2020-12-31-accounts

The Parish of Mill End and Heronsgate

with West Hyde

Reports for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2021

Going Deeper into God Transforming Communities Making New Disciples

CONTENTS

Agendas	3
Minutes of Annual Parishioners’ Meeting 2019	3
Minutes of Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2019	3
Safeguarding Report and Policy	6
Report of the Trustees and Accounts	7
Financial Review	9
Local Ministry Team	13
Fabric Reports	14
St Peter’s Committee	16
Deanery Synod	16
Symeons	17
MU	18
In Touch	18
Play and Praise	18
Friendship Club	19
Messy Church	19
PeterRock	19
St Peter’s Girlguiding	20
List of Members	23

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Sunday 25[th] April at 1.00pm

Opening Prayers

ANNUAL PARISHIONERS’ MEETING

Agenda

1. Apologies

2. Minutes of the previous Meeting

3. Election of the Clerk to the Vestry

4. Election of the (Parish) Churchwardens

5. Reports on the Parish Charities

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL MEETING

Agenda

1. Minutes of the previous Meeting

2. Reception and adoption of the revised Electoral Roll

3. Annual Report on the financial affairs of the Parish, presentation of Accounts and their submission to the Independent Examiner

4. Annual Report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the churches

5. Deanery Synod Report

6. Election of lay representative to Deanery Synod

7. Election of members of the Parochial Church Council

8. Election of sides-persons (usually delegated to the church committees)

9. Appointment of Independent Examiner

10. Reports on Parish Organisations

11. Any matters concerning the Parish

• 12.Closing Prayers

THE ANNUAL PARISHSIONERS’ MEETING &

THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2020 AT 12.00PM ON ZOOM

Present : Christina Bessant, Christine Bunce, Andrew Case, John Clifford, Fr Simon Cutmore, Alex Cutmore, Elaine Dobbs, Alison Drury, Helen Ford, Fr Sam Frampton, Emily Frampton, Frederick Frater, Joan Frater, Allan Fryer, Patricia Fryer, Sally Funnell, Tony Funnell, Dianne Harris, George Hart, Christine Hart, Tony Humphreys, Elisabeth Mowll, Premi Mowll, Maggie Owen, Paul Palmer, Anne Peat, Patsy Pickis, John Ridgeway, Cherry Ross, Julie Shepherd, Rachel Smith, Hannah Sutherland, Margaret Sykes, Alan Wills, Elizabeth Woods. Sylvia Carter, Galaxy J3 (2017), Chiltern Fine A

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The meeting commenced at 12:30pm with prayers led by Fr Simon Cutmore.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISHIONERS MEETING 2020

1. Apologies : Anne Short, Sui Palmer Cheung, Andrew Ross

2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting: The minutes of the previous meeting of Sunday 7th April 2019 were proposed by John Clifford; seconded by Christine Bunce and agreed by all apart from 2 abstentions (Margaret Sykes, Paul Palmer who were not at the meeting)

3. Election of the Clerk to the Vestry: Elaine Dobbs has agreed to take notes for this and the subsequent meeting.

4. Election of the (Parish) Churchwardens : Premi Mowll was proposed by Sally Funnell, seconded by Allan Fryer. John Clifford was proposed by Patricia Fryer and seconded by Elaine Dobbs.

5. Reports on the Parish Charities : This was deferred to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

The meeting closed at 12.41pm.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2020

The meeting commenced at 12.43pm

1. Minutes of the previous Meeting : The minutes of the meeting held on 7[th] April 2019 were deemed to be accurate subject to a spelling error on page 4 of surplus not surplice on the proposal of Sam Frampton, seconded by Tony Funnell and agreed unanimously.

2. Reception and Adoption of the Revised Electoral Roll: Elaine Dobbs reported on the Electoral Roll which has been revised this year. This now totals 141, one down from last year. It was agreed unanimously the roll should be adopted on the proposal of Tony Funnell, Seconded by Sam Frampton.

3. Annual Report on the Financial Affairs of the Parish, presentation of accounts and

4. their submission to the Independent Examiner: Tony Humphreys (PCC Treasurer) reported that although we had a small surplus last year, 2020 was going to be very different. Monies received into the PCC and church accounts are substantially down due to the effects of the pandemic and lockdowns. Simon Cutmore and the Treasurers have met to discuss ways to encourage giving such as via the Parish Giving Scheme, parish website and contactless giving.

Paul Palmer asked if there are church maintenance budgets to cover new lighting for St Peter’s and the war memorial repair at St Thomas’? Money has been ‘ring fenced’ for the lighting and the war memorial repair is mostly covered by a grant.

Anne Peat asked if an appeal had been considered for the war memorial repair. Premi Mowll replied that this would be a good idea if required.

