Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2021
Our Vision Statement
St Peter’s Church Leckhampton exists to love and worship God, to serve our neighbours and to pass on the faith in Jesus Christ.
The Parish Prayer
Loving God Open our eyes that we might see you. Open our ears that we might hear you. Open our hearts and minds that we might respond to you and bring others to know you. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord who lights our way.
Amen
Charity Registration Number: 1134612
Parochiol Church CouncilAnnual Reportfvr2021 Page 2 of 20
Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2021
Legal and Administrative Information
Name: Parochial Church Council of St Peter’s, Leckhampton (PCC). Location: St Peter’s Church is located in Church Road, Leckhampton and is part of the Diocese of Gloucester within the Church of England. Address for correspondence: The Parish Office, Glebe Cottages, Church Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, Glos GL53 0QJ
Members
Following the 2021 APCM the composition of the PCC is as follows:
EX-OFFICIO
Team Vicar and Chair Revd Gary Grady Curate Revd Jacqueline Henson Readers Dereck Freeman Melissa Webb Churchwardens Jennie Hawdon David Webber Deputy Churchwarden Arthur Webb
LAY MEMBERS Deanery Synod Representatives (until 2023) Mike Riley Peter Davies * Brad Coates Lay Members elected for three years (2021) Ro Baillie Helen Shill * Sarah Wood Lay Members elected for two years (2020) Sally Marlow Penny Piggott Christine Brown Anne Webber Lay Members elected for one year (2019) Mike Riley Margaret Kyffin Peter Marlow
* SCTM Representatives
Co-opted members
Totals: PCC members: 10, Ex officio 7, co-opted 2
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Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2021
Notes on composition of PCC
Calculation of numbers on PCC : six representatives of the laity where there are not more than fifty names on the electoral roll, nine such representatives where there are not more than one hundred names on the roll and, where there are more than one hundred names on the roll, a further three such representatives for every one hundred (or part thereof) names on the roll up to a maximum of fifteen such members, and so that the aforesaid numbers "six", "nine", "three" and "fifteen" may be altered from time to time by a resolution passed at any annual meeting, but such resolution shall not take effect before the next ensuing annual meeting
Co-opted members: We can also have co-opted members, if the parochial church council so decides, not exceeding in number one-fifth of the representatives of the laity elected or two persons whichever shall be the greater, and being either clerks in Holy Orders or actual lay communicants of sixteen years of age or upwards. The term of office of a co-opted member shall be until the conclusion of the next annual meeting; but without prejudice to his being co-opted on subsequent occasions for a similar term, subject to and in accordance with the provisions of these rules.
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Electoral Roll: Currently there are 137 (with a further 6 applications pending PCC approval) on our electoral roll, so we can have up to 15 lay members on the PCC as well as two co-opted members.
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Ex Officio members : The churchwardens and any deputy churchwardens are ex-officio members of the parochial church council by virtue of a scheme made under rule 18(4) of these rules.
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Reps for Deanery Synod are also ex officio members of the PCC.
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The Secretary and Treasurer will be elected from the PCC members.
Terms of Office
PCC members 3 years Deanery synod 3 years SCTM 3 years Churchwardens and Deputy Churchwardens I year Secretary and Treasurer I year
Financial Information
Status: The PCC is a Registered Charity (1134612) Independent Examiner: Mr David Evans Bankers: Lloyds Bank plc, High Street, Cheltenham, Glos. CAF Bank Ltd, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent.
Aims and Organisation
The main purpose of the PCC is defined in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 as “to cooperate with the minister in promoting in the Parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.”
The following Committees promote the life of St Peter’s:
Social Committee: Revd Gary Grady, Ro Baillie, Helen Yates
Pastoral Team: Revd Gary Grady, Revd Jacqueline Henson, Dereck Freeman, Jennie Hawdon, Anne Webber, Sally Marlow, Steve Whittington, Penny Williams
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Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2021
Ministry Report
2021 has been another extraordinary year!
We have continued to live amidst a global pandemic, unknown in many of our lifetimes.
The church nationally has continued to bury the dead, comforted the bereaved, feed the hungry and pray for our nation. We have done this as human beings, living through the same crisis as everyone else; grieving, home-schooling, worrying, getting sick, shielding, isolating and weeping.
Here at St. Peter’s, we have worshipped on-line, kept in touch in different ways, worked out how to use new technologies and, slowly but surely, started to hold regular in-person services in our beautiful church building once again, treading a careful and cautious path.
In the midst of this, Revd Jacqueline Henson was ordained as a priest and has flourished in her ministry, which is testimony to her, her family and the worshipping family at St. Peter’s.
As we reflect on another year like no other, I want to sincerely thank you for your support, patience and endurance.
