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← The Parochial Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Ashford St. Hilda Diocese Of London

2023-12-31-accounts

JOINT VESTRY AND PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING OF ST HILDA’S CHURCH, ASHFORD, MIDDLESEX TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY 28[th] April, 2024

AGENDAS

ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING OF PARISHONERS

The Chairman reads the Convening Notice

  1. Prayers and welcome

  2. Minutes of the Vestry Meeting held Sunday 30[th] April, 2023

  3. Election of Church Wardens: Adjudicators to be nominated by the Chairman (if needed for voting purposes)

ANNUAL PAROCIAL CHURCH MEETING

  1. Apologies for Absence

  2. Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held Sunday 30[th] April, 2023

  3. Matters arising

  4. Report from the Electoral Roll Officer

  5. Election of Representatives:

  6. To the Parochial Church Council - 3 people for 3 years

  7. To the Deanery Synod – 3 places already elected for 3 years until 2026 in-line with Synod election rules.

  8. Adjudicators to be appointed by the Church Wardens if needed for voting purposes

  9. Appointment of the Independent Financial Examiner

  10. PCC’s Annual Report for 2023

  11. Deanery Synod Report

  12. Reports of Church Groups

  13. Treasurer’s Report and presentation of Church Accounts

  14. Church Warden’s Reports

  15. Any Other Business (Must be notified in writing to the PCC Secretary 72 hours prior to the meeting) .

  16. Date of next year’s Annual Parochial Church Meeting

CLOSING PRAYERS

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MINUTES OF A MEETING FOR THE ELECTION OF CHURCHWARDENS HELD ON SUNDAY 30[TH] APRIL, 2023 AT

ST HILDA’S CHURCH, ASHFORD

PRESENT: Chairman Fr Joseph Fernandes Licensed Lay Minister Rosalyn Young Church Warden Bobbie Bedford Treasurer Chris Brown Secretary Liz Brian

And 42 other people

Apologies were received from Gordon and Carolyn Clark, Melvyn Rouse, Pauline Milton and Rebecca Fernandes.

1. Convening Notice

Fr Joseph Fernandes began the meeting with a prayer and welcomed everyone to the meeting and stated that these Annual Meetings were about celebrating the life of the Parish and to point us towards God.

2. Minutes of the Meeting for the Election of Churchwardens held on 25[th] April, 2022

That the minutes be accepted was proposed by Rosalyn Young, seconded by Nick Gething and agreed.

3. Election of Churchwardens

There were two nominees:

Name Proposer Seconder Christopher Brown Liz Brian Paula Gething Paula Gething Chris Maddock Liz Brian

There being no other nominations, Christopher Brown and Paula Gething were duly elected as Churchwardens for the coming year and were thanked for putting their names forward.

A thank you was extended to Bobbie Bedford who as a Church Warden had seen in Fr Joseph as the new Vicar and almost saw him out as Church Warden. Fr Joseph expressed how grateful he was for all her hard work. Equal thanks went to Frances Forsbrey for her help and support to Bobbie and they made a great team together. That concluded the Meeting for the Election of Churchwardens.

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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING OF ST HILDA, ASHFORD HELD ON SUNDAY 30[TH] APRIL, 2023

PRESENT: As for the Meeting for the Election of Churchwardens

1. Apologies for absence – as for Meeting for the Election of Churchwardens

2. Minutes:

That the Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Sunday 25[th] April, 2022 be accepted was proposed by Stuart Young and seconded by Alison Garner and agreed.

3. Matters Arising: None

4. Report of the Electoral Roll Officer – Jane Dobbie

5. Election of Representatives to serve on the St Hilda’s Church Parochial Church Council. There are 7 vacancies in all and 6 nominees:-

Name Proposer Seconder
Jane Dobbie Nick Gething Joyce Rouse
Alison Garner Paula Gething Liz Brian
Nicholas Gething Elizabeth Bate Christine Makriel
Joyce Rouse Valerie Scott Gordon Clark
Valerie Scott Rosemary Greenwood Chris Maddock
John Swaffield Patsy Holmes Bernice Ross

All were elected as Lay Representatives for the period 2023 – 2026 and were thanked for stepping forward.

Election to the Deanery Synod Election to the Deanery Synod
Name Proposer Seconder
Elizabeth Bate Paula Gething Rosemary Greenwood
Christine Makriel Chris Maddock Jane Dobbie
Chris Maddock Rosemary Greenwood Paula Gething
All agreed

Appointment of the Independent Financial Examiner: Chris Brown recommended that Mr Peter Connolly be appointed. This was agreed.

  1. Vicar’s Reflection – copies of this can be found in the booklet – Reports for 2023 meeting.

At the meeting Fr Joseph said it was challenging to acknowledge everyone by name and apologies to anyone missed as all members were valuable.

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Thanks to Mariane and also to Rosemary Greenwood. Thinking about the upcoming vacancy he leaves with a sense that the Parish is in a good place and we should be pleased about what God has achieved here. Fr Joseph stated that he feels that God’s plan is for us to prosper with exciting things coming our way. We have much to celebrate now and in the future and should give thanks for all that we have achieved.

  1. Church Warden Report – copies of the full report can be found in the booklet – Reports for 2023 meeting

Church Property Report – copies of the full report can be found in the booklet

  1. Financial Report – see the report in the booklet – Report for 2023 meeting.

  2. Stewardship Report – see report in the booklet

  3. PCC Report – See report in the booklet

11. Deanery Synod Report – see report in the booklet

  1. Reports of Church Groups – the following reports are contained in the booklet

Child Protection Safeguarding Adults Junior Church – Christine Taylor Weekly Bible Study – Carolyn Clark Feed My Sheep – Rosalyn Young Ambling Through Acts – Father Steve Brian Choir and Music Report – Chris Maddock, Paula Gething, Rosemary Greenwood and Carolyn Clark Altar Server’s Report – Alan Sloan St Hilda’s Mothers’ Union – Chris Davenport St Hilda’s Flower Team – Alison Garner and Pauline Milton Outreach – Father Joseph Fernandes St Hilda’s House – Simeon Sturney Activities/Social Report – Bobbie Bedford St Hilda’s Entertainers’ Annual Report – Mike Davenport 3[rd] Ashford Rainbows, Brownies and Guides – Christine Davenport.

13. Any Other Business – there was no other business.

Thanks were expressed to Father Joseph for his leadership, support and the contribution he has made during his time at St Hilda’s.

  1. Date of the Next Annual Meeting of Parishioners and Annual Parochial Church Meeting

To be held on Sunday 28[th] April, 2024.

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REPORTS FOR 2024 MEETING

ST HILDA'S CHURCH

ASHFORD, MIDDLESEX

ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31st December, 2023

Incumbent

Vacancy

Bank

Nat West Bank Ashford Middlesex Branch 5 Woodthorpe Road Ashford Middlesex TW152RN

Independent Examiner

Mr Peter Connolly 33, Carlyle Road Staines Middlesex TW18

The Parochial Church Council of St Hilda Ashford Charity Number 1134119

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Saint Hilda's Church, Ashford, Middlesex

Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council

for the year ended 31 December 2023

Saint Hilda's Church, Ashford, which is part of the Diocese of London within the Church of England, works with the minister in promoting the mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church, Church Hall, Vicarage and 34, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middlesex TW15 2RU.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity, the Charity Number being 1134119

Incumbent Vacancy Licenced Lay Ministers Rosalyn Young

Report of the Electoral Roll Officer

The Electoral Roll for St Hilda’s Church, Ashford, Middlesex for 2023 to 2024 stands at 163 members, of whom 69 are non-resident in the Parish.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023

Appointments are for 3 years in the first instance with the option of serving for a second term of 3 years. After a total of 6 years members must come off the PCC but can be re-elected to serve again for 3 years after a break of one year.

