## The Parish of Mill End and Heronsgate ## with West Hyde # Reports for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2024 **Going Deeper into God Transforming Communities Making New Disciples** ## **CONTENTS** |Agendas|3| |---|---| |Minutes of Annual Parishioners’ Meeting 2023|3| |Minutes of Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2023|4| |Safeguarding Report|6| |Report of the Trustees and Accounts|7| |Financial Review|8| |Mission Action Plan|13| |Local Ministry Team|16| |Fabric Reports|17| |St John’s Committee|19| |Deanery Synod|20| |Pastoral Care Group|22| |Ministry in Schools|22| |Symeons|23| |Wednesday Group at the Community Café|24| |Fusion|24| |Junior Church|25| |Play and Praise|25| |Pete’s Café|25| |In Touch Café|26| |Nursing and Care Home Worship|26| |The Why Group|26| |Tuesday Home Group|27| |St Peter’s Choir|27| |PeterRock|28| |St Peter’s Girlguiding|28| |List of Members|32| 2 **Sunday 21[st] April at 10.30am** ## **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 representatives to Deanery Synod** **7. Election of members of the Parochial Church Council** **8. Election of Sidespersons (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 14 MAY 2023 AT 12.00 NOON** ## **Present** : Christine Bunce, Sophie Channer, Rev.Simon Cutmore (Chair), Elaine Dobbs, John Dunkley, Helen Ford _,_ Frederick Frater, Patricia Fryer, Joan Frater, Sally Funnell, Tony Funnell _,_ George Hart, Tony Humphreys _,_ Premi Mowll, Maggie Owen, John Ridgeway, Rachel Smith, Chris Walton, Alan Wills. The meeting commenced at 12:25pm with prayers led by Rev.Simon Cutmore. 3 ## **MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISHIONERS MEETING 2023** 1. **Apologies** : David Cassidy, John Clifford, Dianne Harris, Roger Harris, Christine Hart, Patsy Pickis, Anne Short, Elizabeth Woods. 2. **Minutes of the Previous Meeting:** The minutes of the previous meeting of Sunday 14 May 2023 were agreed unanimously. 3. **Election of the Clerk to the Vestry:** Sophie Channer agreed to continue in this role. Rev. Simon thanked her for this. 4. **Election of the (Parish) Churchwardens** : Both churchwardens remain happy to continue in their roles. Premi Mowll was proposed by Tony Funnell, seconded by Allan Fryer. John Clifford was proposed by Alan Wills and seconded by Rachel Smith. All agreed. 5. **Reports on the Parish Charities** : This was deferred to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. The meeting closed at 12.29pm. ## **MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2023** The meeting commenced at 12.30pm 1. **Minutes of the previous Meeting:** These minutes were proposed by Alan Wills: seconded by Sally Funnell and all agreed, with one abstention. - Q. Chris Walton asked ‘What is Deanery Synod?’ Simon explained that it is a group of parishes within a diocese which meets three times a year to work together on Ministry and Mission. Members of Deanery Synod can be elected to General Synod, thereby representing the Deanery at national level. Simon is currently Rural Dean in our Deanery. 2. **Reception and Adoption of the Revised Electoral Roll:** Elaine Dobbs reported on the Electoral Roll which now totals 120. Five people died during the course of the year and four people moved away from the parish. Two people have joined the Electoral Roll. There will be a revision of the Roll in two years’ time and currently our numbers are down by twenty people compared to the last time the Roll was revised. Rev.Simon thanked Elaine for updating the roll and for all her hard work for the parish over the past year and in previous years. 3. **Annual Report on the Financial Affairs of the Parish, presentation of accounts and their submission to the Independent Examiner:** Tony Humphreys (PCC Treasurer) reported that the independent examiner, Simon Merchant, had signed off the accounts. The Parish has been lucky this year because several large donations have improved the income figures. There is likely to be a deficit in the coming year but this should be offset by the healthy levels of income this year. Simon added that the financial situation has been impacted significantly by the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. The Accounts were proposed by Rachel Smith and seconded by Christine Bunce. Simon thanked Tony Humphreys, Anne Short and John Pope for all their hard work on the accounts over the past year. 4. **Annual Report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the Churches** : The Church Wardens presented their fabric reports on their respective churches. 5. **Deanery Synod Report:** As per the report later in this booklet. 4 6. **Election of Members to Deanery Synod:** Alan Wills and Maggie Owen were both reelected to Deanery Synod. Alan was proposed by Tony Funnell and seconded by Allan Fryer. Maggie was proposed by Helen Ford and seconded by Rachel Smith. 7. **Election of members to the Parochial Church Council:** Patricia Fryer, Anne Short and Rachel Smith stood again and were unanimously re-elected. As Maggie Owen had become a Deanery Synod member, her PCC place was vacant and so Sally Funnell was elected unanimously in her place. **Candidate Proposer Seconder** Patricia Fryer Premi Mowll Joan Frater Sally Funnell Premi Mowll Patricia Fryer Anne Short Elizabeth Woods Marion Baskeyfield Rachel Smith Christine Bunce Helen Ford 8. **Election of Sidepersons (usually delegated to the church committees)** : It was unanimously agreed that this would be delegated to the relevant church committees **.** 9. **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. 10. **Reports on Parish Organisations:** Rev.Simon summarized the work in the parish. Rev. Nicolette Wolf had joined us as Curate; our Mission Action Plan (MAP) showed what work was planned but everything had been affected by the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Simon explained that youth work was essential to the future of the church and that we had to re-engage with families, children and young people. In 2019 Youthscape did a report for the diocese on the decline in church attendance by children and young people. They worked out that the trajectory of decline meant that zero children and young people would attend the majority of churches by 2029. Simon is therefore prioritizing his work with schools ie Schools Ministry and also The Trinity Project with Year 6s in Rickmansworth, Maple Cross and Croxley Green, which will focus on faith and wellbeing. Play and Praise has not restarted yet but Simon is trying to find a volunteer to lead it. Simon asked everyone to pray for our youthwork and take part where possible. He also thanked everyone who leads groups or committees. 