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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Anne (Heyhouses), St Annes-On-Sea, Lancashire.

2023-12-31-accounts

The Parish Church of St. Anne St. Annes-on-Sea, St. Anne (Heyhouses)

Annual Report and Financial Statements

of the

Parochial Church Council

for the year ended 31 December 2023

Incumbent: Fr. Glen Brooks 4 Oxford Road, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire, FY8 2EA

Parish office:

(address for correspondence) 2A Oxford Road, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire, FY8 2EA

Bank: Treasurer: National Westminster Bank plc, Henry Gilbraith 24 St. Annes Road West, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire, FY8 1RH

Independent examiner: Russell Dawson, 14 Vernon Road, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire, FY8 2RQ

Mission Statement

“Growing strong in faith and worship, we work together to serve and care for all.”

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS
ANNUAL REPORT ................................................................................................................................ 3
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES ...................................................................................... 5
BALANCE SHEET ................................................................................................................................. 6
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS .................................................................................... 8
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES ........................................................................................................ 8
2. INCOMING RESOURCES ........................................................................................................ 9
3. RESOURCES USED ................................................................................................................ 10
4. REMUNERATION ................................................................................................................... 12
5. FIXED ASSETS ........................................................................................................................ 13
6. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND .............................................................................. 14
7. DEBTORS ................................................................................................................................. 14
8. LIABILITIES ............................................................................................................................ 14
9. ACCOUNT BALANCES ......................................................................................................... 15
10. FUND DETAILS ...................................................................................................................... 15
11. SELECTED FUND BALANCES ............................................................................................. 15
EXAMINER’S REPORT……………………………………………………………………………...16
ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTS ................................................................................................................ 17
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORTS ........................................................................................................... 20
I APCM ITEMS .............................................................................................................................. 20
a) CHAIRMAN’S REPORT .............................................................................................................................................. 20
b) CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORTS ............................................................................................................................... 21
c) PLANNED GIVING AND GIFT AID .......................................................................................................................... 23
d) SAFEGUARDING OFFICER'S REPORT .................................................................................................................... 24
II WORSHIP & MISSION............................................................................................................. 24
• WELCOME MINISTRY (SIDESPERSONS)............................................................................................................ 24
• BELLRINGERS ............................................................................................................................................................ 25
• CHOIR ........................................................................................................................................................................... 26
• ALTAR SERVERS ........................................................................................................................................................ 26
• SUNDAY SCHOOL ...................................................................................................................................................... 28
• BAPTISM ANNIVERSARIES ...................................................................................................................................... 28
• CELL OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM ............................................................................................................... 28
• BABIES AND TODDLERS .......................................................................................................................................... 29
• MONTHLY TEA & CHAT ........................................................................................................................................... 30
• MOTHERS’ UNION ..................................................................................................................................................... 31
• "INFLUENCE" MAGAZINE ........................................................................................................................................ 32
• WEBSITE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 33
III COMMITTEES & SYNODS ..................................................................................................... 33
• a)
LAND AND BUILDINGS COMMITTEE .......................................................................................................... 33
• b)
PARISH ROOMS COMMITTEE ........................................................................................................................ 34
• c)
SOCIAL AND FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE .................................................................................................. 35
IV ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS ......................................................................................... 37
• a)
HEYHOUSES NURSERY SCHOOL .................................................................................................................. 37
• b)
WEDNESDAY MEN ........................................................................................................................................... 37
• c)
VISION 2026 ........................................................................................................................................................ 38
• d)
ADDITIONAL CURATES' SOCIETY ................................................................................................................ 38

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ANNUAL REPORT

Background

St. Annes Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, Father Glen Brooks, in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, social and ecumenical, within the ecclesiastical parish. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Parish Rooms on Oxford Road, St. Annes and the property at 2 Vicarage Close, St. Annes.

Membership

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

During the year 2023, the following elected and co-opted individuals served as members of the PCC for the full year:

Richard Baker Treasurer and Lay Chair, from April 2019 elected for 3 years to 2022, re-
elected for 3 years to 2025, treasurer to July 2023
Bill Cousins From May 2023 elected for 3 years to 2026
Lesley Dawson from May 2021 elected for 3 years to 2024
Peter Duke from April 2022, re-elected for 3 years to 2025
Susan McMahon from April 2022, re-elected for 3 years to 2025
Adrian Page from May 2023, resigned December 2023
Janice Vause Secretary, from May 2021 to June 2023, elected for 3 years to 2024
Gillian Streatfield from May 2022 elected for 3 years to 2025
Fiona Wilson from October 2020 re-elected for 3 years 2023 to 2026
Christopher Hale co-opted as Safeguarding Officer from August 2021
James Andrews Co-opted as Secretary 21/3/2023, elected May 2023 for 3 years to
2026,
Henry Gilbraith From May 2023 elected for 3 years to 2026, Treasurer from July 2023

During the year 2023, the following individuals served as members of the PCC in an exofficio capacity for at least part of the year:

Fr. Glen Brooks Vicar (Chairman) - all year Fr. Ryan Otley Curate - from June 2022 Ann Fletcher Churchwarden - all year Bernard Snape Churchwarden - from June 2023 Bill Hembrow Licensed Lay Minister – all year Christine Campbell Deanery Synod rep from June 2023, elected for 3 years to 2026 Brian Hankinson Deanery Synod rep from June 2023 elected for 3 years to 2026 Pamela Kinghorn Deanery Synod rep from June 2023 elected for 3 years to 2026

Committees

The PCC operated through a number of committees, which met regularly throughout the year: including the Land & Buildings Committee, Parish Rooms Committee, Outreach Committee, and the Social and Fundraising Committee.

During the year the PCC was pleased to accept the reports and recommendations of the various Committees. All members appreciate the work done by everyone concerned,

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including those who are not full members of the PCC; everyone continues to work hard to support the work and worship at St Annes Parish Church .

Church Attendance

The number on the Electoral Roll as of 30[th] April 2024 in preparation for the APCM was 231 up from 223 at the equivalent point last year. 108 are resident in the parish and 123 are nonresident. During the past year there were 7 deletions (5 deaths, 1 by request and 1 removal) and 15 additions.

The Average Weekly Attendance (individuals over 18 attending church at least once during the course of a week averaged over each of the four weeks of October 2023) was 106 up from 92 and 79 in the previous two years (2022 and 2021). Children’s Sunday School (3-5 years) was restarted on alternate Sundays in October 2023 when attendance was declared to be 7.

Review of the Year

During 2023 the full PCC met 5 times (21/3, 5/6, 2/10, 15/11) to conduct the normal business of the parish.

At first glance, the financial results for 2023 look to be an improvement on 2022. If we just look at the unrestricted funds there were some exceptional items in the year.

On the income side, there was a grant from the Trustees of the Grundy Request (Vicar & Wardens) of £100,000 and, on the expenditure side, there was the cost of Repointing the Tower of £42,423.

In 2022, there was a deficit of £25,341. If we take out the above two items, the deficit for 2023 has increased to £41,532. The main reasons for this were the increase in Utility Costs of £18,466 and the increase in Parish Share of £2,349, partly offset by an increase in income and a reduction in the loss from the Parish Rooms.

