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2022-12-31-accounts

Reg. Charity No. 1134855 Email: AndrewGrace1919@gmail.com Phone: 01834-842068

The Annual Meeting 2023 Sunday 23[rd] April at 11.30 a.m. in St Mary’s Church Part 1: Agenda & Church Reports

AGENDA

Elections & Appointments for the new Tenby Group of Churches:

There then follows a short meeting of the new Tenby Group Committee to elect/appoint their Chairman, Secretary, Treasurers, and representatives to serve on the new LMA Council (PCC).

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Reports for 2022

The Rector’s Report

2022 was another busy and enjoyable year for the three churches in the Tenby Group, and a time of reawakening. The year marked our gradual resurgence and saw an ongoing opening up of church life from the depths of Covid and pandemic, when we were closed and even locked up, to an example of one of our highlights: the Advent Carol Service, to which we invited all the churches in our LMA; and also the Confirmation Service the following Sunday when eight of our members were confirmed by Bishop John Saxbee.

We were also able to fill St Mary’s to mark the passing in September of our dear Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth II.

I wish to thank my clergy colleagues for all their hard work, vision and

loyalty during these difficult times: the Revd Sylvia Temple, the Revd John Morgan, the Ven. John Harvey, the Ven. Ken Sharpe, the Revd Nigel Griffin, the Revd Adrian Davies, and the Very Revd Jonathan Lean - for all their hard work and for their continuing support.

I am most grateful too to Nicole Evans, who arranges all our Weddings, to Susie Brookes, who arranges all our Baptisms, and to Pat Davies who organises our Readers’ Rota.

And, at the end of the year, I was very pleased that we appointed Jeremy Stone as our Youth & Families Officer – a post which he shares with St John’s Pembroke Dock and an appointment which promises well for the future. Jeremy is also a Reader, and is about to be licensed to lead funerals as well.

I wish to thank too those members of our church family who exercise a very important pastoral ministry across the Parish, and who, whether “officially” or informally, exercise pastoral care to those around us in the name of Christ. They have shown that, even in these difficult times, we are able to operate as a real church family by taking care of each other.

And I was very pleased that, again towards the end of the year, we were able to enter into a longterm supporting relationship with the Paul Sartori Foundation, who do so much good work in our area. And I salute the work of our Mothers’ Union and all they do for PATCH and for the local food banks.

I am most grateful too to the members of our Standing Committee, who oversee so much of our administration and finance: Clive and Ruth Webb, Nicole Evans, Anne Pönisch, and Sarah Prestwich. Our Standing Committee also did a lot of work so that were able to house a family of Refugees from Ukraine in our flat in Creswell Street, special thanks going to Anne Pönisch.

Supported wonderfully by our invaluable key-holder Denis Chiffi, our Verger and Deputy Verger, Organists, Choir Trainers and Choir, Wardens, Sidesmen, Cleaners, church grounds workers, Treasurers, Bell Ringers, Handbell Ringers, Flower Arrangers, Crucifer and Librarian, Readers and Intercession leaders, Mothers’ Union members and their leaders, our Soupermen: with all this dedication and activity our worshipping church life has gradually returned to “normal” - I especially wish to congratulate St Mary’s Choir on a brilliant year for them, under the expert leadership and guidance of Mark Thompson, Judy Davies, and John Harrison.

As a Parish we gave to various local and national charities in 2022 as usual, this not including the considerable amounts raised for charities by all our individual churches and coffee mornings.

As a Parish we strove again in 2022 to use our material resources creatively and in response to Christ’s call to us as His Church. Our purpose is to serve Him to the best of our ability, and to use all our gifts and resources for that purpose. So, always mindful of major financial risks, the church committee has had due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity

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Commissioners, and the church committee, and Parish Officers, throughout 2022 continued to review such risks and always endeavoured to be in a position to take mitigating actions when and if necessary.

Another major aim is always to be prudent enough to support our ongoing work of maintaining our ancient buildings and our relatively large employment portfolio, but above that we are called to serve, and I am pleased that the church committee was able to give so generously to charitable works again in 2022, including an on-going commitment of £200 every month to Christian Aid, and our new commitment to the Paul Sartori Foundation. I am pleased too that we were able again to support our new Church in Wales Primary School. I am most grateful to our three foundation governors, James Frazer, Nan Dowell, and Anne Pönisch, for all their work in and for the school, as well as the Bishop’s Visitor Nicole Evans.

It is impossible to thank everyone in the Parish by name and for every event, but my sincere thanks and congratulations go to everyone for all their hard work during the year and for the way everyone played their part so well, always in such a way as to build up our church into a real family. In this I would particularly like to thank the Church Wardens of each church for all their hard work, and the Church Wardens, Mr Clive Webb, Mrs Nicole Evans, Miss Jean Williams & Mr Desmond Brace, Mr Laurence Blackhall& Mrs Susie Brookes, and the Parish Treasurers, Mrs Ruth Webb, Mrs Nancy Sierwald, and Mrs Mary Harmer, for their dedication and absolute commitment.

So what lies ahead? We live in very uncertain times in the Church in Wales, and especially so in our Diocese, which is an ageing diocese. For much of 2022 our Bishop was off sick, and there is widespread low morale amongst our diocesan clergy. But let us keep up the good work here in our Tenby Group, keeping our sights firmly fixed on Jesus and His call on our lives. Our aim is to serve Him, and to serve our local community in His Name. – Canon Andrew Grace (Rector of Tenby)

St Mary’s Committee and Standing Committee Report

The St Mary’s Committee is made up of elected church members from St Anne’s, St Julian’s and St Mary’s churches and generally meets every three months or whenever there is a full agenda for discussion.

