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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St. John The Baptist Cookham Dean

2025-12-31-accounts

St John the Baptist COOKHAM DEAN

Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31 December 2025

This Annual Report is published by the Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Cookham Dean.

AGENDAS

Agenda for the Annual Meeting of Parishioners 10.30 Sunday 19 April 2026

  1. The election of two churchwardens to serve for the forthcoming year.

followed by:-

Agenda for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 19 April 2026

  1. Apologies for absence

  2. Minutes of the meeting held on Sunday 22 June 2025 - see page 24

  3. Presentation of changes to the Electoral Roll

  4. The annual reports on the proceedings of the PCC and the activities of the parish generally for the year ended 31 December 2025

  5. Presentation of the Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025

  6. Appointment of Independent Examiner

  7. Election of 3 Deanery Synod Representatives for 3 years

  8. Election of 9 PCC members for 1 year

  9. Any other business – by leave of the Chairman

Closing prayers

CONTENTS

CONTENTS
Annual PCC Report 2025 2 - 5
Ministry Team Report 6 - 8
Changes in Electoral Roll 9
Fabric and Churchyard 9 - 10
Darby Pension Fund 10
Safeguarding 11
Fund Raising Committee 11
Cookham Dean School Report 12 - 13
Deanery Synod Report 14 - 15
Treasurer’s Report 16 - 18
Annual Accounts 16 - 22
Independent Examiner’s Report 23
Minutes of Annual Parochial Meeting
held on 22 June 2025 24 - 27

St John the Baptist Cookham Dean - Annual Report for 2025

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Annual PCC Report for the year ending 31st December 2025

Background

The parish of St. John the Baptist Cookham Dean together with Holy Trinity Cookham forms The Benefice of The Cookhams. The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting within the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church – pastoral, evangelistic, ecumenical, and social. It also has responsibilities for the maintenance of the church and churchyard of St. John the Baptist, Church Road, Cookham Dean.

Membership

Members of the PCC are either ex officio, elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) or co-opted by the PCC in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

During the year the following persons served as members of the PCC:

Incumbent The Rev’d Stephen Mills Chair
Associate Priest The Rev’d Sophie from 24 Sep 2025
Troczynska
Licensed Lay Minister Richard Simmonds Vice Chair until May 2025
Church Wardens David Hazeldine until 22 Jun 2025
Lorna Sykes Acting from 27 Nov 2025
Treasurer
Mathew Billinghurst Vice Chair from 22 Jun 2025
Deanery Synod Reps Ray Reed

Lorna Sykes
Mathew Billinghurst		 Elected APCM
2023 for 3 years
Diocesan Synod Rep John Sykes PCC PCC Secretary until
Secretary 22 Jun 2025
Elected Members Katherine Billinghurst
Greta Dixon until 22 Jun 2025
Marion Elly until 22 Jun 2025
John Fairlie
Stella Fairlie until 22 Jun 2025
Ros Hazeldine PCC until Nov 2025
Treasurer
David Hazeldine
Laura Satterley
Jeremy Webb
Sarah Davies from 22 Jun 2025
Chiu Sung from 22 Jun 2025
Louisa Knight from 22 Jun 2025
Co-opted Members Edward Mercieca from 22 Jun 2025
Marija Voronis from 22 Jun 2025

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Overview

The post of associate priest was finally filled after two years with the arrival of Rev’d Sophie Troczynska in September. She was inducted at a service held at Holy Trinity, Cookham.

Lay Minister Richard Simmonds stepped down from his duties in the benefice in May. Thanks are due to him for his dedication, enthusiasm and competence, especially in taking funeral services, pastoral care, and home communion both to individuals and Harwood House.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Due to issues of eligibility, a postponed APCM took place on 22 June 2025, with permission from Bishop Mary. A number of long-standing PCC members did not seek reelection and our thanks are due to Stella Fairlie, Marion Elly and Greta Dixon for many years’ faithful service. David Hazeldine stepped down as churchwarden but remained on the PCC with Mathew Billinghurst being elected in his place. At a PCC meeting held immediately after the APCM, Ros Hazeldine was appointed Treasurer and David Stevens appointed as a non-PCC member Secretary. The Standing & Finance Committee was also appointed at this meeting; the Fund Raising and Fabric & Churchyard committees being elected at the next regular meeting of the PCC.

It was with sadness that Treasurer Ros Hazeldine passed away in November after a relatively short illness. We are grateful to Ros for her service as Treasurer as well as her participation in many church activities. Churchwarden Lorna Sykes was appointed by the PCC as Interim Treasurer.

