## **St. Mary's, Acton** 


# **Annual Report 2020** 



## **Services at St. Mary's** 

We hope that the pattern of Services below will reflect the regular worship in St. Mary's as we move beyond the pandemic. Please check our website or Newsletter for any changes which may need to be made. 

## **Sundays** 

## **8.00am** 

A reflective start to the day with said **Holy Communion** on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. 

## **10.00am** 

**Messy Church** Service for **all** the family on the 3rd Sunday of the month - songs, crafts, drama, informal study group ... and lots of toast! For now we continue with "Messy Church @ Home". Keep watching for news of a return to meeting together 

## **11.00am** 

**Holy Communion** on the 1st Sunday of the month. 

**Morning Prayer** on the 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays of the month. 

## **5.00pm** 

Contemplative Service of **BCP Evensong** on 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of each month. 

## **Wednesdays** 

## **10.30am** 

A Service of **Holy Communion** every Wednesday. This is followed by fellowship with tea/coffee and cakes/biscuits and a glass of sherry on special occasions. 

_Please check our Website or Newsletter for details of different or special Services and times of worship that take place regularly during the course of the year. For details of other activities please see our website._ 

## _**Growing closer to God, each other and the community we serve.**_ 

St. Mary's Church, Monks Lane, Acton, Cheshire  CW5 8LE   01270 628864 crosscountryparishes@outlook.com                     www.stmarysacton.com 



## **Index** 

Services at St. Mary's Vicar's Report Electoral Roll PCC Secretary's Report Churchyard 

Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults Deanery Synod Churches Together In Nantwich 

A-Z Activities at St. Mary's: 

Acton C of E Primary Academy Bell Ringers Bible Readers Bible Study Group Flower Guild Kingsbourne Housing Estate Messy Church Music Parish Magazine Sidesmen Social Committee Sunday Morning Refreshments Website 



## **Vicar's Report** 


It would be tempting, easy and entirely inaccurate simply to write that "nothing happened in 2020". 

The burst of activity in January 2020 when we welcomed people into church for a talk about the Civil War from Mike Lea, walks around the Battlefield and tea and toast on the morning of Holly Holy Day and followed it up with a church bursting at the scenes the same evening for a concert by Acton Operatic may feel as if they belong to a far-gone age, but they did happen 

before life changed dramatically on 23rd March. So too did Sunday afternoon Tea at the Tower which was able to operate for the first 12 weeks or so of 2020. Also fitted into this busy start to the year was the sung Evensong by the St Christopher Chorale. 

The necessary survey of all church records as part of the PCR2 enquiry into Safeguarding was also carried out and successfully completed by the deadline in February. 

And then COVID-19 became a reality in our daily lives, but even then, church life did not entirely stop. I am grateful to those who have kept telephone contact with church members, to those who delivered shopping and prescriptions to people who couldn't get out, whether as good neighbours or as part of what developed into Nantwich Buddies. 

Over Easter we were able to display a prominent and much appreciated cross on the corner of Monk's Lane, first draped in red and a crown of thorns on Good Friday, and later proclaiming the resurrection draped in NHS blue and decked with butterflies. It became a much-photographed feature as people passed it during their daily exercise on foot and on bike. 

Prayers, sermons and other resources to enable us to continue to worship "together" apart was e-mailed regularly, together with information about how to obtain various kinds of help, and details of deliveries by local businesses who provided delivery services during lockdown. 

Messy Church has continued "at home" throughout the pandemic with extremely high-quality material being prepared by the Messy Church team and e-mailed to our Messy Church families each month. 



Late June saw a hesitant return to the church building for private prayer appreciated by the handful of people who ventured out each week, and more came as public worship, albeit in a restricted form, was able to resume again in July. 

Remembrance Sunday took the form of a brief, simple Act of Remembrance outside at the start of the second lockdown, when a number of people gathered and the brightly painted wooden poppies in the churchyard ensured that passers-by knew we were remembering the sacrifice of those who had given their lives in the service of their country. 

The year ended with another return to public worship in time for Christmas, and celebrations in the form of a Service of Words and Music, Midnight Communion and Christmas Day were possible, not least because of the team of people who thoroughly cleaned the church after the Midnight Service to ensure the building was COVID-secure for Christmas Day. Congregational singing wasn't possible, but the Communions were enhanced by Jessica Thayer singing during the distribution of Communion. 