The Standing Committee (SC) is made up of the Rector, the Chair, the Treasurer, the Church Wardens and the Secretary. The SC meets in between full committee meetings and monitors progress on financial, buildingsrelated, and other general church matters. In addition, a number of these committee members (currently 7) are members of the Local Ministry Area (LMA)

Committee and attend LMA meetings, usually held in Begelly church hall. Each LMA member church sends representatives to these meetings which are chaired by the Revd Martin Cox of Narberth. During the pandemic meetings were, perforce, held online via Zoom and although this forced many of us to become more IT- savvy, we all agreed that it was a real joy to be able to resume face-to-face meetings again in 2022. Our meetings have a fairly set agenda which covers the spiritual and practical needs of our church community, specific events, finances, buildings and maintenance, personnel, charitable giving and outreach.

The past year has seen our discussions range over food banks and community needs, the development of youth work, ongoing church renovation projects including roof repairs, painting, the creation of a new Robert Recorde visitor area and plans for the future restoration of the organ. In May 2022 we were delighted to welcome our Ukrainian family and we continue to support them as they settle into their new lives in Tenby. We have also discussed the reopening of our church and the need for some possible new approaches to church community life brought about by the pandemic. We have been conscious of the fact that the pandemic may have changed

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many of our lives in ways that remain to be seen. Currently, we are also looking at plans for a dynamic revamp and repurposing of Church House and at its future development as a welcoming, open community centre for our town. Energy costs and use are also on our minds and so we are currently investigating the installation of greener energy sources such as solar power. Our committees are enriched and enlivened by the many contributions and ideas that our committee members bring to the table. Our discussions are by no means always serene and sedate! We value the many diverse opinions and life experience that each committee member brings. We also appreciate the time and thought that all give to these responsibilities and wish to take this opportunity to thank each committee member for all the support, the many hours of service and the good humour that they so freely give. - Anne Pönisch (Chair)

committee members bring to the table. Our discussions are by no means always serene and
sedate! We value the many diverse opinions and life experience that each committee member
brings. We also appreciate the time and thought that all give to these responsibilities and wish to
take this opportunity to thank each committee member for all the support, the many hours of
service and the good humour that they so freely give.- Anne Pönisch (Chair)		 committee members bring to the table. Our discussions are by no means always serene and
sedate! We value the many diverse opinions and life experience that each committee member
brings. We also appreciate the time and thought that all give to these responsibilities and wish to
take this opportunity to thank each committee member for all the support, the many hours of
service and the good humour that they so freely give.- Anne Pönisch (Chair)
Charitable Giving 2021
Deacon’s Fund………………………………………. £2000
Tenby Church in Wales VC Primary School………… £2000
Pembrokeshire Care Society ……………………. £1000
Ty Hafan……………………………………………… £500
Noah’s Ark……………………………………………… £500
Friends of the Community……………………………… £500
Pembrokeshire Mind…………………………………….. £500
Salvation Army………………………………………… £500
Samaritans……………………………………………… .£500
Forget–Me–Not ………………………………… £500
Memory Café………………………………………….. £500
The Red Cross………………………………………… £1000
Paul Sartori Association………………………………… £500
Stroke Association………………………………………. £500
Pembrokeshire Cancer Care…………………………….. £500
Pembrokeshire Voluntary Transport…………… £500 Prostate Cancer-Pembs £500
Crohns and Colitis Association……………… £500 Hope………………………£500
Malaria No More………………………………£500 Tenby Talking Newspaper… £500
Smile Train…………………………………… £500 Crisis………… ………… £500
Huntington’s Disease………………………… £500 Tenovus……………………£500
Tenby Scout and Guide Hall……………………£500 Tenby Sea Cadets………… £500
Plus £300 to Hywel Dda charities via James Day

We were delighted that the Car Park had had such a successful year which meant that there was a healthy sum of money to divide among local, national and international charities. We were conscious that many charities had found it very difficult to raise funds during the pandemic, and this made it even more important for St Mary’s to be able to contribute to many of them. This is a very important role for the church to play and we, at St. Mary’s, are pleased and privileged to be in a position to help at least some of those in need. - Nicole Evans – Rector’s Warden

St Julian’s Church

St Julian’s Church continues its Ministry in the Harbour. The Church was re-opened for the 2022 season in April and was open every day between April and October.

The following services took place during 2022:

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We had changes in our volunteer team, some leaving and new ones joining. One of our company agreed to take over the role of St Julian’s Church Treasurer. She prepared comprehensive accounts for income & expenditure for the previous year. A “spring clean” takes place at the start of each season by our volunteers who open the church on a daily rota basis throughout the spring & summer.

Extensive works on the fabric of the church as identified in the Quinquennial Report had been undertaken in early Spring 2020 so the building is now sound.

New boards “advertising” the range of services offered in this church have been ordered to be made and mounted on the end wall each side of the entrance door.

We have had a significant pigeon problem inside the church since opening in April causing a great deal of pigeon droppings all over the church pews, floor and the altar. We have hung a curtain across the door opening to stop their entry and have had mesh installed on the two high-up windowsills to prevent pigeons making nests.

Our Treasurer negotiated a contract with a new electricity provider which offers better rates and she takes quarterly meter readings to keep a track of electricity used. Generous donations are received from visitors plus fee income from weddings in the year.

St Julian’s Church now has its own Facebook page and the numbers signed in have increased greatly during the year. The page includes the weekly St Mary’s pew leaflet.

In the coming year, we will continue to open each day during the season and will continue to look at new ways in which we can engage with the Harbour community, the town and its visitors.

