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


## **ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

## **of the** 

**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL for the year ended 31 December 2022** 

Growing together in faith, hope and love 



## 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 2022 

Growing together in faith, hope and love 

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 

Deanery Synod Report Children, Young People & Families Report Esher Church of England High School Report 

Pastoral Visiting Team Report 

Fellowship Report 

Community & Business Outreach Report 

InSpire Report 

Exploring the Bible - Discussion Evenings Report 

Book Group Report Music Report 

Bellringers’ Report St George’s West End Report 

Minutes of the 2022 Annual Parochial Church Meeting 

Independent Examiner’s Report 

Esher PCC Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 2022 



## **The role and membership of the Parochial Church Council, and the Church officers and officials during 2022** 

The overall management of the church is the responsibility of the Rector, The 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, evangelical, 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 may be ex-officio, such as the Rector and the churchwardens, elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM), or co-opted, in accordance with the church representation rules. 

|Rector|Revd Darren McCallig|
|---|---|
|Churchwardens|Helen Coulson,Jane Tyrrell|
|Treasurer|Martin Fuller|
|PCC Secretary|Peter Bedford|
|DeanerySynod Representatives|PollyJordan,Mair Molteno,Will Stevens|
|Elected Representatives<br>of the Laity on the PCC|Michael Banks, Peter Bedford, Kathryn Chapman<br>(until May 2022), Martin Fuller, Andrea Lindow,<br>Jennifer Meade, Hugh Miller, Margaret Miller<br>(from Sep2022),Bridget Williams|



Other Parish Appointments 

|Other Parish Appointments||
|---|---|
|HonoraryAssistant Priests|Ven David Gerrard,Revd Jonathan Andrews|
|Parish Administrator|Melanie Williams|
|Children & Families Worker|Kathryn Chapman|
|Director of Music|Stuart Whatton|
|Assistant Organist|Oliver Macfarlane|
|Organist Emeritus &<br>Lead Musician,West End|Keith Howell-Jones|
|Senior Organ Scholar|George Ashley|
|Junior Organ Scholar|Rowan Marshall|
|DeputyChurchwardens|William Stevens,Andrea Lindow(St George’s Church)|
|Parish Bookkeeper|Vacancy (covered byMartin Fuller)|
|Gift Aid Officer|Brian Elliott|
|SafeguardingOfficers|PollyJordan,Alison Mohamed|
|Pastoral Visitor Coordinator|WendyTanqueray|
|Fabric Chairperson|Hugh Miller|
|Tower Bell Captain|Jennifer Meade (until Sep 2022),<br>Ann Battensby (from Sep 2022)|
|FellowshipGroupLeader|<br>Jan Sayer|
|Book GroupLeader|Revd Jonathan Andrew|
|Friends Coordinator|Jane Tyrrell|
|Flower Coordinator|Carol Calvert|
|InSpire Team|Juliet Philip,Jane Tyrrell,Bridget Williams|
|Community & Business<br>Outreach Coordinator|Michael Banks|



**1** 



## **Rector’s Report** 

It is a joy to be Rector of this Parish.  From the first day I visited Esher for the interviews – some three and a half years ago now – I have met so many incredibly kind and faithful people.  The reports in this document bear witness to the generosity and commitment of the veritable army of volunteers, and three part-time staff, who help our church community function and flourish. Thank you one and all.  Thank you for supporting and praying for me (keep those prayers coming!) And thank you for all you do to sustain the mission and ministry of this place. 

Indeed, when you consider what we have been through these past three years or so – the dislocations and losses caused by Covid, plus the various national and international challenges – it is both astonishing and encouraging to find a parish in such good heart. As I write this report in Holy Week yet another survey has just been published detailing the difficulties facing the Church of England.  We’re told that, on average, attendance has declined by between a quarter and a third in churches across the land since 2019. 

Thankfully, here in Esher, we are bucking that trend in a significant way.  All three traditional measures of church growth – electoral roll numbers, regular giving and Sunday attendance – are now above 2019 levels and, please God, will continue to grow. Not that we should be overly focused on statistics.  As the old saying goes, ‘Not everything that can be counted counts and not everything that counts can be counted.’! 

Besides, I would add that – for Christians – the essential growth to which we are called is, as Saint Paul reminds us, an increase in spiritual maturity and in becoming Christ-like: ‘We must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.’ (Ephesians 3.15b). That grace-enabled growing and maturing is our highest calling and is measured – not on spreadsheets – but in lives characterised by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5.22). 

Moreover, in all that we do we ought to be mindful of Saint Paul's admonition to the Christians of Corinth when they boasted about their missionary ‘success.’  The Apostle reminded them that while they had undertaken specific and necessary preparatory tasks – ‘I planted and Apollos watered’ – it was ultimately God alone who brought new life and increase. ‘So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.’ 

So, I commend this Annual Report to you, and let us – by the grace of God – keep planting and watering! But, most of all, let us commend our beloved parish and its people to the One who alone gives the growth. 

The Revd Darren McCallig Rector of Esher 

**2** 



## **Churchwardens’ Report** 

2022 will be remembered by many as a year in which we focused on our wonderful Queen, both in rejoicing and in sadness. 

In the Summer we celebrated the Queen’s incredible 70 years on the throne, with the church and churchyard resplendent with celebratory bunting and a delicious Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea. This was followed by a Festal Jubilee Evensong service, which included the world Premier performance of the beautiful anthem “Put thou thy trust in God” – a fitting tribute to our Queen and acknowledgement of her enduring faith and sense of duty.  Many of us joined in the celebrations and thanksgiving for our Queen, for her constant presence and her years of devotion and service to our country. 

The sudden realisation that this constancy was about to come to an end came on receipt of an email from the Diocese on the afternoon of September 8 entitled ‘Bridges Protocols on the death of HM the Queen.’ This was before the official announcement, and contained guidance on how best to respond to community needs. This was followed by a confirmation AD Clerum from the Bishop of Guildford reiterating things we could do as a local Parish to support our congregations and community. The response from our various teams of volunteers was incredible – the church was prepared with the appropriate liturgical colour purple, candles and books of condolence were made available, beautiful white flower arrangements were put in place and muffled bells rang out across Esher. The liturgy for the following Sunday was changed at what was very short notice, a special pewsheet prepared and Darren delivered a wonderful sermon in tribute to our Queen. 

The church was open again on the day of the Queen’s funeral, with the service and procession of the cortège live streamed to those who wished to watch with others in a peaceful and supportive environment. Around 60 people attended, each provided with an Order of Service. Many members of our local community made their way to Christ Church during this time of mourning, and we can be proud that our church looked and felt just right for those who needed quiet time and space. 

In May we held a service of thanksgiving for all our wonderful volunteers who do so much within our churches and community. This was followed by drinks and a lasagne supper, which judging by the volume of chat was enjoyed by all.  This sense of community and fellowship was evident again when we came together to provide the nearly 400 afternoon teas to all the visitors at the West End Village Flower Show, which returned this year after an absence of two years.  It was wonderful to see so many people from the community coming together and enjoying afternoon tea in glorious sunshine. 

We have recently supplemented the online volunteer rota with a more “in person” approach, although online is still in place too. How heartening it is to have so many new and existing volunteers coming forward to fulfil the numerous roles required each week to keep our churches running smoothly. The rota is quickly filled for the following month, and new volunteers have expressed their appreciation of being asked to help too. Being involved is a great way of meeting people and feeling part of the team. Thank you to everyone who has been and continues to be part of that team. 

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Meeting people and having a chat over coffee and biscuits after the service is thankfully something we have been able to return to after all the COVID restrictions. Having moved the back pews to create more space for our volunteer supper, we took the decision to leave them arranged in such a way as to create a space more conducive to people gathering together and circulating to talk to different people after our services. This space is also now used, among other things, for PCC meetings, Lent groups and Friends’ coffee mornings. 

The Friends’ coffee mornings have continued throughout the year, and have provided the opportunity to catch up and share ideas. It has to be said however, that this is an area for further development as our original plans were to provide a range of activities and encourage people in from our wider community. This is not something we have had the capacity to do to date, but this year has seen development in our relations with our local community in other ways, such as our links established with the Lower Green Community Centre and the Esher Chamber of Commerce. 

