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2024-12-31-accounts

There are many ways in which you can help to maintain the village churches. If you feel you would like to offer help with any aspects of our church life, please talk to one of the PCC members or the Chairmen of the various committees.

All volunteers are welcomed and valued!

2024

Parish of St. Bartholomew’s Wickham Bishops with St. Nicholas Little Braxted ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING Sunday 23rd March 2025 at 12 pm In St. Bartholomew’s Church Hall

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Welcome to the Annual Report for the year 2024

The agenda for the mee�ng, together with last year’s minutes are available as separate documents, along with the Accounts and nomina�ons for the elec�on of PCC members and Churchwardens. Our thanks go to all who have contributed to this report.

Thanks too to those who have given so generously of their �me and skills in suppor�ng the work of our two churches during a challenging year.

.

A Special mention to our fabulous flower ladies who decorate the church and enhance our worship each week.

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EDWARD BEAR CLUB
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Edward Bear meet every Monday morning during term �me for fun and faith with friends. Our congrega�on is made up of - children aged 0 5 and their special grownups. Stella Scrivener runs the group with help from Leanne Goddard. Chris�ne Bealer provides pastoral support and leads us in prayer each week.

The group focus on core Chris�an values of love and acceptance. We spend �me in the church as well as the hall helping the children become familiar in that space and thus able to treat it as their own.

During warmer weeks we play outside and year round the children are helping support local wildlife at home and in the church yard. The children enjoy cra�s, stories and songs together. They help to choose songs and par�cipate with the story each week, helping them gain confidence and become more ar�culate.

We have two par�es a year and are grateful for the church support with these. There is one for Christmas where each child receives an illustrated Christmas Story which is based on the na�vity. In the summer we have an end of term party and children leaving for school receive their own Edward Bear to commemorate their �me at the club. The group also have annual self funded trips. On previous years, we have visited Abberton Nature Reserve, a local so� play facility and later on this year will be going to a local beach.

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INDEX
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Page Number
Administra�ve informa�on 4
PCC Members and Ofcers 5- 6
Electoral Roll 7
Chairman’s Report 8- 10
PCC Report
 11
Safeguarding
 12
Deanery Synod 13- 14
Fabric Report 15- 18
Finance 19
Worship 20- 25
**inc. Choir and St. Nicholas **
Pastoral 26- 28
Including Drop-in, Ukrainian Friends, Bowls
Community 29
Discipleship 30- 31
Fundraising and Social 32- 33
Edward Bear 34- 35

Stella Scrivener

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ADMINISTRATIVE
INFORMATION
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The Parish of St Bartholomew Wickham Bishops with St Nicholas Little Braxted is situated in the Witham Deanery, part of the Diocese of Chelmsford. It has responsibility for - two principal places of worship

St Bartholomew's Church, the Parish Church, which is situated in Church Road, Wickham Bishops and St Nicholas Little Braxted now a Chapel of Ease, but licensed for weddings. St Nicholas is situated in Witham Road, Little Braxted.

Information about the churches in Wickham Bishops and Little Braxted is also available at -

Summer Fayre, Christmas and

the ever popular cake stall !

www.churchinwickhambishops.org.uk.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Wickham Bishops with Little Braxted is a Registered Charity No. 1159874.

The Parish has been in interregnum since April 2024. Plans - are currently in place for a re organisation of the wider Benefice. This Parish will become a ‘cluster’ with Great Totham, Little Totham and Goldhanger.

Guardians of the Village Churches

Regre�ably, in the absence of an incumbent, the Guardians commi�ee is currently dormant. It is hoped that when the �me is right the commi�ee will be reac�vated.

Graham Spearman

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Fund Raising & Social
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In 2024 we were involved in arranging quite a few events, but only three of them that went ahead were fund raisers: the Spring Coffee Morning, the Summer Fayre and the Christmas Market. They were all fairly well supported and enjoyable occasions and financially very successful. In total we raised just over £4,500. One fund raising event, a Race Night, planned for September, had to be cancelled owing to lack of support. This was a great pity as we put a lot of effort into planning something different.

From a social/outreach point of view we organised four events. The first was Rev. Hilary’s Farewell in May, where we coordinated the finger buffet lunch following her final service. This was a lovely occasion, with a wonderful selec�on of food that was much appreciated by the substan�al number of a�endees. Secondly, we arranged a Bring and Share Lunch to celebrate Harvest at the beginning of October which was well supported and a very relaxed social occasion. The third event was the decora�on of the Christmas Tree by the uniformed groups at the beginning of December, which was a successful evening despite fewer a�endees than usual. Finally, a�er the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols just before Christmas, we provided seasonal refreshments which were enjoyed by a good number.

Our hard-working commi�ee s�ll has a membership of eight, but we couldn’t func�on without the support of other members of the Church family and the wider community, which we much appreciate.

We hope for another rewarding and enjoyable year in 2025.

Kath Adkins - Chair Fund Raising and Social

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PCC MEMBERS
PCC MEMBERS
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Ofcers as at January 2025

Priest in Charge Vacant

Rev. Derek Clark Vacant Posi�on x 2

Churchwardens:

Elected Representa�ves (max 12)

Un�l 2025 Un�l 2026 Graham Spearman Kate Dawson Spencer Churchill John Baker Lester Firkins Rick Smith (resigned Jan.2025) Francine Cope

Un�l 2027 Maggie Drewe� Elizabeth Joslin Dorothy Kerr Graham Wingrove Barry Cousins

Ex-Ofcio: Geraldine Spearman, Secretary

Deanery Synod Reps

John Gilbert Chris�ne Bealer

Other Ofcers

Treasurer: Graham Spearman Pastoral Assistant : Chris�ne Bealer

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[We have also previously looked at the book of Nehemiah. We ] are open to looking at relevant issues and topics that help us in our Chris�an lives and understanding of the Bible.