Frederick Frater asked if the worst-case scenario was likely to be a credit or debit at the end of the year. Tony Humphreys replied that the accounts were close to being in deficit but the real problem would be the impact on next year’s accounts, which could be £23,000 in deficit.

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Sam Frampton asked if there was any way of cutting costs to bring deficit down. It was not thought that this was possible as most expenditure goes on the diocesan quota which is likely to go up by £2,000, not down.

John Clifford asked if the Diocese was offering parishes any help? The Diocese realises that parishes are having financial problems and does not want to push them into financial difficulty. Anne Peat mentioned that the Diocese itself has made economies. Frederick Frater asked if the PCC would consider different charging rates for Chronicle Advertisers. Simon will discuss with PCC at their next meeting.

Accounts were proposed by Alan Wills and seconded by Anne Peat. The budget for the year was proposed by Alan Wills and Seconded by Tony Funnell

Huge debt of thanks to all Treasurers, Tony Humphreys, Anne Short & John Pope.

1. Annual Report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the Churches : Please refer to the report in the 2020 booklet.

2. Deanery Synod Report: Sadly we have just lost John Marsh, one of the Deanery Synod representatives. Our condolences to Kathy & family. The new Rural Dean is Simon Cutmore. Deanery Synod will enter their 18th triennium shortly. 2020 should have been an election year but has been postponed. There were due to be Deanery Synod elections but these have been postponed for 2 weeks.

Thanks were given to Alan Wills for his wonderful reports.

1. Election of Lay Representative to Deanery Synod : Alan Wills was willing to stay on as a Deanery Synod representative (proposed by Tony Funnell, seconded by Patricia Fryer). Julie Shepherd was also willing to continue as a representative. It was suggested that formal Deanery Synod elections should be held in a few weeks’ time.

2. Election of Members of the Parochial Church Council : Thanks were given to Nicki Milligan and Alison Drury who are both standing down. Hannah Sutherland and Patricia Fryer are both willing to serve again. This was agreed unanimously.

3. Election of Side Persons (usually delegated to the church committees) : It was unanimously agreed that this would be delegated to the relevant church committees .

4. Appointment of Independent Examiner : Simon Merchant is willing to continue as our Independent Examiner. This was agreed unanimously. It was suggested we buy Simon a bottle of wine as a token of our thanks.

5. Reports on Parish Organisations: Alison Drury reported that the entry for St John’s Committee is slightly out of date. More things have been cancelled due to the pandemic. David Ward (occasional organist) had sadly died. He is greatly missed. Sympathies were passed to his family.

No other comments were made on the reports.

1. Any other matters concerning the Parish: Simon Cutmore reported that the lease concerning the green playing field attached to St Peter’s School has been reviewed recently. A resolution was passed authorizing Premi Mowll, Simon Cutmore and John Clifford to sign the paperwork on the lease. Frederick Frater asked how much the lease cost. The answer was that there was no charge. The resolution was agreed unanimously.

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1. Simon Cutmore’s final comments: Simon thanked the Safeguarding Team; Anne Short, Tony Funnell and Elaine Dobbs for their work on making the churches Covid safe; all who serve on church committees; the Church and Parish Wardens, particularly Nicki Milligan and Alison Drury as they stand down; Elaine Dobbs; the Ministry Team – Anne Peat, Helen Ford, Paul Palmer and Maggie Owen; Fr Sam Frampton and Simon’s family – Alex, Matt, Ben and Peter - for their support. Premi Mowll thanked Ann Badhams for being Parish Warden and Elizabeth Woods and Kathy Marsh for their help.

2. Closing Prayers : The meeting closed at 1.42pm with Grace.

Safeguarding report

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

Responsibilities during the year:

Parish Safeguarding Officer – Rachel Smith

DBS Administrator – Siu Palmer Cheung

Actions completed in the year 2020/2021:

There has been online contact between the Safeguarding Officer and DBS Administrator to review the list of people who need to have a renewed DBS check. These people have been contacted. Also, many people completed safeguarding training in March 2018 and now need a refresher course.

An Action Plan for Promoting a Safer Church was set up in the form of a Parish Dashboard system. This is an electronic check list to make sure that actions are completed. This continues to be updated.

The Safeguarding officer attended an online forum set up by the Diocese. Many points were discussed including the use of the Dashboard system and new documents being issued as templates for churches to modify and use to ensure Safeguarding procedures are followed.

Actions proposed for 2021/2022:

The Diocese sent out a policy template for reporting Serious Incidents to the Charity Commission. This document needs to be approved by the PCC and added to the Safeguarding folder.

Looking ahead to March 2021 onwards many people will need to refresh their Safeguarding training. The Safeguarding Officer will need to contact these people and check course availability.

