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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 2023

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 2023

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

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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

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 School & Esher Church of England High School Report

Pastoral Support 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 2023 Annual Parochial Church Meeting Independent Examiner’s Report Esher PCC Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 2023

The role and membership of the Parochial Church Council, and the Church officers and officials during 2023

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(until May2023),Will Stevens
Elected Representatives of the Laity on the PCC	Teresa Allen (from May 2023), Michael Banks, Ann Battensby (from Sep 2023), Peter Bedford (until May 2023), Martin Fuller, Andrea Lindow, Jennifer Meade, Hugh Miller (until May 2023), Margaret Miller, Mair Molteno(from May2023),Bridget Williams

Other Parish Appointments

Other Parish Appointments
HonoraryAssistant Priests	Ven David Gerrard,Revd Jonathan Andrew
Parish Administrator	Melanie Williams
Director of Music	Stuart Whatton
Assistant Organist	Oliver Macfarlane
Organist Emeritus	Keith Howell-Jones
Senior Organ Scholar	Rowan Marshall
Junior Organ Scholar	Theo Tang
Parish Bookkeeper	Vacancy (covered byMartin Fuller)
Fabric Chairperson	Hugh Miller
SafeguardingOfficers	PollyJordan,Alison Mohamed
Deputy Churchwardens	Andrea Lindow (St George’s Church) William Stevens(Christ Church)
Community & Business Outreach Coordinator	Michael Banks
Tower Bell Captain	Ann Battensby
Children, Young People & Families Worker	Kathryn Chapman
Flower Coordinator	Carol Calvert
Gift Aid Officer	Alan Doolan
Pastoral Team Coordinator	WendyTanqueray
FellowshipGroupLeader	Jan Sayer
Book GroupLeader	Revd Jonathan Andrew
InSpire Editor	Juliet Philip

Peter Bedford

Honorary Secretary

Rector’s Report

Meister Eckhart, the fourteenth century German mystic, is reputed to have said that if the only prayer we ever pray in our whole lives is ‘thank you’ it will be enough! One may have theological quibbles with such a sweeping statement, but it’s certainly a good place to start this Rector’s Report for 2023. I say that because, as I begin my fifth year as your priest (where has the time gone!) and as I write this while on parental leave, that’s my overwhelming feeling – deep, deep gratitude for all of you and everything you do to maintain and grow the life of this parish.

As the various submissions in this Annual Report make clear, the Parish of Esher is a remarkable place. We are blessed with extraordinary staff and volunteers who go above and beyond in order to show and share God’s love in worship and in service. Everything from flower arranging to bellringing, from crazy craft days to lunchtime concerts – none of it would be possible without the commitment of so many of you.

In fact, I’m reminded of something a former colleague of mine in the Diocese in Europe – Canon Barbara Moss, priest at the Anglican Church in Gothenburg – used to say. Apparently the most common question she was asked by curious members of the well-funded and well-staffed local Swedish Church was ‘How many people work in your church?’ To which the redoubtable Barbara would reply ‘Almost everyone!’

Something similar could be said here in Esher. So, whether you support the work of the parish practically, prayerfully or financially (or all three!) please know that your contribution is valued and appreciated. Everyone’s participation is absolutely crucial to keeping the doors of our church buildings open, our worship life sustained and our local community served in a spirit of faith, hope and love.

That, in the end, is what it’s all about – encountering in words, music, silence and sacrament something of the ‘Love that moves the sun and other stars’ and embodying that love in our everyday lives. And we do it – by the grace of God – not in order to put ‘bums on pews’ or to attain certain ‘strategic targets’ (though I’m glad to say that 2023 saw continued growth in many aspects of parish life). No, we do it because – as the First Letter of John puts it so succinctly – ‘We love because God first loved us.’ (1 John 4.19).

God bless, Darren.

The Revd Darren McCallig Rector of Esher

Churchwardens’ Report

Looking back through last year’s various issues of Inspire to provide us with inspiration, we realise just how busy we have been, just how many numerous and varied activities we are involved with as a church and as a vital part of our community here in Esher. Our weekly pew sheets are always packed full of information and notices of forthcoming events, some occurring regularly throughout the year, others special occasions.

It should be noted first and foremost, that none of these events could take place, indeed none of our services would run, without the continuing support of all our volunteers. With Darren going on parental leave in November the support of you all has been immense. So many of you give up much of your time to serve our Parish in numerous different ways. Thank you to each and every one of you for putting yourselves forward and for your willingness to help.

During the year we marked many events, but one special milestone last year was the recognition and appreciation of David Gerrard, ordained 60 years previously. How fortunate and privileged our congregations have been to have enjoyed years of David’s wisdom and ministry. Many people attended the service to hear a superb and welldeserved tribute to David from Darren, with David himself then treating us to one of his marvellous sermons on preaching.

No review of last year would be complete without mention of the Coronation weekend. Our bellringers were involved in the Ringing for the King initiative, attracting several beginners to join our regular team. What a wonderful way to involve members of our wider community in our church. We also held a special Choral Evensong to mark the Coronation.

The start of the new academic year saw us welcome Daisy, the ice cream van to our Ice Cream Sundae and Blessing of the Bags service. This always popular service attracted a number of children and their families from Esher Church School. Our Children and Families Worker, Kath is doing a wonderful job in enhancing the links we have with our local schools. Christ Church was used by Esher Church School, Esher High and Claremont for their Christmas and End of Year services. We also had a visit from the Esher Church School Choir for our Christingle Service - the church was packed and the atmosphere so joyful as befits the start of Advent.

On Remembrance Sunday, Christ Church hosted the annual Civic Service. A sizeable crowd gathered around the Esher War Memorial, with wreaths laid by a number of organisations, notably many young people from Esher Church School, Esher High, Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts and Air Cadets. Many came into the church after the service outside, including over 30 children and young people in attendance - the church was again full, an illustration of how central our church is in the community at such times.

Our local community involvement is enhanced by the relationship Michael Banks has so successfully built with the Esher Chamber of Commerce. Christ Church has hosted breakfast meetings during the year, and more especially the Esher Chamber of Commerce, among others, joined us for the lighting of our Christmas tree, accompanied by carols, mince pies and mulled wine. It was wonderful to see the church filled with

people from our community and so obviously enjoying themselves. A number took time to join in the making of the Christingles for the service that weekend. It truly was a marvellous community event, and again emphasises the important role our church has to play here in Esher.

We have also been building our connections with the Lower Green Community Centre, mainly through Kath and her Crazy Craft events held at the Centre. We were approached by the Centre early in the year, to ask if there was any way we could help to support their continuing work - mainly through helping to fund the ever increasing costs in keeping the Centre open. As a result, our Lent Appeal in 2023 was to raise money for the Centre and we donated £2085.00 towards their running costs.

Looking further afield, we have supported international initiatives such as the Link to Hope Christmas shoebox appeal - providing much needed gifts to the poorest people living in villages without basic amenities in Ukraine, Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania. Together with the Scouts, we managed to fill 77 boxes for delivery to families - a great result which hopefully helped to make a small difference. In addition, our Advent Appeal was in support of the Archbishop’s of Canterbury and Jerusalem joint appeal for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The money donated went towards supporting Anglican ministries in Gaza, Palestine and Israel.