PCC Vice-Chair: John Gilbert Safeguarding Officer: Norma Hayward Safeguarding Training: Francine Cope Electoral Roll Officer: Mary Brown Deputy Churchwarden: Graham Wingrove

Sidespersons:

Kath Adkins Norma Hayward Kate Dawson Lester Firkins Dorothy Kerr Stuart Parish Wendy Firkins John Kerr John Wra�en Richard Latham Francine Cope Denise Yelland Geraldine Spearman Vivienne Lodge Dick Yelland Chris Baker Allan Baker

If you’re interested in becoming a Sidesperson or reading one of the lessons at the services, please speak to Dorothy Kerr.

Recently we had a session led by one of group looking at the current situa�on with the occupied West Bank area of Pales�ne. This was very helpful in helping all to understand the current issues in that region and how this relates to the biblical context in passages in Mark’s Gospel.

The group is very welcoming, relaxed, friendly and open to hear everyone’s views and sharing of experiences of God’s goodness and our daily walk with Him.

Elizabeth Joslin and Steve Carter

Women’s Chris�an Fellowship

The Fellowship has had a good year with membership at 30 and an average a�endance of 20 and at some mee�ngs we have welcomed several gentlemen when the subjects have interested them.

Change" and "Memories of a Magistrate in the East End" among others and presenta�ons from Perrywoods and Colchester Zoo. In March we had what has become an annual event, the Daffodil Walk at Oliver's Nursery. Added to this an a�ernoon tea and Christmas Lunch, bringing lots of fun and friendship.

Our mee�ngs are held on the second Wednesday of the month in the Church Hall at 2.30pm and are open to everyone.

Denise Yelland

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DISCIPLESHIP
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Bible Groups

Monday a�ernoon

We con�nue our Bible studies on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Monday a�ernoons in the month with 13 regular a�endees. Our aim is to keep it relevant for today and encourage everyone , who wants to, �me to say what they feel. Some�mes this leads us way off the course material but gives us an interes�ng opportunity to explore avenues that we perhaps hadn’t thought about and we always end up back on track!

Over the last year we have covered books that showed us who the ‘Bad Boys of the Bible’ were; ‘Forgiveness’; ‘Thoughts of God’; ‘O Come O Come Emanuel’ and we are currently studying ‘Journeying Through Lent’.

We aim to chose varied studies so as not to stagnate but to challenge posi�vely, concluding with group prayer.

Do come and join us, we start at 2pm.

Gillian Wingrove and Maggie Drewe�

Tuesday evening

The group meets twice a month and currently 10 people a�end (although more are welcome if we can fit everyone in to our homes!). We meet in a different home each �me and take it in turns to facilitate the evening.

We focus on a book of the bible (at present we are working through the Gospel of Mark.

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ELECTORAL ROLL
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Every six years The Church Electoral Roll is completely renewed in line with the Church of England regula�ons. Forms were sent to all parishioners on 2024 Electoral Roll invi�ng them to renew their applica�on and Data Protec�on details.

In total there are now 97 people on the 2025 Church Electoral Roll; of these 74 live in the Parish, and 23 are non-resident.

There are 7 new members, but I also report that 5 members requested removal from the Electoral Roll and 1 member is moving away from the village. Sadly 2 members have died during the last year. Also 8 previous members will be removed from the 2025 Electoral Roll either because there has been no contact from them or they are not eligible.

wblbelr@gmail.com

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Chairman’s report

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COMMUNITY
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FOODBANK

A living and growing body or a presenta�on set of Ferrero Rocher – choose your analogy!

Well, that was an interes�ng year!

Hilary’s introduc�on for last year’s APCM booklet started with “Surviving to thriving” as a theme from the Diocesan Well-being Day. We are nearly a year into the vacancy (interregnum in the old days, but that rather depends on whether you think clergy rule…) and a lot has happened. Thanks to the dedica�on of so many people within and without the congrega�on it has seemed pre�y much like business as usual – where business as usual includes growth and change.

We have a newly redecorated and reordered church building, giving us a more welcoming and inclusive space. No more flaking paintwork, brighter ligh�ng, open spaces at the front of the main body of the church and a dedicated space for wheelchair users in the body of the congrega�on, not shoved off into a side aisle. Thank you to everyone in the church, in the village and donors beyond who have been so commi�ed over the years to raise the money for the transforma�on.

Not only has the space been made to look more welcoming, we have made use of the new space to make our services more welcoming and inclusive. As reported elsewhere, we have changed how some of our services operate to make things a whole body of Christ together experience. But – physical change is only a part it is an outward expression of

We con�nue to support the work of the Trussell Trust Foodbank with a permanent collec�on box in St. Bartholomew’s and also working in conjunc�on with the village One Stop Shop.

Once again the Harvest Collec�on of food delivered to the church and the shop was well supported. The children of Wickham Bishops Nursery made a special visit to the church with their Harvest gi�s all presented in pre�ly hand painted paper bags. They took part in a special prayer and were told how some people needed extra help to provide food for their families.