Wardens - Laurence Blackhall and Susie Brooks

St Anne’s Church New Hedges

2022 has been something of a mixed period in the life of our church. On the positive side, the majority of members have returned to full time worship and we now have a healthy congregation of approximately fourteen/fifteen attending for regular worship on a Sunday morning. The chalice has been restored at the Eucharist, for those who wish

to take it. Unfortunately, we have one or two members who are still a little uncomfortable with public worship after the pandemic and a similar number of elderly members who have not returned due to ill health.

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For me, personally, 2022 was interrupted by several bouts of ill health, and I am extremely grateful to Revd Nigel Griffin, one of our members, who stepped in to cover services for me and so allow worship at St Anne’s to continue on a regular basis. As a result of this, Palm Sunday was celebrated in the church, but on Easter Sunday our members joined with the congregation at St Mary’s.

We were saddened to hear, during the year, that our much-loved treasurer Mary Harmer had decided to retire from the office as she intended to move back to Cardiff. As a result, much of the year has been spent in trying to find a replacement treasurer for the church, but without any great success. Mary has offered to continue to carry out the treasurer’s duties, assisted by Mr David Morgan, until either she actually moves or a replacement has been found. Fortunately, we were delighted, in recent weeks, to hear that Mrs Betty Hooper has agreed to take on the position and she is now working with Mary and David to familiarise herself with the role of treasurer.

St. Mary’s Church Fête was held on Wednesday 27[th] July, at which members of St Anne’s took part, but unfortunately, as a result of a number suffering from ill health at the time, we did so in a less full and active way than was usual on past occasions. Ill health for myself and church members also meant that we were unable to celebrate our usual Patronal or Harvest Services at St Anne’s this year. However, St. Anne’s members did join with the other churches in the Tenby group for a Memorial Service of thanksgiving for the life of Queen Elizabeth 2[nd] on 18[th] September.

On Friday, 11[th] November, St Anne’s members assisted in holding a service of Remembrance for the village of New Hedges in the village hall, which was well attended and much appreciated by the local community.

The terrible storm and torrential rain on Monday 21[st] November resulted in St Anne’s Church being flooded and the floor of the church to be covered in water and a layer of thick mud. Thankfully, due to St Mary’s assistance in the cost of cleaning, and the swift response of a local property cleaning company, action was quickly taken, and the level of damage to the church was greatly reduced. However, due to the time needed for cleaning and a period for the whole church to dry out again, St Anne’s remained closed until Sunday 18[th] December - we were then able to worship there just before Christmas and allowed me to conduct one final service at St Anne’s before finishing as priest responsible for the church and becoming ‘Active Retired’ at the end of the month.

The upsetting and serious accident to our warden Jean, during December, has meant major changes in the life of the church. For countless years, members of St Anne’s have been used to having Jean present each Sunday, and the many and varied duties that she carried out in the church were largely taken for granted. It wasn’t until she was no longer there that the members realised just what a hole she had left in the life and the day-to-day running of the church. Jean was our warden, organist, she selected the hymns, she was church secretary, she was point of contact, cleaner, read the electricity meter, our flower arranger, she put in place the Christmas Nativity scene and Easter garden, washed the altar linen, changed the banners at the different church seasons, opened and closed the church each Sunday and put on the heating during the winter. Her not being there could have caused chaos in St Anne’s, but fortunately all of the members have offered to take on and to share Jean’s various duties. Now everyone can now feel that they are playing their part and making a contribution towards the life of the church. In order to recognise Jean’s life-long devoted service to S. Anne’s it has been suggested, by the members, that she be made Warden Emeritus. The future of St Anne’s looks to be safe and settled for the foreseeable time. Revd Nigel Griffin and I will continue to take Sunday services alternately, we have a congregation that is growing, active and fully involved in the life of the church. Des will continue as warden for as long as his health allows and David and Susanna Morgan are training as D.J.’s to play the CD’s which we have for hymn music in church, until we find another organist. St Anne’s has a bright future ahead.! - Revd John Morgan.

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Baptisms

In 2021 we had only one baptism in St Mary’s church and one in St Julian’s church as most were postponed due to the Covid restrictions. However things have considerably improved in 2022 once the Covid restrictions were removed:

In St Mary’s Church we celebrated 13 baptisms In St Julian’s Church we celebrated 2 baptisms. So far for 2023 we have had 3 applications for baptisms in both our churches.

The Rector plans to arrange small group meetings of prospective parents and godparents too prior to the baptism ceremony. This is to clarify the sincere Christian commitment which is to be made to the baptism candidate by parents and godparents and the vows that they will make to bring up the child in the Christian faith and throughout their life’s journey. It is essential that parents and godparents are themselves baptised and can provide details of their own place and year of baptism.

Music in St Mary’s

After many months of not being allowed to sing, and then only while wearing masks, the choristers are delighted to be taking part in the services again. On most Sundays we sing an introit before the service and a motet during the Eucharist as well as a psalm and the communion settings which

vary from week to week. This all has to be practised at our Thursday rehearsal, as well as the new pieces which we are always adding to our repertoire.

We are grateful to The Friends of St Mary’s who have provided us with a book of anthems in three parts, which comes in very handy when there is a shortage of men! The Friends also bought 20 new hymn books for us as a replacement for our rather dilapidated copies.

Over the past few years we have seen some

retirements from the choir: Julie Watts, Jen Richards, Peggy Cole, and Henry Johnston are much missed, as is Charles Clewett who moved to Narberth but who is still an occasional member of the tenor section. Lindy Wainwright moved away with Revd Robb. But fortunately we have gained several new members: sopranos Lucy and Marilla Evans, Sue Millward and Roz Oak are great additions. Lynda Brown also joined the sopranos and became Lynda Stokes on her marriage to Michael from the bass section, which was a joyful occasion for us all. The altos were pleased to welcome Catherine Thomas and Bev Oldfield.