However, thanks to the Grundy Bequest (Alice Grundy, RIP 1974), the Church was able to pay the full Parish Share and with the reduction in Utility Costs and increase in usage of the Parish Rooms, the deficit in 2024 should be greatly reduced.

Further information about the running of the parish during 2023 may be found in the Supplementary Reports attached.

Thank you to Lesley Dawson who has now completed her term of service, also to Adrian Page, who resigned in December. Thank you also to the Deanery Synod representatives who have completed their terms of service: William Cousins, Brian Hankinson, Pamela Kinghorn and William Thomas. Your several contributions have been greatly appreciated.

On behalf of the PCC Fr. Glen Brooks (chairman) April 2024

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Note
INCOMING RESOURCES
Incoming resources from donors
2(a)
Other voluntary incoming resources
2(b)
Incoming resources from operating activities to further
the Council's objects
2(c)
Activities for generating funds
2(d)
Income from investments
2(e)
Other incoming resources
2(f)
TOTAL ACTUAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES USED
Cost of generating funds
3(a)
Grants - Donations to charities
3(b)
Activities directly relating to the work of the church
3(c)
Salaries & support costs
3(d)
Church management and administration
3(e)
TOTAL ACTUAL RESOURCES USED
NET INCOMING (OUTGOING) RESOURCES
GAINS AND LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS
Unrealised (Tangible fixed assets)
5(a)
Unrealised (Investment assets)
5(b)
CLERGY CHOICE CHARITY FUND
AS YET UNUSED FROM 2021 (2020)
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS		 Unrestricted Restricted
Endowment
TOTAL FUNDS
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
£
60,694
75,808
0
136,502
94,200
100,216
70
0
100,286
2,360
3,772
10
0
3,782
5,763
80,546
2,025
0
82,571
68,122
1,947
814
5,670
8,431
7,618
17,938
0
0
17,938
18,553
265,113
78,727
5,670
349,510
196,616
15,200
1,711
0
16,911
11,623
65
7,557
0
7,622
4,610
210,927 109,178
0
320,105
173,651
17,256
0
0
17,256
14,754
5,620
0
0
5,620
4,736
249,068 118,446
0
367,515
209,374
16,045 -39,719
5,670
-18,004
-12,758
0
0
0
0
-3,000
43
358
22,856
23,257
-32,644
694
16,088 -39,361
28,526
5,253
-48,402

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BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT 1 JANUARY 2023 (2022)

856,991 75,903 292,095 1,224,98 1,273,391 9 873,079 36,542 320,621 1,230,24 1,224,989 2

BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 (2022)

BALANCE SHEET

AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP 2005.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at estimated market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets, and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the financial statements of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Funds

General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC.

Restricted funds are those funds that must be spent on restricted purposes and details of the funds held and the restrictions are provided in Note10. Endowment funds, where the capital must be retained, are explained in Note 10.

Where funds are not separately invested, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis.

Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are accounted for gross. Only income received in the year is recorded.

Gains and losses on investments

Realized gains or losses are recognized when investments are sold. Unrealized gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December.

Resources Used

All expenditure is accounted for gross.

The diocesan parish share is accounted for when payable. Any parish share unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these financial statements as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet.

Fixed Assets

Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the financial statements by s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993.

Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are accounted for as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the Church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For inalienable property acquired prior to 1997 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Items acquired since 1 January 1997 have been capitalized and depreciated in the financial statements over their currently anticipated useful economic life (initially over four years) on a straight-line basis.

All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or benefice buildings, individual items under £1,000 or on the repair of movable church furnishings acquired before 1 January 1997 is written off.

Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment. Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

Investments. Investments are valued at market value at 31 December 2023

Current asset. Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December 2023 in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors. Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank.

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Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2023 2 INCOMING RESOURCES

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Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

3 RESOURCES USED

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Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

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Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

4 REMUNERATION

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Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023 5 FIXED ASSETS

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Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

6 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND

7 DEBTORS

8 LIABILITIES

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Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2023

9 ACCOUNT BALANCES

10 FUND DETAILS

11 SELECTED FUND BALANCES

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EXAMINER’S REPORT

Examiner’s report to the PCC of St. Annes on Sea, St. Anne (Heyhouses)

This report on the accounts of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 6 – 15 is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (‘the Regulations’) and s.43 of the Charities Act 1993 (‘the Act’).

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner

As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements; you consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and s.43(2) of the Act does not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulations.

Basis of this report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church guidance, 2006 edition. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

have not been met; or

April 2024

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ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTS

The accounts in this section are from organizations, a) whose accounts are not included in the Parochial Church Council’s accounts and, b) do not report to a larger national organization.

CELL OF THE HOLY HOUSE OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM & St ANNE, St Anne’s Parish Church

Accrual Accounts for Year, 1[st] November 2022-31[st] October 2023 GENERAL INCOME & EXPENDITURE

2022/23 2021/22 2021/22
Item Notes Credit £ Debit £ Credit £ Debit £
Mass Collections 1 316.00 231.00
Cell Subscriptions 2 60.00 170.00
Donations 81.00 53.56
Office Expenses (stamps & stationery) 19.56
Holy House Lamp 3 40.00 40.00
Lady Chapel Lamp at SAPC 200.00 200.00
Youth Pilgrimage Sponsorship (direct to
Walsingham)		 4 70.00 60.00
Chantry Book Entries 5 30.00
TOTAL General Income & Expenditure 457.00 310.00 454.56 349.56
Overall Surplus/Deficit on General Inc & Expend 147.00 105.00

PILGRIMAGE ACCOUNT

2022/23 2021/22 2021/22
Item Notes Credit £ Debit £ Credit £ Debit £
Gross Income(24 x £330 + 1 x £126 + 3 x £204) 6 8658.00 6600.00
Shrine Accom Charge (26 x £204 + 2 x £30) 7 5364.00 4416.00
Shrine Travel Grant 800.00
Travel Grant Refunds (23 x £30) 690.00
Cancellation Refunds (2 x £300) 600.00
Coach 2200.00 2151.00
Lunches at Worksop Priory 200.00 150.00
Lunches at Ranch Café, Newark 193.00 182.00
Prayer Cards 10.10
Donation to SSM Sisters at Priory 8 30.00 130.00 130.00 130.00
TOTALS transferred to INCOME/EXPENDITURE 9488.00 9377.00 6730.00 7029.00
Overall Surplus/Deficit for pilgrimage 111.00 299.00

OVERALL

2022/23 2022/23 2021/22 2021/22 2021/22
Item Notes Credit £ Debit £ Credit £ Debit £
General Income & Expenditure 457.00 310.00 454.56 349.56
Pilgrimage Account 9488.00 9377.00 6730.00 7029.00
TOTALS 9945.00 9687.00 7184.56 7378.56
Surplus/Deficit on year 258.00 194.00
RECONCILIATION
Item Notes £ £
Bank
Balance		 Plus
£
Cash in
Hand		 Less
£
Uncleared
Cheques
Opening Assets as at 1.11.22 754.76 699.76 55.00
Surplus over 2022/23 FY 258.00
Closing Assets as at 31.10.23 1012.76
1012.76		 0

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TREASURER'S SUMMARY

We were lucky to receive an unexpected travel grant of £800 from the Shrine, which enabled us to reverse and refund the £30 rise in the cost of this year’s pilgrimage. With healthy levels of donation and £60 subscription income in arrears from last year there was a surplus of £147 on general expenditure and £111 on the pilgrimage, leaving our finances in very good shape with a bank balance of just over £1,000. Thank you to everyone for the generosity of their donations especially to those attending the monthly Cell mass, those who donated the refund arising from the Shrine Travel Grant and those donating refreshments.

