian faith is fostered by sermons, by all-age services, by short study programmes, and by a variety of house groups, in the last year often meeting digitally. In normal years parties of local school children visit the church as part of their curriculum and are introduced to the building and the activities that go on in it. A local school sometimes borrows equipment. This work takes place in the context of our Strategy for Children and Young People.
## _Concerts_
The church building is available for booking by organizations that present concerts and book readings. Because of the pandemic there were only 3 concerts held in church during 2021.
## _Pastoral Care_
A team of volunteers visits people in the parish who are ill or have been bereaved. Occasional lunches and short services are also provided for those who are visited and for care home residents. The clergy visit and minister to those in hospital or hospice. Much of this activity was suspended during the first part of 2021, but a network of pastoral care kept parishioners in touch with one another by telephone.
## _Scouts and Guides_
St Michael’s sponsors the 4th Bramhall Scout Group and 4th Bramhall Guides and Brownies, each of which has a policy of open recruitment. The Scouts have their own premises, but the Guides meet in the Church Hall. Both organizations use the church grounds for outdoor activities such as games and cooking.
## _Active Angels_
With some restrictions lifted Active Angels was able to re-start in September 2021 to provide activities for pre-school children with their mothers or other carers.
## _Parish Centre_
The Parish Centre is available for hiring when not required for church use. In the early part of the year it is often the venue for meetings of several charities and other bodies, and various special events and parties. The Covid pandemic severely restricted such events in the first months of 2021.
20
## _Missions and charities_
The PCC gives to missions and charities from any surplus voluntary income. Missions and charities also benefit from funds raised by special collections and fund-raising activities.
## _Chelwood Food Bank_
A collection of food and toiletry items is made every week, normally at both morning services, and donated to this Food Bank in Stockport the following day. This collection continued throughout Covid restrictions.
## **Giving to Missions and Charities**
The Accounts for 2020 showed a deficit, and therefore the PCC was unable to make an allocation to missions and charities directly from its funds at its first meeting after the 2020 APCM. However, during the year £8,000 was raised and sent to Newala, and additionally £2,058 was given by direct collections and sent to various charities. £600 was sent direct to the Children’s Society from the special collection boxes. Due to Covid restrictions space was provided only on two occasions free of charge to other organizations; this meant foregoing £80 charged at normal hire rates.
## **Financial Review**
We must be thankful to God for all the many blessings received during another most difficult year as Covid-19 again led to restrictions on attending Church and using the premises.
During 2021 the PCC day-to-day activities resulted in income of £172,570 and expenditure of £175,235, leading to a deficit of £2,665. Compared with a deficit of £12,290 in 2020, this represents a good result, better than forecast in the budget for 2021.
Compared with 2020, the day-to-day PCC income increased by £3,864. Among the increases were Planned Giving & Collections £7,715 (reflecting renewed commitment from the congregation), Tax Recovered £1,920, Hall Hire £3,226, Concert Hire £1,086 and PCC Fees £1,627, while among the decreases were Special Collections £2,772, Job Retention £5,407 and Diocesan Grant £3,870. The day-to-day PCC expenditure decreased by £5,761 when compared with 2020. Increases including New Electrical Distribution Boards £3,556, South Porch £1,530 and Paving & Paths £2,304 were offset by decreases including Grounds £2,002, Outreach £3,871, Hall Cleaning £1,579, Routine Maintenance £1,222 and Salaries £4,628.
At the end of the year, the total value of the PCC’s assets (which include the property it owns) was £677,265, an increase of £36,975 on 2020. This included an increase of £18,583 in the value of the funds the PCC holds with CCLA (which manages investments for the Church of England). The Micah Project received a donation of £20,000 and started spending on its activities, with a surplus of £12,275 on the year, while the Newala Project received donations of £11,666, with its continuing activities yielding a surplus of £8,782 on the year. Both projects use restricted funds that cannot be put to other purposes.