One Stop generously used their Community Fund to donate bags of food items at Easter and Christmas. We’re grateful for their con�nued commitment.

The local Warehouse covers the Witham area as well as Braintree and Halstead. People can collect food parcels at the Witham Methodist Church in Guithavon Street. Vouchers are provided by GPs or Social Care providers. Geraldine Spearman

The Nursery Harvest food bags at the Altar

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UKRAINIAN FRIENDS

During 2024, our friends, the Smolynet family moved away from the village and were re-housed in accommoda�on in Ipswich.

We welcomed them in to our congrega�on when they came to the UK at the beginning of the war in 2022. It was a joy to embrace them as part of the church family and encourage them to take part in our ac�vi�es, including Edward Bear. We were sad to see them leave.

Through funds that were raised whilst they were in Wickham Bishops, we were able to buy them a much needed washing machine for their new home

They are always welcome back at St. Bartholomew’s and we wish them luck for their future and con�nue to hold them in our prayers.

Geraldine Spearman

BOWLS CLUB

Another good year for the St. Bart's Outreach Bowls Club.

As members are becoming a li�le older, the li�ing of the mat is o�en an issue and we are looking at ways to rec�fy this.

The club enables people to meet and socialise, whilst learning to play bowls. There is always a break for tea, cake and chat! All are welcome. Contact Cindy or Gillian if you would like to come along and give it a try. Hopefully we can s�ll con�nue in 2025.

what is happening inside. As Hilary said in previous years, people come to the service, but stay because of the fellowship. Church doesn’t just happen in the body of the building in a service, church happens with the coffee and the crock pot lunches a�erwards. Ministry doesn’t just happen on a Sunday, it happens at the bible - study groups, at the Drop in, at the WCF, at the house groups. Importantly, all of these ministries depend not on the presence of a priest, but the presence of the Spirit in an obedient and caring congrega�on. Everything that everybody does ma�ers and makes a difference. It is not only those that organise things (and goodness knows they do an outstanding job), but the people who come and make the events what they are.

If this vacancy has shown anything, it has shown what a lively, – thriving and commi�ed body of Christ this church community is and that makes it a�rac�ve. It’s the day to day caring and concern for one another and those with whom we come into contact. It’s the smile and the welcome for anyone coming into our church. God lives here amongst us and each of us plays our part.

and just sit and be in a quiet and welcoming safe space – a space that has been prayed in and worshipped in and made a�rac�ve.

We have so many things and people to be grateful for, not least the support we have had from ordained priests that has enabled us to carry on with our pa�ern of services. Bishop Roger has been a strong support, not just in the background producing visi�ng clergy seemingly out of a hat, but also stepping in himself and with his wife Sally, enabling us to have a full set of Christmas services. Here a special men�on needs to go to Rev Derek Clark who, despite being “re�red” has given us uns�n�ng support and commitment, while also building up the church body in Ul�ng. We wish Derek well with his recovery.

Cindy Baker

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As we look forward to this year, it is with both interest and expecta�on as a deanery reorganisa�on will hopefully lead to the recruitment of a priest to serve the group of parishes around Beacon Hill of which we will be part. Whatever happens on that front, we know that God has His hand on us and will not fail us.

I cannot close without a special men�on for Geraldine as PCC Secretary and Elizabeth Joslin, keeper of the “burner phone” to field calls from outside the church. With grace, quiet commitment, efficiency and caring concern, they have been absolutely amazing in handling the immense volume of stuff that comes from outside the church, which we never see. Thank you.

John Gilbert

John, Rev. Derek and Rev. Hilary at her re�rement party in April .

Bishop of Colchester, Rev. Roger Morris presiding at the Thanksgiving Service following the re-decora�on n July.

Drop-in Sessions

Drop In sessions are on the second Monday of each month. The Parish Magazine has details.

Drop In provides refreshments, friendship, fun and a sympathe�c ear if you need to talk to someone in confidence. If possible, transport is arranged for those who otherwise could not get to Drop In. A�endance in 2024 varied between 12 and 25 people at the 12 sessions. Everyone is welcome. The Christmas party in December is always well a�ended with Christmas snacks, crackers, carol singing, secret Santa presents and much more.

There is a dedicated and hardworking team who have Safeguarding qualifica�ons. 2 people lead the session each month, the team is Chris�ne, Geraldine, Jayne, Kate, Kath, Maggie D, Maggie G and Sue.

Sue Clements

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Cakes and Carols
at Drop-in
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PASTORAL
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The commi�ee supports the pastoral care in the church and local community. This includes visi�ng the sick, lonely and bereaved; Drop In sessions, Welcome Packs, Parish Magazine, Edward Bear, Services at Li�le Oaks and Home Communion.

The Parish magazine has con�nued to be delivered to every household during the year. We were delighted to welcome Elaine as the new editor a�er Peter’s re�rement at the end of 10 years remarkable service. We are very grateful to the willing band of helpers who make this possible and are always looking out for new people to join the ranks. Welcome packs have also been delivered to newcomers to the village by our Welcome visitors.

our volunteers and it was much enjoyed by all who a�ended.

We once again organised the delivery of cyclamen plants to the sick and bereaved at Harvest �me and these were much appreciated. We also assisted with the planning of the Service at All Souls and provided refreshments.