There were 92 names (2024: 101, 2023:94, 2022:94; 2021:101) on the Church Electoral Roll as presented at the 2025 APCM, 47 (2024:57; 2023:54, 2022:54; 2021:56) of whom were resident in the parish with a further 18 (2024:17; 2023:17, 2022:17; 2021:21) resident in the Benefice.

Church attendance

At the beginning of the year we continued to host a number of evening services for Holy Trinity as their closure for reordering lasted until after Easter. We were delighted that Bishop Mary accepted the invitation to spend the whole of Easter with us not long after her installation as the new Bishop of Reading. The benefice Maundy Thursday Eucharist and Watch of Prayer was held at St John’s. The annual Good Friday Walk of Witness from St John’s to Holy Trinity was followed by the Good Friday Liturgy held at Holy Trinity School. The benefice Easter Vigil was held at St John’s on Saturday evening. The regular Parish Eucharist was held on Easter Sunday, followed by Holy Trinity’s Easter Carol Service in the evening.

The Nine Lessons and Carols took place on the Sunday before Christmas, the Crib Service on Christmas Eve was attended by 232 people and the Christmas Day Eucharist by 159.

There were 89 communion services during the year (2024:99; 2023:85; 2022:105; 2021:89). The midweek communion service changed to alternate weeks during the year.

Easter Day communicants were 124 (2024:68; 2023:66; 2022:70; 2021:49)

The number of Christmas communicants was 76 (2024:113; 2023:78; 2022:119; 2021:59).

The average weekly attendance was 67 adults (2024:64; 2023:60, 2022:61; 2021:48) and 3 under 16s (2024:7; 2023:8, 2022:7; 2021:5).

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There were 6 baptisms during the year (2024:5; 2023:7, 2022:7; 2021:10), 2 weddings (2024:2; 2023:3, 2022:4; 2021:2), and 11 burials, memorials and interment of ashes (2024:13; 2023:11, 2022:18; 2021:14).

Whilst the attendance of under 16s at the main services fell, we continued our series of occasional Sunday afternoon Families@4 in conjunction with Cookham Dean School. Attendance at the Harvest service was 125 with 123 at the Christingle service.

Finance

The headline for 2025 is that we had a surplus of c. £1,323, which is better than we had been expecting especially as we completed the screen project within that figure. Included in that is a provision of £6,500 in respect of the HMRC Gift Aid claim for 2024/25, which had not concluded by the end of the year, but which was received in January 2026.

Both Standing Orders and Parish Giving Scheme channels were more than budgeted and we should continue to encourage people to use these methods especially as banks are increasing charges for both cheque and cash deposits, and card machines attract a retention amount.

Other Income included £5,000 from the Diocesan Development Fund and £5,523 from the Friends towards the overall cost of the Screen Project.

Diocesan Share was paid in full and was £4,000 less than budget due to the rebate whilst there was a vacancy for the Associate Priest. 2026 will see the first full year of share supporting two full time stipendiary priests.

Churchyard was £1,000 above budget, but this reflects the trend that will continue as a result our having to outsource more and more of the work as our volunteers get older.

As usual, supporting Missions and Charities is an important part of our activity, some of this coming from specific fund-raising activities and through collections at services and funerals. In the year we supported Christian Aid, Combat Stress, The British Legion, Water Aid, Thames Hospice, the Children’s Society and Elizabeth House.

At the end of the year our cash position including debtors stood at £118,417 (2024:£122,800).

Review of the year’s activities

Online prayers and reflections continued to be provided on Mondays and Fridays until April. The main Sunday service continued to be livestreamed once a month on the 4th Sunday and on special occasions.

Easter Services included the ecumenical Walk of Witness between the two churches via the Stations of the Cross depicted by local artists, inaugurated in 2005.

The Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial and then in church was attended by 148 people including a good representation from the Scouts. The annual service of Remembrance of Loved Ones who have Died was held in November and was very much appreciated by all those who attended.

The traditional Nine Lessons and Carols service was held on 21st December with an attendance of 95. This service was also recorded and had over 50 views.

The PCC met on 5 occasions in 2025. Throughout the year the Vicar, Treasurer and Churchwardens have reported to the PCC by means of written reports circulated prior to each PCC meeting. Safeguarding is a standing agenda item and attention this year has continued on completing Basic Training for all PCC members. Katherine Billinghurst is our Parish Safeguarding Officer, assisted by Laura Satterley, and our thanks go to them for

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undertaking this essential work.

Fenella Reekie, Headteacher at Cookham Dean School, attended the March PCC meeting to give an update of progress and activities at the school. Both Cookham Dean and Herries continued their regular visits to the church for services and events throughout the year.