Notes

1 Donations made at the monthly Walsingham mass on the final Friday of each month.

  1. One-off £10 per head subscription to the Cell for FY2021/22 as agreed at the AGM in March 2022. Several subs were paid late in FY2022/23.

  2. The lamp is half way along the right hand inside wall of the Holy House.

  3. Subject to confirmation at the AGM we normally sponsor direct to Walsingham two young people to the Youth Pilgrimage (YP) in August. In 2023 the Shrine raised the donation request from £30 to £35 per head. YP sponsorship is also made privately by several other Cell members and members of the congregation.

  4. As is customary, the names of departed members of the Cell are entered in the Chantry Book in St Edward’s Chapel at Walsingham. No names were entered this year.

  5. The price this year was set at £330 for the full pilgrimage, of which £204 was payable to the Shrine leaving £126 for coach travel, lunches etc. There were 3 pilgrims who joined us locally from Norfolk, who just paid the £204 and one passenger staying with a friend in Norfolk who paid the £126. At a later stage we received notification of an £800 travel grant from the Shrine allowing a refund of £30/pilgrim travelling to be made at the time of the pilgrimage.

  6. Includes accommodation for 25 pilgrims plus the coach driver and 2 lost deposits for “no shows”..

  7. In lieu of the traditional raffle on the outward journey to Walsingham for the Sisters of the Society of St Margaret at the Priory of Our Lady at Walsingham a budgeted donation of £100 was made from pilgrimage funds supplemented by individual donations from pilgrims of £30.

Prepared by Gerald Wilson , Treasurer

I have reviewed the account records and confirm that these accounts are a correct representation of the financial affairs of the Cell.

Independent Examiner

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MEMBERSHIP : The following are paid up members of the Society of Our Lady of Walsingham and members of the St Anne’s Cell as at the year end. “Payments via Cell” are not shown in the accounts as they are not regarded as Cell money and nett to zero.

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SUPPLEMENTARY REPORTS

I APCM ITEMS

a) CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

This last year has contained a number of significant and joyful events in the life of our parish. On the 2nd July 2023 after a somewhat eventful journey, a number of us had the great pleasure of witnessing Fr Ryan’s ordination to the priesthood by Bishop Philip at St George’s Church, Chorley. On a personal level it was a huge privilege to lay hands on Fr Ryan as he was ordained, and also to have many of our church family present, including Alistair McKenzie and members of our choir who contributed to the wonderful music during the service. The following evening saw Fr Ryan offer the holy sacrifice of the Mass for the first time. Supported by a full house of family and friends, this matched the joy of the previous evening, and included a superb homily by Fr Nick Davis, the Vicar of St Cuthbert’s, Darwen. I continue to be very grateful for Fr Ryan’s support and encouragement, and for his continuing contribution to all areas of parish life.

Having marked the above milestone, our focus then switched to the 150th anniversary of the dedication of our wonderful church building. Preparations for this milestone had also run alongside a major project to restore and enhance our church bells. The existing bells had started to show their age, and alongside the necessary maintenance it was decided to increase the number of bells from eight to ten. Our team of ringers, ably led by our Tower Captain, Stuart Newton began a series of fund raising events and initiatives. They also spent many hours in the tower cleaning, painting and generally assisting the contractor. This resulted in a significant reduction in the overall cost of the project. On the 6th August 2023 (The Feast of The Transfiguration), we were joined by The Rt Revd Glyn Webster (former Bishop of Beverley) who blessed and anointed the bells, and led our anniversary celebrations.

As I mentioned last year, It is often said that the best type of evangelism is one of relationship. We continue to be blessed by our links to the community, and the standing and respect which we enjoy. During this last year we have built on these links and generated real momentum. Our average weekly attendance figures are very encouraging, and I continue to receive very positive comments and feedback from those who visit us for the first time, or have chosen to come to us having worshipped in other churches. Underpinning all of the above is our desire to grow new disciples, and to see families and young children become regular members of our congregation. On Harvest Sunday of last year we relaunched our Sunday School, and now welcome between seven and ten children on the second and fourth Sunday’s of the month. I am very grateful to Mrs Denise Brown and the whole Sunday School team for all that they do in this most important area of our church life.

We continue to enjoy an excellent and fruitful relationship with Heyhouses School, and I am very appreciative of the welcome and support which I have received from the Head, and staff members. Fr Ryan and I regularly welcome the children into church, and we are always looking for ways to deepen that relationship.

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I cannot of course do everything on my own, and I remain ever grateful for your support and encouragement. We all have a share in the building of God’s Kingdom, and I could do very little without your help. My thanks and gratitude go to our Churchwardens Ann Fletcher and Bernard Snape, to the members of the PCC, to the Serving Team, to the Sides teams who play a vital role in welcoming visitors to our building, to all who have read, and generally assisted in any way during any of the services, and to those who regularly help to clean and tidy the church.

Music also plays a significant role in both our worshipping life, and our community outreach. We are very fortunate to have an organist of the calibre of Alistair MacKenzie, who together with our choir adds a real sense of reverence and depth to our worship. Alistair’s involvement with a number of local choirs has also helped us to connect with our local community through our hosting of concerts and other musical events.

Heather and I continue to value your friendship and support, and we feel very much at home in this wonderful part of the world. I am aware that my woeful memory is a source of irritation for many of you, and I am grateful for your patience and forbearance. I can only promise to try harder!

I remain optimistic for all that lies ahead, and I remain ever grateful to have been called to minister among you.

Thank you all for all you are and all that you do.

Fr Glen

b) CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORTS

What a special and busy year for St. Anne’s Parish Church! We reached our 150th. Birthday, a new King was crowned and 10 new bells rang out for the first time!

But let’s go back to where I left off last year. The Coronation of King Charles III was live streamed in church on 6th. May 2023. Thanks to Fr. Ryan and others for creating that opportunity.

A coach adventure to Chorley on 2nd. July gave us the chance to participate in Fr. Ryan’s ordination when we arrived!

A week later we again handed out drinks to those taking part in St. Annes Carnival.

Continuing our celebrations in July, there were performances from Doc Harvey and the Philistians, St. Annes Parish Operatic Society, The Lidun Singers, Heyhouses CofE Primary School and our Church Choir, Intrada Brass, The Blue Magnolia Jazz Band all providing a rich variety of musical entertainment. Alongside these concerts several local artists exhibited their work in the church during that week of 10th.-15th. July

The Bells were ready for our Patronal Festival on 6th. August and a memorable service was followed by lunch at the Glendower Hotel. At the end of August there was afternoon

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tea in the garden of John and Jenny Edwards. It was a special occasion and the weather was kind.

