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Annual Report of the
Parochial Church Council for the year ending 31 December 2020
St James’ Church Little Paxton
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| INDEX The Reverend Canon Annette Reed introduces the Annual Report for the Year Ending 2020 Administratve Informaton and Charity Registraton ………………………… The PCC - Aims and Purposes ................................................................ - PCC members from April 2019 ………………………………………………. Structure, Governance and Management ……………………………………….. Achievements and Performance - Electoral Roll …………………………………………………………………………. - Church atendance – some summary statstcs ……………………… - Community use of Church building ……………………………………….. Benefce website ……………………………………………………………………………… Social Media outreach ……………………………………………………………………… KIT (Keeping in Touch) Newsleter Quartet …………………………………………………………………………………………... Events and special services in 2020 ………………………………………………….. Funding the Mission of St James’ Church …………………………………………. ‘Thank You’ to those who make the weekly life of our church possible Church Fabric Report ……………………………………………………………………….. Deanery Synod Report …………………………………………………………………….. Churchyard Team Report …………………………………………………………………. Tower Captain’s Report …………………………………………………………………... Safeguarding Report ……………………………………………………………………….. Simply Saturday Report …………………………………………………………………… Development Acton Plan (DAP) Report …………………………………………… Contact details ………………………………………………………………………………… |
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Appendix
Balance Sheet for year to 31 December 2020 Independent Examiner’s Report
Income and Expenditure Accounts for year to 31 December 2020
Canon Annette Reed introduces the Annual Report for year ending 2020
It is always a pleasure to commend an end of year report for Little Paxton PCC’s Annual Meeting and doing so as we reflect back on 2020 is no exception.
2020 was, as none of us need to be reminded, a most difficult year for people not just in this country, but across the world as the Covid-19 pandemic took hold and we slowly realised how serious the consequences were for all aspects of our lives.
I remember hearing people say, “it will all be over by the summer”. As we know only too well, it wasn’t. Not only were many lives lost and the health of those who caught the virus severely compromised in many cases, but our economy took a huge hit, businesses and charities struggled and the emotional effects of families and friends not being able to meet ran deep.
Church wise, we had to very quickly adapt to a new world. So much of what we do and are at St James revolves around people being together. That might be in worship or in a whole range of community activities. Just before lockdown in March 2020, the building was being used every day either for a church-based event or by a community group enjoying the space. It was all about people enjoying each other’s company and not having to think twice about social distancing. But with human contact severely limited and our buildings shut, we did our best to seize the opportunities that an online social media presence can offer.
The weekly YouTube videos began just before Easter and I would like to thank everyone who took part in them during the year indoors and outdoors, even if sometimes folk were a bit camera shy. We have had really good viewing numbers and the advantage of them is that you can go back and watch more than once! None of them would have happened without my son Michael editing them, and himself learning on the job with clever cuts and editing tools! Mel Eyeons, our LLM, also started producing mid-week services on YouTube and I know how much these have also been appreciated.
Alongside our YouTube presence and the benefice Facebook Page which was, and is, frequently updated, we began to produce a leaflet called Keeping in Touch, or KIT as it is known now. That ran throughout the lockdowns and will still continue as it enables folk not online to keep in touch. We deliver several hard copies to folk in their homes, and it also goes out by email every Saturday. None of these initiatives would have happened without a team of people working behind the scenes, often in front of their computer screens, working to deadlines.
Alongside these ways of keeping in touch, I know that during the long months of lockdown, there have been countless phone calls and practical assistance given to those who have struggled most. We can’t log all of these, but the amount of kindness given and shared has been remarkable. During 2020 sadly, I officiated at many funerals of people who had a Little Paxton connection. There were 29 in total and 4 interment of ashes. Some of these were at local crematoria where
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numbers were severely limited. For a while we couldn’t hold any funerals in church, several families having just a graveside service at our local cemetery. A number of these were Covid related and for me were some of the saddest times of 2020.
On a happier note, we squeezed in four weddings (one in a home environment with a special license due to circumstances) and just one baptism in December. With baptisms either not possible or severely restricted in numbers, families have opted to wait until they can be joined by more guests.
Who had heard of zoom before March 2020? I for one certainly hadn’t! Gradually, zoom became a big part of some of our lives – being an online facility to hold virtual meetings. It meant that PCC and Standing Committee meetings could go ahead and allow folk to meet online if needs be. Eye strain might have been one result, but it has been better than not being able to meet at all.
Behind the scenes, during 2020, our building was looked after and kept clean. During the periods that it was used, a lot of cleaning down of surfaces had to done and the logistics of using service sheets and hymn books caused some furrowed brows. The churchyard continued to be loved by Frankie and his team which must have cheered a lot of people up as they walked through. I have been so grateful too that our benefice ringers haven’t missed an opportunity to pull a single bell, when they have been allowed, to remind us that the church community is very much alive. We look forward to hearing 6 bells again soon!