As well as the attendance by Fr Stephen, Rev’d Sophie and Richard Simmonds at school assemblies, an “Open the Book” Team has been established in conjunction with Holy Trinity under the leadership of John Timewell. It is now visiting each of the state primary schools in the benefice on a twice termly basis.

The Parish Magazine continued to be produced throughout 2025, edited by John Sykes. The magazine continues to be available online as well as being distributed to each house in the parish. Thanks go to Stella and John Fairlie for the co-ordination of the distribution of the magazine in Cookham Dean. Thanks also to John Sykes for managing the magazine advertising, which makes a substantial contribution to the cost of production.

Although the number of members in the church choir is quite small compared with the past, we have still managed to provide musical support of a high standard to our worship. The PCC is grateful to David Colthup, our long-standing choirmaster and organist for 60 years, for his continued committed service and for nurturing our small but able Junior Choir.

Working parties in the churchyard took place throughout the year, which, together with the volunteer grass cutting, has seen the churchyard maintained in good condition. However, the number of volunteers is now quite small and an increasing amount of grass and hedge cutting is now done by contractors, which has, of course, to be paid for.

Flowers were provided in the church throughout the year by a band of volunteers, coordinated by Doreen Reed and Marion Elly. The PCC is grateful to all flower arrangers, especially those who decorated the church for major occasions.

The activities of the fund-raising committee under the leadership of Marion Elly had a very good year raising over £6,400 (2024: £5,600). Several social/fund-raising events were organised including the traditional Autumn Fayre in WI Hall, which again raised c. £3,000.

The pattern of Fellowship Lunches continues with the Methodists, Holy Trinity and ourselves taking it in turn to host the monthly event. Numbers have steadily increased, and a splendid Christmas lunch was held in the Jubilee Vestry in December.

The fabric of the church remains in good condition. There were no major repairs undertaken and expenditure was restricted to minor repairs and routine maintenance.

A significant investment for the future was made in a retractable screen, projector and audio-visual system in the church. This was financed from the proceeds of a Gift Day, Friends of St John the Baptist, a grant from the Diocesan Development Fund and our reserves. Great care was taken to preserve the character of the church. The screen has already been in regular use for our Families@4 services, school services and at funerals.

This PCC report for year ending December 2025 was approved at the PCC meeting on Wednesday 18 March 2026.

Signed Mathew Billinghurst (Chair of the meeting)

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Ministry Team report for APCM 2025

Dear Friends,

The past year has been one of change, challenge, and real opportunity within the life of our benefice.

A Year of Transition and Shared Life

2025 began in unusual circumstances, with Holy Trinity closed and spaces temporarily shared at St John the Baptist. This required generosity and flexibility, and I want to acknowledge the goodwill and hospitality shown. It set a tone for what it might mean for us to live more intentionally as one benefice.

Benefice Vision Away Day

A significant moment in the year was our Benefice Vision Day, led by Rhodri Bowen, Parish Development Adviser from the Diocese. The purpose of the day was clear, to bring both churches together to prayerfully consider how we might grow in mission, outreach, and shared purpose across the Cookhams. From my perspective, the day was energising and hopeful. There was creativity, honesty, and a genuine desire to explore how we might better fulfil the call of Christ to proclaim the good news. I came away encouraged by what felt like a renewed sense of possibility. However, it would be disingenuous not to acknowledge that the day was not well received by everyone. Some found the direction challenging, particularly the idea of closer unity between our churches. As a priest, I found that difficult, as my own experience of the day was so positive. It required me to listen carefully and to try to understand perspectives different from my own. That tension remains, and we must continue to hold it with grace, patience, and prayer.

Growing Unity Across the Benefice

Throughout the year, I have seen encouraging signs of growing connection between our two churches. Shared moments, including patronal celebrations and the reopening of Holy Trinity, have brought people together in meaningful ways. It was particularly heartening to see members of St John the Baptist present at Holy Trinity’s reopening. These are the kinds of moments I hope will continue to grow. With the move of the Holy Trinity service to 10.00 am, there will be occasions when only one priest is available, and therefore only one service will take place. Rather than seeing this as a difficulty, I encourage us to see it as an opportunity to worship together, strengthening our identity as one benefice.

Worship and Easter Celebrations

Holy Week and Easter were particularly joyful. It was a blessing to welcome Bishop Mary to share in that journey with us. Attendance increased, and there was a real sense of life and warmth across both churches. These are moments we should give thanks for and build upon.

