**The Parish Church of St Martin-in-Herne with St Peter’s Greenhill**
**The Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 16[th] April 2023, at 11.15am**
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|**Contents**|**Page**|
|---|---|
|AGENDA|3|
|Church information|5|
|APCM Meeting Sunday 24thApril 2022||
|Minutes of the APCM (Vestry Report and Annual Meeting)|12|
|and transcript of Vicar’s 2021 report)|20|
|APCM MEETING 2022||
|Vicar’s Report for the year 2022|21|
|Reports required under the Church Representation Rules 2020|24|
|Electoral roll report|24|
|Annual Report on the proceedings of the PCC during 2022|24|
|St Martin’s and St Peter’s Financial Report for 2022 (including Reserves Policy)|26|
|_(See pages 43 To 53 for the Church Accounts /Financial Statements)_||
|Fabric Report from the Fabric Committee and the Churchwarden|27|
|Deanery Synod Report|27|
|Church wardens’ report|28|
|Reports from Church Organisations and Committees|31|
|Introduction|31|
|August Activity Days|31|
|Children and Sunday School Report|31|
|Churchyard maintenance team|32|
|Flower arrangers|33|
|Gift Aid|33|
|Little Fishes|34|
|Messy Church|35|
|Mission and evangelism|35|
|Pastoral Matters|35|
|Safeguarding|35|
|Schools|36|
|Herne Church Hall; otherwise, the St Martin’s Church (Institute) Hall|36|
|St Martins Readers and Intercessors|37|
|St Martin’s Servers and Chalice bearers|37|
|St Martin’s Tapestry|37|
|St Martins Tuesday Toddler Group|38|
|Weddings in 2022|39|
|Worship at St Peter’s Greenhill|39|
|Worship Band|39|
|Bell ringing report|40|
|Choir report|41|
|Financial Statements and Audited Church Accounts|43-53|
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## **THE PARISH OF ST MARTIN’S HERNE WITH ST PETER’S GREENHILL**
Together we seek God
Our mission is to share God’s love and to grow as God’s people
## **THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING**
To be held in St Martin’s Church Herne on Sunday 16[th] April 2023 at 11.15 am or as soon thereafter
## **AGENDA**
Welcome, opening prayers and apologies for absence
## **Part 1**
## **The Vestry Meeting**
1. Minutes of the Vestry meeting held on Sunday, 24[th] April 2022
2. Matters arising from the minutes
3. Election of churchwardens (two- one offering himself for re- election and, if nominated, another) and Deputy Church Wardens (two)
## **Part 2**
## **The Annual Meeting**
1. Apologies
2. Church Information and activities of the Parish generally (for information)
3. Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on Sunday, 24[th] April 2022
4. Matters arising from minutes Mandatory reports required under the Church Representation rules 2020
5. Vicar’s report
6. Electoral Roll Report with oral update on the numbers on the roll as at the 16[th] April 2023
7. Annual Report on the Proceedings of the PCC during 2022
8. Churchwarden’s report
9. Financial Report for St Martin’s and St Peter’s including approval of the 2022 accounts
10. Appointment of auditors or independent examiner for St Martin’s and St Peter’s
11. Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod
12. Fabric Committee Report
13. Resolution to be presented and passed to permit Deanery Representatives to stand for more than two successive period of three years
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## Mandatory elections
14. Election of two Deanery Synod Representatives (if nominations received)
15. Election of Deborah Waller in her capacity as Lay reader to be an ex officio member of the PCC
16. Election of PCC members. To include
- a. Election of five PCC members (if nominations received) for 2023 to 2026 (being three retiring and two vacancies remain to be filled)
- b. Election of a sixth PCC member to take the casual vacancy available until the APCM in 2024 that has arisen following retirement of Ms Joanna Hollings (if nomination received) NB Appointment of Sides people to be dealt with by the PCC at the next following PCC meeting so no election required
## General reports
17. Reports from church organisations
- a. August Activity days
- b. Children’s and Sunday School report
- c. The Churchyard maintenance team
- d. The Flower arrangers
- e. Gift Aid
- f. Little Fishes
- g. Messy Church
- h. Mission and evangelism
- i. Pastoral Matters
- j. Safeguarding
- k. Schools
- l. St Martin’s Church Institute
- m. St Martins Readers and Intercessors
- n. St Martin’s servers and chalice bearers
- o. The St Martin’s Herne Tapestry
- p. St Martin’s Tuesday Toddler Group
- q. Worship at St Peters Greenhill
- r. The Worship Band
- s. The Bellringers
- t. The Choir
18. Date of first meeting of the new PCC
19. Any other business
20. The Blessing
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**CHURCH INFORMATION 2022**
## **ST MARTIN-IN-HERNE with ST PETER, GREENHILL,** Registered Charity No 1134604
## **1st January-31st December 2022**
**St Martin-in-Herne Church** Herne Street Herne Herne Bay Kent
**St Peter’s Church** Herne Drive Greenhill Herne Bay Kent.
## **INCUMBENT**
Revd. Carol Smith
## **CURATE**
Rev Cat Darkins (to February 2022) and Revd. John Huffman (February to October 2022 only)
## **BANKERS**
## **St Martin-in-Herne Church**
## **St Peter’s Church**
Lloyds, Herne Bay
CCLA Investment Management Ltd Senator House, 85 Queen’s Street, London, EC4V 4ET
Santander Account ( for receipt of rental monies only)
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER**
P.G.Lemon LLP 22 – 26 Bank Street Herne Bay CT6 5EAL
## **BACKGROUND**
The parish of St Martin-in-Herne with St Peter, Greenhill extends to the railway in Eddington to the North, includes Broomfield, Talmead Estate, Greenhill, Still Water Park, Herne Common and Blean Woods in the South. The population is approximately 16,000 and, in addition, there is new housing in the east of the parish.
The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure 1956 as amended.
The appointment of the PCC members is governed by and set out in the Church Representation Rules 2020.
## **THE TASK OF THE PCC**
The Synodical Government Measure 1969 states clearly:
_It shall be the duty of the incumbent and the Parochial Church Council to consult together on matters of general concern and importance in the parish._
It then sets out a number of functions of the PCC, of which perhaps the most important – and certainly the widest – is that the primary objective of the PCC is:
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_Co-operation with the incumbent in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic and ecumenical_
The incumbent and the PCC each have their own particular rights and responsibilities in the life of the church, but the important theme here is partnership and co-operation. More specifically the PCC is responsible for the maintenance of the church buildings and churchyard, and, with the incumbent, for deciding how the church’s money is to be spent. The PCC is formally the employer of the church’s paid workers, for example our organist, St Peter’s caretaker and administrator. The PCC will have on it one or more members of the Deanery Synod, who have an important role in linking the parish into the wider structures of the church, and also Churches Together in Herne Bay.
## **MEMBERSHIP**
Members of the PCC are either (a) ex officio (on the PCC because of their role in the parish church or (b) co-opted by the PCC in accordance with the Church Representation Rules or (c) elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)
From 1st January 2022 and specifically from the APCM on the 24[th] April 2022 the following served as members of the PCC and all are also trustees:
## **(a) Ex-Officio** :
Revd. Carol Smith Vicar Lisa Crowhurst Church warden from 24[th] April 2022 Chris Exley Church warden from 24th April 2022 Alan King Deputy Churchwarden from 24[th] April 2022 Sarah Bingham Deputy Churchwarden from 24[th] April 2022 Deborah Waller Licensed Lay Reader from Autumn 2021 Priscilla Cox Deanery Synod rep elected from 4th October2020 until 2023 Richard Chant Deanery Synod rep elected from 4th October2020 until 2023
## **(b) Co-opted members/invitees**
- Susan Record (choir and organist)
- Ann Ackland (Safeguarding officer)
**(c) Elected being 8 PCC members and 2 ex officio members ( the Deanery Reps)**
## **Elected 2022: They will retire in 2025**
- Doug Bubb
- Andrew Gough
- Hilary Burnage
## **Elected 2021/ But will retire in 2024**
- Frances Ventham (Lay Reader Emeritus)
- Jo Hollings NB although elected in 2021 actually retired in April 2022 so position vacant as a
- casual vacancy until the APCM in 2024
## **Elected 2020/ They will retire in April 2023 at the APCM**
- Deborah Waller (but she has actually stepped down because she was appointed lay reader and therefore became an elected ex officio member of the PCC).
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Two other places will also become vacant
- Sheila Gough
- Peter Frost
## **Deanery Synod Rep each Re-elected 2020 for a three-year appointment in October 2020 so they will retire at the APCM in 2023 and nominations to be sought for election in 2023**
- Priscilla Cox
- Richard Chant
## **Current Officers**
Revd. Carol Smith Chair Deborah Waller Vice chair Specific roles on PCC Sheila Gough Treasurer Andrew Gough Gift Aid Secretary Andrew Gough PCC Secretary Ann Ackland Safeguarding Officer
## **In 2023 there will be vacancies for the following positions to be elected** :
- 2 Churchwardens (an annual appointment)
- 2 Deputy church wardens (an annual appointment)
- Election and appointment of Deborah Waller to the PCC in her capacity as lay reader (and not as an elected lay member)
- Elected PCC Members representing the laity– 5 vacancies for office 2023-2026.
- 2 elected in 2020 and their terms of office expire (Peter Frost and Sheila Gough but willing to stand again)
- the third vacancy arises from the appointment of Deborah Waller as Lay Reader and therefore now a member of the PCC ex officio although originally elected until 2023 as a member of the laity
- 2 vacancies remain to be filled
- Election of a member to replace the casual vacancy following the retirement of Joanne Hollings to hold position until 2024
## **COMMITTEES**
## **Standing Committee**
This is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to direction by the Council. It consists of the incumbent, churchwardens, treasurer and at least another PCC member, in our case preferably a representative of the PCC of St Peter’s. It acts as another committee and reports back to the PCC. It can also discuss and set the next PCC agenda.
By a resolution of the PCC passed on the 19[th] October 2020 it has authority to spend up to £250 for equipment or in relation to any other issue brought before it and may commit to an aggregate expenditure of £500 only, subject to the details of the individual and aggregated expenditure being brought to the next PCC meeting following the standing committee. This resolution has not been revoked.
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Members: Revd. Carol Smith (chair), Andrew Gough (secretary), Sheila Gough (Treasurer), Lisa Crowhurst , Sarah Bingham, Chris Exley and Peter Frost.
All members of the PCC are expected to sit on a committee.
Other Committees in 2022 were:
|**Finance and**
**Stewardship**
•
Sheila Gough
(Chair)
•
Priscilla Cox
•
Peter Frost
•
Andrew
Gough|**Fabric – St**
**Martin’s, Institute**
**Hall, St Peter’s**
**and reordering at**
**St Martin’s**
•
Priscilla Cox
•
Paul Tapsell
•
Doug Bubb
•
John Bennett*
•
Steve
Jackson*
•
Roger
Jackson*|**Social**
•
Sarah
Bingham
(chair)|**Communications**
**& Publicity**
•
Revd. Carol
•
Anne Lehane
•
Sarah
Bingham|
|---|---|---|---|
*Denotes non- members of the PCC
In addition:
- Mission & Evangelism Team
- This had met for the first time on March 19[th] 2019 as a result of Herne Parish becoming one of ”
- the first to be invited to join the Diocesan “Changed Lives Changing Lives Conversations . The team originally comprised Revd. Carol Smith, Revd. Cat Darkins and, Revd. Stacey Rand (when available), and Anne Lehane.
