2022-12-31-accounts

Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul Uppingham Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Annual reports for the year ending 31st December 2022

SS Peter & Paul UPPINGHAM w AYSTON Serving God through love in action in Uppingham

Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul, Uppingham, Rutland

Annual report of the Parochial Church Council

Year ended 31st December 2022

Introduction

The reports below are submitted for approval and information at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting to be held in the Church on the evening of 26 April 2023.

So that all members of our Church are able to share in our vision for the growth of the Church within the community, our Mission Action Plan (MAP) and Inventory are available from the Rector.

Administrative Information

The Church of St Peter & St Paul, Uppingham, is located in the Market Place LE15 9TJ. It is part of the Diocese of Peterborough within the Church of England.

The correspondence address is: The Rectory, 43 Lime Tree Avenue, Uppingham LE15 9SS.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity currently registered with the Charities Commission.

Parochial Church Council

Reports received

Contents

Eco Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Safeguarding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Stewardship & Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Electoral Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Church Hall Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Choir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Bell Ringers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Mothers’ Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Social and Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Children’s Families & Youth Work . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Deanery Synod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Uppingham C of E Primary School . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Church Property Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Curate’s Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Appendix 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Members of the PCC who served from 1st January 2022 until the date of the approval of this report are shown at Appendix 1 (page 11).

Structure, governance and management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

Objectives

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent Revd Canon Rachel Watts in promoting the mission statement of the Church and conducting the business of the Church relating to financial affairs and the maintenance of the Church buildings and possessions.

Vision statement

Serving God through love in action in Uppingham.

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Eco Church

We have now completed the requirements for our Bronze Award, which I have applied for.

We achieved this through our management of:

Worship – hymns, prayers, teaching on caring for God’s creation, use of digital communications for newsletter, service sheets etc

Buildings – although we are unable to change much here, the use of low energy and LED lighting has helped both in the church buildings and vicarage. We have also begun using Eco friendly cleaning products and toilet/kitchen paper. The use of recycling bins, printing paper double sided, use of recyclable paper cups etc and changing to sustainable floral oasis.

Land –plants and water to encourage wildlife, monitor mowing with RCC, maintaining land to encourage and support wildlife. Working with UIB and Rutland Natural History Society.

Community & Global – use of Fairtrade goods, encouraging annual walk to Launde, working with wildlife organisations, taking part in community projects such as litter picking, UIB, encouraging walking/cycling/car sharing where possible. Reducing food waste.

Lifestyle – looking at own carbon footprints, shopping locally, car usage, Eco Group, communal Christmas & Easter card scheme, single use packaging.

Safeguarding is a standing agenda at every PCC meeting.

In May we looked at our use of social media to ensure we were following diocesan guidelines. This will be reviewed annually. Our parish website has a clear link to our safeguarding policy on its front page and who to contact. We also reviewed our activities involving children or vulnerable adults and there are risk assessments and role descriptions in place.

In November we reviewed our procedure for dealing with safeguarding allegations or concerns, and the management of known offenders. We also looked at the safe storage of safeguarding records. All safeguarding records must comply with GDPR and the Church of England guidance.

I am pleased to report there have been no safeguarding incidents this year.

There is a new Diocesan Safeguarding Officer in post now, Carole Fitzsimons. Contact the diocese via the following email address: safeguarding@ - peterborough diocese.org.uk

If you have any safeguarding concerns about a child or adult, do not hesitate to contact one of the clergy, myself or Nicky Jervis (deputy safeguarding officer).

Sue Saunders,

Benefice Safeguarding Advisor Email: [e-mail]

Stewardship & Giving

Christobel Price

Safeguarding

Our church has again adopted the diocesan safeguarding policy, ‘Promoting a Safer Church’. This is updated by me annually, and was reviewed and agreed by the PCC in November. A copy of our policy is kept at the back of the church, along with contact numbers for those with safeguarding roles and a list of useful contact numbers for a variety of agencies / support groups. This information can also be found on the parish website.

Everyone on the PCC and in a position of leadership has completed a DBS check and the appropriate safeguarding training. This is renewed every three years

The various methods of parishioners and visitors giving to our church, coupled with Gift Aid tax refunds resulted in around £70,700 being received compared to £97,854 in 2021 and £73,489 in 2020.

We are very grateful to everyone who gives to support their church. There are three different ways in which we give:

PARISH GIVING SCHEME (£39,172 in 2022 compared to £39,485 in 2021)

The small reduction is due to the decline in the numbers of regular donations as members of the congregation pass away. Can I encourage anyone on the scheme who has not indicated that they are happy to see their donation increase in line with inflation (it’s an option on the website) to consider whether it you are able to do so. Alternatively, if you haven’t increased the amount

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you donate for a year or two, please consider whether you are able to increase now.

