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2020-12-31-accounts

PARISH OF ESHER Christ Church, Esher with St George’s, West End

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

of the

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

for the year ended 31 December 2020

Proclaiming God’s Love Reconciling, Sustaining, Guiding & Healing

PARISH OF ESHER Christ Church, Esher with St George’s, West End

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

of the PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of the PARISH of ESHER

for the year ended 31 December 2020

Proclaiming God’s Love Reconciling, Sustaining, Guiding & Healing

Rector: The Reverend Darren McCallig Honorary Assistant Priest: The Venerable David Gerrard Honorary Assistant Priest: The Reverend Jonathan Andrew

Churches: Christ Church, Esher and St George’s, West End, Esher

Parish Office: Christ Church, Church Street, Esher KT10 8QS Bankers: National Westminster Bank plc, 73 High Street, Walton-on Thames KT12 1DW

Charity Registration Number: 1134847 Independent Examiner: Gordon Manickam CIA FCCIA

Contents

The role and membership of the Parochial Church Council Rector’s Report Churchwardens’ Report Finance Report Safeguarding Report Fabric Report Electoral Roll Report Parochial Church Council (PCC) Report Children & Young People Report Parish Youth Worker & Esher High School Chaplain Report Esher Church of England High School Report Pastoral Visiting Team Report Fellowship Report Music Report Bellringers’ Report St George’s West End Report Minutes of the 2020 Annual Parochial Church Meeting Independent Examiner’s Report Esher PCC Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 2020

The role and membership of the Parochial Church Council, and the Church officers and officials during 2020

The churches overall management is the responsibility of the Rector, Reverend Darren McCallig and the two churchwardens. The Esher Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of working with these three in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the two church buildings, Christ Church and St George's, West End.

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio, elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) or co-opted, in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

Rector Revd Darren McCallig
Curate Vacancy
Churchwardens Sandra Argent & Helen Coulson
Treasurer Martin Fuller
PCC Secretary John Sandison
Deanery Synod
Representatives		 Helen Coulson, Peter Bedford (both until Oct 2020).
Polly Jordan, Rebecca Warner, Will Stevens
(from Nov 2020)
Elected Representatives
of the Laity on the PCC		 John Sandison, Mair Molteno, Jane Tyrrell, Will Stevens,
Peter Bedford, Rebecca Warner, Andrea Lindow,
Bridget Williams, Kathryn Chapman, Polly Jordan
and Keith Howell-Jones; Wendy Tanqueray & Helen
Vernon (both until Oct 2020); Hugh Miller & Martin
Fuller(both co-opted until Oct 2020 then elected)

Other Parish Appointments

Other Parish Appointments
HonoraryAssistant Priests Ven David Gerrard, Revd Jonathan Andrews
Parish Administrator Melanie Williams
Director of Music Stuart Whatton
Assistant Organist Keith Howell-Jones
Associate Organist Oliver Macfarlane
Youth Worker David Whymark
DeputyChurchwardens William Stevens, Andrea Lindow
Parish Bookkeeper Vacancy
Gift Aid Officer Brian Elliott
SafeguardingOfficers PollyJordan, Alison Mohamed
Noah’s Ark Coordinator Alison Mohamed(until Sept 2020)
Pastoral Visitor Coordinator WendyTanqueray
Occasional Preachers Rebecca Warner, Fiona Owen, John Sandison,
Dave Whymark
Fabric Chairperson Hugh Miller
Tower Bell Captain Jennifer Meade
Flower Coordinator Carol Calvert

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Rector’s Report

My dear friends,

What a year! It’s become something of a cliché at this stage to say that none of us could have foreseen the events of 2020, but it’s true. And I am acutely conscious – as I write this piece from our Annual Report – that while all of us were affected in one way or another by the pandemic, many of us have had our lives and livelihoods turned upside down. It has been, quite frankly, a dreadful time for so many people around the world and here in our community. My heart goes out to all those who suffered on account of Covid-19 – those whose mental or physical health has been seriously undermined; those who’ve had to face personal tragedy in these isolating ‘lockdown’ days; those who have lost their jobs; and, most particularly, those who have lost loved ones.

As so often in times of great adversity we have also seen remarkable sacrifice, resilience and hope. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those who gave (and still give) so much in various ‘front line’ tasks – tending the sick, stocking the shelves, and keeping the essential services going. I do hope that it has given us all a renewed sense of who the truly ‘key’ workers in our society are, as well as the importance of showing them respect, not only with our words but with adequate recompense for their crucial contribution.

Here in the parish it has been wonderfully heartening to see a community of faith pulling together and showing resolve and resourcefulness in these difficult times. We are truly blessed to have so many remarkable people determined to utilise every opportunity to keep our worship life and our community life going.

Indeed, it’s worth taking a moment to recall some of the innovative responses to the challenges of 2020 – the use of SoundCloud and then FaceBook and now YouTube to broadcast worship services and concerts; the distribution of beautifully produced Easter and Christmas cards to almost every household in the parish; the preparation of online assemblies for our Church School (now produced every week); the Church Takeaway initiative of bringing fun and faith to young people over the summer holidays; the new ‘Blessing of the Book Bags’ service in September; reworked Harvest, All Saints, All Souls, Remembrance, Christingle, Christmas Carols, and many, many other services; utilising Zoom for PCC meetings, Morning Prayer Services, Bible Studies, the Parish Fellowship, a new Book Group, and more.

Indeed, it has felt – at times – as if the constantly evolving pandemic situation has required continuous reworking of almost all that we do. This repeated inventing and reinventing, planning and preparing, has been utterly exhausting for those involved. Many of our wonderful staff and volunteers are worn-out. We must thank them and we must also give them time and space to catch their breath.