We con�nue to visit Li�le Oaks once a month for a short service and chat with the residents. Chris�ne and I have been joined this year by Kate and we are delighted to have her support.

We also, with members of our church family, try to lend support where we can to the bereaved, the elderly and those not so well.

Jayne Jennings Chair - Pastoral Commi�ee

PCC REPORT

The PCC members are Charity Trustees and have ul�mate responsibility for ensuring that the church is solvent and well run. Our Electoral Roll membership en�tles our Parish to 12 laity PCC members plus 2 Deanery Synod Reps. Rev. Derek - Clark and Secretary Geraldine are both ex officio members. Rev. Hilary re�red in April.

The PCC has met 6 �mes this year. John Gilbert stepped in as Vice-Chair, in the absence of a Priest in Charge. Our Agendas have very much focused on the interregnum and the challenges that we face.

Following Rev. Hilary’s re�rement, the PCC met during the year with the Bishop of Colchester, the Archdeacon and the Area Dean to discuss future plans for our Parish and the - proposed re organisa�on of the Deanery.

Safeguarding and Finances are standard agenda items for discussion and considera�on was given to new ideas for the prayer list, use of the common cup, Parish Magazine produc�on, maintenance of the Rectory and the new sound system. Proposals are put forward with some�mes lively debate!

A ‘burner’ phone was introduced to take General Enquiries and bookings for bap�sms, weddings and funerals. Members stepped up to take on addi�onal tasks ensuring that services and other ac�vi�es could con�nue without too much disrup�on to our church life.

The PCC are to be thanked for their increased workloads and commitment during this �me. Thank you to members for their support and pa�ence during 2024.

- Geraldine Spearman PCC Secretary

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SAFEGUARDING

Safeguarding checks

These checks, also known as the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for the Church of England continue to be carried out and run by the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) generally known as 31:8. with the Diocese of Chelmsford providing help and support.

There are two types of checks available to Parishes:

Enhanced : limited to certain roles such as those working with children and vulnerable adults, lay readers, churchwardens and PCC members. It is recommended that at least 3 PCC members are checked.

Basic : For those who do not qualify for an Enhanced check, for example:

Authorised Local Preachers, Eucharistic Assistants, Servers, Musical directors of adult choirs etc. These checks are not a requirement for people holding these roles but can be advised to applicants as best practice. Two have been carried out in the Parish in the last 12 months.

Checks have to be repeated every 3 years.

The Parish safeguarding officer is now notified by 31:8 of checks that are due for renewal.

DBS checks for ordained clergy are carried out by the Diocese.

I am very grateful for the work organising Safeguarding Training undertaken by Francine Cope, a very important part of the process. Please contact Francine for further information on

Safeguarding training courses. francinecope@hotmail.co.uk

- Norma Hayward Parish Safeguarding Officer.

jhaywa@globalnet.co.uk

The church is opened daily courtesy of our neighbours and as can be witnessed by the Visitor Book there is a regular flow of visitors both locally, na�onally and indeed globally.

Especial thanks are due to the many volunteer Priests who have a�ended and enabled us to maintain services during the con�nuing Interregnum.

Barry Cousins

The new Corona at St Nicholas, dedicated in

memory of Roy Tracey

01621 852010

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ST. NICHOLAS
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Regular Services have con�nued throughout the year on the 3[rd] Sunday of each month with addi�onal services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. There are a small number of regulars at these congrega�ons supplemented by occasional visitors, although rarely any from the village residents.

In place of the usual St Nicholas’ Day Service on the Sunday nearest 6[th] December we held a joint Advent, St Nicholas Day and Carol Service sponsored by our neighbours Mr and Mrs Speakman especially for workers on the farm and in the offices complex. Held on a Wednesday evening in December the church was packed with over 40 in the congrega�on.

The Service also included the dedica�on and blessing of the replacement Ligh�ng Corona in memory of long serving Church Warden Roy Tracey. The Corona of led lights, chosen by Marion, Roy’s widow, and funded from Roy’s legacy, replaced the ‘condemned’ Corona of candles erected in the 1970s. We are grateful for the work making this all possible by Rev Hilary, Marion and the Parish Fabric Commi�ee.

The usual Christmas Candlelit Midnight Mass, supplemented by the dimmed down Corona was a�ended by more than the usual small congrega�on with children helping the Rev Sally Morris [wife of our Area Bishop], filling in while the Parish remains in a Vacancy. Especial thanks are due to Elsie and Donald in providing extra candles and ‘fairy’ lights for the occasion, and also for providing fresh flowers before each monthly service.

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DEANERY SYNOD
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The word “synod” comes from a Greek word meaning “assembly” or “mee�ng”.

A Deanery Synod consists of all the clergy licensed to a - Benefice/parish within the Deanery and elected lay members each parish is allocated a number of lay places on the Deanery Synod, based on the size of their electoral roll. Deanery Synod members are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Mee�ng to serve a three-year term. A deanery is part of the governance structure of the Church of England, linking to the Diocesan Synod and to General Synod through elected representa�ves. Mee�ngs are chaired by the Area Dean, in our case Rev. Simon Garwood and a Lay Chair, Simon May. Synod mee�ngs are held up to four �mes a year and regular business includes updates on the Deanery’s Parish Share payments, events and ac�vi�es in the Parishes and perhaps a session on a ma�er of interest. A report of the latest mee�ng of the General Synod can also be circulated.

What does a Deanery Synod do?