Choirmaster Mark has high standards and keeps us wanting to do our best. He is very patient. John is there every week to accompany us and to amaze us with his phenomenal memory for all things music-related.

On Advent Sunday 2022 we were joined by choristers from Saundersfoot Church for an LMA service. It was wonderful to have the extra forces and a large congregation from many other churches. The Nine Lessons and Carols service was an occasion for them to join us again and it was a joyful evening.

We had a wonderful lunch at The Giltar in January, much enjoyed by all. No break from singing, though, as so many of us had birthdays around that day!

We are always keen to recruit new members. Please ask John, Mark or Judy if you are interested in finding out more. - Judy Davies

- Judy Davies

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Tenby Church in Wales Voluntarily Controlled Primary School

It has been another busy year at the primary school. St Mary’s Church supports the school in a number of ways. We provide 3 Foundation Governors for the school’s governing body. Currently these are James Frazer, Nan Dowell and Anne Pönisch. Nicole Evans also joins the governing body as our Bishop’s Visitor and also takes an active part in all school activities and meetings.

For many years Jean Peen has been a much-loved school governor at

the school, spending many hours there, reading to the children and supporting staff with chats over a cup of tea and by just being there. All thank her and wish her well.

As governors we are always made to feel very welcome at the school. John Palmer, the Head, has an open-door policy and we are welcome to visit at any time. The governors meet formally each term and, in between, there are various committee meetings, invitations to visit classrooms and other school events to enjoy.

During the Pandemic, teachers, parents and children worked hard to ensure that online learning could take place. Apart from this, the staff were at pains to maintain close contact with the school families and to ensure that parents and children were supported. This involved many emails, other online contacts, phone calls and general concern for the well-being of all.

Andrew Grace and John Morgan have continued to lead weekly assemblies at the school and Jeremy Stone, our youth worker, has now also joined in with these. We are looking forward to the many new connections that Jeremy will be able to make with our church school.

Mark, our Music and Choir Director, has also been visiting the school regularly to lead a school choir which the children really enjoy.

In addition, there have been several church services attended by all the children, and many of their parents and grandparents. These have been jolly, much-loved community events. This past year we have enjoyed a school Harvest Service, a Remembrance Day Service, a Carol Service and a Christingle Service. We look forward to other joint ventures and an ever-stronger faith link between church and school. - Anne Pönisch and James Frazer

Seafront Car Park

I am pleased to report that the Seafront Car Park has again performed very well over the past 12 months. The gross carpark takings were just short of £460,000 which is slightly down on the previous exceptional year, but still significantly up on earlier years.

The carpark is manned throughout the year by a small team of attendants employed by the carpark managers, Birt & Co. They regularly patrol to ensure valid tickets are displayed and help customers use the ticket machines. Feedback from people is that they like to see attendants on site and appreciate their local knowledge of the area.

During the year £200,000 was gift-aided to St Mary’s

and a further £40,000 was paid over in rent. We are looking forward to another successful year again this year. Nicole Evans, Director

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St Mary’s Library

At the beginning of last year there was still not much activity in the Library, as everyone was still very cautious after Covid. However since then activity has increased, and there is a lot of movement of items more recently.

I have bought several items for the shelves, especially Lent books, and there is now a good selection.

Do come and browse and use them for your devotions. I usually go with the ones published by the Bible Reading Fellowship, as they have an excellent range, and some really up to date writers.

There is also a good range of Advent literature as well as lots of other interesting material.

Some of the recent material I have purchased:

“Women of Holy Week” - An Easter Journey,

“Images of Grace” - Lent daily readings by Amy Scott Robinson, and “Sharing the Easter Story”- again daily readings for Lent. There is also “At Home” by Gordon Giles, and

“Journeying Through Lent” daily readings with Sally Welch.

I would be very grateful for any items people would like to donate. Anything suitable, in a devotional vein, CDs of Sacred music and Bibles are most welcome.

Please do come and use our Library, the more use it has, the better.

- Roz, St Mary’s Librarian

The Belfry

St Mary’s ringers met regularly throughout the year on a Tuesday night for practice and every Sunday before morning service.

The bells rang at St Mary’s for several weddings throughout the year.

The tower has seen many visiting ringers throughout the year including regular visitors Mike and Caroline Hodgson and Jim Cook amongst many others from towers all over the country. We also welcomed international visitors from Australia, who were not ringers but just wanted to see how bells were rung.

We have had a number of well supported and successful fundraising events during the year, such as the Queen’s Jubilee Coffee Morning and also a Soup and Sweets Evening.

The funds raised from these have gone towards purchasing a new set of ropes for the tower.

We rang the bells out joyously in June to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne, but then we had the solemn duty of ringing on Her Majesty’s death in September.

St Florence ringers continue to go from strength to strength under the guidance of Barbara Fewster and have joined Tenby ringers on several occasions at their practice evenings.

Finally, the traditional Christmas lunch took place again this year at the On George’s Inn and was enjoyed by the ringers and their partners.

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The Soupermen

2022 was, for obvious reasons, a relatively quiet year for St Mary’s Soupermen. The eagerly awaited Easter Lunch and Harvest Supper were cancelled along with the much-enjoyed film evenings. But the Christmas meal did take place in the form of “meals on wheels”. Fifty meals were delivered to various addresses over two days and the feedback was extremely positive.

During the year we made donations to various local causes. Secretary, Terry Evans, secured funding to set up the now popular Keep Well, Keep Warm initiative known as KWKW. We are grateful for the Mothers’ Union and Church Choir members in joining us in providing this service – it continues until the end of March. Let us hope that the situation improves in 2023 so that we can continue to serve the community – for example restoring the Easter Lunch on April 23[rd] . We look forward to a busy year.