As we are all aware, costs have risen this year and like many others we are very definitely noticing the effects of increased energy bills and all our other running costs. At the start of our Cherish, Nourish, Flourish Stewardship campaign, Darren made a rough calculation that it costs us £5000 a week to run, maintain and staff the church. This is currently not matched by our regular giving and we rely on generous legacies to keep our finances anywhere near balanced. During our Stewardship Campaign we invited members of our two congregations to share their thoughts on what the Parish means to them. Highlights included the sense of community, the warm welcome, the energy of the church, the number of events and outreach that takes place, how much our churches mean to all of us and the fact that we are here for our community. The need to increase our regular giving income is apparent, and we should all be encouraged to find ways to enable this to happen.

The theme that keeps coming through everything we have written is that our church serves the community. We are there for them at major life events, a regular stream of families bringing their children to be baptised in the church, couples wanting to marry in church and even more so, families who wish to hold funerals in both our churches. We need to be there for the wider community and all our regular congregation to welcome and support them. Our need is to develop our means of raising regular income, as it is our responsibility to ensure our church indeed flourishes and endures in its mission.

We trust that you will continue to support us as we work to minister to all in our community.

Thank you.

Jane Tyrrell & Helen Coulson Parish Churchwardens

Finance Report

In 2023 the Parish had an income of £257,340 (£221,902 in 2022) and spent £273,187 (£251,843 in 2022). We therefore had a deficit of £15,847 (after a deficit of £29,941 in 2022).

Regular giving by standing order into our bank account continues to be our main source of funds, and thanks to the generosity of our congregations the totals increased by some 10% this year compared with last year’s. Money received from church collections has also held up well. We also received some generous donations and legacies in 2023. The Gift Aid receipts were artificially high, as they included some receipts for 2022 that were received too late to be booked to that year.

In both 2022 and 2023 we have had unusually heavy spending on building maintenance: in 2022 it was £38,000 spent on the refurbishment of St George’s with money raised by the West End community; and in 2023 some £60,000 on the refurbishment of the curate’s house in Cranbrook Drive (with another £27,000 so far this year). The loss of rental income from the start of the year, the costs associated with the eviction process and the need to put the property back into tenantable condition once possession had been obtained have had a serious impact on church finances.

The substantial increases in gas and electricity prices have also had a predictably adverse effect. A self-help cleaning programme for Christ Church, in place of the contract cleaners used in 2022, reduced costs in this area (although by the end of the year we had returned to using a paid cleaner).

The costs associated with employment of a Children & Families Worker have increased, both because 2023 was the first full year of her employment, and because her working hours were increased from 14 to 21 hours a week in recognition of the success of the appointment in terms of youth outreach.

In spite of the financial pressures, the Parish raised £6,860 for charitable purposes, as shown in the accounts.

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 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 are easily accessible.

Safeguarding is a standing agenda item at every PCC meeting.
Safeguarding tab is clearly visible on the website. This provides details of the Parish Safeguarding officers and Diocese Safeguarding advisers.
Another successful training session for the ‘Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse’ module was held by Polly in March.

Outstanding

Some PCC members, employed workers and other volunteers have outstanding Safeguarding Training to complete.
Ongoing work is required to ensure DBS compliance.

COVID

We have continually kept our covid regulations under review, and have retained the simultaneous administration of the sacraments (i.e. the president dips the bread in the wine before giving it to the communicant), and the suspension of the physical sharing of The Peace.
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 have discussed holding 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.
We have planned a First Aid Training day for January 2024, and are seeking participation across the PCC and wider congregation.
We intend to raise funds in early 2024 to purchase, install and maintain a defibrillator for Christ Church, for use both in the Church and by the local community.
Further work to ensure all volunteers are up to date with DBS checks and Safeguarding Training.

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

The proposed revamping of the entire Lighting and Electrical Systems within the Church that was detailed in the 2022 Report was most regrettably put on hold since there was a substantial lack of funds to facilitate the scheme. The Lighting consultants were stood down and will willingly take up their role again when funds permit the scheme to progress.

In line with the above and per the previous year only the most essential repairs and maintenance items have been undertaken in the year since funds are very limited.

One essential item was the substantial repair to the car barrier when it was badly damaged from an unidentified car driving into it!

An item of expenditure that is to prove essential in 2024 is a substantial improvement in the security of the Church. This follows a break during daytime in 2022. Whilst the many internal locks within the Church have been enhanced by a locksmith, the advice of the Police was to have a CCTV system installed.

Following consultation with the Police, the Diocese and other churches a recognised security company has provided a comprehensive scheme and quote. The Diocese has approved the scheme and the fitting of the cameras. The 2024 Lent Appeal will focus on raising the funding for the security system. The quoted cost is £4 850.00 plus vat.

In the last quarter of 2023 we were able to start the refurbishment of Cranbrook Drive. This is due to complete in February 2024 and we look forward to securing new tenants for the property.

With the standing down of Olly Dickinson, the Fabric Committee consisted of just Hugh Miller greatly assisted by Ian Royce. As in previous years Ian Royce has continued to undertake numerous jobs of minor maintenance and minor works. His contribution to the Church is invaluable. After some fifteen years of service on the PCC and the Fabric Committee Hugh Miller is standing down and a replacement is badly needed.

St George’s, West End

To the full credit of the St George’s Committee and the congregation numerous items of improvement were undertaken in 2023. Amongst these were: installation of a new garden shed; halogen lights were replaced throughout with LED lights; several rotten window sills were replaced; installation of a new disabled ramp to allow access via the vestry door. In addition, a folding disabled ramp was sourced and supplied to Christ Church.

An Asbestos survey was commissioned, and no asbestos was detected. This will now allow an investigation of the sub-floor structure by a structural engineer.

Finally, Smartwater marking was applied to all the valuable items within the Church.

Mair Molteno and Andrea Lindow continue to dedicate themselves to the upkeep of the fabric of St George’s and with all round support from its congregation the longterm future of the Church is secure in this department.

Hugh Miller Fabric Chairperson

Electoral Roll Report

Overall membership of the Electoral Roll has remained relatively stable during the year. Sadly several long standing church friends have died recently. Of these ten were members of the Roll. Over the past year 11 new people have been added to the Roll.

The Roll now has 134 members from 104 households. Of these, 80 from 63 households are resident in the parish and 54 from 41 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 2023, taking place in February, March, May, July, September and November. All were held at Christ Church.

The Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting were held on Sunday 14 May. Helen Coulson and Jane Tyrrell were again elected as churchwardens. Those elected to the PCC as lay members comprised Martin Fuller and Bridget Williams, having completed their three-year terms, Mair Molteno, having completed her term with the Deanery Synod, and Teresa Allen as a new member. Polly Jordan and Will Stevens were elected to the Deanery Synod, having finished their current terms (a new triennial period commenced in 2023). Ann Battensby was elected by the PCC in September. Peter Bedford had reached the end of his six-year term, but agreed to continue for the time being as PCC Secretary. Hugh Miller had reached the end of his three-year term and did not stand for re-election, but continued as Fabric Chairman and was ‘in attendance’ at PCC meetings. The Rector commenced his one-year Adoption Leave on 21 November.

