St Wilfrid’s Church - Mobberley Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 21st April 2024
Index
1) Churchwardens Report
2) PCC Report
3) Electrol Roll Report
4) Safeguarding
5) Faith and Worship Report
6) Finance Report
7) Mobberley School Report
8) Youth Report
9) Fabric Committee
10) Rectors Report
Church Wardens Report – Church Life
Welcome to this year’s wardens report and although it’s been a busy year for me I give thanks for the continued support to all those who know they have helped and possibly some that do not realise the important contribution they have made. Thanks also go to all who help with the running of our church including the PCC,
Sides people, Our Verger, Our Reader, Flower Arrangers and many, many others. Please forgive me for not listing everyone as the list is endless and you are all as important as each other, named or not. Although I guess I should also mention the Revd Ian Blay.
Throughout this past year there have been various repairs made in our church building including repairs made to our heating system. I.e. leaking pipes near the choir vestry, boiler repairs and also the replacement of our creaky floor near the north door. I also think the installation of the Christmas lights fixed above the nave for the festive season was very well received and a great idea. I have been massively supported by Carole Critchley who has continued to produce the side’s person’s rota’s Thank you Carole so much.
The Beacon Report
The Beacon, our outreach into the centre of Mobberley continues to be supported by our youth club children the Wednesday morning communion service, men’s breakfast, knit and natter group, parents and toddler group, film club and also the Thursday night study group. This is great to see but our drop in that runs on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings is not so well frequented. Please note that we are open from 10am to 2pm on these three days. We are open to all, who wish to just meet friends, have a rest or just a hot drink with a friendly chat. I hope that more people will find us as a place of welcome.
May I just add that I am here to help and support you our congregation, as your church warden and if there is anything you think I may be able to help with I am always here to listen and do my best to help. Just ask. Take Care and God Bless
John Hennerley Church Warden.
PCC Report Ann Grainger
The PCC met on six occasions with an average attendance of 67%.
At the 2023 APCM John Hennerley was elected as Churchwarden. There were no nominations for a second churchwarden. Heather Walker was elected as a new member of the PCC and Ann Grainger, Tim Mort and Linda Rushton were reelected to the PCC.
Carole Critchley was elected in place of Pam Smith as Deanery Synod representative for the remainder of the 3-year term. John Grainger and Jean Underhill remain as the other 2
Carole Critchley was elected in place of Pam Smith as Deanery Synod representative for the remainder of the 3-year term. John Grainger and Jean Underhill remain as the other 2 representatives.
At the May PCC meeting the following officers were appointed:
Vice Chair – John Grainger
Secretary – Ann Grainger
Treasurer –Jean Underhill
Assistant Treasurer – John Grainger
Electoral Roll Officer – Linda Rushton
Health and Safety Officer – Ann Grainger
Envelope Secretary – Jean Underhill
Parish Safeguarding Officer – Tim Mort
Flag Officer – Mike Boalch
PCC Representatives:
PCC Standing Committee– Linda Rushton and Heather Walker
Mobberley Trust – Ian Blay, Tim Mort
Friends of St. Wilfrid– Bridget Knight and Heather Walker
Victory Hall Committee – Carole Critchley, John Grainger
School Governor – Val Baker
Christian Aid – Celia Webb-Boalch
The majority of PCC members have completed their Basic Awareness Training. A second module - Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse – is now also required and members are gradually completing this. We have continued our efforts to have all members of the PCC, and others in the church in contact with the young or vulnerable individuals, to be DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked.
The major concern for the PCC this year continues to be the gulf between our income and expenses, the majority of which is payment of our Parish Share, set by the Diocese.
Another topic for discussion has been the Prayers of Love and Faith commended by the House of Bishops of the General Synod for use within services. This is deemed to be an issue which could cause major disruption within the Anglican Communion and therefore requires careful consideration.
I would like to thank all members of the PCC who have given their time and expertise in the care and maintenance of our church community over the past year.
Ann Grainger PCC Secretary
Report of the Electoral Roll Ofcer – Linda Rushton
There are currently 113 names on the electoral roll. In 2023 - 121
Linda Rushton – Electoral Roll Officer
Safeguarding Report 2023 Tim Mort
- Incident Reporting
There were no incidents reported this year. There are no cases or attendance agreements currently being managed.
2. Actions completed
Safeguarding compliance
2.1 The following are safeguarding compliant in accordance with Diocesan standards and the requirements of the Parish Safeguarding Handbook:The parish website; Notices displayed in the church and in the “Beacon” parish rooms; The Good Practice guidelines for exercising pastoral care and working with children and vulnerable adults;
Procedures for dealing promptly with safeguarding allegations or suspicions of abuse;
Completion of “Activity risk assessments “for each activity associated with children or vulnerable adults and run in the name of the church; The consideration of safeguarding as a standing agenda item at each PCC meeting;
Insurance cover for all activities undertaken in the name of the PCC which involve children, young people and vulnerable adults.