Appointed for

Due for re-election

APCM 2021 – 2024 Paula Gething 2ndTerm APCM 2025
(2023 – 2024 – Ex-officio member as Church Warden)
APCM 2022 – 2025 Christine Davenport 1stTerm APCM 2025
Christopher Brown 1stTerm APCM 2025
Liz Brian 1stTerm APCM 2025
Rosemary Greenwood 1stTerm APCM 2025
Year 2022
Nick Gething		 Co-opted

Elected by PCC members – due for re-election in 2023.

October 2022 John Swaffield
January 2023 Frances Forsbrey
APCM 2023 – 2026 Jane Dobbie 1stTerm APCM 2026

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Alison Garner 1stTerm APCM 2026
Nicholas Gething 1stTerm APCM 2026
Joyce Rouse 1stTerm APCM 2026
Valerie Scott 1stTerm APCM 2026
John Swaffield 1stTerm APCM 2026

Three Deanery Synod representatives are elected for three year terms.

Appointed for Due for re-
election
APCM 2023 Elizabeth Bate 2026
APCM 2023 Christopher Maddock 2026
APCM 2023 Christine Makriel 2026

Two Churchwardens : Churchwardens are elected annually up to a total of 4 years. Elected at the Vestry Meeting

Assistant to the Churchwardens

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance within the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. During the year, the Council met 8 times. The PCC operates through a number of committees.

Standing Committee

This is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact business of the PCC between PCC meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. The Standing Committee oversees the finances of the PCC. The committee includes the Churchwardens, Treasurer, Secretary and Vice Chairperson.

Church Attendance – for 2023

Average Sunday attendance (Sundays 10 am) for 2023 was Adults 84 and children 15

Average midweek service (11 am Wednesday) was adults 26

Average midweek service (11 am Wednesday) was adults 26
Those watching Sunday morning services via video link - 45
Christmas Special Services Schools and Lodge Brothers 945
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 117
(84 communicants over both days)

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Baptisms 21

Weddings 3

Funerals 7 in total

6 – Funeral services in church,

1 – Funeral service at crematorium/cemetery

Church Warden Report – Paula Gething

I confirm that in accordance with the law governing the Office of Churchwardens during the last year I have:

Firstly a huge thank you to Frances Forsbrey and Bobbie Bedford for a supported handover of all the tasks they had faithfully undertaken for many years. Also, to both of them for continuing to undertake some of these tasks into the next year. I am also truly grateful to Elizabeth Bate and to all those who stepped up to support when our Warden and Treasurer left in August.

We continue to live-stream our Sunday service for those who are unable to attend church in person, hopefully making them feel still very much part of our church family. We also beat the bounds on Rogation Sunday, this wonderful tradition reinstated by Fr Joseph is always fun, especially in years like this when we were dodging the rain. It is about 9 kilometers and we use the opportunity to share music and prayer with members of the congregation who live en route.

We had a fright in November to discover our website needed to be updated. Mariane Tank, Kelly Ingram and Lisa Richardson stepped in to ensure we had a format that would continue to be supported. This is a work in progress and is currently also supported by Laura Goodman our parish coordinator.

We were sad to say goodbye to a number of people who moved on in the first half of the year. Helen Calner, our curate was ordained and moved to her new parish; Lay Reader, Carolyn Clark together with husband Gordon, moved out of the parish and Father Joseph and his family moved to a new parish in Acton. They all go with our love, best wishes and prayers.

We have been supported during the vacancy by Fr Steve Brian and Mother Pamela, together with Rosalyn Young. Services have also been led by Rev Leslie Lawrence, Rev David Vanstone, Rev Simon Douglas Lane and Rev Janet Franck. We were lucky enough to have the Bishop of Kensington lead us on St Hilda’s Day and at

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Midnight on Christmas Eve. Our church attendance for the Sunday services continue to grow in numbers with almost everyone staying behind to enjoy coffee and fellowship. I should like to particularly thank Rosalyn Young, who has gone above and beyond to maintain pastoral support to the congregation and beyond. Conducting home visits, planning services as well as preaching more often in support of visiting clergy and generally being available for advice.

Despite the vacancy Elizabeth, Bobbie and I have continued to support the project at St Hilda’s House. We welcomed a new befriender, but have had significant financial challenges to contend with. Grateful thanks to John Swaffield for his support with some of the house challenges. My nephew Lukas Winter has kept the grass at the vicarage and church gardens mowed and Elizabeth oversaw significant works at the vicarage after it was vacated, which at the time of writing remains incomplete and the subject of further visits from the diocese contractors.

The Wednesday Eucharist service is very well attended and we now have around 20 staying for lunch each week. The weekly food deliveries from Surplus to Supper is most welcome, with very little waste.

Our aim to open the church to the local community is going well. The church is opened daily during the week. Two local schools hold their Carol Services here and Lodge Brothers hold an annual service of remembrance. We have had several very enjoyable brass concerts here during the spring and in December we had a Greek Themed dinner, with Greek food followed by carols; it was a great use of this wonderful building.

Due to the large open space, we now hold our jumble sales in church. Our successful Spring Fair was held in church due to bad weather and the Frost Fayre has become a local landmark event; making use of the additional space in church, with external sellers paying a fee to rent a table to sell from. These activities enable people who would not otherwise cross the threshold of a church outside of a major life event, come through the doors in a comfortable setting.

In July we held our first all-day wedding celebration. The marriage ceremony was followed by a three course meal, prepared in the church hall but served in church, followed by dancing. The bride, groom and guests all enjoyed the beautiful space and plans are in place for further weddings in the future which will bring in muchneeded income by making use of the building. We can offer a traditional religious ceremony with the atmosphere of a country house reception, in one location and at a fraction of the cost.

We now have a new refreshment area with enough power points to support the fridge, freezer, microwaves, urns, toasters and other items needed to provide our monthly breakfast, weekly lunches, post-service refreshments and refreshments for events. We hold a bar license so we can sell alcohol during concerts and evening events in both the church and the church hall. Huge thanks to the catering team for the wonderful breakfasts and lunches. Also to the welcomers and those who faithfully provide the weekly refreshments.

Once again thank you to everyone who helps to keep the church in good order, an enormous amount of work goes on behind the scenes, it may be invisible – but it doesn’t just happen. We are very fortunate to have a small but very dedicated group

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of people who ensure that we can enjoy our services in a clean, well-ordered church. We have asked for additional help many times, thank you for those who already came forward, but there are many opportunities for YOU to get involved. Despite rising costs, our flower team continue to create beautiful displays of both real and silk flowers with the seasons, including the annual lilies at Easter, and Chris Maddock, his music team and choir continue to enhance services with their wonderful music.

We wrote our Parish Profile and at the time of writing, we are about to interview new incumbent candidates. Thanks to Elizabeth Bate and Chris Maddock for leading this challenging task.

The Standing Committee and PCC work very hard to keep everything ticking over, but much work is also done by people who don’t hold office and don’t get recognised or personally thanked. I would particularly like to thank Vicky Palmer, Pauline Milton and Khadijeh, who have been instrumental in ensuring we had access to our bank accounts and a set of accounts to review at our APCM, despite having no official treasurer. I know I haven’t managed to name everyone but my heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who has supported St Hilda’s this year through some very challenging days.