Thank you for being there, for walking this path together, for digging deep, for finding moments of beauty and new ways to be in fellowship.
There will inevitably be some of you who are still feeling bruised, lonely, lost or afraid – if that’s you, reach out because we walk this path together and God never intended us to be alone.
‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.’ (John 1. 5)
As I look ahead to this year (and next), it is with hope and optimism.
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We have a reordering project on the horizon, which will see some subtle but significant changes made to the building in terms of space, furniture and technology.
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We are working hard to become an Eco Church and ‘green’ our practices, including the provision of a new ‘wild garden’ in the churchyard, a new heating system (the boiler is on its last legs), and solar panels.
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We are continuing to engage with our schools, and already have a good working relationship with High School Leckhampton, which will open its doors (here) in the autumn.
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And we are blessed by all who attend St. Peter’s and give so willingly, in so many ways.
Thank you to all who have supported the life of St Peter’s in 2021, and for how you have showed your love for God through what you do for others.
Every blessing for 2022 and beyond.
Revd Gary Grady, Team Vicar
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Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2021
Review of financial activities and affairs for 2021
The accounts have three sections:
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The Receipts & Payments Account, which shows how much money we received and what we paid out in 2021
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The Statement of Assets and Liabilities which shows the monetary and other assets which the Church has on 31 December 2021
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Notes that explain the detail.
Overall, St Peters remains in a good financial position despite the Spring lockdown, with total unrestricted funds carried forward of £229,029, an increase of £6,382 over 2020, returning us to the pre-pandemic level of 2019.
Total funds carried forward, which includes restricted income and investments, are £272,607, an increase of £14,679 over 2020 and well above the level of 2019. This was helped by a big increase in the value of our investments of £7,628.
We achieved a surplus on running costs in 2021 of £2,391, largely thanks to some unexpected and generous donations in December.
We currently have 75 regular givers, 71 of whom give through the Parish Giving Scheme. Regular giving massively helps St Peters to plan its finances.
As part of South Cheltenham Churches, we continue to support the Refugee Project. The project is being wound down in 2022 after 5 years. The project balance is £4,722 which will be donated to GARAS as originally agreed.
The Music Festival in October raised £1,891 for MusicSpace. The Afternoon Teas in June/July raised £321 for Family Space.
Parish Share was frozen at the 2018-level for 2021.
Over the past year there were 398 transactions through the card reader in church to a value of £2,126. The terminal fees were £258 over the year with £64 transaction costs.
The items of major expenditure in 2021 were the architect’s fees for reordering plans and the new piano. The piano cost £5,265 which was offset by donations of £3,510. We also continue to support an organ scholar part funded by donation.
Policy on Reserves
As a result of the Quinquennial Inspection Report of 2020 the Churchwardens and PCC propose to set aside unrestricted reserves of £20,000 to cover liabilities, as has been previous policy. They also recognise that it is prudent to retain unrestricted reserves of 6 months running costs (£65,000) to meet unforeseen occurrences. The remaining funds are earmarked for reordering in 2022, building maintenance and improvements.
Expenses Payments
Other than the reimbursement of expenses and purchases made on the church’s behalf, no payments have been made to members of the PCC.
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Steve Whittingham the Assistant Treasurer and Mike Riley the Gift Aid Officer for their invaluable help in 2021. Also many thanks to the Independent Examiner, David Evans.
Peter Marlow
Hon Treasurer
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Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2021
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST PETER, LECKHAMPTON
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts (attached) of the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Peter, Leckhampton (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2021.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Name: D G Evans ACIB
Address: 13 Leckhampton Views, Leckhampton, Cheltenham GL53 0AR
Date:
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Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2021
Churchwardens report for the 2022 APCM
Churchwardens: David Webber and Jennie Hawdon, Deputy Warden: Arthur Webb
David and Jennie have met regularly with Gary to discuss church policy, and this has given both them and Gary the opportunity to talk frankly and in confidence, and for them to offer him support, especially with the challenges that have resulted from the Covid pandemic, and to pass on pastoral concerns that may have come to their attention. This is in addition to the more formal Standing Committee meetings. The PCC has also maintained its regular timetable of meetings. It has been good to get back to some form of normality with face to face meetings, though these have still been as socially distanced as possible.
Other regular duties have included the completion of various surveys and official documents as required by the diocese. This year we were able to attend the annual Archdeacon’s Visitation service held at Holy Trinity, when the wardens were officially admitted to their office.
Rev Jacqueline Henson is now in her second year with us as curate, and she has made a marked contribution to worship and parish life, in spite of the obvious restrictions of the pandemic. As churchwardens we thank her for her support.