2.3 Module completions
Most of our PCC members have completed “Basic Awareness” and “Safeguarding Foundation” and some have completed ” Raising awareness of domestic abuse” Completion of these modules by our Rector, Reader, and Pastoral Worker is managed by the Diocese .
- Actions to be completed in next 12 months Members of the PCC to complete “ Safeguarding foundation” and “Raising awareness of domestic abuse” modules.
Tim Mort Safeguarding Officer
– Faith & Worship Group Report Ann Grainger
The Faith & Worship group have met twice this year.
There have not been any major areas of concern. As ever we have considered arrangements for special services within the church calendar. Also we have discussed what effect the introduction of our Family Service has made and how/if we can further improve attendance.
Ann Grainger Convener, Faith and Worship group
Finance Committee Report for year ending 31st December 2023
2023 has seen an increase in contributions via standing order but a decrease in contributions received at church services. Contributions received from services at The Beacon have slightly increased as has income generated at the various activities held in The Beacon. There have been fewer funerals and weddings during the year resulting in a reduction in income received from fees. Once again there have been a number of successful and enjoyable church events and our thanks go to those who gave their time and effort in organising and supporting these events. Our thanks also go to those families who have made donations in
memory of a loved one and to the Wilmslow half marathon committee for their donation. A grant towards the upkeep of the graveyards was received from Mobberley Parish Council, and in addition to the volunteers, namely Celia and Mike Boach, Ray Britland once again gave his services in keeping the grass cut, we are very grateful for this support.
As a result of the reduction in income, and the decision to pay the Parish Share in full, the PCC agreed to transfer £40,000 from the Mode Cottage fund to top up the PCC account, this being £15,000 more than in 2022. However despite this, at the end of the year the Mode Cottage investments only showed a reduction of £9,921 on the previous year. The interest from our Mode Cottage investments remains a steady source of income as does the amount reclaimed from HMRC in respect of Gift Aid.
Mobberley PCC Receipts and Payments for year ended 31 December 2023 PCC kcount- Recelpts Aol Standlngorders GrftAiO ar sem 18104.00 9261.50 4603.53 778.00 345.00 3175.00 135.00 22748.00 514.85 3339.58 9793.60 9607.79 A02 A03 Cash SecOffee1almS C85h-SeThices @ The Beacon AOS Cath-Saleofmaga21ne Grfl Aid- Grft DtylGeDeral Ca5h- Grft tray/Genetal Fee5Wedding5lFunera15 oi¥tsIGknn£ Churth Events A06 A07 A08 A09 Alo All ifflerestfrom inve5trnents A12 Grft Tax rethlrAW A13 Rertory costs refunded Spon50rslMplGraots GraTrt DBFICrem. Gtant The Beac A14 6456.02 150.00 2178.00 91189.87 A15 A16 Totsl Capital Receipts GrantsIDonatlonslLe8aciIRestrICted Grants/DonatlonsJLe8acles/Unrestricted 0.00 0.00 0.00 Frtends Donati¢5 Tax Reclaimed CQS The aeacon Total PCC Account. Payments CandWwine/breadlbapti5rn LireratUre/envelopeslwete 267.67 623.50 554.07 3901.02 5690.00 85425.00 5030. 383.20 5360.( 1920.62 975.90 89.00 4961.27 5398.20 MessyChurch/Yoth aub DDnatiOtistocharftTres FÉesto(hestetDBF Parish Share Or6aDIOrBaDisWtsitinB Organlstfees L5fIingaeFeeS HonLrarium atweddI5murternls BIO Rectofs £¥pen5e5 Bll Pastordl Workerexpenses B12 PCCexpen5e5 B13 Chwcb wsts-83slelettricity/water Insuran B14 815 Chwchyard matatenallce RecDJry-CouDclltaxlviaterlrerMlrs 816 4486.31
817 LtCèThosi¥¥eaery svb&lotherst.P)t Rep.t to Narional Trust 956.28 56.14 200.00 B18 B19 Cortofe¥eDtslhlrÈtQ5ts etG CGstof<thshmenis 21 Qjst of fiowers B22 Cost Df cour5e5 823 rch maintenance 4040.36 639.36 4509.73 135521.63 OlrCh knaitband/S¢w IheBeKon Totsl Capitsl Payrnents Church LThurctrrd o. The Beacon Total P Deficit for the ments 135 521.63 44 331.76 ear Cheqve i55ued but not deared £284 Fees Chester D8F Balance 3111212023 29 216.03 29 216.03 Balance 3111212022 33 547.79 33 547.79 Natwest Account Balance £ 'This includes £40 000 bank transfer from CCLA Global E fund into Natwest Account which was used to pay the outstsnding Parish Share balance and to cover part of the deficit Mixle Cottage Fund Balance 3111212023 72,377.20 80,132.30 135 858.00 288 367.50 Balance 3111212022 66,103.63 106,016.26 126 168.78 298 288.67 CCLA Investment CCLA Global Equity St. James, pla Unit Trust The Beacon. 30 Town Lane, Mobberley owned by Mobberley PCC- notional Value £200,0).00 Prepared by Jean Underhill January 2024 Deborah Hinson Independent Examiner
Jean Underhill January 2024
Deborah Hinson Independent Examiner
Mobberley Church of England Primary School