So much for the summer but the Remembrance weekend in November was made special by the assembling of the Poppy cascade which was suspended from the church tower.

Other annual events such as Harvest, Heritage Day all had their turn. The Christmas Tree Festival was particularly successful this year.

A welcome addition has been a second Churchwarden namely Bernard Snape and I know he will be adding a few words to this report.

I would like to thank all the committees who work so hard throughout the year, but we cannot let this year pass without remembering with thankfulness the lives of Patricia Ward and Colin Miller who both died recently after remarkable contributions to the life of our church.

Looking to the future new projects which have had their beginnings in this year will help us to continue the work of this church.

Ann Fletcher

Churchwarden

After my first year as your Warden can I say what a pleasure and an honour it has been.

My first task was to try and get the flagpole operating again with a new rope. This entailed getting Cellnex, who transmit microwaves from the ariel, to come and give us help as they needed to switch off the power in order for us to put in place the rope. This turned out to be like an episode of war and peace. Eventually after 3 months a new rope was in place. Then came the leaking roof in the tower together with the repointing of the tower and the new bells. I have to say that even though I am the Chairman of the Land and buildings committee, I am to construction and engineering as Mike Tyson is to playing the harp. This is where I have to give great thanks to Gerald Wilson, Roy Streatfield and Stuart Newton for their expert knowledge. Without them we would not have such a beautiful church and amazing new bells.

Can I thank all the sides persons for their brilliant input at the back of the Church on Sunday mornings. Together we welcome old friends and new ones to our warm and friendly Church.

On a personal note I would like to thank Father Glen and Father Ryan for their support to me over this last year which has been invaluable.

I have enjoyed every minute of my first year and it is closing well as we are going to have a prayer and Bible Group to which all are invited. The first meeting will be on Friday the 26th of April at the Parish rooms starting at 2.00pm. Also, if you are interested in the Rosary, we will have Rosary group which we commence on the 31st of May after the 9.30 Mass in the Lady Chapel. If you need any information on either of these meetings please talk to me after the Mass on Sundays.

To all the Parishioners, thank you for allowing me to be your Warden and I look forward to my second year…if you let me.

Bernard Snape

Churchwarden .

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c) PLANNED GIVING AND GIFT AID

The following table gives the data for Planned Giving and Gift Aid donations during 2023 and comparative figures for the 2 previous years

2023 2022 2021
Standing orders Amount £30,833 £26,002 £30,637
Number 50 52 61
Average per donor per wk £11.86 £9.62 £9.65
Weekly
Stewardship
Envelopes		 Amount £6,360 £7,363 £8,748
Number 25 27 30
Average per donor per wk £4.89 £5.24 £5.61
Total
Planned
Giving		 Amount £37,193 £33,365 £39,385
Number 75 79 91
Average per donor per wk £9.54 £8.12 £8.32

“Planned Giving” relates to those donations which are received by Standing Order from a bank or via the weekly brown stewardship envelopes.

During the year, a few people moved from Weekly Envelopes to Standing Orders which is better for the Parish and easier for the donor. Following the appeal from Fr Glen at the end of last year, 11 donors increased their Standing Orders.

Thanks go to all who contribute regularly to the Parish, both in monetary terms and time spent. It has been a particularly difficult time financially for many people, especially for those on a fixed income. The fact that total planned giving is higher in 2023 than 2022 is encouraging but if donors could review their giving each year and increase where possible, it would reduce the continuing deficit

Henry Gilbraith Planned Giving Officer

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d) SAFEGUARDING OFFICER'S REPORT

Annual Safeguarding Report. St. Annes Church.

The annual safeguarding report presented to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) is required to comment upon two issues as defined on page 3 of the Parish Safeguarding Handbook:

1) A report on progress.

2) A statement of compliance of the PCC to have due regard to the House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.

...................................................

With respect to progress: I am very pleased to report that the Parochial Church Council (PCC) are now 100% compliant with regard to the regulations requiring Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) statements. This puts the PCC firmly into a position of complete legal compliance and it has been a pleasure to help facilitate this.

I am also pleased to report that the Sunday School development that commenced in the autumn of 2023 was conducted entirely in accordance with the Church of England's guidelines: "Safer Recruitment and People Management". Special thanks to Denise Brown for her help in this substantial administrative task.

Additionally, all annual routine safeguarding reviews have been undertaken and all known safeguarding risks have been reviewed, documented and appropriately processed.

With respect to having due regard to the House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance: while the PCC is now compliant with DBS checks there are still some gaps held by some with respect to the requirements of safeguarding training.

This statement prepared on 04.04.2024 by Chris Hale, Parish Safeguarding Officer.

Chris Hale Parish Safeguarding O ffi cer

II WORSHIP & MISSION

a) WELCOME MINISTRY (SIDESPERSONS)

The following have taken on sidespersons duties:

Pauline Cook, Peter Duke, Gemma Eaves, Diane Glister, Brian Hankinson, Karen Harrison Kath Hall, Ann Hembrow, Sarah Leighton, Susan McMahon, Lia Morgan-Shaw, Jennifer Oldfield, Margaret Paterson, Mary Roberts, Dianne Smith, Val Streule, Linda Tolson, Kath Vargerson, Janice Vause, Susan Winterbottom and Fiona Wilson.

Senior Sidespersons:

Adrian Bromley, Heather Brooks, Christine Campbell, Lesley Dawson, Margaret Imrie, John Pitches and Eric Roberts.

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Stand in Sidespersons:

Jean Eaves, Pam Kinghorn, Joanne Morton.

Joining the team:

A sincere thank you to everyone for committing to this service in our church.

Margaret Imrie

b) BELLRINGERS

2023 proved to be the most significant year in recent generations for the bellringers, with three important events taking place.

Firstly, the bell project, launched in 2021, to renovate and augment the bells to mark the Church’s 150th anniversary of consecration was successfully completed. The original bells were removed just before Easter, with the final peal on them, 5040 Plain Bob Triples, being successfully scored on 9 March. This was a great achievement for Monica Hollows (first ever peal) and Ellis Hollows (first peal as conductor), both relatively new ringers from the “Ringing Remembers” recruitment campaign in 2017. A well-supported coach trip was run to Taylor’s bell foundry in June to see some of our new bells being cast and blessed by Fr Glen. On the anniversary weekend, the bells were put on display at the back of Church as part of an Open Day and then blessed by the Bishop of Beverley at the special anniversary service the following day (6th August).

In the following weeks, the bells were raised and installed with the new ten-bell peal first ringing out for service on 10th September.

The bellringers had led the project over its 30 month period, and they secured the vast majority of the £120,000 project cost, though donations, numerous fundraising activities and grant applications, coupled with a £10,000 cost saving, by providing local labour to support Taylor’s, during the removal and refit stages. The ringers also cleaned the ringing room and redecorated it.