There was understandable anxiety about how the parish, indeed the benefice might meet its 2020 ministry share, a concern shared by parishes across the country. As the Accounts tell us, we were able to meet our target amount and cover the deficit from two of our other churches in the benefice so that our benefice share was paid in full. This was done on trust that the majority of the amounts covered would be repaid in 2021. Our sincere thanks to everyone who continued to support us financially whilst so many of our income streams dried up.
There were times of course when we could meet for worship, despite there being three periods of lockdown. We met between July and early November and even started sharing communion together, wafer only, but by the end of December we chose to stop in house services again. But we will never forget the wonderful outdoors carol service on a mild night on 20 December. Bravely, we attempted to zoom the Christmas Eve midnight service.
May I thank particularly our wardens Helen and Nicci for their constant support and encouragement in all sorts of ways over the year and Anita for producing some wonderful backdrops to the YouTube videos and kitting out our St James’ Teddy Bear, Jimmy. Also, for sending out the Saturday night email without fail which includes KIT and the link to our YouTube services. Kate does a great job looking after our finances and keeping us briefed as to where we are at with our income and expenditure. We are very lucky to have such a great team of church officers.
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Keeping everyone safe with a robust Safeguarding Policy has been the job of Lesley Werb as our Benefice Safeguarding Officer and meetings for all Ely Diocesan Safeguarding Officers have continued online during the Covid-19 restrictions.
Finally, my grateful thanks to Mel Eyeons for all her assistance leading worship in various settings during the year and her calm and thoughtful input into our church life. We very much value as well, the contributions of all those who read lessons in church, offer intercessions and prior to lockdown have acted as servers and prepared the altar for communion.
What 2021 will bring us as summer approaches we can’t be too sure, but let’s journey on together in faith and hope that our loving God is with us every step of the way.
I will conclude this report with the prayer I concluded with last year; it remains just as relevant 12 months on!
Canon Annette Reed 22 April 2021
An Ely Diocesan Prayer.
We praise and thank you, God of the journey, for all your gifts to us in the past.
We look to you as fellow-traveller and faithful companion on the way ahead. Shelter and protect us from all harm and anxiety. Give us grace to let go of all that holds us back. And grant us courage to meet the new life You have promised us in Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Administrative information
St James’ Church of England parish church is situated in the village of Little Paxton, Cambridgeshire. It is within the Deanery of St Neots (Diocese of Ely), and is part of a benefice of four churches with St Laurence’s Church, Diddington; Holy Trinity Church, Great Paxton; and St Leonard’s Church in Southoe and Midloe. The Pastoral Scheme creating this benefice came into force on 1 June 2015.
Charity Registration
During 2011, the Church registered with the Charity Commission. (Registration No. 114429)
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The PCC
Aims and Purposes
St James’ Church PCC has the responsibility of working with and supporting our incumbent, The Reverend Canon Annette Reed, in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of St James’ Church.
The PCC members who have served from 1 January 2020 until the date this report was approved are as follows: (please note * denotes an ex-officio member):
Incumbent:
The Reverend Canon Annette Reed* Chair
Churchwardens:
Helen Young Elected from APCM 20 September 2020 Nicci Jones Elected from APCM 20 September 2020
Deputy Churchwardens:
Leslie Tennant (Church Army Evangelist Officer Ret’d)
Ken Heley
Justyna Shirley Stepped down at APCM 20 September 2020
Lesley Werb
LLMs
Barbara Evans
Mel Eyeons
Leslie Tennant (Church Army Evangelist Officer Ret’d)
Representatives on the Deanery Synod for next three years:
Anita Bailey (PCC Secretary) Elected from APCM 20 September 2020 Nicci Jones (Churchwarden) Elected from APCM 20 September 2020
Elected PCC Members:
June Griffin
Lesley Werb (Safeguarding Officer) Lee Duncan Lyn Harris Jean Matheson
Anne Hooton Alf Gower Martin Ede
Leisa Hunt
Elected from APCM 20 September 2020 Elected from APCM 20 September 2020 Elected from APCM 20 September 2020 Elected from APCM 20 September 2020 Elected from APCM 20 September 2020 Elected from APCM 20 September 2020 Stepped down w.e.f. APCM 20 September 2020 Stepped down w.e.f. APCM 20 September 2020 Stepped down w.e.f. APCM 20 September 2020
Co-opted Member:
Kate Bywater (Treasurer)
Co-opted member from APCM 20 September 2020
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Structure, Governance and Management
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At the APCM on 21 April 2013 it was agreed that all PCC members should stand for a period of one year only and then stand for re-election year by year. This policy will be reviewed by the APCM at least once every six years and will be reviewed again by 2025.
A new Benefice Administrator was appointed in 2017 and due to the continual growth in the benefice, the PCC of St James’ Church, (meeting on the 20 March 2019), with the support of Diddington, Southoe and Great Paxton PCCs, agreed to increase the hours of this role to 12 hours per week with effect from 1 April 2019 and this arrangement continues.