- Revd. Stacey Rand had resigned in August 2021 to move to another parish. Revd Cat Darkins retired in March 2022 There has been further invaluable help from Joan Jeffers, Alan King, Deborah Waller and Sheila Bennett
- Safeguarding coordinator: Anne Ackland
- Gift Aid Secretary: Andrew Gough
- Electoral Roll Officer: Andrew Gough
- Health & Safety Rep: Doug Bubb
## **CHURCH ATTENDANCE FOR 2022**
## [ **NB: Figures in brackets denote previous year’s figures** ]
Church attendance averaged 55 _(66)_ adults and 6 _(9)_ children across the year on normal Sundays during 2022, with larger numbers at festivals and when schools were involved in services
|**Attendance for additional events**||
|---|---|
|Baptisms|48_(35): _(24_(13)_infant,19_(20)_children 5_(2)_adults)|
|Weddings|9_(5)_|
|Funerals|23_(28)_(13_(16)_in church, 10_(12)_at crematorium or
cemetery )|
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|**Attendance for services**|Adults|Children|Total|
|---|---|---|---|
|8:00 and 9:45am
SundayServices Average Attendance|49_(66)_
(_estimated_39
aged 18-69
years and 10
aged 70 years
plus)|6_(9)_|55_(75)_|
|Easter Services Total Attendance|_no breakdown_|_no_
_breakdown_|200 _(57)_|
|Christmas Total Attendance|_no breakdown_|_no_
_breakdown_|375_(214)_|
|Special Services during Advent 2021, e.g.
nativities and carol services|_no breakdown_|_no_
_breakdown_|Congregation and
local community:
596_(418)._
Including civic and
school-specific:
1,251_(296)._|
## **Joiners and leavers:**
8 _(10)_ adults and 2 _(2)_ children and young people joined our worshipping community during 2022. 4 adults and 0 children and young people left our worshipping community during 2022.
## **Other mission and ministry to Children & Young Families:**
- **(A)** We have _**two thriving toddler groups**_ : one on Tuesdays in Herne Church Hall (88 _(61)_ registered families - 36 _(38)_ regulars; average 18 adults + 21 children); and one on Fridays at St Peter's Greenhill (between 10-35 adults _(3-27)_ adults + 6-55 _(4-32)_ children), both weekly in school term time.
- **(B) Monthly Messy Church** _at St Peter’s Greenhill_ averaged 33 [16 children + 17 adults, with numbers ranging between 10-25 adults and 9-23 children each month].
- **(C) August Activity Days** _on 4 Fridays at St Peter’s Greenhill_ averaged 28 children + 36 adults each week.
A full copy of the Statistics for Mission return is available on request.
## **Electoral Roll**
At the APCM on the 24th April 2022 the number of people on the St Martin’s Electoral Roll was 91. There were two gains and one loss after the APCM so as at the 31st December 2022 the roll is confirmed at 92. The numbers on the roll following the revision in March 2023 will be announced at the APCM
_Andrew Gough Electoral Roll Officer_
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## **PUBLIC BENEFIT**
1The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,[3] and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendour
The vision of our parish is stated within our mission statement. Our mission is to share God’s love and to grow as God’s people
**We are registered with the Charity Commission by virtue of the fact that we “Advance Religion for the Public Benefit”, and are required to state our aims in their terms as below**
## **Encouraging and facilitating the practice of Christianity by existing followers and seekers.**
## **Place of worship, including:**
- For the practice of Christian faith, the provision and maintenance of two buildings, and adjoining hall and meeting rooms used for related activities, e.g. religious instruction for children.
- The conducting of religious ceremonies, e.g. Eucharist, Baptism, Weddings, Blessings and Funerals.
- The maintenance of two public churchyards with one garden of remembrance and war memorial.
- Provision of Public Worship throughout the year as well as at times of national importance (Remembrance).
- Bereavement care, prayers, visits and worship.
- The provision and maintenance of Christian devotional artefacts and items used in religious services.
- Maintaining a grade one ancient building for the nation.
## **Raising awareness and understanding of religious beliefs and practices, including:**
- Advancing the Christian faith.
- Providing a Christian resource for the community (information, teaching and library).
- Promoting and providing the study of Christian teaching, practice and scripture.
- Supporting schools and other educational establishments, including three theological training colleges (student placements), which provide education in accordance with the principles and practices of the religion.
- Support the Diocese in the provision of ministry and Diocesan services through payment of the Diocesan share.
- Working with (worship, education, pastoral care) and governance of our two church schools in Herne.
- Encouragement and worship in one Community Primary School and also our Secondary School.
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## **Religious devotional acts, including:**
- Visiting the sick and administering the sacraments to the sick and dying.
## **Missionary and outreach work, including:**
- The provision of chaplaincy services; for example, to Strode Park, Canterbury and District Scouting and Canterbury Cathedral).
- Hospital visiting.
- The provision of pastoral care to residential and domiciliary homes.
- Cultural and community activities provided in the place of worship and in the buildings attached, e.g., community facilities, community care, toddlers, community Cafe and Meals for the Homeless etc.).
Work for reconciliation, building community and peace across the parish.
## **Religious communication, including:**
- Sermons, talks, meetings and conferences and the provision of religious material via the internet website.
**Retreat and pilgrimage, including:** A place for short and day retreats.
## **Advancing religion generally including:**
- Charitable giving to many different peoples in need, both near and far, (e.g., Help for Heroes, Christian Aid, Crisis, Children’s Society, Catching Lives, Seafarer’s Mission etc.)
- Seeking to safeguard creation through moral use of resources and the ways we manage our graveyards.
These aims are fulfilled as evidenced in the reports that follow.
Signed:
Revd. Carol Smith
Date; 24[th] March 2023
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**Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting held on Sunday 24[th] April 2022 at 11.15am at St Martin’s Church, Herne.**
## **Agenda**
## Opening Prayer
Revd. Carol welcomed those present and led those attending in an opening prayer
## Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence had been received from Joan Jeffers, Tony Millard, Alan Wren, Philip Dixon and Maureen Hadlow
## Preliminary Issues
An agenda, full minutes and reports (including accounts) had been sent online and were available in hardcopy form if required by those present. The electoral roll was available for inspection at the back of the church.
Final nominations for the PCC were sought, three having been received. There were no others. However, Anne Ackland had confirmed that she wished to be on the PCC but had not completed a nomination form. It was agreed that the PCC could use its power to co-opt her as a member.
The minutes would be signed off if approved.
Andrew Gough, as PCC secretary confirmed that there had been no proxies received
## **Part 1**
## **The Vestry Meeting**
Revd. Carol explained that historically the vestry meeting would often be held privately but nowadays churches hold it in public as part of the full APCM.
1. Apologies as above
2. The minutes of the vestry meeting held on 24[th] June 2021 were agreed as a correct record. Proposer Andrew Gough Seconder Sheila Gough. They were unanimously approved
3. There were no matters arising
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4. Election of Churchwardens (two positions vacant) and Deputy Churchwardens (two positions).
5. Two candidates had put their names forward as Churchwarden.
## **Lisa Crowhurst (for re- election)**
Proposed by Lisa Seed Seconded by Roger Jackson
## **Robert Christopher Exley (Chris Exley)**
Proposed by Susan Record Seconded by Richard Chant
There being no other candidates and everyone being in favour, both candidates were duly elected as Churchwardens for the coming year.
6. There were two candidates for deputy Churchwardens:
**Sarah Catherine Bingham Alan Richard King** Proposed by Lisa Crowhurst Proposed by Lisa Crowhurst Seconded by Chris Exley. Seconded by Sarah Bingham There being no other candidates and everyone being in favour, Sarah Catherine Bingham and Alan Richard King were duly elected as Deputy Churchwardens for the coming year
7. Revd. Carol thanked Lisa for her considerable work as Churchwarden over the past eight months and also to Sarah Bingham and Paul Tapsell for being such willing and able support as Deputies. It was good that the church now had a full team of wardens.
8. There being no other business the vestry meeting was concluded.
## **Part 2**
## **The Annual Meeting**
1. Apologies were given as above.
2. Church information as given in the APCM booklet was taken as read. Also, the general reports were to be read Carolyn Thomas, from the floor, asked why there has been no written report
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on Messy Church. Sarah Bingham answered that by admitting that although a report had been sought she has not had an opportunity to compile this, However she was invited to give an oral report on both the Messy Church and the Worship band
- a. Messy Church has proved very popular and a great way to expand the mission of the church to Greenhill. Some 43 to 50 children attend each month and new families had come after the lifting of the Covid restrictions
- b. Once services had returned to a normal pattern, after Covid the Worship Band has responded very well. New hymns were being offered and the general feedback was extremely positive. A list of favourite hymns was to be compiled
Revd. Carol thanked the members of the band and all the helpers at Messy Church.
3. Minutes of the annual meeting held on Sunday, 24[th] June 2021. The minutes were approved unanimously.
4. There were no matters arising that would not be covered by the agenda.
5. Revd. Carol then introduced Ms S J Martin (“SJ”) from the Diocese of Canterbury. She
- was the spokesperson for the Diocese on the initiative of the Parish Giving scheme and upon this subject she addressed the meeting _. (Full details of the scheme are set out as an appendix at the end of these minutes)_ but the following is a brief synopsis
- a. The scheme is a simple means whereby members of the congregation can pledge money to the parish but it is paid to the Diocese which administers distribution and claims Gift Aid on the donations where appropriate.
- b. Money may be monthly donations or in lump sums
- c. Monthly donations can be index linked to inflation so that there is an increase in payment in each year hopefully to reflect the increase in expenditure that the church may suffer. Donors, however, can opt out of this
- d. Payments are taken at the start of each month. This eases administration but it is noted that some donors may find this difficult for cash flow, especially if their income is received later in the month.
- e. After administration (and there is no charge made to the parish) all donations received, including Gift Aid would be paid to each parish in one lump sum towards the end of each month
- f. Any church can participate and there does not have to be a full 100% participation from congregants. Any existing paying scheme can run parallel to this.
- g. To participate there has to be a resolution of the PCC and clearly the congregation need to understand how the scheme works
- h. Following questions from the members present. SJ confirmed that there was no intention that the Diocese would first take their Parish Share which was due to the Diocese and pay the balance only. All payments are made gross.