Although Covid restrictions have been lifted to a degree St Peter’s has continued to proceed with caution with mask wearing in church encouraged, though not enforced. We know we speak for the entire congregation in thanking Gary for his inspiring and enthusiastic leadership throughout another very demanding year.
The altar servers have continued to assist with the smooth running of services and in spite of being few in number have been able to cover every 10 am service. Thanks are due to them and to the readers, intercessors, welcomers, bellringers, choir and organist who all make a valuable contribution to services, and to the flower arrangers for their inspirational displays. Compline services for Advent and Lent were led by Anne Webber and these were well received and well attended.
The Church Building and Grounds
The Quinquennial Inspection of the church was received and urgent items of general maintenance have been attended to, or are in the process of being seen to. One item of concern that was highlighted was the absence of a safety rail on the tower outside steps. This has now been supplied and fitted. The church and cottages were also inspected by Ecclesiastical Insurance to value the respective buildings and contents for rebuilding in the event of fire and to reassess for potential risk and to ensure that we are carrying out the necessary safety checks on a regular basis.
Regular checks, such as the emergency lighting, the electrics and fire safety have been carried out by the appropriate agencies. The gutters and snowboards have been inspected and cleaned as part of regular maintenance, and the cottages guttering has also been cleaned. The loose cladding at the rear of the cottages has been secured and waterproofed and the decayed woodwork has been replaced.
The church heating system was reviewed by a Diocesan surveyor. We were ‘reprimanded’ for keeping the church too warm and we were given advice on alternative sources of heating. When the boiler reaches the end of its life it is unlikely that we will be given permission to replace it as General Synod has decreed that a full faculty will be required and it is unlikely to be approved. Air Source pumps are inadequate for a large church and ground source would require extensive excavation, which would not be feasible in a graveyard. The suggested alternative is under-pew electric heating.
There has been frequent cleaning and sanitising to make the church as Covid-safe as possible. Thanks are due to the people who have done this on a regular basis, including between Sunday services. All this washing had a deleterious effect on the wood of the pews, which was looking tired and unnourished after several months of regular soaking. A working party applied a restorative solution of beeswax and turpentine and polished the pews until they gleamed. A big thank you to all those who participated.
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Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2021
A faculty application was submitted for reordering, but this was delayed because of Covid and partly because of a number of objections raised by the DAC (Diocesan Advisory Committee) so a further amended application has now been made. The reordering will improve the nave area in front of the altar and the area by the Giffard tomb. More detailed information will be given in a separate report.
However, the vestry has been reordered with the construction of new cupboards and the replacement of the old sink unit. This did not require a faculty application so could proceed with the Archdeacon’s approval.
Many people continue to visit our churchyard, where they find a beautiful and peaceful place to sit and reflect – or perhaps simply to walk the dog. We are extremely grateful to Mohammed who has continued throughout to work hard to keep the churchyard neat and trim, and to a group of students from Cheltenham College who have helped out on a regular basis.
During the year, we were pleased to be able to reinstate some of our social activities, including coffee after the 10.00 am service, held outside only and weather permitting. We also welcomed people to our (now traditional) Afternoon Teas in the Cottage Gardens on Sunday afternoons in June and July: these were held outside only, with waitress service and other COVID-related precautions.
In Advent we once again put up a lighted Christmas tree in the churchyard and decorated the Lychgate with lights: a physical ‘light in the darkness’, visible from all directions. We are very grateful to Peter Davies who took on the task of erecting the tree and connecting the electric wiring!
Brownies - 15th Cheltenham (St. Peter’s, Leckhampton) Brownie Pack Livvy Niblett
I took over as Leader at 15th Cheltenham Brownies in October 2021. We have grown in numbers over the last few months and currently have 22 girls at the unit. We have been enjoying working towards different badges and awards from our programme. Quite a few girls have completed interest badges outside of Brownie meetings too. Some of our Brownies enjoyed attending an Activity Day at Deer Park Cowley in April. The girls had the opportunity to take part in archery, grass sledging, kite making and geocaching. We are looking forward to going on a District trip to Cattle Country in May, spending some of our meetings during the summer term outdoors and celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
CCP Donations
Gilly Whittingham
CCP are extremely grateful for the continued generosity of the St Peter’s congregation towards their foodbank. This is demonstrated on a weekly basis by the amount of donations left in the porch for collection. I am met with thanks each time that I take these items down to the CCP shop.
Each year the aim is to highlight the need for increased donations at particular times of the year. In recent years our Harvest Festival donations have been all sent to CCP and in 2021 this amounted to 56.1kgs. There is also a lot of support for the Hamper Scamper appeal in the run up to Christmas. Last December a total of 29.1kgs was collected in addition to the normal weekly collection. During Lent, for the last few years, I have encouraged extra donations as a way of ‘giving something’ rather than ‘giving up something’. This year during the period of Lent an amazing total of 125.4kgs has been donated.