CASH COLLECTIONS SCHEME (£7,082 in 2022 compared to £6,271 in 2021)

These are cash donations made at services and left by visitors in the wall safe. The increase is mainly due to the 2021 figure being affected by a slow return to church after Covid.

WHITE ENVELOPE & ONE-OFF DONATIONS (£17,927 in 2022 compared to £25,664 in 2021)

The use of white envelopes has diminished markedly over the last 18 months. Occasional visitors contribute a small fraction of the total. Again, we are grateful for a very substantial oneoff donation made to the Church in March 2022.

DONA DONATIONS (£2,037 in 2022) The donation terminal by the North door became operational just three weeks before Christmas 2021. So, the 2022 figure gives us a baseline going forward.

The terminal offers a handy way for regular members of the congregation to occasional additional donations to the church. Please (if applicable) register for Gift Aid the first time you use the reader.

Despite the generosity of our regular givers, our financial income from giving and Gift Aid has decreased in the year under review.

In addition, we are all aware of costs of living increases, particularly in fuel, which will continue to be a drain on our income and reserves.

Electoral Roll

There are currently 57 members on our Church Electoral Roll.

Sadly, we have lost a number of loyal and dedicated members over the last year and some of our congregation have moved away to be nearer to family.

If you are not on the Electoral Roll and would like to be, please take a form from the back of the church and either pop the completed form in the Wall Safe or please give it to me.

Jenny Harris Electoral Roll Officer.

Church Hall Report

It is hoped that the users of the hall find that it is a pleasant and airy facility without being too costly to hire. Although the hall is not very big, it seems to meet the needs of quite a number of organisations. At the beginning of February 2022 it was necessary to have a new instantaneous hot water boiler which was installed by Robert Cliff Ltd.

I would like to thank Mr Nick Kennedy who cleans the hall regularly, and those who continue to take an interest in the hall, who check that it is locked, observe any problems, and generally walk along the path at different times to see that things are in order at the hall.

The following groups used the hall regularly in 2022.

• Alcoholics Anonymous

• The Labour Party

We remain very dependent on the large and one-off donations. Should those cease we would have a big problem. Please do all you can to encourage regular giving and legacies in wills to help us maintain a healthy church in the longer term.

Nick Clarke

Stewardship Secretary

NOTE THAT ALL AMOUNTS HAVE BEEN ROUNDED AND ARE APPROXIMATE

Most giving is for the General Fund which helps the church allocate funds to the greatest need, but some donors allocate their money to specific funds such as Fabric or Organ Fund.

• Women’s Singing Circle

• Churches Together in Uppingham – Lent Course and occasional planning meetings

• Mellors and Kirk – Valuations

• Uppingham Mothers’ Union

• Uppingham Evening WI

• The Parish Church – Canon Rachel Watts and colleagues - events for children

• The Parish Church Social and Fundraising committee – events throughout the year

• Parsnips Youth Theatre

• Rutland First Youth Group

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Other groups and organisations used the hall or its equipment at other times:

• Uppingham in Bloom – Mosaic making for Uppingham

• A children’s play group

• Uppingham and District Twinning Association

• Wisteria House – use of chairs for events

at one time, but has since been languishing in unjustified obscurity. We were fortunate to secure the services of Andrew Kennedy, narrator, and of Chris Ouvry-Johns as bass soloist. Then we sang the service of Tenebrae on Good Friday evening, attracting a healthy number of singers and congregation, so that this year we sang around the font, the ringing chamber for the first time being too small to accommodate us all.

• Private children’s parties and family parties

• Parishioners – Posy making for Mothering Sunday

• The Parish Church – Remembrance collection

• Edward Dorman – funeral refreshments

• Uppingham Ladies Choir

• Uppingham Bellringers – Area event to gather interest in bell ringing (Autumn 2022)

Various musical events and choirs, for rehearsal, and use of chairs

The income from these lettings and donations can be seen in the church accounts.

Hilary Dawe Church Hall bookings

Choir

The death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth was marked with significant changes to the planned repertoire during September. And, at the time of writing, we are actively planning the choir’s contribution to the Sunday service celebrating the coronation of our new King and Queen in May 2023.

In June 2022 the Platinum Jubilee events included our participation in the celebratory music organised on Tod’s Piece. Another special engagement was at the Fire Station in November when we led the singing at Jill’s celebration as their Chaplain. Our Advent, Christmas and Epiphany candlelit services were once again well received, and monthly Choral Evensong continues to attract a significant congregation.