Hire of the hall forms will have an additional line that states that the hirers agree to comply with our safeguarding rules and that leaders of groups eg; Brownies have been DBS checked by their own association.

To review a list of church activities and check that we have insurance cover for all taken in the name of the PCC.

Also, to continue to update the Parish Dashboard system that links to a Safeguarding Action Plan.

Finally for the Safeguarding officer to continue to report any Safeguarding information at the regular PCC meetings.

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Report of the trustees and accounts

for the year ended 31 December 2020 for the Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Mill End & Heronsgate with West Hyde CHARITY NUMBER: 1134153

The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Mill End & Heronsgate With West Hyde (“the PCC”) serves the benefice of the same name which has a population of approximately eleven thousand.

The parish has three churches: St Peter the Apostle, Mill End; St John the Evangelist, Heronsgate and St Thomas of Canterbury, West Hyde and Maple Cross.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Charity Number

1134153

Principal address

Berry Lane Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 7HQ

Trustees during the year 2020

Trustees during the year 2020
Christine Bunce	Premi Mowll (Parish Warden)
John Clifford (Parish Warden)	Anne Peat
Rev. Simon Cutmore (Vicar)	Andrew Ross
Elaine Dobbs	Julie Shepherd
Helen Ford	Anne Short
Sam Frampton (Curate)	Rachel Smith
Patricia Fryer	Hannah Sutherland
Tony Humphreys (Treasurer)	Alan Wills
John Marsh	Elizabeth Woods

Independent Examiner

Simon Merchant

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The PCC is a body corporate and is governed by the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended and the Church Representation Rules (contained in Schedule 3 to the Syndical Government Measure 1969 as amended). In 2009 the PCC was required to register as a separate charity and obtained charity number 1134153.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

Risk management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

Safeguarding

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

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children and vulnerable adults).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Priest in Charge in promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the church pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has responsibility for the management of the parish room and St Thomas House, Maple Cross.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Review of the Year

Suffice to say, this has been a year we will all want to forget, not least because the consequences of lockdown have reached into every part of our lives. There are those of us who have experienced the loss of family and loved ones; we remember especially David Pitts, John Marsh, Tony Sealy, Trevor Peat & Doris Winfield to name but a few! There are those who have lost their jobs, those who have had their mental health affected and those who are left suffering the effects of Long Covid. Equally though, lockdown has perhaps opened up possibilities that didn’t exist before; new ways for our three Churches to reach into the lives of our parishioners to support those who need it most; the on-line services have been invaluable as they have kept those who are housebound in touch with our community and reminded us that in this time of pandemic there was one sacrifice above all others that is a the heart of the Christian message; the coffee mornings and quizzes have brought some much needed light relief; and the Bible Study on a Monday evening and Kathy’s excellent Lent Course sustained us all in our constant quest for learning and enlightenment!

This is also the year that saw Sam & Emily blessed with little Arthur as they look to pastures new. They will be sorely missed! Now that we have light at the end of the tunnel, there is the expectation of not only going to church again but also to see and enjoy one another’s company over a drink or three! Never again will we take the basics for granted!

Last September, I was invited to stand for election with Premi Mowll as Parish Warden. Over the past six months, I have become aware of how many of us work behind the scenes to keep our three churches running as smoothly as they do! Both Premi & I have the pleasure to serve you as Parish Wardens. Please do not hesitate to contact us if ever you need to discuss anything at all.

We look forward to meeting you all again very soon and in time when it is safe to do so, you will be able to see our beaming smiles that have had to be hidden for far too long! John Clifford is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

John Clifford Parish Warden

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FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves policy

The PCC has total reserves of £92,631 of which £17,332 is restricted for specific purposes.

Principal funding sources

The major funding sources are the people who regularly attend services in the three churches to whom the PCC is extremely grateful.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:

Premi Mowll – Parish Warden Dated: 5 April 2021

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020 set out on page 10.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act)) and that an independent examination is required.

It is my responsibility to:

• examine the accounts under Section 145 of the Charities Act;

• to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act); and

• to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements

• to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act; and

• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Simon Merchant Princes Risborough Date: 5 April 2021

Approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by:

Premi Mowll (Parish Warden) Tony Humphreys (PCC Treasurer) Dated 31 January 2021

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ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 1997 as amended by the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) ‘Accounting and reporting by Charities’ 2005.

Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared on a Receipts & Payments basis.

ST THOMAS’ HOUSE

The PCC is the Management trustee of St Thomas House, a property used to house curates during their tenure with the parish. When there is no curate, the property is let out on commercial terms. The estimated value of the property at 31 December 2013 was £250,000.

The Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Mill End & Heronsgate with West Hyde Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020

	Unrestricted Funds	Restricted Funds	2020 Total Funds	2021 Budget
INCOME	£	£	£	£
Collections	3,218		3,218	3,450
Donations	20,864	4,593	25,457	9,200
Envelopes	14,668		14,668	15,500
Standing Orders	16,542		16,542	14,580
Parish Giving	13,804		13,804	13,500
GA Tax Recovered	12,848	1,973	14,821	15,800
Fundraising Events	1,861	86	1,947	1,200
Deposit Account Interest	263		263	40
Wedding and Funeral fees	1,708		1,708	1,350
Other Income	946		946	300
Hall Hire	4,651		4,651	5,000
Chronicle	1,228		1,228	1,500
Total Receipts	92,601	6,652	99,253	81,420
EXPENDITURE
Organist & Music	6,122		6,122	7,500
Utilities	5,896		5,896	6,160

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Insurance	3,795		3,795	3,890
Church Running Expenses	1,764		1,764	2,380
Church Maintenance	10,093		10,093	25,050
St Thomas’s House	1,647		1,647	2,000
Clergy Expenses	4,586		4,586	4,500
Subscriptions & Training	57		57	60
Diocesan Quota	52,392		52,392	50,830
Outward Giving	2,809		2,809	2,100
Wages & Office Costs	6,333		6,333	6,500
Hall Costs	714		714	700
Messy Church Expenses	0	539	539	700
Swag Youth Group/Junior Church	0		0	0
Sundries	444		444	460
Fundraising Costs	882		882	130
Total Expenditure	97,534	539	98,073	112,960
Surplus/Deficit	-4,873	6,113	1,180	-31,540
Transfer from Floor Fund	47	-47
Brought Forward	80,185	11,266	91,451
Balance at end of the year	75,299	17,332	92,631
Statement of Assets & Liabilities	at 31 December 2020
Funds
Bank & Savings Accounts	75,292	17,332	92,594
Cash	70		70
	75,332	17,332	92,664
Liabilities(Uncleared cheques)	33		33
Net Assets	75,299	17,332	92,631

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Restricted Funds

Income

Toilet Refurbishment	£4,219
Messy Church	£1,178
St Thomas’s War Memorial Repair	£1,225
	£6,622
Expenditure
Messy Church Expenses	£539
	£539
Balances in Restricted Funds at 31st December 2020
Toilet Refurbishment	£12,204
Messy Church Account	£3,225
St Thomas’s War Memorial Repair	£1,255
Fund for Elderly and Young (St Peter’s)	£648
	£17,332

Major Church Maintenance – Renewal of Lighting in St Peter’s Church

Total cost £27,338 (after reclaiming VAT) Amount Paid in 2020 £7,521 Amount to be paid in 2021 £19,867

Breakdown of Non-Restricted Funds by Church

	Balance on 31 December 2020	Surplus/Deficit on year
St Peter’s Church	£33,676	– £6,172
St Thomas’s Church	£6,029	£472
St John’s Church	£9,719	–£2,735
PCC	£25,875	£4,758

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Group: LOCAL MINISTRY TEAM

Objective of the Group: To bring the Kingdom of God and the love of Christ to all with whom we come into contact through our various ministries; and to support and share in the ministry of the Vicar in the parish and community.

Members: Revd. Simon Cutmore, Revd. Sam Frampton (clergy) Anne Peat, Helen Ford (Readers); Paul Palmer (Ordinand)

The LMT continued to meet online because of the restrictions imposed during the Covid 19 epidemic. They also keep in touch via social media. The leading of worship has fallen mainly on the clergy during this period, because of Paul’s training placements and pressure of work and/or domestic commitments for our Readers. As a result of Simon’s absence because of illness and Extended Study Leave, and Sam’s Paternity Leave, the parish has needed the assistance of non-parochial and retired clergy to assist in leading worship.

Actions completed 2020/21

The LMT has continually reviewed the pattern of Sunday worship and weekday worship across the parish, learning new skills to livestream worship; and has kept the worship pattern as a whole under review, so as to keep the congregation safe from infection, when worship in church was allowed, and to provide for those unable to attend worship in church. It has not proved possible to continue either of our Fresh Expressions congregations (Messy Church and Play and Praise) during the pandemic, except for providing materials online.

The LMT has continued to support and assist Simon in the training of our Curate, Sam and to support Paul in his training for ordination.

The LMT has supported each other, and discussed the provision of worship online during the Covid19 epidemic,

The LMT has discussed how to provide pastoral care for parishioners and supported the setting up of the Pastoral Support Group, whose members keep in touch with those on the Electoral Roll via phone and social media.

It has not been possible to provide worship or pastoral care in residential homes during the pandemic.