In spite of the effects of the pandemic in 2021 the grand total for donations amounted to 655.8kgs. I am also aware that there are a number of parishioners who send monetary donations direct to CCP. So, a very big thank you to everyone who has donated in one way or another.
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Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2021
Cheltenham Deanery Synod
Peter Davies
In the Church of England and other Anglican churches, a deanery synod is a synod convened by the Rural Dean (or Area Dean) and/or the Joint Lay Chair of the Deanery Synod, who is elected by the elected lay members. It consists of all clergy licensed to a benefice within the deanery, plus elected lay members. Representing St Peter’s Leckhampton with the Cheltenham Deanery are Peter Davies, Bradley Coates and Mike Riley. The Area Dean for Cheltenham Deanery is Reverend Gary Grady. Reports containing minutes of deanery Synod meetings are regularly reported to St Peter’s PCC.
During the period covered in this report there have been three meetings as follows:
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18[th] March 2021, held by Zoom
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30th June 2021, held by Zoom.
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13th October 2021 at St Philip and St James, Leckhampton, Cheltenham.
Churchyard Maintenance
Brad Coates
Caring for God’s Acre has been a challenge this year due to the obvious restrictions but Mohamad and the gang have risen to the challenge admirably. The team from Cheltenham College have also done a great job of tidying the paths and replacing the corrugated iron in the compost area with dry stone walls.
We will soon be embarking on a plan to let some areas of the yard go wild and not be cut on such a regular basis.
As ever, the mammoth task of keeping the churchyard in such great condition relies on volunteers so if anyone can help with either mowing, light machinery maintenance, tidying the Garden of Remembrance or topping up the petrol, please let me know
Cottages Bookings
Parish Office
As Covid restrictions have eased over the past year, there has been a steady increase in the use of the Cottages by various church and community groups as well as private hirers. Some hirers and groups started up again in 2021 (primary school tuition, Little Pebbles Toddler Group (formerly Tuesday Club), Music Therapy, Diocesan Training, private parties, Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council, funeral wakes, Tipi Quiet Day, Enneagram workshop). Brownies returned in the Autumn term, refreshments after church have gradually resumed and we have welcomed back Crossroads Care’s Azalea Club on Mondays.
Craft-T-Time
Kathy Webb
The Craft-T-Time group is a small, informal group who get together to socialise whilst undertaking a variety of craft activities. Due to the pandemic, we were not able to meet indoors this year, but from the end of March to the end of October, we met up every two weeks in each other’s gardens. A summer project involved the creation of several metres of bunting, first put on display for Afternoon Teas and now available for anyone to use when needed.
When not able to meet outdoors due to the weather, some members of the group have continued to knit the blankets that are given as gifts to babies who are baptised at St Peter’s. We hope to resume meetings soon, either outdoors or in the Cottages when all feel safe to do so.
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Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2021
EcoChurch
Richard Kerr-Wilson
A small group of enthusiasts was formed to encourage caring for God’s planet and to promote ecological developments at St Peter’s. In the churchyard, an extensive survey of all the plants was carried out by Ben Gilchrist and plans made for allowing more growth of wildflowers and to encourage wildlife. A section on how we can live more sustainably was started on the church website and notice boards, with regular mention in the weekly newsletter. We have achieved the bronze Eco-church award from A Rocha, and are now working toward silver.
Electoral Roll Officer's Report
Eric Miller
The current total on the Roll is 143, which includes five additions still to be approved by the PCC. Further applications can be made at any time and regular worshippers are encouraged to add their names so that they can be contacted speedily with any important information.
Flower Guild
Veronica Biddle
2021 was a strange year for the Flower Guild. With the church shut for so much of the year there were no flower arrangements in church. When the church opened for private prayer we decided to put an arrangement of silk flowers in the chancel and this was changed occasionally to make a change and use different colours. Limited arrangements were also put in place for Easter and Harvest.
When restrictions were lifted we were able to arrange flowers for weddings once again although these were limited because some ladies did not want to come back to arranging immediately. By Christmas we were back to something like normality and we were able to fully decorate the church for Christmas which was very much appreciated by everyone.
House Group
Arthur and Kathy Webb
In 2021 the House Group continued to meet monthly via Zoom throughout the year. We completed a series of studies on Parables, which was started the previous year, then did six studies from Paula Gooder’s “The Joy of the Gospel” and moved on to Douglas Connelly’s “Heroes of Faith”. These studies often prove quite challenging and give rise to as many questions as answers.