Pastoral Ministry and Bereavement

Alongside these joyful occasions, we have also walked with many through grief and loss. St John the Baptist continues to be a place of refuge and hope for those facing bereavement. It is a privilege to share in that ministry, and it is deeply encouraging to see how many find a spiritual home here amid sorrow. This speaks volumes about the compassion and kindness of this community.

Baptisms and New Life

We have also celebrated baptisms, welcoming new families and new life into the Church.

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These moments remain a profound reminder of the Church’s calling to be open, generous, and outward looking.

Schools and Families Ministry

Our work with Cookham Dean Primary School continues to be a real strength. It is always a joy to lead assemblies and to share in the life of the school. This connection is central to our mission, and I encourage you to continue to hold the school in your prayers. Families@4 has remained an important part of our ministry, and I am grateful for all who have contributed to its life. As we look ahead, this area will develop further under the leadership of Revd Sophie, whose gifts, energy, and vision will help shape its future.

The Ministry of Revd Sophie

The Licensing of Revd Sophie was a significant and joyful moment in the life of the benefice. Since then, she has brought commitment, care, and a clear sense of vocation to her ministry. It has been a pleasure to work alongside her, and I am deeply grateful for her support. It was a deliberate and considered decision for Sophie to take particular responsibility for St John the Baptist. This provides her with space to grow in leadership, model discipleship, and guide the church forward. I remain convinced that this is a healthy and appropriate model, at least for several seasons. I would strongly encourage you, as members of the PCC, to support and encourage her fully in this role.

Remembering Ros Hazeldine

We also said goodbye to Ros Hazeldine, our faithful Treasurer. Ros gave so much to this church through her quiet dedication, steadfast service, and deep commitment over many years. Her contribution was not only seen in the work she did but felt in the life and stability of the church she served so faithfully. She is deeply missed. We remember her with gratitude and affection, and we pray that she may rest in peace and rise in glory. I am also mindful of David, and of the way in which the community of St John the Baptist has gathered around him with such care, compassion, and love in what continues to be a very difficult time.

Christmas and Community Engagement

As we moved into Christmas, it was wonderful to see our churches full once again, with particularly strong attendance at Christingle and carol services. These occasions remind us of the significant connection we have with the wider community, especially those who do not attend regularly.

A Call to Mission and Evangelism

This leads me to a more challenging reflection. If we are to be a church not only for today, but for the next generation, we must be intentional about mission and evangelism. We cannot simply maintain what we have inherited. If we do, we will decline. We must be willing to invest our time, energy, and resources in reaching new people, particularly families and children.

There needs to be, in my view, a clear shift in culture, from one of maintenance to one of mission.

This will require courage. It will require creativity. It will require a willingness to take risks, and at times, to make mistakes. But unless we are prepared to sow, we cannot expect to reap. We are all called, through our baptism, to be witnesses to the Gospel. This is not the responsibility of a few, but the calling of all. The words of Jesus are clear, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” This is not optional. It is the heart of the Church’s life.

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Jesus also tells us that “the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” The question is not whether people are out there, but whether we are willing to go to them.

If we want to see growth, renewal, and new life, then something must change. We cannot expect different results if we continue in the same patterns. We must be prepared to step beyond what is familiar, to look outward as well as inward, and to make space for those who are not yet here.

This is the work before us. And it requires all of us.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we look to 2026, I invite you to reflect prayerfully:

St John the Baptist has a rich and beautiful heritage. If it is to flourish into the future, we must be willing to look outward as well as inward, not simply preserving what has been, but stepping with confidence into what God is calling us to become.

There is much to be hopeful for. You have a committed priest in Revd Sophie, rooted in this place, offering leadership and vision. You have a strong and caring community. And you have a real opportunity, together, to grow in faith, in number, and in witness.

This is a moment of possibility. A moment to be bold. A moment to trust that God is already at work among us and ahead of us.

There will be challenges, but I am confident that, together, you will meet them with faith, generosity, and courage, and that, by God’s grace, this church will continue not only to endure, but to flourish.

Thanks and Acknowledgements

Finally, I want to express my sincere thanks to all who have given their time, energy, and love to the life of the church this past year. In particular, I thank Mathew Billinghurst and Lorna Sykes for their faithful service as Churchwardens, and all those who continue to serve in so many different ways.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the members of the PCC, for your commitment, your willingness to serve, and for the responsibility you carry in helping to guide and shape the life of this church. Your role is not simply administrative, but deeply spiritual, and vital to the future of St John the Baptist.

I look forward to continuing to work with you all in the year ahead, as together we seek God’s will, discern His leading, and step forward in faith.

I look forward to all that lies ahead.