So, where to from here? It’s a good question and one which I hope we can all prayerfully consider in the coming months. My sense of it is that it would be wise to take our time. Recovery and healing takes time. Discerning the lessons from what we have been through will take time. The emergence of a fresh vision can’t be rushed.

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What I would say for now, though, is that we might bear in mind some wise words from our Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. He once said that the vocation of a Christian community is to give people an opportunity to recognise two things: (i) the complexity of each other; and (ii) the simplicity of seeking to put Christ at the centre of everything.

There’s a lot to unpack in those words. To take the first part first – recognising the complexity of each other – our challenge is to see each other, truly see each other, in all our wounded wonderfulness, and with all our foibles and idiosyncrasies. A Christian community is nothing if not a school in learning to live well together – a place where we are open to the God who is to be found within us and beyond us, as well as in the person alongside us.

And the second part of Justin Welby’s mission statement – the simplicity of seeking to put Christ at the centre of everything – is, of course, absolutely key to our lives as people of faith. What I particularly like is his use of the word ‘simplicity’ because for me, and in this context, simplicity doesn’t mean ‘easypeasy’ or ‘facile’ or ‘making no demands on us.’ Rather, it returns our attention to the one thing needed, the one thing to focus on, the heart of it all. In fact, I’m told that in past centuries a ‘simple’ was a medicine made up of just one ingredient – a healing balm made using just one herb or plant. In other words, a ‘simple’ consisted of the one thing that was truly and vitally necessary. For us, that one thing must always be Christ.

The Revd Darren McCallig Rector of Esher

Churchwardens’ Report

Who would have imagined that we would still be in the midst of a pandemic, subject to lockdowns, now thankfully easing, and still not have been able to celebrate the arrival of Darren (in March 2020) as our Rector?

What a year it has been – but despite all the restrictions on our daily lives and collective worship, not without its achievements. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has enabled our services to continue, either virtually or in person, when allowed and to you all for your support.

The PCC, and all involved in the planning of so many aspects of our worship and community have responded magnificently, often at the drop of a hat to changes in what we have been allowed to do in weekly worship, reflection and prayer. We have all become extremely creative in the ways in which we have been able to participate in services, prayer and bible study, Lent study, Music on the Green concerts and choir rehearsals. We look forward to being able to return to more in person collective gatherings.

Our virtual worship and Music on the Green concerts were revolutionised when a local resident stepped forward to offer his services to live stream our events during the period when his own work was on hold and he was a little bored! What a blessing that was. We have now invested in our own upgraded live streaming equipment thanks to some very generous parishioners. This will enable us to continue to live stream our worship regularly.

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As well as thanking you all for your support during this past year, we also send our thanks, on your behalf, to Darren for his outstanding ministry, teaching and pastoral support since his arrival on the night of the first lockdown in 2020. As we have still not been able to come together as a community to welcome Darren we marked the anniversary of his arrival with a ‘Thank you’ book and we know from the many messages you sent just how much Darren has achieved in this unusual challenging time.

We also thank David Gerrard and Jonathan Andrew, our assistant priests and our deputy wardens Will Stevens and Andrea Lindow, for all their support and work in keeping everything running at Christ Church and St. George’s. Members of the PCC for their oversight and support. Dave Whymark for his remote work with our young people and Stuart Whatton and Keith Howell-Jones for their musical direction. Finally, we must thank Melanie Williams our Parish Administrator for her resilience in home working and continued work ensuring the day to day running of the Parish.

Last year we said God was looking down on us and rewarding our patience in appointing our new Rector and how right we were. We feel truly blessed with Darren’s leadership and teaching.

Sandra Argent & Helen Coulson

Finance Report

The effects of the pandemic, especially the closure of the Church for much of the year, had a significant impact on Parish finances. An early decision was taken to constrain expenditure as much as possible to essential items. Both our employees were judged to be essential, with a continuing need for their services, so we did not apply to the Government’s furlough scheme. The Diocese offered help to parishes from their limited resources, providing nearly £8,000 to Esher.

The Parish continues to rely on the generosity of its regular donors but, with the numbers on the Electoral Roll lower than in the past, the burden is born by a relatively small number of people. For some years now the Parish’s General Fund, which meets our normal operating costs, has operated at a deficit, which has to be covered by our Restricted and Designated Funds. The implication of this is that those funds are then not available for the purposes for which they were intended. It has also not been possible to build any reserve to meet exceptional costs.

Income

Our total income was £244,000, with the fall in income from church fees, Music on the Green, fundraising events and other sources being offset by a bequest from our late churchwarden Beverley and generous donations from other donors concerned about the effect of Church closure. The curate’s house continued to be let throughout the year, providing an important income stream. The Fews Cottage Trust continued its support for our youth programme and also transferred £18,000 to our General Fund as a contribution to church maintenance related to youth work.

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Expenditure

Of total expenditure of £233,000, some £92,000 was on the Parish Share, the levy set by the Diocese to cover its overall costs, including clergy stipends and pensions. Repairs and maintenance cost some £14,000, in spite of the limitation to essential work only. And in spite of the financial pressures, we were able to increase our donations to charitable causes from £4,500 in 2019 to £6,500 in 2020. The Fews Cottage Trust drew on its resources lodged with the Parish to increase its investment in the Church of England Funds.

Martin Fuller

Safeguarding Report

Covid

5

Training

Postponed

Polly Jordan & Alison Mohamed

Fabric Report

Christ Church

The Covid Restrictions and a curtailment of anything but the most essential works because of very limited funds being available meant that only the most essential Fabric Works were undertaken in 2020. Such works being the annual maintenance of the Boilers and the overall Heating System; the maintenance and replacement, where necessary, of the Fire Fighting Equipment; the legally required Five Year Testing of the Fixed Wire Installation and all of the small electrical appliances; the servicing of the organ and the piano etc. All of which still exerted a toll on the very limited finances of the Church.