I am sure there is more we could say about the numerous events and activities which have taken place in the last year (some will be covered in other reports), but this summary serves to illustrate just how far we have progressed in so many ways since the lifting of COVID restrictions. This has really been our first relatively “normal” year since Darren arrived, which has enabled us to do so much more than our previous few years. In terms of our Eucharist, after careful consideration and discussion with our excellent safeguarding team, we took the decision to introduce simultaneous administration by intinction which we continue to this date. This we felt was an important step forward, whilst protecting the vulnerable in our congregations and indeed the presiding Priest who has to finish the wine left in the cup. 

With a return to more ‘normal’ ways we have been able to focus on our outreach with the appointment of our new Children and Families Worker, Kath Chapman.  The work she is doing with our young children and families is wonderful to see in action and it is encouraging to see all generations involved in the worship and life of our churches. 

As ever, finances and our church buildings estate keep us occupied and are a constant challenge.  We continue to look for ways to increase our regular giving and manage our finances, particularly when facing the challenges that we all have in the economy with rising prices, particularly in utilities and increasing other costs that impact the maintenance of our buildings.  We have engaged with the Diocese on our parish share and challenged them to understand what the wider Diocese is doing to drive costs down for the benefit of all. 

However, the reality of the situation, as our Treasurer has reported, is that our income is not keeping pace with our expenditure and we are having to supplement this from other income sources, which is not sustainable in the long term. 

As part of our good estate management, we have still sought to keep our buildings in good repair and you will read in the Fabric and West End reports about the work that we have been able to undertake.  We have a schedule of upcoming work from our quinquennial buildings inspection that we are acutely aware of.  Our main focus has been everyday maintenance, the redecoration and repair of St. George’s, West End, and the need for new lighting in Christ Church.  The consultation process with lighting 

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experts has started and we have detailed plans and costings.  We are actively looking at ways of raising the money to complete these projects, but need to put realistic timeframes on these as we do not have reserves that we can call upon to fund these. 

Finally, it must be said that whilst we have all worked and contributed so much this year, we could not have come as far as we have without the support of all our staff, our deputy churchwardens, Andrea and Will, our supporting clergy and you our fellow parishioners. Thank you all. 

In all this we have been guided by Darren’s presence, leadership and teaching. Many have commented that we are very lucky he is with us, indeed we are and we know we would all want to say a very big thank you Darren for all you do for our Parish. 

Jane Tyrrell & Helen Coulson Parish Churchwardens 

## **Finance Report** 

In 2022 the Church spent some £30,000 more than it received in income, drawing on reserves to meet exceptional items, as described below. As in previous years, the General Fund recorded a deficit, in 2022 of £35,000, which was offset by a surplus on the Designated Funds. 

## Income 

The Church’s income in 2022 was £222,000 (against £269,000 in 2021). Although regular giving and church collections had held up well, and Music on the Green had raised more than in 2021, donations and bequests were at a lower level, as was rental income. 

Thanks to a generous donation from a member of the congregation, a contactless payment system was set up last autumn at Christ Church, and by the start of March 2023 had received £4,290 in donations, a third of which were Gift Aided. It would be fair to assume that at least a proportion of this money would not have been received had a contactless system not been available. 

## Expenditure 

The Church spent £252,000 in 2022, compared with £221,000 in 2021. The largest increase was on repairs and maintenance of our two churches: £51,000 (£20,000 in 2021). The main reason for this was the refurbishment of St George’s, West End, which cost some £38,000: £25,000 was met by a legacy from previous years, and £13,000 was drawn from the St George’s designated fund. A successful refurbishment fundraising campaign led by the St George’s committee generated £11,000 and, together with other income to the fund, left the fund with £18,500 at the year-end – greater than its opening balance of £16,000. Donations to the St George’s appeal have continued this year. 

The main item of expenditure, the Parish Share (our contribution to the Diocese’s shared costs, including our own) actually reduced (£99,000 down from £103,000) as a result of the adjustment of attendance numbers from previous years. Our gas and electricity bills benefitted from fixed price tariffs, but these are coming to an end and 

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we will see significant increases in 2023. The Diocese contributed £1,000 from its own funds to meet exceptional energy costs and has offered a further £1,000 for this purpose in 2023. The Church donated £7,411 to charitable causes, as recorded in the accounts. In addition, the concert in aid of Ukraine raised another £4,120. 

For most of the year we had a vacancy for a youth worker, and costs under that heading were therefore lower than in 2021. Expenditure was however incurred on professional fees: architects engaged for the proposed lighting project; and solicitors advising on a complicated bequest. 

## Martin Fuller 

Parish Treasurer 

## **Safeguarding Report** 

## Summary 

- Alison Mohamed and Polly Jordan were appointed as Safeguarding Officers in March 2019 and remain in post. 

- Safeguarding posters have recently been updated and are on display in both Churches. 

- Contact details for the Parish Safeguarding Officers, Diocese Safeguarding Adviser and relevant helplines are displayed in both Churches. 

- Dedicated Safeguarding email plus direct contact details for both Safeguarding Officers easily accessible. 

- Safeguarding is a standing agenda item at every PCC meeting. 

- Safeguarding tab clearly visible on website. This provides details of the Parish Safeguarding officers and Diocese Safeguarding advisers. 

- We are making good progress towards safeguarding compliance in our Churches. 

- A successful training session for the ‘Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse’ module was held by Polly on 22nd May 2022. 

## Summary 

- Safeguarding Action Plan to be drawn up and approved by the PCC. 

- Volunteer list still to be updated (last done and confirmed by PCC on 22 January 2020). 

- Some PCC members, employed workers and other volunteers have outstanding Safeguarding Training to complete although compliance is improving. 

- Ongoing work to ensure DBS compliance. 

## COVID 

- As a Parish we responded very quickly to the imminent threat posed by SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in early 2020. On 3rd March 2020 there was agreement to suspend physical sharing of The Peace and our Communion policy was revised.  We also issued guidance on handwashing and provided hand gels around the churches. This was in advance of any guidance from the Church of England. 

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- We have continually kept this under review and following a covid regulations meeting on 4th October 2022 a decision was made to allow the simultaneous administration of the sacraments (i.e. the president dips the bread in the wine before giving it to the communicant). The response to this has been positive. 

- The suspension of the physical sharing of The Peace remains in place. 

- Our goal continues to be to strive to keep our Churches as safe as possible and keep the best interests of our more vulnerable members as our top priority. 

## Plans 

- We plan to hold a ‘Safeguarding Sunday’ with focus on Safeguarding within our Churches to raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding and the structures and support available within our Churches and the Diocese. Jane Huttly, Diocese Safeguarding Adviser and Head of Policy and Training has kindly agreed to come and speak, arrangements for this are ongoing 

- First Aid Training – plans to hold a first aid training course for our volunteers had to be postponed due to Covid, however, plans for this are underway to hold this in 2023 

- Plans to fund the purchase and installation of a defibrillator outside Christ Church, which would be available for use by our Church and also the wider community were also postponed during the pandemic but we hope to act on these plans in 2023 

## Conclusion 

Overall, the PCC is making progress with regard to prioritising Safeguarding in our Churches and compliance with the duty to have ‘due regard’ to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidelines. However, there is further work to be done as outlined above. 

Polly Jordan & Alison Mohamed Parish Safeguarding Officers 

## **Fabric Report** 

## Christ Church 

As with the previous year only the most essential repair and redecoration was undertaken in the past year since available funds remain extremely limited. 

In late December the two primary pumps in the boiler room and serving the heating throughout the church began to malfunction. To the credit of our regular mechanical contractor, C&W Heating, they went to great lengths to source new pumps and install them in the immediate run up to Christmas. The cost of this was £ 4,986 including VAT. 

The proposed revamping of the entire lighting and electric systems within the Church (as reported on last year) was progressed with the approved lighting consultants and the updated estimate of cost is circa £110,000 exclusive of vat. The funds generally available within the Church are £45,000 and there have in addition been pledges amounting to £20,000. So a shortfall of £45,000 remains! 

**7** 



Whilst we are hopeful of raising circa £20,000 from The Benefact Trust (and this cannot be guaranteed) there remains a balance of circa £25,000 to be found if the project is to go ahead. 

The Scheme comprises four elements, which are all interlinked, namely: 

- Basic task lighting for the entire church. 

- Roof and wall lighting to enhance the overall ambience. 

- Focus lighting for features within the church and to provide for specific events. 

