## **ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** ‘May Christ dwell in our hearts through faith, that we may be rooted and grounded in love.’ Ephesians 3:17 ## Annual Parish Vestry Meeting followed by the ## Annual Parochial Church Meeting and a short meeting of the new Parochial Church Council ## Sunday, 17[th] May 2026 at 11.20am ## **Contents** 1. Agenda for the Annual Vestry Meeting & Annual Parochial Church Meeting... .....…...Page 3 2. Minutes of the Annual Vestry Meeting, Sunday 11th May 2025………… ……………………Page 4 3. Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Sunday 11th May 2025………………Page 5 4. Annual Report for the year ended 31st December 2025…………………………………………Page 10 5. Safeguarding Report……………………………………………….……………………………………………….Page 11 6. Team Rector’s Review………………………………………………………………………………………………Page 12 7. Electoral Roll Report…………………………………………………………………………………………………Page 13 8. Independent Examiner’s Report to the PCC of St Mary’s, Linton……………………………..Page 14 9. St Mary the Virgin, Linton: Financial Review 2025……………………………………………………Page 15 10. Fabric Committee Report……………………………………………………………………………………….Page 22 11. Granta Deanery Synod Annual Report…………………………………………………………………...Page 24 12. Reports from Groups and Activities……………………………………………………………………….Page 28 12.1 Events Committee 12.2 Bellringers Report 12.3 Linton C of E Infant School Report 12.4 Children & Families’ Ministry 12.5 Pastoral Group 12.6 The Friends of St Mary’s 12.7 Music Ministry Report 2 ## **Agenda for 17[th] May 2026** ## **Part A – Vestry Meeting 11.20am** 1. Prayer 2. Minutes of the Annual Parish Vestry Meeting held on 11[th] May 2025 3. Words of thanks 4. Election of Churchwardens ## **Part B – Annual Parochial Church Meeting following the vestry meeting** 1. Apologies for Absence 2. Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 11[th] May 2025 3. Matters Arising 4. Team Rector’s Report 5. Parochial Church Council Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 6. Electoral Roll Report 7. Financial Report followed by appointment of Independent Examiner 8. Fabric Report 9. Deanery Synod Report 10. Election of PCC Members and Deanery Synod representatives 11. Reports from Groups and Activities 12. Matters for discussion 13. Closing Prayer ## **Part C –** A short **Parochial Church Council** following the APCM (separate agenda) 3 ## **2. MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING, SUNDAY 11[TH] MAY 2025** ## **1. Prayers** The meeting, held in the church, began with prayer and a brief explanation at 11.37am. It was chaired by Revd Paul Seaton-Burn, Team Rector. Thirty parishioners were present. ## **2. Minutes** The Minutes of the Annual Parish Vestry Meeting held on 19[th ] May 2024 were accepted as a correct record. Proposed by: Jacqui Burge and Seconded: Tom Dodd. Adopted unanimously. ## **3. Thank you** The Rector thanked Charlotte Dodd and David Watts (and their families) for their sterling work as Churchwardens. Charlotte was presented with a card and gifts, as she stepped back from the role for the coming year. ## **4. Election of Churchwardens** The Rector proposed that the six-year rule for Churchwardens be waived to enable David Watts to continue for a final year. Seconded: Tom Dodd. Agreed unanimously. Two nominations had been received from Jacqui Burge and David Watts, respectively. The Rector suggested that their election be taken as one vote. Agreed unanimously. Jacqui Burge and David Watts were unanimously voted into office and thanked for their commitment. The Vestry Meeting closed at 11.49am. 4 ## **3. MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING HELD ON SUNDAY, 11[TH] MAY 2025** ## **1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE** Nanette Blackmore, Andrew Cornell-Webb, Andrew Gore, Di Morse, Anne and David ParrySmith, Judith and Richard Tonry, Molly Warrington, Cathy Watts, Glynis and Michael Younger. ## **2. MINUTES** The Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Sunday 19[th ] May 2024 were briefly discussed. Subject to minor corrections the Minutes were accepted as a true record. Proposed by Jacqui Burge and Seconded by Brian Grey. Adopted unanimously. ## **3. MATTER ARISING** None. ## **4. TEAM RECTOR’S REPORT** Looking back on 2024 is a good and healthy thing to do. There has been much to be thankful for in the life of our church family and our parish. Beyond our Linton Parishes and Deanery and Diocese, the Church of England is sailing through choppy waters. Too many lives have been blighted by an institutional mindset and secrecy of too many people who have failed to protect the vulnerable and address abuse. The political wrangling of those who wish to split from the Church in the likelihood of same-sex blessings will have consequences for all dioceses in the coming years, too. How easy it is for us to forget Jesus’s prayer that we ‘may all be one’ (John 17:11). We are, after all, ‘the Church’ and there is no use in blaming Bishops if our neighbours don’t see Christ’s light in us or find us unwelcoming. For it is in the grassroots that the Holy Spirit is most evidently at work, not least through many of our church family who have given so much in the year under review. I want to thank our Churchwardens, David and Charlotte, for all they have done for us and the wider community. As Charlotte steps back as warden, we appreciate all that she has given to our church life and wish her well for this next chapter for her and for Tom and little Theo. During the year, Nicola Collard completed her time as Chair of Governors at Linton Infant School, having done so much for that wonderful little school, and Gill Powell retired from her role supporting Baptism families. They will both be missed. Since the year end, Sarah Thorne retired as Children and Families Minister after years of supporting young people and their carers in the parish with such thoughtfulness, imagination and dedication. Thank you, Sarah (and John) for all that you have shared with us. It has been so good to see David Parry-Smith recover from serious illness and lead our music again, and the choir is flourishing. We are all deeply grateful to Tom, Jacqui and other friends who led our music while David was recovering. The choir’s contribution to our worship is much appreciated, as is the ministry of our bell-ringers, cleaners, welcomers, flower arrangers, the 5 Monday Gang in the churchyard and those who ensure our building is open every day of the year. Through the generosity of our Ministry Team – not least Michael, Lesley, Cathy, Sarah, Nanette and Jacqui – we have continued to offer a healthy range of worship through the year, and numbers of people joining us on Sundays and special occasions have increased. Almost 200 people attended ‘Linton Remembers’, our community Remembrance Day service – including many young pupils from the Infant and Junior schools, who took part in the service - and attendance increased at all our Christmas services. (Our village Carol Service welcomed over 230 people of different ages and backgrounds). The three Root & Branch (RnB) groups have continued to meet through the year, looking at the forthcoming Sunday’s Gospel reading reflectively and sharing questions, friendship and life experience. I am grateful for these friends sharing the journey and our learning together. Thank you. Since Lent this year, a fourth group has been established at Shudy Camps, too. As in all living things, some things have changed. This year we said thank you for ‘Space for the Spirit’, an online time of reflective worship prepared with much thought and imagination by Molly, Gill and Helene. We also saw the launch of our ‘Service for Hope and Healing’ in the Autumn, and which continues on a bimonthly basis. It has been a joy to welcome new friends to our congregation, too. We continue to make progress with tidying the clutter in our building and look forward to new projects – such as a new welcome desk – made possible by the generous support of the Friends of St Mary’s. But the Church, above all other human organisations, is not called into being merely to look at itself: ‘Looking up to heaven, Jesus sighed and said ‘Ephphatha!’ (‘be opened!’) and immediately the man’s ears were opened.’ Mark 7:34-35 We are being healed, so that others may also know life. Most of those others can’t or don’t come to St Mary’s on a Sunday. (Or feel good enough for God’s love). Having looked back on another fruitful year – in all sorts of ways - what are the cries in our parish that God wants our ears to be opened to? How is the Holy Spirit calling us to respond together? Not just to respond with the people we like, or we agree with, but **together as one** church family. It really isn’t about which service we go to, or the music we like, or our pet projects, but how much our heart is in harmony with God’s heart. Together. Looking to the rest of the year, may we have ears to hear what the Lord is calling us to do, together. Not least as we discern the way ahead with our welcome and nurturing of young people and their families. More prayer is needed, and courage. Not only to pay our way, or to keep out building open, or to keep services going – important as these things are. Our greatest challenge is to hear the needs of people around us, here in our community, and to do something to help them, in the power of the Holy Spirit who gives us life. ## **5. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST ] DECEMBER 2024** This report, and others prepared for the year under review and referred to below, had been circulated and made available on the church website. Sue Filby questioned whether or not her name should be included in the list of ALMs on p.9, whilst she is in training. The Rector confirmed that her name should be included. 6 ## **6. ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT** The Electoral Roll is our register of electors, who are eligible to attend and vote at the Annual Parochial Church Council, not least for membership of PCC and Deanery Synod representatives. Jo George, Electoral Roll Officer, had reported that at the end of the church year there were 130 people on the Roll. The Rector thanked Jo George for her hard work revising the Roll. ## **7. FINANCIAL REPORT** Sue Ellis, Treasurer, pointed out that there had been two formatting errors in the accounts printed in the full Annual Report. Over 2024 we made a deficit of £10,400. Major expenditure on the Church and Pavilion has been covered by grants received from Friends of St Mary’s and The Anderson Trust. Unfortunately, our day to day running expenses are not covered by our regular income. Fundraising and social events have become crucial to our survival financially. Fortunately, they are bringing people into Church who are not part of our regular givers. So please support future events such as our Flower Festival by giving some time to help and welcome people who are visiting. Our ministry share is our biggest item of expenditure. It is important to pay it in full as it covers clergy costs, housing, pensions and National Insurance. It supports parishes through safeguarding, church buildings, finance, communications, mission and ministry. It also covers the costs of the Parish Giving Scheme so we as a parish do not pay directly for using it. The Parish Giving Scheme not only gives us monthly income it also claims the gift aid and pays it to us monthly. It is the best way for regular givers to give. It is our Church and our Linton so we need to support the Church financially so that it can continue to flourish. Sue Ellis and Kate Sargent, the Independent Examiner, were thanked. Proposed by Sue Mudge and Seconded by David Watts, the Annual Report and Accounts were adopted unanimously. Motion that Kate Sargent be reappointed as Independent Examiner for another year. Proposed by the Rector and Seconded by David Watts. Adopted unanimously. ## **8. FABRIC REPORT** Barry Roberts, as Chair, was thanked. ## **9. DEANERY SYNOD REPORT** Thanks were expressed to Revd Michael Wilcockson, Andrew Gore and David Parry-Smith for representing St Mary’s. ## **10. ELECTION OF PCC MEMBERS** There are 8 ex-officio members of the PCC. Nominations had been received from: Andrew Cornell-Webb (Secretary), Sue Ellis and James Suranga Perera. Sue Mudge queried the small number of elected members in proportion to the size of the church membership. 7 The Rector replied that people were finding it increasingly difficult to make such a major commitment to serve as PCC members. We must respect people’s family and work commitments. The Rector then expressed gratitude to all those who have served on the PCC in the past and those who continue to do so. Sue Mudge and Sarah King then offered to serve as PCC members. They were proposed by Brian Grey and Seconded by Jacqui Burge and their appointment for one year was approved unanimously. Ways of encouraging more nominations in the future were discussed. The Rector proposed that all five lay representatives be elected to the PCC by one vote, and this was agreed. All were elected unanimously for one year. The Rector welcomed our new PCC members. ## **11. REPORTS FROM GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES** Reports from groups were included in the Annual Report & Accounts and had been made available in paper form and on the church website, with the addition of a Mothers’ Union Report, which was read out by the Rector. The Mothers’ Union is an international Christian charity that aims to demonstrate the Christian faith in action through the transformation of communities worldwide. It has been promoting and supporting stable family life in communities both locally and globally for nearly 150 years. The Mothers’ Union Linton branch is a friendly group, based at St Mary’s Church and meets on the third Monday of each month at 7.45pm in the Church Pavilion. Everyone is welcome to attend. There is a full and varied programme of meetings and talks which can be found in Church or contact Denise Thurston (Secretary) by email at denise_thurston@hotmail.com for further information. Revd Michael Wilcockson, as Chair of Governors at Linton Infant School, encouraged even more engagement by church members with the school. The Rector commented that every Friday at 9am in term time the school visits the church for a Friday Church, along with some 50+ parents and carers, and that help with the refreshments would be welcome. ## **12. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION** Pam Richardson queried the comment earlier about meeting the needs of the village, wondering what and how? The Rector talked of our shared ministry (clergy and laity), listing groups with which there is already conversation, including: Acre, Granta School, Foodbank, Community Hub in the Sports Pavilion, monthly service at Chalklands, our Infant and Junior Schools. There are those who are not able to come to church, but value its existence. Those who need food parcels, for example, are hardest to reach. Plans in the pipeline included another time to pray regularly for our community every Wednesday from early June 2025, and a community kitchen. When someone retires, the perceived gap is not a problem to be fixed; but a God given challenge to review where the needs of our community are. 8 Pam Richardson also asked what the Rector saw happening in the next five years in St Mary’s. The Rector replied that it is up to us collectively, hopefully a more inclusive church, regardless of class, background or age. Being rooted in God and rooted in the Community by seeking more of the Holy Spirit in our church life and outreach to the parish. More kindness, leaving past disagreements behind and more humility and prayer. David Newble noted that the finances are struggling and wondered what the next twelve months would hold. The Rector answered that the Friends of St Mary’s are supportive and pay for certain projects. Costs have been trimmed and giving has been promoted, for example at the Harvest weekend. St Mary’s has one of the largest Parish Share contributions in the Deanery, £71K. Good housekeeping, paying our way and the Parish Giving scheme were mentioned. Sue Filby emphasised the importance of the church building being open as much as possible, and asked if a current list of key holders existed with a view to more volunteers being involved. Sarah King echoed the sentiment. The need for security for lone workers was highlighted by the Rector. It will be discussed by the new PCC. Sue Mudge reminded everyone that the Friends of St Marys’ have their AGM soon, and that a small donation ensures membership for a year. Brian Grey commented on the high heating bill. Sometimes the heating seems to be on when not required. The Rector pointed out that sometimes the heating is on in preparation for a later event, that gas prices had been especially expensive, and that David Watts and Sue Ellis monitor the situation. Janice Grey thanked the clergy team and musicians for the Easter and Holy Week services and activities, including the Easter Trail. The meeting applauded this heartily. Barry Roberts remarked that the issue of heating has been explored by the Fabric Committee. Alternatives have been examined but gas is the only choice. The aim is to replace the boilers with more efficient models. Kirsten Newble expressed thanks to everyone for the warm welcome she and David had received since joining St Mary’s. ## **13. CLOSING PRAYER** The meeting closed with prayer at 12.45pm. 9 ## **4. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025** ## **Administrative information** St Mary’s Church is part of the Diocese of Ely within the Church of England and is located at Church Lane, Linton, Cambridge, CB21 4JX. The registered charity number is 1138508. PCC members who have served from the APCM in May 2025 until this report are: |Incumbent|Team Rector - The Revd|Paul Seaton-Burn| |---|---|---| |Churchwardens|Jacqui Burge|| ||David Watts|| |Associate Priest|The Revd Michael Wilcockson|| |Priests with PTO|The Revd Lesley Gore, The Revd Jane Butler|| |Licensed Lay|Sarah Thorne|| |Ministers (LLMs)|Cathy Watts|Also Safeguarding Officer| |Representatives to|Andrew Gore|from 14.05.2023 - 31.05.26| |the Deanery Synod|David Parry-Smith|from 14.05.2023 - 31.05.26| |Elected members|Andrew Cornell-Webb|from APCM 2025 - Secretary| ||Sue Ellis|from APCM 2023 – Treasurer| ||Sarah King|from APCM 2025| ||Sue Mudge|from APCM 2025| ||Ann Macer|from APCM 2025| ||James Suranga|from APCM 2025| |Lay-Chair|David Parry-Smith|| ## **Structure, governance and management** The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules, updated in 2025. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. ## **Objectives and activities** The PCC of St Mary the Virgin (‘St Mary’s, Linton’) has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, 10 pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for St Mary’s Church and the Pavilion adjacent to the Church. ## **Review of the year to 31[st] December 2025** This year has been a very positive time for the church. The church has continued to operate a wide range of different services and outreach events and groups. The launch and continued success of Mary’s Community Kitchen have been extremely fruitful in building relationships with a wide range of people. Such initiatives, like Tots in Tow, Friday Church and our Chalklands services show that St Mary’s is much more than just a building, and instead what it has always been: a bedrock for love and support in Linton. The three Root and Branch groups go from strength to strength, as does the monthly time of quiet reflection, The Well. Prayer for Hope and Healing is now monthly. Our special events that bring Linton together have also been well supported and featured greater community involvement. It was good to see queues at the door for the Linton Carol Service and a packed house, as well as welcoming our local MP and local schoolchildren at the Remembrance Service. It is important to remember that this was not always the case; as a child, I remember attending Remembrance with far fewer people. In a world that can feel increasingly hostile and difficult, having a strong bedrock of community is so important, and I am proud of St Mary’s ability to contribute to the life of our parish and help to make Linton such a positive place to live. A special thanks to those who have ensured that St Mary’s has been open every day of the year, those who have cleaned our well-used building, and those who have made it beautiful with flowers, especially at Easter and Christmas. Your time and commitment have been much appreciated by parishioners and visitors alike. During the year under review there were 6 Baptisms, 1 Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child, I Wedding, 13 Funerals and Memorial Services and 4 Interments of Ashes in the Garden of Remembrance. Andrew Cornell-Webb, PCC Secretary ## **5. SAFEGUARDING** Safeguarding is at the heart of our faith, as we seek to welcome all people and want to care for the vulnerable; adults as well as young people. The care and protection of people in our parish is a responsibility we all share, and my contact details – as primary contact for all safeguarding concerns - are contained in our Safeguarding Policy (published on www.stmaryslinton.org.uk). 11 Safeguarding posters with these contact details are displayed in church and also in the Pavilion. If you have any concerns about the welfare of anyone in our church, please contact me as the Parish Safeguarding Officer. Everyone who holds a position of parish responsibility at St Mary’s has been appropriately vetted and has undergone safeguarding training relevant to their role, including those who make up our Pastoral Group who visit parishioners in their own homes or at Symonds House and Nichols Court. We also have procedures in place to ensure that all users and hirers of our Pavilion adhere to the same principles regarding safeguarding. Safeguarding is an agenda item at each of our PCC meetings and is reviewed regularly by the PCC. Cathy Watts, Parish Safeguarding Officer safeguarding@stmaryslinton.org.uk ## **6. TEAM RECTOR’S REVIEW** In these times when many people in our community, our country and across the world face much difficulty and uncertainty, it is striking to experience times of blessing and light, alongside real fear and apparent darkness. This past year, and since the beginning of 2026, such times of contrast have not abated and the contrast seems even more striking. Our spiritual teachers and fore runners in the faith would encourage us to be thankful to God regardless. ‘For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever, and his faithfulness to all generations’ (Psalm 100). In gratitude, even in uncertain and difficult times, we find ourselves enabled by the Holy Spirit to maintain generous and welcoming hearts. To be Good News to those around us (not stingy or hard-hearted). With that in mind, there is plenty to thank our Father for in the last year. As well as successful ‘specials’ like the Flower Festival, packed seasonal services, Auction of Promises and 150[th] anniversary celebrations for our Infant School, many of us are deeply grateful for our regular rhythm of worship and events, too – from Café Church to Sung Communion, coffee mornings to Friday Church. The deepening fellowship of our three Root and Branch groups, involving a significant percentage of our congregation, has continued to bear fruit and new friendships. All these things have been achieved by people working together (not pulling in different directions) in God’s Spirit and I am deeply grateful to those who have made it another step forward for St Mary’s this year. (It’s good to see new people welcomed to the family). The launch of Mary’s Community Kitchen in October – which continues to flourish every month at the village hall, is another good example of this progress. As he steps down as Churchwarden for a well-earned rest, special mention must be made to David Watts. David has given so much in time and support, much behind the scenes. Along with others, the new lighting scheme and the new boilers, would not have happened without him (Barry Roberts has also made an invaluable contribution towards the latter, too). In 12 February 2025, Nanette Blackmore reached a milestone (not a millstone) of having served as Verger at St Mary’s for 20 years. Thank you, Nanette, for your wonderful service to our church and parish. Despite the kindness and talents of many people this year, our church family faces a real crisis of funding, to make sure that we can continue to serve our parish in the future. Despite considerable fund-raising, the generous support of the Friends of St Mary’s and the work of the Events Committee, we have a stubborn deficit in our annual budget (again) of around £10,000. As our hard-working Treasurer points out, this means our funds are running out and we need your help. Please consider joining the Parish Giving Scheme if you are not already subscribed and take time to review your regular giving if it has been a while. Or remember St Mary’s in your will. **Thank you.** Despite cost-savings, we face rising costs and an increased contribution towards the Diocesan fund and really need your help. Ultimately, such times of challenge can be a stimulus for us to grow. Not necessarily in pounds and pence – although we really need to – but in good faith, which is based on trusting God more and trusting one another, with humility and hope (not judgement). It is a challenge to use our gifts and experience better; and in doing so, not simply to ‘conform to the pattern of this world’ (Romans 12:2) in our own strength. This is, after all, God’s church. Is our church family up to this challenge in this generation? I believe so, because I have tasted God’s mercy and faithful loving kindness here. But what do you think? Because you are a crucial part of the answer. Revd Paul Team Rector of the Linton Parishes ## **7. ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT** At the end of the previous church year there were 130 people on the Electoral Roll. This year we have sadly lost five people, but are pleased to welcome five new members, so the total remains at 130. If you would like to be added to the Electoral Roll or have any questions, please do contact me – jo.george@stmaryslinton.org.uk Josephine George - Electoral Roll Officer 13 ## **8. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE PCC OF ST MARY’S, LINTON** This report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2025 is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (“the Regulations”) and s.43 of the Charities Act 1993 (“the Act”). ## **Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the Examiner** As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and section 43(2) of the Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those accounts in accordance with the terms of the Regulations. ## **Basis of this report** My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church guidance, SORP 2005 edition, issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishops’ Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as 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 attention: 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements – to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act; and – to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations have not been met; or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Independent Examiner 18[th] March 2026 14 ## **9. FINANCIAL REVIEW 2025** Despite trying to cut back last year, the year-end resulted in a deficit of £11,962. This is an ongoing trend over the past few years. ||Income|Expenditure|Deficit| |---|---|---|---| |2025|124,396|136,358|11962| |2024|128,305|138,745|10,440| |2023|224,248|231,013|6,765| |2022|140,758|163,111|22,353| This is unsustainable and at the present rate of expenditure I calculate the Church will be bankrupt in eighteen months time. ## **Reserves Policy** In 2025, the PCC continued with a reserves policy; retaining a sum of £22,500 for contingency cover. ## **Financial Statements** The financial statements which follow comprise: A statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year, showing all resources made available to the PCC and all expenditure incurred by it, and reconciling changes to funds; A return of Parish Finance which shows the same information but gives a breakdown of income and expenditure; and A Balance Sheet showing assets, liabilities and funds. ## **Accounting Policies** These accounts have been prepared under the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and in accordance with the Charities SORP (2005) and applicable standards. The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission under the name of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Linton, Diocese of Ely, charity registration number 1138508. 15 ## **St Mary's Linton** ## **Statement of Financial Activities** ## **For the period from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025** |**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Endowment**|**Total**|**Prior**| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |||**year funds funds**|
**funds**|**funds**
**total**|**funds**| |**_Incoming resources_**|||||| |Incoming resources from generated funds|||||| |Voluntary income|95,772|104|—|95,876|107,331| |Activities for generating funds|18,887|—|—|18,887|6,692| |Investment income|483|70|—|553|1,156| |Incoming resources from charitable activities|9,078|—|—|9,078|11,418| |Other incoming resources|—|—|—|—|1,705| |**Total incoming resources**|**124,221**|**174**|**—**|**124,396**|**128,305**| |**_Resources used_**|||||| |Cost of generating funds|||||| ||—|—|—|—|228| |Cost of generating voluntary income|—|—|—|—|—| |Fundraising trading cost of goods sold and other costs|2,435|—|—|2,435|1,861| |Charitable activities|131,566|2,356|—|133,923|136,655| |Governance costs|—|—|—|—|—| |**Total resources used**|**134,001**|**2,356**|**—**|**136,358**|**138,745**| |**Net incoming / outgoing resources before transfer**|**(** **9,780)**|**( 2,182)**|**—**|**( 11,962)**|**( 10,439)**| |**_Transfers_**|||||| |Gross transfers between funds - in|1,566|130|—|1,696|—| |Gross transfers between funds - out|( 1,696)|—|—|( 1,696)|—| |**Net incoming / outgoing before other gains / losses**|**(** **9,910)**|**( 2,052)**|**—**|**( 11,962)**|**( 10,439)**| |**_Other recognised gains / losses_**Gains|||||| |/ losses on investment assets|||||| ||( 398)|—|—|( 398)|1,659| |Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use|—|—|—|—|—| |**Net movement in funds**|**( 10,308)**|**( 2,052)**|**—**|**( 12,360)**|**(** **8,780)**| |**_Reconciliation of funds_**|||||| |**Total funds brought forward**|**54,457**|**5,572**|**—**|**60,030**|**68,810**| |**Total funds carried forward**|**44,149**|**3,520**|**—**|**47,669**|**60,030**| 16 |**St Mary’s Linton Return of Parish Finance for year ending 31 December 2025**|**St Mary’s Linton Return of Parish Finance for year ending 31 December 2025**|| |---|---|---| |**Incoming Resources**|**2025**|**2024**| |**Voluntary Income**||| |Tax efficient planned giving||| |Gift Aid - Bank & Parish Giving Scheme|56,341.06|50,693.60| |Gift Aid - Envelopes|265.00|251.00| |Total tax efficient planned giving|56,606.06|50,944.60| |Other planned giving|2,340.00|2,700.00| |Gift Day||3,404.50| |Loose plate collections|2,573.06|2,477.69| |Giving through church boxes|340.77|271.63| |One off Gift Aid gifts|2,615.15|3,781.68| |Donations, appeals, etc(note 1)|10,779.84|10,303.00| |Tax recovered through Gift Aid|16,434.80|15,732.59| |Legacies||507.98| |Non-recurring one off grants(note 2)|4,187.17|17,208.22| |**Total for voluntary income**|**95,876.85**
|**107,331.89**| |**Activities for Generating Funds**||| |Other funds generated(note 3)|505.00|592.06| |Ministry Share
rebate|1,651.52|| |Social Events(note 4)|16,731.16|6,100.53| |**Total for Activities for Generating Funds**|**18,887.68**|**6,692.59**| |**Bank and building society interest**|**553.84**|**1,156.56**| |**Church Activities**||| |Fees for weddings and funerals|7,657.00|8,788.00| |Pavilion lettings|1,421.00|2,630.50| |**Total for Church Activities**|**9,078.00**|**11,418.50**| |**Granta Deanery Refund**||**1,705.55**| |**Total for Incoming Resources**|**124,396.37**
|**128,305.09**| 17 **Resources Expended** **2025** **2024** |**Costs of Generating Funds**||| |---|---|---| |Christmas Event Costs||228.13| |Costs of Social Events(note 4)|2,435.40|1,861.38| |**Total for costs of Generating**
**Funds**|**2,435.40**|**2,089.51**| |**All Mission Giving and Charitable Grants & Donations**(note 5)||| |Charitable Giving|3,271.08|2,489.00| |Youthinc|300.00|300.00| |The Beacon Youth Trust|6,500.04|6500.04| |**Total for All Charitable Giving**|**10,071.12**|**9,289.04**| |**Church Activities**||| |Ministry Share|71,681.39|65,944.45| |Salaries(note 6)|9,630.13|11,014.80| |**Expenses (clergy, pastoral staff, etc)**||| |Working expenses of Incumbent|480.00|959.50| |Rector’s telephone||484.26| |Children’s and family’s ministry(note 7)|1,935.53|5,257.94| |**Total for Expenses**|**2,415.53**|**6,701.70**| |Parish Training and mission||22.04| |**Regular Church running expenses (insurance, cleaning,**||| |**admin)**||| |Church running - insurance|4,102.57|4,037.42| |Organ / piano tuning|246.00|450.00| |Church telephone/Wi-Fi|754.55|53.94| |Church maintenance|3,152.05|4,121.97| |Cleaning||66.98| |Upkeep of services(note 8)|7,769.71|8,474.96| |Upkeep of churchyard||| |Administration|2,919.72|2,109.51| |Flowers(note 9)|36.00|| |**Total for Regular Church running expenses**|**18,980.60**|**19,314.78**| |**Church utility bills (gas, electricity, water)**||| |Church running - electric|1,478.94|1,664.65| |Church running - gas|5,587.93|6,297.19| |Church running -water (note 10)|2,085.06|27.11| |**Total for Church utility bills**|**9,151.93**|**7,988.95**| 18 ||**2025**|**2024**| |---|---|---| |**Costs of trading Pavilion**||| |Pavilion running - electricity|815.23|344.44| |Pavilion running – maintenance|391.05|1,440.61| |Pavilion running - water|42.38|27.11| |**Total for Costs of trading**|**1,248.66**|**1,812.16**| |**Total for Church Activities**|**113,108.24**|**112,798.88**| |**Total for Resources Expended**|**125,614.76**|**124,177.43**| |**Major Capital Expenditure**||| |Church major repairs|9,778.03|7,419.63| |Peace Garden||| |Pavilion|966.00|7,147.98| |**Total for Major Capital**
**Expenditure**|**10,744.03**|**14,567.61**| |**Total Expenditure**|**136,358.79**|**138,745.04**| |**Total Income**|**124,396.37**|**128,305.09**| |**Total Expenditure**|**136,358.79**|**138,745.04**| |**Balance**|**-11,962.42**|**-10,439.95**| 19 ## **St Mary's Linton** ## **Balance Sheet** ## **as of 31 December 2025** |**Balance Sheet**
**as of 31 December 2025**|| |---|---| ||**2025**
**£**| |**Fixed assets**
Pavilion (note 11)
Investments (note 12)
**Current assets**
Cash at bank and in hand
**Liabilities (**note 13)
Linton Parish Charities

**Net current assets less current liabilities**

**Total net assets less liabilities**
**Represented by**
**Unrestricted**
Unrestricted - General fund
**Designated**
Designated - Contingency
Designated - Pavilion (note 11)
Designated - Children and family ministry (note 14)
**Restricted**
Restricted - Anderson Trust
Restricted - Bells
Restricted - Churchyard (note 15)
Restricted - Music
Restricted - Organ Fund (note 16)
Restricted - Peace Garden
**Funds of the church**|500
33,699
**34,199**
16,864
16,864
3,394
**13,470**
**47,669**
17,313
22,500
500
3,836
0
1,597
144
1,074
603
100
**47,669**| ## Notes to the Financial Statements ## **Return of Parish Finance** 1. Donations include income from the good box and Payaz as well as personal donations. 2. Grants received this year: £2,320 from the Anderson Trust for the visitor light sensor as you come in to Church, and for the defibrillator at the Pavilion entrance, £838.17 from the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme and £1,029 for Make Lunch from various sources. 3. The income from other funds generated includes £16.36 from the book stall and £41.20 from ‘Give as you Live’. It also includes £337.50 from Cambridgeshire Historic Churches ride and stride. 4. Social events include refreshments after services, our regular coffee mornings and other organised events such as Burns Night Ceilidh, Concerts, Afternoon teas, Tudorfest and a New Year’s Eve party. The largest social event was the Auction of Promises which raised valuable funds to go towards the replacement of our boilers. Overall, a profit of £16,452.28 was made from these events which does not include all the income received by card payments. 5. Charitable giving this year includes £500 to USPG, £500 to Haverhill Foodbank, £187.25 to Friends of the Holy Land, £187.25 to Cambridge Churches Homeless Project. Also £300 to Youthinc (Deanery Youthwork scheme) and £6,500.04 to support the work of the Beacon Youth Trust. The Lent lunches raised £1,156.87 for Arthur Rank Hospice and £1,263.13 for Convoy for Ukraine from our Afternoon tea. Concerts have also contributed £488.75 for Parkinson UK and £100 for Woolf Institute. Donations have also been given following use of our card machine at funerals and memorial services, namely £197.60 to West Cork school and £70 to Lewy Body Society. In addition, £60 from the card reader was given to Christian Aid which was included in £1,740 sent to Christian Aid by Pam following the May coffee morning, the Christian Aid Quiz and Christmas Quiz which she organised. 6. Salaries relate to payments made to our organists and parish administrator and includes an honorarium for the enormous amount of work carried out by our Children and Families Minister in the first part of last year. 7. Children and Families Ministry covers all expenses relating to young people including Make Lunch, Café Church, and Messy Church. 8. Upkeep of services includes fees paid to Ely and Non-Stipendiary priests. 21 9. The cost of flowers has been covered by separate collections and the generosity of the flower arrangers. 10. The water bills are large this year due to a water leak which has now been repaired. ## **Balance Sheet** 11. Pavilion at cost £77,031. This has been depreciated and is shown at a nominal value of £500. 12. Investments: The CBF Church of England Investment Fund - Accumulation Shares. 13. Liabilities are funds held for the Linton Parish Charities. 14. The Children & Families Ministry fund is money which was donated specifically for Children and Families Ministry. 15. The Parish Council gave us £500 in 2020 to cover on going expenses of the Monday Gang. 16. The Organ fund has been used to pay for repairs to the blower. ## **10. FABRIC COMMITTEE REPORT** ## **Church building** : The works recommended in the 2025 Quinquennial Inspection are due to take place after Easter. The gutters and downpipes will be cleared at the same time. ## **Church interior** : Prices were received for replacing the concrete paving slabs in the Resurrection Chapel with stone, along with providing a slope in the south aisle floor to improve access but no decision has been made yet by the PCC. A potential buyer has been found for the redundant pews, but a Faculty will be needed before they can be removed. The Rector’s board in the north aisle is in the process of being cleaned by volunteers. 22 ## **Heating** : The Faculty for the replacement of the existing boilers was not received until October, by which time it was too late for the new boilers to be installed before the heating season. The existing single operational boiler was kept going until the end of the year and the new boilers were installed during January and commissioned at the beginning of February. This was funded mainly by the Friends of St Mary’s to whom we are most grateful; there were also significant contributions from Church funds and from the Auction of Promises in September. An overdoor air-curtain was installed in the south porch to reduce heat loss when the doors are open. Research was carried out to establish the impact of a destratification system to recover the heat lost to the roof of the church but results to date show there would be little benefit. ## **Electrics** : The visitor activated lighting sensors are working but are not completely reliable – this is an issue which is being followed up with the sub-contractor. ## **Other services** : Significant costs were incurred as a consequence of a faulty roof alarm sensor by the alarm company sending out a night-time security company to check the building. We have since installed a night-vision camera which removes the necessity of such costly visits. Following the over-heating of the organ blower, the altar frontals chest was relocated to provide access to the blower pit. The blower has had a full overhaul and is back in operation. In November there was found to be a leak in the water supply to the pavilion resulting in a rather large water bill. This leak was repaired and the water bill is being paid in instalments. ## **Churchyard** : The Peace Garden has been tidied up through the efforts of a new working party, all volunteers from the community. ## **Pavilion** : Repairs have been carried out to the fire escape steps by a churchyard volunteer, to whom we are most grateful. Further repairs are needed to the approach ramp. ## **Volunteers** : As ever we are grateful to all those who contribute to the maintenance of the fabric in so many ways, especially the ‘Monday gang’ for keeping the churchyard in a good state. ## Barry Roberts Fabric Committee Chair 02/04/2026 23 ## **11. GRANTA DEANERY SYNOD ANNUAL REPORT** This is an introduction to the full report prepared by Paru Oatey, our Deanery Secretary. I hope readers will see from her report that the Deanery is more than just a conduit of money from the parishes to the Diocese to fund the clergy. Our aim, led energetically by Reverend Michael Wilcockson as our Rural Dean, has been to make the Synod a forum for discussion, with outside speakers and consideration of scripture and the use of the (limited) financial resources the Deanery possesses to develop mission to the various scientific communities within our area and to enable a greater amount of qualified Christian youth work with young people in parishes which are not in a position to employ youth work directly for whatever reason. I also hope we will enable parishes to exchange more information over the coming years. The operation of the Deanery also depends on the time and skill devoted by our lay officers, Paru as our Secretary and Suzanne Darkins our Treasurer, working as part of the team. The Deanery has no paid staff. This year sees the election of parish lay representatives to form the core of the lay membership of the new Synod that sits from 2026-29. Linton is entitled to two representatives. David ParrySmith, who has been one of our representatives for many years, has decided not to seek reelection. He has been a consistent and engaged presence at Deanery events, as has Anne, who served as our previous Deanery Secretary. If anyone would like to know more about the Deanery, perhaps with a view to becoming one of our representatives, or about the bodies I am a member of at the Diocese, do please get in touch. Meetings of the Synod are normally open to members of all of the parishes in the Deanery. ## Andrew Gore Lay Chair, Deanery of Granta; lay representative of the Parish of St Mary the Virgin Linton ## **Introduction** This report reflects the work and life of **Granta Deanery Synod** over the period **July 2025 to March 2026** , during which the Synod met formally on three occasions. Throughout the year, Synod members have continued to work together under our shared strapline: **“Working together to show the love of Christ to the Granta area.”** 24 The year has been marked by thoughtful engagement with scripture, significant discussion of diocesan and national developments, careful stewardship of finances, and a strong commitment to mission initiatives—particularly in relation to **youth and families, chaplaincy, and community health and well-being** . ## **Worship and Spiritual Life** Each Synod meeting began with worship, prayer, and a time of **Dwelling in the Word** , grounding our deliberations in scripture: - **July 2025:** Luke 13:10–17 - **November 2025:** Matthew 13:1–9 (The Parable of the Sower) - **March 2026:** Ephesians 6:10–18 These sessions encouraged members to listen deeply to God and one another, shaping discussion and discernment throughout the year. ## **Governance and Participation** Granta Deanery Synod has remained **quorate at all meetings** , with strong attendance from both clergy and lay representatives. The Synod continues to benefit from a wide range of experience across its parishes and benefices. The year concluded with preparation for elections and appointments due at the July 2026 meeting, including the **Lay Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Standing Committee** . ## **Diocesan and National Church Matters** ## **Diocesan Finances and Strategy** A significant focus of Synod discussion this year has been the **financial position of Ely Diocese** , including projected deficits and the use of diocesan reserves. Synod members expressed concern about: - The scale of proposed expenditure while running a deficit - Communication between Diocese, Deaneries, and Parishes - The impact on smaller and rural parishes In response, Granta Deanery communicated formally with diocesan leadership. The visit of **Canon Peter Leech (Director of Mission and Ministry)** in November 2025 provided a valuable opportunity for open dialogue, clarification of diocesan priorities, and recognition of the challenges faced by parishes. Encouragingly, later discussions highlighted signs of **improving transparency and communication** within the Diocese. 25 ## **Motions and Representation** A motion originating from Granta Deanery regarding **clergy vacancies** was successfully progressed through Diocesan Synod after sustained effort, demonstrating the impact of persistence and collaboration. General Synod matters discussed during the year included: - Financial pressures - Environmental sustainability - Living in Love and Faith - Wedding and funeral fees (with relief expressed that proposed increases were rejected) ## **Deanery Finance** The Treasurer reported substantial progress in financial administration during the year: - Online banking was successfully established after a prolonged process - Outstanding **2023 and 2024 parish rebates** were largely resolved - All 2024 rebates were confirmed as paid on a pro-rata basis - The **2026 Ministry Share increase** was capped at 4% Synod expressed gratitude to **Suzanne Darkins** for her perseverance and diligence in managing these improvements. ## **Mission and Ministry Initiatives** ## **Science Park Chaplaincy** The **Science Park Chaplaincy** has been a major focus of deanery mission: - A revised and improved vision document was shared with parishes - Broad support was expressed across Synod - A voluntary licensed chaplaincy role (lay or ordained) was developed - The post was advertised in early 2026, with applications received - Interviews were planned, with the intention to appoint in spring 2026 This initiative reflects the Deanery’s commitment to engaging thoughtfully and pastorally with those working in scientific and research environments. 26 ## **Children, Youth, and Families** Youth and children’s ministry featured prominently, especially at the March 2026 Synod meeting: - **Youth for Christ** , working in partnership with **Youthinc** , outlined current work across schools and communities - The Deanery’s Youthinc worker continues to be supported through these partnerships - Members engaged in group discussions about provision within their parishes An action was agreed for all Deanery representatives to: - Review children’s, youth, and family provision in their parishes - Report back to Synod in advance of July 2026 This reflects a shared desire to understand current provision and opportunities across the Deanery. ## **Community Health and Well-being** A proposal for a **Church and Community Health and Wholeness Project** , including a **Parish Nursing model** , was discussed in March 2026. The initiative aims to: - Serve all members of the community, regardless of faith - Be clearly rooted in Christian values - Work collaboratively with local partners Further exploration of governance, funding, and accountability will continue. ## **Events and Fellowship** The Deanery promoted and supported a range of events across the year, including: - Come and Sing Evensong - Open Gardens - Concerts and Choral Evensong - Cursillo retreat opportunities These events strengthen relationships between parishes and help make the Church visible and welcoming in the wider community. ## **Thanks and Remembrance** The Deanery gave thanks for: - The faithful service of current office-holders and representatives 27 - The life and ministry of **Andrew Walker** , a former Lay Chair, who died during the year Synod also recorded its gratitude to **Bishop Dagmar** as she prepared to take up her new role as Bishop of Edinburgh. ## **Conclusion** The past year has been one of **challenge, discernment, and steady progress** . Granta Deanery Synod continues to engage thoughtfully with diocesan and national developments while investing time and energy in local mission. There is clear commitment across the Deanery to: - Work collaboratively - Listen attentively to parish realities - Seek creative and sustainable expressions of ministry As we move forward, the Deanery remains united in its calling to **work together to show the love of Christ to the Granta area** . ## **12. REPORTS FROM GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES** The following are reports regarding many Church activities. ## **12.1 EVENTS COMMITTEE** The Events Committee has had a busy year, and we would like to thank those who have supported our events. Our monthly coffee mornings have continued and are well supported. We have also had many events including: a tea tasting and afternoon tea, flower festival, TudorFest, auction of promises, Cambridge Jewish Choir, Burns Night ceilidh, harpist and organ recital. We have also provided refreshments at special services such as the carol service. The aim of the Events Committee is to enhance the social life of the church and to cover its costs. We are very pleased to let you know that since the last APCM we have managed to make a surplus of over **£14,350** for church funds, which includes £4,489 at the auction of promises. This does not include money also raised for Christian Aid. Charlotte Dodd, Chair 28 ## **12.2 BELLRINGERS REPORT** Ringing has continued over the past year with regular ringing for the 10am Sunday service and on Wednesday evenings for the weekly practice. We have continued to benefit from consistent attendance from our advanced ringers, as well as encouraging steps being taken by our learners in recent months meaning we have a good number of ringers at all levels. Ringing has progressed well with more complex methods being rung, and the standard of our ringing is still high as evidenced by our recent triumph in the Gipson Trophy for 2025, a friendly striking competition involving other villages in the area, the trophy is proudly hanging in the tower. We are always on the lookout for new learners, or on new ways to share what we do with the wider community. If you are interested in finding out more please contact our secretary Sue Ellis on sue.ellis@stmaryslinton.org.uk Stephen Croxall Tower Captain ## **12.3 LINTON C OF E INFANT SCHOOL REPORT** ## **School life** This year has been particularly significant as we celebrated **150 years of the Infant School** since its creation in 1875. The School has used the opportunity for celebration as well as education. - On 24 October 2025, **St Mary’s Church** was packed with current pupils, parents, teachers, governors, members of St Mary’s, former Head Teachers, former Chairs of Governors to celebrate and give thanks for 150 years of infant education. Our special guest was **Bishop Dagmar** (acting Bishop of Ely) who preached and cut the ‘birthday’ cake. Members of the local and district council were in attendance as well as the Director of Ely Diocese Board of Education. - We have sent out weekly extracts from the original **School Log Books** via Class Dojo. - In March the children visited each classroom to find out about a different period of history within those 150 years -Victorian times, World War 1, the Roaring Twenties, World War 2, the Space Age and the Internet Age. - The festivities will conclude at the Summer Fair. There have been many additional activities that have taken place this academic year, here are some of the highlights: 29 - **Christingle Trail** - yet again, an enormously successful event led by Year 2 children and attended by EYFS and Year 1 along with their families. - **Welly Walk** in February raised £1,350 for charity. - Performance from **The Really Big Pants Theatre Company** for World Book Day (organised and funded by the Linton Book Festival). - **Trips** to Legoland (Windsor), the London Eye. - Over the Spring Term half term children were encouraged to send in pictures of **acts of kindness** (which we also featured in Friday Church); and - Many pupils and their teachers engaged with the **Easter Trail in St Mary’s** . Six interactive ‘stations’ or displays told the story of Holy Week and the first Easter, with activities, prayers and questions to help them learn together. ## **Budget and Finance** This is a worrying time financially for many schools locally and nationally. Cost of living, increase in national insurance and falling birth rates are just some of the factors which mean that most schools are running a deficit budget. Linton CE Infant School is no exception. The School has worked very hard at offsetting the deficit by running before/after school activities which have brought in a considerable amount of money. As I reported last year, we have a deficit plan which is regularly reviewed by the Local Authority Financial Advisor and agreed by Governors. We have a realistic, long-term plan to achieve a balanced budget. Reducing capacity by one class in a year’s time is also part of this plan. We are grateful for the work of the **Parent Teacher Friends Association** for raising funds and buying much needed equipment for the school as well as the **Anderson Trust** who have generously supported several projects including replacing the ageing classroom computers and interactive whiteboards. ## **SIAMS and Religious Life** Since my last report the School adopted a single **theological vision** or ‘strapline’ (which was approved by the Governors), ‘Let Your Light Shine’ (Matthew 5:16). The strapline appears on all publications and is incorporated into teaching, Collective Worship and Friday Church. It has been enthusiastically embraced by children – and more importantly they understand what it means. In February we had our long awaited **SIAMS inspection.** The aim and purpose of SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) is to assess the effectiveness of 30 religious education and Christian spiritual ethos of the school. The inspector was very impressed by all that he saw and heard. The School achieved the highest praise for each of the seven inspection categories. In particular, he commended the excellent relationship the School has with St Mary’s - as we know **Friday Church** continues to be one of the highlights of the children’s week. The inspector wrote: ‘The exceptionally strong partnership between the school and the local church provides a rich and varied programme of collective worship. Consequently, this provision impacts very positively on pupils’ spiritual development.’ ## **Governing body** The Governing Body remains very stable, enthusiastic and committed. We welcomed Matt James onto the Governing Body; we now have a complete set of governors. Governors are assigned to specific areas of school life and try and visit their ‘link’ member of staff at least twice a year. Each visit is reported back to the Governors. The ‘ **Parish-School Covenant’** is an important document which ensures that both School and St Mary’s support each other in their ‘shared missional ambitions, values and practical commitments’ (Ely Diocese). The Diocese encourages the Covenant to be presented annually at the APCM so that the congregation and church are aware of their duties and responsibilities to each other. Finally, we must thank the Head Teacher, Kelly Harris, and her staff for the considerable care and dedication they give to running this small, vibrant and happy school. Revd Michael Wilcockson Chair of Governors 09 April 2026 ## **List of Current Infant School Governors** Michael Wilcockson (Chair) Cathy Watts (Vice Chair) Philip Darke Jacqui Burge Moire Jarritt Sian Payne 31 Katherine Croxall Luci Neville James Swann James Lake Matthew James Kelly Harries (Head) Emma Little (Deputy Head) ## **12.4 CHILDREN & FAMILIES’ MINISTRY** Sarah Thorne stepped down as our Children and Families Minister at the APCM last year. Since then, three volunteer groups have formed to cover the work Sarah so ably led. ## **Friday Church - Infant School** Revds Michael W and Paul S-B have led Friday Church at St Mary’s every Friday during term time. Services have followed the three weekly school themes based on the Fruit of the Spirit. Services have also included some outside worship in Camping Close and a special service for the 150[th] anniversary of the School. Friday Church has been very well attended by parents and carers and remains one of the highlights of the children’s week (see also report on the Infant School). ## **Tots in Tow** Sue Ellis and Denise Kiddie plus a team of seven assistants have met in the Village Hall weekly during term time. Between 15-20 carers and toddlers have attended each week. Activities have been carefully aimed at toddlers and very much appreciated by their carers. ## **Messy Church** Messy Church has continued to be held on the fourth Sunday afternoon of each month. The Messy Church team of volunteers has been led by Revd Michael, Lucy Nevile, Ellie Wild and Jess Wilde with assistance from several other volunteers. In terms of attendance, it has been a patchy year. On some occasions we have had over twenty children as well as their parents/carers but on one occasion we had no one. This has led us to review how much we offer and when. We are also unsure whether the title ‘Messy Church’ is well understood by those outside church circles; we aim to rebrand in the near future. Going forward and in consultation with the Rector, we propose to have four ‘specials’ a year: Summer event (near the Sports Pavilion on the Recreation Ground); Harvest meal; Crib Service (always very well attended); Good Friday/Easter. In addition, we will continue to support a 32 joint Light Party with the Linton Free Church. These will be complemented by other ‘specials’ through the year. Revd Michael Wilcockson 10 April 2026 ## **12.5 PASTORAL GROUP** The group is made up of 8 members; our aim is to extend kindness and compassion to our community whilst being an advocate for safer working practices. We meet regularly to discuss the visits/contact we have made, offering support to each other and share the responsibilities of extending the love beyond the boundaries of services at St Mary’s. I would like to offer my grateful thanks to Cathy Watts, she has been an active member of the Pastoral Group for many years. In Autumn 2025 Cathy decided that the time was right for her to step back from the group. She will, of course, remain an active friend to many and valuable part of our church family. We remain committed to being proactive regarding safer working practices. I was delighted to hear, from the Parish Safeguarding Officer, that all areas on the Safeguarding Dashboard for the Pastoral Group are ‘Green’, which is good. I proudly shared this with the team at the next meeting. Part of the Dashboard monitoring looks at policy and procedures; our risk assessment and role outline documents are regularly reviewed and are used to endorse our commitment to safe practice. I have had the privilege of sharing our practice, with my fellow Licensed Lay Ministry (LLM) students, during the 10-week Spring Term Pastoral Care module. Again, I felt exceptionally proud of the team and how we operate in Linton. We have maintained our relationship with the Mental Health Community Connector, employed by MIND covering Cambridge, Peterborough & South Lincolnshire. We had a whole group training session in June 2025 and three sub group meetings with CPSL Mind, working on a ‘Linton Service Mapping’ resource. This document covers six areas of need and will help us to make appropriate referrals to other support agencies and groups. Our community connections continue. Referrals have been received from the different groups at the Health Centre and also via social media. The group continues to be an active presence at Mary’s Community Kitchen lunches since the launch in October. This is a great opportunity for us to show collaborative working both with other and the community. Pastoral visits continue to be a focus for us, with Home Communion visits by members of the Pastoral Group. The nature and frequency of contact is individually tailored to meet the needs of the individual. We appreciate that contacting people by phone or visiting is not only done 33 by members of the Pastoral Group. It is wonderful to extend friendship amongst our community. If you would like to find out more about being a member of the group, if you would be committed to undertaking the regular DBS checks, complete the appropriate training and uphold the values of the group then please contact me so we can discuss the role and the requirements. It is our desire to safely represent the church in our role, maintaining connections, develop relationships and sharing the love of Christ with those we visit. We have been discussing succession planning, as my LLM training is nearing completion and my own ministry develops, I need to consider my own personal capacity. For this reason, and after discussing with the group shall be stepping down as chair this year. This will be my final report; I would like to offer my grateful thanks to the members of the group, my pastoral partner and the church community. I have been faced with horrendous challenges in the last year. The care, support, prayer and encouragement I have received has enabled me to continue to lead this group and maintain my studies. Sue Filby. sue.filby@stmaryslinton.org.uk ## **12.6 THE FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S** ## Chair’s Report ‘The Friends’ is a secular charity, formed to help with the costs of maintaining and enhancing the church building, its fixtures and fittings. Currently there are fewer than 80 members, including four new members, who pay a membership fee of £20 each year, although many pay more. In addition to a modest programme of social events we also administer the funds bequeathed by Richard Godel and make available any surplus from them in accordance with his wishes. In June 2025, The Friends agreed to underwrite the replacement of the church boilers and are paying £29,815 to cover those costs. Very recently we paid £1,796 for work on the organ ‘blower’. Historically The Friends have funded all of the costs associated with maintenance identified at the Quinquennial Inspection (QI), enabling the PCC to use their funds for other purposes and in this context we have already approved payments totalling £14,792, which will be made when the work is carried out. Looking to the future we have received requests from the PCC to pay for additional work on the boilers and for help with the costs associated with an overdoor heater. The trustees of the Godel Trust met in March 2026 and confirmed that it continued to be run in accordance with the wishes of Richard Godel. The Friends are grateful to the church for allowing us to run the October coffee morning. Our new year coffee and savouries morning was a happy social event, but the highlight of the year for us was our quiz, held in the church in February. Many thanks to David and Cathy Watts for 34 running the quiz itself and the hard-working committee members for providing food, running the raffle and dealing with the organisation of the event. Our traditional Summer Teas will take place this year on 16[th] July, 30[th] July and 12[th] August – as with all our events everybody is welcome. Looking further ahead we also hope to have coffee mornings in the autumn and the new year and also hope to hold another Quiz Evening next year. Please look out for the posters or check our website at https://www.friendsofstmaryslinton.org.uk/ I should like to thank all our Committee Members for their work on behalf of the Friends, particularly Hugh Paton who stepped back from the role of Treasurer in January 2025 after stewarding our resources since October 2014, and our Secretary, Judith Tonry. I would also like to thank Richard Tonry, who has kindly agreed to act as Interim treasurer until the post is filled. We were all pleased to welcome Mrs Ann Macer to the Committee as the new PCC representative. We were sad to learn during the year of the death of Miss Margaret Clark who served for many years as Secretary, Chairman and President of the Friends with great energy and enthusiasm. We always welcome new members and encourage all who value the church building to join us. In particular we would welcome people willing to serve on our Committee. The meetings are not onerous and the future of the Friends, and the support we give the church, depends upon those willing actively to support us. Andrew King, Chair, The Friends of St Mary’s, Linton. ## **2025-26 Committee Members** Andrew King, (Chair) Hugh Paton (Treasurer – December 2015) Judith Tonry (Secretary) Judy Nightingale (Honorary President) Ann Macer (PCC Representative) Margaret Cox (Elected Committee Member) Rosemary Read (Elected Committee Member) Patricia Schofield (Elected Committee Member) Paul Seaton-Burn (ex officio / Rector) Richard Tonry (Elected Committee Member and Interim Treasurer) David Watts (ex officio / Churchwarden Michael Wilcockson (PCC Representative) ## **12.7 MUSIC MINISTRY REPORT** 35 At the Sung Eucharists on the first and third Sundays, the choir sings a setting of the standard texts for the Communion service - Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei. We have several settings in our repertoire which vary according to the season whether festive or meditative. Some were composed by David for the congregation, but we also sing published settings by Rutter, Shephard, Rizza and Thorne. The congregation are encouraged to join in, and music copies are available at the welcome desk along with the music list for the day. We also lead the hymns and sing a seasonal anthem during Communion. The selection of hymns and songs is agreed between the Rector and those leading music. The music on the Second Sunday Communion is less formal, with the choir generally seated in the north aisle. A group of singers (including several from the regular choir) lead the singing at Café Church on the fourth Sunday. The choir also take part in occasional special services at St Mary’s and further afield. These give us the opportunity to add new repertoire including contemporary works. ## **2025** 29 May: Deanery Ascension Day Eucharist at Balsham. David led a choir of singers from across the Deanery and played the organ. 5 July: Come & Sing Evensong at St Mary’s (on behalf of the Cambridge & Ely Church Music Group) for the Feast of SS Peter & Paul. David Poulter Director of Music at St Vigor’s, Fulbourn (and previously of Liverpool Cathedral) was the organist for the occasion. David Parry-Smith directed the singers. Music included Wesley’s Blessed be the God and Father and the festival Te Deum from Stanford in B flat. On this occasion we finished the Te Deum unaccompanied as the organ disappeared in a cloud of smoke “filling the temple”! Fortunately, this turned out not to be a fire, although the Fire Brigade attended with four tenders from Cambridge and Haverhill. The blowing plant had over heated and needed to be restored following the failure of an internal switch. After reinstallation of the blower, the organ is sounding in better voice than of late. 13 September: Several members of the choir took part in the Annual Choirs’ Festival on this occasion at King’s College Chapel. This included a beautiful anthem “Set me as a seal upon your heart” composed in 1999 by Eleanor Daley. 24 October: The choir were delighted to take part in the 150[th] Anniversary Service for Linton Infants’ School. 9 November: Remembrance Service. 36 30 November: Words & Music for Advent. This was presented by Rachel Godsill and the Linton Belles, accompanied by Simon Godsill. 21 December: Linton Carol Service. 24 December: Midnight Mass. We are always pleased to welcome visitors to sing with us. ## **2026** Sunday 4 January: Evensong for Epiphany with music by Philip Wilby and Peter Moger (both contemporary composers) and a new addition to the choir repertoire “Still, still, still” by Mack Wilberg of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sunday 22 March: Service of words and music for Passion Sunday including Grayston Ives “Ride on, ride on in majesty” and Flor Peeter “Ave Verum” and the Litany set to music by Philip Marshall as well as Taizé chants and Passiontide hymns. We sang at a Bartlow wedding and at several funerals in Linton in the past year. If you would like to find out more about the choir you are welcome to come to a Friday evening choir practice (7-8.30pm in church) or speak to David Parry-Smith directorofmusic@stmaryslinton.org.uk The choir is a friendly and welcoming group of mixed musical ability. Everything is learned at choir practice on Fridays and refreshed in the pavilion before the Sunday service. Since we present a considerable amount of music during the year, we are usually working on some music for several weeks ahead. Anne Parry-Smith April 2026 ## **12.8 ROOT & BRANCH GROUPS** Our three RnB groups continued to meet termly throughout the year, mostly following a fortnightly pattern. Gathering in homes across the village, the pattern is usually to consider the Gospel reading for the following Sunday – from the Lectionary – using a form of reflective reading call ‘lectio divina’. There is always time for questions, discussions and fellowship with refreshments and combined attendance is c35 people (a significant proportion of our 10am congregation). The Rector invites each group to co-lead and shape a main Sunday service once a year, and the RnB groups form the basis for our annual Lent Groups. New members are always welcome. The current pattern of meetings in Monday mornings at 11am, Tuesday evenings 7.20pm for 7.30pm and Wednesdays at 11.30am. A fourth group has started in our sister parish of Shudy Camps at 10.30am. 37 ## **12.9 COMMUNITY USE OF OUR BUILDINGS** This year, as well as a range of Church and schools’ events and fund-raising concerts, our buildings have hosted a number of activities supporting groups and individuals in our community. This has included the showing of a film arranged by the Friends of the River Granta (FROGS), meetings of the relatively new environmental group Linton Roots and a Pilates evening in December. Since the year end, Linton Poetry Society now meets regularly in church, broadening our engagement with different people from across Linton further. ## **12.10 MARY’S COMMUNITY KITCHEN** October 2025 saw the launch of a new monthly event organised by a team of church and nonchurch friends, offering a range of fresh bread and home-made soups to parishioners. There is no charge, but donations are welcomed (and have exceeded expenses) and the Kitchen now includes tea and coffee and cake, too. The Christmas event saw over 75 locals of different ages and backgrounds fill the village hall for a very happy festive occasion. Thank you to the growing team of hosts, bakers and soup-makers who have made Mary’s Community Kitchen possible and help us to show God’s hospitality in this way. ## **12.11 COMMUNITY CHURCHYARD DAY** Our first Churchyard Day was held on 13[th] September and a very good number of people of different ages turned up, between 10am and 3pm to help tidy and nurture the churchyard; the green heart of our village. This complemented the hard work done most weeks by the members of the Monday Gang, ably co-ordinated by Margaret Cox. Jobs included cutting back the many suckers on the base of the 37 lime trees in the churchyard, (called ‘epicormic growth’), tidying up – not too ruthlessly – the brambles, on the north-eastern boundary and restoring the Peace Garden (including cutting the lawn at the rear of the Pavilion and mowing the lawn under the large tree). A circular space was cleared in The Glade for future use and the removal of any dangerous items from the den-making area (thank you to the Croxall family for that). Special thanks to Melvyn and Lynn Cottage for the care and hard work they have put in to make the Peace Garden a tidy and welcoming space again. It was a happy and productive community event, and another Churchyard Day is planned for 30[th] May 2026. 38