In terms of the bells, the back four of the original peal of eight were re-tuned to the key of F (having previously been F#) and refitted as the 7, 8, 9 and 10. Six new bells were cast as the front six of the new peal of ten, with the front four of the original peal of eight going to the Keltek Trust, a bellringing charity, for potential use in other bell projects. The inscribed names of members of the Clifton family on the original front four have been replicated on new bells 3 to 6. The two new treble bells were sponsored by myself (in memory of Suzanne) and Jim Andrews (in memory of his late mother).

The training and bell sensor equipment has been upgraded and the installation of a new CCTV system is not only supporting teaching of learners in the ringing room, but also allowing people downstairs in Church to see live pictures of the bells as they ring.

I cannot say “thank you” too often to all my fellow ringers, the clergy, congregation, friends, neighbours and various grant-giving charitable organisations, who supported the project in any way from its launch in February 2021, through to its successful completion. It was a wonderful achievement and such a fitting way to mark the Church’s 150th Anniversary.

A second activity, to create and hang a Poppy Cascade from the tower on the run up to Remembrance Day proved to be a excellent idea, not only as an act of remembrance, but also from a community involvement and outreach perspective. The initiative proved extremely popular and donations of an estimated 10,000 knitted poppies were received from all around the UK and beyond. Assembly sessions were held in the preceding weeks

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and, after the cascade was lifted into position, a formal opening session led by Fr Glen attracted over 100 people, including the Fylde and St Anne’s Mayors, Mark Menzies, MP and representatives from the Royal British Legion.

On Armistice Day, the first ever Peal to be rung on our augmented ten bells (5040 changes of Plain Bob Royal) was successfully scored, taking 3 hours 16 minutes to complete. It was the first ever peal on 10 bells for Monica Hollows and myself and the first peal as conductor on 10 bells for Ellis

Stuart Newton

Tower Captain

c) CHOIR

The past twelve months have seen a very pleasing increase in membership of St. Anne’s Parish Church Choir. This has resulted in us developing, further, our repertoire to, hopefully, enhance our weekly celebration of The Mass and services of Choral Evensong. In particular, we have included motets and anthems from The Renaissance, with texts in both Latin and English. These include works by English composer Richard Farrant (1525 – 1580) and the great Italian composer Palestrina (c. 1525 – 1594). Further, we have introduced other motets and anthems by Henry Purcell, Charles Villiers Stanford, Samual Sebastian Wesley and settings of the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis for our services of Choral Evensong. Similarly, we continue to expand our congregational repertoire using the finest hymnody. For each service, our hymns and motets are carefully selected for the particular liturgical, scriptural theme or season for which they were originally composed.

As well as our services throughout the year, we participated in a concert to help celebrate St. Anne’s 150th Anniversary. Our choir sang some favourite repertoire and performed alongside Heyhouses Junior School Year 6 pupils with two light-hearted cantatas by Michael Hurd: ‘Jonah-Man Jazz’ and Swingin’ Samson’.

At St. Anne’s Parish Church, we remain so blessed in being able to sustain our weekly sung services of public worship. It is a privilege to lead the music in our wonderful church with beautiful hymns and settings of the mass.

We would love to hear from anyone who would like to join with us, as, we are instructed in Psalm 150: ‘Let everything that hath breath praise The Lord’.

Alistair MacKenzie

Director of Music

d) ALTAR SERVERS

I would like to thank Bill Cousins, John Edwards, Liz Currie, Tony Walker and Eric Roberts for their continued support as servers covering Mass on six days a week. We are delighted that Tony is on an “improving track” with his health issues, which mean that he has not always been able to fully participate. We assure him of our prayers.

It has also been a pleasure to have Ellie Johnson with us on occasion. She has graduated from being boat girl and is becoming a most competent server in whatever role we give her. It was a delight to see her being confirmed by Bishop Philip in January 2024, so now she can take Communion with us as well.

A special occasion for all of us was serving at Fr Ryan’s First Mass on 3rd July 2023, St Thomas’s Day. It was nice to welcome Alfie from St Christopher’s, Blackpool, to serve

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with us and represent Fr Ryan’s time on placement at St Christopher’s before coming to us.

Several of our servers are also members of the Guild of the Servants of the Sanctuary and have supported their events at St George’s, Preston, St Catherine’s, Burnley and St Christopher’s, Blackpool. Congratulations to Fr Ryan, who has recently been appointed as Chaplain to the local Chapter.

While much of what we do as servers is very public, I must also acknowledge the unseen work, in particular the important work of washing altar linen.by Mary Roberts and my wife, Fiona. I also look after all the ordering of sacristy supplies, where prices of candle products have this year typically risen 20-25%.

Serving gives a special insight into the way our worship is conducted, which hopefully strengthens the foundations on which our faith is built. It is therefore especially appropriate as an aid to nurturing the faith of all both young and old. New servers of any age are always welcome and anyone with an interest should speak to me at church or phone me at home.

. Gerald Wilson

Head Server

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SUNDAY SCHOOL

We are absolutely delighted that Sunday School is now up and running once more.

It started on Sunday 8th October at 10.15 am. Meetings take place on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of each month, this is to coincide with baptisms. Parents are encouraged to go into church, where the children will join them at the time of the Eucharistic Prayer.

Prayers were truly answered when someone came forward to lead and do the planning, another member of the congregation volunteered to prepare the crafts and very soon there was a full team of volunteers.

There was only a small number of children initially, but we are pleased to report that is now steadily increasing.

Thanks go to all the volunteers who are giving their time to bring children closer to God, they are: Rhona Allen, Edwina Biggs, Heather Brooks, Denise Brown, Sarah Delsey, Anna Hall, Karen Harrison, Lia Murphy, and also to Fr Glen & Fr Ryan for their support. Thanks also to Chris Hale, the parish safeguarding officer who has guided us through all the paperwork and the DBS checks which were required before we could begin. Thank you to those parents who are bringing their children to listen to God’s word.

Finally, thank you for your prayers, support and the kind words of encouragement over recent months. Everyone is delighted to see children back in church once more.

Sunday School Team

BAPTISM ANNIVERSARIES

The number of Baptisms taking place this year has increased dramatically compared to last year and, once again, it has been good to see families gathering around the Font and receiving a welcome from the St Annes Parish Church family.

On the day of the Baptism, we give a candle to the families to light on each anniversary and the cards are an added reminder to the family of the child's Baptism and they also help the Church to keep in touch with them.

Baptism Anniversary Cards are sent out to children under 5 years of age (except when two siblings are Baptised together - one under 5 and one over 5 - when cards are delivered to both), to celebrate the first three anniversaries of their Baptism.

Over the past year, 39 (1st Anniversary Cards) 16 (2nd Anniversary Cards) and 8 (3rd Anniversary Cards) have been delivered.

With the 2nd Anniversary Card, flyers for Babies and Toddler Group and Sunday School have been enclosed to encourage the family link to continue with the Church after their child has been baptised.