The start of a new academic year is always an exciting time when the school welcomes a new intake of reception class children. It was also an opportunity to welcome these new children, their families and returning pupils in our traditional start of the year service in St. Wilfrid’s. The start of the autumn term also sees the older children being assigned responsibilities for the year ahead as they prepare to move on to senior school. One of their favourite jobs is to be “buddies” with the youngest children, where they read, play and mentor them – you will no doubt have seen them taking wonderful care of the younger children on their trips across from the school to church. The Forest School sessions are now well established and the children love getting their wellies on, exploring the wooded area and taking their learning outside. At harvesttime, the children not only had their own harvest festival in church, but also helped with the harvest flower arranging. The Year 6 Young Leaders supported the poppy appeal in honour of Remembrance Day this year and the school choir sang so beautifully in church during both the Harvest and Remembrance Sunday services.
The children once again contributed to the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child appeal this year, putting together shoeboxes of items to be sent to children in need across the world. There were also visits from various groups including the Blue Cross who taught the children about animal welfare and how to care for their pets, and 2 local dentists who talked to the younger children about their teeth and how to look after them. This was in addition to various school trips including a Stone Age day at Tatton, a farm trip and a Pilgrim Day visit to Chester Cathedral. The autumn term concluded with the wonderful Nativity and Christmas performances.
The spring term has been extremely busy and productive with many highlights including the Epiphany Service in St Wilfrid’s, World Book Day, Uniformed Organisation Day, Road Safety Talks from Cheshire Fire Service, Internet Safety Week, Child Mental Health Week, Bikeabiliity sessions focussed on cycling safely on the roads in addition to various sports tournaments. Music continues to be an integral part of school life at Mobberley and the choir performed at Singfest in Congleton.
As the summer term begins, Year 6 children will be preparing for SATs tests and we wish them well in their assessments. It will also be a busy term of activities including the sports day, school trips and the Leavers service.
The PTA have also had another very busy year with various fundraising events including a Pre-Loved book sale in school, Opposites Day, a Spooky Disco, making tea towels with self-portraits that the children have drawn themselves, plus the traditional Summer and Christmas Fairs. Money from fundraising activities is supporting much needed facilities at school, including the updating of classroom computing equipment.
Finally, our thanks as always to the teachers, teaching assistants, staff and volunteers at our school for their continued dedication.
Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Josha 1;9
Dr Valerie Baker, Foundation Governor
- Youth Report John Hennerley
Let me begin with thanks to everyone involved within our youth ministry this past year.
This year we have seen the steady growth of our youth club here in the village, held at the beacon which runs every Friday evening. This has been fantastic getting to know all our local children of whom I didn’t realize there was so many here within Mobberley. We have games consoles, board games and even an air hockey table for all to play with, and not forgetting the tuck shop. The children were also involved with our Christmas nativity play at Saint Wilfrids which without their involvement I believe would not have taken place. Can I say a big thank you to all who took part ...... you are all STARS.
I would also like to take this opportunity to ask if anyone would love to volunteer in helping us out at the youth club as it has been so popular we are looking for responsible young minded adults who could spare a couple of hours on a Friday evening. Please see me for further details. On this note I would love to thank Jean Underhill for stepping into the breach and helping out at the youth club, I know the children love you and always ask where granny Jean is. Thank you so much.
My wife Jo-ann Hennerley runs a parents and toddler group every Monday at the Beacon with help from Heather Walker. Can I take this opportunity to thank them both for giving their precious time in providing this important service for our village. I know this is also very well attended with many regulars going every week.
This January saw the start of our messy church as we re-launched it after taking a short break. We relocated back to the Rajar, as the Beacon was found to be a little limited in space. This has been found to be well attended for the short period we have been running and I hope it will continue to grow.
This past year has been a privilege to work with all the leaders and helpers whom give their time so readily to make sure our ministry and the word of Jesus Christ reaches as many children and families Let us remember that the Gospel message of Jesus Christ is the gift for us all to share. I end this report expressing all my thanks for everyone’s help and time given.