In 2020 PCC meetings held on: Standing Committee meetings held on: 12 February 11 May 2020 (via zoom) 11 November (via zoom) 9 June 2020 (via zoom) 29 June (via zoom) 9 July 2020 (via zoom) 13 July 2020 (via zoom) 27 August 2020 14 October 2020
In 2016 the Diocese of Ely encouraged PCCs to work closely with their ministers to create a Development Action Plan (DAP). The plan is for growth in all areas of church life within the Diocesan Strategy ‘Towards 2025’. A small group identified areas for growth and have been working on this project since January 2018. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic there are no updates to advise since the previous DAP Report detailed in the December 2019 Annual Report.
The Development Action Plan (DAP) Group met on the following occasion , with the PCC being kept fully updated of progress and events.
DAP Meeting held on: 20 January (no further meetings held during the year)
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Achievements and Performance
Electoral Roll
The electoral roll is the foundation of the whole structure of synodical government in the church. It contains the names and addresses of everyone who can vote at the Annual Parochial Church meeting (APCM). In 2020 there were 105 people on St James’ Church Electoral Roll. The Electoral Roll is revised annually. A notice announcing the revision of the Roll is displayed on or near the church door for at least two weeks before the commencement of the revision. The only people who need to fill in an application form are those who have recently moved into the parish, joined the church or reached the age of 16. The revision should be completed between 15 and 28 days before the annual meeting.
The PCC would like to thank Helen Young for her many years of work in co-ordinating the Electoral Roll and to Nicci Jones for taking on this role in 2020.
Church attendance
The outbreak of Covid-19 and the three subsequent national lockdowns resulted in far fewer services in church than usual.
Services ran as normal from January to 11 March 2020, when the first national lockdown began. During that period, we had 30 services in church, following the usual monthly pattern including mid-week communions. We opened again for public worship on 5 July and from then until the 1 November had 27 services, mostly Morning Prayer. On the 1 November we re-introduced Holy Communion, but then the second national lockdown struck, and we chose to cease worship again. Public worship commenced once more on the 6 December for a few weeks but, due to rising infection rates, we stopped after a live-streamed Holy Communion on Christmas Eve.
The total number of services during the year totalled 64. Of these, 38 were on Sundays.
Of the 38 services, 14 were Holy Communion, and the rest were Morning Prayer.
The last Wednesday mid-week service in church was on 11 March 2020.
When the church was open, we had a mixture of mid-week Morning Prayer and Holy Communion.
During the lockdowns, we also had the church open for a few weeks on Wednesday afternoons.
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| * Denotes atendance before and in between Lockdowns | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of services | 177 | 167 | 157 | *64 |
| Total footall of adults atending services | 5306 | 5004 | 4692 | *1503 |
| Total footall of children atending all services | 1024 | 1097 | 1027 | *54 |
| Average number of people at main 9.15 am Holy communion service |
38 | 39 | 38 | *31 |
| Average number of communicants at main 9.15 am Holy communion service |
36 | 38 | 36 | *31 |
| Number of home communions | 60 | 47 | 30 | 5 |
| Number of weddings | 2 | 8 | 3 | 4 |
| Number of funerals | 15 | 5 | 10 | 9 |
| Number of baptsms | 15 | 10 | 13 | 1 |
| Average number of adults at 1stSunday Forty Minutes | 36 | 37 | 32 | *40 |
| Average number of children at 1stSunday Forty Minutes | 9 | 6 | 6 | *7 |
| Mothering Sunday Service YouTube viewing fgures | - | - | - | 430 |
| VE Day Service YouTube viewing fgures | - | - | - | 502 |
| Remembrance Service YouTube viewing fgures | - | - | - | 233 |
| Christmas Eve & Christmas services(with viewing fgures for YouTube Service Christmas 2020) |
285 | 312 | 290 | 260 |
| Easter Day atendance(with viewing fgures for YouTube Easter Sunday 2020) |
75 | 42 | 70 | 231 |
| Wednesday a.m. Holy Communion average atendance | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| Average Number of regular ‘Views’ for YouTube Services throughout 2020 |
- | - | - | 225 |
Community use of Church building
Throughout a normal year St James’ Church is used by many different groups.