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

Addressing financial pressures, including the way forward on stewardship and fundraising.
Key fabric matters, in particular the repossession and refurbishment of the former curate’s house at Cranbrook Drive.
Ensuring full compliance with safeguarding requirements.
Continued outreach and engagement with the local community, including through links with businesses.
Enhancement of outreach and communication, including via social media.
Continued support for Parish music, from Music on the Green to organ scholarships.
Expansion of the role of the Children, Young People and Families worker, including via Sunday School and the Youth Group.
Continued emphasis on bellringing activities, including recruitment of further volunteers.
Addressing security matters at Christ Church and St George’s.
Support to charities and local causes, including the people of Ukraine, the Lower Green Community Centre and the Christmas shoebox campaign.

Peter Bedford

Honorary Secretary

Deanery Synod Report

The Parish of Esher is part of the Emly Deanery (a group of 13 parishes within the Diocese of Guildford) and there were three meetings in the year, with the following speakers:

Ray Lee, the Strategic Director for Elmbridge Borough Council, who encouraged us to work with our local council in order to better serve our local communities.

Revd David Senior., the Mission Enabler for Stewardship and Evangelism in the Guildford Diocese, who spoke about stewardship. Apart from encouraging monthly standing orders, he mentioned that the church was poor in obtaining legacies, as regular Anglican worshippers are three times as likely to give to charities other than their church. He mentioned that Guildford was the poorest diocese in the country in terms of reserves (which in many cases was due to earls and dukes in other dioceses giving estates to the church many years ago) but the richest in terms of average income, causing the parish share in our diocese to be so high.

Alistair Etheridge, the Guildford Diocese Director for Youth Ministry, who spoke about the Youth Catalyst project. The Diocese has been given £3.2 million to enable 16 apprentice youth leaders, four hub leaders from secondary schools (including Esher High) and a worship and social media gathering team.

As a parish, 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.

Will Stevens Deputy Churchwarden

Children, Young People & Families Report

Overview

What a year! 2023 has been a time of enormous activity and growth for our youth provision. Sunday School has been firmly established at Christ Church, the diocesan First Timers course was completed, our community Crazy Craft days moved into its second year, a new Youth Group for 10-13 year olds was launched, our parish schools were welcomed into Christ Church, school foundation governance was developed, parish merchandise was sold, I took over management of our baptism families and took my very first service - the Crib service on Christmas Eve. Our parish values of Faith, Hope and Love, alongside the additional Sunday School values of Curiosity and Service, have been very much alive and well this year!

It’s been wonderful to notice how much the role of Children & Families Worker has deepened my faith. With the guidance and support from Darren, the Church Wardens, Melanie and Stuart, the joy and inspiration from the parish and our wider community, and of course, the amazing young people and their families, I am very blessed to be serving in our parish. I feel such a valued member of the team and rejoice in all that the role gifts me. Thank you so much to everyone for helping make my first full year in post such a meaningful and enjoyable time.

When I embarked on this role, I had no idea how much it would enrich my life. Getting to hang out with our young people helps remind me of the power of seeing the world through fresh, wondrous eyes. As we grow into adulthood and become distracted by societal pressures, it’s all too easy to ignore the child inside of us - our spiritual innocence, beautiful creativity, questioning minds, and longing for connection and play. Children have so much to reflect what’s important, we just need to stop long enough to notice.

Sunday School

Sunday School continues every week through the year at Christ Church (except for August) during the 10.30am service. There’s a core of around 15 gorgeous minipeople that come along to learn, create, have fun and pray together. They never cease to amaze me with their insights and knowledge.

For each new recruit, we produce one of these Sunday School Welcome Packs, stuffed full of hand-made goodies including, our values cards, pictures of our churches, a pencil, candle and set of prayer starter cards. It’s their little box of church-at-home and is made to help foster their faith in their daily life and store some of the things we make. We also welcome a large number of other children who come to Christ Church on an adhoc basis or as part of our many baptism celebrations. During these services, and at all All Age services, we run a creche area are the back of the church with soft furnishings, puzzles, games, colouring and small crafts, so children have activity provision within the service.

In our Sunday School sessions we regularly discuss how our values link to our learning which is hugely important for establishing and building life-long spirituality and faith. We’ve produced some striking values bunting which is used to adorn the communion altar for our All Age services and we made a similar set for St George’s, West End.

The children are always delighted to be invited to show their creativity to the rest of the congregation at the end of the service. It’s come to feel a very important part of unifying as a congregation and community, plus it helps the children to feel seen, heard and validated - an important need for us all. The beginning of Sunday School features prayer, where we offer up to God the things we’re worrying about or struggling with. It’s a lovely way to bear witness to each other in this way. Weekly emails of past/future activity in Sunday School and other relevant information are sent out most weeks of the year to our database of families. The same information is also posted on the parish’s Facebook and Instagram pages, @EsherParish.

One of the ways we are encouraging inter-generational connection is during our Lent activities that we did for the first time in 2023. We ask the children to have five minutes less screen time and instead use this as an opportunity for daily gratitude reflection. Alongside this we encourage the rest of the congregation to think about what they appreciate via weekly Lent Reflection prompts - questions to ponder and respond to, such as, ‘What do you appreciate most about church?’ and, ‘When have you felt closest to God?' The responses (collected anonymously) were so lovely that we decided to create a set of Lent Reflections cards that people could use all year round. Reflecting on other people’s responses is a great way to deepen and expand your own faith - it’s a beautiful cycle of knowledge and bearing witness. It also helps us appreciate the important things we have in our lives (friendship, family, food, church, safety, shelter etc.) and, whilst doing so, we appreciate and honour Jesus’s suffering and discomfort during his time in the wilderness.

Throughout the year our activities are many and varied. An annual favourite in the Sunday School calendar (and all thanks to Darren) is Chalking the Doors, an ancient Christian tradition marking the arrival of a new year. It’s done to invite Jesus to be a guest in our homes as a listener of conversations, a guide in troubled times and a blessing in times of thanksgiving. It also represents the hospitality of the Holy Family to the Wise Men (and all Gentiles), encouraging us to welcome in the presence of God.

Another firm favourite with the children (more Darren-inspired activity), is burying the Hallelujah. As a celebratory word, Hallelujah is removed from church liturgy during Lent and can be marked by this small ceremony that dates back to the Middle Ages. Hallelujah is inscribed on a board and buried a little ahead of Lent, before being resurrected with rejoicing on Easter Day. The children really enjoy venturing outdoors and making the Easter Garden. It’s great to have the space to be able to connect with nature by planting the flowers and making the crosses from fallen sticks. Easter was completed with a very popular egg hunt in the church grounds after the 10.30am service in Christ Church, open to everyone.

We have also been utilising the entrance to the Leopold Room in Christ Church by hanging Remembrance and Christmas bunting there, plus we used the pillars to produce these beautiful rainbow hangings, in conjunction with Esher Church School. In the Act of Remembrance service on 12

November we had our first Esher Parish Youth poppy wreath placed on the war memorial by one of our Sunday School cohort, it was very lovely to watch.