Julian Group
Jennie Hawdon
At the beginning of the year, the group continued to meet ‘virtually’, and by ‘Zoom’ for half-an-hour’s silent prayer, followed by tea and a chat. In the summer we were delighted to be able to come together in person outside in the Cottages Garden. It made such a difference to have that physical companionship again, as we sought to find an internal place and space of calm. In periods of national and international distress or personal trouble, to find such moments of stillness and silence with God is difficult and yet so essential.
One of our members, Judith Bull, died later in the year. We are grateful for her gentle and supporting presence and miss her very much: she was an inspiration to our group.
We are still very few in number, despite a new recruit. If you are at all interested in trying a contemplative and still approach to God, away from the clamour and demands of our busy world, please consider joining us in the Cottages on the first Thursday of the month at 2.30 pm. Contact: Jennie Hawdon.
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Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2021
Junior Church
Liz Johnson
Junior Church met to make Christingles and Mothering Sunday posies. We have not resumed Sunday sessions, having decided that the time is not yet right. In the meantime, we make sure there are some activities in the children’s area in church each Sunday, and have some exciting plans in the pipeline, so that we are ready to welcome children and their families back when our sessions start up again.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group
Hermione Mason
In June we had a Bring and Share afternoon tea in the cottages garden ; this was enjoyed by all as we hadn’t be able to meet in person since 2020. There were a lot of ideas put forward of what to do in the followin g months. In July a few of us met in the churchyard for a walk with Paul, chairman of Leckhampton History society, to learn the history of some of our historical graves. Then in August some of us met at the Lido to see a brilliant outdoor performance of “Much Ado About Nothing”. We also had a very interesting talk by Paul Bennett who runs “Youth for Christ” about what they do. For Christmas we went to Moran ’s for a lovely lunch and catch up. In February we visited the Colsbourne estate to see their wonderful display of Snowdrops. Then in March, Joey, one of our ladies, showed us a documentary “The True Cost“ which showed how people who work in the factories abroad for the Fashion industry are being exploited . It was very informative and eye opening, producing a lot of discussion.
Leckhampton Bellringers
Stuart Tomlinson
Ringing at Leckhampton is gradually getting back to where we were pre pandemic. Gary has been very supportive and keen for us to ring, which means that we have only had short periods when we could not ring for Sunday service or Monday evening practices. Attendance has been very good and we usually are able to ring all 8 bells for the Sunday morning service.
Two new learners (Keith Reading and Bradley Coates) have recently joined the band and are making good progress.
Sunday evening quarter peals have restarted and we rang a total of 16 quarters in 2021. This includes one rung for the ordination of Revd Jacqueline Henson. Another was rung remembering John Ridley from Charlton Kings. John rang 179 peals at Leckhampton and conducted 136 of these, over a 44 year period. We continued our tradition of a quarter peal prior to the 8am service on Christmas Day.
On 30th January 2022, we rang the 2,000th quarter at Leckhampton since the major restoration project in 1972 – possibly the most quarter peals rung at a church tower anywhere.
Due to covid restrictions and the availability of ringers, we only rang one peal in 2021.
Stuart continues to visit the belfry roughly every other month to do a visual check of the bells and fittings. He doesn’t anticipate any major bell expenditure being required in 2022.
Leckhampton C of E Primary School Foundation Governors report
Jane Allison, Sue Marlow, Gilly Whittingham and Revd Gary
The school building is finally finished! The school expansion is well established with all but two of the year groups comprising of three full classes. As foundation governors we have not seen all the work because of Covid restrictions. The old hall has been turned into classrooms and the spacious hall at the back old the building is now in use.
Revd Gary has continued to engage with the school throughout the year, although this has been mostly on-line, leading worship via Zoom and providing recorded messages, filmed in St. Peter's, for Easter, Harvest and Christmas. He did make it in however a couple of times to speak to the children about Christian Aid and to lead worship in person in the new hall during the autumn term. In addition, he
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Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2021
recorded a special message for the Year 6 classes moving on to secondary school and held an on-line welcome service for the new Reception Year children.
Governor meetings returned in person in school just before Christmas and it was a delight to see everyone again. We are assigned to teachers and enjoyed discussing their subject curriculum. We hope to return to school in the Summer Term to work with them in the classroom.
The school opened its classrooms to parents and carers in October 2021. The House Art Competition took place during November.
The Rotary Concert took place again in December at the Ladies College where the choirs took centre stage applauded by friends and family. Y1 performed a Nativity and there was a House Tug of War for the Junior Classes. In February 2022 Y3 put on a production. The whole school supported Comic Relief in March.
On a Friday in March, The School Parliament went to Burrows Field and helped with the planting of a large number of saplings. This was funded by the Woodland trust and organised by one of the school governors, who is linked with Leckhampton Rovers football team. The community officer for the council attended.