- Lighting of the dais for MOTG concerts/plays/events 

The intended programme in simple terms is: 

- 31 August 2023 – project approval by the Diocese 

- 16 October 2023 – call for tenders from four selected contractors 

- 21 November 2023 – receipt of tenders 

- 16 December 2023 – award of contract 

- 23 January 2024 – works start on site (this may require the closure of the church) 

- 3 April 2024 – completion and handover together with operational training for church personnel (NB Good Friday is the 7 April 2024). 

Clearly it will be very wrong to contract for the works if there are insufficient funds at that time; in which case the project would need to be delayed for at least a year. As such active fund-raising needs to commence forthwith. 

As last year, the Fabric Committee consists of just Hugh Miller, Olly Dickinson and Ian Royce – who constantly undertakes various minor works around the Church and his contribution is invaluable. At least one other member, if not two, would be most welcome to the Fabric Committee to spread the load and which is considerable. 

## St George’s, West End 

In August the entire exterior of St Georges was re-painted with the decorators working carefully and very hard to take the old paint down to the steel subsurface and that would therefore guarantee sound paintwork for many years to come. The steel wall sheets were all found to be in very, very good condition with very little evidence of rust damage. The timber surrounds to all of the windows were also substantially sealed so as to prevent ingress of water behind the frames and prevent possible wood rot. Prior to commencing the foregoing work the electrics were upgraded and the entire right-hand side of the roof had been replaced. 

In November the same decorators undertook the entire repainting of the internal and walls, ceilings and roof beams. An excellent standard of finish was achieved. 

The total cost of the foregoing works, all completed in 2022, was just under £39,000. 

To the full credit of the St George’s Committee, its congregation and its outside supporters all of the monies required to complete the works were raised and funded by them. 

**8** 



Wyatt & Caruthers Jebb (the Structural Engineers), working free of charge, recently undertook a further survey of the floor levels and found that there had been further very minor settlement. They currently put this down to the free discharge of the rainwater pipes into the immediate surrounding ground. They have put forward several possible solutions for dealing with this problem including initially creating soak away pits on either side of the Church. An estimate of cost for these works is £7,000. 

Mair Molteno and Andrea Lindow continue to dedicate themselves to the upkeep of the fabric of St George’s and they are doing an excellent job in securing its longterm future. 

Hugh Miller 

Fabric Chairperson 

## **Electoral Roll Report** 

Membership of the Electoral Roll has remained reasonably stable during 2022 although anecdotally it would seem church attendance has increased.  With this in mind it might be beneficial to promote membership of the Roll throughout the year and specifically to new people worshipping at Christ Church and St George’s Church. 

Sadly one long standing church friend and member of the Roll passed away during the past year. Just recently three new people have been added to the Roll. 

The Roll now has 133 members from 106 households.  Of these, 77 from 64 households are resident in the parish and 56 from 43 households are not resident in the parish. 

Melanie Williams 

Parish Administrator & Electoral Roll Officer 

## **Parochial Church Council (PCC) Report** 

Six PCC meetings were held in 2022, taking place in January, March, May, September, November, and December (Special Meeting on Finance). The first three were held via Zoom, due to Covid considerations, and the final three were held at Christ Church under normal conditions. 

The PCC held an ‘Away Morning’ in February at Christ Church. This informal brainstorming looked at a number of key issues, namely: where we are as a Parish; the challenges we face; and priorities for action. 

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting was held on Sunday 29 May. Helen Coulson and Jane Tyrrell were again elected as churchwardens, and Andrea Lindow was again elected to the PCC, having completed her three-year term. Kathryn Chapman had reached the end of her three-year term and did not stand for re-election. However, the PCC agreed in September that she should be permitted to be ‘in attendance’ at PCC meetings, in her new capacity as Children & Families Worker. Margaret Miller was elected to the PCC in September. 

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The major issues and items of business that arose during the year were as follows: 

- Safeguarding measures due to Covid regulations, and the relaxation of restrictions to the degree possible. 

- Production of the Church Development Plan for the Parish, presented to the Archdeacon during his visitation in April. 

- Key fabric matters, such as the internal lighting at Christ Church and the refurbishment of St George’s. 

- Addressing financial pressures, including the impact of the Parish Share, and the way forward on stewardship and fundraising. 

- Enhancement of communication, including via multiple church events using Zoom, the distribution of Easter cards and Christmas cards, Friends coffee mornings, and the use of social media. 

- Outreach and engagement with the community, including via local businesses. 

- The way ahead for Parish music over the years ahead, including scholarships, both organ and choral. 

- Recruitment of a Children & Families worker, to re-energise the engagement of youngsters in the Parish. 

- Support to charities and causes, including the people of Ukraine, the Lower Green Community Centre, Molesey Churches Night Centre, and the Christmas shoebox campaign. 

## Peter Bedford 

Parochial Church Council Secretary 

## **Deanery Synod Report** 

The Parish of Esher is part of Emly Deanery (a group of 13 parishes within the Diocese of Guildford) and the Deanery Synod met three times in 2022. 

The March 2022 meeting was held at St Peter’s Community and Youth Hub in West Molesey. The main item of business was a presentation on a new initiative called ‘Greenhouse.’ The Revd Jens Mankel, Diocesan Fresh Expressions Adviser and Alistair Etheridge, the Diocesan mission enabler for Youth Ministry explained the idea, which is to design, cultivate and grow so-called ‘fresh expressions’ of Church. Such initiatives, they said, could include things like lunch clubs, Forest Church, café church, craft groups, keep fit groups and/or online church. 

The May Deanery Synod meeting, which was held at St Nicholas’ Thames Ditton had, as its main agenda item, the question of how churches can respond to the issues of domestic abuse and rising levels of mental health issues, and what we can do to promote wellbeing in our congregations and our communities. This was facilitated through a conversation with Alison Shine, a recently retired GP with special interest in supporting people who’ve been subjected to domestic abuse and Rachel Hennessy, Consultant Psychiatrist who is the Psychiatric Advisor to the Diocesan Deliverance Ministry. 

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The October Deanery Synod meeting was also held at St Nicholas’ Thames Ditton. The main speaker was Alex Tear, the Diocesan Director of Education. Alex leads the Education team based at Church House Guildford and provides strategic leadership for education within the diocese. Before taking up his current post he was the Director of Education for Rochester Diocese for 6 years and Acting Chief Executive officer at a Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). He spoke to us about recent changes in the educational landscape, and in particular about the move to have all schools join MATs by 2030, or at least have plans to join one. He also spoke about the important relationship between parishes and their local schools – something we are blessed with here in Esher with both a church primary and a church secondary school. 

We are very grateful to our Area Dean, the Revd Andrew Cowie, and to our Lay Chair, Mr. Brian Howells, for their faithful stewardship of the Deanery. 

The Revd Darren McCallig Rector of Esher 

## **Children, Young People & Families Report** 

I began the role as part-time Children & Families Worker for the Parish of Esher in early September and work 14 hours a week alongside being a freelance photographer. It is wonderful to be serving in the parish in such a meaningful way and there are (surprisingly) many cross-overs in my roles and I’m enjoying discovering more similarities as I grow in each - emphases on values, listening to our spiritual/soulful callings, self-awareness, playful discovery and creating safe spaces to express and explore who we are. 

## Vision and Aims 

The initial aim for the parish is to re-establish and grow the Sunday School at Christ Church with high quality and creative theme-based activities that the children help shape whilst experiencing them as fun, engaging and thought-provoking. We are also growing our community relationships with activities at the Lower Green Community Centre and will be deepening our relationship with our church schools. 

We have a slow and steady approach to this, recognising the importance of cultivating relationships, growing trust, creating a safe spaces in which to explore spirituality, humanity and faith. We have a cohort of around 15 children (up to the age of 12) and weekly attendance averages 3-5 children. We also have a wonderful group of four mums and dads who help run Sunday School. 

The theme-based activities allow for a slowing down of teaching/learning as many will run over more than one week. This enables children to invest more deeply in the activities, input into larger projects even if they miss a week and allow for the messages to have more time to be absorbed, processed and strengthened. 

New routines have been put in place to encourage intergenerational visibility - a Sunday School candle that is lit at the front of Christ Church at the start of each service and the children show what they’ve created at the end. In doing so, their creativity/learning is visible and frequently displayed at the back of the church for the congregation to enjoy. It in stills pride and joy in the children and allows them to take 

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ownership of their talents whilst the congregation bear witness to their creativity and growth. We will also be running activities for the congregation to get involved in. 