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First Timers Course

My diocesan First Timers course ended in July and we each had a final presentation to do on our biggest learnings. We presented in front of our peers, their line managers and the Bishop. The year-long programme (which is run for those who are new in post in the same/similar roles) covered 144 hours of training so there was a huge amount to choose from. I decided to use my 10mins slot to thank my peers and those facilitating the course for something they had done or said that had greatly impacted me; something they otherwise might not have known. It was lovely to have the opportunity to reflect things back to them because we usually never know the impact we have.

Crazy Craft Days

The free community Crazy Crafts days we put on during 2023 were a massive success - for Easter we had more than double the amount of children than our Christmas 2022 event. Our sessions at Harvest and Christmas 2023 were also really well supported. It’s wonderful to be spreading a message of love to families that we might not otherwise reach and we are hugely grateful to Jenny and her team at the Lower Green Community Centre who partner with us to put on these events on.

Biscuit decoration, magnet colouring and making greetings cards continue to be the most popular activities, along with our famous Kindness Jars - small pots containing kind phrases that the children write and then gift to someone. We’ve even introduced a Crazy Craft Crazy Corner where the children can let their imagination run free and create something super-amazing out of our Bits-and-Bobs box. We’ve had rockets, fires and even jelly fish made - creativity at it’s very best!

Link to Hope Shoebox Appeal

In the Autumn we launched our annual Link to Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal, inviting parishioners and our parish schools to grab an empty box and fill it with specific items to gift to families and the elderly in difficult circumstances in Ukraine Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova.

The appeal has been running since 1992 and they have delivered more than a million shoeboxes to hundreds of different locations. Link to Hope ensures that the whole family benefits from the contents of the boxes, so no-one gets left out at Christmas. Their vision is that one day every person in Eastern Europe will have a safe environment to live in and have access to basic healthcare, human rights, employment and education - for more visit www.linktohope.co.uk

I delivered a whopping 77 generously filled and beautifully wrapped boxes to the Link to Hope depot in Ferring, near Worthing. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Youth Group

It was brilliant to launch our new monthly Youth Group for 10-13 year olds in October at Christ Church. The group meets on the first Sunday of each month for food, friendship and fun. We aim to provide the young people with freedom to explore their faith and spirituality in a safe space, and we run the sessions with an emphasis on acceptance, listening and kindness. We’ve had some beautiful and deep conversations, dived into important topics such as our values, intuition and how their spirituality helps shape who they are and the decisions they made. It’s always an enlightening and meaningful 90mins, full of vibrant discussion and lots of laughing.

The first session was on our core values and which are important within Youth Group. The no.1 value for the group is Family and other significant ones were Happiness, Caring and Fun. Clarification of our values is important for us understand what we meaningfully move towards and away from, with a considered heart, and is the basis of everything we do. The November session was all about getting to know and understand our inner critic, and for our end of year finale in December, I challenged them to create the longest paper chains they could!

We always finish our sessions off with prayer, focussing on what the children would like to help with or who they want prayer for, and, like Sunday School, these moments are incredibly special and often very moving. It’s exciting to wonder what great things they will do in the future, all they need to do is be more of who they already are.

Parish merchandise

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One member of the congregation was so taken by the churches picture cards in the Sunday School Welcome Boxes that she wanted to buy her own copies. As a result, I made more so everyone had the chance to purchase their own. Amazingly, I took nearly £90 on the first day of selling! These are available all year round for purchase and make really lovely gifts.

Hot on the heals of this success, came our Lent Reflection boxes and also some parish fridge magnets with Bible quotes on them. Everything is available for sale to help raise funds for our beautiful parish churches.

Christmas

The annual Christingle-making took place at the same time as our Christmas tree light-up event. We had loads of people helping us, including members of the community who had come for mince pies, mulled wine and carols - it was a really lovely evening. At the Christingle service, we were blessed to have the Esher Church School choir joining us to sing some wonderful songs - it was a very festive occasion.

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Thank you to everyone who came to my very first Crib service in December! I was amazed when people starting arriving a full hour before it was due to start! One couple, who were visiting from Germany, said that if they don’t get to their crib service back home, an hour before it starts, they don’t get a seat! By the time we started, the church was packed (the head count was around 220) and we ran out of orders of service, so I think that was a good sign!

During the service we performed the no-rehearsal nativity play with some very game children and adults taking part. We were also treated to a beautiful song sung by the ladies from the Jordan family, and the service ended with an audience-participatory version of The 12 Days of Christmas. It was recommended to me in November, and sounded so good I had to try it out. The carol is sung sitting down and each time your birth month comes up you stand up.

It was hilarious as people bobbed up and down all round Christ Church - babies were also proudly elevated for their birth month and ‘five gold rings’ was sung with magnificent gusto in every verse. It was such a joy.

Kathryn Chapman

Children, Young People & Families Worker

Esher Church School & Esher Church of England High School Report

We have two Church Schools within our Parish, something that is very unique. There are only three CofE Secondary schools in the Diocese and we have strong links with both our primary and secondary schools, supporting them through governance and links with our Children and Families worker Kath Chapman.

At Christmas some of the congregation got involved with the Esher High School Community Choir, singing two songs in their December carol service at Christ Church. Earlier that term, we also welcomed the new year seven co-hort with a special service. To welcome them we gave gift packs to all 240 children to take home, containing a candle, pencil, magnet, a copy of the school prayer and information about our Youth Group.

During 2023 the High School has continued to support our children and families in the Parish. The opportunities afforded our young people who attend the High School are amazing; from vocational experiences, supporting and visiting overseas charitable work in Zambia to engagement and mentoring from university tutors for those looking to go on to higher education.

Christmas saw the annual exhibition of the Diocese of

Guildford Schools, show-casing art created in response to the theme, God’s Gift. The whole Esher Church Primary School community was involved in making this stunning contribution, lead by the Faith and Art prefects. The work includes cut-out hands of every child in the school and intricate paper flowers and leaves. The wreath now has pride of place in the ECS entrance lobby - it’s an absolute wonder to behold.

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We are pleased to be able to support both our schools with governors from our Parish. This is an immensely demanding and responsible position and we want to thank all those involved for their time and talents in supporting the work of the schools, alongside Darren, Jonathan and Kath.

Post Covid consequences still place increasing demands on schools to support our young people and we thank both our schools and the staff for their incredible work.

Kathryn Chapman, Children, Young People & Families Worker Helen Coulson, Churchwarden

Pastoral Support Team Report

The past year, like the curate’s egg, has been busy in parts!

No two weeks are the same and often people do not want a visit but just advice. Sadly, a few people have passed away, but I know our help was greatly appreciated.

I am most grateful for the continuing support of my helpers, Jan Sayer, Andrea Lindow and Karen Sarkissian, without whom the Pastoral Support Team would be unable to function, and am delighted to report that William Wood has joined us. This is good news as I’ve had requests which I have been unable to process as ladies are not allowed to visit a man without a chaperone! Rules are rules, so having William in the team is a huge plus.