THANK YOU ALL. Psalm 127:3
Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him
Take Care and God Bless John Hennerley Youth Leader.
Fabric Committee - Rev Ian Blay
None
Rector’s Report – Rev Canon Ian Blay
“For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.”
Ephesians 2:10
One of the great Christian books of the last century is ‘The Screwtape Letters’ by CS Lewis, an imagined chair of correspondence between a senior demon, Screwtape, and his nephew Wormwood. If you haven’t had chance to read it I thoroughly recommend it to you. Wormwood has been appointed to corrupt a young man, his ‘patient’, but much to his annoyance the man becomes a Christian, necessitating him having to write to his uncle for advice. It is a strange back-to-front world they exist in. Screwtape writes to him,
One of our great allies at present is the Church itself. Do not misunderstand me. I do not mean the Church as we see her spread but through all time and space and rooted in eternity, terrible as an army with banners… fortunately it is quite invisible to these humans. All your patient sees is the half-finished, sham Gothic erection on the new building estate. When he goes inside, he sees the local grocer with rather in oily expression on his face bustling up to offer him one shiny little book containing a liturgy which neither of them understands, and one shabby little book containing corrupt texts of a number of religious lyrics, mostly bad, and in very small print. When he gets to his pew and looks round him he sees just that selection of his neighbours whom he has hitherto avoided.
As I said, his world is one that is back-to-front but, that being said, there is, I think, a crumb of truth in this in that we often think too little of ourselves, we think of ourselves as, literally, being too small, too weak, to irrelevant. This is the zeitgeist of our modern age, one that we can too easily fall into if we are not careful. We need to remember the first thing Screwtape says, that vision of God’s people, which he somewhat surprisingly quotes from the Song of Solomon, that are spread throughout time and space, rooted in eternity. Whatever issues we face we are part of something far greater, in every sense of the word, than ourselves. We are part of that great army, each and every one of us if we had but the eyes to see it.
As ever there is a long list of people to thank and many of our people fulfil more than one role so please don’t be disappointed if I don’t list all your functions, please accept the following as a thank you for all that you do. I must begin with our Churchwarden, John Hennerley. He has carried that role alone over this last year and has done a magnificent job. Alongside his Churchwarden duties John has also been busy at the Beacon running the Youth Club, helping at Messy Church, holding drop-ins, cooking breakfasts and many other things. Thank you, John.
I would like to thank our PCC Officers, Jean and Ann, for all they do in that capacity, and all our PCC members for all their work over the last year.
I am immensely grateful to John Grainger our Reader, my thanks for all that you do. I also, of course, have to make thank Jean Underhill our Pastoral Worker who does so much to keep in touch with people in their times of sickness and keeping them involved in the life of the wider church as well as being our Baptism co-ordinator.
I would like to thank David and all the Choir, as well as our Assistant Organist Christopher Foy, for their contribution to our services over the last 12 months and filling the church with beautiful music. As many of you know Christopher is unwell at the moment and undergoing treatment, we wish him well and keep him in our prayers.
My thanks to the bellringers for their contribution in calling people to worship. Speaking of worship thanks to all our Sidemen and Sideswomen, our readers and those on the flower and coffee rotas.
Our mission at The Beacon continues with the Youth Group, Parents and Tots, Wednesday Film Matinees, and Men's Breakfast. This year we took the decision to move Messy Church back to the Rajar simply because of the greater space available there and I would like to thank our Messy Church leaders and helpers. Thank you to John and Jo-ann Hennerley and John Grainger for running The Beacon so efficiently.
Every PCC member, and everyone who works with children, has to be DBS checked and undertake Safeguarding training, this is overseen by our Parish Safeguarding Officer Tim Mort and his deputy Bridget Knight and I thank them for their vital work in keeping everybody safe and our church above reproach.
My thanks to Mike and Celia Boalch for all the work they do in keeping the graveyard neat and tidy, thanks are also due to our new Flag Captain, Neil Rowland, who took over from Mike earlier this year. Thanks also to Sarah Baron who continues in her role as Flower Organiser. Thank you to everybody who helps decorate the church for Christmas, Easter and Harvest.
A number of our church family have passed into glory, we remember with love and affection John Burgess, Nicholas Dolan, Margaret Davies, Lorna Taylor, Phill Armstrong, Irene Roberts and Clare Stephenson. May they rest in peace and rise in glory, good and faithful servants of our Lord. We also keep their families in our thoughts and prayers as they cope with their loss.
Finally, thank you to those who represent the church on the various affiliated bodies, Val Baker our School Governor, Tim Mort on the Mobberley Trust, and those who represent the church on the Victory Hall TDC and the Friends of St. Wilfrid’s.
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.