We provide drinks and snacks for the children every week and at every All Age and Baptism service we run a creche to ensure we’re still visibly supporting families when Sunday School isn’t running and encourage visiting children to join the fun at Sunday School when it is. The Sunday School room is being steadily filled with resources and we’re finding cost-effective and free ways to get stock and furnishings. 

As well as deepening our current relationships with families, we’re also actively approaching and welcoming new families when they attend church. We are cultivating and growing the Sunday School database with a weekly update of what we’ve done and what’s coming up (along with images), plus we are developing our online presence with regular Facebook posts and adhoc events postings. We also have plans to trial a parish Instagram page. 

## Sunday School Highlights 

## Values 

We kicked-off the 2022/23 academic year by deciding our Sunday School Values and created a large cross to display them on. It lives proudly on the Sunday School room door. 

Esher Parish have three values of faith, hope and love and the children decided on the remaining two, curiosity and service. 

We now have a lovely strap line - _Parish of Esher Sunday School, where curiosity and service meet faith, hope and love._ 

I have created resources for the children that dig deeper into what these words mean in the Christian and more general context. 


These resources are displayed at the back of Christ Church and are free for anyone to take, use and enjoy. 


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## Stained ‘glass’ creations 

Our most ambitious activity in the autumn was creating a life-size stained ‘glass’ Malala and a smaller one of Saint Cecilia in response to the theme of All Saints. A modern day saint and a past saint. 

When Malala arrived to be made, she was greeted with a huge amount of excitement from the children. They had a wonderful time cutting and sticking the coloured cellophane, and were incredibly proud of what they’d created. It remains on display at the back of Christ Church. We love the magic that occurs in co-creation. 

We also created colouring/factual worksheets about each saint for the children to start to fill in and take home. We hope that the information is useful enough to hang around at home and used/referred to again, engaging adults and bringing church into the every day. 



Harvest 

During Harvest we made different style pumpkins to hang in both lobbies as a lovely creative welcome to everyone that comes into Christ Church, and for Remembrance Sunday these were replaced by our gorgeously colourful Peace Doves 


Ice Cream Sunday 

Our first Ice Cream Sunday took place in October with the help of Daisy’s ice cream van. It was a huge hit and proves that ice cream is always popular  whatever time of year it is. More are planned for the parish in 2023. 

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## Christ the King 

We are really enjoying getting to know our amazing families - here is Sally and Marlow enjoying making paper crowns when we learned about the title of Jesus and Christ the King and made crowns in celebration. 


## Christmas 

Christmas was a beautiful hive of fabulous creations and we made decorations for home and church plus, Christmas cards, snowflakes and paper   chains. It was such an active and fun month, and a wonderful end to my first term in post. 



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## Community Work 

We began our community work through with our first Crazy Crafts day on Saturday 10 December at the Lower Green Community Centre. There were loads of fun things for all the family to do including making decorations and gifts, designing Christmas cards, icing gingerbread biscuits and creating our fabulous Kindness Jars. A free lunch was provided for the children and each child received a goody bag to take home their creations in. 


It was an incredibly successful day and, alongside the amazing support from everyone at Lower Green, we had a fantastic group of Scouts helping out. Following on from its success and wonderful feedback from everyone that came, we have secured dates for three similar activities in 2023 - Crazy Crafts at Easter, Harvest and Christmas! We hope they’ll become a regular and sought-after feature in families annual calendars. We are also in talks with Lower Green about a possible multi-church lead toddler group. 

## First Timers Course 

For the academic year 2022/23, I’m attending a course run by the diocese called First Timers. The course is for those who are new in post to the same/similar roles. We’re learning about meaningful engagement with children, young people and families, safeguarding, spirituality, generational theory etc. 

Part of the course are three assignments, designed to be written alongside our role and help clarify our vision, mission, goals, strengths and highlight areas for improvement. It’s a joy to meet other people and spend time at Church House in Guildford where much of the course is run. 

We’ve also attended safe-guarding training, gained a deeper understanding of how fundamental it is to a healthy and thriving church environment, and been encouraged to share with our parishes how it’s everyone’s responsibility to have the relevant training for the safety of all our congregation and those we work with. 

## Future Planning/Aims 

- Liaise with St George’s regarding children and family activities plus intergenerational opportunities at and with West End 

- Promote the importance of Safeguarding amongst parish stakeholders; support the Safeguarding leads 

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- Strengthening relationships with the Lower Green Community Centre 

- Develop new and existing relationships with the children and families 

- Explore creative ways to engage existing and new children and families 

- Continue to be children-lead in activity planning/execution 

- Devise/execute a monthly service for pre-teens 

- Encourage inter-generational activity through engaging creativity 

- Join Esher Church School as Foundation Governor 

Kathryn Chapman Children & Families Worker 

## **Esher Church of England High School Report** 

At Esher High School there was a significant period of reflection at the start of the academic year in 2021 to ensure that the curriculum that teachers planned to deliver was appropriate and ready for the demands of the year ahead as pupils returned from Covid disruption. 

This past year has been busy with the return of many ‘normal’ aspects of school life that we took for granted pre-Covid; the transition of year 6 pupils to the start of their secondary school career in year 7, the return of school trips both at home and overseas and GCSE exams. 

As an academy school in the Enlighten Learning Trust the school seeks to provide opportunities for all based on five key principles – 

- Excellent education 

- Employer of choice 

- Ethical governance 

- Robust infrastructure 

- Sustainable growth 

Ofsted visited Esher High School in March and made positive comments about the hierarchical, well designed curriculum provision that was evident in the subjects in which they conducted deep dives. The way the school aligns different curriculum areas so pupils experience learning across subjects such as English and history was noted positively. The overall development of knowledge and skills was clear, and staff were able to explain their vision for their curriculum and the support they receive to the inspection team. Ofsted’s feedback included excellent comments about the leadership, culture and opportunity for all students at the school. Overall, both the school and the Trust were pleased with the judgement of ‘good’ and it highlighted the improvements made over the period since the last inspection. 

If you don’t know much about the school do consider visiting on an open evening in the Autumn term, you would be most welcome. 

Helen Coulson Pastoral Visitor Coordinator 

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## **Pastoral Visiting Team Report** 

There was quite a lot of activity in 2022, but not as much as there had been before Covid.  I never know from week to week how things will go.  Sometimes it can be extremely busy and then there will be a quiet week, followed by another busy one.  I think people find it difficult to find the courage to lift the ‘phone and seek help, but once they do, they are pleasantly surprised that many of their problems can be solved easily. 

I have now got a lovely new helper - Karen Sarkissian - who has done all the required checks and is ready to go! 

Unfortunately, the monthly teas, organised by Mair Molteno, did not take place in 2022 for several reasons, but we have drivers and hosts in situ and hope to restart these. 

If anyone feels they need help, or knows of someone else who does, please contact me on 01372 464483, and I will take it from there.  I would like to thank my helpers – Jan Sayer, Andrea Lindow and Karen Sarkissian, without whom the Pastoral Support Team would be unable to function. 

Wendy Tanqueray Pastoral Visitor Coordinator 

## **Fellowship Group Report** 

We continued to enjoy meeting in person after the long dreary months of lockdown; so much so that our numbers increased significantly during the year. Our concern continues to be that we shall no longer fit into the Lady Chapel, something we traditionally enjoy for its feeling of intimacy and freedom to be ourselves! With the handful of apologies each month we've so far avoided this, but no doubt if needs must, we shall adapt accordingly. It is lovely however to have new members. In December we enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies before proceeding to the Chapel for worship, a nice conclusion to the year. 

As some of you know my children and grandchildren live in Catalunya in Spain, and circumstances contributed to my decision not to move there but to travel there for a few months each year instead, thus inevitably missing certain Fellowship meetings. However, I'm happy and very grateful to Diana Johns, Wendy Tanqueray and Tom Radford for so ably holding the fort in my absence. 

Our motto 'we go where the Spirit leads us' does take us into interesting realms and very little is off limits. However, the essence of our meetings is the exploration of our faith, arising from the Act of Worship which we begin with and in which individual prayer plays an important part. Our first meeting took place in January 2010 so we have become a part of the history of Christ Church. Long may we continue! 

Jan Sayer Fellowship Group Leader 

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## **Community & Business Outreach Report** 

Christ Church is now a firmly established member of the Esher Chamber of Commerce and their monthly meetings provide the opportunity to inform the Esher business community of our events and objectives.  We have successfully hosted a Chamber breakfast meeting in the church which involved using our audio-visual equipment for a presentation by Surrey County Council.  The event was well received and introduced members to the church’s facilities.  We have been asked to repeat these meetings on a regular basis. 