We have sung the occasional Evensong at Belton this year, and at several significant funerals in our parish. We participated in the RSCM Cathedral Festival in October, the Advent Carol Service at Rothwell, and Epiphany Evensong at Holy Cross, Byfield. And we fulfilled two other exciting commitments: last August, we sang BCP Choral Communion at the Royal Naval College Chapel in Greenwich, setting off by coach at 7am on one of the hottest days of the summer, and repairing to the Old Brewery for lunch together. Then on New Year’s Day, we were invited to lead Eucharist and Evensong in Peterborough Cathedral: special thanks to Rachel and family who organised our convivial lunch that day! This coming summer we have accepted an invitation to sing the weekend services at Sherborne Abbey – Evensong on Saturday 22 July and Eucharist and Evensong the following day.

Thanks to all our members for their loyalty and commitment, and a special mention to those visitors who regularly join us to sing at Evensongs and other significant services. New singers will always be welcome, of any age, and in any and all of the voice parts; and we look forward to our continuing musical ministry together during the coming year.

John Wardle

Director of Music & Organist

This Palm Sunday evening, together with invited singers and soloists, we performed The Passion of Christ, an oratorio by Arthur Somervell, in aid of church funds. Somervell, an Uppinghamian, went on to study at King’s College, Cambridge, and in Berlin, before joining the teaching staff of the RCM in 1894. His oratorio, composed in 1914, rivalled Stainer’s (of 1887) in popularity

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Bell Ringers

During the year we were requested to ring the Uppingham bells after three wedding and six funeral services. We held our annual fundraising Cake and Plant stall on the Market Place in May. In September we were the hosts for the Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers summer festival. This included an 8-bell striking competition and tea was provided for 60 visitors.

The most significant ringing of the year was our participation in the national ringing of bells for Queen Elizabeth II. On 6[th] February the bells were rung to mark the 70[th] anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne. This was a prelude to the celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee in June. Over the weekend of 2nd – 5th June bells were rung in all of Rutland’s 34 towers. The Uppingham bells rang in celebration on the evening of Thursday 2nd, timed to coincide with the lighting of the beacon on Tod’s Piece. The bells rang again in celebration prior to the Sunday service on 5th June.

On 9th September came the announcement of the death of Her Majesty. At 12noon the Tenor bell was tolled, double muffled. At 1300 a team rang all bells fully muffled marking the passing of our Monarch.

The Proclamation of King Charles III was on Sunday 11th and open bells were rung in acknowledgement of the new king. The fully muffled bells were rung again on the morning of the state funeral of the late Queen.

With the prospect of a Coronation in 2023 a concerted effort to recruit new ringers was made and we have gained three new trainee ringers.

We have the facility to silence the bells for learners, by immobilizing the clapper. This allows for new ringers to learn at their own pace without disturbing local residents and shoppers. For this reason, Uppingham has been used as a training centre for new ringers from nearby villages, with the aim they will be ready to ‘Ring for the King’.

The bells and framework are inspected biannually by Taylors of Loughborough. Our local ‘steeplekeeper’ and Rutland branch steward, Ted Philips, inspects them at periodic intervals to ensure all is well in the belfry. Practice nights are Thursday’s 7.30pm -9pm.

Mothers’ Union

Membership

remains steady at around 42 members, some of whom are very active, others who sadly are no longer fit enough to take an active role. We are always ready to welcome new members, including men!

We have enrolled two new members: Elaine Woodhead and Hui-yen Bloodworth; we have said farewell to Dorothy Wright, who passed sadly away somewhat unexpectedly and more recently to Margaret Jennings and Daphne Thomas We give thanks for all those who have gone before and served our Branch with commitment and love.

The Committee

The committee remains the same as last year. Our latest recruit, Sue Dixon, is poised to become our new Treasurer but has delayed the takeover by going on a world cruise! Joy Sworn has kindly agreed to continue until April, to fill the gap. I would like to thank all the members of the committee most sincerely for all their support and hard work over the year; everyone contributes and has a special role to fulfil.

Fundraising

Fundraising has been more difficult over the last few years but members continue to give generously and we have been able to maintain our contributions to MU Diocesan funds and particularly to AFIA (away from it all) holidays. We have a special interest in these as the Fund is currently administered by two of our Branch members.

Branch meetings

We have maintained a full programme this year and are very grateful to all those who have given their time to come and speak to us. A special highlight was the visit of Honor Harris who during her visit baked two roulades which we sampled afterwards!

We are very fortunate to have Rachel and Debbie (both members) who are willing to lead our monthly Eucharist service; not all branches are so fortunate. We are in the process of training some members to act as Eucharistic assistants at our meetings, to assist the clergy in the various tasks. This is quite an exacting job and needs some practice to remember everything; we are very grateful to those who have come forward. We remember with love and gratitude those who have gone before, including Shirley Harris and Margaret Jennings.

Sue Webster Tower Captain

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I would like to thank all members for their support in running the Branch; everyone is very willing to make a contribution, whether taking part in our services, serving refreshments or volunteering to run the Market stall.