The main feature of Christmas, of course, was the magnificent Nativity Scene outside the east end of the church which was the central focus for the Follow the Star Walk through Dorfold Park and gardens as well as 4 extremely chilly All Age services on Christmas Eve afternoon, which at least enabled us to sing some carols together. 

Thank you to everyone who has enabled church life to continue, even if it has looked very different to "normal". Not least our Churchwardens, Stephan Davies, who retired at the delayed 2020 Annual Meeting in October, and Penni Doyle who ably assisted Stephan until her appointment as Churchwarden in October. Thank you, too to the Sidespeople whose role has been much changed, but nonetheless essential, especially at the larger services, and to those who have worked hard to decorate the church, often in very different ways, for our Festivals. There are many jobs which have continued unseen, including the work carried out by Tony Mathie as Treasurer, and Tracey Foster who has cleaned, sometimes very extensively, to ensure that the church remained "COVID-secure" and safe to be used. 

Different much of 2020 may have been, but quiet would probably not be the right word to use. Thank you to all of you who have done so much to enable the life of St. Mary's to adapt and continue, sometimes in radically different ways. _S Anne Lawson_ 



## **Electoral Roll** 

The numbers on St. Mary's Electoral Roll as at the end of 2020 were 124. _Charles Hull_ 

## **PCC Secretary's Report** 

We have had only 4 meetings in 2020, including the one after the delayed APCM in October, the latter 2 were over Zoom, all have been well attended. Apart from reports from all the very active areas within the church community included in the other sections of the annual report our main focuses for 2020 were. 

Firstly we have understandably been talking about how to worship during lockdown and the restrictions. We have also taken the opportunity to look forward and discuss what worship will look like in the future. 

Secondly, the fabric of the church both repairs and new works have been discussed. The maintenance and repairs don’t wait for the pandemic to end. 

Third and finally we have been reviewing communication. This is an ongoing discussion on both the new ways to keep everyone informed whilst not able to attend church and the future. _Ann Williams_ 

## **Churchyard** 

2020 has been a quiet year in the Churchyard, with no new schemes of work being carried out to alter the church grounds. 

Dave Whitmarsh has again maintained the Graveyard and Church surrounds to a high standard, something which is commented on regularly by visitors to the church. 

Scott has continued to come and rub down and paint the gates facing the vicarage. Scott has helped Dave with the flower borders around the sides of the Church building. 



With us not being able to use the inside of the building it has been important that we could present an open air church at Harvest, Armistice and Christmas in our well cared for churchyard. 

No new machinery has been purchased this year and costs have been kept to a minimum in this difficult year. 

The churchyard was a beneficiary of Parish Council generosity with a £1,000 grant to support the upkeep of the Churchyard, on top of their normal support. We also received a further £500 towards the lighting of the Christmas Stable, which will result in some further permanent lighting on the paths. We are very grateful for their continued support as the week by week giving will not support the level of excellent upkeep that we have become accustomed to, and I would urge all to consider mentioning the church in Wills and at other times, as the cost of upkeep is more than the church finances can bear with no beneficial gifts being made in the last 3 years. 

I will finish where I started by thanking Dave Whitmarsh and Scott for all their hard work keeping the Churchyard looking so well. 

_Philip Percival_ 

## **Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults** 

This last year has seen a request from our Diocese for the completion of details about historical problems with clergy and others regarding the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. Each Vicar and retired vicar was asked to search records and memories in order to seek out any cases of misdemeanors from clergy or other members of our congregations so that no abuse would go unnoticed or unacknowledged. The request was not just for the present time but historically, back to the 1940s. This meant a great deal of work for our Vicar and others who helped in this process. Notices were published as best we could during the time before lockdown and all the relevant papers were completed on time. 

As you will be aware, the pandemic has meant that children's work has not been able to take place for over a year. There have been no problems reported. _Janet Malbon_ 



## **Safeguarding and Clergy Disciplinary Measure 2016** 

During the year 2020 I can give assurance that the Parochial Church Council has fully complied with their duty under Section 6 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure as laid down by the House of Bishop's guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. 

Signed Janet Malbon Safeguarding Officer 

## **Deanery Synod** 

Only one Deanery Synod Meetings took place in 2020 due to the Coronavirus restrictions. A brief report follows:- 

**3rd February – St. Michael's, Coppenhall** 

After being welcomed by Rev. Fr. John Leal, St. Mary's Nantwich Lay Rep. asked for our prayers for their new venture namely a Service of Blessing for same-sex couples, followed by a celebration. 