- Terry Evans

St Mary’s Mothers’ Union

We were all relieved to meet once again when Covid restrictions were lifted.

During lockdown, it became a concern to learn that several members had been completely isolated from their families. To combat this, Susie and a small team regularly telephoned to chat and keep spirits up. We also had members looking for self-raising flour which seemed to have disappeared overnight. Who would have thought making cakes would be so problematic!

We enjoyed many afternoons of quizzes, Bingo (training for the caller) and a film afternoon, which proved very popular. Our speakers were varied and interesting. We also enjoyed both summer and Christmas lunches which were very well attended.

We have recently attended The Epiphany service of Light in Lamphey where we were able to meet members of Mothers’ Union from throughout Pembrokeshire. It was sad to learn that several groups have disbanded and we count ourselves fortunate that our numbers stay constant.

The Wave of Prayer was held at our last meeting and on Friday a large number attended The Women’s World Day of Prayer held at The Salvation Army Hall, where we all participated and enjoyed the service very much.

Throughout the year we have been able to man stalls and provide refreshments at the fete and recently provided soup and cakes on Wednesday Warm Days in Church House.

With donations received we have been able to support The Ukraine, Turkey and Syria appeals and the World Day of Prayer. We continue to support PATCH and the Pembrokeshire Food Bank.

I would like to say a huge thank you to every member for their support and look forward to us all continuing to enjoy the fellowship we have together in Mothers’ Union.

– Ellen, Enrolling Member

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St Mary’s Tenby Handbell Ringers

It is wonderful to be able to start this report by saying that 2022 was a much more ‘normal’ year for us handbell ringers. There were coffee mornings aplenty, concerts, a church fete and tea and coffee made straight from a kettle, rather than out of a thermos, on a Wednesday evening!

As we came back to ringing after our Easter break, we were delighted to welcome two new members to the team – Pauline and B. It is lovely to have some new faces, we wish them well with us. They have already shown that they are an asset to the group.

The weekend of Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations saw us busy on the Friday organising a coffee morning which ran alongside the St Mary’s Church Flower Festival. The money raised went into our own funds. The HRGB encouraged handbell groups to mark the Jubilee by ringing bells on the Sunday. We planned to ring 1 ½ octaves outside in Tudor Square, unfortunately, due to bad weather, we had to move into Church to play. A few came to listen.

Another coffee morning came along on 23[rd] July and raised over £400 for Ty Hafan – brilliant! Less than a week later we manned our usual bottle stall at St Mary’s Church fete, the proceeds of which went towards our own funds.

There were no practices in August, and on our return in September we started to make drinks in the kitchen again at Church House – the first time since before the pandemic. Mary Smith stood down as our keeper of the urn and drinks maker, a task she took on 24 years ago! We thank her for her dedication for so long. We thank Betty too, who has kindly offered to take over Mary’s duties.

September saw us beginning to consider our Christmas repertoire in the hope that we might have some requests to play in the festive season. It was agreed that our numbers were still quite stretched, so we were only able to consider 1 ½ octave pieces.

In November we held our final Coffee Morning of the year, again in aid of Ty Hafan. It is great to be back raising money for our favourite charity and also, hopefully, reminding the community that we are here!

Also in November we enjoyed playing a concert at the Tenby Arts Club which went well and we thank John for putting the programme together and his commentary between pieces. There was a small but appreciative audience.

In December we held a lunchtime Christmas concert in St Mary’s Church. It was, in part a tribute to our dear friend, Don Bedford. He had written some beautiful arrangements of Christmas Carols for 3 octave handbells. Although we did not play them on the handbells, they lent themselves well to being played on the chamber organ, by John, which we hope did them justice. These were interspersed with our 1 ½ octave carols and some interesting introductions and facts from John. We had an excellent and very generous audience, and the retiring collection raised £200 for Ty Hafan. All in all, an enjoyable and productive concert.

After our usual break in January, we returned to clean the bells and by February were almost back to full capacity. We were delighted to be able to welcome another new member, Kath, B’s daughter. She and B have taken on the ‘big’ bells and are doing a great job which allows us to play 3 octave music again, which is such a joy.

We would like to think that we are back! Let’s hope that 2023 continues to be a good year for the St. Mary’s, Tenby Handbells Team. - Julia Howells, Secretary

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From the Verger’s Chair

Well gradually, very gradually, I can see life returning to its pre-pandemic normal within St Mary’s.

Funerals sadly are a part of life for us all, but at least now there is no limit on the number of mourners allowed, as was the case for many, not that long ago. When a hug, a squeeze or a touch of the hand, which would have meant so much, at such a time of loss was simply not allowed. How thankful we must be for the little everyday joys.

Weddings that were due to take place during the lockdowns were simply cancelled. We are up to date with all the weddings now - but it must have been a headache for those couples stuck in the loop of cancelling and rebooking, cancelling and rebooking, and so it went on.

Two of St Mary’s choristers, Michael and Lynda Stokes walked down the aisle on a crisp December day. The bride looking beautiful in a royal blue dress with a white fur cape and her groom very dapper in his grey tailoring. A lovely couple and a joyous occasion for all.

Confirmation Sunday was certainly a standout service for several reasons. There were eight candidates ( which I feel is a goodly number) and we were blessed with the wonderful Bishop John Saxbee presiding, in his own inimitable way. He met and spoke to all the candidates before the service, putting them at ease and calming a few nerves. His sermon was a treat for all present, involving football supporters’ hats and some very deft movement of the aforementioned knitwear. He stated in his opening remarks that “this service is a first for me, one I have never done before” because it included a baptism, a wedding vow renewal blessing and confirmations all in the same service - which for him was the equivalent of “The Full Monty” - hastily adding (to much amusement) that he would not be removing any clothing! A lovely man, it is always a pleasure to welcome him to St Mary’s.