Similarly the Covid Restrictions prevented the planned visit by the Quinquennial Architect and hopefully this can occur in the late Summer of 2021 – failing which it will have to go into 2022. Making it two years late. That costs that would have been incurred by the Quinquennial Inspection and associated various minor works and certified documents were not incurred eased the financial burden of the last year, but will have to be met in the year 2021.

As was reported last year and remains the case, two major projects are looming ever larger. Namely the repair, if not the total replacement, of the high level lights within the Chancel; and the full internal redecoration of the Church itself and which was last done in 1999! The need for scaffolding and high level access for both of these projects makes it pragmatic and economically sensible for the two to be conducted virtually simultaneously. Clearly the cost of this work will be, by its very nature, very substantial. A sinking fund for these works needs to be set up but because of the ongoing very limited finances of the Church this is not being implemented. This is of grave concern.

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Finally the Fabric Committee, such as it is, is very, very badly in need of at least two other members so that the work load, which often does not require any real fabric expertise, might be shared out more fairly and not imposed totally on one individual!

St George’s, West End.

As with Christ Church the Covid Restrictions limited greatly any works of repair and improvement that had been planned.

A minor work that was implemented was the application of a silicone sealant to the entire perimeter of the church walls where the bottom of the corrugated steel sheets abuts the concrete plinth. This was an elementary attempt to restrict the ingress of water at that point and which might have been undermining the historic foundations. The cost of this was £420.00 and was paid from the St George’s designated fund.

The Five Year Fixed Wiring Test and the tests on the Small Appliances were successfully conducted. The Fire Extinguishers were also successfully reviewed and certified.

A wasp nest also had to be removed by an approved pest controller.

Andrea Lindow, Mair Molteno and Peter Bedford continue to do good work in caring diligently for the fabric of St George’s.

Hugh Miller

Electoral Roll Report

During 2019, leading up to the APCM on Sunday 28 April, the parish was obliged by statute to draw up a new Electoral Roll (as is necessary every sixth year). This resulted in the count of members reducing from 193 on the old roll to 111 on the new roll.

Membership has been relatively static over the past year most likely due to the disruption caused by the pandemic. A few parish people have sadly died though only one had been a member of the Roll. However just recently a number of new people have been added to the Roll.

The Roll now has 128 members from 101 households. Of these, 74 from 62 households are resident within the parish and 54 from 39 households are not resident within the parish.

Melanie Williams

Parochial Church Council (PCC) Report

Seven Parish Church Council (PCC) meetings were held in 2020 taking place in the months of January, March, May, July, September, October and November.

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic the Annual Parish Church Meeting was delayed until Sunday 18 October. At that meeting, Bridget Williams was elected to the PCC and at a subsequent PCC meeting Rebecca Warner, Polly Jordan and Will Stevens were elected to the Deanery Synod. Sandra Argent and Helen Coulson were elected as Churchwardens. The representatives on the Parish Church Council were:

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Meetings were held online via Zoom from March 2020 onwards.

The major items of business covered during the year were:

John Sandison

Children & Young People Report

Noah’s Ark

Noah’s Ark ran between January to March this year, the attendance however dwindled significantly towards the middle of March. The last Noah’s Ark session took place on the Sunday 15 March. Since then, due to the pandemic, no Noah’s Ark physical sessions have taken place.

Our huge thanks go to all of the Noah’s Ark volunteers who prepared and taught sessions on a Sunday morning. Their support allowed for our children to have time to learn about God and Jesus in a fun environment through stories and crafts.

Alison Mohamed stepped down as Noah’s Ark coordinator in September due to personal commitments. It is hoped that new volunteers will come forward to restart Noah’s Ark after the pandemic.

Alison Mohamed

8

Parish Youth Worker & Esher High School Chaplain Report

What a year! Many in our Parish have found the past year very difficult and this is certainly true of the young people who make up our youth work and the students and teachers in our Parish schools, Despite the many challenges however there are things we can thank God for as we continue to look ahead to the easing of restrictions and hopefully a return to some semblance of normality!

Parish Youth Work

As the country entered into lockdown in the spring of 2020 all in person youth work ceased, and this has been true also of the subsequent lockdowns in November 2020 and of course the first quarter of this year. To remain connected with our young people we started running live Zoom meetings on Sunday evenings where we would play some games, pray together, have a Bible talk and just generally catch up with the well being of our young people. Although these meetings started off well attended we did start to see a drop off as fatigue set in for online meetings. We were able to reopen for a few weeks last Autumn and also were able to run two sessions in the run up to Christmas. At the beginning of this year, in addition to a live Zoom call we also prerecorded a Youth Worship Service with modern worship songs, prayers led by the youth and a Bible talk. By the time you read this, in person youth work will have started back on a Sunday evening and this will hopefully continue through to the end of term.

Over the past year I have also increased my involvement with Esher Church School. In addition to being on the Christian Distinctiveness Committee I also was appointed as chair of the Pupil Care Committee where we focus on student well being and supporting those with special needs. This year I am part of a team which also comprises Darren and Jonathan where we present regular pre-recorded assemblies to be shown in classes at Esher Church School. So far I have been able to speak on the big picture message of the Bible and, more recently, the resurrection.

In terms of our younger families we have had a number of events scattered throughout the year, some online and some in person. We ran an online Christingle making workshop and also a no rehearsal nativity in the run up to Christmas. At the start of lent there was an online pancake flipping competition with some other games and a brief Lent thought from me. As with the older youth I think online meeting fatigue had well and truly set in by this point as we only had a couple of families but those who attended certainly had fun! Much more successful was our Easter Egg Hunt that was held over the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Easter weekend. The really encouraging thing was that many of the families who took part were new faces and really appreciated that it was a free activity. A number also wanted to take part in the ‘Heart Stones’ too. We will certainly be repeating next Easter with some lessons learned from this year’s event.