We are here to help so if anyone requires help or knows someone who does, you only need to call or email me to get things started (01372 464483 or wendytanqueray@gmail.com).

Wendy Tanqueray Pastoral Visitor Coordinator

Fellowship Group Report

Our Fellowship group has continued to flourish during the year, our numbers at a record capacity for the Lady Chapel.

We continue to meet the first Wednesday of each month at 11.00am and we begin with coffee in the main body of the church, kindly thanks to Sally. We then adjourn to the Lady Chapel where we commence our gathering with an act of worship. Melanie provides us with beautifully presented service booklets, and each month is linked to the seasons and major Christian festivals of the calendar year. Usually there is an underlying theme arising from the Bible Readings which can provoke lively discussion and debate. Central to this are our prayers for those known to us, for the community or world beyond, followed by a period of silence for private prayer and reflection. We follow our service with discussion related to our act of worship.

Our Christmas social was very different this year as we had to hold it in the Leopold Room alongside Claremont Schools' annual Carol concert in the main church. We had to wait in the kitchen while numbers of children queued for the toilet, all in good humour! It was actually quite lovely and seasonal to sip our mulled wine and canapés to the strain of Hark the Herald! After all we were celebrating the birth of a very special baby!

It is our bond of friendship that is the essence of our success and the trust that has grown between us. Another step along the way on our journey of faith. My sincere thanks to all who continue to support us. Long may we continue!

Jan Sayer Fellowship Group Leader

Community & Business Outreach Report

Christ Church is now a well-established member of the Esher Chamber of Commerce. This has allowed us to host breakfasts and presentations using the AV system. As a result, we’ve seen a good number of people in the church who haven’t visited before.

The foodbank operation was suspended through a lack of demand exacerbated by food stocks being attacked by our church mice. The remaining useable items were taken to the Lower Green Community Centre, where relations with Christ Church continue to be strengthened.

Elmbridge Multi-Faith Forum were invited to give a broad ranging presentation which was well received. Follow up actions have been held whilst the war in Gaza continues.

The 2023 Christmas Tree Lighting-up Ceremony can be considered a great success with 92 people attending, including many members of the Chamber of Commerce. The Mayor opened the event, the church was candlelit with mulled wine and mince pies served in a warm and convivial atmosphere. A new Christ Church tradition has been born.

Michael Banks

Community & Business Outreach Coordinator

InSpire Report

InSpire continues to grow with input coming from a wider range of contributors and the topics continuing to expand.

The editorial team remains Bridget Williams, Jane Tyrrell and Juliet Philip, with the latter having the task of editing and pulling InSpire together and distributing it. Despite many personal challenges over the past year, the team continues to meet four to six weeks before the issue is published to decide on the content and focus of the next version – still finding that a breakfast meeting is the best way forward!

There remains a need to widen the audience that each issue goes to and increase the readership of each issue. InSpire averages around 70% of readers per distribution, which is considered a good return, but it would be good to see that higher.

There has been no movement on having a printed version, though it is not an idea that has been dismissed. As a printed version, by necessity, would be shorter and less pictorial it is something that needs very careful consideration.

The 33rd issue was published at Easter - InSpire has run for eight years in its current form.

Juliet Philip InSpire Editor

Exploring the Bible - Discussion Evenings Report

Following our successful 2022 series of discussion evenings in which we took a whistle-stop tour of the Old Testament, in Lent 2023 we ran a further series on the four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We explored why we have four accounts of Jesus’s life rather than a single integrated story, how the four accounts appear to borrow from one another, but also how they differ both in content and in emphasis. We reflected on how these four different ‘voices’ complement one another and how, taken together, they can draw us closer to the figure of Jesus whom we revere as God and Man.

Later, in May we hosted a fascinating one-off meeting of the Elmbridge Interfaith Forum at which Jewish, Hindu, Muslim and Christian speakers shared their thoughts on how we can live together in harmony and respect, while remaining true to our own traditions and beliefs.

Finally, in Advent we finished our tour of the Bible by looking at the remainder of the New Testament, focusing on the Letters of Paul, the Acts of the Apostles and the Book of Revelation. We explored what these very different writings tell us about the experience and developing faith of the Church in the years immediately after Jesus’s death, resurrection and ascension. We considered how, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the new Christian communities came to understand their role in building the Kingdom of God in the often hostile world of the first century. Again, we reflected on how these very different groups of writings complement one another and how they started to document the tradition of faith which we still share today.

Revd Jonathan Andrew Honorary Assistant Priest

Book Group Report

The Book Group continues to thrive, meeting on a Monday afternoon in Christ Church ten or eleven times a year.

The group is an eclectic one with an interesting mixture of reading tastes and personalities. The average attendance at each meeting is around a dozen, sometimes as many as fifteen and at others just ten. Unusually for a book group, the membership is pretty well an even split between men and women which adds nicely to the dynamics of the meetings.

Whilst the Group is led by Revd Jonathan Andrew, it is run on democratic lines with everyone being able to submit suggestions for the next book to read and then voting for their preference off a shortlist. This has led to a very diverse range of books being read in the past year – from Bonnie Garmus’s bestseller Lessons in Chemistry, through Orwell’s Down and out in Paris and London to The Map that Changed the World by Simon Winchester.

Discussions are wide ranging with every opinion acceptable, with sometimes diametrically opposed views leading to a lively debate. However, as this all takes place over tea, cakes and biscuits, provided by the members, it is never heated.

The highlight of the year is the now traditional pre-Christmas meeting where there is no set book to read but every member is encouraged to bring a short seasonal reading or poem to share with the group – whilst enjoying appropriate festive fare.

So, something that started during lockdown with four ‘zoomers’ and a dog has grown, under the aegis of Jonathan Andrew, into a fully-fledged Book Group with a robust and always welcoming membership.

Juliet Philip

On behalf of Revd Jonathan Andrew Book Group Leader

Music Report

Liturgical Music

From a current standpoint, the disruptions of Covid – in terms of its restrictions on congregational singing, choirs and general gatherings – feel like a strange nightmare now mercifully receding into the distance. (I am put in mind of Isaac Watt’s famous hymn words about time like an ever-rolling stream and things flying away forgotten, as a dream…).

Choir numbers have continued on a broadly stable trajectory, and we were pleased to welcome Hilary Greaves as a new recruit to the soprano line at the very tail end of 2023. However, the problem I outlined in last year’s report – that of getting everyone regularly under the same roof at the same time - persists, and this continues to limit the ambitiousness of what we can attempt, both in terms of repertoire and in terms of any special events beyond the regular cycle of Sunday services.

We did, however, mount a Festal Choral Evensong for Coronation Weekend in May, welcoming a handful of visiting singers from All Saints Weston Green to swell our ranks. Another memorable highlight was Alice Coulson’s wedding on 12 August (with performing forces and a repertoire that wouldn’t have been out of place in Westminster Abbey!), and it was also a delight to feature, for the first time, Tom Doolan playing his bugle for the Last Post during our Act of Remembrance on Esher Green on Remembrance Sunday.