11. **Any other matters concerning the Parish:** Simon explained that John Dunkley had looked after the weddings and funerals account for over 30 years but had now decided the time had come for him to pass the role on to someone else. John was presented with a gift as thanks for his many years of hard work. Geoff and Phyllida Johnson have now taken on this role. 12. Rev.Simon thanked everyone involved in the work of the parish: the Parish Wardens, Church Wardens, those involved in church music and services; all those who worked tirelessly in the background to keep the work of the church going and especially to Elaine Dobbs and Alex Cutmore for their continuing support. **Closing Prayers** : The meeting closed at 1.06pm with prayers. 5 ## **Safeguarding Report** **Group:** PCC Report by the Parish Safeguarding Officer **Objective:** To safeguard the vulnerable children and adults in our Parish. **Members:** Rachel Smith – Parish Safeguarding Officer Siu Palmer Cheung – DBS Administrator ## **Actions 2023/2024** There has been contact between the Parish Safeguarding Officer and DBS Administrator to review the list of people who need to have a renewed DBS check or to complete some training courses. These people have been contacted. The Promoting a Safer Church Dashboard (an electronic check list to make sure that actions are completed), continues to be updated by the PSO and the Vicar. At the last PCC meeting on 13th March a booklet version of the dashboard was given to the members to discuss, amend and approve. Most sections were green and complete, less than half were amber and need some work and no sections are currently red. So that is good news. The Diocese has stated that all PCC members must complete a Basic Awareness course, also a Foundation Course in Safeguarding and a Responding Well to Domestic Abuse Course. Our PCC members have all completed their training. ## **Actions Proposed for 2024/2025** The Dashboard is a work in progress and we need to add more church activities that are currently up and running, then write risk assessments for each of them. Finally, to provide role descriptions for group leaders and some volunteer roles. The Safeguarding Officer will continue to report any Safeguarding information at the regular PCC meetings. ## _**As a Parish we have due regard to the House of Bishop's Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidelines. Posters are in all three churches to outline this practice and list contact numbers.**_ 6 ## **Report of the Trustees and Accounts** ## **for the year ended 31 December 2023 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 2023** |Christine Bunce|Tony Humphreys (Treasurer)| |---|---| |Sophie Channer (Secretary)|Premi Mowll (Parish Warden)| |John Clifford (Parish Warden)|Maggie Owen| |Rev. Simon Cutmore (Chair)|Andrew Ross| |Elaine Dobbs|Anne Short| |Helen Ford (Reader)|Rachel Smith| |Patricia Fryer|Alan Wills| |Sally Funnell|Rev. Nicolette Wolf (Curate)| ## **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. 7 ## **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 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. ## **Financial Review** ## **Reserves policy** The PCC has total reserves of £113,378 of which £32,725 is restricted for specific purposes. Although these reserves give us some security in the immediate future it continues to be of concern that our regular income does not cover our annual running costs and we will need to draw on our reserves for any substantial repairs or unforeseen expenses. ## **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. In 2023 the PCC also received a single donation of £10,000 to be used for a specific project within the community of Heronsgate. ## **ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:** Premi Mowll – Parish Warden Dated: 8[th] April 2024 ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT** I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 as set out below. ## **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. 8 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 Dated: 9[th] April 2024 9 ## **The Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Mill End & Heronsgate with West Hyde Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023** ||**Unrestricted**
**Funds**|**Restricted**
**Funds**|**2023 Totals**|**2022 Totals**| |---|---|---|---|---| |**INCOME**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**| |Collections|6,553||6,553|5,666| |Donations|8,461||8,461|49,131| |Bequests|250|10,000|10,250|| |Envelopes|18,378||18,378|19,861| |Standing Orders|14,186||14,186|14,189| |Parish Giving|11,864||11,864|11,721| |GA Tax Recovered|16,849||16,849|20,080| |VAT Recovered||||318| |Fundraising Events|3,645||3,645|2,993| |Deposit Account Interest|376||376|54| |Wedding and Funeral fees|2,476||2,476|3,718| |Hall Hire|8,467||8,467|9,157| |Chronicle|720||720|877| |St Thomas’s House Rent|9,005||9,005|10,611| |Grants|500|250|750|5,778| |Other Income|600||600|808| |**Total Receipts**|**102,330**|**10,250**|**112,580**|**154,962**| |**EXPENDITURE**||||| |Organist & Music|6,988||6,988|6,893| |Utilities|17,021||17,021|7,417| |Insurance|4,611||4,611|4,256| |Church Running Expenses|2,439||2,439|2,798| |Church & Hall Maintenance|2,616||2,616|3,591| |St Thomas’s House|1,429||1,429|1,983| 10 |Clergy Expenses|5,888||5,888|3,302| |---|---|---|---|---| |Diocesan Quota|51,788||51,788|60,996| |Outward Giving|2,288||2,288|2,184| |Wages|8,523||8,523|7,440| |Office Costs|1,545||1,545|2,347| |Hall Running Costs|1,618||1,618|1,578| |Church Activities|31|286|317|763| |Sundries|288||288|1,067| |Fundraising Costs|305||305|148| |**Total Expenditure**|**107,378**|**286**|**107,664**|**106,763**| |||||| |Surplus/Deficit|-5,048|9,964|4,916|48,199| |Brought Forward|85,701|22,761|108,462|60,262| |**Balance at end of the year**|**80,653**|**32,725**|**113,378**|**108,462**| |||||| |**Statement of Assets & Liabilities at 31 December 2023**||||| |**Funds**||||| |Bank & Savings Accounts|80,351|32,725|113,076|| |Cash|402||402|| ||**80,753**|**32,725**|**113,478**|| |Uncleared cheques|100||100|| |**Net Assets**|**80,653**|**32,725**|**113,378**|| Approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by: Premi Mowll (Parish Warden) Dated: 24[th] January 2024 Tony Humphreys (PCC Treasurer) Dated: 24[th] January 2024 11 ## **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. A previous valuation gave the market value of St Thomas’s House as £700,000. Some remedial work on one of the bathrooms is ongoing at the present date; when this is completed professional advice will be sought on both the market value and an up-to-date annual rent for the property. 12 ## Mission Action Plan Form |**Name of Church,**
**Parish, Team Ministry or**
**Benefice**|**Mill End and Heronsgate with West Hyde**| |---|---| |**Website**|www.theparishofmillendandheronsgatewithwesthyde.org| |**Contact Name**|**Fr Simon Cutmore**| |**Position**|**Vicar**| |**Contact Email Address**|**frsimoncutmore@gmail.com**| **What is the vision for your Church, Parish, Team Ministry or Benefice?