Nine Lessons and Carols - a very popular service, (always well attended) did not disappoint. In fact, one of this year’s confirmation candidates - James Titterton, impeccably read a lesson, and his two sisters, Sofia and Emilia, (who were also confirmed this year) both read with aplomb at services over the Christmas period. Seeing these 10-year-olds coming along and taking part, gives one a feeling of continuity and hope for the future.

In the week leading up to Christmas, both Heywood Lane Primary Schools (Hafan y Mor and The Church in Wales) held Christingle services on consecutive afternoons. With the Rector as quizmaster a competition took place between the adults and children. Any adult unfortunate enough to give an incorrect answer, received a squirt from a water pistol wielded by the quizmaster. The schoolchildren of course were absolutely delighted and left church on a real high, having thoroughly enjoyed their time in St Mary’s. A positive experience for them all.

Another casualty of Covid was the Sunday-Funday Club and the Youth Group. I sincerely hope, now that a Youth Worker has been appointed we will see the reappearance of children in church life, on a regular basis. I’ve definitely missed them.

Looking ahead to the future, the view “From the Verger’s Chair “ is certainly going to change, with the news that our Rector is retiring later this year.

Whatever the future holds, I have enjoyed every moment of my years as Verger and being part of the St Mary’s team, with the Rector at the helm of our happy little ship. I wish Andrew and Alex all the best for his future retirement.

- Vicky Chiffi, Verger

A big Thank You to everyone who has sent in these reports. No other reports were received.

12

The Parish Who's Who Epiphony 2023 St Mary's Church Tenby Rector Canort Andrew Grace 01834-842068 tky Ctrith Alants Jth HarnSc￿ MarkT￿￿ JwtyDa¥iÈS Veryr AssntVergeT Direttorof M￿¢ thdr Master AwtDirectrA of 14lu Youth & Famllles Worker Jeremy Stone ReVAdn￿ Dabie5 Nan OLv4￿ll Elpn Powling Te￿ Evs 8edtord TcrerCaptawt Parish Officers HelèTrMLrro thLrch flowef5 OFke AlanaR4r H￿the1 Rhiqe¥s hlo55y Chwth Mary HaTh￿r Clftpid Llz Green e(torèl 8011 Officer Roz Oak Lknarian ca￿Or Day 8rooks NKL4e Evans Ruth WpiTrb 8apti5tn 80￿￿¥5 Weéding BoLthiw >oo(h dp Nlcole Evans Rector's Warden Cllve Webb People'5 Warden Judrth Willi￿￿5 &J5atr¥ M(ry3n Chri5tinp brkiry knne Ponsch Teryy E FI￿[￿J5 th St M6ry's Sale¥u￿￿ ￿rth Htswe St Anne's, New Hedges St Julian's in the Harbour Sarah Prestw6ch CIM￿ch Secre Ruth Webb Chjrth Treasur Jean Willtams Desinond Brace Clvjrchwardens t￿rence Blackhall S￿s1￿ Brooks Cl¥Jrchwarden5 The Pfayer of St Rlchard of Chlchester Thanks be to Thpe my Lor(lJews Chri5 fotallthe benÈlitsThw hast81￿nn￿, lttAllthepainsand hast txmiè forff￿. O rTh)stMÈ￿th￿ AedÈemer, Friendand Brother. Anne Ponisch St Mary's Cotntnsttee ch￿¥man & Safeguarding Officer Theo mDTÈdeadyp and10kn¥fve￿[Èr*wty.é4ybyday.ArnerL

For use by the Rector and Wardens Only

St. Mary's Church, Tenby

Unaudited Accounts for the Year ended

31 December 2022

LHP Chartered Certified Accountants

Note - These detailed accounts are not a part of the statutory accounts

For use by the Rector and Wardens Only

St. Mary's Church, Tenby Summary Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 December 2022

INCOME FROM:
Note
Donations and legacies
1
Church activities
Fees (weddings, funerals etc.)
2
Other trading activities
Money raising
3
Church House income
4
Investments
Investment Income
5
Furlough Grant
6
Commercial Trading Rentals
6
Rental Income
7
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising Funds
Investment management costs
8
Commercial Trading Rentals
6
Rental Expenses
7
Expenditure on Church activities:
Support of Ministry
Parish share and other Clergy
9
Parochial expenses of Clerics
10
Other Ministry
11
Parish Activities
Maintenance of Services
12
General Parish Expenses
13
Church Property
Maintenance of Churches
14
Maintenance of other property
15
Church House expenditure
4
Cemetery expenditure
2
Grants and Financial Support
Mission - Parish
16
Mission - Home
17
Mission - World
18
Other Resources Expended
Exceptional expenditure
19
Governance costs
Professional fees
TOTAL CHURCH ACTIVITY EXPENDITURE
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Gains/(losses) on investment assets
23
NET INCOME
Transfers from Other Churches/Funds
20
Transfers (to) Other Churches/funds
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
£		 2022
£
56,257
19,540
9,340
732
206,283
-
40,000
73,005
405,157
(812)
1,117
27,886
28,191
110,609
5,163
1,880
25,493
21,032
46,245
4,416
4,305
750
34,317
7,413
11,983
11,633
-
285,239
313,430
(50,497)
41,230
-
-

41,230
£		 2021
£
20,820
8,198
630
-
209,698
6,000
40,000
71,413
356,759
851
1,117
24,993
26,961
99,490
4,390
858
21,207
10,928
10,424
3,200
4,341
1,540
8,465
2,000
2,942
(164)
-
169,621
196,582
33,589
193,766
-
-