Please do continue to pray for our youth work particular as we seek to build up our in person meetings after such a long time away.

9

Chaplaincy at Esher High School

It has been a fallacy perpetuated by the media that schools were closed during the various lockdowns over the past year. Schools were always open to the children of key workers and vulnerable students. This put a massive strain on teachers who had to combine in person learning with online provision. The changes to the way school operates has also been very challenging with teachers moving from class to class instead of students, making things a lot more difficult. During this difficult time it has been more important than ever to be available to staff to support them and listen to their own individual struggles. Much of my time in school in fact has been spent listening to staff in particular and I was also appointed as a “buddy” to give support to one particular member of staff who had to self isolate at home and was therefore cut off from the normal support she would receive.

During the lockdowns of course, much of my work in the school has been online. Staff prayer meetings have continued via Microsoft Teams and I have had to pre-record my regular assemblies for showing in tutor times in the morning. I was briefly able to do in person lessons again in the autumn term and am very much looking forward to doing some more before the end of the summer term this year. We have also missed the Gideons coming into Year 7 to present Bibles during assemblies, however we have made an arrangement whereby the Bibles will be delivered and left for a Covid safe period of time before I then deliver them myself to the various tutor groups, so it is good the students are not missing out entirely.

We also put together some whole school assemblies at key times through the year. Bishop Jo spoke at the end of the Summer term last year and then I put together the whole school assembly for just before Christmas. Normally Esher High School students would come down to Christ Church for Easter services but obviously that was not possible this year. Instead I put together a drama in the form of different characters who were involved in that first Easter morning being interviewed about their experiences. Local youth workers from Holy Trinity Claygate, St. Peter’s West Molesey and St. Mary’s East Molesey were all involved in playing different characters (whilst I got to be a Roman soldier in full costume!). The students were challenged to consider the events of that first Easter and hopefully came to the conclusion that the most logical explanation for the empty tomb was that Jesus rose from the dead.

Please do pray for our students and teachers especially as they come to an end of a very busy term with the uncertainty of what school will look like in the Autumn. If you have any questions or comments on this report then do feel free to get in touch!

Blessings,

David Whymark

10

Esher Church of England High School Report

In this most challenging year our teachers, support staff, governors and trustees at Esher High School have worked tirelessly throughout periods of lockdown to continue the education of our pupils. What an absolutely amazing achievement. The approach and commitment of our students has been incredible as they have faced the challenge of home learning, away from their friends and support networks.

The school opened to all those children of key workers and those in need to attend school during lockdown, whilst staff taught in person and online to those schooling at home. All this whilst many staff were also juggling the home schooling of their own children.

When pupils were able to return to school it was such a joy to see how much they relished being able to return, although studying in their year group bubbles and subject to many restrictions.

Governors have continued their responsibilities with regular meetings via video calls. There has been a huge amount of work done by the staff, governors and the trustees to ensure the safe working of our schools and for that, we are extremely grateful.

We wish our students well in their summer exams and assessments and we look forward to welcoming new students to Year 7 in September.

During this past year the Academy Trust, now known as Enlighten Learning Trust (ELT), of which Esher High School is a part, has continued to work with the Diocese in supporting other church schools beyond those in the Trust during these challenging times. To enable us to continue the work with other schools this term has seen some significant changes at the High School. Mike Boddington has been appointed Executive Headteacher and CEO of the Trust and Andy King has been appointed to the new role of Head of School. In governance, Debra Mason has taken on the role of Chair at Esher High School and we have appointed Kath Chapman as a foundation governor to the governing body. I shall leave the governing body of Esher High School at the end of summer term to focus on supporting the Trust. I am extremely proud of the support the Parish is able to give to our local church schools, and the High School in particular – so thank you all.

Helen Coulson

Vice Chair of Governors, Esher Church of England High School

Pastoral Visiting Team Report

The past year has been like none other! Contact, with the majority of people we deal with, has been quite difficult, especially with those who have no knowledge of ipads, etc. let alone the joys of Zoom or FaceTime! However, with a little bit of manipulation we do keep in touch, even if it means putting pen to paper when the person we are dealing with is hard of hearing. Loneliness for many people, irrespective of age or circumstances, often leads to depression and a feeling of helplessness, so contact is now more important than it has ever been. Please let me know if you hear of anyone who would appreciate a visit (when circumstances allow!), or just a chat by telephone to show that someone does care

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after all. Just imagine living alone with nothing in your diary and only the occasional ‘phone call or knock on the door - when both are often caused by someone trying to sell you something or, worse still, inveigling you into some financial transaction that turns out to be a scam.....unfortunately, this does happen and the recipient feels totally embarrassed and let down. There is so much help available, if you know where to find it, and, hopefully our Pastoral Support Group is there to help such people, but we need to know who they are. Mair Molteno’s very successful monthly teas have had to be postponed until Covid rules have been lifted, but she always welcomes volunteers to help cater once a year. We are all looking forward to beings hands-on again - roll on that day!

Wendy Tanqueray

Fellowship Report

Like so many activities, the pandemic has curtailed our activities but with the kind assistance of Darren in acting as host, for the past six months or so we have held monthly meetings on zoom. Between six or eight of us have made regular appearances and it has been gratifying to catch up, however briefly, on each other's news and follow our usual services, participating in the Readings and prayers for family, friends, the community and world beyond. In Darren's absence, Jonathan Andrew stepped into the breech, hosting a lively discussion, not what he expected but thoroughly enjoyable he said! We are sad that Betty and Geoff Walker are no longer able to attend owing to ill health, such long standing members so we hold them in our prayers. We are however pleased to have Catherine Powell join us, always good to have new members.