** We seek to be a community that: - Worships and serves God in in word and action Is a living example of Christ’s love to all **What are the core values for your Church, Parish, Team Ministry or Benefice?** Spirit-filled Sharing love Making peace Nourishing worship **What is your 1st Priority to make your vision a reality? Elderly and Isolated.** We will resume worship and pastoral in the care homes of the parish **Which of the 3 strands of Living God's Love does your 1st Priority most focus on?** |**on?**|||| |---|---|---|---| |Going deeper into God|Making New Disciples||Transforming Communities| |X|||| ||||X| |**SMART Goals to achieve your 1st Priority**||3 goals maximum.|| |Within a year:|||| |1. Speak to Meresworth/Dapplemere to ascertain what they might want from us|||| |2. Draw together a team to work with the ministry team|||| |3. Train to plan and lead a simple service|||| 13 **What second Priority are you working on to make your vision a reality? Children and families** To have restarted Play and Praise in Autumn 2022. **Which of the 3 strands of Living God's Love does this Priority most focus on?** Going deeper into God Making New Disciples Transforming Communities X X X **SMART Goals to achieve this Priority** 3 goals maximum. 1. Seek volunteers to plan, set up, prep craft, make refrfeshments and take down 2. Advertise restart date before the summer break 3. Communicate with schools and Children Centre **What third Priority are you working on to make your vision a reality?** ## **Being involved in the community** To identify where the Kingdom of God is and to join in - building community with others. **Which of the 3 strands of Living God's Love does this Priority most focus on?** Going deeper into God Making New Disciples Transforming Communities X **SMART Goals to achieve this Priority** 3 goals maximum. 1. Be present and support at the Community cafe on a Wednesday/MIll Cafe and foodbank 2. Attend Community Hub meetings with other churches/agencies 3. Finally launch after-school hot chocolate project in Mill End and Maple Cross ## **How do you rate your MAP?** Requires attention Average Good Excellent X **How are your priorities and action goals going to be resourced?** Have you got the human resources, time and money to achieve this? Think about what is being done? By whom? By when? How will it be funded? Need human resources - volunteers Lay leaders of worship scheme/something similar to skill volunteers - Vicar to explore DBS checks and safeguarding training - PSA and Safe Recruitment lead Need a coffee machine to make drinks easily for Play and Praise plus milk/sugar/ biscuts/cakes/fruit/squash - Treasurers Urn/cups/hot chocolate/biscuits - apply to Community Life Fund? 14 ## **Would you like any support from the Diocesan Office?** Tick the areas you would like help with. |**Would you like any support from the Diocesan Office?**
Tick the areas you would like help with.|**Would you like any support from the Diocesan Office?**
Tick the areas you would like help with.|**Would you like any support from the Diocesan Office?**
Tick the areas you would like help with.|**Would you like any support from the Diocesan Office?**
Tick the areas you would like help with.|**Would you like any support from the Diocesan Office?**
Tick the areas you would like help with.|**Would you like any support from the Diocesan Office?**
Tick the areas you would like help with.|**Would you like any support from the Diocesan Office?**
Tick the areas you would like help with.| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |||||||| |Buildings &
Grants|Flourishing
Churches
- Church Growth||Flourishing
Churches
- Stewardship &
Giving|Reaching New
People
X||Youth & Children
X| |**Please give details**
Would value conversation with CME//RNP about how most effectively to restarting PLay and
Praise.||||||| |**Historically how far has the MAP process helped you achieve your priorities?**
1 star = Not at all 10 stars = Very helpful / We are closer to our vision
8-9 in our easrly years, yes very much.||||||| |**We believe that**
**of the following**|**the following elements help build Flourishing Churches; which**
**areas is your MAP focusing on?**|||||| ||**areas is your MAP focusing on?**|||||| |||||||| |Profound
Worship|Engaging Youth
and Children's
Work
X||Effective
Communications|Empowering and
Inspired
Leadership
X||Warm Welcome
and Invitation| |Deepening
Discipleship|Sound Finances
and Teachings on
Generosity||Courageous
Community
Engagement
X|Appropriate
Governance and
Safeguarding||New
Worshipping
Community
X| |**In the preparation of your MAP, did you use any support from the Flourishing**
**Churches team?**||||||| |||||||| |I/people from my parish
attended a MAP workshop||We had one to one support
from one of the Church
Growth Officers|||We used the Mission Action
Planning literature from the
website|| 15 ## **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:** Rev’d Simon Cutmore, Rev’d Nicolette Wolf, Helen Ford (Reader), with support from Rev’d Mary Kingsley and Rev’d Scott Talbott. The Ministry Team has met seven times this year and has been busy providing services to all three churches, two schools and one residential care home plus additional work in the community. In December we were delighted to welcome Lieutenant Jennifer Barker from the Kilburn Salvation Army to our Toy Services at St Thomas’ and St Peter’s. She shared with us the work they carry out in their community especially at Christmas time and gave us a presentation of how the toys donated from the parish make such a difference to the families of those they support. But the main focus of the ministry team this year has been to focus on Generosity, Mission and Outreach which has been led by Rev. Nicolette Wolf. ## **Generosity, Mission and Outreach** **Objective of the Team:** To encourage more generosity in the Parish. Both giving and receiving. A form of outreach into the community. This has been done by talking about generosity in our preaching in weekly Sunday worship services in all three churches to give thanks for what we have and how we can share this to further God’s Kingdom. And to further highlight this Nic has been inviting the leaders of anyone who leads a group within the Parish to take their turn in promoting their group to each of our congregations over the course of 3/4 weeks each, to make known the great things which are happening and to celebrate the wonderful opportunities we can already offer. **Actions completed 2023/24:** This started in February with "Let's Get Together". It was noted that telling the congregations about the work was useful as some did not know of the work. Next was "School Ministry". This is still running. Over April will be hearing about "Home Groups". **Plans for 2024/25:** To continue with the above structure - it is too early to adjust strategy. **Comments/Observations:** Allows the leaders of groups to fine-tune their vision and current realities of their group. Allows them to ask for support. And spread the word. We have so much to be thankful for and we hope that this will not only encourage more growth within our churches, but also for the Church to grow within the community. 