193,766

Note - These detailed accounts are not a part of the statutory accounts

1

St. Mary's Church, Tenby Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2022

For use by the Rector and Wardens Only

Notes
Fixed assets:
Tangible assets
21
Investment in subsidiary
22
Unlisted Investments
23
Total Fixed assets
Current assets:
Debtors and prepayments
70,814
Cash at Bank
448,688
Total Current assets
519,502
Liabilities
Creditors; Amounts falling due within one year
Accrued Expenses & Income in Advance
3,473
Other liabilities - due to other churches
4,779
Total Current liabilities
8,252
Net current assets
Total Net assets
£
The funds of St. Marys Church:
General Fund
Balance at start of period
Net Movement in Funds
Total Charity funds
£		 2022
£
133,534
1,000
273,918
408,452
511,250

919,702
878,472
41,230
919,702

919,702		 27,100
395,541
422,641
3,034
-
3,034
£
£		 2021
£
137,137
1,000
320,728
458,865
419,607

878,472
684,706
193,766
878,472

878,472

Approval Statement

We approve the accounts which comprise of the Income and Expenditure Account, Balance Sheet and related notes. We acknowledge our responsibility for the accounts, including the appropriateness of the applicable financial reporting framework, and for providing LHP Accountants with all information and explanations necessary for their compilation.

Approved by the Church Council on …………………….. and signed on its behalf by:

…..................................................

Rector: Rev'd Canon A. Grace

…..................................................

R.Webb: Hon. Treasurer

Note - These detailed accounts are not a part of the statutory accounts

2

St. Mary's Church, Tenby Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022

1 Accounting Policies

Accounting Convention

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for investments, and in accordance with the Church in Wales Accounting Regulations, 1997; Accounting and Reporting by Charities; Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) issued on 16/7/14 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011 .

The Tenby Group of Churches is exempt from preparing group accounts under FRS102 and the accounts present information as an individual undertaking and on a going concern basis.

The Tenby Group of Churches constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102.

The presentation currency is £ sterling.

Fund Structure

Unrestricted general income funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the Church's objects at the discretion of the Rector and Church Wardens.

Restricted income funds - these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the church, including the operation of churchyards.

Income recognition

Income, including legacies, grants and investment income, is recognised in the period in which the Tenby Group of Churches has entitlement to the receipt and so it is probable the income will be received and the amount of income can be measured reliably. Income from minor fund raising events are shown net of costs.

Expenditure recognition and allocation of costs

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Tenby Group of Churches to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses, including support and governance costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings in the statement of financial activities. Expenditure includes irrecoverable VAT, as applicable.

Tangible Fixed Assets

Expenditure on fixed assets and/or their improvement is capitalised at cost and depreciated.

Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order to write off the assets over their estimated useful lives.

Freehold Buildings 2% or 4% straight line Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment 10%-33% straight line Motor Vehicles 25% reducing balance

The Church, Churchyard and other buildings are vested in the Representative Body of the Church in Wales, and do not form part of the assets of the Tenby Group of Churches.

Heritage and Inalienable Assets

In addition to the above, the Tenby Group of Churches owns freehold land and buildings and other assets, where the original costs are unknown. It is impractical to obtain a valuation of these previously non-capitalised assets due to their nature. These include certain Heritage assets of historical importance held for the advance the religious and preservation objectives of the Tenby Group of Churches

Investments

Investments (including property) are held on trust by the Representative Body for the Church in Wales. Tenby Group of Churches funds invested are stated at market value at the balance sheet date. The Income and expenditure account includes gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals throughout the year.

Linked organisations

There are several linked small organisations, each of which hold their own funds. As they individually account separately to their membership(s), their respective income and expenditure has not been included in the Tenby Group of Churches 's results.

3

For use by the Rector and Wardens Only

St. Mary's Church, Tenby Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022

1
2
3
4		 DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
2022
2021
£
£
Direct Giving
Subscriptions by Bankers Order
13,390
13,685
Church collections
14,154
7,182
Special Church Collections
inc. Restricted
-
542
27,544
21,409
Indirect Giving
Gift Aid Correction
-
(9,744)
Gift Aid tax Repayments
2,792
3,641
2,792
(6,103)
Grants
-
-
Charities Grant
24,314
3,000
Grants - C.A.D.W.
-
-
24,314
3,000
Legacies
-
1,000
Other Income
Donations, Boxes and Gifts
200
407
Donations other churches - quota
1,407
1,107
1,607
1,514
TOTAL INCOME FROM DONATION AND LEGACIES
£
56,257
£
20,820
INCOME FROM CHURCH ACTIVITIES
2022
2021
Fees
£
£
Wedding and Funeral Fees
18,205
6,729
18,205
6,729
Churchyards Account - Restricted
Ashes and Burial Fees
1,335
1,469
Deduct Expenditure
Upkeep of Old Cemetery
750
1,540
750
1,540
Surplus/((deficit)) for the Year
£
585
£
(71)
INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Money Raising
2022
2021
£
£
Sale of Candles
5,562
630
Raising funds
3,778
-
£
9,340
£
630
Church House Account
2022
2021
£
£
Income
732
-
Deduct Expenditure
Water rates
324
132
Insurance
1,052
998
Light & heat
1,976
2,258
Depreciation
953
953
4,305
4,341
(Deficit) for the Year
£
(3,573)
£
(4,341)