No Capital Expenditure was undertaken by the PCC during 2021, but the Bramhall Parish Hall Trust paid for new Gas Boilers to serve the Hall.
_Part of_
21
The Parochial Church Coun(il of
St Michael & All Angels. Bramhall
Year Ending 31 Deornl 2021
Balan Sheet
6-16
2021, as s& lt on pw 4 tD 16, V4we alvi1 at a)urth CwrKil
Kar
The Parochial Church Council of
St Michael & All Angels, Bramhall
Financial Statements
Year Ending 31 December 2021
Personal Notes
lllde
endent Examiner's Re
rt to tbe members of St Michael & All An
Bramha
Parochial Church Council
I reportonth¢ accounts forth¢ 31#tknthr2021 are pay4 to 16.
Rc5pective responsibiltties of hlember5 and IndeptDOtDt EJaTriMer
that 8n audit 15 tiot required for this }eaT uths&xion 144 {2) ofthe Charitis Aa 2011 (thcCbarÉties Act)
and that an iodcrthdentaxamination 15 needsL
It is lily re5POtL5LbiJityto:
examithe acwunts uud¢r s¢¢tion 145 oftt Charities A
follth*" the procedures laid th¢ G¢n¢oi Ditions*t) bj'the Chlty
COmTni10 lurtder sectiott 14)151 (bl Ofth¢ch1tl¢s A¢ ad
Basis of Indtpendent ExamiD¢r's Jtatement
An &xamination inclth ar¢W accouttting recor kept.by ctwtty. aJ)d a cojnwison of the
accounts presented withtlK>5e r¢cord5. It also includts tonsideI•ll0f an). unusual itrrns or disclosurts
in th¢ account& 2nd seeking froRJ the tllanawetst Commttttt concemino such
The pr(Kedures undertaken do pro¥'id¢ all the •id¢nr¢thatwouid wuired in att audi¢ and
conwuently no optni(Fn is given &% lo w'hethertk xcounts psent a.true alld fat %iew and the retxTrrt
is limited to those llffjters W Out in the ststemem 10.
Irtdtpendent ExamiDeVs Stat¢Th¢nt
(l} wthich gil'es me causeto b¢li¢vethatiT4 any m*eriai the requts.
to kw *¢ounttt)8r ID *xxyrdanLE with 130 of the Charities Aci
to prepare ac£tsLUrts accotd thexLwniiDgrea)r(ts and Ly)[tly with
the accounting requirements of the ChaTity¢5 Act h&ve ]]ot l*ett JneL or
121 to w]jiC iti opinioo attention shouJdE¢th4wll tD ordtttoethle apr
unders¢andgoFthe accourtsto r£IL
St¢ph¢i) D Burt FCCA
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Ch¢shiT¢
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Parochial Churth Council of St Michael & All Aryel4 Bramhall
Year Ending 31 December 2021
20
Incomlng IlesrreS
2(a)
I6 .635 I(6
8518
2(c)
,Is)
21¢fJ
17
1gJ22
21e)
bl
214
31a)
175.1
I941 thB.$88
92
IOM6
782 14392 IOA86
I8B3
18583
36075 19
537.431
1193
5.165
Parochial Church Council of St Michael & All Angels, Bramhall
Year Ending 31 December 2021
2021
2020
Tar¥Jile Assets
384057
397,383
Debtors
Short Temi
Inve5tsnts
Cash at Bank
9.976
31,816
134.867
129,458
9.692
28,329
116,284
101,589
,117
255,894
Liabilitie&. Amounts Falling
Due Within One Year
13,709
12,987
Net CUnt Assets
292,408
242,907
677.265
640,290
Funds
553J49
537,431
Newala
13,947
5,165
MKah Proj
107,776
95,501
Fk)1 aub
535
535
1,658
1.658
677.265 640 290
Parochial Church Council of St Michael & All Angels, Bramhall
Year Ending 31 2021
tra[n4 aw5 aThl1otifrtes fty t£C Is rw9ble in law. Tly (*J JKk jMItKk tt
93therings of Ch[h nwt¢t&
fuThJs desgrthd for a partivkr try FCC vthKh are akn unrestiKted.
