2021-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St. Wilfrid, Mobberley

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St Wilfrid’s Church - Mobberley Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 8[th] May 2022

Index

1) Churchwardens Report

2) PCC Report
3) Electrol Roll Report/Safeguarding
4) Faith and Worship Report
5) Finance Report
6) Mobberley School Report
7) Youth Report
8) Deanery Synod
9) Fabric Committee

10) Rectors Report

Church Wardens Report – Church Life

Life in the Church is slowly getting back to normal although our numbers are down after Covid. Hopefully our congregation will start to grow again as most restriction are lifted. Our Church Choir continues to grow in numbers which is good to see and led by Organist David.

Nothing major to report to regards to the up keep of the Church all the little jobs have been done. The gates on the new Church yard are in need of repairing and John Hennerley has been sorting this out. We are still operating the services via Zoom for people who are still shielding. They are very important to our Church community. Thanks go to Ian and all the members of the PCC and many others members of the Church, who are on committees that revolve round the PCC also to Sides people, Verger, Readers, Flower Arrangers and brass polishers all very important jobs.

Thank you for all who have supported our Church, may you continue.

Carole Critchley and John Hennerley Church Wardens

PCC Report Ann Grainger

The PCC met on six occasions with an average attendance of 83%. At the 2021 APCM John Hennerley and Carole Critchley were elected as Churchwardens and Colin Whiteley and Bridget Knight were elected to the PCC. At the May PCC meeting it was agreed that as the previous new committee had only been in operation for a short time all officers would remain the same viz.: Vice Chair – John Grainger Secretary – Ann Grainger Treasurer –Jean Underhill Assistant Treasurer – John Grainger Electoral Roll Officer – Linda Rushton Envelope Secretary – Jean Underhill Parish Safeguarding Officer – Tim Mort Health and Safety Officer – Ann Grainger Flag Officer – Mike Boalch PCC Representatives: PCC Standing Committee– Jo-Ann Hennerley and John Grainger. Deanery Synod - David Bleakley, John Grainger, Jean Underhill Mobberley Trust – Ian Blay, Tim Mort Friends of St. Wilfrid– Jo-Ann Hennerley and Andrew Harwood: proposed by Ian Blay and seconded by Ann Grainger Victory Hall Committee – Carole Critchley, John Grainger Christian Aid – Celia Webb-Boalch

One major area of activity for the PCC during this year has been the refurbishing of our mission centre The Beacon . Our grateful thanks in particular to John Hennerley and John Grainger who oversaw the whole process, plus personally redecorating throughout. Despite difficulties with material shortages due to Covid, The Beacon was officially opened in October by the Bishop of Chester, Mark Turner, accompanied by Bishop Julie.

Finance has also been a major concern with a drastic drop in attendances which have only recently seen an improvement. Other areas for discussion have been, of course, the gradual return to (mostly) normal services following the easing of lockdown restrictions, the implementation of the new Safeguarding Policy, and the Clergy Covenant. Overall this has been a challenging time for the church and I would like to thank all the PCC members for their support and efforts over the past year.

Ann Grainger PCC Secretary

Report of the Electoral Roll Officer – Linda Rushton

There are currently 115 names on the electoral roll. There are no safeguarding issues.

Linda Rushton – Electoral Roll Officer

– Faith & Worship Group Report Rev Ian Blay

The Faith & Worship Group were exceptionally busy in 2021 trying to keep on top of, and appropriately respond to, stream of constantly changing Covid advice that came from Government and the National Church. The Faith & Worship Group has moved slowly and methodically in relaxing restrictions which meant that there wasn’t an outbreak of Covid in the church community until March of this year, a result on the low risk but highly infectious Omicron strain. I really must commend all the members of the F&W Group for all they have done over the last 2-years in guiding our community through this pandemic. They have acted quickly, diligently, and in a very measured way.

We do still have some restrictions remaining, one of which I suspect will be around for many months, if not years, to come but I know the F&W group will continue to apply the same common sense and diligence as we move forward, continuing to monitor the national situation.

Most of the other work of the F&W Group has been shaped to one degree or another by the pandemic but we have slowly seen a return to normality. We managed to retain our full pattern of Christmas services in 2021, the first time since 2019, and Lent and Easter 2022, although numbers were clearly down, and in some cases drastically reduced, it was good to get back into the rhythm that has served us so well for so many years.