16 ## **FABRIC REPORTS** ## **St John’s** The **church gate** was damaged by an HGV from Travis Perkins in August 2023. The contractor that employed the supplier, Jigsaw Construction, agreed to fix the gate. The gate was returned to working order, with replacement hinges, but the gate pillars are still outstanding replacement. A **silver birch tree** (centre of three) to the left of the church was removed as it appeared dead and was leaning towards the church. During the gardener’s working party, it was identified that ivy on the walls is damaging the pointing. The ivy has been cut at ground level and as it dies, will be removed from the walls. Once gone, a further inspection will be carried out and the re-pointing will be arranged. The **gas boiler** was serviced on 12 December 2023, during which it was identified tha the Frost Setting Thermostat had been incorrectly wired whch had resulted in the heating coming on more frequently than necessary. A reduction in heating costs is expected as a result of correcting this. In addition, the gas engineer was called out again in February 2024 to replace a faulty pressure valve. The **fixed wiring** was checked on 1st February 2024. (Certificate being chased) **Fire extinguishers** were serviced on Thursday 14th December. In support of **Net Zero targets** , the following items remain outstanding: - Changing the tube light bulb by the altar to an LED bulb. A scaffold tower is required to safely access this location. - Draught proofing door. - Insulating heating pipes. - Leaf clear of the higher gutters. Access into the church at present is a level path with a purpose-built ramp used to compensate for the entry steps. The **Deanery accessibility report** (Sept 2022) recommended completely step free access, and also replacement of the portaloo with an accessible toilet. However, due to the current finances, no additional work can be considered at this time. Basia Hargreaves St John’s Churchwarden ## **St Peter’s** The following items have been attended to at St Peters during the last 12 months: - - The lightening conductor test was completed. - The organ was tuned. - The fire extinguishers have been checked. We had another garden clearance, less well supported this time but we made good progress. I endeavour to keep on top of it, Anne Short is a great help with this, spending 2 hours a week cutting back ensuring that the brown bin is never empty when collected! As with most jobs I would appreciate more help with the garden. Unfortunately, the new toilets have a problem with the drains that requires them to be unblocked every 6 to 8 weeks, this continues to be an issue although the problem does appear to have eased this year. 17 Two soak away 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. Two fire alarms have been installed in the Parish Room. We are still concerned about the evidence of mortar weather erosion on the external walls of the church and damage to internal plastering. We have had a visit from Bob Thompson, the Diocesan Architect. His suggestions are being followed up by the Parish Wardens. Some major maintenance has been completed this year, namely the kitchen refurbishment, repair to guttering, repair of the vestry threshold, repair of the garden fence and the resiting of the banner support all of which have been funded by the Symeons group. In addition the heating problem was finally fixed and funded from donations. My continued thanks go to all who work so hard to keep St Peters running smoothly: the cleaners and brass cleaners, the Sidespersons and all those who willingly give up their time to 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, Anne Short, Frederick Frater and Allan Fryer who have been a great help to me during the year. Tony Funnell St Peters Churchwarden ## **St Thomas'** ## Actions completed 2023/2024 A massive thank you to Geoff Watson, for mowing the grass and cutting the enormous back hedge. His constant work on the churchyard means that graves are easier to visit and the whole area looks so neat and welcoming. We had the outside tap replaced so that people will be able to water the plants. Also Mr Crook came to clear the gutters. We have asked the Align/ HS2 workers to help with digging out the soak away which would help with the drainage underneath the outside tap. Our group of florists including Pat, Barbara and Denise have made the church look beautiful at every celebration in church. All window ledges and stands were covered in specially chosen blooms and ornaments. The displays really add life to the building and bring joy to so many people including myself. The Cakes and Carols Service went very smoothly many thanks to Pat and her daughter Tanya. Pat always bakes amazing cakes and being served tea in china cups at pretty tables whilst listening to a live string orchestra and singing along to well-known carols was a wonderful memorable event. 18 There have been a few funerals and baptisms at St.Thomas’ and it is brilliant to see so many people from the community attend. In Holy Week the Stations of the Cross service held at St.Thomas’ also welcomed many people in. Thank you to Helen Ford for leading our prayers and reflections. In the future we will be thinking about how to make the church more environmentally friendly. As we continue to think of ways of conserving energy costs. ## Rachel Smith St Thomas’ Churchwarden ## **GROUPS** ## **Group: St John’s Committee** **Objective of the Group:** To support the running and upkeep of St John’s so that regular worship can continue. To promote the pastoral care of the local community. To support the Ministry team and Parish as a whole. **Members:** Rev. Simon Cutmore, Basia Hargreaves, Sandra Lewis, John Pope, Andrew Ross, Chris Walton. ## **Actions completed 2023/24:** Additional advertising has been proactively carried out using the Heronsgate Community WhatsApp group. New neighbours in Heronsgate are welcomed by Chris and a welcome letter given where available. The Committee and residents of Heronsgate gave Alison Drury a lovely send off in May, prior to her moving away from the area. A ‘My Favourite…’ event was held on 20th August, during which members of the Heronsgate community shared their favourite poem, sonnet, song or music, which was a resounding success. As usual, following the Harvest Festival on Sunday 3rd September, the Harvest produce was gratefully received by the Rennie Grove Peace Hospice. A well-attended Pet Service was held on Sunday 1st October. Attendees included dogs, hamsters and a duck. A Harvest Bring & Share Supper was organised by Kathy W. on Saturday 7th October. It was well attended and enjoyed by all. A community clean of the church was carried out on 4th November. This was attended by a few members of the local community. 