The prayer group has been unable to meet in school so socially distanced prayer walks have taken place. We have been kept informed of any instance that needs prayer.
As Foundation Governors we have contributed to serve the school in different ways.
Men’s Group
Richard Kerr-Wilson
The Men of St Peter’s have continued to meet socially on a monthly basis when possible over the past year. Numbers have varied between 6-12. We have had at least one walk with a pub lunch, and in February, we had a visit to the Painswick Rococo gardens with our own guide, Brenda Davies. This was timed to coincide with the snowdrops, and we were not disappointed.
Music
Simon Gibson, Director of Music
A year ago seems a long time and, for the services last Easter, we were only able to have six singers in the choir, due to the pandemic restrictions in church. What a joy then to have a full choir this year for our Easter celebrations. Between then and now, we have gradually been able to increase our singing in church so that we are back to ‘normal’ at last!
In June 2021, we welcomed Jacqueline as our Curate and sang a Choral Evensong on her first Sunday, followed by two more Evensongs in October and March, for Harvest and Lent, respectively.
The highlight of the musical calendar was the St Peter’s Music Festival in October. Having missed the previous year, this was extra special for all the performers and audience – how lovely to be able to enjoy making music again. Many thanks to Tabitha and Maggie and everyone else who helped to plan the day and especially to all the musicians who took part. There were some truly memorable performances during the day and it was particularly good to have the children’s choirs perform so enthusiastically. The less said about the musical finale the better, but it seemed to go down well and ‘Thankyou for the Music’ was the perfect sentiment at the end of such an uplifting day. We also managed to raise a significant sum of money for the charity Music Space.
The Christmas Carol service in December was a highlight for me as the expanded choir sang so beautifully.
Last autumn, we said thankyou to Ben Gilchrist, our inaugural St Peter’s Organ Scholar, and welcomed Laurel Cooper as our new Scholar.
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Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2021
I would like to thank everyone in the choir and the children’s parents for their continuing support and attendance. We have welcomed a few new faces to the choir in the last month, which is always good to see and anyone else who is thinking about giving it a go, please don’t hesitate to come and see me.
Open the Book Peter Davies
Open the book is administered by the Bible Society and the respective parish leader. Many churches participate thus providing a team of people who visit one or more primary schools to present bible stories at the school assemblies or during Acts of Collective Worship. The Stories are taken from “The Lion Storyteller Bible” and Open the Book Years 1, 2 & 3 Storybooks. For each Bible there is an advisory Handbook published by the Bible Society, as everything that is said or done has already been tried, tested and corrected and, for lots of reasons, we promise to abide by the recommended advice.
The Open the Book team representing St Peter’s consists of: Peter Davies (Leading), Jennie Hawdon, Penny Williams, Annie Tincello and Sarah Wood. Revd Gary Grady joins us regularly and is welcomed by both ourselves and the pupils.
The schools visited by the St Peter’s team are Leckhampton Primary every other Wednesday during termtime and, alternatively, Richard Pate School the other Wednesday, thus presenting a bible story at morning school assembly on a three-year rolling basis as recommended by the Open the Book administrators.
The Open the Book administration department of the Bible Society continue to keep in touch with us but, since last reported, because of the Covid Virus, the situation has remained unchanged and, like most other Groups, our team are still unable to visit any of the schools. However, the Leckhampton team are ready and willing to restart whenever this can be allowed.
Parish Magazine
David Webber, Editor; Sue Marlow, Business Manager; Peter Davies, Distribution Manager
The Parish Magazine has continued to be published every month but, because of the pandemic, for some of the time it has only been available online on the church website. However, as the pandemic eased and distributors were able to deliver the magazine, printing has been resumed. As we were unable to deliver printed magazines, as a goodwill gesture advertisers were offered half-price rates for 2021, though they have actually received good coverage online. Pre-paid readers were offered free copies until June 2022 to cover magazines missed.
We have continued to maintain the integrity of the magazine by insisting that all articles are apolitical and, in accordance with Diocesan policy, the editor reserves the right to reject any contribution that he considers inappropriate. The editor makes no apology for the bulk of the content being church based as it is the St Peter’s Leckhampton Parish Church Magazine, but contributions (if any) from the community will be duly considered.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to the magazine. Contributions have inevitably been reduced as groups were unable to meet, but enough has been received for it to continue as a viable, and hopefully interesting, magazine. As we print in-house costs are reduced and more colour has been used in the magazine. The magazine accounts are in surplus.
As a legal requirement, a hard copy is posted to the British Library.