Janet Wardle

Social and Fundraising

Children’s Families & Youth Work

Uppingham

Youth space and twice monthly intergenerational family services, CMC with 3 young leaders, independent student advocate at Uppingham school, Mothers Union

Whissendine

We have held a number of very successful events during the year as follows:

• Sale of Bric a Brac organised by Nicky and Stewart Jervis, with Coffee and Cake served in Church by the team.

• Lunchtime Recitals by Andy Harris and Fergus Black

• Grand Christmas Prize Draw organised by Sue and Ian Cripps raising over £1,000

• Church Bookings

• Richard’s ‘Give up a weekly cup of coffee/tea/etc…’

• Church Choir events

Many exciting events to come and details to follow.

Collective worship, school days at church, Fishes baby and toddler group, monthly intergenerational service. Before lockdown we were going weekly into Catmose College, exploring faith with a group of young people. We are working towards starting this again soon.

Ketton

Weekly youth group, possible confirmation group coming up and some assemblies in the primary school

Cottesmore

Church in the woods, soul food, part of the team for a new intergenerational café church service starting in February

Carlby

We still desperately need people who are willing to take an idea and lead it, with the support of a willing team of helpers.

During the winter months, our beautiful church costs £1000 a month to heat and light. This works out at £250 a week! We must generate more income and fundraising is an excellent way of achieving this.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Jenny Harris

Social and Outreach Committee

I help with their Jam club, aimed at children and young people

Rutland Water Benefice

I have helped with community church and admission to communion sessions and will be helping at the holiday club in the easter holidays.

Great Casterton

I have been along to Café church and helped at open the book. I also help to support the weekly youth group.

Welland Fosse Benefice – I

I helped at community church when this was running

College

I am now in my final year (year 3) and for my dissertation, I am looking at outdoor worship with young people, spiritual growth, and creation care.

Focus spot

Youth Space in Uppingham is a community youth group, which was started in the church hall by me and another member of the church. The young people in Uppingham were getting bad press on social media about them hanging around in parks and their anti-social behaviour. Residents and parents in Uppingham started asking about a youth group as there wasn’t one

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running. We realised to make it sustainable we would need to work with other organisations. I had already been doing detached youth work in Uppingham and Oakham with the council youth workers and had built a relationship with them, so I was able to secure one of their youth workers for the first few months of the project to help get it going.

The lack of volunteers was a problem, to begin with, but in order to receive help from other organisations we needed to show there was a need for a youth group and it was being needs led by young people, so after much prayer, we held the first session. From that first session and feedback from the young people, we have continued to grow the youth group, being led by their needs. Local businesses have also donated funds in the beginning when we had no funding, to cover food, games and crafts. The youth group is now supported by Rutland first, they have helped with DBS checks, and first aid training, and have been amazing at applying for funding. To date, we have secured £3000 from the Uppingham town council, £10,000 from the lottery and £3000 from Rutland first. I knew going forward long term I needed to step back a bit from the project, so now we had some funding we started to look for a paid person who could run the youth club for a few hours a week. The youth group now employs a youth worker for 4 hours a week. The next step was to build a stronger relationship with UCC. After emailing the pastoral care team and going in to meet them and chat with them about coming to school to offer a safe space to hang out, on a lunchtime, we now have started to go in once a month with the possibility of that changing to every other week.

It has been a very exciting project and I have learnt a lot. It took a lot of my time, to begin with, to get things going but I really felt God calling me to be part of it and to be a presence in the community. Being part of a community project has opened the door to UCC, which I couldn’t open before. Although it has been hard to step back and hand it over to someone else, I know that was God's plan. Everybody involved knows I am a Christian and the church supports my time there in the group. I have met so many new people and young people and built relationships and had chats about faith. I have had a couple of young people come up to me to talk about faith when I have been at the school. The next step that I have started to talk to the school about, is being there to offer space to any Christian young people or young people exploring faith.

Big dream!

As you all know, I love animals, being outdoors, trying to grow vegetables and experiencing God out in His creation. I feel that God wants me to use my farming experience and the things above to help people to connect with Him in different ways. Growing up I really struggled with reading and writing, generally fitting in at school, and sitting still in church! God reached me through ways I could feel Him and see Him for myself so that at the right time, the rest could follow. By not having to concentrate or read anything allowed me the freedom just to be myself, let my guard down, to be open to God. I would love to prayerfully think how this could look in Rutland in the future. My dream would be to be working across the churches and supporting services and groups but to also have a space that could be used to host deanery faith-based youth events, family groups or sessions with young people who are struggling, a place to reach out into the community to people who don’t know God yet. A place with room to grow vegetables, eat together, build dens, chat around a campfire, read our bibles and pray together. Somewhere that helps to engage all our senses to experience God. I know that may all sound very Mills and Boons but I just wanted to share! ‘ Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen’ Heb 11:1