Parochial Churth Council of St Michael & All Angels Bramhall
Year Ending 31 December 2021
alar1v N£t 2011.
VBlue placed on Tfxvdbk thurch furThbJre swial trust fcf ihe P(£
aftd Ythlch requlre a faajlty di9X6al &)Ke the PCC cor67kn ts ID L wtety. All
lo5
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' 10 )EaT5
The funds (an wduabk &51K>rt ¥¥hKh may a k55 d to val7n ofttE 5harts at tr
The Ffc agr to WOTk to a bala W for aj knj aJt*J Ih3t arry • IN year
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No addttk)nal pital ew8TrJitur8 LVWTWJ in Jtar.
Parochial Churth COU31 of St Mid1 &AII Ar* Brnmhalt
*P50
24.184
87.45
21714
616
14
142
4Z
ityj
418
L48L
bJm IL686
33.712
14.W2 17121S 16L¥3
1418
427
Rw¢. 33
L71
l710
149
L7
19
Parothial Churth Council of St Michael & All A* BraErthall
20
731
81
433
1755
22Jf
144
i•y
t49
L49
IL&S
4m 10535
Parothial Church CourKil of St Mlthael &AII Ang* BTrmhaU
6Wg1
5241
711
L47
1495
461
311
747
312
S97
561
412
2Ln9
19.12T
214
214
Parothial Churth Cou11 of St Michael & All Angel& Bramhall
Year Ending 31 December 2021
20
2L719
19,127
tnI[S £IL414.
JarMw2W21
225Xfj) 16/,624
93.043 540A03
55.136
At 1&JJjLry 2021
24252
4&79J nJ69
143,420
3J53
3.031
142
At31* tthr2021
Atja2021
143 372 7
*1
Parochial Church Counal of St Mithael & All Angels, Bramhall
Year EndlNJ 31 Decanttr 2021
6 Analysis of Net Aets by Fund
Totsl Funds
2021
2020
36457 397,383
306,117
255W4
-13,709
-11987
182.201
-13.71YJ
123.916
2021
2020
5.787
4,189
5,733
3.959
7b InveStnts
2021
2020
Ma*etVak* Istkn
gn I k6S
116,284
18.583
I3467 116 284
107.71
8 Liabilitie&" Amounts Falliry Due Wthin One Year
20
2020
11987
11709
11987
12
Parochial Church Counal of St Michael & All Angels. Bramhall
Year Ending 31 Lyecanber 2021
9 Funds
2021
20
Churd) Textiles
$35
L6rJ
53S
5,165
Iwo
8,038
13,947
95,501
107,776
io
17
C2llJrth Textles Fmj ( kw ag K[ FurKI l J• 21x15 } was in 1993.
unrestri Funds Movemert in the Year
Balan
Gains I
20
2021
537.431
172.570
175.235
1&583
S53,349
IT2
175
553
Totsl Fund5
640,29J 21L026
1634
13
Parochial chu Counal of St Hide1 & All Angels. Bramhall
Year Ending 31 (Yecembw 2021
10 Missionary and Chaiitable GiviThJ
lum RL
1255
187
370
ID)
059
1.410
Total sent DireLt
745
14
in a (k¥*( of £ 80 &oJr l¥riry rate.
14
Parothial Church Council of St mide1 & All Angel& Brnmhall
Yew Endiry 31 Decemljer 2021
20
20
1241
3.791
Table T(y S*5
162
701
ptsa
173
418
542
470
Wa
L410
7.4X)
71
5.165
947
5.165
15
Parochial Church Council of St Michael & All Aftge Bramhall
Year Endirwj 31 Detember 2021
9S
it2
555
C4pitsl
95.1
107
9501