With every Easter blessing,

Fr Stephen

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Changes to the Electoral Roll since the last APCM

The update of the Electoral Roll took place between the 12th Feb and 26th Mar 2026.

There are now 93 people on the Electoral Roll, as opposed to 92 in 2025, there being 1 deletions and 2 additions.

Of the 93, there are 45 Resident in the Parish and a further 18 Resident in the Benefice.

Lorna Sykes Electoral Roll Officer

Fabric and Churchyard Report for 2025

As reported in previous years, our Church’s buildings, and the Churchyard, continue to be very well maintained and the Churchwardens continue to be very grateful to all the people who voluntarily look after the fabric and the grounds every week and all those who lock and unlock the building each day thus creating the opportunity for the many visits made by the public to our church.

We are also very fortunate to have so many truly delightful flower arrangements in church throughout the year and we are very much in debt to the team who provide them as we also are to those who make sure that the Church’s interior is always clean and well looked after.

The following is a summary of the non-routine work, in addition to the above, carried out during 2025:

The leaking tap at the rear of the church was replaced.

The annual maintenance and earth test was carried out in July.

Both the Church and the Jubilee Vestry boilers were serviced on Sept 11th at a cost of

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£192.

It was reported that there is a slight leak in the Vestry boiler which is not critical at the moment and will be monitored.

• Projector and Screen

The new screen and projector were installed on 22nd-25th September, with grateful thanks to John Sykes for the considerable work of specifying and overseeing the installation. The total cost of this was £18,383.15.

This was cleaned for the first time since it was laid in 2013, at a cost of £240.

• Churchyard Mornings

These have continued, right up to 1st November, more or less on a monthly basis, with varying attendance. About ½ of the area is maintained by Holdford. We hope that we can continue with voluntary labour to maintain the other half, but we are mindful of the advancing age of the volunteers.

Neil Barr, our appointed architect has now retired, and we are seeking a new architect which is for our Quinquennial inspection which is due in 2026.

Mathew Billinghurst Lorna Sykes Churchwardens

Darby Pension Report 2025/26

The annual report was not available at the time of printing.

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Annual Safeguarding Report 2025

We follow the Church of England’s Safer Recruitment and People Management guidance (2021, updated version expected in 2026). The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of the whole Church. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.

The PCC operates a Safe Recruiting process, which aims to keep a balance between safe recruitment and not creating an onerous bureaucratic system. The recruitment of new volunteers involves informing the recruiter so that the necessary details and references can be obtained. Procedures are always monitored to ensure that checks and training for volunteers are delivered in a timely manner and the cooperation of volunteers in this is much appreciated.

Debbie Burroughs is responsible at St John the Baptist for checks with the Disclosure and Barring Services for new and established volunteers with children and vulnerable adults. We now use Verifile which is recommended for the Diocese of Oxford.

The Church of England’s Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework (2024) provides a clear framework for safeguarding training across all Church of England communities. We follow the Church of England’s Safer Recruitment and People Management guidance 2021, meaning a range of safeguarding training modules are a mandatory requirement for particular Church Officer roles. Safeguarding training should be renewed every three years and people are asked to link their online training record through “Local Reporting” directly to the Safeguarding Officer’s Safeguarding email. All safeguarding training records are kept securely. The resources and training equip our community to engage positively with the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults in both a practical and theologically informed way.

The PCC has complied with the duty to have ‘due regard’ to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.

Katherine Billinghurst Parish Safeguarding Officer

Fundraising Events Report 2025

During 2025 we continued our Fundraising events for the Church as follows:-

These events raised a total of £6,415 compared with a total last year of £5,458.06

With grateful thanks to the fundraising committee of Marion Elly, Barbara Dent, Stella Fairlie, Marija Voronis, Louisa Knight, Doreen Reed, Judith Timewell and Lorna Sykes, and a big thank you to all who have supported these events throughout the year.

Marion Elly

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Cookham Dean CE VA Primary School Report - March 2026

Report to PCC by Mrs Fen Reekie, Headteacher

Presented at PCC meeting 18 March 2026

Context

Number of pupils on roll – 200 currently on roll. Full capacity – 210 – increased class sizes to 30 per class in September 2025

Academic Achievements

Current school focus

To continue to improve and maintain outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by developing staff skills in the teaching of children with SEND

Ensure that ALL children have access to an ambitious curriculum that challenges and supports through quality first teaching

Ensure that ALL children achieve at least expected progress in all subjects, including foundation subjects.