Rev Ian Blay Faith and Worship Group

Finance Committee Report for year ending 31

st December 2021

The finances of the church have continued to be affected by COVID19 which has resulted in reduced congregation numbers and a reduction in the number of services at the beginning of the year, together with fewer church events taking place. During the year a number of faithful members of our congregation, who made regular donations to the church, sadly died and this has also had an adverse impact on our income. We are very grateful to the families who generously gave donations in memory of their loved ones, also to those who made individual donations and for the charitable donations received from The Bulls Head, The Roebuck, and Wilmslow half marathon, and for a grant towards the upkeep of the graveyards from Mobberley Parish Council.

In comparison to 2020, giving by standing orders and on the plate increased by £2,700, with gift day donations slightly reduced by £430. Despite some weddings being cancelled the fees received from weddings and funerals increased by £7996 – however it should be noted that a proportion of the fees received from weddings and funerals are subsequently remitted to the Diocese. The Harvest Supper and Church Fair took place as usual resulting in a profit from these events of £2,099, our thanks go to those who gave their time and effort in organising and supporting these events. Interest from our Mode Cottage investments increased by £1,576. The amount recovered from HMRC in respect of Gift Aid reclaimed was £11,631.97, slightly up on the previous year.

Purchase of 30 Town Lane – known as The Beacon – was completed in February 2021 using part of the Mode Cottage Funds which had been sold at the end of 2020. During 2021 renovations took place to make the building fit for use as Church Rooms, this, together with the decision by the PCC to pay the 2022 Parish Share in full, resulted in more of the Mode Cottage funds being sold with the proceeds of £50,000 from the CCLA Investment fund being deposited in the PCC current account with the NatWest bank.

Jean Underhill for the Finance Committee.

Mobberley Church of England Primary School

Following two academic years impacted by lockdowns and national school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a pleasure to report that normality has largely returned at school during the current academic year.

It has been lovely to see the children together again as a whole school enjoying activities such as hymn practice, services in Church, assemblies in person in the school hall (no longer on Zoom!), sports fixtures, school trips and extra-curricular activities - all the things that were

taken for granted before the pandemic, but which we now hold so dear . Prior to Christmas, pupils throughout the school once again filled shoeboxes as part of the Samaritans “Operation Christmas Child” appeal to send to children in need around the world. A highlight of the Autumn Term was most definitely the Nativity and Christmas concert performances – such a joy once again to enjoy the children’s performances and their own unique telling of the Christmas story.

PTA fundraising events were also able to resume this year with a fun Bingo night in Victory Hall and a Christmas Fair at the school (complete with a visit by Father Christmas himself!). There was also a very successful second hand book fair for the pupils and a pre-loved uniform sale. Unsold uniform from the sale was donated to Wood St Mission in Manchester for their SmartStart project, providing school uniform items for those in need. Money from fundraising activities has supported much needed facilities at school including an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) Pod as a dedicated, quiet space for children to receive emotional support from our wonderful ELSA lead. In addition, Forest School training and equipment will allow more lessons to be conducted outdoors. Plans are also currently underway to create a prayer garden which will be a special place for reflection and wellbeing for the children. In addition, the school Ethos Team who work within the school to develop our Christian value and spirituality, took part in a Collective Worship meeting with other CE schools.

There have been the inevitable COVID-19 cases, both within the teacher and pupil populations, but the school has once again managed to deal with the challenges admirably and we are indebted to their unerring commitment and dedication. In addition, the teaching staff have worked tirelessly to ensure educational “catch-up” following the 2 national school lockdowns. As the summer term begins, Y2 and Y6 children will be preparing for SATS tests for the first time since the pandemic started and we wish them well in their assessments. In addition, much work has been done by the teaching staff and governing body to prepare for a potential Ofsted inspection and the school is very well placed to demonstrate the breadth of the curriculum, emotional and wellbeing support and the range of enrichment activities.

Prior to the Easter break and moved by the scenes of the war in Ukraine, the Young Leaders (Y6) decided they would like to help those caught up in the terrible situation and arranged for the whole school to do sponsored walks during their break/lunchtimes. A significant amount of money has been raised for humanitarian support for the people of Ukraine. In addition, it is wonderful that the school has been able to welcome a family from Ukraine to the school community and for the little boy to join Reception class. We keep this lovely family in our prayers and wish them peace in our village.

Finally, with the arrival of the hopefully warmer weather, the school are preparing for a busy summer term of activities including the sports day, summer show, Jubilee picnic, school trips and the Leavers service. These will be wonderful opportunities for the school community to celebrate together once again.