CHURCH PROPERTY REPORT (FABRIC) – Paula Gething

Church Hall

Last year, 2023, we saw our church hall continuing to function at full capacity with Chris Davenport managing the high demand of requests for hire from both our regular and one-off hirers. Chris continues as hall Booking Secretary, keeping precise records of who, when and for how long. Chris always gives an excellent service to us and our hirers drawing in much needed revenue, thank you so much Chris.

The church hall continues to suffer from water ingress from the roof and gutters. A grant has been secured and plans are in place to replace the roof in 2024, installing both a new composite roof, insulation and solar panels to generate our own electricity and sell the surplus to the grid.

Inside the church hall and the car park both require investment and planning for this needs to take place in 2024. The holes in the car park were filled with post crete as per previous years but this only lasts a few months.

During the year all the required checks/inspections were carried out. Namely, British Gas inspected and serviced the boiler and gas meter; 3MG inspected and tested the fire extinguishers and fire blankets, Kingsmead Testing Services Ltd the PAT Testing on all the portable electric appliances; Oakmoor Heating Ltd carried out electrical repairs and Fullers Builders Ltd cleaned all the outside gutters ( providing photographs of before & after). With all having passed certificates were issued with copies placed in both the Maintenance Inspection File and the Church Log Book, likewise a set of the gutter photographs were also placed in each of the files. We continued with LSR Cleaning Services Ltd cleaning the entire premises daily Monday to Thursday and twice on Friday.

In addition to this maintenance tasks were carried out for example dealing with repairs to the disabled toilet and the hot water supply. Again, we have Jon Bate,

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Michael Smith, Steve Smith and John Swaffield to thank, always there, giving their time and expertise whatever the problem, gentlemen thank you so much.

Church

Our gardening team led by Rosemary Greenwoood and Andrew Rickson continue to clear the weeds and maintain the shrubs. Our meadow area at the East end of the church was left until the end of the year, then mowed and sowed with seed bombs created by children from Junior Church. We hope the flowers will both look nice and create a habitat for the bees and other insects. As with all the jobs, many hands make lighter work and we would welcome more gardeners plus it’s a good way of getting to know each other more and sharing gardening tips.

A new set of kitchen units was installed by Jon Bate, funded partially by a legacy and the number of power points was increased to facilitate increased demand due to the lunches and breakfasts. Whilst the units are free standing, the whole space enables the safe and comfortable provision of after-church refreshments, hot food at breakfast and lunch and a bar area for functions. A food hygiene certificate has been obtained from Spelthorne Borough Council.

The necessary annual checks were carried out. Namely, British Gas tested/serviced the two boilers; B C Shepherd & Sons tuned and serviced the church organ, 3MG tested/serviced the fire extinguishers and fire blanket; Watson & Watkins Ltd serviced the organ blower and humidifier; Kingsmead Testing Services Ltd carried out the PAT Testing on all the portable electrical appliances (January 2024) and Fullers Builders Ltd cleaned all the gutters.

With all having passed certificates were issued with copies placed in both the Maintenance Inspection File and Church Log Book, likewise a set of photographs in respect of the gutter cleaning.

The weekly team continued cleaning the church. Come and join us if you have a spare hour on a Thursday morning we arrive at 10.30am. As in most years there were other little jobs that just got done without any fuss or bother, a big thank you to all concerned, you know who you are.

The Quinquennial Inspection of the church was carried out in November, by Bob Wilson our architect. At the time of writing, the report has been received and is being reviewed by the PCC.

Vicarage

The annual gutter maintenance was carried out by Fullers Builders Ltd in October (a set of photographs were supplied and copies placed in both Maintenance File and Church Log Book). After Fr Joseph and his family moved out, work was carried out by the diocese to convert the garage into another room. At the time of writing this work has only just been completed.

St Hilda’s House

The gas safety check was carried out and monthly inspections of the property. Thanks to Lukas Winter for help with the lawns. The property is currently occupied by one tenant.

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Health & Safety Report – Christine Makriel (Health, Safety & Fire Officer)

Although the PCC is not required to report on its risk management policy, the PCC takes it very seriously and receives regular reports from the Health, Safety & Fire Officer. A recovery plan is in place to assist the local community in the event of a disaster, and further work will be carried out on risk management issues as required. Christine Makriel continued as Health, Safety & Fire Officer.

Annual fire extinguisher maintenance checks were completed and Surrey Fire Service carried out a fire survey to ensure we are compliant with safety regulations.

Financial Report – to follow

PCC Report – Liz Brian (PCC Secretary)

A summary of the PCC meetings held from January 2023 until December 2023 capturing actions, recommendations and information not captured in other reports.

January 2023 – we welcomed Frances Forsbrey onto the PCC. Christine Taylor spoke about a new proposal for Junior Church to have a Messy Church on the first Sunday of the month and continue as usual for the rest of the month during term times. Parents and Church volunteers are welcome to help with Junior Church activities and parents will be with their children for the Messy Church sessions. It was agreed to keep the time of the main Sunday service at 10 am whilst we are in a vacancy. A meeting will be set up with Rev Jonathan Rust (Area Director of Mission) to discuss the vacancy. The London Diocese will be making a video about St Hilda’s House and the new Bishop of Kensington will be visiting the house when she comes to Spelthorne Deanery in February, 2023.

February 2023 – The PCC meeting was preceded by a meeting with Rev Jonathan Rust to discuss the vacancy and the Parish Profile. At the PCC meeting the following were discussed - An alcohol licence to allow us to sell alcohol, fence panels have been replaced and our new Mission Action Plan was distributed and will be widely displayed. All PCC members to ensure they have completed the basic level safeguarding training.

March 2023 – Simeon Sturney gave PCC members an update regarding St Hilda’s House and there was a discussion around the future of the project. The agreement was that it should continue. Simeon was thanked for his work on the project. New rental agreements have been written for use of the Church Hall – Paula was thanked for her work on this and thanks to Chris Davenport for all the work she does for the Church Hall. There has been severe flooding in the area around our twin parish of Holy Cross, Murrupula. It was agreed to send money from our collections on both Sunday and Wednesday from the previous Sunday until Easter. As this was the last meeting before the APCM in April thanks were conveyed to Bobbie Bedford for her time as Church Warden and to Carolyn and Gordon Clark who will be moving to Chertsey. Also to Frances Forsbrey who was no longer standing on the PCC but who would continue to support members behind the scenes.

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May 2023 – at the first meeting of the newly formed PCC we welcomed Jane Dobbie, Alison Garner, Nick Gething, Joyce Rouse, Valerie Scott and John Swaffield. All elected for 3 years. The following officers were elected – PCC Lay Chair – Elizabeth Bate, PCC Secretary – Liz Brian and as PCC Treasurer Kieran Stevens, Chris Brown’s step-son who would support him as he was working towards his Accountancy exams. Parish Safeguarding Officer – Nick Gething. We were pleased to hear that we had achieved our Bronze Award for Eco Church and thanked Rosemary Greenwood for her work on this. A new contract was being drawn up regarding the use of the Church Hall by the Happy Tots Playgroup. The Church has purchased a home communion set so that Rosalyn and Mother Pamela can offer communion at home when requested.

June 2023 – we have received a quote for work on the Church Hall roof and waiting to hear from Spelthorne Borough Council regarding a grant. There is a new church hall booking form as it continues to be used regularly by the community. It is hoped that the Church might also be used as a venue for events such as whole wedding packages in the future. Meetings have taken place with Jonathan Rust to discuss the Parish Profile. We raised £685.00 at a recent Jumble Sale.