Ensure that ALL children have a sense of purpose at Cookham Dean and enjoy attending school

All children feel prepared for the wider world through the promotion of resilience, kindness, confidence and teamwork

Targets for end of year attainment 2025

GLD 83% - actual 79% Phonics 61% (very low year) – actual 75% KS2 SATS Reading 90% (last years national data 74%) – actual 100% Writing 82% (last years national data 72%) – actual 92% Maths 75% (last years national data 73%) – actual 83%

Targets for end of year attainment 2026

GLD – 74% Phonics 83% KS2 Reading 94% Writing 73% Maths 87%

Awards

Eco school Silver Sports games award Silver Active stars award Gold attachment aware award

SIAMS report – June 2025

Strengths Leaders, including governors, make bold decisions inspired by the Christian vision.

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Consequently, pupils and adults flourish as unique individuals because of dedicated leaders’ commitment to providing the best possible opportunities for personal development.

Development Points

Extend opportunities to embed spiritual development throughout the curriculum. This is so that pupils can broaden their experiences of reflecting on themselves, others and the big questions of life.

School Leadership Team

Deputy head is leaving at Easter. Currently interviewing (15 applicants – 4 interviewed)

Finance

Increase in numbers at last census was at 207 which will impact on budget for 2025-2026. We are still short of 10 pupils which we need to fill before October census. PTA very supportive – have recently bought 15 ipads, maths resources to support curriculum, paid for trips/enrichment experiences

Spiritual Development

Staffing

3 new teachers started in September 2025.

Mrs Fen Reekie Headteacher

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Maidenhead and Windsor Deanery Synod Annual Report for 2025

The Maidenhead and Windsor Deanery comprises 14 parishes and benefices. The Deanery Synod comprises all the clergy in the deanery and Lay Representatives elected by their respective parishes for a period of three years. The current triennium runs from 2023 to 2026. At the end of 2024 the Synod had 69 members. Attendance varied from 27 to 45 over the year.

There were three meetings of the Synod during 2025:

Tuesday 4th March 2025 at The Soltau Centre, Stubbings:

A new Deanery Secretary (Tom Etherton) was elected to replace Thomas Walton who has moved away from the area.

The Synod heard from Rev Ainsley Swift about a successful community project he was involved with in Merseyside and shaped his understanding of where we find God.

The Synod also heard from Rev Richard Terrado-Reardon about the Alma Beacon and the Windsor Homeless Project, working with the Windsor Christian Fellowship

Windsor Team Ministry was replaced on the 1st January with the Parish of Central Windsor

Thursday 22nd May 2025 at St Luke’s Church, Maidenhead:

The Synod heard from Bishop Mary, the Bishop of Reading about her ministry before being a Bishop but also her experience so far in the Diocese.

The Synod heard about Bishop Mary’s desire to focus on confidence in the gospel, the wellbeing of all people and the ministry of reconciliation.

General Synod member Gracy Crane gave a report on the February 2025 General Synod sessions.

Rev Ainsley Swift marked the retirement of Rev Sally Lynch from St. Luke’s, as well as her role as Assistant Area Dean. The Synod thanked her for her ministry in the Deanery.

Rev Ainsley Swift also announced his appointment as Commissary to the Archdeacon and Rev Sally Lodge took on the role of interim Area Dean.

Thursday 2nd October 2025 at All Saints, Dedworth:

The Synod heard from Charlotte Wilmshurst about Domestic Abuse training within the Church of England and how we can all work together to keep people safe.

The Synod discussed, at some length, the current allocation of Parish Share and a proposal was made by Waltham St. Lawrence and Shottesbrooke to revise the current system to enable those parishes who have historically been paying more than what their allocation should have been to reduce slightly more quickly.

The Synod had received a written report from Gracy Crane about General Synod ahead of the meeting and discussed this at the meeting.

The Synod welcomed Rev Sophie Troczynska as Assistant Priest in The Cookhams.

(Continued on page 15)

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Thanks to parishes’ hard work and generosity, the Deanery paid £961,210 of parish share in 2025, against an allocation of £1,073,166, which was 89.6% of the requested amount from the diocese. The diocesan average was 93.1%. This was a reduction from the £925,871 paid in 2024.

In May 2025, Rev Ainsley Swift moved to a new role within the Diocese as Commissary to the Archdeacon and therefore left his role as Area Dean. Rev Sally Lodge has been appointed as Interim Area Dean until mid-2026 when a new Area Dean will be elected.

Rev’d Tom Etherton Deanery Secretary

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Accounts for the year ending 31 December 2025

Treasurer’s Report and Accounts

The examined accounts for 2025 have been prepared in line with Church accounting regulations (2006) and section 43 of the Charities Act 1993. The accounts have been examined, presented to, and accepted by, the PCC.