The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. Psalm 29:11

Dr Valerie Baker Foundation Governor

- Youth Report John Hennerley

As we all know Covid restrictions have again been a large influencing factor as to how much we have all been able to meet up together. With that in mind we were able to start Messy Church again in September, this we started with a welcome back together party. Although we were a little cramped at first as it was in our new meeting place at the beacon, I think we all had a great time with lots of games and party food. Our Christmas party was again graced with Father Christmas who knows no restrictions as to giving gifts out to children. But unfortunately last year, we were unable to arrange a messy Panto trip due to still more

restrictions, but all looks good for this year. I hope everyone has remained safe and I look forward to the months of fun to come.

Just a reminder that we will be starting up a youth club at the Beacon on the last Friday of every month and who knows if well attended may be more often. The first date will be Friday 27[th] May with under 11’s: 5pm till 7pm and 11’s and over: 7.30 till 10pm.

Matthew 18:2-5

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Take Care and God Bless, John Hennerley

– Deanery Synod Rev Ian Blay

Our Synod was, like everything else, badly affected by Covid. Our June meeting was held via Zoom on the 22[nd] June but we were able to meet in person on the 18[th] November when we gathered at St. Paul, Over Tabley to hear from the Rev. Nikki Eastwood who was introducing Living in Love and Faith. Our first meeting on 2022 was due to take place in person but due to the Chair (me) contracting Covid this took place via Zoom.

The major item this year has been the Living in Love and Faith programme which has been rolled out nationally in 2021. It was due to be finished by the autumn but thankfully common sense prevailed and the deadline was extended to April 2022. Take up of the course has been patchy although the Chester Diocese has had a more positive response than most. Within the Deanery we are facing a large number of vacancies. From the end of January, the parishes of Rostherne with Little Bollington, Over Tabley and High Leigh have been vacant. From the 1[st] May Alderley and Birtles are now vacant and within the next month or so Wilmslow will also become vacant. In addition, the Rev. Murray Aldridge-Collins is on sick leave meaning a total of 10 churches will be without a serving priest. This has been completed at St. Wilfrid’s.

Other matters that have arisen this year include the Clergy Covenant which was agreed at General Synod and which each PCC is required to address. Safeguarding continues to be a dominant issue, with all PCC members now being expected to undertake both basic training and a DBS check. This is in hand at St. Wilfrid’s.

The Bishop of Chester along with our Suffragan Bishops came on a Deanery Tour and visited our parish on the 13[th] October with Bishop Julie. He officially opened the Beacon and visited the primary school.

This year changes were made to the wedding registration system. Parish churches will no longer hold the legal Registers and instead couples will fill in a wedding document which must be sent to the Registry Office to which the couple must then apply for their marriage certificate. The system actually seems to be working quite well. Parishes still keep their own marriage register although this now has no legal status.

My term of office as Rural Dean came to an end on the 30[th] August this year but it has been extended by a further 2 years. I would like to thank Carole Critchley who is the Deanery Synod Secretary and David Bleakley, the Deanery Synod Treasurer.

Rural Dean of Knutsford Rev. Canon Ian Blay

Fabric Committee - Rev Ian Blay

None

Rector’s Report – Rev Canon Ian Blay

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever”

Hebrews 13:8

“which faith the Church is called upon to proclaim afresh in each generation” The Church of England Declaration of Assent

There is a section of the Bible that is commonly referred to as ‘wisdom literature’. This rather general title serves to differentiate this series of writings from others such as the books of the Law and the books of the prophets. This wisdom literature covers a diverse selection of books including the poetry of the Psalms, the perceptive insights of Proverbs, the spiritual who-dunnit of Job and the mysterious book of Ecclesiastes. And it is from this last book that I draw the passage I want us to think about today. It is taken from Ecclesiastes 7 verse 10

Do not say, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.

And I am mindful of these as, looking back over 2021, I can see how the claws of the Covid pandemic have continued to hold us. It is easy to forget that for the first quarter of last year the church was shut, reopening only on Mothering Sunday, and when it reopened we had to follow some very strict anti-Covid practices that seem incredible now. Strict social distancing, no hymn singing, the permeant wearing of masks in the building and the spraying and wiping down of the church between services.

Over the year these restrictions were slowly relaxed in line with national guidance but, as we are still being reminded even now, the pandemic was still with us. Numerous variants arose throughout the year which called us to either tighten our procedures or delay or cancel various services and events.

Bucking this trend, to a degree, is our Messy Church which we finally managed to restart in the autumn. We haven’t had regular contact with these young families for a long time and the children who came regularly throughout 2019 have grown up considerably. We have inevitably lost some families over the last 20 or so months, some of whom we know have moved away, but we have also been delighted to welcome some new members, which is very exciting.