This meeting led to the possibility of applying for a grant for our lighting project and the successful hire of the church to the Esher Theatre for rehearsals.  Other hire possibilities are being progressed. 

An attempt was made to open a foodbank at the church but this has been suspended following a lack of demand.  Likewise, the Council approached us to organise a clothing bank but we deemed our premises unsuitable.  Meanwhile good relations with the Lower Green Community Centre have been strengthened and emergency foodbank supplies have been obtained and stored in church to meet any demand. 

Leaflets for Music on the Green and other church events are distributed amongst Chamber of Commerce members as required.  An additional banner site facing down Church Street has been erected. 

Finally, the Mayor attended a public Lighting Up ceremony of our church Christmas Tree accompanied by the choir singing carols and mulled wine and mince pies being served.  It has been agreed that this should be an annual event. 

Michael Banks 

Community & Business Outreach Coordinator 

## **InSpire Report** 

The past twelve months have been more settled for the _InSpire_ editorial team than the previous two years and we now have a good process going. 

The editorial team is Bridget Williams, Jane Tyrrell and Juliet Philip, the latter having the task of editing and pulling _InSpire_ together and distributing it. We meet four times a year about four to six weeks before the issue is due out to discuss possible topics and allocate the gathering of information accordingly. (Possibly because we have elected to make this a breakfast meeting, we find it works very well.) 

We have had some lovely responses and comments on the issues in the past year and it has been gratifying to know that people are reading and enjoying it – even on holiday! We would still like to increase the readership if we can and to that end a note was put in the pew sheets in March to encourage people to sign up to receive it. 

After an initial flurry of interest in sponsoring a printed version of the newsletter everything went quiet and it is still something that the team are looking into. A printed version, by necessity, would be shorter and less pictorial so there is an ongoing debate on the practicality of such an enterprise. 

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Our issue next Summer will be the thirtieth, which seems like a milestone for something that was expected to last for a year or two while something else was sorted out. 

Juliet Philip InSpire Editor 

## **Exploring the Bible - Discussion Evenings Report** 

In Autumn 2022 we decided to try something new.  Over the course of five Tuesday evenings a group of us gathered in Christ Church to learn more about the Old Testament – to dig more deeply into those ancient and often familiar stories and other writings, and to reflect on how they might help us hear God’s voice in the world in which we find ourselves today.  Our evenings explored: 

Genesis – Creation and Fall 

- The way scientific and religious truth complement one another 

- Free will and its abuse 

- God’s gifts and how we exploit or cherish them 

Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers – the Law 

- Rules, grace, freedom and duty in a risk-averse, tick-box world 

Joshua, Judges – the Promise of the Land 

- Our views of the alien – immigration and culture 

- A people’s identity in the land they hold 

- Today’s conflicts in Europe and the Middle East 

Samuel, Kings – the Role of the Ruler 

- Use and abuse of power 

- How all leaders seem to fail 

- Thoughts on today’s politics 

Isaiah – the Prophetic Power of Poetry 

- Holy Scripture as literature 

- Literature as ‘scripture’ 

- The universal call of the divine 

Some 25 of us took part and, although not everyone managed to come along every week, that did not matter as everyone seemed happy to listen, to talk and to share. Sometimes we discussed the questions prepared in advance, but conversation flowed freely around our reactions to the Bible passages we had considered and their resonances in our own times.  Of course, Esher people love to talk, and it was really good to see people getting to know one another rather more deeply than is possible over coffee after church. 

We look forward to learning more about the wealth of scripture in the months and years to come. 

Revd Jonathan Andrew Honorary Assistant Priest 

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## **Book Group Report** 

Our Parish Book Group is now well into its second year and is flourishing.  When we first formed back in the autumn of 2020 we were seriously constrained by coronavirus regulations, but our meetings managed to get going on Zoom, and we started to get to know one another and share the sort of books we enjoyed.  For the last few months, however, we have been able to meet in church and our membership and attendance has increased dramatically. 

Like so much of church life (and life in general), 2022 was a year of transition for the Book Group as we emerged from the constraints of Covid and became more relaxed in meeting under what we used to consider normal conditions.  The result has been that we have grown even more comfortable in each other’s company and several new members have become involved. 

We have continued to enjoy a wide range of literature – often books which one or more of our members had enjoyed in the past and which they wanted to share, thereby encouraging us to read books beyond our usual comfort zone.  I will not list everything in our wide-ranging menu in 2022, but I particularly valued _East West Street_ by Philippe Sands.  This was a prescient choice for our January meeting as we learned something about the 20th century history of Ukraine and how events there had influenced the development of international law and the recognition of crimes against humanity and genocide as particularly heinous. _English Pastoral_ by James Rebanks provoked a lively discussion about the ethics and economics of modern farming, while Voices of _Morebath_ by Eamon Duffy helped us engage with the reality of the Reformation in a small country village – some of the dynamics of church life did not seem to have changed much over the centuries!  On a perhaps lighter, but still meaningful, note we also enjoyed Thomas Hardy’s _The Mayor of Casterbridge_ and JL Carr’s _A Month in the Country_ , in these cases enhanced for several of us by having watched screen adaptations. 

The group continues to foster friendships both within the regular church family, and well beyond.  In the run up to Christmas we enjoyed a new venture with a bring-andshare tea party, exchanging not only yuletide goodies, but also some seasonal poetry. 

We always publicise our gatherings in the weekly pewsheet so, if you might be interested, do give us a try! 

Revd Jonathan Andrew 

Honorary Assistant Priest & Book Group Leader 

## **Music Report** 

## Liturgical Music 

2022 allowed us to begin to spread our musical wings again as the Covid crisis wound down. Core choir membership remained - on paper at least - fairly stable, though there were some comings and goings at the margins:  Lynn Coward and Charlotte Serajian-Esfahan both bowed out after short stints with us (Charlotte for reasons of new motherhood and 

**20** 



with the hope of returning to the fold some time down the line), while James Macdonald and Edmund Martey tried themselves out on the bass line, though neither has progressed to permanent membership.  We were pleased to welcome Sam Cherry (a current Oxford choral scholar) to part-time membership of the choir when he is at home in Claygate during vacation time, and we were able to enjoy his _‘In the Bleak Midwinter’_ solo in the Christmas carol service. 

Nonetheless, we have had to face up to a situation in which our actual number of active singers for any given service (or indeed rehearsal) is not back to where it was pre-pandemic.  This problem is by no means unique to us – it seems to be one shared with choirs and performing groups up and down the country – and there is no single explanation for it (though in my view some sort of societal shift has occurred and a variety of health factors have also played their part) but empirically it has now become more difficult to muster the necessary choral forces for all our worship services at Christ Church, particularly on the soprano front. 

Meanwhile, we began 2022 with two organ scholars - George Ashley and Rowan Marshall as our senior and junior postholders respectively – though sadly George (a Year 11 pupil at Tiffin’s School) had to withdraw prematurely on health grounds. However, in the autumn we were delighted to welcome Theo Tang to our parish music team, so we ended 2022 with Rowan (now in Year 11 at King’s College School Wimbledon) and Theo (Year 8, Hampton School) as our senior and junior organ scholars respectively – and, since both still have some years left in their school careers, there is the prospect of them remaining with us for a fair while yet. 

In addition to the set piece choral concerts reported on elsewhere, one particular highlight of 2022 was a Festal Choral Evensong for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, for which we commissioned a new anthem by ex-Wells Cathedral organist Matthew Owens; the resulting work, ‘Put Thou Thy Trust in God’, was premiered at the service in early June. 

Once again it is appropriate to conclude this narrative by expressing my thanks to Keith Howell-Jones, our Parish Organist Emeritus, for continuing to hold the musical fort at St George’s West End;  to Oliver Macfarlane for all his regular organ playing at Christ Church, including treating us to some splendid repertoire in his closing voluntaries in particular;  to Diana Johns for her periodic input at the piano;  and to our parish choir members for their respective contributions in the choir stalls across the year’s cycle of worship. 

## Music on the Green 

Music on the Green celebrated its 10th anniversary in style in January 2022 with a wonderful performance of Schubert’s Trout Quintet by our newly appointed ensemblein-residence, Ensemble Pensiero.  This was followed by an equally memorable lunchtime concert in February, in which Beethoven’s Archduke Trio was the featured work. 