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- i. The Church of England was keen to introduce this scheme and it had already found favour with many parishes as it eased the administrative burden (especially that placed on Treasurer and the Gift Aid Secretary)
- j. Revd. Carol thanked Ms Martin for her presentation and stated that it would be brought to the PCC for further consideration
6. The Vicar’s report. _The following is a transcript of Revd. Carol’s oral report to the APCM:_
_I hope you will have read my written Vicar’s Report in your Annual Meeting pack so there’ll be no need to repeat what is there. Except, perhaps, the ending! Where I said:_
_“As we look ahead, my faith gives me hope for God’s church: so long as we keep praying, worshipping and serving the community – and one another – together, in the Name of Christ._
_Thank you for your faith and for your service, whatever shape or form it takes or may yet take. Let us hope and pray that more and more, our fellowship may bear the characteristics of the early church, as together …_
_“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (Acts 2.46-47)”_
_In the current financial crisis – and please make no mistake, the church is in crisis – we are all going to have dig much deeper and be more resource-full, including connecting with the wider community, in order to pay our way for the ministry we receive. This is the reality, hence inviting SJ Martin to speak to us today. How will we respond? This is our challenge._
_Everything we do or may yet seek to do together must begin and end with prayer if we are to remain faith-full – and hope-full for the future. We are not the first generation to have such concerns and it is doubtful that we will be the last. Yet look back at the long and varied history of this parish church and we can see that God has always provided._
_In a fortnight’s time at our Restoration Celebration weekend, we will be celebrating the External Stonework repairs carried out over some four and a half years, thanks to Heritage Lottery and other grant funding. We will have the opportunity to thank our dedicated Architect, Rena Pitsili-Graham, contractors, stonemasons, funders and all who were involved in this extensive project._
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_This will be important: but even more important is the opportunity this will give us for our Church Open Day on Saturday 7th May when we will ‘fling wide the gates’ for all in the community plus those passing by to drop in and join us. There will be cake! Trips up the tower! Stalls inside and outside in the churchyard! An afternoon concert! Cream Teas! YET THIS DAY WILL ALSO BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR WHOEVER COMES TO MEET WITH GOD … my friends, let us recognise this opportunity to share our faith with others in real and tangible ways. Let us “Always be ready to give the reason for the hope that is within us …” (1 Peter 3.15) – or in the New Living Translation, as it is put, “ … worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”_
_Together with the members of our newly elected PCC, I will be encouraging and seeking more opportunities to connect with the people of our parish. At present, I estimate we have 16,000 people in the parish of Herne with Greenhill when we take into account all the new housing. Our Electoral Roll currently stands at 95: that’s less than one percent of the population. We clearly have work to do! It is the Lord’s work. God is on our side. God wants to help us. What do we lack? Is it confidence? Is it a perceived lack of resources? God will provide. So let’s pull together and pray that God will give us whatever we need to reach the people we are called and placed here to serve. Then let us go out and serve them, in the Name of the Risen Lord Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit and to the praise and glory of God the Father. Amen._
7. Andrew Gough in his capacity as electoral roll secretary confirmed that at the APCM in June 2021 there had been 95members on the electoral roll. Subsequently following (and including the latest revision in March 2022) three people had been added to the role but seven people had been removed. Accordingly, there were now ninety-one (91) members on the electoral roll which meant that there were still nine lay places available on the PCC. Five had already been filled and four places were now available for nominations (Anne Lehane and Denise Smith were standing down). He confirmed that the full electoral roll was available for inspection at the church during the APCM.
There were no questions. He confirmed that congregants could join the electoral roll at any time and not merely at the time of any revision before an APCM.
8. The annual report of the proceedings of the PCC during 2021 was taken as read. There were no questions.
9. The Churchwarden’s Report was taken as read. Lisa Crowhurst had nothing to add.
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10. Sheila Gough, as treasurer, introduced the 2021 financial reports for St Martin’s and St Peter’s Greenhill.
- a. Once again it had been a challenging year especially because of the Covid restrictions and loss of general income. Total income for the year was £127,218.
- b. As compared to 2020 there had been an increase in collections at services, and voluntary receipts and church activities including weddings
- c. However, there has been a decrease in planned giving
- d. Gift aid claims are still useful source of income for the church but there has been a slight decrease but this was mainly due to timing and when claims were processed.
- e. Total expenditure was £128,479.
- f. The biggest expense is our Parish Share to the Diocese. The Church was only able to pay £49.954 leaving a shortfall of £24,769 for the year.
- g. There has been an increase in expenses especially utilities and insurance. This was likely to be larger in 2022
- h. The church is actually making a monthly deficit of over £4000. This is currently taken from reserves.
- i. Reference was made to the statements of assets and liabilities where it was pointed out that there was a shortfall in payment of the Parish Share of £18,446 for the year 20117/2018 which when added to the shortfall of for this year 2021 means that the church owes over £43,000. It is not known whether the Diocese will seek recovery of the money.
- j. Both St Peters and St Martin’s Halls made a small surplus from lettings last year
- k. Sheila Gough invited questions but there were none.
- l. The financial accounts were commended to those present to be approved and were approved unanimously.
- m. Revd. Carol thanked Sheila Gough for her work as treasurer. There was a small finance team that assisted her comprising Revd. Carol and Priscilla Cox. If there were other members who would be willing to assist Sheila in working in this small finance team then they should contact Sheila or Revd. Carol.
11. Appointment of Auditors for St Martin’s and St Peter’s Greenhill
- a. Sheila Gough proposed that PG Lemon LLP of 22 to 26 Bank Street Herne Bay Kent CT6 5EA should be re- appointed as independent examiner for the present financial year.
- b. This was seconded by Sarah Bingham
- c. Those present voted unanimously for the reappointment.
12. The Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod was taken as read and there was nothing to add.
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13. The Fabric Committee report was taken as read. There was nothing further to add. Thanks were given to the Committee members for their stewardship of the church buildings throughout the year. Particular thanks were also given to Steve King as caretaker who worked very hard on looking after the buildings even when closed.
14. Appointment of members of the PCC
- a. Denise Smith and Anne Lehane were retiring from the PCC and Revd. Carol thanked them for their help and support during their terms of office.
- b. Three candidates had been nominated to take positions on the PCC.
**Andrew John Gough** (end of office but re-standing as a candidate to the PCC) Proposed Priscilla Cox Seconded by Peter Frost
**Douglas Robert Bubb** (end of office but re-standing as a candidate to the PCC ) Proposed by Sheila Gough Seconded by Priscilla Cox
**Hilary Burnage** (as a new candidate)
Proposed by Priscilla Cox and Seconded by Joan Goble
There being no other candidates all nominations were accepted
Deborah Waller was now a licenced lay reader for the parish and could be a member of the PCC in her own right of office even though she was currently an elected member. There were no objections to that appointment being made.
As has been referred to previously, Anne Ackland had confirmed that she wished to be on the PCC but had not completed a nomination form in time. It was agreed that the PCC could use its power to co-opt her as a member.
- c. Revd. Carol confirmed that the sides people would be appointed at the PCC not at the APCM.
Thanks were given to those who had been PCC members and to those continuing on the council.
15. The New Church Directory. Andrew Gough confirmed that, hopefully, the final version of the directory was available for inspection at the rear of the church. Subject to any changes made over the next couple of weeks it would be printed as the second edition. This was the only way that general communications could be undertaken as names and
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communication details given on the electoral roll could only be used for purposes connected with that.
16. Revd. Carol then introduced the reports from the Church Organisations and Committees. They demonstrated the diversity of interests and responsibilities that people took on within the life of the church. She hoped that reading the reports would encourage people to join some of the organisations or offer support. All reports were taken as read and there were no questions. Thanks were given to all persons who contributed to the life and administration of the church. In particular
- a. Susan and Keith Record for the bell ringing
- b. Susan Record and Chris Exley for the choir
- c. Claire Stay for arranging the churchyard maintenance team
- d. Liz Sellen for the flower arrangers
- e. Sheila Bennett for the Fortnight Bible Study group
- f. Andrew Gough for administering Gift Aid
- g. The PCC members for its mission and evangelism
- h. The pastoral team for pastoral matters. The team needs to be reconvened. Currently it comprises Revd. Carol, Lisa Crowhurst, Sheila Gough Vanessa Worrel and Ann Ackland
- i. Jo Hollings for safeguarding. Revd. Carol confirmed that Jo Hollings would be stepping down as the safeguarding officer for the churches. Thanks were given to her for bringing the current administration and DBS checks up to date. A new officer would be required
- j. Thanks to the many members of the congregation who serve as school governors
- k. Wendy Dinley for administering the bookings for the St Martin’s Church Hall
- l. Wendy Dinley for arranging the St Martins’ readers and intercessors
- m. Andrew Gough as sacristan and server
- n. Mary Jewiss for the Tapestry which is going to be revealed in May at the Restoration celebrations.
- o. Carolyn Thomas for the enormous success of the Tuesday Toddlers Group
- p. Joan Jeffers for her role as wedding administrator
- q. Jean Dilnot (Dilly)and Sarah Bingham for respectively arranging hall bookings and the worship at St Peters’ Greenhill.
- r. Revd. Carol, also thanked the church cleaning team for huge their efforts throughout the year.
17. Revd. Carol confirmed that the Parochial Church Council would be commissioned on Sunday 22[nd] May at the 10am Sunday service. The date of the first PCC meeting after the APCM will, however, be Monday 9[th] May 2022 at 7pm in the Ridley Room.
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18. Any Other Business. Revd. Carol invited questions from the floor. There were none. Revd. Carol then thanked everybody who had helped and provided service throughout the year. Although some individuals had been named already, there were so many who assisted in the life of the church in different ways and all should congratulate themselves
Lisa Crowhurst, as Churchwarden, thanked Revd. Carol, Revd, John Huffman and Deborah Waller, for all their hard work, enthusiasm and ministry throughout the year. It was a huge task and we were all grateful for their guidance and support.
19. There being no further business the meeting was concluded and Revd. Carol led those present in a prayer and blessing.
_God who has called us to be the church, in this place today we have worshiped. We have prayed, we have sung, we have listened for your challenge._
_In this place today we have met. We have talked, we have shared, we have made decisions._
_Now our time together draws to a close and we go back out into the world. As we go out, fill our hearts with hope._
_As we live as followers of The Way, embolden us to share our light with the world._
_As we are parts of various communities, challenge us to build community wherever and however we can._
_Over the year to come, move within and among this community of faith, help us to live up to the goals that have been set before us, strengthen us in ways we hope for and in ways we do not expect, so that next year when we gather again we may look back on another year past, reflect on your constancy through every season, and continue to hope for the years that are to come._
_This we pray in the name of the Risen Lord Jesus, in whose Name You send us, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen._
**The meeting concluded at 12.15pm.**
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## **THE APCM REPORTS FOR 2022**
## **Vicar’s Annual 2022 report for St Martin-in-Herne with St Peter’s Greenhill**
The fourteen-year-old me once asked my English teacher why time passed so slowly? It seemed to me then that the school summer holidays couldn’t come fast enough. There came the reply, _“Carol, the older one gets the quicker the time goes.”_ I didn’t care much for his response yet now I get it! Particularly as I contemplate retirement from full-time ministry after fifty years in a variety of workplaces. You and I have travelled together for a little over six of those years. And it has been both a pleasure and a joy to serve as your parish priest.
Now to the purpose of this written report, which is to reflect upon happenings of note in the calendar year, 2022.