Our work at The Beacon has been hit by the various Covid resurgences and we have twice had to postpone the launch of our new projects from The Beacon however this month will see the start of 4 new initiatives. The Beacon Café, The Homework Club, the Youth Group and the Men’s Breakfast. Please keep these projects in your prayers over the coming months.

Generally, it has continued to be difficult planning for things knowing that what we plan is likely to be cancelled, and often at the last minute. Alongside these problems we have continued to see a reluctance amongst people to return. If we look at our normal services alongside our more popularist services over Christmas we can see that our normal congregation numbers are down by around 30-40% whilst our Christmas services were down 50-60%.

We have seen a large number of deaths within the congregation over the last 2 years, although very few of them, if any, directly due to Covid. What Covid has done though is restrict our opportunities for picking up and welcoming new people to our fellowship. The harsh restrictions last year and the reduced opportunities to go out and attract people in has undoubtedly made new growth difficult.

That being said we have been able to greet new members, many of whom have taken up very active roles in the choir, which is as large now as I have known it, and in Messy Church. We continue, with varied success, to stream our 10.00 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. services on Zoom and have a small but loyal following.

All in all, former days probably were a bit better than these but those days are past, we only have the future, and true wisdom lies in plotting our course forward as we seek to walk evermore closely in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus.

In my Report I like to thank those who serve in various capacities in the life of our Church here in Mobberley and this part is, inevitably, a bit samey each year however familiarity most certainly does not breed contempt and I am immensely grateful to the following for all the work they do. As is the nature of these things, firstly, some people fulfil multiple roles so I will only generally mention the more prominent ones, that doesn’t mean the other stuff you do isn’t appreciated, it also means, secondly, that I am likely to miss someone out at some point, please don’t be offended, blame my brain, not my appreciation.

As ever I must begin with our Church Officers, the Churchwardens, John Hennerley and Carole Critchley, PCC Secretary and Verger, Ann Grainger, Treasurer and Pastoral Worker, Jean Underhill and our Reader, John Grainger all of whom, alongside their stated roles above, do so many other things that I could take up the rest of this page listing them all.

I would also like to thank our PCC members for their contribution. Four members have come to the end of their terms of Office and two of these have decided not to restand so I would like to thank Tom Robinson for his term of office and Andrew Harwood who has served, I think, 4 consecutive terms (it might be 5). Thank you for all that you have contributed.

I must also report that David Bleakley has taken the decision to stand down as one of our Deanery Synod reps which also means he will no longer be on the PCC. David has served in many different capacities in the church, including PCC Treasurer, over the last 27 years. In addition, he has run and helped run our Doorway Group and the Monday Night Group that used to meet before the pandemic. He was instrumental in starting the Healing service (which we hope to relaunch in a different format later this year), helping with the Alpha course, leading our Prayer Group and many other ventures over the years. What many of you won’t know is that David is the Treasurer for the Deanery Synod as well. On behalf of everyone at St. Wilfrid’s I want to offer David out thanks. David and Kath are currently shielding but I hope that, when the current infection rate drops, we will be able to welcome them back to St. Wilfrid’s again.

One result of David’s retirement is that we have a place available on Deanery Synod for one year if anyone would like to stand.

This last year has seen the enormous growth of the choir as we welcome 6 new members (or more accurately 5 new and one refurbished). I know that music and singing was one of the things people missed most during the restriction periods and I am delighted that, in this area at least, we are pretty much back to normal, if not in some ways improved. I would like to thank David Williams, the choir members and Christopher Foy, our assistant/back up organist, for all the wonderful music they contributed over the year that has so richly enhanced our worship. In addition, my thanks to the bellringers for their contribution in calling people to worship.

Whilst speaking of worship thanks to all our Sidemen and Sdeswomen, our readers and those on the flower and coffee rotas.

I mentioned earlier that members of our church community have passed into glory over the last 12 months, so we remember with love Jean McKenzie, George Eland, Ron Whild, Sam Naylor, Pat Barry and Sandra Arkwright. I also record the death of Margaret Graham the widow of the Rev. Michael Graham, former Rector of this Parish. May they rest in peace and rise in glory, good and faithful servants of our Lord. We also keep their wives, husbands and families in our thoughts and prayers as they struggle with their loss.

I would like to thank Tim Mort in his role as our Safeguarding Officer and our Messy Church team, alongside our regulars I would particularly like to thank our newbies, Marion and Heather, who have already made such a great contribution.

Thanks also to Philippa Mort for her help with the magazine and Louise Yates for printing it, and to Barbara and all the team who help with refreshments after our mid-week service.