The Deanery Synod makes decisions at a deanery level. It acts as an intermediary between the parochial church councils of each parish and the synod of the diocese as a whole. Deaneries also have the power to bring proposals and mo�ons to Diocesan Synod for debate.

October 2024: Parish Nurse in the Blackwater Benefice Net Zero Carbon Goal & Eco-Church Update The role of the Diocesan Rural Ministry Adviser and Agricultural Chaplain Safeguarding

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What do Deanery Synod lay members do?

Deanery Synod members are invited to a�end four Deanery Synod mee�ngs per year. These are held at various loca�ons in the Deanery, and are generally approximately two hours long. The agenda and papers about ma�ers to be discussed are circulated to members in advance. Some decisions are put to the vote. Deanery Synod members are also automa�cally members of their parish’s Parochial Church Council (PCC), and so a�end those mee�ngs as well.

During the last year, presenta�ons at our Deanery mee�ngs were as follows:

Feb 2024:

Being a Parish Nurse in four parishes Lay Funeral Ministers Living in Love and Faith, where are we now?

June 2024:

Presenta�on on Diocesan Finances and the Parish Share. Deanery Plan: where is it at the present �me? Living in Love and Faith, the way forward. Eco-church plans

Chris�ne Bealer Deanery Synod Rep

Sadly, sacred music at Parish level is somewhat in decline and I am very pleased that at St Bartholomew’s we have, so far, been able to maintain the tradi�on which is a major part of our culture. It is an ongoing challenge to find musicians to play and addi�onal singers for the services at major fes�vals. So, if any one would like to sing or play or knows people in the village who sing and or play please contact me.

Graham Spearman - 07721 505296

- St. Bartholomew’s Choir singing at the re opening Thanksgiving service and below at Rev. Hilary’s last

service.

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CHOIR

The purpose of the Choir is to lead the congrega�on in Worship. That may be either leading the hymns and Eucharist se�ngs or performing a piece of music to li� the congrega�on.

2024 saw the re�rement of Reverend Hilary. This event was the week a�er Easter, known as Low Sunday. I suppose it was low for us as a church community as we said farewell to our Priest in Charge. It was pleasing that we were able to sing an Anthem for Hilary’s last service having sung an Introit and Anthem at the Easter Sunday Eucharist service the week before.

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FABRIC
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It has been something of a fragmented year for the Fabric Commi�ee with two mee�ngs being held.

were a�ributed to the respec�ve Fabric Funds. It was one of these which enabled us to instruct Baker’s to commence the redecora�on project.

St Bartholomew’s

An Anthem was also sung when Bishop Roger presided at the Service of Thanksgiving in July.

Carols which was, as ever, well supported by the village with a congrega�on of about 120. This was only achieved with the help of visi�ng singers to augment the regular choir and visi�ng musicians to play and conduct.

I am extremely grateful to all those who have given their support during the year. Par�cular thanks must go to Steven Rumsey who took numerous prac�ces, par�cularly for the Christmas music.

(RSCM) and we try to par�cipate in their Music Sunday event. This year was singing the top 10 Hymns as voted for by Affiliated Choirs. We had a good a�endance for this event and raised funds for the RSCM and our own music event. I am thinking that for this year we could have an event singing our congrega�ons top 10 favourite hymns.

The major project was the internal redecora�on and ligh�ng upgrade of the Nave. This was undertaken by Baker’s of Danbury and was completed on �me and on budget. Our Architect Hilary Brightman was most helpful during this project and kept the contractors to the contract specifica�on. The ligh�ng upgrade has made a huge difference. We now have spotlights as well as uplighters and these can be used separately or together. This gives flexibility on the level of ligh�ng depending on the nature of the service.

Also during the year Sigma Electrical completed all the work required under the five yearly Electrical Inspec�on report some of which was able to be completed whilst Bakers had the scaffolding in place.

The sound system in the church was also upgraded and funded as part of the restora�on project. Although the ideal was to install screens and a projector the cost of this upgrade was beyond our means.

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during the re-decora�on in 2024

The Lady Chapel - ceiling repainted and a lot brighter!

We continue to develop our worship services to make our church welcoming to all. With that inclusivity in mind, we changed the logistics for the 10:30 service, to take advantage of the extra space at the front of the church post-redecoration. First, we made the nave altar a standard part of our services. Those with mobility challenges, whether wheelchair users or with other aids, no longer have to negotiate 2 sets of steps, or have to wait to the end for pew service to partake of the sacrament. Second, we changed the order of distribution of - the elements, so that those who are immune suppressed or otherwise medically vulnerable receive the wine first or from specific individual chalices (while maintaining the common cup) to keep them safe. Through these small changes, members of our community have been able to partake of the full sacrament and, importantly, both to feel and be seen to be completely included in our services. In one instance over Christmas, one longstanding member of our church said it was the first time that they had been able to take full communion in St Bartholomew’s for years.

So we con�nue to develop all our services and ministry as a lively and maturing church community – “while the cat’s away…!” John Gilbert

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WORSHIP
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In normal times, the primary purpose of the Worship Committee is to assist the minister in their role in deciding on and leading the services across the year, in both church buildings and in public services where the church has a leading role in organisation.