19 The Remembrance Service held on Sunday 12th November was presided over by Bishop Alan, and brought together members of the local community. On Sunday 3rd December there was a Christingle service, and a well-attended joint carol service with the Heronsgate residents took place on Sunday 17th December. A tea and cake afternoon was held on Monday 12th February with help from Carol K. A Spring Bring & Share Supper was organised by Kathy W. on 2nd March. A WhatsApp group is in place to assist in communication among the remaining two flower arrangers to provide flowers as and when required. This is with the exception of Christmas flowers that are arranged by a Heronsgate resident in memory of her mother. When no one is available during the year, synthetic flowers are used. The gardener’s rota populated by members of the local community, appears to be working well, with a break taken over the winter period. A rechargeable mower and strimmer eliminate the need for fossil fuel use; batteries are on timers retained by the organ. A well-attended working party was held on Sunday 24th March. The cleaner’s rota is down to two from the local Heronsgate community. Parking arrangements had to be altered after Gillie’s house was sold. The Vicar now parks at Sandra’s. Additional parking is arranged as notified in advance from among the local community. The local community continues to further support us by donating a Christmas tree and helping to set up candles for Christmas. Helen continues to play the organ most Sundays. This all helps the church look lovely and makes the services enjoyable. ## **Actions proposed for 2023/24:** Andrew had offered to organise a concert that is enjoyable for all ages; no date has been set as yet. Issue of a newsletter publicising dates and opportunities for volunteering. Agreement of hire conditions for St John’s to enable Third Party hire. ## **Comments/Observations:** A card reader was donated to St John’s which will make taking card payments possible.. Basia Hargreaves ## **Group: Deanery Synod** 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 2023/2024 was the first year of the 19[th] triennium of Rickmansworth Deanery Synod. 20 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; during 2023/2024 two incumbency vacancies in the Deanery were filled, with the institution of the Reverend Sarah Collins as Rector of Chipperfield and Sarratt combined benefice and of the Reverend Gary Norman as the Vicar of St. Mary’s Rickmansworth. The DSPC also advises the Bishop in the selection of the new Rural Dean when an incumbent’s tenure of the post expires. It is possible that the DSPC may be called upon to exercise this latter responsibility towards the end of the 19[th] triennium. ## 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 Nicolette Wolf (House of Clergy). 3. One vacancy (House of Laity). 4. Miss Maggie Owen (Lay Reader emerita, House of Laity). 5. Dr. Alan Wills (House of Laity). ## Actions complete in 2023/2024 1. Continuing steps in the formation of a Deanery-wide project (the “Trinity Project”) to provide support to school children who may be suffering from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The March 2024 meeting heard a report from the Project joint lead Charlotte Barton who said that there is currently regular engagement with staff and pupils at St. Peter’s Primary School and The Reach and Croxley Danes Secondary Schools. Monthly prayer meetings have been continued through the year. 2. Three Business Meetings (July 2023 in person, November 2023 by Zoom and March 2024 in person). 3. “In person” Deanery Ascension Day Eucharist at All Saints, Croxley Green (18[th] May 2023; preacher The Reverend Paul Palmer, curate at All Saints Church, Croxley Green). ## Actions proposed in 2024/2025 1. Three Business Meetings (July and November 2024 and March 2025). The July meeting will inaugurate the 19[th] triennium of the Deanery Synod. 2. Elections for the next triennium of Diocesan Synod; the Deanery allocation will be 4 members of the House of Clergy and 4 members of the House of Laity, reduced from 6 owing to the reduction in electoral rolls numbers. 3. Possible Deanery Choral Evensong (date and venue to be confirmed - action carried over from the proposals in several previous years). 4. Continuing implementation of the Trinity Project. 5. Deanery Quiz in February 2025 (to be confirmed). ## Comments/Observations We were saddened by the death of John Rhodes during the year. John (a member of St. Mary’s Rickmansworth) was the Lay Co-Chairman of the Deanery Synod, and was serving on Diocesan Synod. At the time of writing this report no one has accepted the Rural Dean’s invitation to volunteer for the post of Lay Co-Chair. We still have a vacancy in the House of Laity 21 of Deanery Synod. Readers of this report are encouraged to consider putting themselves forward to serve on the Deanery Synod for the remainder of the current triennium. The July and March meetings have concentrated mainly on Deanery matters, such as regular updates from the parishes on their activities. It is interesting to note the generally optimistic nature of these reports, especially in the recent March meeting. The new incumbents at Chipperfield and Sarratt and St. Mary’s Rickmansworth reported on new initiatives that they had taken with positive results. The Trinity project and safeguarding also received attention, and from General Synod Ben John has reported on the relevant sessions. The February sessions returned to the thorny issue at the heart of Living in Love and Faith, this time on the proposed services of blessing for same sex couples in civil partnerships. The Deanery Synod in November was opened to anyone interested in a presentation about Sabbath by a theologian and poet Professor Nicola Slee. Following the slow start reported last year, our new representative on General Synod has stepped up to the plate and has supplied comprehensive notes on the sessions held since July 2022. Attendance at Deanery meetings continues to be rather variable, and regrettably my own attendance has been poor owing to my recent health issues. I am grateful to Maggie for keeping the flag flying in my absence. Dr Alan Wills ## **Group: Pastoral Care** This group, formed during lockdown, continues to operate to help any member of the congregation or the Parish