I would like to thank Liz Bridgford for organising the decoration of the church at Easter, Harvest and Christmas and to all those, old and new, who assist in decorating the church for our large festivals. Thanks are also due to Ray and Kathryn Britland and the Norbury family for decorating the church for Harvest, and this year for helping to move the large spoil heap at the west end of the new graveyard. Thanks also to those who open our church and open the Beacon each week and to Mike Baulch for all he does in keeping the church grounds tidy.

Thanks to those who represent the church on the various affiliated bodies, Val Baker or School Governor, Tim Mort who is on the Mobberley Trust, Carole and Jo-Ann who serve on the Victory Hall TDC and everybody who serves on the Friends of St. Wilfrid’s. Speaking of which on behalf of St. Wilfrid’s I would like to take this opportunity to thank Philippa and Penny and the new friends Committee

As ever, if I have missed anybody out above please accept my apologies and be assured that as a co-worker with God nothing that we do in the name of his Son is ever ignored, dismissed or forgotten.

Rev. Canon Ian Blay

Mobberley PCC Receipts and Payfflents for year ended 31 December 2021 PCC Account- Receipts AQI Standing Orders 19651.00 7564.05 4404.58 101.20 0.00 2530.(X) A02 GiftAid at serViS AO3 Cash at serV(9ffeeIaIrns Cash-Servite5 @ The Beacon A05 cash-saQf ma8azine GiftAid- Gift Da¥/General A06 A07 Cash- Gift Day[Generdl A08 Fee5 WeddinsslFuner315 Nal. Trust/Stsbs. iefvnds 21280.(K) A09 Alo Churrh Event5 2355.(XJ 11631.97 All Intere5tfrom tnvestments A12 Gift Aid Tax reclaimed 7472.35 0.00 6392.12 450.00 1350.00 85182.27 A13 Rectory repairs vki Trote5e SpDnsorship/Grants A14 A15 Grant DBF/Crem. Grant AL6 The Beacon Totsl Capital Receipts coi Gran15/D0nètns/LegRestrlCted GranisIDonBiionslLeKdaes/Utsrestred Friend5 Donaiions 0.00 1000.00 C02 C03 Tam Reclaimed COS TheBeacon 0.00 Total InterestsPton B5 Total Receipts 86 182.31 PCC Account- Payments CandleWine/bread/b3pf1Stn btEtaturelen¥elopesJwebsite Me55yChurch/Sundayaub 380.19 604.3 171.45 400.00 6771.80 81108.93 4710.00 135.20 3995. 1146.00 562.50 45.IX) 3608.31 4820.80 B02 DonatK)ns io rhariii25 B05 Fee5 to ChÈsier DBF Parish Sh•re Or83TrlOrgani5tNssitinE Enis11ee$ Wisiting Clergy Fees B08 Honorarium ai weddingslfunera Rector5 expenses BIO Bll Pè5toral WoikerexpEn5es PCC expenses B12 813 ChuTch costs-ga5/electrLY/Wète[ Church insurance B14 BU Churchyard mainten3n¢e Reciory-council m/WaI/rep?tys cences/Deartery subs./other B16 3614.63 803.50 108.55 150.00 Bl7 B18 Rent ¢0 NationalTruSt B19 Cost of e¥ents/hiret05tsetc. B20 Cost of refveshrnÈnrs

B21 Cost of flower5 B22 Cost of courses B23 Church maintenan 4525.08 212.93 28729.57 146603.74 824 Curch Broadband/5creen 825 The Beaton Total Capital Payments DOI Churth 1404. D02 Chur[hr D03 The Beacon 202923.62 Total 204327.62 Total Pa Deficit for the ments 350 931.36 ear -264 749.05 Cheques issued but not cleared Balance 3111212021 40,084.13 Balènce 3111212020 254,757.70 75.48 Natwest CIA Skipton BS Balance £40084.13 40 084 13 254 833.18 Property owned by Mobberley PCC- I he Beacon, 30 Town Lane. Mobberley: value £200,000.00 Mode Cottage Fund Balance 3111212021 74.879.07 152.529.62 67,801.91 72 960.77 Balance 3111212020 109,608.69 131,382.46 60,266.00 66 583.00 367 840.15 CCLA Investment - Income CCLA Global Equity- Income St. James, Place Unit Trust- Acc. St. James, Place Unit Trust - Inc. 368 171.37 £50 OOOfrom CCLA Investmentfund aid into Natwest PCC Account ' This was used to pay the outstandin8 Parish Share balance and to cover part of the deficit Prepared by Jean Underhill January 2022 Deborah Hinson Independent Examiner

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