General Fund

The general fund for the year closed with a surplus of £1,323. This is a good result, and I must, therefore, thank all the congregation who have helped us to achieve this. We received donations of £2,875 the year during and £6,997 was raised through the Autumn Fayre and various activities organised by the Fund- Raising Committee.

“Other Income” of £12,155 includes £5,523 transfer of funds from The Friends account and a grant of £5,000 from the Oxford Diocese Development Fund, for which we are very grateful, both of these sums being set against the expenditure of £18,492 for the installation of the drop-down screen and projector. This project was completed in October.

During 2025 we again increased our Missions and Charities amount donating over £5,297. We sent £360 to Christian Aid, £135 to both Combat Stress and The British Legion from Remembrance Sunday, £1,531 to Water Aid, £180 to the Children’s Society, £1,900 to Thames Hospice, £1055 to Elizabeth House.

2026 Budget

The budget for 2026 has been set and agreed by the PCC. It is a deficit budget of - £5,500. This is partly due to 2026 being the first full year we are committed to paying our share of 2 full time stipendiary priests and 2026 being the year our Quinquennial inspection is due which is likely to cost c.£2k . Regular giving is still down on pre-Covid levels, and I would ask those members, contributing by way of standing orders and other planned giving, to consider an increase in their giving in 2026 in order to assist with the ever-increasing costs of maintaining our church. We are extremely grateful to those members of our congregation and the “Friends Scheme” who have pledged money throughout the year to assist with the upkeep of the churchyard and general maintenance. We have fewer regular helpers with the churchyard and need to use our contractors Holdford’s more often, so if there are any new persons who would like to consider pledging money to the Friend’s scheme, please talk to Robert Dent or myself. We are a small church with many expenses to keep the church in its current good repair.

Assets and Liabilities

Monetary assets at the year-end were £ 119,364 (£122,799 in 2024, £105,882 in 2023, £84,351 in 2022 and £82,083 in 2021). The decrease this year is due to funding the balance of the screen and projector project.

Other Notes

We were all saddened by the unexpected death of our Treasurer Ros Hazeldine in

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November. I have endeavoured to maintain the accounts, with grateful thanks to John Sykes and other members of the PCC, for their help and guidance during this difficult period. My thanks also to Robert Mandeville for stepping in at short notice to examine the accounts, following the resignation of the examiner appointed at last year’s annual meeting.

A special thank you to Marion Elly and her fundraising team for all the work they have done to supplement the income for the church with some much-needed funds to help support Church finances. This year the Autumn Fayre was again held in the WI hall and although the weather was better than last year it was still cold. Soup and teas and coffee with delightful cakes attracted a number of supporters and we are truly grateful that the committee were able to donate a significant profit to the church.

Thanks also to Robert Dent for counting the collection at the end of each service and who handles the “Friends Scheme”. The money donated has enabled us to keep the churchyard grounds looking splendid and to contribute the cost of the projector to the screen and projector project. We are very grateful to all contributors to the “Friends Scheme” and would be delighted if anyone else felt they were able to make a regular donation no matter how small; two pounds per week is over £100 per year. Please speak to me for more details.

I end with a special plea that you support fund raising activities whenever you can as every little helps. It is always great to see familiar faces and why not try to bring someone new along. I believe you often enjoy those things you have had your arm twisted to attend! It costs over £1,500 per week to keep the church open.

Lorna Sykes Acting PCC Treasurer

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Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 22 June 2025 at 11.15 in the church

Note: this meeting was originally scheduled for 18 May 2025, but was postponed with the permission of the Bishop of Reading

Present: Fr Stephen Mills, in the chair, and 34 other members.

Annual Vestry Meeting

The meeting opened with prayer.

Election of Churchwardens –Lorna Sykes and Mathew Billinghurst had been proposed and seconded. David Hazeldine, who has stepped down after 11 years in the office, had been thanked as part of the Morning Service.

Lorna and Mathew were unanimously elected unopposed as Churchwardens. The Vestry meeting closed at 11.20am.

Annual Parochial Meeting

Apologies for absence: Jeremy Webb, Louisa Knight and Marion Elly.

Minutes of the meeting held on 21st April 2024

These were circulated in the Annual Report and Accounts booklet. These were agreed by those who had been present as a correct record and signed by the chairman.

Changes to the Electoral Roll

A complete update of the Electoral Roll took place between 10th February and 22nd April 2025. There are now 92 people on the Electoral Roll (last year 101) with 14 additions and 23 deletions, showing an evolving turnover. 47 are resident in the Parish and a further 18 resident in the Benefice. Fr Stephen noted the extent to which we are a “gathered” congregation with people already actively making a decision to come and worship here.