Nat Stiles

Deanery Synod

Meetings are attended by clergy in the Deanery and lay representatives. Coordinated by the Rural Dean, the Revd. Canon Jane Baxter, meetings provide the opportunity to find out what is happening in the diocese and deanery and to share views. After 14 years in the role John Tomalin retired from the role of lay chair and Sue Cross has taken over. Meetings are 3 monthly. Following COVID we have continued the pattern of Zoom meetings in the winter and face to face in the summer. Meetings have included an excellent presentation by Paul Adams on church giving. Geoff Thompson talked about his role as High Sheriff, and we were able to set up his attendance in all benefices during his year. Other topics have included the Leprosy mission, Fair trade and a talk by Steve Benoy. Due to other commitments I cannot always attend. I hope that someone will join me to represent our church at these meetings.

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Uppingham C of E Primary School

The school continues to move forward and return to normal after the difficulties posed with the Covid Pandemic. Two years of lockdowns clearly has had an impact on our pupils at what is such an important time for their education.

Uppingham Primary school is lucky to have a very committed teaching and support team who are working well to respond to the challenges that have been presented. A school development plan is in place and improvement is being shown with each passing term. Pupil enrichment programs and pastoral care is given a high priority. The children have taken part in choir performances in Uppingham at the Christmas fair, participated in visits to Flag Fen and Wing Farm, put on music performances in school for the nativity and as well as a Ukelele and recorder concert. March 23[rd] saw an open morning to celebrate the school’s 60[th ] Birthday.

Currently there are 136 pupils which is below the intended capacity of the school and there are a significant proportion who have special educational needs. These children are being given a high level of support but this coupled with the smaller overall numbers does create challenges with the level of funding that is available as compared to what is required. Although there are no teaching vacancies at the moment the staff are fully utilised giving the children the educational support that they need.

The governing body has recruited new members and regular governor meetings are well attended. With the ending of restrictions caused by Covid, access to the school is now possible and governor monitoring sessions are taking place more regularly. There is still a vacancy for one more foundation governor and volunteers are most welcome.

Church Property Register

and the logbook of all alterations, repairs and additions to the church, its lands and property. It is required annually and relates to any events occurring during the reporting period which the churchwardens consider likely to assist the Parochial Church Council (PCC) in discharging its functions in relation to the church and its articles.

A log book noting all alterations, additions and repairs to the church and the location of documents relating to such works is held and maintained by the wardens.

The reporting period is 1st January 2022 – 31st December 2022.

Structural undertakings

None were undertaken during the reporting period.

Extraordinary surveys

The Quinquennial Inspection was completed in May 2019.

The fabric of the church continues to be in relatively good condition for a building the age of ours, we are fortunate to have the guidance of our architect John Barker who knows our church well.

We should be mindful that John Barker intends to retire during Q1 2024. He has recommended a company to take on the work from him; the PCC needs to consider this and make a timely decision for the continued experienced guidance that we require to ensure we care well for the church building.

Due to the restrictions that Covid placed upon us few recommendations were implemented but, further to the review carried out with our architect to identify / prioritise key areas, SC Builders Ltd have quoted the work required to address all the category A items. This needs to be reviewed and agreed by the PCC taking account of costs and, where appropriate, faculty authorization from the DAC.

For year ended 31[st] December 2022

Introduction

The Church Property Register is a requirement of Section 4 of the Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991and relates principally to the fabric of the church, church buildings, the churchyard, furnishings and property (including plate etc.).

In compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which was effective from 1st October 2006, risk assessments were carried out by the buildings committee at that time using the procedure laid out in Guide 6 (small and medium places of assembly) and visitor and user safety guides updated accordingly – these are reviewed at least annually by the church warden and others.

This report is incorporates the inventory, the terrier of all lands appertaining to the church

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Routine surveys

The church warden and others carry out audits of the church, church hall and their environs making recommendations to the PCC and update visitor and user safety guides as necessary.

New acquisitions and disposals during the reporting period

Disposals None

Acquisitions

Health & Safety Audit

An annual health and safety audit is normally carried out prior to each annual meeting. A full audit is competed prior to the AGM and approved by the PCC.

An annual access audit is also carried out at the same time, light levels are an issue within the church building and initial investigations have begun and will be reported on at the next AGM.

Our insurers also carry out their own periodic inspections assisted by the wardens; none was carried out by during this reporting period.

No accidents, incidents or near misses occurred in either the church or the hall.

Rutland County Council has responsibility for the maintenance of the churchyard and its boundary walls including for the inspection and maintenance of trees – we are grateful to the County Council and their contractors for their work.