Once back in church we hope to see the return of those who have been unable to join us on zoom, and to meet in person will be an absolute joy. We hope to include our trips to Menta for coffee which was always part of our routine. Normality seems so long ago but springtime has reminded us of the light of hope that shines and the message of Easter that forgives and restores. We cannot forget those whose lives have been lost and the struggles throughout the globe but we are thankful for friendship and fellowship that our meeting together brings for Christ Church and we hope that we may continue to be a valued part of it.

Jan Sayer

Music Report

Liturgical Music

The early part of 2020 was spent in eager anticipation of our new Rector’s arrival, and preparing for his planned installation service on 23 March, which infamously proved to be the first day of the national coronavirus lockdown. Had this service happened as the grand choral event it was meant to be, we would have honoured Darren and his wife Annilese with music referencing their connections with Ireland, Denmark and Norway as well as the world of opera; hopefully opportunities will still be found to air some of this repertoire on future occasions.

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Before the virus crisis blew up, we managed to fit in a beautiful Candlemas service at Old St George’s and an Ash Wednesday service at Christ Church, in addition to our usual Sunday morning worship contributions.

The majority of 2020, from late March onwards, proved to be an exercise in creativity and nimblefootedness, trying to reinvent our music and worship within the practical parameters of what we were allowed to do by the Government’s constantly changing pandemic rules. We went through a number of different phases, the first of which was preparing online services on SoundCloud, using pre-recorded music courtesy of Keith Howell-Jones and his house organ, and ‘virtual anthems’ curated by me from the admittedly magnificent resources of the internet.

Once churches were permitted to reopen, we returned to live music with a greater emphasis on instrumental-only items, involving regular use of the piano in addition to the organ, and the odd guest instrumentalist; while choirs of any sort remained banned, we also experimented with a single cantor for hymns and solo songs (using choir volunteers in rotation), moving to a one-voice-per-part choir and then to a slightly more numerous choir. Our hopes for a triumphant end to the year were somewhat curtailed by the third coronavirus lockdown in December, though we nevertheless managed to lay on an intensely moving behind-closed-doors Carol Service and reasonably festive Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services with live congregations, all of which were livestreamed for those who could only join us online.

We also managed to fit in one external carol-singing engagement, at Glendale Care Home in Walton (in a winter marquee in the garden!), where our performance was enjoyed by the residents including our own former choir member Mary Teague, just before she passed away.

Meanwhile, the younger members of the Jordan and Doolan families have continued to delight us with their youthful talent, particularly during our All-Age services on the first Sunday of each month.

The end of 2020 has seen the de facto retirement from the Christ Church organ bench of Keith Howell-Jones, though he will continue to act as lead organist at West End. A formal presentation to Keith for his three and a half decades of faithful service to the parish (and counting...) is, at the time of writing, in pandemic-induced suspended animation but will hopefully be made sometime during 2021 and, meanwhile, I use this report to offer my heartfelt thanks to Keith for his incredible contribution to our music and worship since the 1980s.

I also pay tribute to Oliver Macfarlane, who has expertly and uncomplainingly taken on a much more substantial role in the Christ Church organ loft since Keith’s retirement; to Diana Johns for her pianistic contributions; and to all our choir members for their varied input during this uniquely challenging year.

Music on the Green

We managed to fit in two Wednesday lunchtime concerts in January and February (respectively, a violin recital and the Dramma Per Musica early music group) before the mists of the pandemic descended and shut down all normal cultural activity.

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As the country oscillated between lockdown, an easing of restrictions and further lockdown, we attempted to keep the flag flying with some sort of monthly MOTG offering, even if only online. There were virtual concerts in July and November – harmonica & piano (in which I myself made my YouTube debut!) and solo piano respectively – and two live concerts during September and October; firstly, a magnificent piano recital by Rokas Valuntonis and secondly, a lovely Baroque programme from the Flauguissimo Duo. The year was rounded off, in the brief gap between the second and third lockdowns, by the Oatlands Singers leading us in a ‘Celebration of Christmas’ event - rebranded from our usual ‘Come and Sing Carols’, since that was one thing that the audience were definitely not allowed to do at that stage of the pandemic!

Music in the Tower would have celebrated its 10[th] anniversary in March, but sadly fell victim to the national coronavirus lockdown. The plan had been to recreate the inaugural event held in 2010 with a presentation of the Bach solo cello suites; I hope we will still be able to do this, probably now in 2022 instead.

There were also plans to mark the 250[th] anniversary of Beethoven’s birth with two major MOTG events featuring the great composer’s one and only oratorio, and a selection of his symphonies in piano duet form; unfortunately both of these concerts had to be postponed, though again it is hoped to resurrect them once the pandemic is behind us.

As ever, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my fellow MOTG Committee members: Melanie Williams in the parish office, Michael Banks for his work on auxiliary lighting and general PR, and Jan Sayer as catering supremo (despite that role being furloughed since March!). Thanks are also due to our rector Darren for his enthusiastic embrace of our parish’s musical outreach programme, as well as for his relative tech-savviness which has enabled us to establish an MOTG presence on the internet and has helped us attract an increasing online following alongside our live audiences.

Stuart Whatton

Bellringers’ Report

Ringing for the last year has been very restricted by Covid - the bells were rung whenever it was permitted. All ringing was limited to four bells only with two metres between each ringer, masks on, windows open, hands washed - no teaching or Wednesday practices. It is hoped to start ringing with six bells in June but recruiting for new ringers will be required.

Esher qualified for an inspection of the bells by Taylors of Loughborough under a special scheme run by the Surrey Association of Bell ringers and a report has been received stating the bells are in good health but need two new ropes. It is good to know that we have been competent in our own efforts at maintenance.