On the organ scholar front, Rowan Marshall and Theo Tang have diligently continued to serve as our senior and junior organ scholars respectively, and it has been good to watch them grow in both confidence and competence over the past twelve months. Two other young musicians from our church community (Annabelle and Tom Doolan) have also begun organ lessons with me, as well as a locally-based putative parish organ scholar (Robert Cunningham), marking the beginnings of a de facto Esher Organ Academy!

During the year we realised, very sadly, that Keith Howell-Jones’ health would not permit him to return to the organ bench as we had hoped when losing him to illness in late 2022. As there was no specific cut-off point for Keith’s participation, we did not have a proper chance to say a final goodbye and thank you to him for his huge record of service to the parish’s music over several decades – but, as a symbolic tribute, we included his lovely carol composition ‘Sing We a Song of Mary’s Child’ in the music choices for December’s Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols. We all owe Keith a huge debt of gratitude in more ways than we can ever repay, and we shall continue to keep him in our thoughts and prayers.

With Keith now retired from the organ bench at West End as well as Christ Church, we were delighted to appoint Barbara Wadley as our new Parish Associate Organist; Barbara has already endeared herself to both congregations with her versatile and enthusiastic approach to music-making. With Barbara’s arrival on the scene, we have moved to a new arrangement for covering West End services, involving a five-strong rota of the three adult organists and both organ scholars.

My particular thanks go to our Assistant Organist Oliver Macfarlane for his organ playing week-in week-out at Christ Church, including treating us to some spectacular closing voluntaries; to Diana Johns for her piano depping; and to all our choir members for their multifarious contributions to our regular parish worship.

Music on the Green

2023 was a year of substantial happenings on the parish music front generally, with some extremely memorable events to look back on.

In February, we held a second fundraising concert in aid of Ukraine humanitarian causes marking the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, with a programme of predominantly instrumental chamber music performed by a cadre of musicians, curated by Alla Sirenko.

In its first post-pandemic edition, Music in the Tower in April featured Dvi Doli, a delightful female duo from Ukraine, who bewitched the audience with a programme mixing voice and their national folk instrument the bandura, and blending Ukrainian with Western repertoire.

Parish musicians provided background organ music at St George’s West End for their Open House, on 17 May, to celebrate of the completion of the church’s refurbishment project.

On 3 June our parish choir mounted a fine performance of the Mozart Requiem in collaboration with the Barisons Singers and members of Brighton College Choral Society, with chamber accompaniment from a string trio of visiting members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (procured via the contacts of the Barisons Singers conductor!).

On 4 July we marked the exact 400th anniversary of the death of William Byrd, the master composer of the English Renaissance, with a harpsichord recital at Old St George’s given by Yat-Soon Yeo, including some illuminating scholarly commentary on the music of Byrd and his contemporaries.

Meanwhile, the MOTG Wednesday lunchtime series powered ahead on full throttle with ten concerts throughout the year, playing to audiences of about 80. In addition to a most enjoyable two-pianos recital, our featured solo instruments included the violin, oboe, bass clarinet and classical accordion; other notable performances were given by the Lumas Wind Quintet, Trio Lavolta and the Alex Wilson Jazz Trio. The latter was such a success that we shall make a point of including at least one jazz-specific fixture a year in future.

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, Debbie Banks for continuing to lead our dynamic volunteer catering team, and Jan Sayer for her general assistance. Thanks are also due to our rector Darren for his continued enthusiastic support of our parish’s musical outreach efforts.

Stuart Whatton

Parish Director of Music

Bellringers’ Report

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The year started with our Christmas celebrations which are always after Christmas! This year we had a supper with Bell Ringer friends at the Wheatsheaf.

The big event of the year was the Coronation of Charles III. Following a call out from the Church

Council of Bell ringers (CCBR) to Ring for the King (R4K) we had eight people arrive last March all determined to be part of this historic event.

We developed a full-on training programme (not at all easy with that number of people) and included all members of the Tower for assistance and much need encouragement. Come the day, we had seven R4Ks plus a full Esher band of eight ringers.

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All the ringing was wonderful (even though I say so myself) and the R4Ks were hugely successful in their assisted ringing. It was a very emotional event for all concerned.

Recruitment and retention of ringers is crucial to the survival of our band so we were very disheartened that not one of R4Ks decided to continue with their ringing. They had all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we were praised for our training and encouragement but ... It should be noted that the last ringer recruited from our Parish was myself some six years ago!

Darren held an ‘inaugural’ Bell Sunday service in May. The band rang prior to the service and then took part with readings and prayers. The best bit was the lovely decoration the children made for us. This is now attached to our ‘spider’ in the Tower.

New muffles were acquired for the bells making our bells sound very different and much deeper on Remembrance Day; they also meant we could dispense with the thick woolly socks previously used to augment the very thin and well-worn muffles!

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Prior to being able to use the new muffles we had some serious housework to do first. To make them usable, all the clappers need two coats of non-stick paint. As this can only be applied whilst the bells are in their down position, this necessitated yours truly climbing up onto the bell frame and then dropping down to lie on my back under the bell itself. All this with a pot of paint and a brush in my hand!

We do not have a Wednesday evening practice during Holy Week but instead clean the Tower of its winter habitants – flies, ladybirds and cobwebs, plus a fair amount of sawdust from the insulation.

We were delighted to ring for one wedding (Alice Coulson) this year and tolled the bell for several funerals. We rang celebratory bells (six bells) for the David Archer funeral service.

It is not possible for a single Tower to teach everything a ringer needs to know in the furtherance of their ringing career. Therefore, we strongly encourage the visiting of other Towers and warmly welcome visitors to Esher. In addition, most of our members attended at least one other Surrey or Chertsey ringing district training course last year. Morgan Rook, our Steeple Keeper and I attended a four-day residential course in Bradfield, Berks. These courses are attended at our own expense and in our own time. The benefit of such courses cannot be underestimated.

In furtherance of ringing experience, we organised our first Tower outing in November visiting Send, West Clandon, Shere and Bramley with a very nice lunch in the middle. We learnt much by ringing on different bells but were all thoroughly exhausted at the end of the day!

Ann Battensby

Parish Tower Bell Captain

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St George’s West End Report

In the new year we were delighted to receive a generous and unexpected donation from the Village Show Committee, towards our ongoing Renovation Fund. Their substantial cheque, together with other donations both large and small, helped fund improvements and repairs to St George’s throughout the year, and will contribute to our remaining renovation project – the mammoth task of rectifying the sloping floor and replacing the 65 year old floor tiles.

Our Mothering Sunday, Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday services were all well attended and we welcomed many new faces to our redecorated church. Outside, the small gardening team had worked their socks off all winter, in all weather, replanting, weeding and tidying the garden in readiness for the arrival of Spring.

St George’s Day saw our wooden fencing adorned with bunting, when we held a Healing Service during our 9am Eucharist. Two weeks on, rows of Union Jacks joined the St George’s flags on the fence, as we celebrated the Coronation of King Charles lll.