We are grateful to Ravi Thakram for the generous donation of a new set of Stations of the Cross in memory of his late wife

Richard Cole, Churchwarden

Curate’s Report

As the adventure of curacy has continued for me, this past year has been a time of building further on my experience of ministry in this benefice and preparing for what God has in store for me and my family in the future. My thanks to Canon Rachel, the churchwardens and congregations with whom I continue to share and enjoy the challenges and experiences of ministry. As we said goodbye to Bishop Donald as he retired, it is good always to look forward in faith for all that is to come.

May grace and peace be yours in abundance as we give Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! (1 Peter)

Future

All legal requirements and appropriate guidance will be followed to ensure that we comply and continue to improve access to our church.

Subject to funding availability and appropriate faculty approval work it is planed that we will begin work on the category A items required from the 2019 Quinquennial inspection.

Terrier of church lands

Peter Lane carried out a thorough audit of parish lands; his report dated 6th May 2003 remains an accurate record and our primary reference document. For information Scott Murray continue to act on our behalf managing land rentals from local farmers.

Inventory

The church has a fine collection of silver, brass, art works and furniture which is maintained in good condition by all those who so kindly give their time to their cleaning.

The inventory is reported separately and presented at the AGM for acceptance and signature by the Rector.

Churches Together

Together with our friends in the Methodist and Congregational churches, we meet regularly to plan and deliver activities which reach out across our community and join in with the traditions of our town. This year the chair of this passed from Canon Rachel to Rev Bekkie Wright of the Methodist church. I am sure if anyone is interested in joining this group, they would be most welcome to lend their ideas and support.

In the past year we have enjoyed a number of events including :

Kids Days offered in the holidays for primary age children with film and activities;

Feast Day event in the town; Lent Group and Easter Vigil; Pudding Party for Christian Aid.

Our Harvest Festival was shared in a joint service at Belton where we enjoyed a picnic lunch together and donations were received for the Foodbank.

Pilgrimage to Launde Abbey with prayers along the way and an outdoor service at Launde with

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tea. The Queen’s Jubilee and her death also brought us together in prayer and worship together. From November, we shared in the Christmas in Uppingham event; Advent Day of Reflection and Covenant Service in January.

Our joining together enables us to experience the coming together in Christ of different approaches and activities, of different issues and to join together in prayer, praise and outreach as we share in a desire to bring the good news of Christ to the people of our town.

events etc, it is in being able to respond to those in need of all different kinds that has become more apparent as we have emerged from Covid and as I have become more used to living in this place. From young families to the elderly or bereaved, to those dealing with drug or debt issues, to those exploring the nature of faith for themselves, or questioning their relationship with God or with others, there is always a variety of issues and needs around us to which we are called to respond. Part of the responsibility is of the church to show ‘love in action’ and this often goes on behind the scenes of our parish life.

SS Peter & Paul

At our PCC Away Day in September 2022 we identified Prayer, Pastoral Care and Communication as three of the areas we seek to address. Each of these brings their own challenges and yet offers opportunity for improving our links with our community and the possibility of sharing in more good work. In addition to this, I was tasked to offer a service of Celebration of Baptism for all those families in particular who have come to baptism in the last 5 years. I look forward to this taking place at the end of April.

As well as the activities of our church – services, homegroups, prayer group, home visits, life

Further afield from Uppingham, I have been involved in joining Prison Fellowship and joining the Sycamore Tree (Restorative Justice) course provision. I have also recently joined the diocesan link group with Seoul diocese.

As Canon Rachel prepares for her sabbatical (May to July 2023) may you join me in praying for her – that her time may be one of refreshment and renewal and that she returns to us fired up for further ministry adventures. I thank you for your support during this time and look forward to sharing with you over these coming months.

Revd Debbie Smith-Wilds

Annual Reports 2022 | 11

Appendix 1

PCC Members 2022

Clergy

Canon Rachel Watts 01572 829956 The Revd Debbie Smith-Wilds 01572 822906

[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]

Deanery Synod Jill Cannings 01572 821870 [e-mail] Diocesan Synod Vacant Musical Director John Wardle 01572 829923 [e-mail] Churchwardens Richard Cole 01572 821190 [e-mail] Jeffrey Whelband (resigned) 07753 422816 [e-mail] Deputy Churchwardens Anne Touchin 01572 820534 [e-mail] Elected Lay Representatives Janet Wardle 01572 829923 [e-mail] Pat Cole 01572 821190 [e-mail] Ian Cripps 01572 850800 [e-mail] Roy Farmer 01572 869573 [e-mail] Claire Dixon 01572 821474 [e-mail] Nat Stiles [e-mail] Sue Saunders 01572 829934 [e-mail]