Further highlights of the year’s line-up in our main Wednesday series included an organ recital by the former sub-organist of Westminster Abbey, Christopher Herrick; a piano duet concert by the entertaining double act ‘Piano À Deux’; and a magnificent solo recital by the young Ukrainian pianist Maxim Artyomenko (which drew a standing ovation 

**21** 



after he replaced a no-show artist at extremely short notice).  Other solo instruments showcased during the year were classical accordion, clarinet, cello and guitar. 

By the end of the year, encouragingly, audience numbers were returning towards the level they had been pre-Covid. 

We were also delighted that Music in the Tower (MITT) was able to resume after a pandemic-enforced two-year absence, as during Holy Week we welcomed the harpist Oliver Wass for a programme entitled ‘Love and Loss, Dance and Death’. 

Beyond restoring a full programme of monthly lunchtime recitals and reinstituting MITT, we sprang back from the pandemic with vigour by mounting no less than three weekend evening concerts, in April, May and November respectively.  The April concert - a joint venture between our Parish Choir and the Oatlands Singers - featured a rare performance of Beethoven’s oratorio ‘Christ on the Mount of Olives’ alongside a selection of Passiontide motets.  The May concert, arranged in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was a special fundraising concert for Ukrainian humanitarian relief, with the Mayor of Elmbridge as guest of honour.  Finally, at Remembrancetide, our Parish Choir joined forces with the Barisons Singers for a moving performance of Karl Jenkins’ cantata ‘The Armed Man:  A Mass for Peace’. 

I take this opportunity to thank my fellow MOTG Committee members for their invaluable input:  Melanie Williams in the parish office, Michael Banks for his work on auxiliary lighting and general PR, Debbie Banks for overseeing our catering operations, and Jan Sayer for her general assistance.  Thanks are also due to Darren, our Rector, for his continued enthusiastic support of our parish’s musical outreach efforts, which have burned as brightly as ever during 2022. 

Stuart Whatton 

Parish Director of Music 

## **Bellringers’ Report** 

We commenced the year with a group of beginners all keen to ring for Sunday services and Easter, which they did with tremendous success. We were able to ring all eight bells at Easter and everyone rang in their Esher band t-shirts – we looked incredibly smart and professional. 

It became apparent one Sunday morning that the ropes were finally beginning to fail – watching bits of rope fluff fall off whilst ringing does not do much for your confidence! With the Queen's Platinum Jubilee coming up we were concerned at our ability to ring. Thankfully this required purchase was agreed and new ropes were produced. The band installed the ropes themselves; this involves going up into the belfry, removing the old ropes, tying in the new ones having first checked the length down in the ringing chamber – a long and dirty job! 

New ropes in situ, we rang safely and joyously for the Platinum Jubilee, a thoroughly enjoyable occasion for the entire band. This despite the blue fluff from the brand-new sallys that we were covered in! 

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The shock passing of Her Majesty had us all ringing again and doing some quick changes with the muffles on the bells. For the reigning monarch a death is noted by the full muffling of the bells (you hear half muffled bells on Remembrance Day). Morgan Rook, our Steeple Keeper, and myself were back once again in the belfry putting the muffles on, removing them for the ringing to celebrate the accession of King Charles and on again for the Queen's funeral. 

During the year we were also asked to ring for two weddings and three funerals. Unfortunately, we have lost a couple of ringers due to schooling and family reasons, but gained a new member who, despite only having rung for a matter of weeks, was still able to participate in the ringing for the Queen’s funeral. 

Myself, Amanda Doyle (Treasurer) and Morgan Rook all took part in specific external courses designed to teach us to teach new beginners and run a practice session. This was a necessity, as in September our AGM marked the official resignation of Jennifer Meade as our Tower Captain, a position she had held for nearly 30 years. We as a band are eternally grateful for all her experience and help not only during her tenancy as Captain but all that she continues to do today. As a show of our appreciation the Band presented Jen with a rose aptly named ‘Jennifer’ and a garden ornament in the likeness of one of her favourite dogs called Chaos. 

Ann Battensby 

Parish Tower Bell Captain 

## **St George’s West End Report** 

It was refreshing to be able to plan the St George’s Church calendar 2022 without the uncertainty of Covid lockdowns. 

Our Easter Day Eucharist was very well attended, and the congregation appreciated the beautiful flower arrangements and Easter garden inside, while the Easter garden outside was enjoyed by passers-by.  We also planted an Easter Garden again this year at Christ Church, in the hollow created by the fallen cedar tree, which was much admired. 

The small gardening team continued to work hard throughout the year - an especially challenging one due to the summer heatwave, when the hose pipe ban came into force and watering by hand was required daily.  Through our efforts the plants survived and flourished, and the garden is appreciated by not only the congregation, but by many others who come and enjoy the stillness of this unique place. 

The Norwegians continue to hold well attended monthly Services in St George’s and greatly appreciate being able to worship in a building which reminds them of their churches back home.  They are a charming group, who have become familiar, friendly faces over the twenty years they have attended St George’s. 

In June/July we used our funds to update our electrics and replace the entire right hand side roof panels which needed urgent attention, due to leaks above the organ. Following these repairs, the forthcoming return of the Village Show in August coincided with the launch of our major fundraising initiative to redecorate and renovate St George’s.  Not having been professionally painted since 2007, the external walls 

**23** 



required stripping back to bare metal, and the vestry woodwork and the rotten window cills and doors throughout needed major repairs.  Thanks to a substantial legacy from a villager and our own continued fundraising efforts over the years, the exterior work commenced in August.  The scaffolding provided a perfect space on which to display fundraising banners and those visiting the church at the Village Show were able to see the work in progress.  Our cake and bread stalls, gift and card stalls and raffle raised funds, supplemented by generous donations, to be used towards the long outstanding, desperately required, interior renovation of the church. 

In October we held our ever-popular Pet Service at St George’s after its absence due to Covid - the first one held in West End by Darren.  There was a bumper attendance this year with 15 dogs, a cat who spent the entire service on his owner’s shoulder and 30 well behaved humans. It was a joyful and fun service, greatly enjoyed by all.  Also that month, in response to our email campaign, we received a significant donation. 

In November every home in the village received an appeal letter for the renovation of St George’s and a number of very generous donations arrived from residents and the congregation alike.  As a result, the interior repair and redecoration could commence and although this necessitated the closure of St George’s for a month - during which time we worshipped in Christ Church - the finished result was well worth the upheaval. To date, the renovation and redecoration of St George’s has already cost just under a staggering £40,000. 

The interior refurbishment was completed in time to hold our Christmas services in the immaculate, renovated and repainted St George’s.  The church was crowded for the popular unrehearsed Crib Service on Christmas Eve after a two-year absence - the first held there by Darren. The church looked beautiful, it’s newly painted walls enhanced by stunning flower arrangements, candles, a Christmas tree and crib. The popular Village Carol Concert followed afterwards, and the uplifting Christmas Day Eucharist was greatly enjoyed by the large congregation who attended. 

2022 was a busy and rewarding one for St George’s, with its major redecoration completed to such splendid effect.  We continue to fundraise to enable us to complete the final part of the costly - but necessary - renovation programme by repairing the sloping floor and replacing the damaged 60-year-old tiling.  We are also mindful that essential upgrading of the disabled access is required. However, we approach the future with confidence, knowing that St George’s is not only important to its congregation, but also to the wider community who continue to value and support this unique village church. 

Andrea Lindow Deputy Churchwarden, St George’s Church 

On behalf of the PCC 

## Jane Tyrrell 

Jane Tyrrell Churchwarden 



Peter Bedford Hon Secretary 

Helen Coulson Churchwarden 

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**Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held in Christ Church, Esher on Sunday 29 May 2022 at 12 noon.** 

## 1 **Opening Prayers** 

The Rector, Revd Darren McCallig, welcomed those present and opened with a prayer. 

## 2 **Apologies for absence** 

Polly Jordan & Alison Mohamed. 

## 3 **Election of Churchwardens** 

Two nominations were received – Helen Coulson proposed by Jane Tyrrell and seconded by Michael Banks, and Jane Tyrrell proposed by Michael Banks and seconded by Keith Chapple. Both were duly elected. 

## 4 **Minutes from last year’s meeting** 

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2021 were unanimously approved as a true record. Proposed by Jane Tyrrell and seconded by Andrea Lindow. 

## 5 **Matters arising from those minutes** 

There were no matters arising. 

