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,.

5. 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.
6. Parish Annual Report
All the reports made in the Annual Report were taken as read and there were no
amendments to be made.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.

11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Appointment of Independent Examiner.
The Independent Examiner, Martyn Burt, advised he was willing to continue. Agreed
unanimously.
14. 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.
15. 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.

3. Whole Parish Appeal. Cost established. Working party yet to be organised. This is the aim that the
PCC have agreed to prioritise at present.
4. Parish Share. Was reduced by £IOK in 2024.
5. Donation from Brassey Trust. The Brassey Trust has agreed to fund a specified project to the value
of £IOK, Project to be specified,
6. 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
2025. 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.
adventusaccounting@bllnlernet.com
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.. 07523 6229679
advenlusaccounling@bllnternet.com
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.