St. Mary's Acton Lay Rep. asked for prayers for their new ventures with Acton Primary School, "The Advent Trail & Easter Journey" and the "After School Club" and for the Bereavement Club. 

We enjoyed an interesting talk from Becky Hurst, Crewe Community Development Worker. She spoke about her work with immigrants at St. Andrew's, a "Conversation Café" which helps to improve their English and promotes growth in faith and builds on their talents and connections. 

A discussion group followed and we were split into small groups. We talked about connecting with our local community and what resources were needed. Secondly we talked about what is not visible in our church activities and why? 

The Synod will decide what to allocate and to whom in the way of surplus funds to local causes, included those represented by speakers at the previous three Synod meetings. _Sue Hull_ 



## **Churches Together In Nantwich** 

The first meeting of the year was on 8th January, 2020 when an exciting agenda of initiatives were planned for the year including "Turning Nantwich Blue": a week in May to highlight Dementia, the needs of the patients and carers and how the Churches can support them. 

The Annual United Service was on 26th January, a celebration in St. Mary's, Nantwich of what we, the Churches, do together. 

The Food bank is well established in Nantwich and has recently appointed a new manger, but the pandemic has highlighted the need for this facility in our midst. 

The Refugee family have had a new baby and are embracing the opportunity of a new life in Nantwich. 

The Street Pastors continually look for new recruits as Street or Prayer Pastors. We admire the excellent supportive role they give and show to young people "out" in the town at night. 

Outreach, is a new supportive group for the students at Reaseheath College. 

The Annual Meeting in February elected Gary Wareham, the Baptist minister, as our new Chairperson. Gary has suffered poor health during the year but now seems much better. 

Then the Pandemic hit and most of the plans and activities were put on hold, with various forms of worship, outreach and pastoral care led by the different Churches as the lockdowns came and went. 

We have had one zoom meeting in the new year. There will be no Nantwich Show but we look forward to meeting to plan other events. 

_Joyce Percival_ 



**Acton C.E. Primary Academy** _To develop the learners of tomorrow and equip them with the skills to flourish and succeed for "nothing is impossible with God"_ Luke 1:37 


Acton School has experienced a very strange year, as have we all, however the education of its pupils has been paramount throughout. During the most recent lockdown, beginning on 5th January, the number of pupils in school has ranged from 30 to 45 each day and those learning at home has ranged from 138 to 123. Families who were in need of technology at home have 

been sent chrome books or lap tops to enable the children to access the remote classroom lessons. Also some data cards were provided to help with broadband issues. 

There are currently 168 children on roll, about to rise to 171. There are 10 teachers and 12 support staff. The head of school is Rachael McKinley who told me, "The staff at Acton have worked tirelessly through this very worrying 

time to ensure that children are provided with the best education and care that we can offer. Staff have ensured that face to face and remote learning continues to be at a high standard and children's well-being and mental health is supported. The staff have really shown their dedication and commitment to their role and should be very proud of what they have done for the community." 

The staff are looking forward to the return of all the children on 8th March, and I've heard a few parental comments stating this too! The children will be experiencing a curriculum that offers specific topics and objectives that their teachers feel are most important. I've also been asked to mention that there is a mid-day position available at the moment which school is finding difficult to fill. Please get in touch with the school office if you're interested. 


I'll end with a lovely moment in school – apparently one day several take away pizzas arrived! No, it wasn't a mistaken delivery. They were for the staff from a very grateful parent who appreciated all they were doing. 

_Lesley Latronico_ 



## **Bell Ringers** 


Hello again Report time is here and what a year it's been!!! 

There hasn't been a lot of change this year in the belfry with ringers still coming from Willaston, Nantwich, Shavington and Crewe to ring the bells for Sunday morning service until sadly Covid struck and we had to stop in mid-March. 

Practice night on a Tuesday, 8-9pm was doing very well with ringers from Nantwich and Wrenbury again, sadly, this had to stop. 

In mid-March we were due to hold the annual 6 bell striking competition for the region. Obviously this had to be postponed but hopefully we may be able to hold it in 2021, fingers crossed. 

Weddings, unfortunately, we were not allowed to ring for. 

Christmas came and went, again no ringing and no Christmas tree to dress. 

On a brighter note, we must give a huge thank you to David Allman for keeping the clock running and generally keeping his eye on the belfry throughout the various lockdowns and the rest of the year. He has walked from Nantwich every week to ensure that the clock is in excellent running order and maintaining it for the people of Acton. 