## 6 **Parish Annual Report 2021** 

The Rector referred to his report, with special thanks to the churchwardens, the two Honorary Assistant Priests, the PCC as a whole, and all those mentioned in the APCM report and the minutes of last year’s meeting, who contribute so much to the church and the people of the parish.  We are undoubtedly in a better and happier place, and the way forward outlined in our Church Development Plan reflects that we are set fair for the future.  Many churches major on love, joy, peace, kindness, and self-control. We are growing in that respect, thank you to all, and we are beginning to flourish. 

The Ven David Gerrard intervened to say that Darren had thanked everyone except himself, and it is because of him that we are flourishing. 

Darren asked if there were any questions arising from the annual report other than about financial statements.  There were no questions. 

## 7 **Parish Financial Statements 2021** 

Martin Fuller introduced his report, and said that there was good news, in that the parish had paid its way in 2021.  This was due to the continuing generosity of donors, for which the parish is very grateful, and this had kept us going.  However, it is not all good news, as we draw on our designated funds to cover general expenses. 

There are three major projects requiring funds in the future: firstly, the external decoration of St George’s Church, West End, which will be covered by a generous legacy, and secondly the refurbishment of the Curate’s house in Cranbrook Drive, and finally the extensive lighting project for Christ Church.  We are far short of 

**25** 



sufficient funds to cover the latter project, and there may be a need to stage the whole process and to slim it down, and there will of course be a need to raise funds.  Overall, the financial situation might be summarised as “we are doing alright, but could do better”. 

In response, a question was raised regarding the cost of the lighting project, and Darren intervened to state that the PCC has not yet decided on this matter, an external project, and costing could be around £80-100,000. 

Hugh Miller, the fabric chairperson, underlined that the lighting project is being worked on by consultants, and is conceptual at this stage. 

- The upper cost could be £120,000, if VAT is payable. In particular scaffolding is expensive, and a staged approach would be problematic, since the scaffolding would have to be taken down and then re-erected, further increasing the cost. The total project could take around six to eight weeks and this may well necessitate the church being closed, an aspect he had not mentioned previously to the Rector or the PCC.  Perhaps July and August might be a suitable period, but this would need careful consideration. 

- It might be possible to reclaim the VAT, thus reducing the overall cost to £100,000. There may be around £40,000 available from the Cranbrook Drive designated fund, leaving a £60,000 shortfall and this would need to be raised by May 2023 at the latest.  The present lighting is breaking down, is very expensive in its current form, for example to replace a lightbulb costs £300, and has a very high energy uptake. 

A question was then raised about the Curate’s house in Cranbrook Drive and the associated costs of refurbishment and/or improvement. 

- Hugh Miller said that this issue is less pressing the others, but the current rent is £1300 per month, and this could be increased to around £2700 if improvements were made, including double glazing and a second bathroom.  It may be possible to obtain a bank loan of around £100,000, since the house is valued at £800,000, with work possibly taking place in 2023 or 2024.  When queried about the Cranbrook Drive fund, Martin Fuller pointed out that whilst it holds around £80,000, we are drawing on this for our day today expenditure. 

Darren invited Andrea Lindow to point out some issues regarding St George’s Church and its associated expenditure. 

- She said that the updating of the electrics, and the heating of the vestry, had been completed and this had cost around £750, and these funds have been raised by West End. As far as the exterior painting and associated work, the current estimate is £25,000, although this might increase.  Thanks to the very generous legacy of £25,000 this takes away much of the pressure from that project. 

- However, before the exterior work is conducted, there is a need to replace part of the right-hand side of the roof, which would cost around £7000, and this would be drawn from the St George’s designated fund. There is a need also to paint the inside of the church, and possibly to replace some flooring, and quotes would be obtained for both. The bottom line is that a great deal of fundraising would be needed to deal with these important items. 

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At this stage Helen Coulson in her capacity as churchwarden voiced special thanks for all the work undertaken by Martin Fuller and this was endorsed by applause from those present. 

Darren mentioned that St George’s would be a very practical solution if for any reason Christ Church had to be closed, for example two Sunday morning services, one at 9am and one at 10.30am.  However, this was just a hypothetical discussion at present! 

Darren then stated that the PCC has formally approved the accounts, but it would be appropriate for the APCM to receive the accounts, and he then asked for this to be done formally.  The acceptance of the accounts was proposed by Mair Molteno, seconded by Kathryn Chapman, and supported by all. 

A point was then raised from the floor that the parish and those attending our churches needed regular information on PCC matters.  For example, access to the minutes of PCC meetings and also regular feedback.  Darren said that this was a good point and would be discussed by the PCC, for example might there be merit in a short meeting summary following PCC meetings and for this to be distributed. 

## 8 **Elections to PCC** 

There was one nomination for PCC membership, being Andrea Lindow, who has just completed her three-year term, and she was elected, proposed by Keith Chapple and seconded by Mair Molteno.  Darren stated that the PCC itself can elect members, and those interested in joining should make direct contact with him or PCC members, and we would strongly encourage such a move. 

## 9 **Appointment of Independent Examiner** 

Martin underlined the very substantial work conducted by Gordon Manickam as independent examiner and stated that he is willing again to undertake this role. His appointment was approved, proposed by Helen Coulson, and seconded by Will Stevens.  The floor proposed that we should send a letter of thanks to Gordon Manickam, not only because of his very efficient approach, but the fact that he undertakes this work pro bono.  Darren agreed and this will be done. 

## 10 **Any Other Business** 

Bridget Williams wanted to raise the issue of fundraising.  She said that it was important for all people to be involved across the board and for us to spread the word on the need for the involvement of others. 

David Gerrard made the point that all churches have suffered from a drift away of congregations over the two years of Covid.  We need people now to return back to church and we need to encourage those we know who have not yet returned. 

## 11 **Closing Prayers** 

Darren then closed the meeting, inviting all present to say the Grace. 

Peter Bedford 

Parochial Church Council Secretary 

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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 2022 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: 

- Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; 

- Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and 

- State whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## 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: 

- 1 which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: 

   - To keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act; or 

   - To prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met; or 

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


Gordon Manickam CIA FCCIA 84 Greenways Hinchley Wood KT10 0QJ 

May 2023 

**28** 



## **Esher PCC Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2022** 

## **Income and Expenditure for the year ended 31 December 2022** 

## Incoming Resources 

|£s|Unrestricted|<br>Designated|<br>Restricted|<br>2022|<br>2021|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|_Incoming resources from generated funds_||||||
|Regular giving|95,942|<br>-|<br>-|<br>95,942|<br>93,551|
|Gift Aid|26,177|<br>-|<br>677|<br>26,855|<br>32,260|
|Church collections|17,075|<br>-|<br>-|<br>17,075|<br>16,418|
|Donations & bequests|6,488|<br>10,861|<br>-|<br>17,349|<br>30,080|
|Sales of donated investments|1,500|<br>-|<br>-|<br>1,500|<br>5,385|
|Sundry receipts|3,636|<br>-|<br>-|<br>3,636|<br>6,930|
|Church fundraising events|3,470|<br>3,246|<br>-|<br>6,716|<br>-|
|Card & notelet sales|106|<br>290|<br>-|<br>396|<br>1,586|
|Newsletter advertising|250|<br>-|<br>-|<br>250|<br>-|
|Church fees|3,527|<br>-|<br>-|<br>3,527|<br>4,418|
|Music on the Green|-|<br>6,494|<br>-|<br>6,494|<br>3,403|
|Investment income (dividends)|392|<br>-|<br>19,740|<br>20,132|<br>20,298|
|Traidcraft sales|1,271|<br>-|<br>-|<br>1,271|<br>-|
|Rental income|-|<br>12,634|<br>-|<br>12,634|<br>16,483|
|Totals|159,840|<br>33,525|<br>20,417|<br>213,783|<br>230,816|
|_Other incoming resources_||||||
|Appeal donations|-|<br>1,685|<br>6,433|<br>8,118|<br>13,030|
|Legacies|-|<br>-|<br>-|<br>-|<br>25,000|
|Totals||1,685|<br>6,433|<br>8,118|<br>38,030|
|**Grand Totals**|**159,840**|<br>**35,210**|<br>**26,851**|<br>**221,902**|<br>**268,847**|
|||||||