The Annual Reports on the proceedings of the PCC and the activities of the parish generally for the year ended 31st December 2024. The Annual Report

and Accounts were published in booklet form beforehand and taken as read. This booklet should be read in conjunction with these minutes and was distributed to all present. It is also available at the back of church and as a download from the website. The PCC report, Ministry Team Report, Fabric and Churchyard Report, Safeguarding Report, Fund Raising Report, Darby Pension Report and the report from Cookham Dean School were officially received. Of particular note were that fabric of the church is generally in good order, that safeguarding is well-established, the Darby Pension Fund provides income to 20 persons, and the excellent relationship we enjoy with Cookham Dean School.

Report of the Deanery Synod

The meeting formally received the Deanery Report, which is provided by the Deanery and outlines the activities over the year.

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Presentation of the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31st December 2024

Treasurer Ros Hazeldine presented highlights of the 2024 accounts:

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Ray Reed proposed adoption of the accounts, seconded by Lorna Sykes, which were unanimously agreed.

Ros was thanked for all her work as Treasurer.

Appointment of Independent Examiner

Amanda Hannington has offered to continue as examiner, and her re-appointment was carried unanimously.

Election of PCC members

With an Electoral Roll number of 92 we are entitled to 9 elected members on the PCC.

Nine nominations had been received as follows:- –

Nominee Proposer Seconder Katherine Billinghurst David Stevens Mathew Billinghurst Sarah Davies David Stevens Lorna Sykes John Fairlie Stella Fairlie Sylvia Hull David Hazeldine Sonia Bell Ray Reed Rosalind Hazeldine Ray Reed Richard Poad Louisa Knight Katherine Billinghurst Sylvia Hull Laura Satterley David Hazeldine Lorna Sykes Chiu Sung Katie Turner John Timewell Jeremy Webb Ros Hazeldine Stella Fairlie

These were elected unopposed to the PCC.

John Sykes explained that there had been 3 other nominations for PCC but unfortunately these did not meet the requirement to have been on the Electoral Roll for more than six months. However, the PCC does have the ability to co-opt 2 members and it was planned to exercise this so as to include new and enthusiastic input to the PCC.

Note that in addition to the elected members above, the following are ex officio members of PCC:-

Fr Stephen addressed the meeting

He said that the benefice was flourishing in both churches.

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He apologised for any upset that there may have been but that he was looking forward to an amazing year ahead and the exciting joy that is Jesus Christ.

He encouraged the programme of events which draw the community and church together as well as contribute to our fund-raising.

Questions and Discussion

Elizabeth Runnacles raised the important part individuals play in the running of smaller churches such as our own, and how sorry she was to see that Richard Simmonds was no longer officiating in his role as LLM. She wished to thank him for his long service to the parish.

She also raised the practice of combining parishes that was taking place across the Church of England and pointed out that the downside of this is a loss of independence which in this church is very important to us and a vital part of our identity and character. She urged the PCC to be mindful of the implications of this when considering the future.

Fr Stephen responded by saying that this was a healthy conversation to have. Our two churches are individual, and the future was to concentrate on being more unified in our mission rather than organisationally.

John Sykes gave a diocesan perspective – so far Oxford Diocese had not had to carry out any re-organisation to specifically reduce clergy as had happened in a number of other dioceses. This was due to the diocese being well funded, a key part of which was the ability and willingness of parishes to pay share which covered the cost of their ministry (principally stipends and housing). That is why giving and paying our way is so important.

Fr Stephen reiterated that each church is self-supporting and flourishing which is a great position to be in. He said that when we do recruit an associate priest, we will have increased capacity for our mission. We are interviewing on July 14th.

John Sykes gave an update on the proposal to enhance the visual aid facilities in the church by installing a screen and projector along with associated cabling. At the moment, we are awaiting the final faculty permission from the diocese. The project will be funded from the Gift Day, a grant from the Diocesan Development Fund and the PCC reserves. It was envisaged that the principal use for the screen would be for school occasions and Families@4 services.

Fr Stephen asked the membership if they would like to “go paperless” and have the liturgy for the services on the screen rather than on paper. The response was a resounding “No!”.

Vyv Rees asked whether any associated enhancement to the sound system was planned. They are not as the system is digitally based rather than the older analogue method, and will integrate with the new visual technology, as it currently does for livestreaming.

Any Other Business

Mathew Billinghurst commented how inspirational it was to have Fr Stephen as vicar.

The meeting closed with The Grace at 12.08pm.

Signed ………………………………….

Date ……………………

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