Once again many thanks to the PCC for payment of the bellringers' subscriptions. 

Let's hope that the future is better and that we can all be back ringing the bells in the not too distant future. _Zoe Sutton_ 

## **Bible Readers** 

There have certainly been some differences since my last report. Where services have been possible during parts of the Covid Pandemic, Rev. Anne has mostly arranged Bible Readers. Thank you, Anne. During the last few weeks of April services have started 

again in Church and we are trying to get back to some sort of normality. I am grateful that readers have come forward now that restrictions are lifting. Here is hoping it stays that way for 2021. 



I feel that, generally, the system we have works well. This, of course, is thanks to the people who are committed and who read so well. I do not have difficulty getting readers for the morning services but readers for the evening services are few and far between, unfortunately. I seem to be asking the same people over and over to read for these services. I hope they don’t mind too much. If anyone has any new names to suggest to me, please let me have them (+ phone numbers) and I shall be pleased to get in touch. I would especially like to recruit some young readers. If any of you have any youngsters in your family, who would be prepared to read or you think would do so with a bit of encouragement, it would be good to hear from you. I am happy to show them the ropes and put them at their ease. 

The Readers' list is always at the back of the Church and I try to encourage people to put their names down fairly well in advance. I also try to share readings around for special services. 

May I take this opportunity to say a very big "thank you" to all who are on my list. I feel privileged to work with them and am, and have been, extremely grateful for their support throughout the years. 

_Ena Furber_ 

## **(Thursday) Bible Study Group** 

During early 2020 the group met five times to discuss the Epistles set to be read in the Sunday services. This led us on a trek through some of the writings of Paul and Peter and whoever wrote Hebrews. 

Then came the Covid19 crisis and the necessary restrictions on meeting together meant that we did not meet in the Autumn of 2020 nor the Spring of 2021. However, at the beginning of the lockdown we invited the group (and other friends) to join in the Celtic prayers used each week with the Bible Study, to participate in their own homes, at 10am each day. This meant that the group could be together in Spirit. Also a weekly e-mail has been sent to all members and other friends - 60 in all. 

We are grateful to Deana and Gerald Emerton for their hospitality to the group and hope to meet again in the coming 12 months when the restrictions are lifted. _John & Janet Malbon_ 



## **Flower Guild** 

As will have been said many times the year 2020 has been different. For the Flower Guild the Altar Flower Rota has been largely suspended and the various church festival displays within the church have had to be scaled down, all due to the Pandemic, which has affected so much of every day affairs and church life. However, if the people cannot come into the church it is incumbent on the church to go to the people. This has been manifest at the church festivals by people coming together and helping to present the Christian year as best it can. 

From Lent 2020 till Harvest there were no flowers on the altar, but since then, various silk flowers have decorated the altars. On VE and VJ days poppies were displayed at the memorial commemorating 75 years. For Harvest modest displays were placed in the church and Joyce and Philip Percival formed displays outside the church. 

At November Armistice Claire Lewis-Jones organised for the church ladies, the Women's Institute, and ladies from Tea at the Tower, and especially a group organised by Eileen Allwood, to knit a huge number of woolly poppies which were subsequently sown onto hessian and used to form decorations at the memorial and across the churchyard trees. This theme of poppies was extended to a display of scores of red wooden poppies on canes spread around the churchyard roadsides. These were made and painted by James Stott and Charles Hull and will be available for future displays. A group of church people should be thanked for subsequently taking down and storing this superb display which had been commented upon widely by the many who pass-by. 

The next effort came together at Christmas to show that the Church was still very much part of our community and maintained an impressive presence to brighten what was otherwise a festival with a difference for many people. It started with many of the churchyard trees being illuminated by festive lights. These had been given by various sponsors 


_(see list below)_ arranged by James & Sue Stott, with a power provision from the church sponsored by the Parish (civil) Council. 

Deana Emerton inspired us all with a theme "Follow that Star" based on a Nativity Scene at the east end of the church complete with Crib; Mary and Joseph with the Holy Child, Kings and Shepherds, together with a donkey 



and some sheep. Around the churchyard was displayed a veritable "milky-way" of white stars on canes (echoing the poppies). 

A special stable was constructed by William Emerton, assisted by his brothers and their partners and the stars were made by Mike Houlston, Paul Griffiths, James Stott, Deana Emerton and Charles Hull. Philip Percival provided "The Star" over the crib scene and with Joyce also decorated the alms-houses. Joyce took up the theme "Follow that Star" 


with an organised walk around the village. The children at the school each provided a Star with a message which Claire Lewis–Jones garlanded and 


formed an attraction along the church paths which the school parents and others all enjoyed reading. 

Inside Church Gill Evans decorated the Altar. Four Christmas trees were given and decorated by Sandra Houlston, Claire Lewis-Jones, Sue Hull and Deana Emerton who along with Jill Wright, Liz Ford, and 

Linda Jones, placed Garlands outside on the main church doors. Deana creates the Nativity in church in normal years but this year it was there outside for all to see and will be remembered widely, not least by the people who helped in the creation. We're not sure how many people had a near miss on Monks' Lane corner, but they could not help being aware of the fact that in this Covid Pandemic Year this Church has reached out to the people. 

The sets of lights on twelve churchyard trees were sponsored by: Becky Johnson, The Whittingham Family, Jo Thomas, Sarah Pochin, Sarah & Roger Mills, Ruth & Paul Robinson, Haughton &Faddiley WI, Elizabeth Ford, The Cheshire Cat, Rosemary Shaw, Philippa & Mike Heler, Winsford. 

The crib structure was sponsored by Emerton Roofing. 

For Easter 2021 we anticipate creating a similar display with the Tomb and a profusion of butterflies to represent resurrection. The lilies and flowers for the garden will be paid for using donations (including those from last Easter) and the names presented will be shown on a memorial board by the Tomb. Any surplus will be retained in church funds for future dedications. _Deana Emerton, Chair_ 



## **(New) Kingsbourne Housing Estate** 

Due to Covid 19 restrictions - lockdown and no visiting allowed - all visiting to new residents was unfortunately postponed for the time being. We are grateful for those who visited when this was allowed and we need to think of how and when we resume. _John & Janet Malbon_ 


## **Messy Church** 


Our celebration of Christingle in January was extra special this year as it was also our 5th birthday ... and birthdays mean cake! We sent over £200 to the Children's Society. 

It was all about temptation of a different sort in February when we dramatized Jesus in the wilderness and thought about training our "spiritual muscles" in the upcoming season of Lent. 

_Christingle Cake_ 


We used the story of Moses to explore love and care for children by parents and others at an early Mothering Sunday service. Restrictions due to the Covid threat led to some quick thinking on Rachel Percival's part – out went moulding of fondants for Mum's present and in came a chain and large pendant all made with wrapped toffees and chocolates! Tea and toast was out, but wrapped biscuits and juice, and coffee from flasks meant we could have our usual social time together at the end. 

_Building a Tall Tower_ 




By April we were already in lockdown and the decision to start a monthly Messy Church @ Home led to the first of our monthly sessions sent out by e-mail to the regular MC members; they would also be added as a download on the Church website. We just didn't think it would be for so long! Each session has the Bible story or passage with activities and things to think about, Miriam's inspirational active prayers and Peter's thoughts on and around the topic. We have covered the Road to Emmaus, the celebration of Pentecost and the Lord's Prayer. Over the summer we did a series on St. Paul (we could _imagine_ sailing round the Mediterranean even if we 

couldn't go ourselves).In October we explored belonging to God (paying taxes to Caesar or God) and it was Saintly Allsorts the following month. 


In December we were invited to "Follow the Star", a walk through Dorfold ending at the Church to view the manger scene. On a freezing Christmas Eve about 120 people attended the four outdoor nativity services in front of the manager. Singing was permitted! and Peter was joined by Hilary & 

_"Thanksgiving Pizza" - "We Belong to God" (October 2020)_ 

Emily Howell and Emily Davies to play the music. It was good to see so many of the Messy Church families there in some great costumes. 


Until it is safe to meet together again, probably outdoors, we will continue with Messy Church @ Home. It has been well received. It's a team effort but we especially thank Miriam for her brilliant presentations – she's a wonder! 

_Tracey & Peter Foster, Janet &John Malbon, Miriam Harvey, Lesley Latronico._ 



## **Music** 


2020 started as usual with most services played on the organ. The instrument group provided music for the Plough Service at Reasheath and music for Messy Church until March (thanks Miriam Harvey, Emily Davies, Hilary and Jonathan Howell). 

After then, under the restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus, there has been no live congregational music in the Church. Instead CDs have been used in services when held to provide a range of music. 

Exceptionally at Christmas a solo singer, Jess Thayer sang carols during communion on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Outdoors rules being slightly different it was possible to provide to form a small music group (thanks to Emily Davies, Hilary and Emily Howell) to lead carol singing as part of a "rolling nativity" on Christmas Eve afternoon. 

The organ continues to be tuned regularly for when some form of live music returns. _Peter Foster_ 

## **Parish Magazine** 

The production and distribution of the magazine "Insight" ceased in February as a result of the first Coronavirus lockdown. The opportunity was taken during the 2020 lockdowns to decide upon the future format of the magazine as part of the overall review into the form of communications that will be required for St. Mary's post lockdowns. 

As a result of this review it was decided that St. Mary's would no longer produce a colour magazine 8 times a year being distributed free of charge to all houses in the parish primarily because it had become impossible, with the resources available, to hand deliver the magazine. 

It was decided that, instead, a Newsletter would be produced monthly, put on the web-site and distributed by e-mail to all those who have subscribed to the St. Mary's e-mail directory. Hard copies would also be available in the church and in the leaflet holder on the Lyche Gate once the lockdowns have been lifted. 



Currently the Vicar is producing this Newsletter and we need to locate a volunteer who is prepared to take over this task. Would anyone who is interested please contact the Vicar. _Charles Hull_ 

## **Sidesmen** 

The names of those who served on the Sidesperson's Rota in 2020 are listed below. Each and every one of you is thanked for the splendid service that you have given to St. Mary's throughout the years, always giving a warm welcome to those attending our Services. 

From February onwards normal services were no longer permitted in the church and during the periods between lockdowns strict distancing and safety rules were in force for the services. This resulted in different responsibilities for the Sidespersons and thanks are given to all those who participated during these difficult periods. 

Our church has a fine reputation for being a friendly one and the job you all do forms a major part of this. Thank you all and keep up the good work! 

Our current Sidesmen are: 

Chris & Christine Barratt Miriam Harvey Kitty Boot Sheila Healy Elizabeth Bull Mike & Sandra Houlston Charles Cannon Charles & Susan Hull Pam Chadderton-Poole Stephen & Linda Jones Joan Darlington Lewis-Jones Family Robert Darlington Tony Mathie Stephan Davies Mary McMath Kath Edwards June Moss Poppy Emery Philip & Joyce Percival Gill Evans Norman Phillips Peter & Tracey Foster Ricky & Charles Roundell Ena Furber Fred West 

_Charles Hull_ 



## **Social Committee** 

At the beginning of the year our AGM planned a number of events including Table Top Sales at the Civic Hall, Concerts, our 10th annual outing to Llandudno and a celebration for the 75th VE Day Anniversary weekend. 

We did start well, with a full church for the morning lecture about the Battle of Nantwich on Saturday, 25th January, when we were able to serve refreshments as people took trips up the Tower, or to the Battle site. Later that day an even larger crowd came to a lovely Rogers and Hammerstein concert given by Acton Operatic Society, more customers than cups, but a very successful evening, financially £700 for both the Church and the Operatic Society but more importantly a good link established with a long standing society in our midst. 

The January and February Ladies Luncheons were enjoyed at The Badger and The Tollmache Arms. 

Plans were being made for another School initiative, similar to the Advent Trail, this time telling the Easter Story through workshops and drama, but Covid 19 hit the country and all Church events came to a standstill. 

The ladies of the WI, Social Committee and Tea at the Tower regulars were all knitting poppies, and we had planted 75 Red Tulips at the base of the Tower but our planned weekend had to be cancelled. 

Clare Lewis Jones organized a list and members of the Social Committee rang members of the Church who were isolated, sick and housebound on a regular basis. This is still in operation and a vital part of the pastoral care we can share in the community. We were also able to support and benefit from an initiative by members of the Burland Parish Council who organized afternoon teas for the more elderly parishioners on Friday, 8th May at the start of the VE Day Anniversary weekend, which was still marked nationally. 

We are lucky to have such a well placed Church in the heart of the village and, despite few services in the Church building during the Autumn, we were able to mark the festivals by decorating the outside of the Church and the Churchyard at Harvest, Remembrance and Christmas, you can read more about these in Deana's Flower Guild report. 




We were grateful to Charles and Candice Roundel who allowed us access to the Dorfold Hall grounds for our "Follow the Star" walk on Sunday, 20th December. Almost 80 walkers took part despite a wet start, Father Christmas brightened their day and the weather, as they followed the Star signs and biblical texts through Dorfold Park. Many thanks to the stewards who helped on the day. 

I am grateful to all the Social Committee who helped and supported the few things we were able to achieve last year and we look forward to a better 2021. 

_Joyce Percival_ 

## **Sunday Morning Refreshments** 


I'm very positive that we will be back to "business as usual" fairly soon and I'm always trying to recruit new helpers for when that happens. _Kath Edwards_ 

## **Website** 

The website _(www.stmarysacton.com)_ continues to be updated weekly to reflect the planned events. The Messy Church page is also updated direct regularly by the leaders. The national "A Church Near You" website is updated as necessary. Thank you to those who have provided material. The website will change appearance in May 2021 due to a forced change by Google but will continue to be updated. 

_Clive Evans_ 



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|||||||2920|2019|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||ta||s||
||INCOMING RESOURCES|||||||
|t|Voludary ln@me|28.905|4,223-|*1|30|34,557|40,155|
|2|F€es, adverlisingandlund-Eising|10,360||||10.360|3A,247|
|3|lncomefbm|3,452||||3,452|<br>5,224|
||'nveshenis|||||4,674|15,370|
|||||||00||
||TOTALINCOMING RESOUFCES|47.392|4,223|1,399|30|53,0,13|90,995|
||RESOURCES EXPENDED|||||||
|6|Chester Dio@se &Dedery|40,520||||40,520|40,994|
|7|<br>Cosls ol churchwolk|4,346||||4,346|11,427|
|3|Adminisrration&Outieach Prcjecls|6,766||||6,766|<br>8,963|
|e|Churchyardmaint€nane|||||6,624|<br>8,653|
|t,|Chu@hkbncmaintende|||9,60;||9,606|<br>a,203|
|||4.033||||4,033|12,989|
|t2|<br>Majorerpenditure|||||29,643|35,333|
||TOTALFESOURCES EXPENDED|55,705||||101,578|t26,563|
||ETINCOMING RESOURCESBEFOBE|||||||
||OTHEN RECOGNISED GAINS&LOSSES|{3,314)|{2,,OO|{37,8s0)|30|{43,53s)|(35,572)|
||Gains/(loss6s) on inv€slm€ntcels:|||||||
|||||||0|4,155|
|||6,157||||||
||onlansierbehreen lunds|{37,850}|I|""u.0||00||
||NET MOVEMENTINFUIiDS|{39,704|(2,401)||30|Q2,07q|(2,621)|
||BATANCES B/F1JANUABY|278,202|54,662||2,168|331032|347,653|
||BALANCESC/F3IDECEI'BEF|*4,495|52,261||2.198|292,954|335.032|
||fhetu6@kred bbynunbd@freleftlptdsltea]taGkEtopBs*lb7*hich<br>$dlmpanathe*atunt'|||blwthkpase||||
||'<br>IhL bvatualjan.ppftssto k6h.Idks.ahecBFthvffisnttunde|||||||





## 

|Balance sheetat 31De|cember 2020|cember 2020|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||@testnddt6tirred||rcsticted||||
||GeneralChurchlard||Fabric||Totrl||
||Fund|Fund|Fund|Guild|2020|2019|
||ttt|||t|t|t|
|FIXEDASSETS|||||||
||142.355||||142,355|135,898|
||142,355||||142,355|135,898|
|CURRENTASSETS|||||||
|Slock|||||||
|Shon'ter.r| deposils|95,447|52,261||2,19e|1rt9,940|198,196|
|Cash al bank and in hand|653||||653|938|
||96,140|52,261||2,198|150,599|199,134|
|LIABILITIES|||||||
|TOTALNETASSETS|238,49s|52,261||2,194|292,954|335.032|



## 



|Parochial ChurchCouncilotStMary's,Actgn,Nantwich|Parochial ChurchCouncilotStMary's,Actgn,Nantwich||Page4|
|---|---|---|---|
|FINANCIALSTATEMENTSfortheyearendihg 31stDecember2020||||
|GENEBAL FUND INCOME(unreslilcled)|||ffi|
|INCOIT4INGRESOURCES|m20||2019|
|PldnedgivingincludGenvelopesddslddingodeE|15,69239||19,435.00|
|Loose6hin€olledions||||
|Collsiions&Donaljonsal Weddinqs&Funerals||||
||||651.40|
||24905.47|32,W)||
|Fetadrenbhgandtund.Eltng:<br>PoponionolWedding &Funeralle6<br>a, Magdineadv€ltiisingGv€nue4ddonatos<br>communityEvenrs(s@ialcomnit@)|6,926,30 A%<br>30.00<br>3.4!406 -72%|7,500<br>7,500<br>12,000|14,S65|
||10360.36|||
|lnconetrod inv6menr3:||||
|Inlereslroninvesnrqb||2,141|1,41|9|
|bl C@lributonlrohsislerpai5h6||3,402||
||||1,329|
|||250|2,789|
||||4.341|
|TOTAL INCOME||||
|GENERALFUND-erc-Leqacies &talorProiecls||||
|4^4.s@ire.d@ans<br>re@@:<br>Nd6torn@he?ne|.&c|t'L.ah@edcaEI@:||||
|ot\|ht:tffi@tpenueoysw43mnw||||





## 

|||||||ffim|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||zl19|
|Che*.rDi@s&Denery:|||||||
|||||39,22,12|37,332|34,265|
|Mis..(mainly DBFtees)||||||2,729|
|MaAaine pnntngsts||||||7,544|
|orqanisr&vergeral weddingselc|||||||
|Clerqyleesand<br>erkeB|expeGe||||||
|'ay<br>vesl,Teds(Mdles,brcad4dsine)|||||||
|Orlanadpiaoseoicing|||||||
|||||||213<br>---i4l|
|Vi€Egetonninqcosts (tel.,|Mlerand@ncil||lar)||||
|Sialioneryfldphoto@pying|||||||
|||||||2,647|
||||||320|319|
|||||||216|
|||||6,697.94||6,416|
||||||1,000||
|Mi$:includingLileSkillexpens|||||o||
|||||64,29||545|
|cornbdion looil&Eleclricity@s6||||||5,762|
|Slndryeeens€(irc,6rc)||||||2,425|
|b)ComnunilyEvenis(Sqtalcommin€€)erpens||||79u,72||1,197|
|||||493274|10,1(x)|12,g23|
|dMajor repalrsa.d altehrlons||||oo0|25,000|5,339|
|TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED||||55,705.13AZ1"|95,501||
|-IOTALRESOURCESEXPEN|||||||
|ehiatst<br>qcffidiqEvdb(s@cotu)||k'ebtt'<br>b bf.Iuctunwiffi d<br>tutaddn'1dflthe|||||





|iNCOMING RESOURCES||||
|---|---|---|---|
|Funeral & Buaal tees.donaionseb.||||
|lnconelromtrveshenrs:||||
|Inler€slironallinv6lmenls||||
||4,22j.40|||
|RESOURCES EXPENDED||||
|Churchyard maintena.ceetc:||||
|Gene.al@pans andfraintenane||||
|Conrribut on tolnsurance|||1,361|
|Machinery,loel,repatsandhne||||
|Misc- inc.Orga.l$& Veq€fartuneals|0_00|||
|||9,750|12,463|
|CHURCHYARD FUND SURPLUSCXCI-||||



|FABBIC FUND{resiricied}||||]F.ailJ|
|---|---|---|---|
|||Budget||
|INCOMING RESOURCES||2020|2019|
|Proponionoi Wedd ng& Funerallees+donalio.s||||
|l.cometromlnveslnenrs:||||
|lnleresl tromallinveslhenls||||
|||5,000|4,529|
||||2,500|
|||150||
||0.00|||
||||'1O,117|
|BESOURCES EXPENDED||||
|alMajofrepansadaherations|29,6.13.075%|25,000||
|Chu6hlabnc malrlenance:||||
|Runninocosls-lnc. share ofEleclcily,oil&Insuance<br>b)Generalrepatsandmainteiance|6,570.4S<br>3,035.46 21%<br>39.249.02|4,500<br> <br>2,500<br>32.000|4,724<br>34,1W|





|FINANCIALSTATEITENTSfor theyearend|ing31st Decemb|er 2020||
|---|---|---|---|
||||ffi|
|INCOMING RESOURCES|m20|NM|m19|
||||25,0|
|ln@melron lnvesh.nts:||||
|RESOUBCES EXPENDED||||
|€aslerLilypurch6es||||
|GenoralFlower&O6ispur.n6es||||
|Flowerfesdvalpaymenis||||
||||r66|
|L FUNDS SUBPLUS OB(oEFrclT|||14) 2,166(50,||
|L FUNDS SURPLUS OB{DEFICII||(1e,891.04(rs,rsl) (700)||<br>(239)|
|&||||