Rosemary Pickles

e) CELL OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM

I cannot start my report without mentioning two of our most senior Cell members, who have gone to greater glory. Both had been stalwart supporters stretching back to the days before we had our own Cell and used to go on pilgrimage with Holy Cross. Ken Foster, a former churchwarden, died after a short stay in Blackpool Victoria Hospital on 3rd November 2023, two days after his 91st birthday. He had a great devotion to Our Lady, was a long-standing Walsingham Partner and had a great love for the sisters of the Society

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of St Margaret at the Priory in Walsingham. For many years Ken had sponsored a raffle we held on the coach for the benefit of the sisters by providing the alcoholic prizes. For health reasons Ken had not been always fit enough to come on pilgrimage with us in recent years, but it is a nice memory to recall that he managed to come in 2022.

Our other sad loss has been Patricia Ward, former verger, chorister, server and pastoral auxiliary (and many other things besides). Patricia died aged 95 on 17th February 2024 after several ins and outs to hospitals and care homes and a long period of poor health at home. Like Ken she had been a Walsingham pilgrim since the 1990s and was a founder member of our Cell. May she and Ken now rest in peace and rise in glory. Both their names will be inscribed into the Chantry Book at Walsingham.

Our 2023 pilgrimage to Walsingham in September was the second with Fr. Glenn and Fr. Ryan, but the first since Fr Ryan’s priesting. It was very appropriate therefore that our final mass at Walsingham this year was celebrated by Fr Ryan in the Holy House.

We had 23 pilgrims on the coach, up one from last year, including three on their first pilgrimage plus 3 pilgrims from Fr Glen’s old benefice in Norfolk. The pilgrimage followed what is now established as the usual pattern but our stop on the outward journey was at Worksop Priory for mass and lunch instead of Goldthorpe Parish Church as they were away this year on pilgrimage to Lourdes. On the Tuesday morning, we joined with Fr Damian Porter’s pilgrimage group from Torrisholme for mass at St Mary’s Parish Church in the village. For our outing on the Wednesday afternoon, we revisited Binham Priory last visited in 2010 but now enhanced with a nice café. Otherwise, we followed the usual routine of the Shrine with First & Last Visits and Intercessions in the Holy House, Stations of the Cross around the grounds, sprinkling and the healing liturgies, the Pilgrim Mass, Procession of Our Lady and Benediction. Between times we enjoyed each other’s company over meals in the refectory, tea and cakes, or the occasional drink in the pub. Our journey home was thankfully without hold up with lunch at the excellent Ranch Café just off the A1 at Newark.

Once again, the Cell supported the Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage by sponsoring a young person as our “godchild.” It is very pleasing that members of our congregation (not all of whom are Cell members) also personally sponsor this very worth-while cause. We also support our own Parish financially by sponsoring the Lady Chapel light.

As usual members of the Walsingham Cell have continued to support the spiritual life of the Parish, not only by attendance at the monthly Walsingham Cell mass, but by their attendance at the daily Eucharists on other days of the week. A number also supported the Ladyewell Pilgrimage in May and, of course, Fr Ryan’s priesting and First Mass in July.

All cell activities are open to all who own the faith of Jesus. Everyone is welcome, particularly to mass in the Lady Chapel on the last Friday of the month and on pilgrimage to Walsingham, this year between 9th and 12th September 2024. Further information on all Cell activities is available from Fr. Glen, Kath Hall, or Gerald Wilson.

Cell accounts for November 2022 to October 2023 were independently examined by Richard Baker (former PCC Treasurer), and are enclosed in the APCM pack. Cell finances remain quite healthy.

Gerald Wilson Pilgrimage Organiser & Treasurer

f) BABIES AND TODDLERS

Wednesday 2pm In the Parish Rooms

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It has been a busy year at the Baby & Toddler Group with many families using the group. We welcomed a number of children who have been Baptised in church over the past year and also a good few who do not attend our church but which we feel is a form of outreach to the wider community in St. Annes. Many of the children have siblings who attend our church School, Heyhouses.

It has became a lovely friendly group. Most of the parents attend regularly and have developed good friendships within the group.

During the Autumn Term we welcomed a number of new Mums and their New babies to the group and we planned our activities around the Tree Festival where we made craft items to hang on the tree. The children were particularly happy glueing sparkly shapes onto card in the shape of Christmas Trees and Snowmen! We finished the Autumn Term with a very jolly party.

We currently have approximately 11 to 13 children are attending most weeks and we have been able to donate money regularly to church funds.

My sincere thanks go to Sue Strother, Lisa Hale, Diana Lowe and our new recruit Margaret Imrie for looking after the Group so well in my absence during my stay in hospital and convalescence afterwards.

We are always looking for people to join us to help run our little group, by making drinks, talking to parents and children, planning crafts and looking after the equipment. Without volunteers we would not be able to continue our work. Please come and see us IN ACTION! If you have time.

Janice Vause

g) MONTHLY TEA & CHAT

The monthly Tea & Chat which is held on the first Monday of each month at 10.30 in The Trawl Boat Wetherspoons except for Bank Holidays continues to be popular. Numbers varying between ten and fourteen.

If you are free on the first Monday of the month, please come along you will be made most welcome, maybe sampling something from the breakfast menu.

Brian Hankinson

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h) MOTHERS’ UNION

We are now coming to the end of another year with the theme of Transformation -Now, and we hope that the last year has improved the lives of families around the world in many areas. Sadly, wars are devastating the lives of people in some places and we do pray that people will be able to live in peace as soon as possible.

We are so lucky to live in peaceful St. Annes -on-Sea and hope that life will get even better and that we are able to survive any new viruses or health scares.

Our Mothers’ Union members have met for many of our monthly meetings in the Parish Rooms. In January we had our Fund Raising Auction led very enthusiastically by Kath Hall.

In February we held our AGM. and four very welcome new members were enrolled, Dawn Duncan, Fiona Wilson , Wren Tyler and Cheryl Holman with the help of our new and also very welcome curate, Fr. Ryan Otley.

Later we had a presentation by Rachel Sykes from the Showtown Museum in Blackpool.

March was quite a busy month. On the 3rd The World Day of Prayer was held at St. Joseph’s Church, Ansdell. On the 10th a few members attended the MU. Quiet Afternoon at Wesham when our Fr. Ryan led the gentle contemplative On the 14th we met in Church for Lent Worship together and we were able to welcome Marjorie Crabtree to our Branch. Marjorie has been a member since 1982. Later that week we prepared posies for the Mothering Sunday Service on the 19th March.

Our meeting in April fell in Holy Week and so we met for the morning Service on the 11th and happily two new members were enrolled, Kathleen Vargeson and Irene Williams. Very sadly Irene lost her husband in March and so her enrolment had been postponed but we were so pleased to officially make her a member and hopefully to feel our love and support. We also gave our congratulations to Diane and Mike Smith as they celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

On the 25th April we were invited to an Open Evening at St. Paul’s Church, Warton with the speaker Brian Halliwell.

May is always a special month for my family but this year we had a special day for King Charles when we all helped him to celebrate his Coronation on the 6th. It has taken us a while to get used to the loss of her late Majesty and she is still greatly missed.

We met on the 9th when Tim Smith demonstrated so beautifully his love and knowledge of plants and arranging them in containers. At the meeting we also welcomed to our Branch Angela Armit, who has been a member since 2003.