Actions proposed for 2021/22

To review the pattern of Sunday and weekday worship across the parish, once lockdown regulations no longer apply and given the reduced number of ministerial staff after Sam and Paul move from the parish; and to keep the worship pattern as a whole under review, including provision at major festivals and other occasions, on Sunday evenings, on weekdays, and online.

To consider and plan for restarting our Fresh Expressions of Worship, once regulations allow.

To plan for patterns of pastoral care to involve more people than the ministry team.

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To discuss the provision of care and worship in residential homes, given the limits on staff and resources.

To promote vocations to ordained and lay ministry.

Comments/Observations:

Looking ahead to 2021/22 and beyond is difficult, since we don’t know when and how the restrictions on ministry and worship arising from the Covid 19 pandemic will end.

We do know that the ministry team will be smaller, since we don’t expect the parish to be offered a curate in training until the summer of 2022.

As well as planning worship in our three churches with only one ordained minister in the team, we will need to consider how we can provide worship and pastoral care for those confined to their homes, and in residential care, both those who have internet access and those without.

FABRIC REPORTS

St Peter’s

The following items have been attended to at St Peters and have either been resolved or are under consideration by St Peters Committee or the PCC:The lightening conductor test was completed.

PAT testing has been carried out.

The gutters were not inspected and cleaned this year due to Covid restrictions, the faults identified in 2019 were resolved in December 2019.

Two soakaway drains from the Church downpipe are blocked (probably by tree roots). This will be a major job to resolve. Work has been completed on all the recommendations from the Ecclesiastical Insurance company health and safety review except the fencing off the boiler room steps, this was only an advisory but a solution needs to be found.

An independent Health and Safety inspection was carried out and the list of recommendations has been prioritised and being worked through.

Following the tender process and the obtaining of relevant Faculties the lighting in St Peters Church was finally replaced in January 2021, this included replacing the outside lighting. The work was undertaken by the chosen contractor and is of a very high standard, all that have seen it are very impressed with the result.

We have recently seen evidence of mortar weather erosion on the external walls of the church, although not too serious at the moment we will monitor and react if necessary.

My continued thanks go to all who work so hard to keep St Peters running smoothly, The Cleaners, Brass cleaning, The Sidespersons and all those who willingly give up their time to

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help with Gutter and drain maintenance, gardening parties as well as those that help with specific maintenance tasks which are beyond my skill level.

I would like to thank specifically Elaine Dobbs and Anne Short who have been a great help to me during the Covid pandemic, driving risk assessments to allow St Peters to open safely when possible.

Tony Funnell St Peters Churchwarden

St John’s

St John’s was inspected during the Quinquennial Inspection in October 2020.

Since the 1st lockdown we have had only one service at St John's Church, this was on Christmas Day and the church has been open every Sunday from October for private prayer from 2pm-4pm.

2021-At present we are continuing with Sunday opening and anticipate having an Easter Day Service on the 4th April. From then on services should continue as usual every Sunday.

Gillie Gordon

St Thomas'

We had the Quinquennial Inspection in October 2020. The main concerns in the report were about the guttering and a broken down pipe at the side of the church near the water tap and bell tower. Also inside the church there have been small pieces of plaster falling from the Chancel Arch above the altar steps. At St Peter’s church there are similar problems. Hopefully, the people who carry out the work will do so at both churches in a shared time span.

The War memorial will be repaired and our Parish Warden Premi has been working hard to sort out this matter. This has been a difficult year trying to offer worship during a pandemic. Christmas day was our last face to face service and we are looking forward to our next opportunity to worship together on Easter Day. The church has been open on Sundays for private prayer and the zoom services have kept us all connected.

Rachel Smith

Group: ST. PETER’S COMMITTEE

Chairman’s Report 2020

The committee has not met during the year and we must thank all those who have steered the ship through these strange times.

Thanks especially to Tony Funnell for co-ordinating the installation of the new lighting in the church.

John Ridgeway Chairman

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Group: Deanery Synod

Objectives:

Strapline: “We are the Body of Christ.” As the third tier of Synodical Government in the Church of England, the Deanery Synod is a representative body comprising clerical and lay members from each of the eleven churches in Rickmansworth Deanery, and sits between the lowest tier of individual PCCs and the second tier of the Diocesan Synod. Members act as the electoral colleges for their respective Houses in the Diocesan and General Synods, and conduct a range of business including responding to issues referred down from the General Synod via the Diocesan Synod. The year 2019/2020 was the third (final) year of the 17[th] triennium of Rickmansworth Deanery Synod; owing to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, the triennium was extended by several months into the autumn. The Deanery Standing and Pastoral Committee (DSPC) assists the Rural Dean in determining priorities across the Deanery, and particularly where there is a vacancy in a parish; it also advises the Bishop in the selection of the new Rural Dean when an incumbent’s tenure of the post expires. The Reverend David Hall, Vicar of Christ Church, Chorleywood, completed his term as Rural Dean, and was succeeded by Fr. Simon Cutmore at the start of the 18[th] triennium. Duncan Kerr, as Lay Co-Chairman, also stood down and John Rhodes, of St. Mary’s Rickmansworth, was elected as his successor at the March 2021 meeting.