An electronic copy is sent every month, at their request, to the Diocesan Press Office, and the editor makes a point of drawing their attention to any particularly noteworthy stories, resulting in some articles appearing in Diocesan publications and/or submitted to The Church Times (though I don’t think any have actually made it to print). Examples are some bell ringing articles and Ben Gilchrists’s Flora survey of the churchyard.
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Each year the magazines are bound into a hard copy, which is stored in the Parish Office and eventually in the Diocesan Archives.
Pastoral Team
Sally Marlow
Throughout the last year we have continued to meet via Zoom and, more recently, face-to-face, every other month, under Gary’s leadership. Our aim during times of government COVID restrictions has been to make sure contact has been maintained with individual members of our congregation, offering support where appropriate. We have been able to resume taking monthly communion into both Hampton House and Middleton House and have been touched by the warm welcome we have received from the residents after such a long absence. Afternoon Teas in the cottage gardens will resume this summer but we are being cautious about resuming Friday lunches until Covid numbers fall significantly. We have a team of people providing Welcomers for baptism services. Marriage Preparation is now being run by the South Cheltenham Team.
During the next year we look forward to further supporting Gary’s ministry and helping him take forward new initiatives.
PCC Report
Chrissie Brown – PCC Secretary
The current PCC year started at our last APCM, when we were finally able to meet in person in the church with other attendees via Zoom. The four PCC meetings we have had since then have all been in person, in church, following Covid precautions. The Standing Committee have also met in person between PCC meetings and reports of any discussions were received by the PCC, discussed where necessary and recorded in PCC Minutes.
At our meetings, the agenda has covered Pandemic considerations, building and ground maintenance, reordering, heating, finance, safeguarding and a South Cheltenham Team update. Any other business could be added to the agenda as needed. All PCC members have completed the Diocesan Safeguarding training.
At the last APCM we elected Richard Kerr Wilson as our new Eco Officer. Richard enabled us to achieve the Bronze Eco award in July. We are now working towards achieving the Silver award.
Safeguarding
Sally Campion
St Peter’s continues to be committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. There have been no serious causes for concern. Any issues are brought to the attention of Rev Gary and the PCC. Safeguarding is a required agenda item for every Standing Committee and PCC meeting. The policies are reviewed annually in accordance with Diocesan policy. Sally Campion remains as Parish Safeguarding Officer. Barbara Pettit and Liz Johnson continue to act as Evidence Checkers.
Sally Campion, as Parish Safeguarding Officer, regularly reviews the list of volunteers and employees. All individuals who required a DBS check, or a renewal, have been notified and asked to follow the DBS procedure. A DBS tracker is kept by Sally Campion as Parish Safeguarding Officer and Liz Johnson as Parish Office Administrator. All written declarations are stored securely in the Parish Office and are only accessible to Rev Gary Grady, Sally Campion, Liz Johnson and the Diocesan Safeguarding Office.
The Diocesan Safeguarding Team made some changes last year, in line with the National Safeguarding Team, about the levels of training individuals require for the roles they carry out within the church. In line with this, invites to complete safeguarding training have been sent out to all those who carry out roles which require it. Liz Johnson as Parish Administrator keeps a record of all training completed. The training must be refreshed every three years if the role is maintained.
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Online Safer Recruitment training is now available for those involved in the recruitment of staff and volunteers working with children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
Social Committee
Helen Yates
The Social committee were hopeful of more events during 2021 but with further lockdowns and restrictions due to Covid, add-on refreshment elements were cancelled. So no hot cross buns or mince pies yet again!
Our first event was at Petertide at the end of June when a special cake and “fizz” were served in the cottage gardens to celebrate Rev Jacqueline’s ordination the previous day. Thanks again to Suzy for another amazing cake!
Pimms was served in the church following the Harvest Evensong on the 3rd October and the following Saturday we served tea and cakes outside the West Door during the afternoon interval at the Music Festival.
So as we enter 2022 it is hoped that all the usual events will be able to take place – with caution and careful thought as how to keep safe – so look out for notices – when hopefully we can play our part in “The Ministry of Hospitality” – and once again welcome the family of St Peters and visitors.
We are always on the look-out for new volunteers to join us – an extra pair of hands for even one or more events would always be appreciated. Please contact me (Helen Yates) in person or via the Parish Office. My thanks to Ro Baillie, Penny Piggott, Pat Long, Suzy Hime, Anna Beamish and Sally Marlow for all their support – and “extra help” provided by Val, Peter and Jim.