The Groups who would normally beneft from use of the church are:
Line-dancing group (Tuesday mornings)
Tots and carers group (Wednesday mornings) Active Seniors Exercise group (Thursday afternoons) K-fit group - Pilates (Thursday mornings) Bell Ringing practice (Thursday evenings) Tea, Coffee and chat group (Friday mornings) Craft group run by June Griffin (2[nd] and 4[th] Wednesday afternoons) Local History Group (monthly) Fish and chip lunches (monthly) Jubilee Knitters Group (2[nd] Monday of the month)
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The Groups who would normally beneft from use of the church (Cont’d)
Little Paxton W.I. (3[rd] Monday of the month)
Little Paxton Pictures Cinema (last Tuesday of the month plus extra in school holidays) Simply Saturday – for those who like company on a Saturday (1[st] Saturday of the month)
Occasional choir practice nights
Children’s parties for church linked families
One off meetings for village groups, e.g. AGMs, Brownies’ Craft Day
Deanery Synod meetings Deanery Chapter meetings Diocese trainings
As you can see from the extensive list above … our church would be busy on most days and it is hoped that in 2021 we can slowly return to some normality and be able to further increase the use of our church for the benefit of the community. All bookings are managed by our Benefice Administrator (Nicci Jones) and there is an on-line calendar which can be viewed by all on our benefice website.
Benefice Website
Has a wealth of information about our benefice churches along with publicising the many activities which happen across the benefice. (Website details on page 23)
Social Media outreach
Over 2020 the benefice Facebook page has truly come into its own and gained in popularity and there are now 650 listed as following the page. It gives frequent updates as to what is happening across our benefice, also includes prayers, service details and light-hearted fun. This method of communication has been, more than ever in 2020, an enormously vital resource. (Facebook details on page 23)
During 2020, weekly Sunday and Wednesday YouTube services were provided on our benefice website and Facebook page and emailed out with a YouTube link, to benefice PCC members, Electoral Roll members and those wishing to receive the services. A total of 140 regularly receive this email which we know is also forwarded on to friends and family as far away as Australia! The email also includes the KIT (see below) and news from around the benefice.
KIT (Keeping in Touch) Weekly Newsletter
Produced to accompany the Sunday YouTube service, with prayers, readings, reflections and news. The newsletter is emailed out (as detailed above) and also hand delivered to many villagers.
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Quartet – Monthly Benefice Newsletter
This publication is delivered around the village and, like our website, contains a wealth of information. Unfortunately, due to so many restrictions in 2020, only a few issues of the Quartet were distributed.
Events, Films and special services that took place in 2020 and, in blue, those that were
planned but could not take place!
| 28 January | Afternoon Film – An Affair to Remember |
|---|---|
| 29 January | Film for Coffee Pot MemoryCafégroup |
| 18 February | Half Term film - Trolls |
| 24 February | Defibrillator Training |
| 25 February | Afternoon Film – The English Patient |
| 2 March | Diocese SafeguardingTraining |
| 9 March | Lent StudyGroupFilm – Patch Adams |
| 31 March | Afternoon Film |
| 6 April | Film forprivateparty |
| 11 April | Children’s Enchanted Wood SpringParty |
| 14 April | Children’s film |
| 25 April | StewartbyOperatic and Dramatic Societyevening |
| 28 April | Afternoon Film |
| 29 April | Coffee Pot MemoryCafé Film Afternoon |
| 9 May | Parish Council VE DayService |
| 26 May | Afternoon & EveningFilms |
| 30 June | Afternoon & EveningFilms |
| 11 July | Paxfest |
| 28 July | Afternoon & EveningFilms |
| 29 July | Coffee Pot MemoryCafé Film Afternoon |
| 25 August | Afternoon Film |
| 29 September | Afternoon Film |
| 30 September | Coffee Pot MemoryCafé Film Afternoon |
| 27 October | Half-Term Afternoon Film |
| 1 November | All Souls Service |
| 8 November | Remembrance Service |
| 24 November | Afternoon Film |
| 5 December | Christmas Tree Festivalreplaced with Village Lights switch-on – Lights around the church and Christmas trees decorated outside |
| 9 December | Christingle ZOOM service for Scouts |
| 19 December | Children’s Christmas Workshop/Partywith Puppet show |
| 20 December | Outdoor CommunityCarols byTorchlight |
Funding the mission of St James’ Church
Our Treasurer, Kate Bywater, will report on the church’s 2020 financial year. We have had a challenging year, whilst our church has been closed but, thanks to the generosity of so many people when we requested help during Pentecost, and with the receipt of grants from Huntingdon District Council, we have managed to stay afloat. The PCC felt it inappropriate to carry out any fundraising activities during such a difficult time for so many people in the community. The Balance Sheet together with Income and Expenditure Accounts can be found in the Appendix to this Report.
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Funding the mission of St James’ Church Cont’d
Regular giving remains an essential element to our annual financing and helps us to cover our Ministry Share. In 2020 we increased our Ministry Share by 3% and, as a benefice, we are now . paying approx. 92% of the true costs of having a full-time parish priest
A big thank you to:
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Kate Bywater for her work as our Treasurer.
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Helen Young for running the 100 club and to everyone who subscribes to it – it continues to
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provide a valuable source of income for the maintenance of the church building. The 100 Club had 100 members in 2020, which brought a brilliant profit for the year of £3020.
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Alison Bowles for completing the Gift Aid returns.
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Sarah Symonds for auditing our accounts.
In 2020, due to challenging circumstances, we were unable to allocate funds for the benefit of all
our usual charities, but hope to reinstate in 2021 as soon as our financial position allows. However, as can be seen in the accounts, donations were made to Jimmy’s Night Shelter (£150) and St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger (£80 from the All-Souls Service)
This is also an opportunity to thank Martin and Denise Ede for their work with the Children’s Society. Unfortunately, in 2020, our 60 collection boxes could not be emptied, and we were . requested to make donations on-line
A small number of our regular congregation have signed up for the Parish Giving Scheme - a new form of tax efficient giving by Direct Debit and we are hoping to expand this during 2021 - all applications can now be completed on-line.
The PCC would like to say a very big ‘THANK YOU’ to the many wonderful people who work hard to make the usual weekly life of our church possible – you are very much appreciated.
Church Fabric Report
Repointing - where the South Aisle meets the Nave. Work carried out by A.M. Strickland Builders and completed in September 2020.
Repair work to the churchyard wall between the church and St James’ Cottage received List B approval. Faculty requested for section where part of the wall needed to be rebuilt to accommodate the tree that was currently in its path. We are very grateful to the Parish Council, who are responsible for covering the cost of this work and are arranging for it to be carried out in the late Spring/Summer of 2021.
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| Item(s) inspected | Inspecton Frequency |
Inspecton Date |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clock | Annual | 5 Aug 2020 | Maintenance survey carried out by Ken Heley, Eric Young and Alan Smith. PCC keeping under review the need for an annual inspecton. |
| Efuent Pump | 5yearly | 12 June 2019 | Due in 2024 |
| Bells and Bell Frame | 17 May2018 | Service not required annually | |
| PAT Testng | Annual | 10 July2020 | |
| Guters | Annual | Feb 2019 | In hand for 2021 |
| Electrics | 5yearly | 17 Sept 2018 | Due in 2023 |
| Boiler Service | Annual | Dec 2020 | Amicus advised boiler needed replacing – proved right shortly afer when itpacked upaltogether! |
| Lightening Conductors |
5 yearly | 14 Oct 2016 | Due in 2021 |
| Fire Extnguishers | Annual | 3 Feb 2020 |
Deanery Synod Report
In 2020, St Neots Deanery Synod met virtually, via zoom, on 1 July and 4 November.
Anita Bailey and Anne Hooton had served as our Deanery Reps for the last 3 years.
Topics at meetings included:
– Finance Ministry Share - The Deanery Treasurer, Martin MacFarlane, provided updates on the payment of Ministry Share. The Ministry Share increase for 2020 was 2.5% and will be 2.1% in 2021 and 2022. Parishes had been meeting their Ministry Share until Covid-19 hit the country. In November, our deanery faced a £32,700 deficit for the year, but were fortunate to have this shortfall covered with the kind help from a parish in South Cambridgeshire.
The Diocese had collected 94% of expected parish share and so the deficit for the Diocese had been less than predicted. We were advised that cost cutting had taken place in the Diocesan office and 40% of staff had been furloughed. 2021 is expected to be a challenging year also.
The Diocese had expressed their gratitude and congratulations for the way all parishes had worked hard to ensure that giving was maintained throughout such a difficult year.
During 2020 St James’ Church PCC reviewed its Ministry Share to see how it could best help our benefice churches. St James’ Church agreed that with effect from 2021 it would increase its benefice share from 61.3% to 69%, with Great Paxton, Southoe and Diddington slightly reducing each of their shares. This now means that St James’ Church will pay £32,305 for 2021 rather than £28,700. Additionally, to ensure we, as a benefice, paid our full Ministry Share, we assisted Great Paxton and Southoe with individual loans which they are repaying.
The Parish Giving Scheme had helped parishes as it ensured a steady income despite church buildings being closed. Some parishes had had to reduce payments but Treasurer asked them to pay what they could afford.
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Deanery Synod Report (Cont’d)
Revised Deanery Plan – The diocese expressed concern about the state of the church when normality returned. To help the diocese have a good understanding of what is going on in parishes they will be arranging for an audit on every aspect of church life, its leadership and work in the community. The diocese requested that we look at resources, difficulties, challenges and also positive outcomes. The survey has been completed.
On the 3 July 2019, Rev Canon Dagmar Winter was consecrated bishop in St Paul’s Cathedral. Since then she had been visiting Deaneries to meet people and get to know the diocese. Bishop Dagmar visited St James’ Church on Tuesday 28 January 2020.
Cyber Security - At the meeting on 4 November 2020, there was a presentation entitled ‘Cyber Security’ to raise awareness of how criminals are able to steal information. The use of strong passwords was considered to be one of the most important safeguards.
Rural Dean - In early 2021, we learned that our recently appointed Rural Dean, Grant Fellows had had to stand down due to ill health but, Rev Nikki Bland of the Staughtons and Hail Weston had kindly taken on the position of Rural Dean.
Anita Bailey (Deanery Synod Representative)
Churchyard Team Report
All five lawnmowers have had their annual check-ups, and have been put to work already. When the full compliment of volunteers attend, we are a merry band of six. Many people comment on the appearance of the churchyard as they walk through, so we must being doing something right!
As far as 2021 is concerned, we are looking forward to a good, long summer.......
Frankie Lovelock
The PCC and congregation are extremely grateful to Frankie, Barbara and the team – Mick, Trevor, Dave and Winston, for the wonderful way they have continued to look after our churchyard, even during all lockdowns. Frankie is absolutely right, people walking through the churchyard tell us what a picture of colour it is and how much pleasure it gives us all, especially when we were out on our daily ‘allowed’ walks during lockdowns! Thank you Frankie and team!
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Tower Captain’s report - Bell ringing in lockdown
Along with everyone else lockdown came as a huge shock and took some getting used to. The church was closed to us all and we fell into a routine of staying indoors, working from home and going for a small amount of exercise once a day.
A couple of American ringers built the Ringing Room (a virtual belltower) and the Stretham Ringing Education Centre started virtual ringing meetings which I joined. Immediately I saw this as a great opportunity to keep our band together and to meet once a week. I opened our virtual St James belltower and started experimenting. Our first virtual meeting was held on 30 April 2020. This was all very new to us and to get a zoom meeting open on one screen and the virtual tower open on another proved challenging in the early days. The ringing was also challenging as it involves pressing keys on the keyboard rather than pulling a rope. However we have persevered. Eric took over as zoom host from May 2020. Thanks to the commitment of the band, we have a regular practice every Thursday evening and we have stayed together as a band. I am hopeful that in the near future we will be able to go back into the tower for real and start ringing our lovely bells once more.
The bells were silent from 12 March 2020 and on 8 May 2020 it was announced a single bell could be rung to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE day. A single bell was rung in each of our 4 churches before and after the 2 minutes silence at 11.00.
We continued to ring a single bell at Little Paxton (10.00), Great Paxton (10.30) and Southoe (11.00) every Sunday morning.
In August it was allowed to ring 3 bells socially distanced and on Saturday 15 August the 3 bells were rung to commemorate the 75[th] anniversary of VE day at Lt and Gt Paxton. 2 bells were rung at Southoe.
On Sunday 8 November a single half muffled bell was rung at each of our towers to mark Remembrance Day.
We continued to ring 3 bells at Lt & Gt Paxton on Sunday mornings until November when we were restricted to one bell once more.
Into 2021 …. On 27 February, 100 half muffled blows were rung at each of our towers to mark the funeral of Captain Sir Thomas Moore, who died aged 100 years. We tolled at all our towers on 23 March at 12.01 to mark the National Day of Reflection.
I would like to finish by saying a big thank you to our band – Eric, Sarah, Alan, Nicci, Alex and Dick, without whom our bells would be silent. We are looking forward to getting back to our bells but apologies for being rusty in the early days!
Mary Parnham, Tower Captain/Ringing Master The PCC and congregation are very grateful to Mary and her team and so look forward to hearing all the bells ring in 2021!
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Safeguarding Report from the Safeguarding Officer for the Benefice of the Paxtons with Diddington and Southoe
Our work is based on the House of Bishops statement:
The Church of England safeguarding policy statement is based on five foundations and offers six overarching policy commitments:
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Promoting a safer environment and culture
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Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the Church
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Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
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Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
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Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
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Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others
Over the last year the Safeguarding team, which includes our Church Wardens, our Vicar and myself, have met regularly via the ‘Zoom’ process every 2 to 3 weeks. We use the Church Dashboard website to guide us through the monitoring and recording of a range of safeguarding practices required of each church community. Our SG meetings enable us to keep up-to-date with all the regular Safeguarding matters, such as updates on the covid guidance changes and deal promptly with requests for action from Ely Diocese. Most recently this included two members of our team completing the Ely Diocese Safer Recruitment training earlier in 2021 that led to the safe recruitment of our new Co-ordinator for Occasional Offices/Caretaker. All of our Diocesan Safeguarding courses regime has been changed and improved, see Diocese of Ely / Training and Development (elydiocese.org) All Church officers are required to repeat only the highest level of training course they completed every 3 years. Work continues with monitoring the use of our churches with covid safe practices planned, developed, shared and adhered to. Safeguarding is on the agenda of each of the PCC/Standing Committees Church Meetings and our AGMs as a way of keeping us all conscious of this important caring responsibility. Safeguarding contact details are available in all four of our Benefice Churches.
As the nominated Church Safeguarding Officer I have been proud to be associated with the wonderful people who quietly go about the everyday care of our Churches and their communities.
Thank you so much for all your support, especially during such challenging times.
Lesley Werb Benefice Safeguarding Officer The PCC would like to take this opportunity to thank Lesley for carrying out the essential role of Safeguarding Officer for the benefice.
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Simply Saturday Annual Report
The year began with our usual shared lunch followed by our January entertainment provided by Buffalo. February’s after lunch entertainment was very different with a talk about Essential Oils which included audience participation guessing the different oils by their fragrance. In March we had a Quiz which was great fun.
During lockdown the Planning Group met via Zoom and it was decided to keep in touch with everyone by sending a card and Newsletter. The first of these was sent in May and a second in July.
For Mothering Sunday every lady who attended Simply Saturday received a gift of a Primula plant and at Easter all received an Easter card.
In the interval between the lockdowns Simply Saturday took part in the Flower and Vegetable Show run by the Little Paxton Parish Council by having an Information Stall with photographs of past events and leaflets.
Once in lockdown again a further newsletter was sent out in October.
At Christmas gift of a “Christmas Goodies Bag” and card was delivered to everyone.
FUTURE ENTERTAINMENT PLANNED
Subject to the lifting all restrictions on 21 June, the following events are planned for 2021 but, are subject to confirmation in line with Government guidelines.
| July | PAXFEST Informaton stall plus a Children’s game | |
|---|---|---|
| August | Welcome back party | |
| September | Quiz/Chat and Games | |
| October | Ouse Valley Chorus | |
| November | Tom Bryans 40s/50s music | |
| November | 27th | Christmas lunch followed by “Merry Makers” Christmas Show |
The Simply Saturday group was proposed by Leisa Hunt towards the end of 2017. It began early in 2018 and was aimed at those who would like some company at weekends. Usually begin with a ‘bring & share’ lunch followed by games/activities or some entertainment. We only ask for a £1 donation towards costs.
Sheila Cooper, Simply Saturday Secretary
The PCC would like to take this opportunity to thank Leisa Hunt for getting this project started and the work of all the supporting team, who plan events throughout the year. This project is much appreciated by so many and going from strength to strength.
18
Development Action Plan (DAP) Report
Development Action Plan incorporating the five ‘Levers of Change’ :
-
Nurture a confident people of God
-
Develop healthy churches and leaders
-
Serve the community
-
Re-imagine our buildings ( St James’ Church has already completed this )
-
Target support to key areas
The objectives and proposals were originally agreed at the PCC meeting held on 16 January 2018 and then confirmed at The Vestry and Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 8 April 2018.
| Lever of Change task |
Outline Objective |
Plan | Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serve the community |
Increase our working with families. Avoid event clashes with other organisations/ churches |
Propose changes to our current Easter and Advent children’s Workshop format by having three new style events during the year. |
2020 saw our plans, to build on format established in 2018, halted. However, we will reinstate these plans in 2021 as soon as we are able with more themed party/workshop events. In 2019 each themed party/workshop attracted approx. 40+ children, many accompanied by families. |
| Serve the community |
Enable adults of all ages to have some company on a Saturday lunchtime |
‘Simply Saturday’ held on the first Saturday of each month from 1230 – 1430. |
This project has gone from strength to strength – please see the ‘Simply Saturday’ Report on Page 17 for full details. |
19
| Lever of Change task |
Outline Objectve |
Plan | Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serve the community |
Provide a venue with a good quality large screen and associated equipment for use by our church, a new Film Club and our local community. |
Films to: - encourage people out of their homes, to meet others in a warm, welcoming and safe place. - be discussed by our study groups/ congregation - entertain specialist groups, i.e. autistic or dementia. |
Little Paxton Pictures began 2020 with lots of plans on how we build this facility for the community. As well as regular film shows on the last Tuesday of the month, our aims, to show films for specialist groups will continue in 2021 (when permitted) including the booking of the 5th Wednesdays throughout the year for Coffee Pot Memory Café group (those suffering from memory loss and their carers). In 2020 we had also arranged to put on regular film nights for a teenage Special Needs group and we plan to do this in 2021. The big screen, although proved to be a success in the village, is also particularly useful for our church based needs. To enable us to increase the free events we can offer to the community, we again applied to the Co-op Local Community Fund in 202O, this time specifically for Little Paxton Pictures, and were successful in being chosen as one of three local good causes which our local store customers can support. As well as being grateful to the Co-Op, we are also particularly grateful to Little Paxton Parish Council who initially supported this community venture with a grant of £3500. |
20
| Lever of Change task |
Outline Objective |
Plan | Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Develop healthy churches and leaders |
We currently have a Benefice Administrator working 35 hours per month which is greatly helping our incumbent and freeing her to carry out many tasks not previously possible. |
Explore part- funding from the Diocesan Mission Fund so this post can be expanded in the near future. |
Benefice Administrator hours increased from 8 to 12 from April 2019. Diocesan Mission funding not currently available. |
| Develop healthy churches and leaders |
Strengthen links between our benefice PCC members |
Propose informal benefice get- togethers |
Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 we were unable to physically meet in 2020, but hope to rectify this in 2021. Held first PCC benefice gathering in 2018 to get to know each other. Further gathering held in January 2019 to build on relationship and working together for the future of the benefice. All of the benefice were invited to Annette’s 65th birthday celebration at The Vicarage. We will continue working together on the Benefice Parish Profile. |
21
| Lever of Change task |
Outline Objectve |
Plan | Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Develop healthy churches and leaders |
Assist our church members and visitors to be kept fully informed of the PCC, its work and activities. |
(a) Display noticeboard in church showing PCC member photos, their names and roles. (b) Display PCC Minutes on church noticeboard. (c) Publish PCC Minutes in Quartet Magazine. |
(a) Completed. (b) Agreed it would be more accessible if we put a master copy, together with copies available to be taken away, in a file rather than display on noticeboard. Completed. (c) Agreed to publish PCC Minutes on website as more widely available to community and saves an increase in costs. Completed. |
| Develop healthy churches and leaders and Nurture a confident people of God |
Enable us to explore our faith |
Hold workshops for Christian mindfulness and exploring faith. The workshops can, if wished, lead to confirmation. |
Unable to hold any workshops in 2019 or 2020. |
| Nurturing a confident people of God |
Maintain contact with families after baptism |
Keep in touch by sending Baptism Anniversary cards |
With the appropriate permission given by baptism families (conforming to the General Data Processing Requirement – GDPR, 25 May 2018) we send out Baptism Anniversary cards. |
| Re-imagine our building |
Ensure the integrity of the church fabric for many years to come. |
Complete a major repair project to exterior masonry of the building. |
We achieved a major reordering of the interior of the building in 2012 and it is now extensively and successfully used by community groups every day. During 2018 we completed the (WOW project) major repairs to the exterior masonry at a cost of £97,500 – money raised throughgrants and fundraising. |
22
| Lever of Change task |
Outline Objective |
Plan | Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| During a DAP progress review in January 2019 – we also explored: | |||
| Develop healthy churches and leaders and Nurture a confident people of God |
Extend our engagement with families and young people |
Explore changing the format and re- branding of our 40 minute ‘All age’ services to better connect with young families |
Considerable research carried out in 2019 as to how we extend our engagement with families and young people. However, the commitment of time and energy was at the forefront of deciding and, for the present time, we will continue to build on what we are already doing. In 2019 we introduced the following: - Refreshments to be served after 1st, 3rd and 4th Sunday services to provide an opportunity for friendship and fellowship. - Children’s craft activities on every 1st Sunday. Unfortunately during 2020 these plans were halted, but we will re- engage as soon as we are able. In 2021 we will be introducing new branding and upright pennants for church events. |
As soon as we are able we shall be advertising 2021 events/films and activities!
23
Contact details:
The Reverend Canon Annette Reed
The Vicarage, 24 St James’ Road, Little Paxton, PE19 6QW Tel: 01480 211048
Email: canonannettereed@gmail.com
Churchwarden
Helen Young 10 Little Paxton Lane, Little Paxton, PE19 6EP
Tel: 01480 216255
Email: young_paxton@ntlworld.com
Benefice Administrator (and Churchwarden)
Nicci Jones
c /o The Vicarage, 24 St James’ Road, Little Paxton, PE19 6QW
Tel: 01480 877215
Email: admin@thepaxtonsbenefice.org
Treasurer
Kate Bywater
Email: kbywater.church@gmail.com
PCC Secretary
Anita Bailey
15 Jubilee Close, Little Paxton, PE19 6QG
Tel: 01480 535002 Email: ajlbailey@aol.com
Benefice Website www.thepaxtonsbenefce.org
Facebook www.facebook.com/ThePaxtonsBenefce
(All information contained in this report is correct at the time of printing)
24 111111111 Iii= 1=11111
25 Independent examIne$ report to ihe PCC of 5t James Ltttle Paxton This report on the financial statements of the PCC for the ye3r end&d 31" December 2020, which are set out on pages l and 2, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulation$ 2(K)61'the Regulations'l and s.43 of the Charities Act 19931.the Act'l. Respective responsibilities of the PCC and exarniner a rnember of the PCC you are responsible for the preparatlon of the financial statements,. you corisider that the audit requirement of the RegulatlOn5 and 5.43121 of the Act does not apply. It Is my responsibilityto Issue this report on those financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulations. Basls of thls report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under s.43171 Ibl of the Att and to be found in the Church guidance, 2006 edition. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statement5 and seeking explanations from th& trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidentt that would be required in 3n audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examinerfs statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention.. 111 which give5 rne rea50nable cause to believe that in any rnaterial respert the requirements To keep acCountng records in accordance with section 41 of the Act. and To prepare firiancial statement, which accord with the accounting record5 and comply with the requirernents of the Act and the Regulations, have not been met.. 121 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Sarah E Symonds 6 Elm Croft Little Paxton Date.. 16, April 2021
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