July 2023 – The Parish Representatives for the recruitment of a new Incumbent were elected. Discussion around how we welcome newcomers and the pastoral support we offer to one another. Agreed to have photographs of PCC members in the Church porch and to have words of welcome in the weekly service sheet. People will be informed to contact our Licenced Lay Minister, Rosalyn Young if someone was in need of prayer and support. Rosemary Greenwood suggested a second hand bookstall at the back of church. The Mother’s Union banner will be professionally cleaned before being fixed in a new place in the Lady Chapel.

There was no meeting in August 2023

September 2023 – further wording to the Parish Profile was discussed. The PCC then considered the consequences of the resignation of Chris Brown as Treasurer and Church Warden. It was agreed that Elizabeth Bate as Lay Chair of the PCC write to Bishop Emma in response to Chris’ letter of resignation. Chris has liaised with Laura Parish Administrator and given her papers and IT passwords and Paula will meet with Laura to get this information. Regarding Chris’ responsibilities – Jane Dobbie agreed to take on the booking of priests during the vacancy, Rosemary to write to Kieran to ask if he would be continuing as Treasurer, Chris Maddock agreed to become Parish Representative alongside Elizabeth. Paula reported that we have a Grant from Spelthorne Borough Council for the work on the Church Hall roof and thanked Chris Davenport and the hirers for their help in securing this. Chris Maddock proposed that other forms of liturgy could be explored for future services especially if we have not been able to find a Priest to take a communion service. There were also two extra PCC meetings in September. These were convened to discuss the priorities for the PCC in the light of the resignation of Chris Brown as Church Warden and Treasurer. At the first of these meetings it was agreed that Paula and Bobbie Bedford would visit Nat West Bank to sort out how to process payments; to request that someone comes forward for the Church Treasurer role; to inform the Diocese of the new Parish Representative and to ensure that we are still underway with the rental agreement for the Church Hall. At the second meeting

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Paula proposed Vicky Palmer as Treasurer with her support. Nick Gething agreed to take on the rental agreement with Happy Tots.

October 2023 – Vicky Palmer was introduced to members as the new interim treasurer. Jane Dobbie said that we have a priest for all the services from now until the end of the year. As there have been recent incidents of COVID and flu it was agreed to encourage the congregation to use the hand sanitisers for the service. Due to increase in numbers in the congregation we need to increase the number of service sheets to 80.

November 2023 – Thanks to Rosalyn Young for the recent Confirmation Service. Positive responses were received from Bishop Emma and the Church Warden of St Nicholas, Shepperton. There is a possibility of a new tenant for St Hilda’s House to move in after January. Work has been done on the Vicarage. There were no suitable candidates for the post of Incumbent so it will be advertised again in the New Year.

There was no meeting in December.

Throughout the year members of the PCC have also been involved in various aspects of Church life including Fundraising and Social Events. Thanks to all members who were willing to give their time and energy and especially for Paula and Elizabeth who had to take on further responsibilities during the year.

Spelthorne Deanery Report

Spelthorne Deanery Synod met three times to consider current matters within the Anglican Church; meetings also provide opportunities for sharing news and enjoying fellowship with clergy and lay representatives from the eleven churches in the Spelthorne Deanery. The current three year term began on 1[st] July 2023.

Clergy moves within the Deanery –Rev Carole George, rector of St Nicholas Shepperton, was appointed as Area Dean in succession to Fr Joseph Fernandes who was appointed a Prebendary of St Paul’s and took up a new appointment as vicar of St Mary’s Acton after serving as Area Dean of Spelthorne and incumbent of St Hilda’s Ashford.

Rt Rev Dr Emma Ineson who had just taken up the appointment of Bishop of Kensington joined the February meeting. During a Q&A session she introduced herself, described some of her past experience, particularly her recent role as assistant to Archbishop Justin Welby during 2022/23 when King Charles’ coronation and the late Queen’s funeral took place. She spoke on the content of her book “Failure – what Jesus said about sin, mistakes and messing stuff up”. She also said that Spelthorne was a valued and important area in the diocese and challenged us to examine how we can contribute to Christian mission in the Diocese of London.

Rev John Beauchamp, the London Diocese Disability Ministry Enabler spoke at the June meeting and stimulated all PCCs to consider how inclusive their churches are. We need to ensure that all people can feel welcome and able to participate in activities bearing in mind that disabilities include not just physical and sensory

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disabilities but mental health issues and learning disabilities, as well as ”hidden” disabilities such as epilepsy, diabetes, arthritis, autism, and various conditions which may cause chronic pain. He drew attention to the wide range of material and support available from the Diocese.

The October meeting was addressed by Emma Thompson of the St Alban’s Diocese who spoke passionately about the mission of “Save the Parish”. This was founded in 2021 and is run by volunteers, to give a voice to parishes who felt the strategy of the leadership of the Church of England to amalgamate parishes and reduce the number of clergy in those parishes, was wrong and counterproductive. She mentioned that the parish church forms an important part of many communities even if attendance at services is low. Although the Diocese of London has priests in most parishes and finances are better than other parts of the country, there are no grounds for complacency.

Annual Finance meetings were hosted by Archdeacon Richard Frank & Rev Mary Spredbury (Diocesan Finance Officer)

During the year reports were given by Nick Wood-Dow on issues discussed at the London Diocesan Synod.

WORSHIP AND LEARNING

House of Bishops’ Policy Statements

St Hilda’s PCC ensure that we comply with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding & Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, in relation to having due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Child Protection Nick Gething (Safeguarding Officer)

The Church of England, in all aspects of its life, is committed to and will champion the protection of children and young people both in society as a whole and in its own community.

It fully accepts, endorses and will implement the principle enshrined in the Children Act 1989, that the welfare of the child is paramount. The Church of England will foster and encourage best practice within its community by setting standards for working with children and young people and by supporting parents in the care of their children.

It will work with statutory bodies, voluntary agencies and other faith communities to promote the safety and well-being of children and young people. It is committed to acting promptly whenever a concern is raised about a child or young person or about the behaviour of an adult, and will work with the appropriate statutory bodies when an investigation into child abuse is necessary.

The Church of England is committed to encouraging an environment where all people and especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety. Everyone,

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whether they see themselves as vulnerable or not, will receive respectful pastoral ministry recognising any power imbalance within such a relationship.

Safeguarding Adults - Nick Gething

All church workers involved in any pastoral ministry will be recruited with care including the use of the Criminal Records Bureau disclosure service when legal or appropriate. Workers will receive training and continuing support.

Any allegations of mistreatment, abuse, harassment or bullying will be responded to without delay. Whether or not the matter involves the church there will be cooperation with the police and local authority in any investigation.

Sensitive and informed pastoral care will be offered to anyone who has suffered abuse, including support to make a complaint if so desired. Help to find appropriate specialist care either from the church or secular agencies will be offered.

Congregations will often include people who have offended in a way that means they are a continuing risk to vulnerable people. The risks will be managed sensitively with the protection of adults and children in mind.

Nick Gething took over as Safeguarding Officer from Gordon Clark during the summer of 2023, and has completed the diocese training course at Leadership level. He also spoke at the February Saturday Breakfast. Elizabeth Bate continues as the Children’s Champion.

Junior Church – Christine Taylor

In January 2022 it was lovely to welcome Rosalyn Young back to the team after her sabbatical. Rosalyn’s absence prompted us to compile a handbook which we can offer to prospective new leaders.

In early January, we had a Godly Play session on Baptism which was well attended by a large age range, however everyone seemed to enjoy the activity.