as a whole who ask for our assistance in any way. The contact details of the co-ordinators for St Peter’s and St Thomas’ are on the pew sheets every week to help this to happen. This is also of help to the Ministry Team and Simon so they have up-todate information on everyone, but only with the agreement of those concerned. There is a confidential Whatsapp group for this to be achieved. One of those who is contacted regularly was not answering their telephone so Simon was able to speak to their next of kin to ensure they were alright. This is so useful in an ageing congregation where people are often on their own for long periods of time. We anticipate still being in a position to help or listen to others during the forthcoming year, and to continue being in contact with people on a regular basis if they so wish. Elizabeth Woods ## **Group: Ministry in Schools** **Objective of the Group:** To ensure that there is a 'broadly Christian' act of worship in Maple Cross school and St Peter's school each week and support the worship and teaching of RE when requested by other schools locally. To ensure the Christian foundation of St Peter's school is upheld. To share the Gospel in approachable but challenging ways in the school context. To provide pastoral support. **Members:** Nicolette Wolf (until Autumn 2023) and Simon Cutmore 22 ## **Actions completed 2023/24:** - Weekly worship lead at St Peter's and Maple Cross schools to a combined congregation of arouround 400. - Revamp St Peter's Collective Worship using the technique of Lectio Divina - Membership of Wellbeing task group at St Peter's (Simon) - Vice Chair of Governors (Simon) - Discern school values using Lectio Divina on the Parable of the Lost Sheep ## **Plans for 2024/25:** - Embed the values of Friendship, Joy, Hope, Love, Respect and Inclusion in the whole school community. - Build on the recommendations from the outstanding SIAMS inspection grading - Build a team to help lead Collective Worship in schools. ## Rev.Simon Cutmore ## **Group: Symeons** ## Objectives: 1. To be a society of the members of the congregations of St. Peter’s, St. John the Evangelist and St.Thomas of Canterbury 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 2023/24: 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. Richard Hickson, Mr. Russell Mardling and Fr. Paul Palmer. 6. Fr. Simon Cutmore - Hon President. ## Actions complete in the 2023/2024 session: 1. Several in person Guest Nights (rebranded as Symeons Socials). 2. Quiz Supper in November 2023. 3. Bottle Tombola at the Christmas Fair at the end of November 2023. 4. Christmas Party in December 2023. 5. Limited maintenance activities. ## Actions proposed for 2024/2025: 1. Quiz supper and Christmas Fair Bottle Tombola in November and Christmas party in December. 2. Monthly guest nights / Symeons Socials. 3. Membership recruitment drive. 4. Continuation of maintenance activities and fund-raising. 23 ## Comments/Observations: The after effects of the coronavirus pandemic are still exerting an influence not only in the Symeons Club activities but also on the wider life of the parish. Regular Monday evening Club nights are attended by a small but loyal number of members, and attendances at the monthly Symeons Socials have continued to be rather variable. The annual darts competition in the autumn remains reasonably popular. The annual Quiz supper was a sell-out event and raised a significant sum; it is the Club’s policy to allocate monies raised to church projects, for example in the past year the Club funded the decorating materials for the first stage of the makeover of the kitchen in the Parish Hall. The bottle tombola at the Christmas fair generated a creditable result, with all tickets sold in record time. The Christmas party in December and the celebration of the Chinese New Year of the dragon in February also attracted reasonable attendances. The demography of the Symeons membership tends predominantly to middle age, and 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 indeed there has not been the recovery hoped for in the attendance at Sunday services, and in particular very few of the younger families are in evidence. Unfortunately, the Honorary Secretary has been substantially less active than in previous years. Dr Alan Wills ## **Group: Wednesday Group at the Community Cafe** Objective of the Group: To be present in the Community, meet people and grow in fellowship and friendship together. Comments: A group of church members largely from St Thomas’ and St Peter’s Church meet every week at Mill End Community Centre to enjoy the Community cafe there on Wednesday mornings. Some simply meet for a coffee and chat; others enjoy a cooked breakfast. It is a chance for us to get to know each other better and also to reach out to and welcome other members of our community. Our table keeps getting bigger, so we must enjoy it and be spreading that love! Our 4-legged members also get a warm welcome, although I think Peggy (the puppy) sometimes pushes her luck! Alex Cutmore ## **Group: Fusion** **Objective of the Group** : To provide a monthly gathering for parents and their children/youth to have fun together and grow in faith **Members:** Leadership - Alex and Simon Cutmore ## **Actions completed 2023/24:** - To continue to hold the space on a Sunday afternoon monthly - Seen a growth in numbers attending over the course of the year - up to around 15 adults and children together but that number has declined again. 24 ## **Plans for 2024/25:** For the group to maintain numbers and hopefully grow again Rev.Simon Cutmore ## **Group: Junior Church** Junior Church provides the opportunity for children to meet on the first Sunday of the month (except April & August) during the 11am service at St Peters. They participate in a variety of fun and age appropriate activities such as story, craft, role play and messy play! The theme of the session mirrors that of the worship for adults to provide continuity between worship in church and at home. At the moment 3 children (3 & 4yrs old) attend regularly with others occasionally joining them and we hope that these numbers will grow in the near future. The children really enjoy coming and appreciate the support the congregation gives them, especially when they feedback what they have been doing at the end of the service. It is lovely that their parents attend too, and they have received a really warm welcome from everyone. Sally Funnell ## **Group: Play and Praise** This group has been unable to meet up this year but there are definite plans to start regular sessions again this autumn. Please pray for Play and Praise! ## **Group: Pete's Cafe** **Objective of the Group:** To offer a safe space for yr 6 leavers from St Peter's school to maintain friendships as they move to yr 7 in new Secondary schools; to ensure that transition goes well; to provide pastoral and wellbeing support; to gently share Christian faith. **Members** : Simon Cutmore, Alex Cutmore, Chris Walton ## **Actions completed 2023/24:** Run weekly during term time since September 2023. Group has settled to around 8 youth attending each week who previously we had no contact with through our Sunday gatherings. Weekly drop in cafe from 4-5.15pm in the Parish hall. Games, refreshments, friendship and resources that think through wellbeing and the life of faith ## **Plans for 2024/25:** To speak about the cafe to the current yr 6 after the May half term and then to invite the students to three sessions with the current group members before the end of the academic year. Launch again in September. Build a team to help offer this vital space weekly. 25 ## **Group: In Touch cafe** **Objective of the Group:** To offer a friendly informal drop in space locally to build community around and support those who have experienced bereavement. **Members:** Simon Cutmore, Patricia Fryer, Tony Funnell, Tony Humphreys, Chris Walton. ## **Actions completed 2023/24:** Established the group running with the 'In Touch' name deliberately in November 2023. ## **Plans for 2024/25:** Attendance thus far has been patchy despite having been in touch with local funeral directors about the cafe asking them to share with their clients details of its existence. We will hold the space until the Summer of 2024 and then review. ## **Group: Nursing and Care Home worship** **Objective of the Group:** To offer worship and as needed pastoral support in the nursing and care homes of the parish. **Members:** Nicolette Wolf (until Autumn 2023) and Simon Cutmore, Dianne Harris and Andrew Ross ## **Actions completed 2023/24:** - Worship offered monthly in Dapplemere, now the only open NCH in the parish since Chalfont Court remains closed and Meresworth have moved. - The monthly service is hugely appreciated by a small number of residents and staff. - Carol singing in Dapplemere at Christmas. ## **Plans for 2024/25:** To continue to offer the service. To build a wider team to support this key work. ## **Group: The Why Group** **Objective of the Group:** To offer and provide a safe and open environment for anyone to ask all the questions about God and the Christian faith that often play on people’s minds. It also offers the opportunity to ask and understand exactly what each part of the service means and represents, which so far has given each attendee increased knowledge and meaning to each part of the service The numbers attending are slowly increasing, and the group gives the opportunity to learn together, share lunch and offer each other support and care and build a church community. 26 ## **Group: Tuesday Home Group** Members: Helen Ford; Maggie Owen; Ali Fryer; Trish Fryer; Andrew Case; Dianne Pitts; Joan Frater; Premi Mowl; Elizabeth Woods ## **Objective of the group:** To study scripture and to grow in faith and fellowship Last year’s Parish Lent invitation was to Walk with Jesus from Ash Wednesday on to Easter Day offering the opportunity to explore our faith journey’s. The focus of this ‘Walk’ was to follow in Jesus’ footsteps through Humility, Grace, Forgiveness, Reflection and Prayer. Our Walk With Jesus didn’t end on Easter Sunday, this journey of faith continues every day and so the Tuesday Home Group was formed to enable the group’s individual faith journeys to continue. ## **Action complete in the 2023//24** - Bible Reading Fellowship’s (BRF)Holy Habits study course. This 10-session course explored the ‘vision for a Spirit-filled life of discipleship that is holy, adventurous and missional’. - During Advent completion of Life Builder Study entitled Coming of the Saviour – a sixweek study on various Scripture texts to prepare for the Advent season leading to the birth of Jesus. - BRF’s Journeying through Lent with New Daylight – Group Discussion on one of the daily Scripture Reflections. This study offered the opportunity for the group to make a commitment each time to carrying out something that would help to further deepen the topic discussed and in so doing deepening our faith and our fellowship together. ## **Actions proposed for 2023/2024** - To continue to meet fortnightly and explore different ways of furthering our faith journeys ## **Comments/Observations** Through meeting together our group has grown in fellowship and is a support and encouragement to each other. We share and learn from one another and value the deepened friendship which have resulted in our commitment to studying together. It would be good to see other Home Groups in the parish so that others may benefit from deepening their faith journey in this way. ## **Group: St Peter’s Choir** We are fortunate to have a rich, diverse repertoire of sacred music from early 16[th] century choral music up to modern day worship songs but we are a small choir and need more people to join us! The choir meets for rehearsal in church on Thursday evenings at 8pm for an hour and briefly before the service on Sunday morning. Please contact Richard at millendmusic@gmail.com if you are interested. 27 ## **Group: PeterRock** ## **Let’s Rock for God** Members: Adam guitar & vocal, Richard keyboard, Russell rhythm guitar, John bass guitar & vocal, Klaus saxophone, Jonah drums, Reuben drums assisted by choir members’ vocals. The band meets to play at the St Peter’s morning service every second Sunday of every month. More instrumentalists and singers are always welcome. Please contact Richard (millendmusic@gmail.com) if you want to get involved. ## **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, Mel Taylor **Number of Girls:** 17 1[st] & 6[th] Rickmansworth Brownies. Leaders: Carol Paley , Debbie Macdonald (left us at Christmas), Claire Vickers, Dhana Jawahar, Haritha Piratheep. Young Leader: Heather Paley **Number of Girls:** 24 8[th] Rickmansworth Brownies. Leaders: Sally Funnell, Beth Barrett (left us at Christmas), Hazel Carmichael **Number of Girls** : 28 8[th] Rickmansworth Guides. Leaders: Heather Rawcliffe, **Number of Girls** : 18 ## **2[nd] Rickmansworth Rainbows:** 17 Rainbows have been attending our meetings this term. We had 5 girls leave us at the end of March and will be welcoming new girls when we return in April. Over the course of the year we have gained themed badges in Know Myself, Take Action and Skills for my Future and completed some fun challenge badges. We have joined with our other Rainbow friends in the district on 2 sleepovers; July with an Alice in Wonderland theme and December for a Christmas themed night. With our Girlguiding family we have been to the Pantomime and Community Act of Remembrance at Reach Free School. 28 We have enjoyed decorating and filling the planters outside the hall and watching our flowers grow. As part of the ‘girls can do anything’ initiative we have been visited by a female police officer and a nurse and enjoyed finding out about their work, we tried on a police hat and utility vest (which was very heavy). Simon came to visit us on Pancake Day to talk to us about Lent and we watched as he burnt last year’s Palm Sunday crosses to make ash for Ash Wednesday. We have also learnt about Chinese New Year with some chopstick challenges, trying prawn crackers and dragon dancing and celebrated Valentines Day with activities to gain our ‘Spread the Love’ challenge badge (love yourself, love the environment, love your friends/community, love Girlguiding) ## **1[st] & 6[th] Rickmansworth Brownies:** Over the summer we were working on our Network Skill Builder, where we learnt about communicating with people and working as a team to overcome challenges. We have been to Lees Wood several times where the girls worked on their fire lighting skills and seeing if they could keep their fires going. They cooked baked beans and toast on the open fires, and of course, toasted some marshmallows for s’mores. We also learnt about using the compass to find our way round. In June, we had a sleepover at Phasels Wood and our theme was Pirates. The girls had great fun doing activities such as Crate stacking, the Cresta Run, Low ropes, Shelter building, Spider Mountain, Campfires and Woodland walks. They also had many craft activities to do within our theme of pirates to go along with our Pirate Challenge Badge. In the autumn term, we were concentrating on our Lead Skills Builder and understanding how to share out tasks and work as a team. We have also been working on a Community Social Action Badge where the brownies worked hard on covering areas such as Belonging, Loneliness, Sustainability, Fund raising and Food poverty. We gathered food to donate to the local food bank, who came in to have a chat with our girls. In November, we created a window scene of “When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney” for the church Christmas displays at their Christmas Fayre. We then joined with 8[th] Rickmansworth Brownies to run the stalls of the Chocolate Tombola and the Soft Toy Tombola. 29 Coming up to Christmas, we made Christmas crafts and had an end of term party where we said goodbye to our wonderful assistant leader, Debbie Macdonald, who stepped down to be with her family more. Fortunately, we have not lost her completely as she is still part of Girlguiding as a district leader and is still around to help us if needed. We started the spring term with a Candy Cane Hunt, (I know it was a bit late) but the Brownies still thoroughly enjoyed it. We also started working on the Influence Skill Builder. We are also working on our Zero Waste badge with just one more thing left to do. We have been quite crafty with Mother’s Day crafts and Easter crafts, making Easter baskets and chocolate krispie nests with some mini eggs to go on top. We hope to have a sleepover later in the year. We have had 4 new girls joining us this term, bringing us up to 24 brownies. **8[th] Rickmansworth Brownies:** We have up to 28 girls who attend our meetings each Friday. Each term we work towards exciting badges which contribute towards Awards based around different themes. This year our themes have been Express Myself and Skills for My Future. As part of this, some of the activities we enjoyed were: performing plays, learning to cook, being creative, holding a clothes swap, making smores at Lees Wood and fun at a Pyjama Party where we made dens! We always love a love a celebration and had parties for Easter, Christmas and Thinking Day where we made the shape of our promise badge out of coins on t he hall floor which raised £50 for WAGGGS. We also celebrated the Coronation by taking part in the ‘Big Help Out’ (litter picking around Mill End) and making delicious cupcakes. We do our best to support the Church community and attend Church Parades, where the girls enjoy carrying our unit flag and helping with little 'jobs' like handing out the books or reading a prayer. We took part in our Community Act of Remembrance at the Reach School and the church Community Christmas Fair by decorating a windowsill and helping to run stalls. **8[th] Rickmansworth Guides:** We are still an active unit with 18 girls on our register with approx. 15 coming most weeks. Over the past year we have been on a weekend camp and had a sleepover. We have tried unsuccessfully to do a night walk and chip shop walk around the Aquadrome – each occasion it has rained very heavily and it was not safe to go. The guides eventually opting to just get chips delivered by one of the leaders’ husbands. 30 We have had our local MP come to visit us to talk about his work as an MP during Parliament Week in Nov and had a qualified paramedic come to talk about her work and do to some of the first aid badge – this will continue in the summer term with the guides being taught CPR. Last year we had a guide and our young leader both being picked to go on Hertfordshire Girlguiding trip – one to Lorne in Northern Ireland and one to the Azores. Both really enjoyed their trips and one is currently planning another trip to go to Our Chalet in Switzerland We were part of the District group that attend the Pantomime at Watersmeet the local theatre in December as well as taking part in the community Remembrance Service This term we have celebrated Mothers’ Day by inviting all the guide mothers to a promise and badge ceremony where a number of guides made their promise as well as a Gold and 2 Bronze awards were given out too. This was well attended as it included the guide planning and making their own Mocktails, decorating a box full of little chocolates and presenting them to their mums. We also celebrated Thinking Day with the guides learning about guides from all over the world and eating different foods. On the theme of different countries, we have learnt some Irish Dancing and myself and a Guide from the unit was fortunate enough to be picked to represent Hertfordshire at St Albans Cathedral to celebrate the 75[th] Anniversary of the Commonwealth – the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attended and the Duchess was very pleased to see guides being represented and asked about their activities. It was attended by High Commissioners representing 36 out of the 56 countries in the Commonwealth ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 31 ## **- PCC MEMBERS 2023 2024** Rev. Simon Cutmore Rev. Nicolette Wolf Sophie Channer Tony Humphreys Premi Mowll John Clifford Helen Ford Vicar/Chairman Curate Secretary Treasurer Parish Warden Parish Warden Reader Christine Bunce Andrew Ross Elaine Dobbs Anne Short Patricia Fryer Rachel Smith Sally Funnell Alan Wills Maggie Owen 32