45 Lime Tree Ave Uppingham LE15 9SS 18 Siskin Road, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9UL

1 Ayston Road, Uppingham LE15 9RL

5 Elizabeth Way Uppingham LE15 9PQ

26 Stockerston Crescent Uppingham LE15 9UB Sutton Lodge Farm, Dingley Lane, Sutton Bassett LE16 8HL

The Little Crooked House, 4, Hopes Yard, Uppingham LE15 9QQ

5 Elizabeth Way Uppingham LE15 9PQ 26 Stockerston Crescent Uppingham LE15 9UB 4 Elizabeth Way Uppingham LE15 9PQ 7 Elizabeth Way, Uppingham, LE15 9PQ 9a Cedar Close, Uppingham LE15 9PT

Co-opted Representatives Christobel Price Harry Watts

Co-opted Treasurer Russ Garley 01572 869164 Secretary E-Officio Jenny Harris 01572 822223 Lay Reader Anthony Morse

[e-mail] 44 Firs Ave, Uppingham LE15 9RE [e-mail] 14 Chestnut Close Uppingham LE15 9TQ [e-mail] Station Road, Uppingham

12 | Annual Reports 2022

St. Peter & St. Paul Uppingham The Parish of Uppingham-with-Ayston Accounts for Year End 31 December 2022 Incumbent: Reverend Canon Rachel Watts The New Rectory 45 Lime Tree Avenue Uppingham Churchwardens: Richard Cole 26 Stockerston Crescent Uppingham Treasurer: Mr Russ Garley 44 Firs Avenue Uppingham Bank: HSBC Oakham Independent Examiner: Chris Sworn 5 Main Street Preston

St. Peter & St. Paul with Ayston. Uppingham. Indep•ndent Examiner's Report to the PCC of SL Peter & SL Paul with Ayston, Uppingham. Independent Examiner's Report The report on the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 which are set out on pages 2 to 5, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 20061'the Re8ulation5'} and section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 I'The Att'l. Respective responsibilitie5 of the PCC and examiner The church's trustees. the PCC, are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The PCC considers that an audit is not required and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under settion 145 of the 2011 Act; follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145151{bl of the 2011 Att,. and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of an Independent examlner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the church 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 you as the church's trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attentlon: 111 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance wlth sertion 130 of the 2011 Act to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or 121 to which, in my opinlon, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date.. lj 2023

Ananda siai*mentsforthe yearended31st December Z022 Re¢¢ipts Act￿NI Unrestrfcted Restritted Deggnated Endowment Total Totsl Fund51£l Funds (£1 Funds 1£) Fund51£1 20221£) 20211£1 Recetpts Vc4uThtary RKelpts Planned Gmn 49,812 49A12 53,555 Collections at Semtes 3.597 3,597 1.853 Other Voluntary I￿oMe 14,330 li 14.427 25,664 Glft Aid Retovered 13,877 13,877 16,783 81,616 li 86 81,713 97,854 Adlvhlesforfjefiernting FurbJ5 sd 2.320 283 2.602 3,597 fftvn In¥estsnethts 56 7,020 350 7.426 5.S05 sf 5,973 4,405 10,378 9.744 Tthal Recelpts 89.965 11,435 368.74 350 102,119 IIE.700 P•miwts Parfsh Share and aew E¥pense5 70.931 70.931 70.431 Worship 6.153 6.153 5,120 Faith Dfftlopment & Outreath 3,341 11501 3,191 6.446 Church Runnlng Costs & Malntenance Sh 9.620 6,665 16,285 12.795 mini¥trotion 9.850 233 306 10,388 23.682 Fundraislng 340 340 283 Tgtal Payfflents 100.235 6,748 306 107,289 118,757 Ex¢e550f recelpts overp1￿rts Transfeis between fvnds 110,2701 4,686 63 350 15.1711 I2￿58} 527 15271 19.7431 4,159 63 350 15.1711 12,0581 Cash at bank at istjanuory Cath •t1￿k J 31st De￿rnber 25.459 115,374 26,631 172,273 174,331 15,715 119.534 4,871 26.982 167,102 172,273