In February three members of the team were able to attend a Deanery Youth training at Saviours. It was a really worthwhile and inspirational experience.

We held our Good Friday workshop with a small group of children. We told the Easter story, studied the stations of the cross, completed lots of Easter craft, made Easter rock cakes and finished with a noisy act of worship.

Sadly we had to discontinue the monthly all-age worship sessions organised by Simon Shutt of FACT (Family Awareness and Children’s Trust) due to poor attendance despite circulating the dates, advertising in the weekly notes and direct approaches to parents.

Concerned about retaining our older children we decided to trial a system whereby we would split the group and leaders would prepare for either

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younger or older children with age appropriate activities. Unfortunately due to inconsistent group size and varying age profiles it hasn’t really succeeded.

We continue to use Roots on the Web as our main teaching resource, although we no longer print off the activity sheets. We also decided that when the leader felt the material inappropriate we would explore some of the Old Testament stories, which we did in the Summer Term.

In the Autumn we held a small Light Party using Scripture Union resources. We held a Christingle service at the beginning of December – my thanks go to ladies of the Mothers Union who helped prepare the Christingles and to Rosalyn who helped conduct the service. Our year ended with the Crib Service on Christmas Eve however the idea of dressing as a Nativity scene character was not very successful but the musical instruments were!

I would like to thank all the members of the team, Rosalyn Young, Gordon Clark, Elizabeth Bate, Beryl Rickson and Elisabeth Santos who give their time so willingly.

Bible Study Group - Rosemary Greenwood

The group has continued to meet weekly on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm in church in the Lady Chapel. Leadership of the study is rotated but there is no pressure to take a turn if you do not wish to. In the same way there is no pressure to read aloud or share an opinion if members do not wish to do so.

We begin and end with prayer. We work from Small Group Study books from various publishers. The subjects studied are chosen after group discussion and this year have included Old Testament Characters , Christian Community and some of the Psalms. During Lent and Advent we used study books At the Cross and Coming of the Saviour which looked at Jesus' crucifixion and birth from the perspective of various people in the story.

We usually have 5 to 8 people at each meeting, including several who have joined us for the first time this year. The total number of members is higher than this as we do not expect everyone to come every week. We enjoy many lively discussions (not always on topic), and appreciate the fellowship we share.

We welcome visitors and those who would like to see what goes on each week.

Feed My Sheep - Rosalyn Young

Feed My Sheep study group has met 10 times in 2023, with numbers up to 14, enjoying a cup of tea and coffee.

Topics included - Wine Stories, Hymn Writers, Tyndale and the English Bible, Names for Jesus, A further look at Popes, The Sunday School Movement and St Francis of Assisi. We also did Pick and Mix, looking at short topics and Jargon Busting exploring those difficult theological words and church expressions etc. From the tea fund we were able to donate to the Murrupula appeal.

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Ambling Through Acts - Steve Brian

We have continued our unhurried but close reading of the book of Acts, following Luke’s account of the beginnings of the church. The characters, the politics, the controversies of the time can all find their equivalents today, and we have some good discussions. Sometimes we go off at tangents, which is also fine. Each session finishes with the short, said service of compline, followed by coffee/tea and decent biscuits. We usually have between eight and a dozen or so people at a session, with about fifteen or sixteen overall. Newcomers are always welcome - no previous knowledge required. We meet at 7:30pm on the first Thursday in the month, in church.

CHOIR AND MUSIC REPORT 2023 - Chris Maddock / Paula Gething / Rosemary Greenwood, Jane Dobbie

St Hilda’s church choir continues to provide musical accompaniment for the main services during the course of the year. We continue to practise in the church each Friday from 7pm and whilst we still manage four-part harmony, it would be nice to have a few more voices – particularly basses.

The music for services is based on the lectionary readings and carefully selected by the team listed above. Efforts are made to include both well loved, traditional items alongside some contemporary music. We prepare a Taizé chant most weeks. This year has seen some great progress in our unity of sound, and we have begun to make some forays into plainsong and polyphony.

In addition to singing at the weekly family Eucharist and festival days, the choir also led a choral devotion from The Cross of Christ on Good Friday, supported on Easter Saturday, several funerals, and weddings, Lodge Brothers Candles of Remembrance service in December and our Christmas Carol Service – even fielding an impromptu vocal group for the Merry Meze fundraiser. We sang farewell to Mother Helen in Swedish and to Fr Joseph in Portuguese.

We continue to rely heavily on recorded accompaniments, but huge thanks to Jeremy Rouse and Peter Pritchard for supporting us with organ accompaniments live on occasion, and Melvyn Rouse who continues to provide beautiful recorded accompaniments.

Altar Servers’ Report - Alan Sloan

Altar servers fulfil a very important function within the church. Their role dates back to the early days of the church, when priests were accompanied by an acolyte on their travels. Today altar servers’ roles in the church are usually as listed below albeit, as a result of Covid-19 and lack of numbers, there have been some variations to duties.

The Crucifer is the person who carries the big processional cross. We have different crosses for different times in the year. Normally we have a large, decorated cross but in Advent and Lent a small wooden cross is used to reflect the mood of the season.

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The Acolytes work in pairs and they both carry candles. In the olden days, when churches weren’t lit quite so brightly, they had a very important role ensuring that when the Gospel procession went down into the body of the church there was enough light on the Gospel book for the priest or deacon to be able to read it. They also fulfil other roles at the altar, such as bringing the vessels to the altar so that it can be laid up for mass and helping the priest wash his or her hands.

St Hilda’s Church currently has a team of 7 altar servers, as listed below, who are always willing to help with any task to keep our services in Church running smoothly. Primarily they assist at the 10 o’clock, Sunday services but they also assist with the Wednesday morning 11 o’clock service and other special services e.g. confirmation, candles of remembrance, St Hilda’s day, Easter Eve and Midnight Mass.

During the last twelve-month period the number of available altar servers reduced by one as David Saville decided to stand down as a server and we thank David for his many years of service.

Prior to Covid-19 there was a team of 12 servers but for a variety of reasons this has now reduced to only 7 and so at the beginning of November Alan Sloan asked for volunteers to come forward to supplement the current team. A prominent notice concerning same was also included in the weekly Service Sheet throughout November.

Alan Sloan is the Head Server/serving team liaison representative and acts as the focal point between the servers and the vicar. This entails:

Updating altar servers about any changes in process/procedure Completion of the end of year report Production of both the server’s and chalice duty rotas.

As indicated above we would always welcome new members to the team and would give the support and training to undertake this role. If interested please contact either myself, another Server or a Churchwarden in the first instance.

List of servers:

Frances Forsbrey Sally Goulden Chris Holliday Christine Makriel Peter Makriel Alan Sloan* Barbara Warne

An asterisk* signifies where a server has additionally been appointed by the Bishop of Kensington to assist with Holy Communion.

St Hilda’s Mothers’ Union - Chris Davenport

Our AGM in March, followed by afternoon tea, was attended by 23 members. Four Long Service Awards were presented.

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We continue to hold our monthly Mothers’ Union Corporate Communion Services.

We have all enjoyed our lunchtime meetings: January Winter Memories of long ago, when we all shared our special thoughts about past winters. February We remembered St Valentine, the patron saint of engaged couples and happy marriages and learned more about St Valentine’s history. March Reflections for Lent, led by Rosalyn Young, our Lay Reader, who gave us all a prayer circle for meditation. April Thoughts for Easter with poems and readings. May One of our Church members played recordings of Coronation Music and explained about the different composers. June An enjoyable meeting, when two of our members enlightened us by reading some of Pam Ayres’ poetry. July Fundraising for the Summer of Hope, when £150 was raised. We also enjoyed scones, jam and cream. September A really interesting meeting, when members reminisced about holidays that they have enjoyed, including cruises, seaside holidays and camping. October We held our Wave of Prayer Service, led by Rosalyn Young, our Lay Reader. November This was an interesting talk by one of our Church members who enjoys country walks and has covered many miles of beautiful countryside in her travels around the United Kingdom. December Carols and Christmas Music with mince pies.

In all, another very successful year for St Hilda’s Mothers’ Union.

St Hilda’s Flower Team - Alison Garner, Pauline Milton and members of the Flower Team

The Flower Team continues to do their best to create floral displays throughout the Church’s calendar year with an eye on the purse strings. We are fortunate to have funding via a bequest and generous donations for memorial displays which help enormously. Fresh flowers have risen a lot in price over the past three years and we try to choose flowers which have longevity. We were made aware of a local wholesaler who provided the lilies – Fleurametz, London. Longacres provided a good selection on price and quality for our other arrangements. We will continue to use the silk display on occasion to help spread the costs each month. We plan to have a Spring/Summer colourway created soon to contrast with the Autumnal shades.

Pauline, Alison and the Flower Team have done their best to create wonderful displays each Sunday and the celebrations throughout the year, especially with the lilies at Easter and the pedestals and column decorations at Christmas.

We have had several weddings which have not been too arduous this year as most brides have their florists create their church flowers and then take them to their reception. All we ask is that the Flower Team are made aware of the wedding dates

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and colour choices so we can co-ordinate the church’s pedestal to the bride’s colour scheme.

Now that we have returned to normality, we plan to arrange classes for those interested in joining the team but feel unsure and would like lessons. We are always looking for new members to join the team and if that is you, please contact Alison, or Pauline for further details.

COMMUNITY

Outreach

St Hilda’s House

During 2023 we housed 3 residents in St Hilda’s House, one who remained for the whole of the year. All residents have been supported by members of the church congregation especially Paula Gething and Elizabeth Bate. In November 2022 a video was commissioned which was available from April 2023 telling the “beautiful story of St Hilda’s Church in Ashford, Spelthorne Surrey, housing women coming out of prison who would otherwise be homeless. They do this through a three- way partnership between the church, the local prison, and the charity Hope Into Action. Not only the significance of providing a home for the women coming out of prison, but also how they as a church community have been transformed in the process.” We have a blue clothes recycling bin in church and monies raised from this are put towards St Hilda’s House.

We have continued our links with Ashford Church of England Primary School with our two Foundation Governors. Rosalyn Young led half termly assemblies and also engaged with some of the class lessons. Palm crosses were distributed to the pupils. The school also held their Carol Service in Church. St James School also had a Christmas Service in Church.

The gifts from the Harvest Festival went to the local food bank, based at the Salvation Army, which continues to provide a lifeline to local families who are struggling financially. People also leave food gifts in the wooden box at the back of church and these are then taken to the Salvation Army.

Activities/Social Report - Bobbie Bedford

Well this has been a year of two halves. The first half with Fr. Joseph and the second without an incumbent, having said that things went on pretty much as usual and without a hitch.

We began the year with a very successful Burns night, with an abundance of food and drink, music and dancing. Everyone had such a good time that I quickly booked the caller for 2024.

We carried on in February with the first of our Jumble Sales, they are always well attended and people come from far and wide, thanks to our ad on Radio Jackie. The

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Jumbles are one of our biggest fund raisers, superbly organised by Chris Davenport, however, help is always needed as it takes time to sort and organise all the donations, man the stalls and clear away.

February we also enjoyed the first of our Parish Breakfasts, these have proved to be very, very popular, good food, good company and we also enjoyed speakers on various subjects. These included our Foundation Governors from Ashford C of E Primary School talking about the school and their roles. Father Joseph told us about his visit to Murrupula and Mother Helen quizzed us about all things Swedish (not just ABBA). Paula updated us on the church hall roof. We also had visitors from the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme telling us about their involvement with those in custody. Another time the video made for St Hilda’s House was also shown and Elizabeth Bate updated us about the project.

We also began our daily ‘Open Church’ and warm space. Many people just pop in for a look around, whilst for others it a quiet place to sit a while to find comfort or pray.

We continued our services followed by lunch of soup and crusty bread. ‘Surplus to Supper’ make a delivery each Wednesday of food that otherwise would end up in land fill. What they bring varies from week to week, sometimes we have an abundance of flowers, there are sandwiches, fruit, cakes (they always go down well) bread, rolls, milk and sometimes vegetables. Everyone is welcome to take the food away and if we have anything that could be used by the nursery they are always grateful to receive it. When we began the lunches, there used to be around 12 or so people, now up to 20 - 30 people attend our service and we serve around 20 lunches. A time enjoyed by all and a great ministry for the church.

On Fr. Josephs last day we enjoyed a bring and share lunch. We were very sorry to see him go and many of us went to see him installed in his new church of St Marys Acton.

We have had several weddings this year and a couple of them even had their reception in the church, showing what a great venue we have.

One thing we always enjoy is a shared lunch. We have some great cooks at St Hilda’s. Harvest Supper and St Hilda’s day are just two examples. There is always more than enough to go round, with some very tasty desserts.

We held our Frost Fayre in Church in November, again a very successful event. We began holding events in church just after the Covid lockdown, mainly because it is a bigger space than the Church Hall and also for people coming into church for the first time. It is not uncomfortable for them and sometimes leads them to come into church for a service. Church should not be used only on Sundays and St Hilda’s is a welcoming place no matter what we use it for.

The day after the Frost Fair, we were lucky enough to have Bishop Emma take the confirmation service at St Hilda’s, it was a wonderful occasion with a great party in the Hall afterwards. The Bishop was very impressed with the confirmation cake.

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On the 16[th] December we held a Merry Meze in church, a Greek food night. It was fantastic. Great food cooked by lovely people, we are looking forward to the next special food night.

The Carol service the day after was celebrated with Mulled Wine and Mince Pies.

We look forward to what 2024 brings.

St Hilda’s Entertainers’ Annual Report for 2023 - Mike Davenport – Secretary and Sue Pinfold – Chairman

Firstly, a big “Thank You” to everyone, including our audiences, who were involved in any way in either one or both of our 2023 Productions. As always, our excellent actors were backed up by our hard-working backstage crew who make, paint and work the scenery and curtains, provide props, sound and lights, music, costumes and songs. Then there’s the reassuring Prompt and our busy Front of House Manager and her team.

Our May Play was ‘Murder in Play’, written by Simon Brett and directed by Sue Pinfold. It was a play within a play, giving most of the actors the task of playing two, if not three parts. All rose spectacularly to the occasion. As can be expected, the script called for the challenge of special effects. These included a pistol to be heard to fire on cue, and a glass decanter to be shattered into pieces by a stray shot, again on cue. Both props worked to perfection, on the night. Our band of experienced actors was joined for the first time by Jess Shore, who fitted in admirably.

Actors joining us for the first time also featured very successfully in our Pantomime, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, written by Alan Frayn and directed by Mike Davenport. Tyler Pannone was a wow as our Dame, as also were Kath Shore and Leah Dent as our Principal Boy and Principal Girl, and Rina Sachdeva as a Villager and Minion. Throughout the rehearsals it was heartening to see our newcomers being greatly helped and encouraged by our experienced actors to develop their characters and to make their parts their own.