South Cheltenham Churches Team Council
Revd Gary Grady
The South Cheltenham Team Council is the body that represents St. Peter’s Leckhampton, St. Philip and St. James Leckhampton, St. Stephen’s Tivoli, Emmanuel and The Church in Warden Hill, and is in partnership with Cheltenham Network Church, which holds a Bishop’s Mission Order (BMO) for the Cheltenham Deanery. Our shared vision is:
Our team will be joyful, prayerful and engaged with our communities. We will be thriving, growing congregations reflecting a vivid mosaic of spirituality. Shaped by our communities and working together with our ecumenical partners, we will offer a prophetic, Kingdom challenge. As a result, South Cheltenham will know itself to be loved and supported. Intrigued by what we do, they will have a growing awareness of our team and our Churches as the spiritual hubs of inclusive communities.
The past year has, once again, been impacted greatly by the pandemic, during which we mourned the sad loss of Revd Ken Shill, vicar of Emmanuel, who lost his battle against cancer in March.
There was no Confirmation course/service in the team in 2021, but we did hold an on-line Lent Course, based on Paul Gooder’s book ‘The Parables’, which was delivered via Zoom, and was led by both clergy and laity.
A weekly live-stream service continued to be broadcast from one of the church buildings each Sunday, with this service coming from St. Christopher’s once/month.
Morning Prayer was led from one of our church buildings each week day at 9am, with the service being broadcast from St. Christopher’s on a Tuesday. The on-line community for this service has remained constant, with between 30 and 40 present on-line each day as well as those who attend in-person.
Revd Jacqueline Henson was ordained as a priest in June 2021, and we also welcomed Fr Sebastian Hamilton to the team, for a 12 month period, as a fourth year curate, with pastoral responsibility for St. Stephen’s, Tivoli.
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The coming year holds a number of challenges for the Team as we adapt to life after the pandemic across all of the churches. This includes making decisions about ministerial resource at both St. Stephen’s and Emmanuel, working more closely with Cheltenham Network Church (CNC), working through the details for the dissolution of the LEP in Warden Hill (to end 31[st] August 2022), and looking at how we can work together more effectively in mission in each of the parishes.
We have proven stronger when we work together as a Team, and we will continue to look for opportunities to do this in 2022 as we carefully exit out of the pandemic restrictions.
Little Pebbles
Lara Skinner
Little Pebbles is running well on Tuesday mornings, usually we get around 12-15 families, sometimes reaching more than 20. There is a range of ages, some very small babies up to preschool age.
The session starts with free play then I run a rolling craft which is usually reflective of the season or Christian festival. This term we have made bird fridge magnets, farm scenes, Mother's Day photograph frames, Easter Wreaths and used clay to make snails and fish. We supply a snack, always with a healthy option of fruit and vegetables, a sweet treat and often breadsticks or rice cakes too. Parents are catered for too with a hot drink and biscuit or cake. Children then free play until we gather for music and singing. The children are always given a colouring sheet to take home with reflects the craft theme. This is a free session but the parents are mostly very generous in their donations.
This term we plan to buy a few new toys, including a rocker and some ride on toys for the patio to be used over the summer. Some more garden toys would also be advantageous as it will be good to make use of the lovely outdoor space when the weather warms up.
Sunday Coffee
Ro Baillie and Joey Kerr-Wilson
The year has been slightly fraught with COVID continuing to prevent refreshments from being served following the 10 o’clock Sunday service. In the New Year it was agreed that we would recommence serving refreshments in the cottage gardens – drinks served in disposable cups and served from the entrance. This proved to be very popular and luckily the weather was kind to us so we were able to serve every Sunday, bar 1. We have now returned to serving from the kitchen and are able to remain indoors. Numbers seem to be quite high which is always reassuring, especially on Mothering Sunday when for the first time we ran out of cake, superbly made by Suzy as usual. We have 2 or 3 new helpers which is wonderful but of course we could still do with more to lessen the frequency the organisers are on duty. Anyone who would like to assist please contact Ro Baillie on 07717 002752 or Joey Kerr-Wilson on 07990 813122
Youth Work
Hanna Stürcken, Youthworker
As the young people are usually serving in the choir, St Peter’s doesn’t have a regular youth session on a Sunday, there is, however, the option of joining Hot Chocolate Church hosted at Emmanuel and CNC on the second Sunday of the month. Hanna, the youth worker, joins the congregation for worship on the first Sunday of the month and is able to catch up with the young people after the service.
Rock Solid has continued to grow during 2021, with some young people regularly bringing their friends along, seeing an average attendance of 12 young people a night. NextGen still runs twice a month and was moved to run simultaneously as Rock Solid in September 2021. This has allowed a combined youth group of both ages when the volunteer support has been low. It has been a great way for the older and younger youth to bond while still providing youth work for both age ranges.
The youth team hosted various socials at Emmanuel Church, which adhered to Covid guidelines, including several movie and game nights.
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