We left all the bunting in place for our special ‘Thank you’ event in May, which was our opportunity to thank all those who had so generously donated money to our Restoration Fund. We were able to chat to everyone, while enjoying wine and refreshments, as Oliver and Barbara played the organ. We were delighted to be able to thank everyone in person and ‘show off’ our beautifully restored and repainted church, which was much admired.

The Village Show in August is our major fundraising event . A great deal of work goes on behind the scenes before the big day and it is very much a community effort as we work together to make the day a success. This year was no exception, as we welcomed a stream of both regulars and newcomers who bought our homemade bread, cakes, marmalade, cards and gifts - we were so successful that we rapidly sold out early this year!

Autumn brings the fun of our Pet Service, as we never know which animals will turn up - but this year our first arrival was a beautiful horse, who cropped the grass verge outside the church, overseen by her owner. Both horse and rider enjoyed the Service through the open front door and watched the arrival of seven dogs of varying ages and sizes, two cats and 28 humans, all of whom behaved impeccably!

Harvest Festival saw the church beautifully decorated. On the 11th November Darren and Jonathan joined a few of us to help clear the vast quantity of autumn leaves from the rear garden, and at 11 o’clock we downed tools to bow our heads for the two minutes silence. Movingly, as the leaves fell around us, we remembered the fallen. Our Remembrance Service Eucharist the next day was well attended, when the church was decorated with poppies.

On Christmas Eve the Norwegian Church held their traditional Christmas Service in St George’s - and they continue to enjoy worshiping regularly each month in our church. The popular Village Carol Concert (a secular event) followed afterwards. On Christmas Day the church was overflowing with visitors as well as the regular congregation. St George’s always looks particularly beautiful at Christmas, the plain interior being enhanced by an Advent wreath hanging from the rafters, candles, holy and ivy, a Christmas tree, the crib and numerous flower arrangements.

During the year we have purchased and installed a new garden shed, fitted new lights and replaced halogen bulbs with LED ones, bought and installed a new heater and repaired and replaced several rotten window sills. Most significantly, we purchased and installed a new disabled ramp to allow access via the vestry door, and sourced a folding disabled ramp for Christ Church. The Smartwater marking has been carried out and we commissioned an Asbestos Survey and Report - and were greatly relieved no asbestos was detected.

For such a tiny church, we have achieved a great deal this year, thanks to our continued successful fundraising, generous donations and an enormous amount of time and effort by a small, dedicated group of volunteers. Regular meetings are held throughout the year, when ideas are discussed and plans are made. These volunteers continue to keep this unique, tiny village church the thriving community it is today, and to them a huge amount of thanks and gratitude are due.

Andrea Lindow

Deputy Churchwarden, St George’s Church

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On behalf of the PCC

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Jane Tyrrell

Peter Bedford Hon Secretary

Jane Tyrrell Helen Coulson Churchwarden Churchwarden

Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held in Christ Church, Esher on Sunday 14 May 2023 at 12 noon.

1 Opening Prayers

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

He then referred to his report, with special thanks to the churchwardens, the two Honorary Assistant Priests, the PCC as a whole, the Parish Administrator, and all those holding appointments and mentioned in the APCM report and the Minutes of last year’s meeting. He made special mention also of the sidespeople, the readers, the intercessors, the school Governors, those providing refreshments, the host of others that he had not named, and everyone else who contributed so much of their time to the wellbeing of our two churches and the Parish as a whole.

2 Apologies for absence

Jackie Andrew, Jonathan Andrew, Wendy Tanqueray, Stuart Whatton

3 Election of Churchwardens

Two nominations were received – Helen Coulson and Jane Tyrrell - both were duly elected.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

4 Minutes from last year’s meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 May 2022 were unanimously approved as a true record. Proposed by Andrea Lindow and seconded by Bridget Williams.

5 Matters arising from those minutes

There were no matters arising.

6 Parish Annual Report 2022

Parish Financial Statements 2022

Martin Fuller introduced his report, and stated that income had held up fairly well. However, we do not cover all our outgoings, given a wide range of expenses, and necessary maintenance work, such as the refurbishment of St George’s West End.

The General Fund is in deficit, but this has been covered by drawing on the Cranbrook Drive fund, although the property is due to be refurbished this year, so this source of funding will not remain available. We have been obliged to draw on Legacy funds, but the anticipated income from letting the improved Cranbrook Drive will help the situation in the future.
In general discussion, a query was raised as to why income for 2022 was less than for 2021. This was largely explained by donations and bequests being less in 2022, rental income being lower, and the legacy to the West End designated fund in 2021.

Mair Molteno made the strong point that the refurbishment of St George’s West End had been funded at no cost to Parish funds. Firstly, there had been the large legacy, left specifically for the purpose of this work; and, secondly, the West End community had run a very successful fundraising campaign.
Other points addressed the issue of router problems leading to unstable Wi-Fi coverage for the card machine, and a query on advertising income generated by the Christmas newsletter in 2021.

The meeting agreed to accept the Financial Statements, as proposed by Will Stevens and seconded by Brian Elliott.

7 Other Reports

Music

Brian Elliott congratulated Stuart Whatton, Director of Music, on the continued success of Music on the Green. Not only does this attract many people to Christ Church, but it generates much-needed income. This reflects the huge amount of work put in by all concerned. Darren pointed out that there is a now a new overlap with Esher Church School, where we have trialled a visit for a workshop immediately afterwards, and will do so again.

8 Appointment of Independent Examiner for 2023

Martin tabled the further appointment of Gordon Manickam as Independent Examiner. Darren underlined that Gordon provides his services pro bono, and we are very grateful for his endeavours in this respect. His appointment was approved, having been proposed by Martin Fuller and seconded by Mair Molteno.

9 Elections to PCC

There were four nominations for lay membership of the PCC, being Martin Fuller and Bridget Williams, who had just completed their three-year terms, Mair Molteno who has finished her term with the Deanery Synod, and Teresa Allen, a new member. Polly Jordan and Will Stevens were nominated for the Deanery Synod, having finished their current terms (a new triennial period commences in 2023). All the aforementioned were duly elected.

The Secretary mentioned that we expected Hugh Miller also to seek re-election, having just completed his three-year term, and if this be the case it will be handled by the PCC.

10 Any Other Business

Bridget Williams voiced special thanks for the outstanding work conducted by Kath Chapman, since her appointment as Children & Families Worker in September 2022.

Brian Elliott asked for an update on the major programme for improved lighting in Christ Church. In the absence of Hugh Miller, Fabric Chair, Helen explained that much work had been done and that detailed costings and plans were in hand. Likely costs were in the region of £100,000 plus VAT, in line with figures mentioned at last year’s APCM. However, given our current financial constraints, the PCC had agreed that the

programme be delayed, with priority given to the refurbishment of Cranbrook Drive. Helen Coulson voiced her thanks to all involved with the Parish, which continues to flourish, and singled out in particular the leadership shown by Darren as Rector, very ably supported by David Gerrard and Jonathan Andrew.

11 Closing Prayers

Darren then closed the meeting at 1.05pm, and invited all present to say the Grace.

Peter Bedford Honorary Secretary PCC

Independent Examiner’s Report

To the Parochial Church Council of Esher

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 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.