**29** 



## Resources Used 

|£s|Unrestricted|<br>Designated|<br>Restricted|<br>2022|<br>2021||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|_Cost of generating funds_|||||||
|Music on the Green|-|<br>5,386|<br>-|<br>5,386|<br>2,447||
|Cards & notelets|1,984|<br>-|<br>-|<br>1,984|<br>2,097||
|Fundraising events|4,884|<br>60|<br>-|<br>4,944|<br>1,448||
|Traidcraft purchases|980|<br>-|<br>-|<br>980|<br>65||
|Totals|7,849|<br>5,446|<br>-|<br>13,296|<br>6,059||
|_Cost of Parish activities_|||||||
|Grants & appeal payments|250|<br>-|<br>7,099|<br>7,349|<br>9,878||
|Parish share|99,435|<br>-|<br>-|<br>99,435|<br>102,968||
|Clergy telephone|704|<br>-|<br>-|<br>704|<br>619||
|Clergy car & travel|420|<br>-|<br>-|<br>420|<br>-||
|Clergy other expenses|1,672|<br>-|<br>232|<br>1,905|<br>105||
|Rectory gas/electricity|1,071|<br>-|<br>-|<br>1,071|<br>821||
|Rectory running costs|631|<br>-|<br>-|<br>631|<br>951||
|Repairs & maintenance|11,218|<br>39,258|<br>455|<br>50,931|<br>19,945||
|Cleaning|2,714|<br>-|<br>-|<br>2,714|<br>2,509||
|Electricity - Christ Church|2,002|<br>-|<br>-|<br>2,002|<br>1,909||
|Electricity - St George’s|672|<br>-|<br>-|<br>672|<br>406||
|Gas - Christ Church|3,217|<br>-|<br>-|<br>3,217|<br>3,966||
|Water bills - Christ Church|126|<br>-|<br>-|<br>126|<br>77||
|Water bills - St George’s|40|<br>-|<br>-|<br>40|<br>45||
|Insurance - Christ Church|3,732|<br>838|<br>-|<br>4,570|<br>4,329||
|Insurance - St George’s|470|<br>-|<br>-|<br>470|<br>449||
|Sundry expenses/petty cash|1,966||771|<br>2,737|<br>653||
|Communion table|299|<br>-|<br>-|<br>299|<br>338||
|Flowers|650|<br>-|<br>-|<br>650|<br>400||
|Organists’ fees|9,080|<br>-|<br>-|<br>9,080|<br>8,645||
|Organ/piano maintenance|3,656|<br>-|<br>-|<br>3,656|<br>2,133||
|Choir expenses & music|276|<br>-|<br>26|<br>303|<br>160||



**30** 



## Resources Used (continued) 

|£s|Unrestricted|<br>Designated|<br>Restricted|<br>2022|<br>2021|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|_Cost of Parish activities (continued)_||||||
|Organ scholarships|-|<br>-|<br>48|<br>48|<br>-|
|Church meetings|81|<br>-|<br>-|<br>81|<br>-|
|Training & courses|-|<br>-|<br>191|<br>191|<br>-|
|Youth worker|-|<br>-|<br>2,918|<br>2,918|<br>17,668|
|Parish post|436|<br>-|<br>-|<br>436|<br>-|
|Office salaries/taxes|21,149|<br>-|<br>-|<br>21,149|<br>18,007|
|Printing & stationery|1,545|<br>-|<br>-|<br>1,545|<br>1,149|
|Office telecoms/internet|1,342|<br>-|<br>1,058|<br>2,401|<br>5,810|
|Photocopier costs|1,011|<br>-|<br>-|<br>1,011|<br>803|
|Postage|120|<br>-|<br>-|<br>120|<br>-|
|Depreciation|3,535|<br>125|<br>3,203|<br>6,864|<br>9,152|
|Bank charges|660|<br>-|<br>-|<br>660|<br>569|
|Office sundry costs|1,565|<br>-|<br>-|<br>1,565|<br>669|
|Totals|179,732|<br>42,809|<br>16,005|<br>238,547|<br>215,143|
|**Grand Totals**|**187,581**|<br>**48,256**|<br>**16,005**|<br>**251,843**|<br>**221,203**|



## **Tangible Fixed Assets** 

|£s|Property|<br>Equipment|<br>Total|
|---|---|---|---|
|Balance at 1 Jan 2022|800,000|<br>-|<br>-|
|Equipment at cost||136,009||
|Less accumulated depreciation|-|<br>(108,550)|<br>-|
|Balance at 1 Jan 2022||27,459||
||-||-|
|Less depreciation in 2022||(6,865)||
|**Balance at 31 Dec 2022**|**800,000**|<br>**20,594**|<br>**820,594**|



**31** 



## **Balance sheet as at 31 December 2022** 

|£s|General Fund|<br>Designated<br>Funds|<br> <br>Restricted<br>Funds|<br> <br>2022|<br>2021|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|_Fixed assets_||||||
|Tangible assets|810,606|<br>375|<br>9,611|<br>820,593|<br>827,458|
|Investments|-|<br>-|<br>1,150|<br>1,150|<br>1,195|
|Fixed assets|810,606|<br>375|<br>10,761|<br>821,743|<br>828,654|
|_Current assets_||||||
|Debtors|13,260|<br>-|<br>-|<br>13,260|<br>12,515|
|Cash at bank & in hand|(44,749)|<br>182,660|<br>37,663|<br>175,574|<br>195,944|
|Current assets|(31,488)|<br>182,660|<br>37,663|<br>188,834|<br>208,459|
|_Liabilities_||||||
|Creditors (amounts<br>fallingdue in oneyear)|3,455|<br>37|<br>3,170|<br>6,663|<br>3,209|
|Net current assets less<br>current liabilities|(34,944)|<br>182,623|<br>34,492|<br>182,171|<br>205,250|
|Total assets less current<br>liabilities|775,662|<br>182,998|<br>45,254|<br>1,003,914|<br>1,033,904|
|Total net assets less<br>liabilities|775,662|<br>182,998|<br>45,244|<br>1,003,914|<br>1,033,904|



## **Grants for Charitable Purposes** 

|£s|Total|
|---|---|
|Lent Appeal 2022 (British Red Cross appeal for Ukraine|3,529|
|Kathryn’s Mercy Home, India (Sponsorship of child)|180|
|Mayor's Appeal (Civic Service)|395|
|Royal British Legion|70|
|Children’s Society (Christingle)|62|
|Advent Appeal 2022 (Molesey Churches Night Shelter)|3,175|
|**Total**|**7,411**|



## **Additional Activity** 

The Parish hosted a special fundraising concert for Ukraine, which raised £4,120 for the charity ‘Ukraine Cultural Association in the UK’. 

**32** 



## **Balance Sheet Totals by Funds** 

|£s|General<br>Fund|<br> <br>Designated<br>Funds|<br> <br>Restricted<br>Funds|<br> <br>2022|<br>2021|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|_Unrestricted_||||||
|General Fund|775,086|<br>-|<br>-|<br>775,086|<br>795,847|
|_Designated_||||||
|Lighting Renovation|-|<br>7,712|<br>-|<br>7,712|<br>-|
|Music on the Green|-|<br>11,053|<br>-|<br>11,053|<br>9,946|
|West End|-|<br>18,881|<br>-|<br>18,881|<br>16,793|
|Cranbrook Drive|-|<br>96,548|<br>-|<br>96,548|<br>85,203|
|Bell Fund|-|<br>161|<br>-|<br>161|<br>161|
|Legacies|-|<br>48,639|<br>-|<br>48,639|<br>73,639|
|_Restricted_||||||
|Advent Appeal|-|<br>-|<br>(1,795)|<br>(1,795)|<br>(523)|
|Property|-|<br>-|<br>5,293|<br>5,293|<br>5,305|
|Fews Cottage|-|<br>-|<br>21,874|<br>21,874|<br>13,074|
|Spire Appeal|-|<br>-|<br>6|<br>6|<br>8|
|Other Appeals|-|<br>-|<br>297|<br>297|<br>10,159|
|Boiler Renovation|-|<br>-|<br>9,611|<br>9,611|<br>12,815|
|Children & Young People|-|<br>-|<br>4,463|<br>4,463|<br>5,514|
|Garden of Remembrance|-|<br>-|<br>5,503|<br>5,503|<br>5,958|
|**Funds of the Parish**|**775,662**|<br>**182,998**|<br>**45,254**|<br>**1,003,914**|<br>**1,033,904**|



**33** 



## **Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022** 

## 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 market value estimated in 2021. 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 2022: the Parish Administrator and (from September 2022) a Youth & Families Worker. No benefits or expenses were paid to any member of the PCC. 

**34** 




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

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

**1**