The Deanery Festival was held on June 12th at Kirkham and several of our members received Long Service Awards. Margaret Singleton – 50yrs. Margaret Collier – 45yrs. Sheila Dodd and Mildred Nuttall – 40yrs. Lesley Dawson – 25yrs. It was a lovely Service.

On the 13th June we held our meeting and Fr. Brian Mayne came to talk to us about ‘’Recycling Lives’’. His talk was very much appreciated and it was particularly good to see Fr. Brian as he had had recent health problems.

July was an eventful month when Fr. Ryan’s Ordination took place on the 2nd followed by his first Mass on the 3rd. St. Cuthbert’s Church hosted the Over 80s Tea Party on the 6th. We had St. Annes Carnival on the 8th and our branch Afternoon Tea on the 11th at Fairhaven Golf Club. Kath Hall does wonderful work organising these events and we really

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give her our thanks. It was also good to have the company of Fr. Glen, Heather and Fr. Ryan with us.

From the 10th to the 15th July our Church was celebrating its 150th Anniversary by holding daily concerts in Church given by lots of different music groups and choirs.

It was wonderful to see Fathers David, Keith, Damian and Ian, and Bishop Glynn and many friends at the special Service which was held on Sunday the 6th August when our new Church Bells were Dedicated and then there was an Anniversary Lunch at the

On the 8th August we met for the morning Service to particularly remember our Founder Mary Sumner whose special day is on the 9th.

In September Fr. Ian Hollin came to talk to us about his very interesting early days called ‘’ Acid Drops and Broken Biscuits’’, and I am sure he has lots more to interest us.

At our October meeting we began with part of the Wave of Prayer Service particularly praying for members in our Link Diocese of Bhopal, Guinea, High Veld, Nambale, Niger Delta and Blackburn and our own housebound members.

After the Service Gerald Wilson gave us a very good talk about “Walsingham, England’s Nazareth” and showed us lots of slides. Walsingham certainly attracts many very dedicated and devoted pilgrims.

Sheila Dodd one of our very talented members showed us how to create corsages with a seasonal theme, at our November meeting. We all enjoyed making our creations and some of us wore them at the Fairhaven Golf Club when we met for our very enjoyable Christmas Lunch on the 12th December.

This was of course the same week as the fantastic Tree Festival in Church which involved quite a few members. The event raised lots of money for many charities and our Church, and thanks go to all who donated items for sale and for prizes. We dedicated our MU Tree to our new theme for 2024 which is ‘’Rise Up’’. This theme supports a campaign to help families who are facing abuse both here and in our link Diocese.

I sincerely thank our Deanery President Brenda Squires who keeps me up to date with the latest MU information and to Christine Hodgkinson for her literature work. I also thank our Diocesan President Gill Ireland and all the Diocesan Team.

I also thank our committee of Kath, Maureen, Christine and Jennifer and all our members for their friendship and support and encouragement. We pray for all our members who are unable to attend meetings but I know they really love and value their membership of the Mothers’ Union and I encourage new ladies to join us.

.

Christine Buckley

Branch Leader

i) "INFLUENCE" MAGAZINE

The magazine has operated as usual this year, with a slight change to publication dates in the autumn, due to availability of the editorial team. The magazine continues to be available on the website, in full colour, at the beginning of each month. Copies are sent into school and electronically to nursery, where it is sent out to all nursery parents.

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The Editorial Team wish to thank everyone who is involved in the preparation, proofreading, printing and distribution of the magazine and also thanks to those people who regularly contribute articles.

Influence is an important part of our mission within the community, so you are all very welcome to submit articles for publication.

Denise Brown

Editor

j) WEBSITE

(www.stannesparishchurch.org)

In what was an extremely busy year for the church the website helped to publicise the plethora of events that helped to attract people into the church. In addition to the regular features – the pew sheet which can be downloaded every week and the worship diary which is listed each month -- pages were devoted to the church’s anniversary celebrations and the Christmas Tree Festival. Other events were listed on the ‘News’ pages, together with photographs in the ‘Gallery’ section.

If anyone has any items that they wish to be included on the website please do not hesitate to contact me.

Paul McMahon

Website administrator

III COMMITTEES & SYNODS

a) LAND AND BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

After several years of bemoaning the lack of volunteers to join the L&B committee I am pleased to welcome Roy Streatfield and Bill Hoskins to our ranks as well as a new Church Warden (Chairman) in the person of Bernard Snape. In principle the Land & Buildings Committee supports the Church Warden(s) in the discharge of their responsibilities for the Church & Churchyard. Over the past year much of the focus was on the tower with major work on repointing the brick and stonework coinciding with the major sesquicentennial project for the refurbishment and augmentation of our ring of bells from eight to ten bells, the intention over several years having been to do the two projects at the same time, giving the mortar a period of setting time while the bells were silent. This was successfully achieved with the bells last rung on 26th March 2023 and the new ring test rung on 8th September 2023, while the external work was started on 21st June and completed on 31st August, scaffolding having been in place from 12th June to 31st October.

The external work on the tower (south, east and west sides only) was undertaken by local firm, Bryson’s of Lancashire. The work has included:

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The sesquicentennial project for the refurbishment and augmentation of our ring of bells from eight to ten bells was managed by our Tower Captain, Stuart Newton. Six new bells were cast by John Taylor’s Bell foundry at Loughborough, while retaining (but retuning) the back (i.e. heaviest) four, to provide a fully tuned ring of ten. The old front four, each dedicated to a member of the Clifton family were taken over for an agreed price by the Keltek Trust and the lightest three have already been allocated to projects at Longworth (Oxon), Harby (Leics) and Filby (Norfolk). The Clifton inscriptions from the old front four have been reproduced onto the equivalent new cast bells.

The bell project also included closed circuit TV cameras in the bell chamber and ringing room with screens in the ringing room and on the ground floor near the Heritage Mural. The work on the bells was led by Taylor’s, but around 1,000 hours of additional labour was provided by the bellringers themselves and some of the Wednesday Men and Women with a commensurate saving of £10,000 on Taylor’s bill. The work included redecoration of the ringing room and a major clean-up of the bell chamber. Some of the wooden louvres in the bell chamber were also repaired.

Due to disconnection of the clock mechanism required to allow opening of the upper trap door to facilitate lowering and raising the bells and due to the removal of the clock hands for regilding, professional reassembly was required by Lancashire Clockmakers. Other work conducted during the year has been:

Work on Vicarage Close has included resealing of the bath and replacement of the gate into the back garden.

Gerald Wilson Committee Secretary

b) PARISH ROOMS COMMITTEE

During the period covered by this report, the committee consisted of the following:

Fr Glen Brooks (Chairman)

Fr Ryan Otley (since his arrival in July 2022)

Ann Fletcher (Churchwarden)

Janice Vause (Secretary)

Kathryn Baker

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Margaret Imrie

The Parish Rooms Committee meets every 2-3 months to discuss matters concerning the upkeep and use of the Parish Rooms.

The main issue in this year has been the increase in costs due to increases in utility prices resulting in our outgoings exceeding the income. This comes on top of the slow but steady recovery of usage following the effects of Covid shut down etc. Details of the figures can be found in the treasurer’s report.