Jennifer Meade

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St George’s West End Report

2020 began on a note of enormous optimism at St George’s. Our new Rector, Darren McCallig, was coming to the Parish in March, and we were looking forward with delight to his arrival. We had no idea what an extraordinary and challenging year lay ahead.

St George’s last ‘normal’ 9am Eucharist was on Sunday 15 March, as we eagerly awaited Darren’s Induction on the Monday 23 March. We joined in enthusiastically with the plans, and were due to help on Saturday 21 March in spring cleaning Christ Church before Darren’s arrival. We were really looking forward to providing food for, and being a part of, the forthcoming celebrations. Sadly, it wasn’t to be.

Darren’s drastically scaled down Induction was followed by the first national lockdown the following day. In West End we immediately set in motion plans ensuring that the St George’s community was supported during this unprecedented time. Everyone was rung or emailed on an ongoing basis - with offers of practical support, arranging shopping or simply listening and reassuring.

At our last ‘in person’ St George’s committee meeting in early March we had produced a long list of plans for 2020, in addition to the regular Services. Create an Easter garden. A working party to wash down the outside of the Church and treat the timber fencing outside of the Church and treat the timber fencing. Produce a new Cook Book. Open the Church to visitors and run a cake stall/bread stall/raffle on the day of the West End Show (our major fund raiser) Produce and sell the delightful Christmas card designed for us by Alice Coulson. Hold a Pet Service. Organise a St George’s Church party. Sadly, of all these plans, the Easter garden was the only one to take place.

In the absence of our regular ‘Tipplers’ get togethers in the Prince of Wales (a popular social evening, during which fund raising events are planned) we arranged to raise our glasses to one another at 6pm on Fridays, from the safety of our own homes. This gave a sense of community, a coming together, an excuse for a vino, and eased feelings of isolation - especially important to those living alone.

St George’s was open from the 24 June on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons for private prayer, which was appreciated by, and provided comfort, to those who came. We had continued ‘socially distanced gardening’ during lockdown, ensuring our tranquil garden was cared for so others could enjoy it - and many did. One unexpected visitor was a badger, who burrowed a little way under the church in an attempt to reach the honey in a nearby bees nest! When he had consumed his fill, we had the hole blocked up, the bees departed and the garden returned to its slumbers.

From June onwards, the St George’s Committee kept in touch via Zoom meetings chaired by Darren. In September St George’s reopened for worship on the second and fourth Sundays, and the Norwegians came on the third Sunday of the month. St George’s, being so small, presented a huge logistical nightmare of planning and rearranging seating to enable the maximum number of the congregation to attend. Only sixteen individuals can be seated safely, allowing for social distancing. We therefore divide our regular communicants into two groups, thus enabling everyone to worship in West End once a month.

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The online services have been hugely appreciated by us all, especially when the churches have been closed, providing a feeling of continuity. We have greatly enjoyed joining the Christ Church congregation in worship and being invited to deliver the prayers and intercessions when St George’s is closed. Something we cannot do in ‘normal’ times as we are fully occupied carrying out duties on our numerous rotas.

We had just got used to this new routine of worship, when we were confronted with the sudden closure of all churches in November, due to another lockdown. Thankfully, although our Crib and Village Carol Concert were cancelled, Darren was able to hold a Eucharist in St George’s on Christmas Day and again on the 27th. (The church having been thoroughly sterilised on Boxing Day to adhere to COVID guidelines!) Having two Services at St George’s enabled everyone from the congregation to worship in West End over the Christmas period. in West End over the Christmas period.

Looking back over this strangest and saddest of years, we give heartfelt thanks for the amazing ministry of Darren, whose care, warmth, leadership and enthusiasm has held us all together during these difficult months. We have been truly blessed. Thanks must also go to everyone who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to care for St George’s Church and offer support to its congregation during this extraordinary year. Thank you all.

Andrea Lindow

On behalf of the PCC

Sandra Argent Helen Coulson Churchwarden Churchwarden

John Sandison Hon Secretary

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Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Held on Sunday 18 October 2020, Zoom

Apologies: Brian Elliott

Annual Meeting of Parishioners

2 Election of Churchwardens

Two nominations received – Helen Coulson and Sandra Argent. Both were proposed and seconded prior to the meeting as per protocol, and were duly elected.

Annual Parochial Meeting

3 Parish Business Reports

Questions were invited from the participants, with most of the authors of the various reports present to answer as required.

The first questions raised concerned the size of our Parish Share, and the possibility of an agreed reduction, which was discussed at last year’s meeting. Martin Fuller confirmed that we had received a 10% reduction for all of 2019 and the beginning of 2020 from the Diocese following our vacancy.

The next question concerned the reduction in the numbers of families and children attending church, and whether this is linked to the change in admission to Esher Church School. Darren commented that he has been pleased with the willingness of families and children to engage with activities, such as Harvest, and he hopes we can build on that. Helen Coulson agreed that the changes to the admission criteria had had an effect, as the governors have moved from requiring two year’s attendance at church, to removing faith admission criteria completely. We did submit a representation, but Helen believed the move has now been made to no faith admission criteria.

4 Minutes from last year’s meeting

There were no questions or suggested amendments. The minutes were formally approved, proposed by David Stark and seconded by Stuart Whatton.

5 Proposal to receive the Annual Report

Proposed by David Stark and Keith Howell-Jones seconded. Motion to receive the report was voted for and passed.

6 Presentation of the Financial Statements

Financial reports, as with the others, were distributed via email prior to the meeting.

Martin Fuller reported that the Parish managed just a small deficit last year, due to severe measures to reduce the deficit which offset the decline in income. The General Fund has run for many years at a deficit, offset by Designated Funds (Legacies Fund and Cranbrook Drive), meaning there is less money in the

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designated funds to spend as originally designated. This is not ideal, but we are continuing to reduce the deficit on the General Fund, with restrictions on maintenance expenditure. (2017 deficit £40000, 2018 deficit £50,000, to £5000 in 2019). But the reduction in our Electoral Roll, and consequently the number of regular givers, is why our income has declined over the years.

A question was raised regarding changes in the payment for the Youth Worker. Martin confirmed that we paid for the Youth Worker in 2019. Costs for the Youth Worker are not charged to our General Fund, Esher High School pay one third of the wage costs, and we use the dividends from the Fews Cottage Fund, a restricted fund restricted to expenditure on children, to meet the remaining costs.

Another question was raised concerning the Youth Worker Contract of Employment and his work in the school and the parish, to which Martin replied he was not sure. Darren reported that he can see huge potential with Dave and his work with the schools. He thanked Dave in his absence. There were positive comments from Polly Jordan regarding his amazing work during the Pandemic, and how much her children had enjoyed the activities. Janie McCulloch added that if children are enjoying the evening activities, we are helping to open doors for their future lives, and it needn’t be all about having them in church.

The PCC have already approved the accounts. Peter Bedford proposed the accounts be received, seconded by Will Stevens. All voted in favour of receiving the accounts.

Martin Fuller confirmed that Gordon Manickam audited the accounts. It was proposed that he be appointed as auditor for next year seconded by Andrea Lindow. This was passed.

7 Safeguarding Report

This was omitted from the original email, but Polly Jordan has since supplied a report. She and Alison Mohamed were appointed as Safeguarding Officers in May 2019, and on the 3 July 2019 our Safeguarding Policy was adopted and implemented. Signed copies were made available in both churches. Safeguarding Posters with Safeguarding contact details were also prepared and displayed. The Parish of Esher website was also updated with a Safeguarding tab. A dedicated Safeguarding email address has also been set up. Parish training needs were identified and some members of the PCC have undertaken elements of this in January 2020. Polly supplied an analysis of the figures for the numbers who have completed the various sections. Plans for further training were put on hold when lockdown commenced. DBS checks and compliance are work in progress. A large number of risk assessments have been completed for various activities in both our churches. Working risk assessments have also been completed for Melanie Williams and Stuart Whatton. Anyone who hires our churches are required to abide by our Safeguarding policies. This was approved by the PCC on the 6 November 2020.

Safeguarding Sunday and proposed First Aid training have been put on hold during the pandemic. Safeguarding is a standing item at every PCC meeting.

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Polly talked about the Diocesan training available for PCC members and those in specific roles within the Parish and would make links available to those who needed to complete the training.

Darren thanked Polly and Alison for all the work they have done, particularly on the extra workload on Risk Assessments during COVID-19.

Darren extended his thanks to everyone who has contributed a report to the meeting, to all who volunteer and contribute to keep our large organisation going.

8 Election of PCC and Synod members

Thank you to Rebecca Warner who is stepping down from the PCC, and to Wendy Tanqueray and Helen Vernon who have completed their three year term. They were thanked for their service.

There are three vacancies to fill for which there have been two nominations: Bridget Williams and Peter Bedford. They were duly elected.

There are three vacancies on the Deanery Synod for which we have received no nominations. The PCC will consider appointments to these posts at their next meeting.

9 Any other business

David Gerrard thanked Darren for coming to the Parish and the work he has done in these months.

Helen Coulson, and also on behalf of Sandra Argent, thanked everyone for their support and hard work in coming together to keep our Parish going during the very challenging time of our Interregnum. She expressed how grateful we feel for the arrival of Darren and Annilese, and she thanked Darren on everyone’s behalf for pulling us all together and working with us during what has been a very difficult year.

10 Closing Prayers were led by Revd Darren McCallig

Helen Coulson & Jane Tyrrell

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Independent Examiner’s Report

To the Parochial Church Council of Esher

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020 as set out on the following pages.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner

As the members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention:

Gordon Manickam CIA FCCIA 84 Greenways Hinchley Wood KT10 0QJ

18 May 2021

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Esher PCC Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 2020

Income and Expenditure for the year ended 2020

Incoming Resources

£s Unrestricted Designated Restricted
2020
2019
Incoming resources from generated funds
Regular giving 101,988 - - 101,988
87,870
Gift Aid 28,458 - 647 29,105
25,832
Church collections 11,335 150 - 11,486
13,963
Donations & bequests 28,065 20,280 - 48,345
5,960
Sales of donated investments
5,180		 - - 5,180
3,046
Sundry receipts 806 6,865 - 7,671
8,246
Church fundraising events 15 - - 15
2,076
Card & notelet sales 93 - - 93
773
Church fees 3,382 - - 3,382
7,259
Music on the Green - 992 - 992
6,042
Traidcraft sales - - - -
299
Investment income (dividends)
358		 - 19,663 20,021
21,157
Rental income - 15,660 - 15,660
22,176
Totals 179,683 43,948 20,310 243,942
204,705
Other incoming resources
Appeal donations - - 3,405 3,405
5,662
Grand Totals 179,683 43,948 23,716 247,347
210,367