However, as we have not been in normal times, the Worship Committee members have taken the lead in arranging the service schedule and content for the church, with more frequent meetings and very active email trails! We changed the name to Service Planning Group, since it gives a better description of what we actually do. The members of the Group are:

Authorised Local Preachers: Christine Bealer, Barry Cousins,

John Gilbert, Elizabeth Joslin. Choir and Music lead for “Big Church” services: Graham Spearman

Morning Praise Lead: Lester Firkins

Deputy Churchwarden and purveyor of common sense:

Graham Wingrove.

In the vacancy, we set ourselves the goal of keeping a consistent pattern of Eucharistic and Non-Eucharistic services (8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at St Bartholomew’s and 9:00 a.m. third Sundays at St Nicholas’). We also wanted a consistent small set of people leading the services to minimise “who and what is happening this week” syndrome. This supports continued church development (particularly for the 10:30 a.m. services), and ensures that our small, but faithful, 8 a.m. community is served each week.

Fabric con�nued …..

Other issues dealt with during the year were the waste disposal pump. This will need to receive further a�en�on during this year. It is also necessary for a contract to be set up to clean the drain gullies and downpipes. These tend to get e blocked and overflow and then dampness penetrates th walls.

Our church yard has con�nued to be kept in good order thanks to Dick Yelland organising his band of merry men. We have also benefi�ed from visits by the Community Payback team. A young man has been working hard cleaning some of the gravestones as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award. He’s doing a - great job! Two churchyard clear ups have taken place during the year and thanks to those willing volunteers.

The new hall chairs arrived during the early part of the year and I hope have been well received.

Installa�on of Solar Panels has not progressed for the simple reason that it is very difficult to get an appropriate meter installed. This is because our electricity supply is three phase and so standard Smart Meters are not appropriate. There is currently a request with our energy supplier for the installa�on of a suitable meter but I am not holding my breath!

Thanks must go to Maggie Grice who acts as Secretary and to all those who undertake prac�cal tasks to keep both the building and the churchyard in order.

20

17

The Church has Re-opened!

Thank you display to the Village for their support and generous dona�ons

St. Nicholas

The second bequest was from a former resident of Li�le Braxted. The Quinquennial report at St Nicholas is due this year. The Architect who has previously undertaken this has re�red.

Hilary Brightman has agreed to take this on and seems to be delighted to be dealing with this historic church.

Fortunately due to the Bequest received last year there should be sufficient funds to cover the costs that may arise.

In the St. Nicholas report by Barry Cousins further on in this booklet, there is reference to the installa�on of the new Corona. This is a gi� made from the bequest of Roy Tracey. This installa�on has overcome the Health and Safety concerns arising from the old corona.

Graham Spearman

----- Start of picture text -----
TREASURER
----- End of picture text -----

For the detail please see my report in the published Accounts.

during my tenure as Treasurer we did not pay the Parish Share in full. Also, for the second year in succession we have been unable to pay contribu�ons to Interna�onal, Na�onal and Local Chari�es. We have however made dona�ons from our Christmas services to The Children’s Society and Crisis for Christmas. Sadly, I cannot see this situa�on changing as energy costs con�nue to be high and the Diocese are for ever

reques�ng higher amounts of Parish Share. I would just comment that despite the pressure placed on us Parish Share is a voluntary payment.

was maintained at roughly the same level as we started with.

You will note that the Ukrainian Restricted Fund has reduced as we purchased domes�c appliances for two Ukrainian families.

In respect of the Fabric Funds the St. Bartholomew’s fund has a low balance following the redecora�on project and improvements made to the sound system. I am sure that the Gardens Fes�val Commi�ee, to whom I am very grateful, will see the fund significantly increase. The St Nicholas Fabric Fund is in a very healthy situa�on having benefi�ed from a significant bequest. This should stand us in a good posi�on with regard to the Quinquennial Report which was undertaken on 18[th] March.

Looking at the current year I must again emphasise that we need to keep a very close watch on our expenditure.

— Graham Spearman Treasurer

18

19

Wickham Bishops & Little Braxted PCC Registered Charity 1159874

End of Year Financial Statements

Year ending 31[st] December 2024

Treasurer’s Report

What a year 2024 turned out to be! Reverend Hilary retired and the redecoration of the Nave was completed.

In respect of our General Funds, notated as Unrestricted funds, which cover day to day running costs we continue to have to watch our expenditure very closely. The Diocese continue to request what I consider to be an excessive sum by way of Parish Share particularly when we compare our figure against similar parishes. The PCC agreed to pay Parish Share in full for 2023 in the hope that would stand us in good stead for recruitment of a new incumbent. Sadly, that decision does not appear to have had any impact. As a result in 2023 there was a reduction to our General Fund of some £9,300. So this year, your PCC agreed to withhold any payment of Parish Share for 2024 until the financial year end when we could ascertain what we could afford. In the event a payment of £46,000 was made in early January which was 86% of the amount requested. This has meant that we have been able to maintain the balance of our General Funds at around £50,000. Why you may ask do we need to maintain such a balance. As Trustees of our own Charity we are expected to make responsible financial decisions and hold sufficient funds to cover 6 months of expenditure. With annual expenditure approaching £90,000 we can demonstrate that we are meeting that requirement.

Turning to Restricted funds we did receive two bequests during the year. One was of £18,105.11 for St Bartholomew's fabric fund which enabled us to undertake the redecoration project. The other of £20,000 was for St Nicholas Fabric fund which stands us in a good position for the quinquennial report which is due in 2025.