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Gordon Manickam CIA FCCIA 84 Greenways Hinchley Wood KT10 0QJ

May 2024

Esher PCC Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2023

Income and Expenditure for the year ended 31 December 2023

Incoming Resources

£s	Unrestricted	Designated	Restricted	2023	2022
Incoming resources from generated funds
Regular giving	106,012	-	-	106,012	95,942
Gift Aid	43,188	-	1,400	44,588	26,855
Church collections	18,166	120	-	18,286	17,075
Donations & bequests	6,867	16,599	-	23,466	17,349
Sales of donated investments	1,753	-	-	1,753	1,500
Sundry receipts	2,570	800	-	3,370	3,636
Church fundraising events	945	881	-	1,827	6,716
Card & notelet sales	-	267	-	267	396
Newsletter advertising	-	-	-	-	250
Church fees	5,441	-	-	5,441	3,527
Music on the Green	-	8,616	-	8,616	6,494
Investment income (dividends)	412	-	19,278	19,691	20,132
Traidcraft/merchandise sales	1,134	-	-	1,134	1,271
Rental income	-	3,207	-	3,207	12,634
Totals	186,493	30,492	20,678	237,663	213,783
Other incoming resources
Appeal donations	-	2,495	6,420	8,915	8,118
Legacies	-	10,761	-	10,761	-
Totals	-	13,256	6,420	19,676	8,118
Grand Totals	186,493	43,748	27,098	257,340	221,902

Resources Used

£s	Unrestricted	Designated	Restricted	2023	2022
Cost of generating funds
Music on the Green	-	7,377	-	7,337	5,386
Cards & notelets	-	-	-	-	1,984
Fundraising events	184	-	-	184	4,944
Traidcraft purchases	-	-	-	-	980
Flyer print costs	625	-	-	625	-
Totals	809	7,377	-	8,187	13,296
Cost of Parish activities
Grants & appeal payments	390	-	6,282	6,672	7,349
Parish share	95,301	-	-	95,301	99,435
Clergy telephone	908	-	-	908	704
Clergy car & travel	347	-	-	347	420
Clergy other expenses	594	-	-	594	1,905
Rectory gas/electricity	1,158	-	-	1,158	1,071
Rectory running costs	830	-	-	830	631
Repairs & maintenance	10,299	58,684	213	69,197	50,931
Cleaning	486	-	-	486	2,714
Electricity - Christ Church	7,314	-	-	7,314	2,002
Electricity - St George’s	1,356	-	-	1,356	672
Gas - Christ Church	4,899	-	-	4,899	3,217
Water bills - Christ Church	191	-	-	191	126
Water bills - St George’s	88	-	-	88	40
Insurance - Christ Church	3,905	705	-	4,610	4,570
Insurance - St George’s	496	-	-	496	470
Sundry expenses/petty cash	1,428	7,866		9,294	2,737
Communion table	564	-	-	564	299
Flowers	444	-	-	444	650
Surveyors' & architects' fees	-	-	-	-	6,563
Organists’ fees	9,600	-	-	9,600	9,080

Resources Used (continued)

£s	Unrestricted	Designated	Restricted	2023	2022
Cost of Parish activities (continued)
Organ/piano maintenance	1,494	-	-	1,494	3,656
Choir expenses & music	377	-	-	377	303
Organ scholarships	-	-	1,000	1,000	48
Church meetings	-	-	-	-	81
Training & courses	1,024	-	447	1,471	191
Youth worker	-	-	10,706	10,706	2,918
Youth activities	2,476	-	-	-	2,476
Parish post	-	-	-	-	436
Office salaries/taxes	21,001	-	-	21,001	21,149
Printing & stationery	879	-	-	879	1,545
Church telecoms/internet	2,018	-	-	2,018	2,401
Photocopier costs	2,361	-	-	2,361	1,011
Postage	-	-	-	-	120
Depreciation	2,651	93	2,402	5,148	6,864
Bank charges	666	-	-	666	660
Office sundry costs	1,041	-	-	1,041	1,565
Totals	176,596	67,349	21,053	264,999	238,547
Grand Totals	177,406	74,727	21,053	273,187	251,843

Tangible Fixed Assets

£s	Property	Equipment	Total
Balance at 1 Jan 2023	800,000	-	-
Equipment at cost		136,009
Less accumulated depreciation	-	(120,563)	-
Balance at 1 Jan 2023		15,446
	-		-
Less depreciation in 2023		(5,148)
Balance at 31 Dec 2023	800,000	10,298	810,298

Balance sheet as at 31 December 2023

£s	General Fund	Designated Funds	Restricted Funds	2023	2022
Fixed assets
Tangible assets	807,955	281	7,208	815,445	820,593
Investments	-	-	1,258	1,258	1,150
Fixed assets	807,955	281	8,466	816,703	821,743
Current assets
Debtors	30,467	-	544	31,011	13,260
Cash at bank & in hand	(62,386)	154,585	43,245	135,444	175,574
Current assets	(31,919)	154,585	43,790	166,456	188,834
Liabilities
Creditors (amounts fallingdue in oneyear)	2,917	255	2,825	5,998	6,663
Net current assets less current liabilities	(34,837)	154,329	40,965	160,457	182,171
Total assets less current liabilities	773,118	154,611	49,431	977,161	1,003,914
Total net assets less liabilities	773,118	154,611	49,431	977,161	1,003,914

Grants for Charitable Purposes

£s	Total
Lent Appeal 2023 (Lower Green Community Centre)	2,085
Kathryn’s Mercy Home, India (Sponsorship of child)	180
Tree Aid (Queen's Jubilee Green Canopy appeal)	297
Harvest (East Elmbridge Food Bank)	263
Macmillan Cancer Support (Big Coffee Morning)	222
Royal British Legion	165
Children’s Society (Christingle)	139
Esher Church School - bibles	210
Advent Appeal 2023 (Archbishops' Appeal for the Holy Land)	3,299
Total	6,860

Balance Sheet Totals by Funds

£s	General Fund	Designated Funds	Restricted Funds	2023	2022
Unrestricted
General Fund	773,118	-	-	773,118	775,662
Designated
Lighting Renovation	-	10,300	-	10,300	7,712
Music on the Green	-	12,292	-	12,292	11,053
West End	-	30,000	-	30,000	18,881
Cranbrook Drive	-	37,954	-	37,954	96,548
Bell Fund	-	161	-	161	161
Legacies	-	63,902	-	63,902	48,639
Restricted
Advent Appeal	-	-	532	532	(1,795)
Property	-	-	5,427	5,427	5,293
Fews Cottage	-	-	26,496	26,496	21,874
Spire Appeal	-	-	6	6	6
Other Appeals	-	-	7	7	297
Boiler Renovation	-	-	7,208	7,208	9,611
Children & Young People	-	-	4,463	4,463	4,463
Garden of Remembrance	-	-	5,289	5,289	5,503
Lent Appeal	-	-	-	-	-
Funds of the Parish	773,118	154,611	49,431	977,161	1,003,914

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023

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 2023: the Parish Administrator and a Children & Families 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

2023-12-31-accounts

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