Our president, Father Joseph Fernandes, left St Hilda’s at the end of May. After the Friday performance of our May Play he came backstage to be presented with a card, a hamper and a 5 year long service certificate. We wish him well in his new Parish.

We joined in with the other groups who use St Hilda’s Hall by supporting St Hilda’s application for a grant from the Spelthorne Borough Council Community Infrastructure Levy Fund. This was to help pay for the replacement of the Main Hall Roof and involved us sending a letter, in support of the application, to all Spelthorne Borough Councillors. The application was successful, and a grant of £50,000 was awarded.

At the NODA South East AGM we were presented with two Awards for Neale Winter’s Play ‘Wife in the Fast Lane’ – one an Accolade of Dramatic Excellence and the other a Highly Commended for Best New Show.

From our funds, donations were made to Crohns & Colitis UK (£360), Shooting Star Trust (£430) and White Lodge (£400).

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Long Service Awards were presented with warm congratulations, to Maisie Jeakins (5 years), Steve Wyatt (5 years), Sarah Poore (10 years), Lilly Poore (10 years) and Rachel Barnes (20 years).

Finally, St Hilda’s Entertainers feel they can be confident that they continue to achieve their aim of providing fantastic entertainment for all their audiences.

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3[rd] Ashford Rainbows, Brownies and Guides – 2023 – Chris Davenport – Guide Guider

The girls of 3[rd] Ashford Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, their Guiders and Young Leaders meet each week at St Hilda’s Church Hall.

All the Units have been working on their Theme Awards of Know Myself, Express Myself, Be Well, Have Adventures, Take Action and Skills For My Future. All these challenges are gauged for the abilities of the various age groups from 5 years to 14 years. With the girls keen to earn such a variety of badges, some of them have been able to complete Girlguiding Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

During the year, the Guides take part in service in the community. This year it included Helping with the Civic Awards Ceremony at the Mayor’s Parlour and running the Tombola stall at St Hilda’s Christmas Bazaar, raising £132 for Church funds. They also helped with Front of House duties for the two weekends of St Hilda’s Entertainers’ pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

The Brownies enjoyed a day at PACCAR, the Scout Activity Site, where they were able to join in a variety of adventurous activities.

The Guides had the experience of a two-night camp at ‘Paxmead’, Shepperton, at the beginning of August. The girls enjoyed pitching tents, cooking their meals on camp fires and a sports afternoon. Unfortunately, we were unable to go canoeing on the nearby River Thames, due to unusually heavy rain and the fast-flowing high water level.

As the months go by, we are pleased to see how the girls grow in confidence and rise to the various challenges as they progress from Rainbows, to Brownies and Guides. It is not only rewarding for the girls, but also for their Guiders, who give their time voluntarily. They encourage and guide the girls and boost their self-confidence in their efforts by organising and running exciting activities for the girls.

St Hilda’s Church Hall provides a much-appreciated safe environment in which our 80 girls can come together for the fun and friendship of weekly meetings.

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APPENDIX A PAROCHIAL COUNCIL OF ST. HILDA'S ASHFORD MIDDLESEX STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ending 31st December 2023 140TE UNRESfRicfEO RESTRicfED FUNDS FUNDS TOTAL 2023 TOTAL 2022 INC MIN RESOUR Voluntary Income 21al 53,217 53,217 81,172 Activities lor 8enerating funds 21bl 60,355 60,355 46,779 Income from Investments 21cl 11,290 11,290 13,680 Church Activitie5 21dl 4,118 4.118 3.001 Other incomiTh8 resources 21el TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 128.980 128,980 144,632 RESOURCES EXPENDED Cost o18eneratin8 voluntary Income 31bl Fund ralslng costs 31cl 3,020 3,020 546 Church Actlvltles 31al 142,280 142,280 119,212 Investment manaBement costs 31dl 4,308 4,308 14,922 Bronzefield TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 149,608 149,608 134,680 NET INCOMING RESOURCES 120,6281 {20,6281 9,952 Gains & Losses On Investments Transfers Between Funds Accounting Adjustments MOVEMEiif IN FUNDS 20.628 20,628 9,952 BALANCE 8/F AT ISTJANUARY 2023 1.235,513 22.Q)3 1,257,516 1,247,564 BALANCE CIF AT 31ST OECEMBER 2023 1,214,885 22,003 1.236,888 1,257,516 These Ilnanclal ststements were approved by the PCC on 25th October 2024

APPENDIX A PAROCHIAL COUNCIL OF ST. HILDA'S ASHFORD MIDDLESEX NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ending 31st December 2023 I ACCOUNTING POLICIES The financial statements have been prepared under the Chuich Accounting Regulations 2(￿6 in accordance with the applicable accountlng standaids and the current Staiement of Recommended Praaice Accountin6 and Reponing by Charllles1SORP 2CKJ51. rhe financial statements have been prepared undey the historical cost convention except for investment assets, which are shown at market value. The financial Statements include all the tran5action5. aSs￿S and liabilitses for which the PCC 15 responsible in law. They do not include the account5 of church 8roup5 that owe their affiliation to another bodyi nor those that are informal gathering FUNOS Restricted funds comprise lal revenue donatlons or grants for a speclhc PCC artTr1￿ty intended by the donor and Ibl monles set aslde for è speclflc purpose as agreed by the PCC. Where the funds have unspent balances. interest on their pooled investment Is Unrestrl¢ted funds are Income fvnds whlch are to be $pent on the PCCS general purpose. INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntory In¢ome Planned glvln& collectlons and slmllar donatlons are reco8n15ed when re¢elved. Tax refunds ale recollnlsed when the Incomln8 resource to which they relote 15 received. Grants and legacles are accounted for when the PCC Is entltled to the use of the resources, their ultimate receipt is considered reasonably ¢ertaln and the amounts due are rellably quantifiable. Olvidends are accounted for when d￿lared re¢elvable. Interest as and when a¢crued by the payw. All Incomln8 resources are a¢ttJvnted gross. other Income Rental income Irorn the letting of church premises is retognlsed when rental Is due. Galns and losses on Investments Realized 8ain5 and losse5 are recognised when the Investments are sold. Grants and donation5 are accounted for when pald over. or when awarded. If that award creates a bindin8 constructive obligatlon on the PCC. The diocesan parish share expected to be paid o¥er is accounted when due. FIXED ASSETS Consecrated propertyundmo¥euble Chu￿hfvr￿lshItt9I Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts In accordance vAth s.1012llal and Ic l of the Charltes Act 2011. Movable church furnishln8s held by the vi¢ar and the Chur¢hwardens on special tnJst for the PCC and which requlre a faculty for dlsposal are inalienable property. listed in the church's Inventory. which can be inspected lat any reasonable timel. For anything quir@d prior to 2000 thefe is ifisufficient cost inlorrn•tion avoilable and thrfoT• Such 855*ts are not valued the financial staternents. Subsequently no individual item has cost more that £i,rxio so all suth expenditure has been written off when incurred. otherfNtures.frttlngs ondofflce equlpment Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,(￿) of less are written off when the asset 15 acqvired. Investments Investments are valued at market value al 31sl December.