Flwd St¢mntsfiYthe yearended 31st OB¢ember202Z Stotement al Assetsid Llabililles ithre5tricted Restricted Desi8nated Endowrnent Totsl Totsl Funds 1£) Funds 1£) Funds 1£> Fvnds l£1 20221£) 20211£) Co5h Fund5 Bank Qjrrent Account 11.410 26.831 4871 43,113 49.881 Deposlt Fund 4,305 92.703 26,982 123,989 122.392 15.715 119,534 4￿71 26,982 167,102 172,273 I￿orne Tax Recoverable 709 709 791 land rental 270 709 709 1,061 Investment Fund Shares at M•rket Value 124,650 124,650 141.215 Land Holdings 5b 204,0(M) 204,000 204.000 328.650 328,650 345,215 iiabllllles Utllty Bills 1.154 1.154 574 1.154 1.154 574 Notes l. The financial statements of the PCC have been p￿Pared in accordance with the Churth kcounttn8 Regulations 2rKJ6 and the Charities Act 2011, using the Receipts and Payments basis. Unrestrictèd funds are general funds available for the general objertives of the church IGeneral Fund). Desi8nated funds are unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the PCC for particular purposes (Bell Fundl. Restrlcted fvnds can only be used for the purposes for which they have been glvèn. within the objertives of the church. The t05t of raising and administering such funds are charged against those specific funds (Fabric, Church Hall. St Thoma5, Charlty and Mlsslon legacy). Endowment funds are glven to the Church with the specific instruction that only the income gained from Investing the money can be spent Icllfford Pugh deposit account and also see note sal. 4. The movements in deslgnated and restricted funds during the year were.. Balance Bl￿d Recapts Paymwts Transfer Balance Restsl¢ted Church Hall Church Fabric Organ Fund St Thomas Charity Mission & Ministry legacy 4,688 26.105 19,791 3,614 61,176 115.374 4.134 3,408 1,600 1.488 804 11,435 3,573 3.265 5,249 26,248 21.391 5,192 61,453 119.534 1901 15271 15271 6.748 De*nated Bell Fund 4,809 4,809 369 369 306 306 4.871 4.871

Further anatysls of Finandal Ststements Unrestrtcted Restricted Designatal Endowment Funds 1£) Funds (£1 Funds 1£) Funds 1£) Total 20221£) Totsi 20211£) •) Ihvestmemt Funds Uppin8h3m Church Lands Upplnaham Parlsh Landsand Stock Charity J Pretty Charity C E Thorpe Charity Mrs M B Fowler fora Poor Wornan Uppingham St Peterand St Paul PCC UppSngham Church Rooms 13,163 512 1.361 18.938 2,017 44.918 43,740 124,650 13,163 512 1.361 18,938 2,017 44.918 43.740 124.650 14,895 579 i.S41 21,430 2,283 50,911 49576 141,215 bl tand Holtln8S 16 Acres èt Hallaton 15.196 Acres Landfill sire 64￿￿ 64,000 64. 60,000 60,ODO 60,(KKJ 80,000 80,000 204,000 204,OLKI 204,C¥]O l All other¥lvlngl ¥oluntsry re(elpts Donations Wall Safe Choir Robes 11,760 2.570 li 86 11,856 2.570 19.946 2,744 2.974 25.664 14.330 li 86 14A27 d) Act￿￿510rGe￿ethIry Church Fund Ra15ing E¥ent5 Concerts Magazi 1.559 761 283 I￿] 761 2,642 215 740 3,597 2,320 283 2,602 el Imiesknent Irame OiMdend5 on Investment Funds Deposit Account Intttest Land Ret)tsi 3.712 1,198 2,110 7.020 3,712 3,597 68 56 350 2,110 7A26 56 350 5.505 fj Ineome from Chuyth Ac¥¥hl¢s Fees (includes or8an, choSrl Charity Fund Rai5iry E￿ts Church Hall Lethngs 4,826 1.147 6.426 1,147 2,805 10,378 6A52 1,636 1,656 9,744 2.805 4,405 5.973 zl Donb￿n$Made {1￿d¥￿IhInFO1Ib Outrthichl xma5 lunches 1,583 St Luke's Hospital Chrlsfjèn Ap￿1 8riti5h Legion Poppy Appeal CaldecottTower Local Charitie5 and Cou¥e5 1583 20 150 227 298 20 560 256 loo 1,100 2,334 150 227 450 450 450 2A30 1,980 hl thuyth Runthin8 Exp¢m5es 5,6Ql 3.825 194 47 586 4.345 277 1.410 6.665 5.648 4A12 4.539 277 1.410 16,285 4.050 4.249 2.473 In5urarKe Maintsnance Or8an Tepairs Oeanlr 1.520 12,795 9.620

Approved by the Parochial Church Council and signed on its behalf bv.. Chairman: Date.. Rev Canon Rachel Watts Treasurer.. Date: Mr Russ Garley ACMA

St. Peter & St. Paul with Ayston. Uppingham. Independent Examiner's Report to the PCC of St. Petsr & St. Paul wtth Ayston. Uppingham. Independent Examiner's Report The report on the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 which are set out on pages 2 to S, is in respert of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 20061'the Regulations'l and section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 I'The Act'l. Respertive responsibilities of the PCC and examiner The church's trustees, the PCC, are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The PCC considers that an audit is not required 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 Comrrtissioner5 under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act: and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of an Independent examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the church and a comparison of the account5 presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as the church's trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently. I do not expre55 an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examiner's statement In connettion with my examination, no matter has come to my attention.. 111 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or 121 to which, in my opinion, attention Should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: