2024-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL'S CHURCH A YLESFORD ANNUAL REPORT FOR PCC YEAR 2024/25 For Meeting on Tuesday 29th April 2025 at 7.30pm in church

Draft Minutes of Annual Meeting of Parishioners and Annual Parochial Church Meeting of St Peter and St Paul's Church, Aylesford held on Sunday 12th May2024 at 11.45am in the Church. 1. Welcome and Prayer. Ruth thanked everyone for attending and opened the meeting with a prayer. 2. Apologies for absence Emma Parren, Anita and Michael Keays, Gordon and Barbara Hunt, PeterWaLton, Sheena and Des Nolan. MEETING OF PARISHIONERS (VESTRY MEETING) 3. Election of Churchwardens a) Ruth advised that lan Packer is standing down as churchwarden this year due to his ongoing discernmentfor ordination training and thanked him for his dedication and hard work in the role. b) Aline Ongley is wilLingto stand again this year and had previousLy been proposed and seconded. Ruth asked all those present if they were happy for Aline to be churchwarden again and allthose present agreed unanimously. Ruth thanked Aline for her continuing dedication to the roLe, and hervery hard work as a churchwarden and generally in church life. Ruth advised that Tania Dosoruth and Sharon Stigle had both said they would be prepared to act as Assistant Churchwardens for the nextyear. Ruth asked allthose present if they had any objections to this alternative approach. Therewere no objections. Ruth thanked Tania and Sharon for taking on the commitment. ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING Hard copies of the Annual Report, Draft Minutes of the previous APCM in 2023, Statement of FinancialAccounts, the Independent Examiner's report and the reports from Additional Groups were distributed before the morning service. Ruth apologised forthe late availability of the reports this yearwhich was due to unforeseen circumstances. Ruth reminded all present that onlythose on the ELectoral Roll couLd vote at this meeting. 4. Approval of the Draft Minutes of the APCM held on the 14th May 2023 There were no amendments to be made and the minutes were agreed to be a true record. Matters arisingfrom the minutes would be taken under'any other business,.

1. Report on the numbers entered on the new Electoral Roll Anita Keays is our ELectoral Roll Officer and in her absence Ruth read the electoral roll report. a) The ELectoral ROLL is renewed every six years and was last renewed in 2019. bl There were 109 parishioners on the Electoral Roll as of 27th April 2024 ofwhich 54 % are resident in the parish. Since the publishing of the revised electoraL roll on 30th April 2023 5 members have been removed and 5 added. Ruth thanked Anita for herwork as ELectoral Roll Officer and for preparingthe presentation.
2. Parish Annual Report All the reports made in the Annual Report were taken as read and there were no amendments to be made.
3. PCC Financial Report and Accounts Ruth advised that Peterwas unwell and unable to attend. Ruth presented the main points of the financial report previously provided by Peter. Clare Hughes commented on the possible ways funds may have been moved, butwithout Peter present it was impossible to reply in detail. Peter had said he is wiLling to take on the role as Treasurer again this year. Ruth also thanked Tania Dosoruth for herwork as Giving Secretary. Ruth asked if there were questions for Peter, but there were not.
4. Fabric, Goods and Ornaments Report Ruth thanked lan who chairs the fabric committee. lan presented and advised that the Quinquennial Inspection was eventually carried out September 2023 and there is nothing that must be done immediateLy. He mentioned that the Fabric Committee consists of onlythe vicar, Aline {churchwarden), Bob Greenway and him. Ruth stressed the difficulties caused bythe shortage of members, which mean that work gets delayed, and she asked everyone present to think about becoming a member or Suggesting it to friends and family.
5. Deanery Synod Report Ruth's brief report gave an indication of the content of Deanery Synod meetings in 2023. Ruth apologised that she had left Emma Parren out by mistake; Emma had been a representative since the annual meeting last year. Ruth advised that the Deanery Synod meet 3 times a year.

6. Vicar's Comments Ruth had already presented her comments duringthe morning service and as no additionaL people were present at the meeting, she did not repeat them. Her comments are appended to these minutes.

7. Election of Members to the PCC Ruth advised that as our Electoral Roll has over 100 members we can elect 12 PCC members. This number is then divided into three groups each with four members who serve a three-yearterm. This year the term ends for Christine Hatfield and Emma Parren with two historical vacancies. Christine is wiLLingto stand again and has been proposed and seconded, but Emma has stepped down. Ruth thanked both Christine and Emma for their past contributions to the PCC. These changes left 5 places available for elected members. lan, as churchwarden, automatically became a member of the PCC and although he is unable to continue as churchwarden he is willingto stayon as a PCC member. He has been proposed and seconded. Des Nolan and Tania Dosoruth have both put their names forward to join the pc,n and have been proposed and seconded. All those present agreed to all appointments. Ruth thanked lan and Christine for staying on the PCC and Tania and Des fortaking on the role.

8. Election of 1 Representative to the Deanery Synod With 1 House of Laityvacancy available, Ruth asked if anyone atthe meetingwould be interested in becoming a representative. Tania Dosoruth agreed and lan proposed. Sue Gallico seconded. All those present agreed.
9. Appointment of Independent Examiner. The Independent Examiner, Martyn Burt, advised he was willing to continue. Agreed unanimously.
10. Any Other Business There were no matters arising from last year's minutes. Itwas agreed that a copy of the PCC minutes could be published for wider communication with church members. Itwas noted that members ofthe church can have their say on anything, butwould be unable to reverse any decisions formally made lJ&' Ihe PCC. Clare Hughes mentioned the danger of someone enteringthe tower on their own to wind the clock or access the roof. All agreed thatthe lone working policy and risk assessment should be examined and updated if necessary, as soon as possible. Ruth thanked the providers of allthe additional reports included in the annual report. She also said, thanks were due for allthe workthat goes in, often unnoticed, by so many people across the breadth of church life. There were no matters arisingfrom the additionaL reports.
11. Date, time and place of next AMP and APCM Ruth suggested the 11 th May 2025 in church after the Sunday morning service.

Ruth thanked everyone for attending the meeting 2nd advised that a meeting of the new PCC to elect officers would folLow immediately. The meeting closed with The Grace.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SS PETER & PAUL, AYLESFORD. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024 Administrative Information St Peter and St Paul's Church is sltuated in Vicarage Close. Aylesford. It is part of the Diocese of Rochester within the Church of England. The correspondence address is Church Office, The Brassey Centre, Station Road, Aylesford, ME20 7QR. The Parochial Church Council (PCCI is registered with the Charity Commission under Registration No. 1138956. Structure, Governance and Management PCC members who have served at any time from l January 2024 until the date this report was approved. Name Office Dates served if not full year Elected term ends The Revd Ruth Peet Aline Ongley lan Packer, Incumbent Churchwarden Churchwarden 2025 2025 Until 12-05-2024 Emm3 Parren Elected PCC Member Until 12-05-2024 2024 Anita Keays Sharon Stigle lan Packer. Elected PCC Member Elected PCC Member Elected PCC Member 2025 2025 2025 Since 12-05-2024 Until 01-09-2024 Until 17-07-2024 Deanery Synod Representative Ann Beale Elected PCC Member Secretary Elected PCC Member Elected PCC member Elected PCC Member Pastora l Assistant 2026 Until 22-08-2024 Ann Butterworth Sue Gallico Janet Holdstock 2026 2026 2026 Tania Dosoruth Elected PCC Member Deanery Synod Representative Elected PCC Member Elected PCC Member Deanery Synod Representative Elected PCC Member Since 12-05-2024 Since 12-05-2024 Until 25-02-2025 Since 12-05-2024 Since 17-07-2024 Since 20-06-2024 2027 Christine Hatfield Desmond Nolan 2027 2027 Sheena Nolan 2027 Peter Smith (Lay Reader) and Peter Walton (Treasurer) are not members of the PCC but have a standing invitation to all PCC meetings. Christina Hellyar became PCC Secretary on 22nd August 2024, but is not a member of the PCC, lan Packer stepped down as churchwarden but continued as an elected member.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All those attending Church are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC, Property Letting Agent: Simon Miller and Company Bank: CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) Independent Examiner: Martyn Burt B.Sc. (Hons), ACMA, CGMA Aims and Purposes The PCC of St Peter and St Paul has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical; this includes the provision of regular church services, including baptisms, weddings and funerals, and the provision of activities and events to involve and support the wider parish community. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church of St Peter and St Paul. Objectives and Activities The PCC is committed to providing, to the whole parish community, the means of worshipping, growing in faith, and serving and supporting each other, so that together, we may realise a vision of everyone in the parish coming to flourish, as individu315 and as community, through lived experience of the love and grace of God. To achieve this objective, the activities of the PCC include the provision of church services, baptisms, weddings and funerals, the provision of means of spiritual development and practical and pastoral support to the parish community, and the responsible and efficient care of all resources, volunteers, employees and church buildings. We have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, and in particular the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. We believe that our work contributes pu blic benef it through the development of the spiritual well-being of individuals, the practical outworking of faith in wider society, and the support for those in need. We deliver on our responsibility to maintain and provide the parish church and its services for worship, including baptisms, weddings and funerals, for all in the parish. Church Electoral Roll As of 31st December 2024 there were 109 on the electoral roll of which 46Yo are not resident in the Parish. Attendance 2024 Figures for 2023 are shown in brackets after the 2024 figures, e.g. 24 (221. During 2024 the average Sunday attendance on a 'usual' Sunday li.e. not on major festiva15 or during peak holiday periods) was 43 (45} adults and 5 (121 under 165. The average attendance at the 23 {22} services held at 8am, was 101101 adults,

The average number of Zoom attendees at services held at 10am was 5 {7}. Special services included Easter Day (771751 adu Its and 6 (6) u nder 16sl' Harvest Festival164 (541 adults and 17 (16) under 16s); Remembrance Sunday167 {131} adults and 6 (781 under 16sl,' Christmas Eve Nativity Service15114713dults and 22 (191 under 165); Christmas Eve Midnight Communion (521781 adults and 0101 under 165). These figures do not include Zoom attendees. Apart from Christmas Eve Nativity and Midnight Communion, the figures in the paragraph above give the attendance for the main 10am Sunday service only. The total number of people attending worship at services on Easter Day was 83 (901, and the total number attending on Christmas Eve and Christmas Dav was 14911681. Outside Sundays and occasional offices (baptisms, weddings and funerals) the total number of people attending special services held for the congregation and local community, in church, was 618 (340). The total number of people attending special services held specifically for civic organisations or schools, in church, was 570 {6751. This year, 2024, we reported a worshipping community of 150 (1541. This included 24 age 0-17 (271, 61 age 18-69161) and 65 age 70+ (66). (The worshipping community is people who attend a church service (not necessarily in church) at least once a month.) 36126} people124 adults and 12 under 16sl joined and 18 (14}111 adults and 7 under 1651 people left the worshipping community during 2024,. including, sadly, those who died (Susan Holmes and Margaret Terryl. This year 10 (101 babies, children and young people, and O11} adult were baptised, 7 (5) couples were married in church, 9110) funerals were held in church, 4 (9) in a crematorium and 6110) burials of ashes were conducted. PCC'S Annual Report on its Proceedings and Activities of the Parish Generally PCC Review The PCC'S monthly meeting plan continued through the year with standard 'business' meetings, alternating with 'exploratory' meetings to look at selected issues in more depth. The exploratory meetings have been helpful and enjoyable; subjects have included finance strategy and project priorities, discussion and adoption of the Prayers of Love and Faith, addressing a shortage of volunteers, building the case for the faculty for the proposed AV system and planning a Giving Sunday and ways of encouraging financial support from the wider communitv. An extraordinary meeting was held on 3rd July 2024, to focus on the worsening financial situation, and to agree a def initive list of six actions to increase income. The shortage of volunteers to carry out all the activities needed for a flourishing church, remains a real problem, and this year has severely hindered finance, fabric and mission-related activities and progress. The PCC has continued to respond by being more selective of tasks and projects to undertake, by communicating about roles needed with limited success, but reduced team of available volunteers in now overloaded.

Thanks are due for the volume of work undertaken by the Churchwarden, Treasurer, PCC members and many others. Our vicar, Ruth, continued to work tirelessly and as collaboratively as possible, across many areas of church ministry and administration. Safeguarding By Sheena Nolan (Parish Safegut7rding Officer) The PCC is committed to good safeguarding practice. It has formally adopted the House of Bishop's Safeguarding Policy and is complying with the duty to have due regard to the House of Bishop's guidance on safeguarding. At the end of the year the Safeguarding Committee members were Revd Ruth Peet, Sheena Nolan, Aline Ongley, and Sharon Stigle. Janet Holdstock retired from the position of Parish Safeguarding Officer {PSOI in November 2024. Thanks are extended for her dedication to this role over many years. Sheena Nolan stepped into the role of PSO in November 2024, having completed Leadership safeguarding training and been safely recruited. Sheena receives regular updates of policies and information from the diocese, and has support from the PSO online group. Sheena became Adult Safeguarding Representative and Sharon Stigle continued in her role as Children's Safeguarding representative. Aline remained the Disclosure Officer and kept all DBS records up to date. The Safeguarding Committee met regularly throughout the year and undertook all required training in safeguarding. The committee implements national and diocesan polices and guidance on safeguarding and continued to report at every meeting of the PCC. It continued to safely recruit both paid and voluntary workers. Throughout the year risk was assessed and updated, and concerns were addressed, A new review process was introduced which enables better encouragement of volunteers, and better communication between volunteers and supervisors. On behalf of the PCC, the safeguarding team continues to ensure that any concerns or complaints are promptly addressed, following procedures, reporting to the Diocese Safeguarding Advisor without delay. This includes keeping all training records, Encouraging church leaders and members, as appropriate, to complete all necessary safeguarding was an ongoing task. The annual safeguarding service was held on 8th September 2024, to help the congregation remain aware of the importance of safeguarding. All the congregation and all role holders in church life, as well as the safeguarding team share the responsibility of keeping our church and church activities a safe place for children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable. A 'no photography, policy is maintained for all activitie5 attended by children and young people. Safeguarding information was displayed as required and kept up to date.

Worship The monthly pattern of Sunday services remains as standard Common Worship Order One Holy Communion at 8am and 10am on the first and third Sundays of the month, with Services of the Word held on the second (with Communion) and fourth (Family Service) Sundays. These services continue to allow less formality and more flexibility and connection, and as agreed by the PCC, the more traditional services have been approached with greater connection in mind (for example, a clear theme, and the explanation of the meaning of hymns and readings}. The Family Service held on the fourth Sunday of the month, continues to include songs from the Youth Choir, and is particularly well attended. The style of worship continues to be very much appreciated by the large majority of worshippers. The Lay Ministers continue to be involved in the creation and delivery of services, although, one of the two Licenced Lay Ministers continues to be very busy elsewhere, which has meant they are largely unable to be involved in church ministry. Bishop Simon vi51ted Aylesford for the 10am Service on Ilth February 2024 and preached on 'Everyday Faith,. We have continued to Zoom the 10am main Sunday service, to reach an average online congregation of 5 adults. Monthly services were also conducted by the Pastoral Assistant, Janet Holdstock, and other helpers from the Pastoral Team, in 4 local care/nursing homes and sheltered housing. Special services included Good Friday 'Stones and Shadows,, the APCM Sunday Service, the Patronal Festival, the Safeguarding Sunday service mentioned above, All Souls, Day 'Remembering Loved Ones, and 'Lights of Love, for Advent. Occasional Offices have continued as required. We were very fortunate to have Ann Ruby {ordinandl on placement from 19th May until 27th October 2024. Ann contributed to worship and church ministry more widely, with warmth and wisdom. However, we were sad to lose our own ordinand, lan Packer, who was moved to the Kent Downs and West Malling Team for wider church experience during ordination training, on 8th September 2024. Pastoral Ministry The Pastoral Team continued to meet regularly throughout the year and remained in touch with approximately 50 people in the parish, by phone and through visiting. Communion was regularly taken to those who requested it. Pastoral team membership has reduced and an intention to review the aims and purpose of the team has been carried over to 2025. During 2024, we continued the provision to the community through the Community Hub and associated activities Inentioned below, and this has meant that some of those with pastoral concerns could enjoy fellowship with others.

We have continued to send the money donated for coffee on Sunday mornings to charities chosen by the pcc. Mission During 2024, we have continued to provide a Community Hub offering a variety of ways of engaging with the wider parish, with the aim of supporting the wellbeing of the whole community. This includes a weekly 'Place of Welcome,, a food bank, a Dementia Café and organised litter picking. The local community continues to support the food bank, with some schools and organisations donating regularly. Volunteer helpers include church goers and non-churchgoers. Through continued contact with external agencies (such as Involve Kent), we remain able to offer food bank and community hub clients any extr3 help needed, such as help with social housing or debt management. Other missional/social activities included a summer fair, a day trip to Capel-le-Ferne and Folkestone, and Christmas carols in the village square. Memorial services at the Heart of Kent Hospice and The Friars were supported by the vicar. As chaplain, the vicar also led the Annual Sea Sunday service for the Maidstone Royal Naval Association, and supported other events. The vicar also led Remembrance Services in the Royal British Legion Industries IRBLI) village, for both RBLI and RBL. In January 2024 we completed 'The Bereavement Journey,, a programme to help those grieving, and feedback showed that it had been much appreciated. A monthly'Reflective Walking, group, led by Emma Parren {LLM) continued throughout the year. Throught the year we continued to work toward the Eco Church Bronze Award, which we gained on 18th December 2024. Families, Children and Young People At the monthly Family Service (mentioned above) we continue to provide a staffed activity table for the voung, in keeping with the theme of the service. It remains very popular. In addition, the children's area in church is used regularly by Sunday and Occasional Office families. Although the average overall number of under 16s attending church has dropped this year, the familv services continue to be well attended, with an average of 17 under 16s. End of term services were held in church for St Peter's Church of England School. Christingle services were held in church for St Mark's Church of England School. The vicar assisted St Marks with the development of the school vision, which directly supported the positive SIAMS result (in 20251, and also continued to assist in both church schools with Christian teaching and support, as and when requested. Under the management of a new group of parents and church representatives, the Aylesford Community Youth Choir continued to move from being the responsibility of the PCC to setting up as a charity in its own right,

Relationships with the uniformed groups were maintained, with a highlight being the visit of the 1st Aylesford Horsa Beavers to church for their awards ceremony (21st February 2024), Spiritual Growth In addition to Sunday services, in 2024 we ran'The Bible Course, during Lent, which was much appreciated. The two Connect (Small) Groups started in 2023 continue to flourish. Also, Janet Holdstock (Pastoral Assistant until Pentecost 2025) continued to lead a weekly Bible Study group. For the second year running, we held a 'meeting-free' Lent to allow everyone the time for individual and corporate Lent reflection. All PCC members felt that they and the church had again benefited from this, and it led to revising the committee meeting schedule to reduce the frequency of meetings. Spiritual growth continues to be encouraged through a number of opportunities for sharing and discussion, during and after Sunday services. Health & Safety Activities Health and S3fety considerations are incorporated into the responsibilities of the Fabric Committee. Brassey Centre The annu31 rental charge paid by the PCC to the Brassey Trust was again waived for 2024. On behalf of the PCC, the church administrator continued to be responsible for Brassey Centre lettings, and for oversight of the maintenance of the main building. Finance By Peter Walton (Treasurer) and Revd Ruth Peet 2024 Continued to be affected by domestic and world events beyond our control, Income wise we continued to fall short of our needs. Thi5 Sltuation was highlighted in the 2023 End of Year accounts. The PCC has given this considerable thought and put together plans and actions that are now underway to improve our income. We finished the year slightly better off than we budgeted by £2,818 with an actual deficit of £17,057. Looking at expenditure, we managed to finish £8,847 under the budget, supporting the general view that we have done well to control our expenditure without any detriment to our good works. Overall, after transfers we finished with an overall General Fund loss of £17,777. This loss has been covered by removing Funds from our Designated Funds, which continue to be depleted. We know from last year that the Independent Examiner noted a concern with the 2023 accounts loss, that we are likely to run out of money within a couple of years if this trend continued. He has raised the issue again more formally for the 2024 accounts and required the PCC to respond with a plan to at least

neutralize these losses. The PCC had already regularly considered the situation,. for example on 3rd July 2024, had held an extraordinary meeting to identify and prioritise plans to increase income. The response of the PCC was communicated to the Independent Examiner on 18th March 2025 as follows: The PCC had been aware of declining income against expenditurefor a number of yeurs, but it wus with the change to the current treasurer that the situation was able to be addressed in more detail, more effectively, The current situation for 2024, of a £17000 deficit that has been covered using unrestricted designatedfunds, is clearly understood by all PCC members. The PCC have not been unaware or inactive regarding thefinancial situation, und have put a lot of effort, over the last year, into addressing it. In particular, an extraordinary PCC meeting was held in July 2024, to discuss mainly how to increase income. Six aims were agreed.. l. Legacies To produce a package of easily distributable information, for church andfor inclusion in the proposed mailing list (point 3 below). To look into discounted will writing. 2. Giving Sunday Another Giving Sunday to be arranged. Legacies to be included. 3. Whole Parish Appeal step I the cost of mailing the whole parish to be established. 4. Parish Share Diocesanfinance to be informed. to hold back £IOKfrom payments made during the rest of the year. 5. Donution from Brassey Trust The Brossey Trust to be asked if it will support the church by donating £IOK. 6. Increase the Letting of the Brassey Centre. Longer term project, Step l - ask the Brassey Trust to commit to the refurbishment of the centre. Like many organisations, we are suffering from a shortage of volunteers, but we have progressed the above aims asfollows., l. Legacy information is on the website. The package is yet to be developed, Legacies were mentioned at giving Sunday held on 9th March 2025. 2. Giving Sunday. Held 9th March 2025. Results awaited.

1. Whole Parish Appeal. Cost established. Working party yet to be organised. This is the aim that the PCC have agreed to prioritise at present.
2. Parish Share. Was reduced by £IOK in 2024.
3. Donation from Brassey Trust. The Brassey Trust has agreed to fund a specified project to the value of £IOK, Project to be specified,
4. Increase the letting of the Brassey Centre, Agreement gainedfrom the Brassey Trust. Quotes for refurbishment have been obtained. Work due to start soon. In addition to the above 6 aims, we also discussed 140 The Avenue. We have since completed work to est(7blish the ownership of that house and confirmed that it is owned by the PCC. So that house is available to sell if necessary. Obviously, pastoral issues concerning the long-term tenants cannot be ignored, and the parish would need to plan carefullyfor the use of the money, rather than allowing it to be used just to plug the deficit. The PCC are well aware of that. Fortunately, our Food Bank, Community hub and Warm Spaces services remain financially self-supporting. Thanks to the efforts of the team involved in raising funds and attracting donations. Once again, a big thank to the Treasury Team for all their support and hard work. Reserves Policy 2023 By Peter Walton (Treasurer) In addition to money designated for specific purposes including investments, it is the policy of the PCC to maintain lif possible) a balance of Liquid Unrestricted Funds which equates to four months Unrestricted Expenses, to be available to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time. For 2024 four months Unrestricted Expenses amounted to circa £31,250. Our Actual balance of Liquid Unrestricted Funds amounts to £25,548. This is a little under that required by our policy and highlights the concerns with the depletion of our reserves. Annual Report of Fabric, Goods and Ornaments By Aline Ongley (Churchwarden) The Fabric Committee has continued to work to preserve, maintain and improve the fabric of the church. There is still work outstanding from the quinquenni31 report of 2024 although some areas have been addressed, arising from emergency roof repairs, following ingress of water to the west end of the church. This work was carried out in November 2024. A further quote has been obtained for works to the tower roof and guttering,. the List B faculty has been obtained and an application has been made for a grant towards this work from the Friends of Kent Churches, which will be considered at their next session in June
5. Quotes still need to be obtained for major internal plaster repairs, but this requires the use of scaffolding, which is expensive, to be able to inspect properly, A list of tradesmen who have carried out thi5 type of work for the diocese is being sought. Some of the work may be eligible for insurance cover as it was due to water ingress.

All statutory checks were carried out as due, i.e gas safety, fire extinguishers. Also, the 5-year electrical installation certification and the resulting minor remedial works were completed. Some other minor electrical works were completed. The request to move the TMRO to a full faculty in respect of the re-ordering is still in progress with the DAC. Further information was submitted as requested in Sept 2024 but nothing further heard. The demand for parking (from school teachers and others) in the small church car park continues. As a trial, 4 marker posts were placed in the churchyard car park to mark 3 bays to be kept exclusively for church use/people attending to graves etc. only. The scheme appears to be working well. Quotes were obtained for a new audio-visual system, and a preferred supplier was chosen and informed. However there has been no further progress due to the lack of someone to oversee the project. A church de-clutter and cleaning day was held on 31st August 2024. The fabric committee would benefit from more members, but we were pleased to welcome Andy Stigle to the committee. He has assisted with minor repairs and his help is much appreciated. We were also joined, later in the year, by Russ Barnes, who has a wealth of experience in dealing with contractors and building projects. Russ will be an asset to the committee. Deanery Synod 2024 The Deanery Synod provides for parishes to channel their views to the Diocesan Synod and implements decisions made by the General Synod. During 2024 our representatives were Revd Ruth Peet, lan Packer, (until 17th July 20241, Emma Parren (until 12th May 20241, Tania Dosoruth (from 12th May 20241 and Desmond Nolan (from 17th July 2024), There were 3 meeting5 held on 7th February, 18th June and 7th October in the parishes of Coxheath, Aylesford and Snodland respectivelv. Presentations were given on the work of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, the Diocesan Board of Education, the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, and the Environment and Eco Church. Revd Wil North (Area Dean until July 2024), also presented on 'Life as an Associate Archdeacon, and his sabbatical. Revd Danielle Pearson-smith was appointed Area Dean in July 2024. The pastoral reorgani5ation related to the Bradbourne Benefice and Burham & Wouldham was completed, and new priests were licensed in each place in September and October 2024. A deanery confirmation service was held on 17th November at Snodland, and we were delighted that Lucy Butler from our congregation, was one of the candidates. io

PCC ACCOUNTS Year Ending 31 December 2024 SS Peter & Paul, Aylesford Accruals Accounts using SORP 2015

Year Ending 31st December 2023 SS Peter & Paul, Aylesford Accruals Accounts using SORP 2015 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SS PETER & PAUL, AYLESFORD STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 TOTAL FUNDS TOTAL FUNDS Unreslricled Unreslricled Reslricled General Designated Funds Funds Notes Funds 2024 2023 Income and Endowments Voluntary income Actmities for gene￿ling funds Income from inveslments Church aclivitEs 2a 49.238 6,702 15,666 5,046 40.144 89,382 6,702 16,607 5,046 71,577 9,617 15.124 6,833 12,055 115,206 2b 941 2d Olher incoming resources Total income 2e 76.653 941 40,144 117,737 Expenditure Church activities Raising Funds Inveslment Managemenl Cosls Total expendlture 3a 91,197 1,003 1,510 93,710 14,142 105,339 1,003 1,510 107,852 112,877 2,549 2,605 118,031 3b 3c 14,142 Net incomel(expendlturel before investment galns Nel gains on investments Net Incomallexpendlturel Transfers between funds Net movement in funds (17,0571 941 26,001 9,885 12.8251 10,000 7.174 (17,0571 17,057 941 26,001 720 26,721 9,885 117,7771 (01 (16,8361 9,885 7.174 Total funds brought foNard 811 J8nuary 2024 442,384 59,945 502,328 495,155 Total funds carried forward at 31 December 2024 425,548 86,666 512,214 502,328 FA1

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SS PETER & PAUL, AYLESFORD STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 for Comparative purposes TOTAL FUNDS UnrèslAcled Unrestricted Restricted General Designated Funds Funds Notes Funds 2023 Income and Endowments Voluntary income Acl1vit￿S for9ene￿lIng lunds Income from investments Church 8Ctwities Olherincomlng resou￿98 Total Income 2a 2b 2c 2d 59.104 9.617 15.124 6,833 6.801 5,672 71,577 9,617 15,123 6,833 12,055 17,727 6.801 115,206 Expandlbjrè Church activilies Raising Funds Investmenl Managem&nl Costs Totsl expenditure 3a 3b 3c 96,463 2,549 2,245 101,257 2,611 13,803 112,877 2,549 360 2,971 118 031 Net incomellexpendilurel before investment gains Nel gains on investments Net incomellexpendilurel Transfers between funds Net movement In funds 110,5791 3,829 3,924 12,8251 110,5791 3,829 12,158 8.329 3,924 1,579 5,503 {2,8261 2,826 Total funds broughl lO￿ard at 1 January 2023 450,712 54,441 505,154 Total funds carried fO￿ard at 31 December 2023 442 384 502 328 FA1a

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SS PETER & PAUL, AYLESFORD BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 Notes 2024 2023 Fixed assets Investment Assets 400,000 400,000 Investments Total fixed assets 400,000 400,000 Current assets Debtors Short term deposits Cash al bank and in hand 1,557 109,675 2,776 114,008 2,959 18,407 87,647 109,014 Creditors.. amounls falling due within one year 2,891 Net current assets 112,214 106,123 Tota l assets less current liabi Ilties 512,214 506,123 Creditors.. amounts falling due afterone year NET ASSETS 512,214 506,123 Funds Unrestricted General Funds 10 (o) Unrestricted Designated Funds 425,548 442,384 Restrlcted funds 86,666 59,945 512,214 502,328 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on and signed on ils behaSf Chairman The accompanying notes fom a part of these financial slalements. FA2

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SS PETER & PAUL, AYLESFORD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 1. Accounting policies Accounting convention The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and SORP 2015. The financial slalemenls have been prepared under the historical cost convention 8$ modified by the inclusion of investrnents at market value and Ihe revaluation of fixed assets. The financial statemenls include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups Ihal owe their affiliation to another body, nor those which are informal gatherings of church membe￿. b Funds accountlng Funds held by the PCC are.. UnrBstricted funds - general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes Designated funds - monies set aside by the PCC oul of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects. Restricted funds - al income from tnjsls or endowments which may be expended only on those reslricled objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest- bl donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balan￿ remaining unspent 81 the end of the year is carried forward as a balance on that fund. Incoming resources All incoming resources are accounted for gross as far as practicable. Voluntary Income Collections are recognised when received. Planned giving receivable is recognised only when received. Income lax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised. GTrnls and legacies are recognised when the PCC is legally entitled to the amount due and receipt is probable. Income from investments Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accNe. All other Income All other income is recognised when it is receivable. Gains and losses on investments Realised gains are recognised when the investments are sold Unrealised gains and losses are accounlad for on revalualion on 31 December. FA3

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SS PETER & PAUL, AYLESFORD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 d Resources used Resources expended are accounted for on an accwals basis and are accounted forgross. Granls Grants and donations are accounted forwhen paid over, orwhen awarded where the award creates a bind ing obligation on the PCC. Church Activities The diocesan parish contribution is accounted forwhen paid. Any parish contribution unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legall liability and is shown as a cred itor in the balance sheet. e Fixed Assets Tangible fixed assets Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.10<21 of the Charities Act 2011 Movable church fumishing held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounled as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's inventory which can be inspected. For inalienable property acquired prior to 2006 there is insufficie nt cost infomialion available and therefore such assets are not va lued in the accounts. Individual items acq u ired since 2006 have been capilalised in the accou nts and deprecialed over their useful economic life. All expend iture on consecrated or beneficed bu ild ings and individual items cosling under £2000 a re wrillen off in the year they were incurred. Depreclation Deprecialion is calcu lated lo write down the cost of tangible fixed assets, excluding freehold properties, over their expected useful lives. The rates generally applicable are.. Fixtures and fillings Computer equipment 25 % slraighl line 500/0 straig hl line Investments Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet dale. Current Assets Amounts owing lo the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees. rents or other income are shown as debtors less provlsion for amounts that may prove uncollectible. Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the Diocese of Rochester or at the bank FA4

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SS PETER & PAUL, AYLESFORD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEME14TS Icontinuedl FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 2 Incomlng resources TOTAL FUNDS TOTAL FUNDS Unr8slricl8d Unrtrstricléd Reslricled Gen8ts1 Designated Funds Funds Unre81ricl8d Unresiric18d Reslrfcl8d General De51gnaled Funds Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Voluntary income Planned Givlng Income tex recov8rabl8 Colleclions al all seN￿S Sundry donallon5 and appeals Grants Legacie8 36,740 6,885 2,142 3,491 36,740 6,865 2.142 35,135 8,500 42,522 8,788 1,414 6,380 42,522 8,788 1,414 18,853 31,644 8.500 6,801 5.672 49,238 b AGlvili&s forgen&r81ing lunds General Fundralsing Brassey Cenlie LelliDg5 (Note 121 2,994 3,70g 2,994 3.709 5,586 4,031 5,586 4.031 I￿￿$1M&￿t incorn8 Dwidends and inleresl Rent from Property 2,516 941 3,457 2,324 2,324 941 15,124 15,124 d In￿rne fitjm Chuffjh Acliwli•s Fees from weddings. fun8rals.81c. 5,046 5,046 6,833 6.833 5,046 5,046 6,833 Olherolherincomjng r8sOU￿&S Other Incom8- Insurance CLgh) Granis 12,055 To*al Ih¢omlng rosourc88 941 117737 90.678 17.727 115206 FA5

PAROCHIALCHURCH COUNCILOF SS PETER & PAUL, AYLESFORD NOTES YO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IcontlnuBdl FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 3 Expendlture TOTAL FUNDS TOTAL FUNDS Unfaslficled Unr8slricl8d Reslrict8d General Designated Fund5 Funds UnrÈsiricled Unre81ricled R8slricl8d General Oeslgnaled Funds Fund5 Funds 2024 Fund5 2023 Church Ac1￿111e$ Kdissionary and charitable givlng.. Royal Bfili5h Legvjn 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 Minislry costs.. DIoc888n off8r Expon5es Vicarage cos15 Other Ministry Cos15 Church wnning e%pens8s 38.300 800 4.369 578 3B.300 600 4,369 578 46,000 836 4,189 374 46,000 836 4,189 374 6,169 5,909 652 2,361 480 4,674 650 385 6,169 5,909 652 8,561 480 4.674 650 3BS 6,137 5,271 1,092 715 140 4,583 1.340 295 6,137 5,271 Insurance OrganlPiano and other Church ryiainlenance Upkeep of Churchyard Upkeep ol servlces Flowers Tiaining. Misslon and Ovlreach 6r8ssey Cenlre funn￿9 co81s (Note 121 49 6,200 2,348 3.063 140 7,978 1,340 578 3,395 263 20 4,107 162 5,376 1.829 5.936 162 5,376 2,965 507 5,130 1,497 4,462 507 5,130 Insurance Cleaning & Refu59 Rent Food Bank Community Hub D&ff*nlia Café Padsh Offlce & Ad[ninkslral￿￿ 2,857 2,593 664 2,857 2,593 664 16.390 1053)9 6,979 1,786 77 6.979 1,786 77 16,855 112,877 16,390 91.197 16,855 14.142 2.611 13.803 Ralslng Funds Stewardship costs General fundrais4ng 75 928 75 928 282 2,287 282 2,267 1.003 Inveslmenl Al8n8gement CosÈs Rent81 Property R8palrs Insurance Agenls Fees 44 357 1.109 1.510 44 357 64B 522 1.075 360 1,008 522 1,075 2.605 360 Total expendlture 107 052 101,257 118031 FA

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SS PETER & PAUL, AYLESFORD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 4 Staff costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries 17.996 During the year the PCC employed ars Organi51 arsd a Parish Clerk and made PAYE deductions and paymenls on their behalf. b Payments lo PCC Membe￿ and mlatedparties Mrs A Keays, a member of the PCC, received remuneration for her role as Parish Adminslralor of £8,679 during 202312022 £5,799). Her husband, Michael. received £2,41212022 £2.4121 as remuneration for his role as Organist. No other payments, apart from re-imbursed expenses and small thank you grfts, were made to PCC members. The lolal amount of donations to the PCC made by PCC members and related parties in 2024 was £6.758 lincl.Gifl Aid), (£10,704 in 2023) 5 Investment Assets Freehold land and buildings Church equipment TOTAL Market valuatlon Al 1 January 2024 Additions Dlsposals Revaluation At 31 De￿rnber 2024 400,000 400,000 400.000 400 000 The freehold land and buildings comprises of the rental property at 140 The Avenue, Aylesford and is currently lel lo a tenant. Wards provided a market value assessment as al 31.12.2024 of £400,000. 6 Investments The PCC does not currently hold any Inveslmenl assets other than 140 The Avenue. FA7

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 7 Analysls of Net assets by fund Unreslricled Unreslricled General OÈsvJnaled Funds Funds ReslAcled Total Funds Unreslricled Unreslricled Reslricled Total Fund8 Generdl Designated Funds Funds Funds 2024 Fund5 2023 Fixed assets for churGh use Inveslmenl fixed asséts Currenl assets Current Habllilies Long letm liabilllles 400,000 25.548 400,000 114,008 11,7941 400,000 42,384 400,000 105,219 12,8911 1.091 87,369 (7031 1.136 61,700 11,7551 425 $48 512214 442,384 502.328 8 Doblor8 2(124 2023 Incotne 18% recoverable- G8nèral Fund Prepaym8nls and aCCTved hcorne 1,557 2,959 1.557 2.959 9 Credltor5'. amoLJnts falllng due wlthln one year 2024 2023 415 550 313 126 258 132 395 500 346 241 Rent In received advance Other Expenses PAYE Li8blllly DBF Fees Hand Bell Ringets Funds 278 Credltors: amount5 falllng due after one year 2024 2023 FA8

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SS PETER & PAUL, AYLESFORD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Icontinuedl FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 l O statemènt of funds Bal bifwd 1 Jan 2024 Income Expenditure InveslmBnl Gains Transfe between funds Bal cl￿￿ 31 Dec 2024 Unrestrlcted General Fund General fund 76,653 193,7101 17.057 101 93.710 Unrestricted Designated Funds 140 The Avenue Repair Fund 140 The Avenue Property Fund Church Repair Fund Legacy Fund 5,990 400.000 7,463 5.990 400,000 8,404 941 17,777 442,384 941 425 548 Restricted Fund Oryan Fund Youth Choir Fund Fabric Fund Community Hublwam Space Fund Cornmunlly Engagement Audio Visual Fund Dementia Calé Food Bank 2,272 2,272 1,067 62,YS4 4,752 6,195 720 634 ,073 1,067 25.000 7,234 750 44.154 1,025 5.445 16,2001 13,5071 720 281 5,769 1,017 5,075 16641 14.142 720 Total funds 502 328 117737 107,852 512 214 The 140 Avenue Repalr Fund is for moni8s ring-fenced by the PCC for repairs to thls property. The 140 The Avenue Property Fund repr8senls th8 market value ol the property. Th8 Church Repalr Fund 15 for monles ring-lenced by thè PCC for Church repairs. Th8 L8gaey Fund was $81 up in 2017 to ring-fencè the monies received from Ihe Mr B Edcly legacy. 11 is inlended to spend this mainty on church repairs and som8 on mu51c Trsourees. Th8 Youth Cholr Fund was created In 2018 from a gtsnl of £4.500 to fund the Junior Choir Masters quarterfy honorariurn. The Restricted Organ Fund is for rYK)nies ralsed or doftated towards future maintenance cosls of the Church organ. The Restricted Fabrtc Fund is for nY)nies r815ed or donated towards future maintenance costs of the Church The Restrlcted Communlty Engagèmènt Fund Is lor monres raised or donated towards the Church'3 Community Engagement Projects listed below. The rnonies can be split between those projects at the discretlon ol the PCC. The Restrlcted Food Bank Fund Is for monles raised or donated towards the setting up and running ol the Chtjrch's Fotsd Bank. The Rostrlcted Communlty Hublwarm Space Fund is for monies rais8d or donated towards the setting up and ￿nnIng of the Church's Ctsmmuni The Audlo Vlsual Fund is more monles ralsed or donated towards Improving the Churchs AV system. The Restrleted D8mentla Cafè Fund Is for monies raised or donated towards th8 S8tllng up and running of the Church's Dementia Caf8. 11 Condult Funds (Agency Collectlonsl FA9

These are funds received by the PCC on behalf ol others i.e. as a result ol A speclal collection for a charily. They are not PCC funds and are not included in Income or expenditure bul are given In this note for information. Please note that these figures do not include cheques received bul rnade out in lavour ol the charity,. these were passed on to the organlzalion involved. Air Ambulanca Children's Society Crossrtsads Involve Kent Family Tnjst 158 194 150 182 144 828 FA9

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SS PETER & PAUL, AYLESFORD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (contlnued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Brassey Centre

These aclivilies attract income and expenditure and Ihe respeclive net posilions are sel oul below for informaton. Brasse Centre 2024 3,709 9,646 (5,937) 2023 4,031 8,602 (4,571 J Income Expenditure Surplusl(Shortfall) FA10

17 April 2025 Independent Examiner's report to the Member/Trustees of St Peter and St Paul Aylesford I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on the pages following. Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner The church's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. and State whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. [e-mail] 07523 622979 vAw.adventusa¢counling.wixsite.comlwebsile

Independent Examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (l) 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. or to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met; or (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Yours sincerely Martyn Burt B.Sc.(Hons), ACMA, CGMA adventus accounting solutions Ashby Acres Chapel Lane Ashby-cum-Fenby Grimsby DN37 OQT e-mail: ma n.burt btinternet.com or adventusaccountin btinternet.com Telephone.. [phone] [e-mail] 07523 622979 .advenlusaccounting.wlxsite.comlwebsile

Additional Reports Bellrin ers and Stee le Kee ers Re ort During the course of 2024 we had had one ringer returning to ring after a break of some years and another who is learning... Ringing for Sunday services is now only 3 or 4 and 5 at best. Though sometimes can be as low as l. Nevertheless, we continue to call the faithful to church. We have continued to run successful weekly practices, helped by a number of visiting ringers regularly attending. th On 6 June 2024 we rang 80 changes o Plain Bob Doubles to commemorate the 80 th anniversary of D-Day. We also rang a quarter pe31 on 8 June 2024 in commemoration. Three other quarter peals were during the year including on14th Decemberto mark Robin and Helen Turner's last service at Aylesford. th We have also rung for a number of weddings and funerals throughout the year, Again, we have had to rely on help from others to fulfi'l these commitments, especiallythe funerals, and increasingly weddings, which are during the working week and some of our existing band are working or at school. Paul Bastow, our Steeple Keeper, continues to undertake periodic inspections of the fabric of the bells and tower, including the roof. He also ensures the flag is flown from the tower roof on appropriate occasions. The winding of the church clock has become an onerous task. As a result l am pursuing the possibility of installing an electric winding mechanism with help from Mark Elvers, who is the Tower Captain and steeple keeper at ST Michael and All Angels in Maidstone, Although this is still a work in progress the latest version of the winging mechanism seems to be working quite well. and involves no alteration or modifications to the clock. Thereby obviating the need for a faculty. The cost will be borne by me. Finally, l am not able to ring at the moment, as I suffered a stroke whilst on holiday in Malta in November. While recovering back home, I was hospitalised over the New Year with pneumonia. l am happy to say l am recovering well from those tribulations. In the meantime l am most grateful to Shona Clark, one of our band of ringers for stepping into the breech and running ringing at the tower in my temporary absence. Choir Re ort As with last year, very little has changed with the choir over the last 12 months. Having lost two members since from this time last year lone being lan, who is now in training for the ministry),. we were glad to welcome one new member, so overall our numbers have eased by one: As ever, we

are always on the look-out for more singersl We continue to support the singing of the traditional services Il, and 3, Sundays of the month), and some others; the annual carol service was rather more of a challenge than usual this year, on account of sickness; with the support of some auxiliary members and a change to the original music plans, we managed, but are hopeful that we don't experience similar problems again next Christmas! The Community Choir lof youngsters under the direction of Paul Richards) has grown massivelv over the last few months and continue5 to provide an enthusiastic contribution to the 4th Sunday of the month. Helen Turner, our Assistant Organist for the last 57 years, retired at the end of the year; the leaving service115/12/241 was a good time to reflect on the huge contribution Helen has made to the Choir land more widely to the church in Aylesford), always supported by Robin. We wished them both well in their new life on the Isle of Wight. Levente Vas continues to play for parts of the services when he is at home from university; he has now started playing for the whole service on occasions, fi'lling-in for the vacant role of Assistant Organist when l am not available. Dementia Cafe Re ort In the last year, we have had a busy and fun time. Everyone that comes along enjoys meeting old and new friends. We have some sort of activity, sometimes with a theme. We have planted bulbs, Easter crafts, fundraising for Dementia UK, reminiscing about VE Day, seaside fun, Autumn, clay decorating, Christmas craft. We have also enjoyed celebrating our 2, birthday, listening to handbells and Rob and his electric Ukelele. We have also been fortunate to have been given 2 donations from Cllr Andrew Kennedy, a large grant { to buy larger items we needed like cd player, cushions, tablecloths, cups and plates}. We have also just been given another donation from Aylesford Parish Council. I would just like to thank all the volunteers that help every month. We would not be able to run without you. Pastoral Re ort Our church has a successful Wednesday hub in the Brassey centre and l encourage all of us to bring a member of our congregation to this for tea/coffee and cake. The Brassey centre is not on a bus route so members of our congregation need a lift.

I continue to take praise services and Communion services to Dennis Cadman House, Queen Elizabeth Court, Appleton Lodge and Bradbury House. Residents are invited from Duchess of Kent to join Dennis Cadman for the service but the notice is no longer on their notice board. I will visit the manager. I have yet to ask if I may lead a service in the new Royal British Legion village residential home, Greenwich House. Some residents cannot come from their rooms so l offer a visit for Communion or prayers after the communal service to them in their room. I can also take Communion to people in their own homes if requested. J3ne and Lenora help when available. This is an important opportunity for church outreach and social interaction with the residents. There is much need for pastoral support in our community. It seems there is no training now for the Pastoral Assistant role in Rochester Diocese. We are a dying breed. Who will continue Pastoral work? The ministers/ vicars undertake many visits but a lay visitor has a vital role in regular visits. We may notice changes in health and activity, muddled thinking, loss of weight and much more. Please consider Lay ministry training in Rochester Diocese with a pastoral emphasis. I lead a Small group for monthly Bible study. l attend church services weekly and l am a member of the PCC.