- As we turned the corner into January, Revd. Cat was in the final throes of her three-year Title Post Curacy with us. I’m sure you’ll agree that Cat’s time with us also flew! On Sunday 6[th] February we celebrated her ministry among us with a customary eucharist followed by a farewell party in Herne Church Hall and were delighted that Cat’s husband, Revd Michael Darkins was also able to join us for the day. We gave thanks to God for Cat’s ministry and sought God’s blessing on her new ministry as Spiritual Care Lead at Pilgrim’s Hospice. _(Being a training incumbent is both a responsibility and a privilege but it is never one that is done alone: I was always taught that ‘it is the parish that trains a curate’, so thank you for your part in this also.)_
- Staying on the subject of Ministers for a moment, we have also all enjoyed the benefits of Deborah Waller, our Licensed Reader’s ministry developing. Deborah is involved in our schools’ ministry and oversees Little Fishes, the Friday Toddler Group that runs from St Peter’s Greenhill and also our Sunday Children’s group provision. Before too long, Deborah’s responsibilities will be increasing so do keep up your support and your prayers for her, which will become increasingly important.
- No sooner had Revd Cat departed but Revd John Huffman joined us for a short-term placement to finish off his Curacy which began in another parish. John joined us on Sunday 20[th] February and we celebrated his ministry among us as he departed on Harvest Sunday, 2[nd] October. A selfsupporting priest in secular employment, John immersed himself as fully as possible into the life of the parish, conducting many baptisms and a wedding as well as presiding at 8.00 am and 10.00 am Communion services. As an American and a former teacher, John’s preaching frequently presented different thoughts and perspectives which we all found refreshing. His versatility was also a bonus, for example occasionally playing drums or guitar in our worship band and manning the BBQ at St Peter’s alongside Andrew Gough! John was subsequently signed-off by Bishop Rose, leaving him free to apply for a new post at his leisure.
- We enjoyed a **Parish Mission weekend** on 2[nd] and 3[rd] March, when we welcomed Revd George Fisher as our speaker. _(George is a consultant provided by ReSource ‘Alive in the Spirit, Active in Mission’, which helps ‘little and local parish churches’ focus on their God-given mission possibilities in their own context.)_ The event was designed for the PCC and the whole congregation, though not many members of the congregation attended. We reflected upon the question: _‘_ **What is the Heart of God for Herne with Greenhill?’** through talks followed by discussion groups, feedback and prayer. George followed-up on the Sunday by preaching at both 8.00 am and 10.00 am services. I would say the major benefit of George’s time with us was his inspiration which deepened our fellowship, encouraged debate, brought out new ideas and encouraged frank discussion of differing viewpoints.
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We built upon this at our **Parish Away Day** on Saturday 24[th] September when hopes for the future were identified, in particular:
- 1) To have a **better presence** in both St Martin’s and St Peter’s;
- 2) To have a **stronger ‘Sunday connection** ’ between St Martin’s and our Church Schools _(also wondering whether could we take church services to school?)_ ;
- 3) To **open St Martin’s for non-church events** . And all with a view to both strengthening and growing our interconnectedness with the community/communities we serve.
_Looking to the future, these (and any other mission and development hopes that may be identified) will feed into the consultation that will begin with a view to producing a current contextual Herne St Martin’s with St Peter’s Greenhill Parish Profile and, therefore, the needs to be met under the leadership of a new parish priest._
- Earlier in 2022, Lisa Crowhurst, Deborah Waller and myself underwent ‘Missional Learning Community’ training with a view to taking the parish on the journey towards becoming a **Missional Learning Community (MLC)** . This was a big commitment which was endorsed by the PCC as a good idea. One MLC practice is ‘Dwelling in the Word’. Dwelling in the Word is one way of approaching the scriptures, allowing the whole church group or congregation to listen to God through God’s Word and to listen to what God is saying to one another. We tried it first at the 3rd Sunday Service at St Peter’s, then in March, extended the practice to St Martin’s. This practice seemed to be bearing fruit and we leaders were certainly blessed by it. However, we learned that it did not suit everybody so we took the difficult decision to drop it. Whilst this was a disappointment, we felt it wasn’t so much the practice but the timing that perhaps wasn’t quite right. Therefore, becoming an MLC may be back on the agenda in future if it is discerned to be what God wants.
- The **External Restoration Celebration weekend** (Friday 6[th] to Sunday 8[th] May) was a highlight of the year, when our architect, funders, contractors, anyone involved in the project and community representatives were invited to join us in St Martin’s. Celebration activities included a buffet lunch on the Friday; Open Church morning, afternoon Concert and Cream Tea on the Saturday and a Special Restoration Eucharist on the Sunday with Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin of Dover presiding and preaching.
- 2022 was also a noteworthy year for our **Royal Family** , with **Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second’s Platinum Jubilee** celebrations in June, the announcement of **Her Majesty’s death** in September (when I was away on leave: my special thanks go to Churchwarden Lisa Crowhurst for looking after our open church arrangements for the public and for providing the Memorial Book etc.). and then **Prince Charles becoming King** . The Service of Commemoration marking the death of Her Majesty the Queen that we held on the evening on Sunday 18[th] September was an important one to offer to the community and was very well attended, notably by many who would not normally come to church.
- The **Remembrance** Service was especially well supported after the ‘leaner Covid years’, with people’s confidence in meeting in larger numbers restored and no less than 14 Scout and Guide flag-bearers boosting our numbers through their groups and parents. Again, Herne St Martin’s really comes into its own on an occasion such as this, when people flock to the church and the War Memorial in the churchyard to honour those locals and others who gave their lives, and won for us the freedom we can all too easily take for granted.
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- **Christmas Services** also benefited from larger attendances, with the added joy of families who hadn’t gathered together for two or three years at Christmas, being able to do so once again. (A personal observation was that this latter phenomenon was evidenced by many of our own church families being away, so with their absence and more visitors, the congregations were quite different!) _(The mission statistics referred to elsewhere in this report speak for themselves.)_
None of the foregoing would be possible without the help and support of our Churchwardens _(Lisa Crowhurst, Chris Exley)_ Deputy Wardens _(Sarah Bingham, Alan King)_ , Ministers _(all named earlier in this report)_ , PCC Secretary _(Andrew Gough)_ and members of the PCC _(please see the list of members recorded elsewhere)_ and others who have provided reports for this booklet, and who volunteer their time and gifts on an ad hoc basis, so thank you to each and every one of you for your fellowship and service in the Gospel. My particular thanks also go to our Treasurer _(Sheila Gough)_ for her diligence and efficiency in reporting and managing the church finances in these tough financial times.
We none of us know what God has in store for us in the future, but as a parish church, you have much to build upon. So, I hope and continue to pray for you, that you will see fruitful growth and development of your church fellowship and outreach into the community in the coming years.
I commend to you the reports that follow in this booklet, which speak for themselves.
Yours, in love and prayer, and in the service of Christ.
_Revd. Carol Smith March 2023_
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## **REPORTS REQUIRED UNDER THE CHURCH REPRESENTATION RULES 2020**
## **Report from the Electoral Roll Secretary as at 31 December 2022**
At the APCM in April 2022 there were 91 members on the electoral Roll. As at December 31 2022 we had 92 members on the roll, one having passed away and two new members having applied in October 2022. No formal revision had taken place.
The numbers on the roll following the March 2023 revision will be given orally at the APCM and that will determine the number of PCC representatives to be elected.
_Andrew Gough, Electoral Roll Secretary February 2023_
## **An annual report on the proceedings of the Parochial Church Council during 2022**
Andrew Gough continued to act as PCC secretary for the year.
There have been nine meetings during the year of which two have been by way of an online Zoom facility and seven at face-to-face meetings. In addition, there was a further meeting in February of a steering committee to consider the Diocesan Envisioning programme. Usually there would be ten meetings with no meeting in August or December. We missed a meeting in April 2022 as this was to coincide with the APCM due to be held that month.
There is guidance for the conduct of online meetings and if votes are taken, then those voting must be present at the on line the meeting itself. Also, emergency business has been conducted online by email. This is again permitted pursuant to the Church Representation Rules 2020. On line meetings are usually recorded with the consent of the participants. The recording is expunged once the minutes have been approved at a PCC meeting.
We also held an Extraordinary PCC meeting in December 2022 to discuss our Parish Vision and to review the Parish Away day. The meeting was open to members of the congregation.
The PCC has continued to conduct its business efficiently and thanks must go to all PCC Members. They always read the agenda and supporting documents (or so they tell the PCC Secretary) and debate all issues with much consideration, politely and with good humour. We prefer face to face meetings as this enables debate to be undertaken fully and we usually have cake at the refreshment break which is much appreciated!
All minutes (unless confidential) are available for inspection from the PCC secretary.
The following is a summary of the principal business conducted
1. Finalising the new Church Directory (2[nd] Edition)
2. Considering and debating the Deanery Report “working towards a flourishing future and sustainable budget” (the Envisioning Programme) and completing a questionnaire on the ministry of the church at St Martin’s
3. Appointing a steering committee to review the questionnaire replies
4. Arranging the visit of Revd. George Fisher to the Parish Mission weekend on the 2[nd] and 3[rd] April 2022
5. Planning and implementing the Parish Mission Away Day on 24[th] September 2022
6. Arranging a church open day in May to celebrate the completion of the final stage of the St Martin’s Church restoration programme
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7. Continuing to review and approve the work of the Fabric Committee (see separate report). Especially repairs to the church door, the new wheel chair ramp access, the condition of the War Memorial and lopping trees nearest the church at St Martin’s
8. Formally appointing PC Lemon LLP as the independent examiner for the annual accounts
9. Approving the 2021 accounts (the 2022 accounts are approved at a PCC meeting in March 2023 for presentation to the APCM in 2023)
10. Considering the arrangements for the APCM in April 2022 (arrangements for the 2023 APCM are finalised in February/March 2023)
11. Following the October 2019 APCM resolution to give the PCC authority to arrange postal voting at an APCM the PCC resolved not to adopt postal voting at the APCM in 2022 (a discretion that was permitted by the APCM resolution) .
12. Reviewing, at the May PCC meeting, the minutes of the APCM on 24[th] April 2022 which were considered to be accurate and confirming that these could be submitted to the annual meeting in April 2023 for approval and the appointment of all church officers and the appointment of chairpersons to the various committees
13. Agreeing the reinstatement of the chalice at communion first with intincted wafers and then drinking from the cup separately without intincting wafers
14. Agreeing to move parish giving away from direct giving to the parish but via the Parish Giving Scheme and appointing a finance steering committee to publicise the scheme and organise the transition
15. Pledged Harvest collection to the work of Catching Lives (for the homeless in Canterbury) and the local food bank.
16. Resolving those collections at the Christmas Services to be given to Cruse Bereavement Centre and to the Salvation Army locally; that from the Christingle Service to go to the Children’s Society
17. Receiving safeguarding reports from Anne Ackland as safeguarding officer. See resolution and further declaration below.
18. Discussing potential repairs to the Church Organ
19. Passing the following formal resolutions
- a. Accepting the appointment of Anne Ackland as the new safeguarding officer and to apply the approved parish safeguarding statement (July 2022)
- b. to arrange for giving to be collected through the Parish Giving Scheme and to register with PGS
- c. Agreeing a correction to the Electoral Roll by removal of one person who had passed away
- d. Approving, (on-line) the GDPR privacy policy
- e. Approving, (on- line) the appointment of service engineers for the gas boilers
- f. Seeking by on- line resolution Diocesan approval to repair damage to the West church doors at St Martin’s Herne
- g. the appointment of sides persons to assist at church services
The PCC confirms that it has complied with section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 with regard to its duty to follow the House of Bishops guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. The Parish Safeguarding Statement is available for inspection and is on the Church website.
_Andrew Gough, PCC Secretary February 2023_
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## **Financial Review for 2022 Reserves policy and Appendix A for the financial statements**
Please see the attached detailed Financial Statements which show that a small surplus of £5,928 was achieved in 2022. These accounts are prepared on a “Receipts and Payment” basis.
Some points to note: -
We received the residue of the Gwendoline Pritchard Will Trust in the sum of £49,902 and also a £500 legacy from the Estate of Sheila Roberts.
We received two grants, one for £750 in connection with the restoration of the War Memorial and a grant of £7,400 from the Church Council towards heating costs.
We saw a decrease in our planned giving and gift aid receipts but collections at services increased by over £2,000.
Tax recovered on gift aid receipts in 2022 was down over the previous year by £563.
Fund raising events were able to restart and we have to thank Priscilla Cox for organising a BBQ and Harvest Supper which together raised over £680 and also to Sarah Bingham for organising a wine and wisdom and the Christmas Fair which together raised over £1,230.
Both St Martin’s and St Peter’s Church Halls continue to pay their way and both Halls recorded profits last year.
In respect of expenses, we paid our Parish Share in full but in order to do so we had to use £17,849 from our reserves because our monthly income just does not cover our outgoings.
We saw an increase in all of our other outgoings especially utilities and insurance premiums.
Thanks to the rise in interest rates, the interest on our CCLA investments amounted to £1,729.
I would like to thank Andrew Gough for administering the Gift Aid emoluments (including making the claim for rebate of tax); his help is invaluable to me.
## **Reserves Policy**
We do not currently have a reserves policy. This means keeping a certain amount of funds in the bank account ring fenced to cover emergency situations for particular projects or future work. For example, sums set aside for the maintenance of the organ, the bells or buildings.
It is our policy to invest our fund balances with the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund
_Sheila Gough, Treasurer March 2023_
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## **Report from the Fabric Committee for 2022 on the condition of the church buildings**
The Fabric Committee met regularly throughout the year and continues to monitor the condition of St. Martin’s Church, Herne Church Hall and St Peter’s Church, carrying out minor repairs and necessary maintenance and arranging for servicing of equipment as required. A small sub-committee was set up to deal with health and safety.
In the spring two chestnut trees near the north wall of St Martin’s were trimmed to prevent them causing damage to the building or harm to the public. Later some flagstones in the church path were re-laid as they were becoming uneven and potentially dangerous.
There was a great deal of discussion about ways to improve disabled access to St. Martins. It was finally decided that larger ramps were needed in the porch and by the organ, allowing disabled access into the church via the side door from the porch. These are now in place and working well.
The church architect had identified the need for repairs to the two south doors and the west door at St Martin’s. After a number of meetings with the architect and the diocese permission has been granted by the diocese for the repairs to go ahead. It is planned to retain as much of the old oak doors as possible, to remove the rotten wood from the bottom of the doors and to replace that with seasoned oak cut into the old timber. The north door was painted with a special preservative solution and the others doors will be similarly treated when the repairs are complete. The work is expected to be carried out in Spring 2023.
There are regular checks to ensure that all gutters are kept clear, and a drone inspection of the roof at St. Martin’s revealed no problems. Repairs to some guttering will be completed in the Spring. Our caretaker, Steve King, regularly checks the roof and gutters at the Church Hall and St. Peter’s. There have been instances of vandalism to the shed in St Martins churchyard and it is planned to strengthen the walls of the shed with additional boarding. This will be carried out in spring 2023.
In St. Martin’s, St. Peter’s and the Church Hall there are problems with lack of storage space for play equipment and items used by regular groups. It is hoped to build some extra cupboards or shelves to ease the problem.
We are indebted to members of the committee and congregation who have the expertise and time to help with maintenance and repairs and record our very grateful thanks to them.
**This forms the Churchwarden’s Report on the Fabric of the Church Buildings pursuant to section 50 of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018**
_Priscilla Cox, chair of committee and Lisa Crowhurst and Chris Exley as Churchwardens_
## **A Report on the 2022 proceedings of the Deanery Synod**
This year deanery meetings have mainly been concerned with the existing state of our churches and congregations and the ways in which we might engage for future mission. All churches particularly want to reach out to children and young people and to rebuild their ministry with young families
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following a decline in church attendance since the pandemic. We considered the five marks of mission and we shared details of events and activities going particularly well in our individual churches.
In March Ben Hatfield, Diocesan Children and Young People Ministry Adviser, came to synod and shared his thoughts on current ministry to young people and families. He said that in the past 20 years church attendance has dropped by 61% and that modern churches like Vineyard are attracting young people, rather than traditional churches. He said that less than 50% of people return to church as adults and that children’s views are influenced by the way their parents view religion. As a result of these discussions, we realised that we need to rethink children’s ministry, and we considered the idea of appointing a schools’ chaplain for the deanery.
In May Bishop Rose, Bishop of Dover, came to synod and reintroduced her theme of “Changed Lives - Changing Lives”. We considered what we have achieved as a deanery and whether we act as Christians in our daily lives. Bishop Rose said that the church is in a spiritual crisis - not a financial crisis. She asked whether it is unrealistic to keep all our churches open and whether we care more for our buildings than for sharing the Good News.
All deaneries have been asked to complete a deanery plan of our plans and expectations for the future. These will be fed into a Diocesan plan that will help the diocese identify areas that particularly need support for growth and development, and any particular areas of concern. There is a central fund that could be approached for a grant to help an initiative for growth, particularly with young people.
At our synods in June and October we considered our own deanery plan and in October a deanery roadshow helped us look at the current state of our churches. Each of our parishes has been asked to complete a form to show its plans and desired outcomes for the future, and how these will be supported.
In Herne and Greenhill, we have still to complete our individual plan. Like everyone else we need to focus on rebuilding our congregation and in particular reaching out to young people and their families. Our situation is different though as our vicar is due to retire at Easter 2023. Although it will be really useful to have help from a school chaplain our priority will be to make a case for the appointment of a new incumbent. We will need to show new ideas for mission, reaching out not only to families and building on the fantastic relationship we have with the Herne church schools, but also to the large numbers of new families due to move into housing developments in the parish. We will also have to prove that our parish is financially viable.
_Priscilla Cox, Deanery representative March 2023_
## **The Church wardens APCM report for 2022**
## We’re back!
Actually, that is not strictly true, as we never went away. The churches of Herne and Greenhill continued to function throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, but in a very different way. Over the last three years we learned a lot about Coronavirus, and about ourselves, and now, as we review the
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past year ahead of our Annual Parochial Church Meeting, we are getting used to the new ‘normal’. We are slowly getting back to a fully functioning church family. Most of what we do as a church has re-started and church life is becoming busy again. Yes, sadly we have lost a few people along the way, but we have also gained new people, and we look forward to discovering the skills they bring with them. We must, of course, be thankful to God for the contribution of those no longer with us, but we should also pray with excitement for the new beginnings we will experience in the coming months. But, of course, the work doesn’t stop there. Our attendance levels are very much back to pre-pandemic levels, but there are still empty spaces in the pews. We are experiencing financial challenges, and all of us are affected in some way, be it large or small. This could be helped if our church family was to grow further, and our mission must be to take up the challenge with relish and with prayer. No work is too hard for the Lord, and Revd. Carol frequently reminds us, ‘God is good…. All the time!’ He will help us grow if we ask for his help.
Looking back over the year, it was a sad day when we had to say goodbye to Revd. John Huffman. Herne and Greenhill did what it does best and welcomed John with open arms, and his review of his time with us and his vision in his final sermon were both poignant and a joy to behold. His departure created a heavier load for Revd. Carol to bear, with the assistance of Lay Reader Deborah Waller, who has stepped up admirably to assist where she can. In referring to the welcome we gave John, I should not be surprised. Whilst we may struggle sometimes with the temperature of the building, the warmth of the welcome extended at the door is a great joy, and long may it continue!
It has been good to hear that the younger members of our church family are not forgotten. The Tuesday Toddlers group, Little Fishes and Messy Church are thriving, and our connections with our church schools are becoming stronger – something which we will need to work hard to maintain after Revd. Carol’s retirement. The involvement of the children as worship leaders is an exciting prospect, and we should encourage them at any opportunity.
Members of our various committees and organisations have worked hard over the year too. We are fortunate to have the skills of the members of the Fabric Committee for example. It is the job of the Churchwardens to oversee the care and maintenance of our church buildings and grounds, and without this committee, it would be a vast task. Under Priscilla’s chairmanship very little is missed, and there is usually someone who can deal with minor issues or knows someone outside the church family who can.
The PCC and Finance committees have had much to occupy their minds as can be seen from their reports. Our social events are beginning to re-appear. Our musicians have worked hard over the year, not just on Sundays but behind the scenes too, the flower team, cleaning team, churchyard team have all got on with their own things quietly and often un-noticed. All are volunteers, and we are indebted to all of them for their labours. The thanks of the churchwardens go to anyone who does anything in the church, publicly or in the background – ‘a variety of gifts’, as it were, but without you our task would be much harder. If you are new to St. Martin’s or St. Peter’s, we won’t pounce on you as soon as you walk through the door for the first time, but if you want to join one of our teams you will be more than welcome and your contribution will be appreciated.
Finally, we must note the work done by Revd. Carol. It is difficult to quantify the work of a Vicar, but I sometimes wonder when she sleeps! Apart from her role with us in the parish, Carol has duties at Deanery and Diocese level, and in a civic role too as Chaplain to the Lord Mayor. In the short time she has left with us we must give thanks for everything she does as our Vicar, and assure her of our support and prayers. In my previous parish I used to joke that behind a good Vicar is a good Vicar’s wife! And so, we must also be grateful to Brian for the support and assistance he gives Carol. Only they know that part of the role of the Vicar’s spouse, but it is nonetheless important, and should be noted with our thanks.
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As a member of our Music team, you will not be surprised that I end my report by paraphrasing a hymn, which I feel encapsulates why we are here. Whether our commitment to Christ is a dipping of toes into the water or we are in up to our necks we pray;
‘Your will, not mine, O Lord,
However hard it be,
Lead me by your own hand,
Choose out the path for me’
Chris Exley & Lisa Crowhurst _Churchwardens February 2023_
**NB the churchwarden’s report on the fabric of the church is given by the Fabric Committee and acknowledged as such** .
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## **GENERAL REPORTS FROM CHURCH ORGANISATIONS**
We would normally expect to receive reports from many of our church groups but regrettably the work of some groups remains curtailed or has even stopped because of the Covid pandemic and continuing concerns.
For the record we are missing reports from St Martin's Saturday Coffee, Sunday after-service refreshments, St Peter's Greenhill, the Social Committee, St Peter's Community Café, and Tea & Chat (outreach afternoon tea) and the Bible Study group. These events did not take place fully during the year (for example, after service refreshments only started in October).
The Bible Study group had a series of short on- line study meetings thanks to the work and guidance of Sheila Bennett.
We celebrated the completion of the restoration work in May 2022 with the publication of a separate guide book covering the work.
There is no report specifically on communications and publicity but during the year much has devolved to communications on line and the second edition of the church directory has proved invaluable. Also new notice boards have finally been erected in early 2022 to publicise our events and services and the website has been reviewed
## **August Activity Days**
We had an amazing time in August at our free Friday activity days run at St Peter's church. This outreach is hugely valuable and assists greatly our families who find the summer holidays a difficult and expensive time to manage. If anyone would like to make a contribution to the running of these this year, please do get in touch. If you are able to volunteer on one of the Fridays in August, again we would be hugely grateful for your help and support.
_Sarah Bingham February 2023_
## **Children’s and Sunday School report**
Children have been welcomed at every Sunday service with communal table activities on the first and third Sundays, at St. Martin’s and St. Peter’s churches respectively. These have included single poster type of words and pictures (usually displayed on the church display boards afterwards) to individual items such as mobiles which may be taken home. All the activities are linked with the lectionary and/or theme for the service by regular communication with those leading the services. Huge thanks to Shirley Frost for organising these activities and providing many of the resources.
On the second and fourth Sundays and occasional fifth Sundays during term-time children are welcomed to the Ridley Room where they follow the ROOTs programme of learning which is again linked with the lectionary and service patterns throughout the church year. Grateful thanks to Anne Post and Jamie Wraight for organising, resourcing and leading these sessions.
Each Sunday service has a regular slot where the children are invited to come out to the front of the church and share their learning, this may involve talking to the congregation or just simply demonstrating their creativity. At least one of the youngsters leads the congregation in prayer. The children’s presence is always enjoyed and often some very profound comments are made which
31
provide the worshippers with a chance for an alternative reflection. We are all very inspired by the families who take part and grateful for their encouragement of the children that they bring along.
_Deborah Waller March 2023_
## **The Churchyard team maintenance report for 2022**
The Churchyard gardening team were incredibly busy in 2022.
We uncovered the Public Right of Way that runs long the former Red Lion pub and cleared all the way to the field at the back of the churchyard. This took several attempts and some very strong words to the various large fallen tree branches and the thick mass of brambles, but we got there in the end. We have now created a path that is suitable for walkers and horses to use. We lined the path on the other side with large branches and are creating a bramble hedge to mark the boundary and hide the shed.
In the winter of 2021 fuchsia cuttings were taken and during the Spring these grew into plants large enough to be plant out in various places in the churchyard beds. Most survived the heat in the summer and hopefully this year they’ll grow even more and start flowering.
During the Summer our lovely group of enthusiasts weeded, tidied, planted, divided, seed scattered, scarified and watered.
We made a huge step forward in what we want to finally achieve, it’s going to take a while, but we know what the end goal is going to look like.
In the Autumn we thinned out the mass of Ox-eyed daisies and planted little clumps in and around the meadow areas. Hopefully these will take and speed rapidly and we can finally get our meadow and all the flowers in it up and running.
We cleared the War Memorial in time for Remembrance Sunday and there are all sorts of flowers that bloom throughout the year around it now.
We could always use some extra pairs of hands, so if anyone would like to join us, no experience necessary, we would love to hear from you.
We are a very friendly bunch who meet on the 1st Saturday and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 11am-1pm (not January it’s too cold), then please email me at claire.stay@mac.com and I will add you to our list. Just come to whatever sessions you can, if it’s only a few times a year and just for an hour then that’s perfect.
Half way through the session there’s always homemade cake and a hot drink……and obviously a chat.
So, here’s to a fabulous 2023 and lots more to do.
Thank you.
_Claire Stay January 2023_
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## **The Flower Arrangers report for 2022**
As you all know the past year has been challenging but I think all the ladies have risen to the challenge and have arranged some beautiful displays especially for the main events of Easter, Harvest Festival and Christmas. The rising costs of both flowers and sundries has not helped but I believe we have still managed to control any costs being passed to the church and kept this to a minimum where possible. We have received very few monetary donations but we have had a substantial amount of silk flowers donated to the team which we have made good use of and we are grateful to the lady who gave them to us.
We are kept up to date with any relevant information and dates including weddings, funerals and school concerts.
If anyone would like to join our merry band, they would be made very welcome and my door is always open for anyone whatever the query or question.
_Liz Sellen, Flower arranger January 2023_
## **Gift Aid Matters for 2022 (and a note for 2023)**
Gift Aid continues to be a very helpful contribution to the church finances. Pay your income tax and the Church can get a 25% bonus on any donations that you make. As at the 31[st] December 2022 we still had 54 parties who have each made a Gift Aid declaration and also pledged their payments. If you are a UK tax payer then you can usually qualify and this is achieved simply by signing a declaration form which either myself or the treasurer can provide. We can claim Gift Aid on standing orders and planned giving. In addition, there are the individual donations made via the Gift Aid Envelope Scheme which are given at collections taken at our services throughout the year. If you are lucky enough to be a higher rate tax payer in all cases you can even claim an extra rebate in your tax return.
Our treasurer records receipts for the month in which the payment is made, even if the Gift Aid application was actually for a month several months previously. For the year ending 31 December 2022, St Martins received £10750.00 from all sources, which is lower than the repayment in 2021 which was £11.316. However, this sum does not include repayments from the Gift Aid returns for December 2022 which have not yet been credited.
We still have the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS for short). General money received in our church collection plates or by the bank card reader can qualify. Also. if you have pledged your planned giving (the little blue envelopes) but are not a tax payer then I can count your weekly donation as part of GASDS and get more money that way. There is a limit of £8,000 which can be claimed in any tax year by any charity.
However, please note that the separate monthly envelope scheme will be withdrawn later this year as the cost of buying envelopes is now too expensive for the small number of people who pay in this manner. In case you are embarrassed by not putting your hand in your pocket, when the collection
33
plate comes round, please remember there are tokens that you can put into the church plate as evidence that you are giving. Donations can still be made in the plate
Regular Church goers will know that a decision was made in August 2022 to register the church with the central Parish Giving Scheme. This requires pledged payments to be paid by members of the congregation direct to the PGS administration (a separate charity) rather than our church bank account. It is easy to set up and you can do so on line, by telephone or a postal application. If you require help. please speak to me or Sheila Gough.
PGS then claims the Gift Aid and pays monthly all payments (that is the donation and the claimed Gift Aid) to our bank account. However, PGS works independently from the Canterbury Diocese and the Diocese will withdraw its Gift Aid administration from April 2023. So those persons who continue to pay direct to our church will be reliant upon me making a separate claim to HMRC for Gift Aid. This is an unnecessary duplication of administration and I hope that donors will all eventually register themselves with PGS and make your monthly payments in that manner please.
Individual donations given in the plate, card reader or by separate Gift Aid envelopes (which are still available) will be the subject of separate direct claims to HMRC which I will make separately.
As a tax payer, Gift Aid is a bonus to the Church and provided that you do pay the tax there is no downside from your point of view. Remember; if you cease to be a tax payer or move address or change your name. please let me know immediately. I have to inform HMRC or PGS.
_Andrew Gough, Gift Aid Secretary February2023_
## **Little Fishes Report for 2022**
The Little Fishes have met regularly, every Friday morning at St. Peter’s Church, Greenhill providing toys, games and activities for children from babies up to pre-schoolers. During the summer a new sandpit was purchased and that added to the outdoor fun enjoyed during the lovely sunny weather.
On average there are 10 adults – Mums, Dads, Grandparents and childminders - and 15 children who attend regularly plus others whose attendance is more intermittent. It’s always heartening to see how new parents/grandparents are welcomed by the regulars and whilst the children have fun playing, the adults enjoy conversation over a cup of tea or coffee. The provision of refreshments also gives the children a chance to gain confidence in asking for something to drink or eat and to practise being polite.
Grateful thanks must go to Steve, our caretaker for ensuring that the hall is ready and to Anne, Sheila and John for their constant support and encouragement. Finally, we thank the families who join us each week as we continue to offer them outreach and invitations to Church events, both worship and activities such as August Activity days, and to monthly Messy Church.
_Deborah Waller March 2023_
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## **Messy Church**
Messy church has continued to thrive and we are delighted that many new families have joined us post covid. We regularly welcome about 50 people and enjoy the fellowship of themed crafts, play, worship and food together in our once-a-month sessions on the third Saturday of each month.
We are truly blessed to have Lisa Crowhurst leading worship and Carolyn Thomas who does an amazing job running the kitchen and with her team coordinating a wonderful feast for all those that attend and share with us. Thank you to Steve who helps to set up and clear up at the end.
Thank you to Sarah for coordinating the crafts. If anyone would like to assist with the running of a craft table, or would like to get involved in some way, please let Sarah or Lisa know.
_Sarah Bingham February 2023_
## **Mission and evangelism**
In the run-up to Christmas, we managed to distribute some 5,000 church Christmas cards, which included details of all the Christmas Services. Distribution again included the new housing on Eddington Park, which initiative is a continuation of the PCC’s mission action planning begun in 2021.
Once again, I would like to express my thanks to John Bennett for organising the Christmas card distribution beyond the schools and to all who were able to assist with deliveries. Christmas Service attendances were very good so it may be safe to assume that the Christmas card distribution was once again a worthwhile exercise.
_Revd. Carol Smith March 2023_
## **Pastoral**
It was really good to be able to resurrect pastoral visiting, Home Communions and visits to the Residential Homes in our Parish, i.e., Broomfield Lodge and Herne Place. My visits to the Residential Homes are generally monthly unless a resident requests a personal visit. And Liza Seed has continued to visit a resident at Broomfield Lodge on a regular basis.
More recently, we have been able to regroup our **Pastoral Team** , which includes Liza Seed, Sheila Gough and Deborah Waller. The pastoral ministry will be entrusted to them during the upcoming vacancy, so do be sure to let one of them know if you know of anyone who would like or is in need of a home visit.
_Revd. Carol Smith March 2023_
## **Safeguarding report 2022**
Church should be a place where everyone can feel safe. Safeguarding is EVERYONE’s responsibility. Since taking over the safeguarding officer role my time has been spent completing the necessary training and familiarising myself with the Diocesan safeguarding Advisors. I am on hand to provide advice and guidance.
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Now I am in the process of compiling an up-to-date register, and I’m sure will soon be reminding those whose trainings need updating.
_Anne Ackland Safeguarding officer for Children and Vulnerable Adults February 2023_
## **Schools**
Our ministry to our Herne Church of England Infant and Junior Schools continued to grow and is highly valued – and I say, “our”, for the fact remains that many church members act as School Governors! So, the relationship between Herne Church and Schools grows ever stronger and the number of Herne School Services in St Martin’s has increased _(see the mission statistics elsewhere in this booklet, particularly Advent/Christmas numbers)_ .
On two occasions, we were joined by Herne Junior schoolchildren who helped lead the Service. It is hoped to build on this practice and to encourage the children and their parents to attend Sunday worship more regularly.
There has been no ministry provided to Herne Bay High School as it continues to be the case that no matter what is offered, the door remains closed.
No ministry was provided in Briary School in 2022 as none was requested, although it is true to say that this is a ministry-capacity issue.
_Revd. Carol Smith March 2023_
## **Herne Church Hall also known as the St. Martin's Church (Institute) hall**
The hall currently has 16 regular weekly, twice-weekly, and monthly bookings during the week-days. These maintain a regular income for the upkeep of the hall and weekends are kept for children's parties, Quiz Nights, Wine & Wisdoms and fun raising events for the church and these local groups.
Bookings for Children's Parties and Fund-raising events have increased since Covid lock-down caused cancellations and we are now averaging 3 / 5 bookings over Saturdays and Sundays. We also have ad hoc bookings for Tuition Classes and Playgroup end of year gatherings before the children go to 'big school'
The hall is cleaned and maintained by Steve King and we do ask users to leave it clean & tidy in the hope the previous Booking has left it as it should be.
_Wendy Dinley, Hall Booking Secretary February 2023_
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## **St. Martin's Church Readers & Intercessors**
The vicar, Revd. Carol currently compiles the Herne & Greenhill Service Schedule and Ministry Rota, sends it to me and I put readings to services. I then add names to the readings and people to do Intercessions.
I produce the Readers Rota every four months and you get to read two or three times in that period.
I currently have 16 regular Readers and Intercessors and would appreciate more volunteers, so if you have ever wondered when listening to the readers every Sunday, how do they get to do that, I'd like to try it then please give you name to Revd. Carol or myself.
_Wendy Dinley St. Martin's Readers February 2023_
## **St. Martin’s Servers and Chalice bearers 2022**
Regrettably, because of concerns following the Covid pandemic, communion services for the most part of 2022 have been conducted without the need for servers. A decision was made not to give wine but wafers could be intincted and offered if required. Communion by wafer alone is sufficient but if the wafer is intincted then a server is present to hold the chalice. However, since January 2023 wine has been offered separately and there has been no intinction of the wafer.
My thanks go to Lisa Crowhurst, Leah Willey, Sheila Gough and Deborah Waller who assist in offering the chalice.
If anybody else would like to come forward and offer to serve at the altar I would be very grateful to hear from them.
_Andrew Gough, Sacristan February 2023_
## **St. Martin’s Tapestry- the Tapestry team’s report 2022**
The tapestry team has not met together since the Restoration celebrations in May 2022 when the tapestry was first revealed to the public. Moreover, we were also able to get a report and presentation on BBC TV South East News!
The tapestry is now on display in the Lady Chapel at St Martin's Herne. However, I am available for talks about the tapestry production, either in St Martins or at outside venues. One such talk is planned in July for our local History Society; all proceeds to go to much needed Church funds.
_Mary Jewiss February 2023_
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## **Tuesday Toddler Report 2022**
We started the year with 62 families on our books. We were very grateful to Jamie Wraight who turned up every Monday evening throughout January and February to help arrange the tables and chairs. This was whilst my usual helper (Peter) was recovering from a knee replacement.
On 12th March I attended the Herne Community Day to speak about what we have to offer at Tuesday Toddlers. It was a very successful event which made everyone who attended aware of the range of activities available to us all in the area. I also attended the annual council meeting in order to give a verbal report about our Toddler Group.
In May we added our 80th name to our data base We also welcomed Nicola, a professional photographer specialising in baby and toddler photos.
The lovely summer weather meant we could make good use of the outside space. We enjoyed our usual Teddy Bears’ Picnic and Sports Day and also held a memorable Jubilee party.
In June we had our annual summer outing. This time we went to The Jungle Soft Play area in Quex Park. We were lucky enough to have exclusive use of the facility and a delicious lunch was also provided for us.
In July we responded to the diocesan pushchair appeal for refugee mothers in this country. By this time we had 88 families on our mailing list. The term ended with our Leavers’ Special where we presented Toddler Bibles to the children and a Christian coaster to their parents.
In September, we said our goodbyes to Queen Elizabeth with songs and pictures followed shortly afterwards by a Grandparents’ Day when a good number of grandparents joined us to sing special songs and to help with craft.
In October we had our own Harvest Festival and donated gifts which were added to the church’s collection.
We decided to try something new in November when we held a Toy Swap. The idea was that no money should exchange hands but that good quality unwanted toys could find a new home. The Toy Swap was well received and we will certainly do it again. We were very grateful to Anne Ackland for her help.
We also had another visit from our photographer though unfortunately she was unwell on the day. Nevertheless, her assistant worked hard in her absence to complete the task.
The year ended with our two Christmas parties at which every child received a present from Father Christmas. Thank you, Doug for all your help! By this point, we had 96 families on our emailing list although some of these families no longer attend.
We are very lucky to have a dedicated, hard-working, and reliable team of helpers - so a massive 'Thank You' to Val, Theresa and Fran and also to Petula (who provides delicious cupcakes for our raffle each week) and Pauline, our supply cover. Without your support, none of this would be possible!
_Carolyn Thomas January 2023_
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## **Weddings 2022- St Martin’s Church in Herne**
We had 9 weddings during 2022 which was so joyful after the Pandemic and Lockdown restrictions previously. The first wedding was in February and the last one of 2022 was in December.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was celebrated in June (little did we know then just how special this was). In July the Lambeth Conference was held at the University of Kent, so it was a busy time for our Clergy.
We held our Weddings’ Preparation morning at St Martin’s on the 5[th] March. It was wonderful to see all the couples mixing with one another and chatting about their weddings. Refreshments prepared by Priscilla Cox were gratefully received.
Paperwork was completed by the Clergy and Weddings’ Administrator, ably assisted by the “Weddings’ Team” with photocopying etc.
Revd. Carol and Revd John Huffman (who was here on short-term curacy placement) were on hand to answer any questions. Susan and Keith Record were able to chat about the music and bells and play a selection of hymns/tunes for the couples and the choir, led by Chris Exley, was on hand to accompany the music. We were also able to show examples of floral displays.
I look forward to the Weddings’ Preparation morning in 2023 ably assisted by the new Weddings’ Administrator, Sarah White.
_Joan Jeffers Weddings’ Administrator St Martin's Church February 2023_
## **Worship at St Peter’s Greenhill**
The Third Sunday Service at St Peter’s Greenhill has continued to grow and develop, and is receiving a good response. This is partly due to the development of our Worship Band who provide the music and facilitate the worship. _(Please also refer to the mission statistics and see the Worship Band’s own report.)_
Offering this regular monthly worship at St Peter’s on the Sunday following Messy Church Saturdays is a deliberate attempt to encourage more young families to join us. Please pray that this may become a reality.
_Revd. Carol Smith, March 2023_
## **Worship Band**
The worship band has had a very successful year, growing in number, strength and repertoire hugely.
We have welcomed new members and with members learning new instruments post covid and the addition of voices, we are now able to offer a wider range of sound and this has opened hugely the type of worship choices that we are able to offer.
39
The congregation are incredibly supportive and encouraging and we thank you hugely for this. We have been able to fulfil many 'requests' for songs that have come in from congregants and it is wonderful to be able to add people's choices if they have any requests.
We thank you very much for welcoming so readily and enthusiastically this alternative type of worship for people who prefer this, it is really encouraging that we are now able to be open to a broader range of music in church and please, if you have any favourites, do not be afraid to let us know.
_Sarah Bingham February 2023_
## **The Bellringers**
The ringers have been able to meet each Wednesday evening for practice this year (with learners receiving tuition for an hour before the practice). We have been able to ring a range of methods, with the help of local ringers from other towers who regularly come to St Martin’s. We usually have enough ringers to ring Triples and Major methods on practice nights, together with rounds and call changes for the learners. More recruits have joined to learn change ringing, including one who learnt to ring in London before the coronavirus pandemic and moving to Herne Bay. We now have four learners on practice nights and Sundays, plus a learner who attends on Sundays but cannot attend practice night (so is learning at Chislet).
The additional ringers mean that we now regularly ring six bells for Sunday morning services. Two more learners have reached the standard to join the Kent County Association of Change Ringers during the year. The Canterbury District has regular meetings on the second Saturday of each month, and additional practices, visiting towers in East Kent in rotation.
The bells were rung for weddings during 2022
We also rang for the Christmas services and for weddings.
In September 2022, there was ringing for the death and funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth (which was muffled). On Friday 9[th] September 2022 at 12.30pm nationally and we rang at St Martin’s. We also rang for the accession of King Charles on Saturday 10[th] September 2022 at 12 noon. The bells were muffled for all ringing until the funeral of Her Majesty the Queen. There was national ringing on Monday 19[th] September 2022 from 10am to 11am for the funeral of Her Majesty the Queen and the bells at St Martin’s were rung at that time.
Bellringing outings have resumed after the coronavirus pandemic and we have welcomed visiting bands during the year, including East Peckham ringers in May 2022 and visitors to our ringing on Sundays and practice nights.
Anyone interested in ringing is very welcome to visit the ringers at their practice night and we welcome new recruits. We had the tower open for visitors as part of the church open day.
_Susan and Keith Record_
_March 2023_
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## **The Choir Report**
The choir practices on Thursday evening in St Martin’s church and have been able to continue to develop a repertoire of anthems to sing during Communion and at other services, in addition to leading the hymns during services. Some anthems have been specially arranged for the choir by Chris Exley, and he has introduced to anthems written by composers he has known. As we have the range of singers to sing harmonies, as well as unison pieces, it has been possible to use the talents of our singers to enhance worship. We have welcomed a new alto singer and returning singers to the choir, together with a bass who joins us for some services when he can.
As part of the Restoration celebration weekend in May 2022 (which had been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic) the choir performed a concert of music through the ages, including works by Thomas Attwood, Sir John Stainer, John Rutter, Chris Exley and Martin Shaw. There was a surprise section of the concert when a setting of a psalm included the local Herne weather forecast, a “Little bit of love” and “All you need is love”, and it concluded with an arrangement of a blessing by the musical arranger for the last Dr Billy Graham. The Saturday concert was followed by the celebration of Holy Communion by the Bishop of Dover on the Sunday of the Restoration celebration weekend.
The choir have sung at weddings and funerals during the year, at Sunday morning services and for evening services. These included Choral Evensong in March 2022, an evening Palm Sunday service, which was in a new format to St Martin’s, Evensong in July 2022, a special service for her Majesty the Queen following her death in September 2022 and Choral Evensong in October 2022. Remembrance Sunday in St Martin’s included hymns and an anthem followed by the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial in the churchyard which ended with the National Anthem.
During December 2022, the choir sang carols (many with descants) at the Christmas services. These included Memorial Carols, when the choir sang Christmas anthems whilst the stars were placed on the Christmas tree, and Nine Lessons and Carols. The Christmas services included two pieces with arrangements by Chris Exley and the Ukrainian Carol of the Bells. Christmas anthems were sung on Christmas Eve during Communion, together with Christmas carols.
The choir also started meeting for social evenings in 2022 and this will continue in 2023. Chris Exley and I are very grateful to the choir for their commitment and hard work during the year. We always welcome any singers who would like to join the choir.
_Susan Record_
_March 2023_
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Parochial Church Council of St Martin in Herne with St Peter Greenhill
Flnancial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
GENERAL FUND
Unrestricted
Funds
Total Funds
2022
2021
Notes
Receipts and Payments Account
RECEIPTS
Voluntary Receipts
Planned Giwng
Collections at Servlces
Gift Aid and other voluntary receipts
Gift Aid Recovered
Legacy
Grants- War Memorial
Grants - Heating Costs
Activities for Generating Funds
36,789
5,695
17,096
10,753
50.403
750
7,400
3,505
36,789 42.031
5,695
3.418
17,096 18.034
10,753 11,316
50,403
8.150
1.371
Church Activitles - St Martins
Income Received for St Martins Hall
chUh Activities - St P8ters
st Peters Rental slnce 1811112020
14.751
2.150
10.727
14,751
2,150
10,727
15.097
1.551
6.992
421
Receipts
160,019 160.019 100,230
Exceptional Items
funds transferred from CCLA Alcs
20.349
20.349 26,988
TOTAL RECEIPTS
180,368 180,368 127,218
PAYMENTS
Church Activities
Parish Share - 2021
Balance of Parish Share 2020
Clergy and Staffing Costs
Church Running Expenses
Occasional Office
Mission giving and donations
Fundraising
Church Hall- St Martins
Church Hall - St Peters
71.396
49,954
18,828
7.723
24.383
7,915
705
20
1.719
5,972
8,130
24.209
8,096
2.058
1,130
2.116
6.438
Transferred to Investment Accounts
49.903
11.021
Vicars Discretionary Trust
Bank Charges
700
264
264
238
Payments
174.440 174,440 128,479
TOTAL PAYMENTS
174,440 174,440 128,479
43
Parochial Church Council of St Martin in Heme with St Petsr Greenhill
Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
GENERAL FUND
Unrestricted
Funds
Total Funds
2022
2021
Notes
SurpluslDeficit
5.928
(1,261)
Cash at Bank and in hand 1st January
Cash at Bank and in hand 31st December
(Lloyds Bank and Santsnder)
5,537
12,50S
6,797
5,537
Parochial Church Coun¢FI of St Martin in Heme with St Peler Greenhill
Flnancial Statemgnts for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
St Martln's Church Hall
Noles Unrestricted
Funds
2022
Total Funds
2022
2021
Income
Hall Lettings
Total Income
14.094.50 14.094.50
5,204.00
5,204.00
Payments
Ub'lities
Cleaning Materials
Cleaners Salary
Insurance
Maintenance
Music Licence
Rental Refund
Miscellaneous (stamstatI}
2.082.50
467.60
656.29
1.252.77
1.433.88
249.01
1.238.45
342.00
132.00
36.50
139.20
227.59
Total Paymènts
4.825.95 4.825.95
3.431.84
SurpluslDeficil
9.268.55
1.772.16
Cash at bank and in hand * 1st January
Cash at bank and in hand at 31sl De¢ember
3.137.93
12.406.48
Youth Account
Activity DayE
hèssy Church
Little Fishes
Mothers & Toddlers
202.51
240.39
374.30
258.93
76.62
129.72
105.56
Total Incom•
1.076.13
1.076.13
311.90
Payments
Activitylcraft materials
Messy ChurGh
Little Fishes
Motheis & Toddlers
185.36
199.51
32.04
396.65
150.00
57.39
Total Payrngnts
813.56
813.56
207.39
SuryAuslDeficil
262.57
1151
Cash al bank 1st January
Cash at bank 31st De(yDir
991.78
1.254.35
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Analysls of Restoration Account
st Martin•in-Heme chUh Restoration Account
for Year Endi
31st DeGÈrnr 2022
2022
2021
RECEIPTS
Opening Balanc8 1st January
£4.820.97
193.27
Transferred from Gen A(xx>unt
VAT Reclaim
8.160.CMJ
9.467.20
£4.820_97
17.820.47
PAYMENTS
Stone Masons
Rita Prtsilli-Grah8m - Alite
11.889.00
1.110.50
836.45
836.45
12.999.50
Balance as at 31st Dfflber 2021
Balan as at 31st December 2022
£4.820.97
£3.984.52
St Martin in Heme with St Peter Greenhill
Statement of Assets and Liabilit*s for the Year Ended 31st Dember 2022
TOTAL FUNDS
Notes
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
Cash Funds
2022
2021
Bank Current Account
Church Hall Account
Youth Ac¢ount
Restoration Account
11.6
12.406
1,254
11,690
12,4C6
1,254
3,985
29.335
5,537
3,138
992
4,821
14.488
3,985
3,985
25.350
Investmènt Assets
122,849
122,849
29,594 152,443 121,160
29.594 152,443 121,160
Fixed Assets retained for Church Use
5,000
5,000
Llabllilles
Unpaid 2017 Parish Share
Unpaid 2018 Parish Share
Unpaid 2021 Parish Share
Funds held on behalf of Mother5 & Toddlers
Funds held on behalf of St Pete¢s Greenhill
Little Fishes
Messy Church
Community Café
6,742
11,704
24,769
150
6,742
11,7D4
24,769
288
150
342
41
625
1.158
342
41
625
44.373
1,051
219
319
45.092
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 14711 2 qb2 3
and signed by
Rev Carol Smth (Incumbent)
Mr5 Sheila Goug (treasurer)
Bank:
Lloyds
144-146 High Street
Herne Bay
Kent
Independent Examiner:
PG Lemon LLP
22_26 Bank Street
Herne Bay
Kent CT6 SEA
CCLA Investment Managernient Ltd
Senator House
85 Queen Victoria Street
London EC4V 4ET
47
2Q21
37.743
3.418
1210
315
10.7$3
10.7
11J16
&iyJ
lty# CtyYeÈ
1Z2
1371
1.1
6219
1<751
119)
1ts.727
421
421
17J49
2 Gener•1
TATEII
Dlr4ct MInyE•
71396
71.X6
18.828
18.828
472
716
216
Curates fdetkne
142
2m
W(wslip
•Js
24
24
2A10
6293
7.915
195
135
f5
10J
Subscrtpd
120
F¢w*al$
WI &
174
1.130
St chUh Ilal
247
1116
1,719
st PeWsGr4•nhll
Litde Fi%1*5
21
&972A5
Translerfed io CCLA Fabrfc
cats Di9c(lryPud
Transferred to REStOratt¢ FurKI
to pay U1veal Ston¢ inv
21
11.021.31
174
128.479
STATEME1s
st Martill4n41wne c1mCh Youth AcCnt forY88r Enth 31st Decemiw 202Z
RECEIPTS
ing B8ne0 1st January
991.78
991.78
887.27
ActiMty Days- Donations
Messy Church- Oonatior
Litle Fishts8- Donations
)ttrS & Toddler5. spri[kn S
20251
240.39
374.30
258.93 1.076.13
129.72
105.56
311.9J
I7.91
1.199.17
PAYMENTS
Acti¥Aty Equiprnentlcrnft Mèterfals
Messy Church- Res(HJrr* fier1RefreShrnerts
Lrtue FL%¢S- Party
185.36
193_51
3204
150.
207.39
813.
Balan in Y(*th LCnI 31st Decernber 2(r21
BaLgnGe Y(th PLInI 31sl D8C8mber2
£991.78
£12X35
IFwdfurYrEth 3t
£16
£1
£17
£172
RECBPTS
m.4¢1A8
1a1
E4353
Ilerest
£1WQYI
£121.41463
PAYTAWS
RepfiiT
2022 Pansh Slwe
Bakn•a%at31strXQ1
£11fft0.07
1.WlJJ3
I71 E11.7Qn
t6JJ4 £11.61i0f
PAYMEpirs
£11.T6t78
£11.6107
É11.7•1ni
FLryvJ
PECEPTS
£24.LW5.
PAYME15
BakrrA asat3ta1DEr2o2l
Baknesat31lDttts2o22
rz4wT
51
forYeHF
RecupTS
£1
£129
£ty01
£120
£129
PAYMEP115
24
#F ttdforyth
RECE5
£771
92_19
£7.101SB
£7P)gJ9
nFundknYearEThJi
2021
REcPTs
£3.116
lo. rJ.1XI.
E3.10755
£1J1
£3,109.18
PAYII8Trs
Ayhi
£3.1
t3.1.16
£3,1W.16
RuofFuThJ forY&w
£4M74.11
64.11 £442?
£4.871S7
£4.ST4.11
PAYMEhrrs
B*artsasal 31st DK•thr2foi
B74.11
Indèpendent Examinees Roport to the PCC of the Parish of St Martin4n4lerne with St Peter Greenhlll
This Report on Ihe finanaal ststements of PCC for the year ended 31 December 2022, which are set tyjt
in this annual report, is in respect of an examination rried out under wulalion 3(3} of the Church
Accounting Regulations 20061 Ihe RegLdatK)ns"l and s. 145 of the CharTbes Act 2011 llhe Acri.
Rèspective respon5ibilitk5 of th& PCC and the eMIner
As members of the PCC are reswnsible for the Wepati of the awunts.. you consider that an audit
is not requiied for this year uvKleT Regulati 3131 of the Church A(xxMJnling Regulations and section
144121 of the Charits"es Act 2011 (the Act}. It is my responsibility to issue this report on the acc(MJftts in
act(¥dan with the lerms of the ReguLgtions.
Basis of independent examinerfs report
My examination was carried out in acCOrdar with the Genw31 Direct$ gwen by the Charity Commission
under section 14515Hbl of the A(* arKI to be found in the Churth guidan from the CBF. That examinatTro
includes a review of the accounts.ng re(xx(I kept by the PGG and a (x)mparisori of the a¢coun15 with those
r8cords. It also I18S considering any USUal items or dthU$ in the accounts ar%J seeking
explanations frotn yw as trustees conwniTrJ any SAJch rnatters. The [dre$ undertaken do not provide
all the evidencè that would be requi1 in an audit. arnl (Thsequenty I do rnt express an audit opinKJn on thè
view given by the accx)unts.
Independènt Examrnerfs statemerrt
In connection with my examinalK>n. no matter has to my attenlKm".
whith gNes m& rea5aLle use to beleve Ihat in any malerial resK
the requirèmen15
- to keep acn of the accounts,. you consider that an audit
is not reqtsired for this year urMleT Regulati( 3131 of the Church Accwnting Regulations 2006 and section
144{21 Of the Charibes Act 2011 Ilhe Acti. It is my resFK)nsibility to i&8ue this report on the accounts in
accordan th ltr temis of the Regulatmxts.
Basis of Independ•nt examinerfs r•port
My examinalion wa5 carried out in accordan¢e with the Gèneral Directions gwen by the Charity Commission
under sÉction 14515llb} of the Act and to be f(MJnd in the Church gUKlan from the CBF. That examination
includès a review of the accounling reuNu as trustees conceming any suth mattels. The procedures undertaken (k> not provide
all the eMder]ce that w(KJld bè requir* irtr an audrt and c