4

For use by the Rector and Wardens Only

St. Mary's Church, Tenby Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12		 INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS
2022
2021
£
£
Income from Investments
6,185
8,924
Wayleaves
-
750
Interest on Bank Deposits
69
19
Interest Church Estates
29
5
6,283
9,698
Corporate Gift Aid - Rectory Cark Park (Tenby) Limited
200,000
200,000
£
206,283
£
209,698
Commercial Trading Activities
2022
2021
£
£
Car Park Account
Rents
40,000
40,000
Furlough Grant
-
6,000
Corporate Gift Aid - Rectory Cark Park (Tenby) Limited
200,000
200,000
Deduct Expenditure
Depreciation - car park kiosk
1,117
1,117
Surplus for the Year
£
238,883
£
244,883
Rental Income
2022
2021
Church Estates
£
£
Rents Received
73,005
71,413
Deduct Expenditure
Insurance
2,407
1,624
Depreciation
3,221
3,221
Repairs and maintenance
11,439
7,100
Management expenses
10,819
13,048
27,886
24,993
Surplus for the Year
£
45,119
£
46,420
EXPENDITURE ON:
Cost of fund raising
2022
2021
£
£
Investment management costs
(812)
851
Maintenance of Ministry
2022
2021
£
£
Quota to St David's Diocese
110,609
99,490
Parochial Charges
2022
2021
£
£
Parochial Expenses of Clerics
inc Restricted
5,163
4,390
Other Ministry
2022
2021
£
£
Visiting Clergy
1,880
858
Maintenance of Services
2022
2021
£
£
Altar and candles
1,761
521
Salaries and National Insurance
11,430
13,148
Organ expenses
1,311
2,444
Choir expenses
9,961
4,431
Services Books
430
163
Flower Fund
600
500
£
25,493
£
21,207

5

For use by the Rector and Wardens Only

St. Mary's Church, Tenby Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022

13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20		 General Parish Expenses
Stationery, printing and music
Telephone and internet
Computer expenses
Sundry expenses
Wedding and Funeral Fees Paid
Professional fees
Depreciation
LMA
Total General Parish Expenses
£
Maintenance of Churches
Insurance - all churches
Light & Heat Refund
Heat and Light
Repairs, maintenance and cleaning
St Anne's Chapel
Depreciation
£
Maintenance of Property
Church grounds
£
Mission - Parish
Other Mission Parish
inc Restricted
Mission - Home
Donations to organisations
inc. Restricted
Mission - World
World Charities
inc. Restricted
Exceptional expenditure
West Window and door
Restricted
Church Shop Purchases
South Aisle
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS:
Transfers from Other Churches/Restricted Funds		 2022
£
2,038
381
1,440
3,330
9,140
3,124
1,028
551

21,032
£
2022
£
3,216
-
11,653
29,725
-
1,651

46,245
£
2022
£
4,416

4,416
£
2022
£
34,317
34,317
2022
£
7,413
2022
£
11,983
2022
£
-
2,172
9,461
11,633
2022
£
-		 2021
£
1,132
114
-
585
4,466
3,510
1,121
-

10,928
2021
£
1,795
(5,384)
5,508
6,068
1,659
778

10,424
2021
£
3,200

3,200
2021
£
8,465
8,465
2021
£
2,000
2021
£
2,942
2021
£
(164)
-
-
(164)
2021
£
-

Note - These detailed accounts are not a part of the statutory accounts

6

St. Mary's Church, Tenby Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022

For use by the Rector and Wardens Only

21
22
**23 **		 Tangible Fixed assets
Freehold
Property
£
Cost
At 1 January 2022
324,395
Additions
-
Disposals
-
At 31 December 2022
324,395
Depreciation
At 1 January 2022
190,800
Charge for the year
5,116
On disposals
-
At 31 December 2022
195,916
Net book value
At 31 December 2022
128,479
At 31 December 2021
133,595
Other fixed assets
Investments - Rectory Car Park (Tenby) Limited
Unlisted Investment- Church Investment Deposits
Market Value
At 1 January 2022
Income re-invested
Management fee
Unrealised gains/(losses)
At 31 December 2022
Unlisted investments at cost		 Furniture
& fittings
£
53,423
4,367
-
57,790
49,881
2,854
-
52,735
5,055
3,542
2022
£
1,000
2022
£
320,728
2,875
812
(50,497)
273,918
211,052		 Total
£
377,818
4,367
-
382,185
240,681
7,970
-
248,651
133,534
137,137
2021
£
1,000
2021
£
285,179
2,810
(851)
33,590
320,728
207,605

The market value of the unlisted investments may have fallen since the year end. The Church Council do not consider these to be a permanent diminution in value.

Note - These detailed accounts are not a part of the statutory accounts

7

St. Mary's Church, Tenby

Chartered Accountants' report to Rector and Church Wardens For the year ended 31 December 2022

In accordance with your instructions, we have compiled these unaudited accounts, which comprise Income and Expendtiure Account, the Statement of Assets and, where relevant, the related notes, from the accounting records and information and explanations you have given to us.

The accounts have been complied on the historical cost basis of accounting. The financial information is not intended to achieve full compliance with the provisions of UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

This report is made to you, in accordance with the terms of our assignment. Our work has been undertaken so that we might compile the accounts, report to you that we have done so, and to state those matters that we have agreed to state to you in this report and for no other purpose.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than you, for our work, or for this report.

We have carried out this engagement in accordance with the technical guidance issued by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and have complied with the ethical guidance laid down by the Association.

You have approved the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022 and have acknowledged your responsibility for it, for the appropriateness of the accounting basis and for providing all information and explanations for its compliation.

We have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the accounting records or information and explanantions you have given to us and we do not, therefore express any opinion or any other form of assurance on the accounts.

……………………………………….

LHP Chartered Certified Accountants

Tenby

Date…………………….

8