Members:

1. The Reverend Simon G. Cutmore (House of Clergy, also on Diocesan Synod and parish representative on DSPC; Rural Dean since October 2020).

2. The Reverend Samuel Frampton (House of Clergy).

3. Mr. John Marsh (House of Laity) - until his sudden and untimely death in summer 2020.

4. Dr. Julie Shepherd (House of Laity).

5. Dr. Alan Wills (House of Laity).

Actions complete in 2020/2021:

1. Elections to Deanery Synod following delayed APCMs.

2. Two Business Meetings (November 2020 and March 2021).

3. Virtual Deanery Ascension Day Eucharist at St. Mary’s Church, Rickmansworth (May 2020).

Actions proposed in 2021/2022

1. Inauguration of 18[th] triennium of the Deanery Synod, following elections at APCMs in Spring 2020, including confirmation of new lay Chairman.

2. Three Business Meetings (July and November 2021 and March 2022).

3. “In person” Deanery Ascension Day Eucharist at St. Mary’s Church, Rickmansworth (13[th] May 2020).

4. Elections to Diocesan and General Synods (dates to be confirmed).

5. Possible Deanery Choral Evensong (date and venue to be confirmed - action carried over from 2018/2019, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 proposals).

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Comments/Observations

Although It was agreed that the Deanery Quiz would definitely return in February 2021, the coronavirus pandemic derailed that plan - maybe February 2022?! Similarly, the scheduled meeting in June 2020 did not take place. Synod has had presentations on “Becoming an EcoChurch / Parish” (from Ms. Rachel Johnston, Dicesan Environment Officer) and “Promoting Vocations” (from the Reverend Canon Dr. Tim Bull, Diocesan Vocations Advisor). Safeguarding issues have continued to exercise the Synod, and apart from the on-line training several parishes have already hosted the interactive workshops provided by the Diocese. Bill Seddon keeps the Synod up to date with the goings on at the General Synod. Attendance at Deanery meetings continues to be rather variable. In Fr. Simon’s absence on extended study leave, Fr. Charles Burch, Vicar of St.Lawrence, Bovingdon and a part-time Diocesan Vocations Advisor, is Acting Rural Dean. We still have one vacancy in our parish’s allocation of lay members of the Deanery Synod; unfortunately my article in the Chronicle this time last year has failed to inspire any volunteers!

Dr Alan Wills

Group: Symeons

Objectives:

1. To be a society of the men of the congregation of St. Peter’s and their friends.

2. To maintain the corporate image of the Church.

3. To worship regularly.

4. To share in active service to the Church.

Committee 2019/2020:

1. Mr. John W. Ridgeway - Chairman.

2. Mr. Anthony M. Funnell - Hon. Treasurer and Acting Bar Steward.

3. Dr. Alan J. Wills - Hon Secretary.

4. Mr. Allan D. Fryer - Hon. Membership Secretary.

5. Mr. Paul Palmer - Acting Hon. Sports and Social Coordinator.

6. Mr. Alan J. Brereton, Mr. Richard Hickson, and Mr. Russell Mardling.

7. Fr. Simon Cutmore - Hon President.

8. (Total membership approximately 21.)

Actions complete in the 2020/2021 session:

1. Afternoon Tea “on wheels” in September 2020 for senior citizens in lieu of Annual Outing.

2. Two Guest Nights virtually via Zoom platform, in February and March 2021.

3. Limited maintenance activities

Actions proposed for 2021/2022:

- Subject to the lifting of Covid 19 pandemic restrictions

1. Annual Outing in September, Darts tournament final and Quiz supper in November and Christmas party in December.

2. Monthly guest nights.

3. Membership recruitment drive.

4. Continuation of maintenance activities and fund-raising.

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Comments/Observations:

The coronavirus pandemic and its restrictions has resulted in severe limitations in the Symeons Club activities, and hence its capacity to raise funds. Recruitment of new members, already with minimal success over the previous few years, has sadly had to cease entirely for the time being. It still seems extremely difficult to encourage younger members of the congregation to commit to parish organisations in general and the Symeons in particular, and in this regard the various lockdowns have certainly not helped. We have sadly lost three former members, John Marsh, David Pitts and Michael Fryer, who have died; we also learned in the summer of 2020 that Fr. Barrie Swift, Honorary President between 1972 and 1982, died in April 2020. During the high summer of 2020 after the gradual emergence from the first lockdown, members met in socially distanced fashion in gardens, and thanks are due to those who hosted these evenings. By September 2020, the Parish Room was deemed sufficiently Covid-19 secure to allow Monday evening meetings to resume, and the first of these took place, with the appropriate social distancing in place and table service of beverages on 7th September, nine members being present. This turned out to be the only such Symeons evening meeting in the Club premises, as later that week the “Rule of Six” was introduced by the Government. An ad hoc AGM was held via the Zoom platform on 25th May 2020, and the accounts, which had been independently audited, were approved. The Symeons, along with countless other organisations, will hope that the 2020/2021 session will have been a unique experience.

Dr Alan Wills

Group: M.U.

This group has been unable to meet this year.

Group: In Touch Group

Unfortunately we have been unable to meet our objectives over the last year. A meeting of our In Touch Committee took place on the 24 September 2020 where it was decided that we would disband. The In Touch Group has been in operation for over 30 years. My thanks to all the committee, Tony Funnell, Anne Peat and particularly to our longest serving member Nicola Milligan, to Sue Symonds for organising the monthly lunches and for providing the Christmas

trees and to Diane Pitts for her wonderful diligence as our secretary. Our funds were transferred to the PCC to be used for future bereavement work in the Parish.

Maggie Owen

Group: Play and Praise

This group has been unable to meet up this year

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Group: Friendship Club Objective of the group:

To hold a monthly children’s group where Christianity can be explored in a friendly and fun way within the church service at St Thomas’ Church.

Members:

1. Rachel Smith

2. Christina Bessant

Action complete in 2020/2021

Due to the pandemic the church has been closed at times. On the occasions that we have been open Friendship club has not been operating due to the keeping our distance rules.

Actions proposed for 2021/2022

1. To continue with Friendship Club and trying to reach out to the children from Maple Cross School and the surrounding area.

2. To plan activities for very young children.

3. To include children and parents in the main part of the service after the offertory.

4. Friendship Club to continue on the first Sunday of the month as soon as it is allowed.

Group: Messy Church

This group has been unable to meet up this year but has maintained its links with children and families via online activities.

Group: PeterRock

Let’s Rock for God

Members: Adam guitar & vocal, Richard keyboard, Alan electric cello, Russell rhythm guitar, Matthew drums, John bass guitar & vocal, assisted by choir members vocals.

Actions completed 2020/21 – we were unable to play in church for the whole year due to the COVID restrictions.

Actions Proposed 20/21 – we pray that we will soon be able to meet and play again!

John Ridgeway

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Group: St Peter’s Girlguiding Groups

“Girlguiding exists to help girls and young women find their voice, and build skills and confidence – inspiring them to discover the best in themselves and empower them to make a positive difference in their community”

Members of the Group:

2[nd] Rickmansworth Rainbows. Leaders: Elaine Dobbs, Linda Yates, Emma Willicombe Number of Girls: 10

1[st] & 6[th] Rickmansworth Brownies. Leaders: Carol Paley, Debbie Macdonald & Katie Traynier Number of Girls: 20

8[th] Rickmansworth Brownies. Leaders: Sally Funnell, Hazel Carmichael Number of Girls : 25

8[th] Rickmansworth Guides. Leaders: Heather Rawcliffe, Claire Courtney Number of Girls : 9

2[nd] Rickmansworth Rainbows: This has been a very strange year. Following the March lockdown many girls were not keen to attend Zoom meetings so we didn’t get together at all until we could return to Face to Face indoor meetings in October 2020.

Four meetings in and the November Lockdown forced the leaders and girls to attempt Zoom. This has proved to be a success and we have continued to meet weekly on Zoom for half an hour with 8 girls attending regularly. Over this time we have completed our Reflect, Live Smart and Make Change badges and 2 of our girls have been awarded their Bronze Awards for completing badges at home as well as our in-meeting badges.

For Thinking Day we completed the Herts Thinking Day Challenge with a challenge a day culminating in a Virtual Promise Renewal. All in all, a busy few months. No sleepovers so far but we are looking forward to getting back to these later in the year.

1[st] & 6[th] Rickmansworth Brownies: This has been an interesting year with the Coronavirus restrictions. We’ve been adapting our meetings to Zoom when we can’t meet face to face. Some activities are a little challenging over zoom.

In September we merged with 1[st] Rickmansworth Brownies, who used to meet at Berry Land Methodist Church to become 1[st] & 6[th] Rickmansworth Brownies. For the moment we have split the girls into two bubbles meeting alternate weeks when we can meet face to face. When we zoom we all meet together for an hour.

We have had 5 new girls join us this term bringing our number up to 20 and they seem to be enjoying brownies. Our meetings are on zoom at the moment and we have about 15 join us each week. This term we are working on our Feel Good Stage 3 Skill Builder. We are also working on the Hertfordshire Thinking Day 2021 Badge, Space Badge and will also be doing some Mother's Day and Easter crafts. We may try cooking one evening.

Carol Paley 1[st] & 6[th] Rickmansworth Brownie Leader.

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8[th] Rickmansworth Brownies: What an unusual year it has been for us all! After the first Lockdown, we were so grateful to Dusky Owl who got us all organised so that after Easter we could meet up on Zoom. Our girls and parents have been so supportive of these meetings and most of our 25 girls have been able to join us at one time or another. When the restrictions were lifted in the Autumn and we could return to face to face guiding we offered a meeting programme which was a mix of half the girls in the hall/half on zoom with occasionally everyone on Zoom or outside (if the weather allowed) to maintain the feel of the unit being together!

7 new girls have joined us during this time and have made their promise at our Zoom meeting with their parents awarding them their promise badges!

We have worked towards the Know Myself and Take Action theme awards and have been thrilled that 4 girls have achieved their Silver Award and 10 their Bronze Award.

The girls have enjoyed taking part in extra events alongside our Friday Zoom meetings; for example 19 girls supported the District Panto, they regularly bake for Meresworth and enjoy virtual Sleepovers.

We have joined in two virtual Brownie Sleepovers, one in October, called ‘Sleep under the Stars’, run by Girlguiding Anglia and inspired by the Royal Astronomical Society. Our girls created space themed decorations for their sleeping spaces and one Brownie commented: ‘I really enjoyed getting my den ready….I loved sleeping there so much that I did it again for two more nights!’

Our second sleepover was part of Girlguiding Hertfordshire’s Thinking Day Challenge in February. To celebrate Thinking Day the girls took part a variety of challenges based on four themes, Myself, My Unit, My Community and All Herts Together, and ending in a virtual promise renewal.

In December we were all immensely proud to become Dementia Friends. Sarah Funnell from the Alzheimer’s Society joined our Zoom meeting and delivered a super, interactive talk with lots of activites for the girls that helped them to understand the terrible effects of memory loss. To say thank you, we took part in the Alzheimer’s Society Elf Day and dressed up as Elves and played Elf themed games – all on Zoom of course! We were so grateful to our amazing parents who donated £193.75 to this very worthy cause.

We were also very proud of Hazel Carmichael, our Dusky Owl who was awarded a County Certificate of Good Service – Well done Hazel!

8[th] Rickmansworth Guides: It has been a different year for the guides this year. We have mostly been conducting our meetings via Zoom and a number of girls have found that quite hard over the year so have decided to leave guides and may decide to come back when we are allowed to meet up face to face. One of our older more experienced guides gained her Gold Award and decided to continue with her guiding journey and has left to become a young leader at 8[th ] Rickmansworth Brownies.

We have celebrated the birth of a baby boy to one of our unit helpers who is taking a break and Katie Parslow, one of our newly qualified

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leaders gained her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Due to COVID restrictions she was unable to go to Buckingham Palace to receive it from the Duke himself so was given it in a ceremony in her driveway.

We have a small unit of 9 guides and two young leaders at the moment who turn up every week for the zoom meetings and will be welcoming 5 new girls after Easter which will be lovely. Although the unit is a small one we are still active and have enjoyed doing a number of badges this year including meditation, guiding history and Explore skills builder to name a few. We have also been involved in a community baking initiative baking cakes for the residents and staff at Meresworth – a local care home- we made cakes for summer-time, Remembrance Sunday and Valentine’s day.

We have also encouraged the guides to take part in activities planned by Hertfordshire Girlguiding including a summer sleepover indoor camp, walking challenges and a Thinking Day challenge – which included making your promise online with everyone else in Hertfordshire – this also included a leader’s 86yr old mum making her promise in Wales at the same time. They also did activities such as outdoor cooking and making mug cakes and the Girlguiding Children in Need challenge.

We have tried to keep things as normal as possible for the guides and celebrated Christmas and Mother’s Day making cards, gifts and doing crafts and have also taken part in the RSPB Bird Watch and made seeded fat balls.

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- PCC MEMBERS 2020 2021

Rev’d Simon Cutmore

Sam Frampton Sophie Channer Tony Humphreys Premi Mowll John Clifford Helen Ford Anne Peat

Vicar/Chairman Curate Secretary Treasurer Parish Warden Parish Warden Reader Reader

Christine Bunce Anne Short Elaine Dobbs Rachel Smith Patricia Fryer Hannah Sutherland Andrew Ross Alan Wills Julie Shepherd Elizabeth Woods

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