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Resources Used

£s Unrestricted Designated Restricted
2020
2019
Cost of generating funds
Music on the Green - 1,021 - 1,021
3,898
Cards & notelets - - - -
579
Fundraising events - - - -
87
Traidcraft purchases - - - -
237
Totals - 1,021 - 1,021
4,803
Charitable activities
Grants & appeal payments 1,272 - 5,313 6,585
4,527
Parish share 91,439 - - 91,439
99,300
Clergy travel costs - - - -
46
Clergy telephone costs 1,002 - - 1,002
-
Clergy other expenses 432 - - 432
-
Rectory gas/electricity 1,827 - - 1,827
1,783
Rectory running costs 1,033 - - 1,033
1,579
Repairs & maintenance 5,646 474 7,580 13,701
9,266
Cleaning - Christ Church 2,120 - - 2,120
3,599
Cleaning - St George’s - - - -
-
Electricity - Christ Church 2,957 - - 2,957
3,377
Electricity - St George’s 456 - - 456
548
Gas - Christ Church 2,545 - - 2,545
2,809
Water rates - Christ Church 281 - - 281
105
Water rates - St George’s 51 - - 51
43
Insurance - Christ Church 3,667 652 - 4,320
4,211
Insurance - St George’s 442 - - 442
434
Sundry expenses/petty cash
987		 50 - 1,037
4,524
Communion table - - - -
732
Flowers 400 - - 400
400

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Resources Used (continued)

£s Unrestricted Designated Restricted
2020
2019
Charitable activities (continued)
Organists’ fees 8,400 - - 8,400
7,640
Organ/piano maintenance 1,374 - - 1,374
2,864
Choir expenses & music 117 - - 117
177
Organ scholarships - - - -
930
Church meetings/awaydays - - - -
316
Training & courses - - - -
217
Youth worker - 20,600 - 20,600
20,525
Office salaries/taxes 18,901 - - 18,901
20,075
Printing & stationery 1,780 - - 1,780
1,333
Office telephone costs 572 - - 572
470
Photocopier costs 336 - - 336
1,295
Postage - - - -
192
Depreciation 6,285 222 5,695 12,203
16,271
Bank charges 545 - - 545
644
Office sundry costs 662 - - 662
-
Fews Cottage Trust Investment - - 35,800 35,800
-
Totals 155,537 21,999 54,390 231,927
210,245
Grand Totals 155,537 23,020 54,390 232,948
215,049

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Balance sheet as at 31 December 2020

£s Unrestricted
Designated		 Restricted 2020
2019
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 503,856
667		 17,086 521,610
533,814
Investments -
-		 1,140 1,140
1,066
Fixed assets 503,856
667		 18,227 522,751
534,881
Current assets
Debtors 8,643
-		 - 8,643
5,943
Cash at bank & in hand (24,095)
139,392		 26,875 142,171
119,011
Current assets (15,451)
139,392		 26,875 150,815
124,954
Liabilities
Creditors (amounts
falling due in one year)		 1,169
-		 1,194 2,363
3,070
Net current assets
less current liabilities		 (16,621)
139,392		 25,681 148,452
121,884
Total assets less
current liabilities		 487,235
140,059		 43,908 671,203
656,766
Tangible Fixed Assets
£s Property Equipment Total
Balance at 1 Jan 2020 485,000 136,009 621,008
Less accumulated depreciation - (87,194) -
Less depreciation in 2020 - (12,203) -
Balance at 31 Dec 2020 485,000 36,610 521,610

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Balance Sheet Totals by Funds

£s Unrestricted Designated Restricted
2020
2019
Unrestricted 487,235 487,235
445,167
Designated
Music on the Green - 8,826 - 8,826
8,702
West End - 17,717 - 17,717
17,964
Cranbrook Drive - 69,715 - 69,715
54,707
Bell Fund - 161 - 161
123
Legacies Fund - 43,639 - 43,639
23,639
Youth Worker - - - -
-
Restricted
Advent Appeal - - (1,195) (1,195)
-
Agency Collection - - - -
35
Property Fund - - 5,216 5,216
12,248
Fews Cottage - - 10,967 10,967
59,105
Spire Fund - - 7 7
6
Other Appeals - - 1 1
-
Boiler Renovation Fund - - 17,086 17,086
22,782
Children/Youth Fund - - 5,577 5,577
5,577
GofR Maintenance - - 6,245 6,245
6,705
Funds of the Parish 487,235 140,059 43,908 671,203
656,766

Grants for charitable purposes

£s Total
Lent Appeal 2020 – East Elmbridge Foodbank 3,237
Queen’s Close piano appeal 499
Macmillan Coffee Morning 382
Kathryn’s Mercy Home, India – sponsorship of child 180
Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness 1,092
Advent Appeal 2020 – Samaritans 1,195
Total 6,585

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020

Accounting policies

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and Accounting and Reporting Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102). The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of property and investment assets, which are shown at market value. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

Funds

General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted. The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of separately designated charities. There are no endowment funds.

Incoming resources

Collections are recognised when received by the PCC. Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the related income is recognised. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for when the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is probable. Dividends on investments are accounted for as they accrue. Unrealised gains or losses on revaluation of investments and property are accounted for on revaluation at the year end.

Resources expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when awarded, if that creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

Activities directly relating to the work of the Parish

The Diocesan parish share is accounted for when payable.

Tangible fixed assets

Consecrated land and buildings are excluded from the accounts by the Charities Act 2011. No value is placed on movable church furnishings. All expenditure on such items is written-off as incurred and separately disclosed in the accounts. The curate's house, 74 Cranbrook Drive, is included at a previously estimated market value. Equipment used within the Church premises is depreciated on a reducing balance basis of 25% of asset Net Book Value, or in the case of computers, 33.33% of Net Book Value. Individual items costing less that £1,000 are written-off when acquired.

Current assets

Short-term deposits are held with the CBF Church of England Funds.

Employees

The Church employed two people in 2020: the parish administrator and the youth worker. No benefits or expenses were paid to any member of the PCC.

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Parish Office, Christ Church, Church Street, Esher Surrey KT10 8QS

Telephone: 01372 462282 Email: office@esherparish.org.uk Website: www.esherparish.org.uk

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