To offset the deficiency it was decided to increase the hire charges and our treasurer Henry has been very helpful in setting the prices and negotiating with hirers. We also reduced cleaning hours.

Due to Covid restrictions the number of hirers had diminished but is now steadily building up again. It was also decided not to continue to host parties as these can cause problems for cleaning and the office staff.

Hirers do come and go and range from Painting classes through Dancing classes and a Rock Choir to Slimming World. This illustrates that in spite of all the issues we have had to deal with, we are still a valuable resource to the wider community as well as being used by the church for social events and meetings.

Thanks are due to the committee members for their continued support during a difficult few years and especially to Janice Vause and Margaret Imrie who have decided to step down this year.

Ann Fletcher

Churchwarden

c) SOCIAL AND FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

2023 started with the annual Parish Dinner on 4th February. A great time was had by all with entertainment from Natalie Dee. Although this was primarily a social event, we did manage to raise £311 for the Church, primarily from the Chorley raffle.

We held a Jacobs join on 17th March with a beetle drive: again a good time was had by all.

The Eccleston Brass Band entertained us on 5th May. Everyone who went enjoyed it immensely; we also raised over £600.

An important event happened at the beginning of July, Fr Ryan’s ordination. Pam arranged a well-attended coach for the 2nd, his actual ordination, and we held a celebration buffet in the parish rooms after his first Mass on the 3rd. We had many complements all round, especially from the visiting dignitaries.

Another significant event happened in 2023, the 150th anniversary of the building of the Church. We held an Arts Week consisting of six concerts between 10th to 15th July and an Arts Exhibition from 13th to 15th July. This was seen as successful, although the weather put a few people off, with the arts exhibition being particularly popular.

We also held a well-attended Anniversary Lunch on the actual anniversary, 6th August at the Glendower Hotel. Again, feedback was extremely positive.

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On the 26th August there was a garden party, thanks to John and Jenny Edwards for loaning us their garden. We had outside caterers who did a fantastic job and there were smiles all round.

Harvest on 6th October saw a Pizza and Quiz night. We raised £152 on the raffle which was split between the Church and the Bishops Harvest Appeal.

A concert was held on 18th November featuring the Yard Dogs. This was an excellent event by all reports. The best thing being that they performed for free. All profits went to the Church, that’s over £700. Many thanks to Nigel Stewart of the Yard Dogs for volunteering his band’s services.

Now we come to the Tree Festival which is our major fund-raising activity for the year: It was held between 9th and 16th December and was our most successful Festival ever. We raised £2,102.37 for other charities plus a massive £5,014.53, 1 Yen and a trolley token for the Church! An incredible thank you to all involved.

Peter Duke

Chair

Social and Fundraising Committee

OUTREACH COMMITTEE

What a very busy year this proved to be. In addition to promoting Ash Wednesday, Mothering Sunday, Easter, Harvest Festival, Remembrance Sunday and our many events at Christmas, we were also asked to help to publicise a performance of Stainer’s Crucufixion, Handel’s Messiah and a concert by ‘The Yard Dogs’.

We were busier than ever serving refreshments at the St Annes Carnival Parade and we have noted that we need to buy even more lemonade this year!! In September the Church again opened its doors for Heritage Open Day. Although we were happy with the number of visitors we received we certainly missed having the bell tower tours; we hope that it will be possible to resume these tours in 2024. We welcomed more visitors in October when the Poppy Cascade was unveiled and many wonderful comments were received about the cascade. All these events help to promote the church in the community.

At a time when sending Christmas cards is on the decline we were delighted that our card with a picture of a stained glass window in church proved to be extremely popular. We increased our order this year to seven hundred cards and they were sold very quickly. We thank everyone who supported us by buying the cards. Our thanks also go to Christine Campbell for her work in selling Fairtrade Advent Calendars and Easter Eggs.

2023 was an extremely significant year for both the nation and for St Annes Parish Church and we helped to promote a number of events. We celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III in style with a concert given by Eccleston Brass Band. The event was such a success that the band has been invited back to perform at the Christmas Tree Festival. In the summer the church celebrated its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary with an Anniversary Mass and a week of art and musical events. This helped to bring many visitors into our church.

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In conclusion I would like to thank members of the Outreach Committee for all their help and support throughout 2023 and the other numerous individuals who willingly help us to achieve our aim of raising the profile of St Annes Parish Church. Your continued support is invaluable.

Susan McMahon

Committee Chair

IV ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS

a) HEYHOUSES NURSERY SCHOOL

Like so many organisations Nursery has seen several changes over the past year, but we continue to operate with a full and dedicated team.

In July 2022 we were successful in applying for funding to deliver a holiday project for some of nursery’s most vulnerable children and those in particular need, including those with additional needs such as English as an additional language, speech & language difficulties or those with a chaotic homelife. This has continued during the main holidays of 2023.

The Friends held a successful Christmas Fair in December and are now beginning to plan other fundraising events for the coming year.

We have been pleased to welcome Fr Glen & Fr Ryan into Nursery this year. The children really enjoy their visits. We would also like to thank the Verger, Adrian Page, for encouraging and supporting our visits to church earlier in the year.

We were pleased that Sunday School has now restarted and several of nursery children are attending. We are very happy to support Sunday School with the promotion of their sessions and events.

We thank you all for your support and prayers over the year.

Suzanne Williams

b) WEDNESDAY MEN

Our team has been further reinforced this year by the welcome addition of Sarah Delves and Gary Makinson to our number, also Bob Dodd, which has been a big help to our ability to keep on top of the never-ending jobs in the churchyard. We have also lent a hand to the work in the bell tower in support of the installation of the new bells.

Eric Roberts’ initiative to plant tête-à-tête daffodils along the path edges was extended to the remaining path down to the traffic lights and at the time of writing the results are lovely to behold.

In June 2023 Roy and Gerald repaired the tower lightning conductor, which had failed its compliance test. We were delighted to then receive a pass certificate, knowing that our repair work (not hard) had saved some £600 for church.

Routinely our work also covers the following:

Routinely our work also covers the following:

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We would welcome anyone MALE or FEMALE wishing to join our happy band on a Wednesday morning from 9.30am at church. If you spot any odd jobs needing attention, please let us know.

Gerald Wilson, Eric Roberts, Piers Fenwick, Roy & Gill Streatfield, Gary Makinson, Sarah Delves, & Bob Dodd.

c) VISION 2026

During 2023 saw the start of our Sunday School which is held twice a Month. This has been a great achievement by all concerned and forms a major part of our Vision Plan.

We continue our close connection with our school with weekly visits from Fr Glen and Fr Ryan.

“Inspiring Children and Young People”

Lent Study Group

During Lent Fr Ryan led the weekly study group in the Choir Vestry this year titled “Bread of Life” Which was a serious of short Videos.

This is followed by a short discussion.

“Making Disciples of Jesus Christ”

Brian Hankinson

Vision 2026 Champion

d) ADDITIONAL CURATES' SOCIETY

We continue to support the work of the ACS, during 2023 through the Lenten Alms boxes, we sent them £183.81 of which £122.14 was gift aided.

With many thanks to everyone who contributed.

Pam Kinghorn Parish Representative

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