APPENDIX A PAROCHIAL COUNCIL OF ST. HILDA'S ASHFORD MIDDLESEX NOTESTOTHE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year endin8 31st De￿rnber 2023 2. INCOMING RESOURCES UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTEO FUNDS FUNDS TOTAL 2023 TOTAL 2012 21al Voluntary Income Planned giving- 81ft ald donatlons Tax recovered on planned givlng Planned glving- other L005e plate Sundry doTrat4ons Other tax recovered Donatlons, appeals. etc. Grant income Legacles Memorlal 8ook Flowers Speclals 32,650 3.451 32,650 3,4SI 39,977 6.847 6,847 7,462 388 8.541 1.100 8,541 I,Ic 29,980 3,000 365 560 560 53,217 53,217 81,172 21bl Actbvltles for ieneratlnl funds Fetes, bazaars & other fund roisin8 events Church Hall lettings/ Fund r8lslng PV Income Mi5C. 10,515 49.840 10,515 49,840 2,781 43,998 60.355 21cl Income from Invellments Interest Rent 1,969 9,321 11.290 1,969 9,321 11,290 758 12,922 13,680 21dl Income from chur¢h artlvltl•s Weddings Funerals B8ptisml Conflrmatlon Other 1.070 3,048 1,070 122 2,596 527 3,001 4.118 4,118 21el Other ordinary Incomlng res4>urces Insurance claims 8ronzefield TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 128.980 128,980 144,632

APPENDIX A PAROCHIAL COUNCIL OF ST. HILDA'S ASHFORD MIDDLESEX NOTES TO THE FINANCIALSTATEMENTS For the year endlng 31st December 2023 3. RESOURCES EXPENDED UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED FUND5 FUNDS TOTAL 2023 TOTAL 2022 jlal Church artlvltle5 Missionary giving Flowers Insurance- Church Insurance- Hall Junlor Church Malntenance- Church & Church Hall Purchases- Church & Church Hall Memorlal Book Ministry- Clergy expenses Mlnlstry- Common Fund Ministry- Other cler8y expenses Min15try- Weddin8 Fees Organist & cholr costs Runnin8 COSt- Church Runnlng cost- Hall Sundry Utllltles- Elertrlc Utilities- Gas Utilities- Other AdministratlDn Peoplel cleaning costs 1.120 1,398 9,264 859 352 7,514 7,861 521 10,519 521 10,519 128 9,146 4,245 175 128 9.146 4,245 175 3,006 54,000 451 2,562 25.930 4,598 2,466 54,0 451 3,278 3,278 2,688 700 3,574 20,154 550 9,306 12.840 142,280 5,960 5,024 1,334 971 25.S40 909 7,210 8,340 119,212 700 3,574 20,154 sso 9,306 12,840 142,280 31bl Cost ol 8ener•tlni voluntary Income Costs of appeals 31cl FUndrnlsIn￿ Event csMts Fete5, Bazaars, etc. 3,020 3,020 3,020 3,020 546 546 Jldl Investrnent Management Costs Insurance- St Hllda's House Maintenance Costs- St Hilda's House Runnin8 Cost5- St Hilda's House Admin Costs- St Hilda's House Running costs grounds 556 2.885 556 2,885 580 287 4.308 9,248 5.324 350 287 14.922 31el Other Bronzefield TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 149.608 149,608 134,680

APPENOIX A PAROCHIAL COUNCIL OF ST. HILDA'S ASHFORD MIDDLESEX NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ending 31st December 2023 4. People Cost5 Durln8 Ihe year the PCC u5eil the %wvi¥es of part ￿Me(￿aneTS lorthe Chlffth Hall and an admiDistrdtlw asystsntforthe parish offlce but no payments were lar8e enou8h to attrnct50cial security Costs. A5mall immaterial portlon of the expenses paid tothe in¢umb•nt may hve related to his S•rvi￿S3s chairman of the PCC. Payments for offiee administration totalleij £6.240 for the year No other payment5 or expenseswere pald 10 Other PCC ￿Mber, person5d05ely reled 10th￿ orielated parties, other than for profeS￿onal services rendered 5. Flxed Assets £ Churth H￿1 Sl Hld•'s House 325.cw 1.175.COJ Toi•l Openln8 Balance Addltlons Galns & Lesses In the ye•r C1051ni B¥lan¢e 8S0,LAX) Iso,000 325,LThJO L175 Cth) St Hilda's Chvr¢h Hèll In 5tanwell Pood, Ashford, was L¥ought cffjtothe bal¥rb¢¢ sheet In 2007 In order to comply with the ststernent ol Re¢ornmended Practlse ISORPI lor Chèritles as revlsed 2005 the Church kccunUn8 Reiulitsons 2CK)6. The Initial ¥aluab(ffj was based on irscurreni value to the PCC The PCC belle¥e5 that the le￿dUal value of the propekTrexceeds itscurrertuse ￿l￿e andtheretre hasdeclded to adopt a polsry of doln8 annuil Impalrment revlew rather than depre¢latin8 Itsvalue over itsuselul Ilfe. The property knoY4n as St Hilda'5 House, belng 34 W¢)odthNpe Road. Ashftyd. Mlddlese¥ Is held for Investment purposes and Is shown In th •ttounts It market Value. The lastvaluatlon was 31st Decernber 2011 and was carned out byThe Fr05t Partnefship, Ashford. Middlesex. 6. Debtors and prepoyments 2012 20,900 168 21.068 RK•lvabl•s Churth 662 Totil 7. Credlt¢xs 2023 2022 Credltor5 3nd ac¢ruals- Church Credltors and actru•ls. Hall Total 11 omounts oiedut wlthin MeTrYar. 6,204 . Lon8 Term CredEtors There are no lon¥ term credltors. 9. Restrleted Funds H•ld The BrÈakdovm and movementof restrlcted funds are.. Alford Sl Trllda's Ttrtsi 8•lance at 1st January 2023 ID,502 11501 22.1x13 Incoming resource5 Resources expended Moved from genef31 fund Interesi allotated Balance #t 31st Daternber 2023 10,502 11,501 li ga Non Restrirted htld ￿ CBF General re5erYes held ift the CBF a￿O￿ntUre £35529

APPENOIX A FSf.Hl DA, BALANCE SHEET As at 3tst December 2023 PAROCHIAL COUNCIL HFORD MIDDLÉSEX TOTAL 2022 FUNDS FUWDS FIXED Functlonal Property Investment Property 850,￿} 325.(M)O &175XI)O 850,CQO 325,000 1.175.000 850.0 325.QCa) ¥175,000 Debtors and Prepayments Cash in Hand and Bank 662 39.822 662 61,825 62A87 21.06B 67,652 88.720 22,IJB Credff(gr5 6,204 6.204 Net Assets less Current Uablllilos 4214.885 22JJ03 1257,516 Credltors. amounts fall1￿$ due after one year TOTAL NuAssrrs L214W5 OQ3 L236M8 L257.516 Unrestrlcted Restricted 1.214.885 1.214.885 22.C4)3 1,236,88Y 1.235,513 22,003 . n757.516 22.C)3 2IOD3 214 The PCC acknowledge and O￿ptthe[rco1lectfve T￿p￿￿bility10ronJdthladeqUJt fiTrand￿ corrtrols are malntslned and proper books and records kept. Thesellnanclal statem ntsW* •pprty•ed bythe pcc(￿ 25thOctober2024 5tuartYoun& h Wardtn On behalf of St Hllda's PCC

Ind•p•ndent Examln•rf8 Report to tho Vmbars of tl Parochlal Church Councll ('PCC') of St Hllda's Church. Ashfor4 Mlddlesex rnquir•J for Ihii y•8r Sockn 144 rf lh• Qwll•• AQ 2011 rts Cawllos Artl) WKI Ir tt i• my tr).. {undw 145 (5) (bl ol w. •NI •udit, and rv) ¥tr•1s as tr) xc(x¥rt8 far view and Nam: 33 Cartfv Rwl Sth 182PU