The St Bartholomew’s Fabric fund has reduced significantly primarily due to the costs of the redecoration of the Nave which amounted to some £80,000 net including fees and ancillary costs. Fortunately, we were able to recover the VAT which amounted to £13,443 and as we held sufficient funds we were able to cover this amount from our General Fund. The scheme for repayment of VAT has been running since 2001. Unfortunately the current Government has only extended the scheme until March 2026 and has also limited the amount that any one church can reclaim to £25,000 a year. Hopefully that will not impact us immediately but I am concerned as to what the position may be after March 2026. Clearly this will have a major impact in our Cathedrals and Great Churches which many of us like to visit. The current situation is that St Bartholomew’s now has only limited monies in it’s Fabric fund and we must hope that no major fabric issues arise. That said later this year on 8[th] June we have another Gardens Festival with concerts in September. Please encourage relatives and friends to attend. I am extremely grateful to Stewart Adkins and his committee for all their hard work that they have put into the event already and will continue to do so.

While saying thank you, a particular thanks to John Baker for his continuing work as Gift Aid Secretary. John’s efforts have resulted in an additional £9,900 of income. John, as my predecessor in this role, has also continued to be of great support and guidance as a Mentor.

To close thank you all for your giving but please keep the amount you contribute under review. If anyone would like to join the Parish Giving Scheme please come and talk to me.

Graham Spearman 26/01/2025

Page 3

Statement of Financial Activities

Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Total
Prior year
funds
funds
funds
funds
total funds
Receipts
Planned giving
Collections and other giving
Other voluntary receipts
Gift Aid recovered
Other receipts
Youth Club
Activities for generating funds
Investment Income
Receipts from church activities
Total income
Payments
Cost of generating funds
Missionary and Charitable Giving
Parish Share
Clergy and Staffing costs
Church Running Expenses
Youth Club
Hall Running Costs
Church Repairs & Maintenance
Hall Repairs & Maintenance
Governance Costs
Total expenditure
Gains / losses on investment assets
Net income / (expenditure) resources before
transfer
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Represented by
Unrestricted
General fund
Restricted
General Fund re Bowls Club
Guardians Restricted Funds
Little Braxted Fabric Fund CB3022306
Ukrainian Refugees Restricted Fund
Wickham Bishops Fabric Fund CB3022305		 36,554.84
—
—
36,554.84
36,815.55
3,303.26
—
—
3,303.26
3,040.95
5,054.63
38,160.11
—
43,214.74
7,410.02
23,974.60
—
—
23,974.60
9,715.19
1,077.19
22.06
—
1,099.25
3,702.79
—
—
—
—
141.68
12,340.52
66.16
—
12,406.68
34,209.99
2,061.31
2,799.06
—
4,860.37
3,085.07
2,067.16
—
—
2,067.16
5,421.61
86,433.51
41,047.39
—
127,480.90
103,542.85
210.30
—
—
210.30
2,392.92
785.88
944.00
—
1,729.88
4,139.40
46,000.00
—
—
46,000.00
51,049.00
3,558.16
—
—
3,558.16
5,726.77
22,818.64
4,395.13
—
27,213.77
30,489.32
—
—
—
—
—
1,916.91
—
—
1,916.91
2,109.60
13,940.70
86,773.96
—
100,714.66
2,676.95
—
—
—
—
—
120.00
—
—
120.00
120.00
89,350.59
92,113.09
—
181,463.68
98,703.96
7,882.84
—
—
7,882.84
—
4,965.76
(51,065.70)
—
(46,099.94)
4,838.89
16,046.82
53,321.76
—
69,368.58
4,424.77
(21,524.52)
(47,844.06)
—
(69,368.58)
(4,424.77)
—
—
—
—
—
(511.94)
(45,588.00)
—
(46,099.94)
4,838.89
50,675.33
90,501.75
—
141,177.08
136,338.19
50,163.39
44,913.75
—
95,077.14
141,177.08
50,163.39
—
—
50,163.39
50,675.33
—
843.14
—
843.14
843.14
—
1,338.36
—
1,338.36
27,952.20
—
36,018.96
—
36,018.96
17,653.46
—
506.48
—
506.48
1,428.42
—
6,206.81
—
6,206.81
42,624.53

Page 4

Balance sheet

Total funds
Prior year funds
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Net current assets less current liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets less liabilities
Represented by
Unrestricted
General fund
Restricted
General Fund re Bowls Club
Guardians Restricted Funds
Ukrainian Refugees Restricted Fund
Wickham Bishops Fabric Fund CB3022305
Little Braxted Fabric Fund CB3022306
Funds of the church		 95,077.14
141,177.08
95,077.14
141,177.08
95,077.14
141,177.08
95,077.14
141,177.08
95,077.14
141,177.08
50,163.39
50,675.33
843.14
843.14
1,338.36
27,952.20
506.48
1,428.42
6,206.81
42,624.53
36,018.96
17,653.46
95,077.14
141,177.08
Analysis of income and expenditure Analysis of income and expenditure
Total
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Planned giving
Envelopes 90.00 — — — 90.00 875.00
planned giving 36,464.84 — — — 36,464.84 35,940.55
Total 36,554.84 — — — 36,554.84 36,815.55
Collections and other giving
collections 3,188.26 — — — 3,188.26 2,872.95
Gift Aid Envelopes 115.00 — — — 115.00 168.00
Total 3,303.26 — — — 3,303.26 3,040.95
Other voluntary receipts
Charity Collections 641.88 — — — 641.88 1,081.51
Other Giving 360.00 — — — 360.00 476.73
Donations 3,971.25 — — — 3,971.25 3,510.78
Gemma Fraser — — — — — —
Flower Fund — — — — — 20.00
Music Fund 81.50 — — — 81.50 27.75
Legacies/Grants — — 38,105.11 — 38,105.11 1,000.00
Recurring grants — — — — — —
Non-recurring one-off grants — — — — — —
Roof Repair Appeal — — — — — —
Guardians — — 55.00 — 55.00 1,272.91
Alpha Donations — — — — — —
Ukranian Refugee Donations — — — — — 20.34
Total 5,054.63 — 38,160.11 — 43,214.74 7,410.02

Page 5

Gift Aid recovered
Tax recoverable on Gift Aid
Tax Refund - Church Restoration
Fund WB
Tax refund - LB Fabric
Tax Relief Guardians
Total
Other receipts
Resources from Diocese
Other funds generated
Braxted Gazebo Hire
Interest Ukranian Refugee Fund
Insurance claims
Surplus - sales of fixed assets
Bowls Club
Little Braxted General Transfer
In/Out
Total
Other receipts - Youth Club
Youth Club Income
Total
Activities for generating funds
Fund Raising - Open Gardens Flower
Festi
Fund Raising
Braxted Fete Income
Fund Raising - Golf Day
Fund Raising - May Ball
Trading Income
Friends of Little Braxted
Fees to Diocese
Church hall lettings
Magazine income - advertising
Little Braxted Fabric
Total
Investment Income
Interest - General Fund
Interest WB Church Restoration Fund
Interest LB Fabric Fund
Interest/Dividends
Interest on Guardians Account
Total
Receipts from church activities
Parochial Fees for weddings and
funerals
Gravespoil
Memorial Book Income
Greeting Cards sales
Tea/Coffee
Drop In Donations
Total		 9,876.60
—
—
—
9,876.60
9,715.19
14,098.00
—
—
—
14,098.00
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
23,974.60
—
—
—
23,974.60
9,715.19
—
—
—
—
—
1,520.00
100.00
—
—
—
100.00
141.59
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
22.06
—
22.06
20.72
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
843.14
—
—
—
—
—
—
977.19
—
—
—
977.19
1,177.34
1,077.19
—
22.06
—
1,099.25
3,702.79
—
—
—
—
—
141.68
—
—
—
—
—
141.68
—
—
—
—
—
16,343.83
4,227.06
—
—
—
4,227.06
2,820.75
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
22.30
—
—
—
22.30
15.25
—
—
66.16
—
66.16
65.45
428.66
—
—
—
428.66
2,052.33
4,082.50
—
—
—
4,082.50
5,164.38
3,580.00
—
—
—
3,580.00
7,748.00
—
—
—
—
—
—
12,340.52
—
66.16
—
12,406.68
34,209.99
2,061.31
—
—
—
2,061.31
1,207.40
—
—
1,420.04
—
1,420.04
1,323.65
—
—
1,103.52
—
1,103.52
554.02
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
275.50
—
275.50
—
2,061.31
—
2,799.06
—
4,860.37
3,085.07
1,699.02
—
—
—
1,699.02
4,303.00
—
—
—
—
—
210.00
10.00
—
—
—
10.00
50.00
68.15
—
—
—
68.15
155.47
260.69
—
—
—
260.69
338.42
29.30
—
—
—
29.30
364.72
2,067.16
—
—
—
2,067.16
5,421.61
INCOME TOTAL 86,433.51
—
41,047.39
—
127,480.90
103,542.85

Page 6

EXPENDITURE

Cost of generating funds
Braxted Gazebo Expenses
Costs of Fundraising
Cost of Fundraising - May Ball
Cost of Fundraising - Braxted Fete
Costs of Fundraising- Open Gardens
Guardians expenses
Greetings Cards costs
Trading Goods
Total
Missionary and Charitable Giving
Charity Donations
Ukranian Refugee Expenditure
Total
Parish Share
Parish Share
Total
Clergy and Staffing costs
Fees to Diocese
Locum Costs for re-imbursement
Other Clergy Expenses
Gemma Fraser payments
Wages Honoraria & Support
Clergy expenses of incumbent
Rectory expenses
Total
Church Running Expenses
Resources from Diocesan Grant
Insurance - Wickham Bishops
Insurance - Little Braxted
Church maintenance WB
Church Maintenance - LB
Pastoral Care
Children & Youth Work
General Costs
Flowers for Church
Upkeep
Music Fund
Upkeep of churchyard WB
Upkeep of Churchyard LB
Administration
Church running - Utilities WB
Church running - Utilities LB
Magazine expenses
Tea/Coffee Costs
Alpha Expenses
Journal Write Off
In/Out
Total		 —
—
—
—
—
—
163.10
—
—
—
163.10
20.00
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,233.83
—
—
—
—
—
84.89
47.20
—
—
—
47.20
54.20
—
—
—
—
—
—
210.30
—
—
—
210.30
2,392.92

785.88
—
—
—
785.88
1,175.46
—
—
944.00
—
944.00
2,963.94
785.88
—
944.00
—
1,729.88
4,139.40
46,000.00
—
—
—
46,000.00
51,049.00
46,000.00
—
—
—
46,000.00
51,049.00
428.00
—
—
—
428.00
1,886.00
—
—
—
—
—
—
496.63
—
—
—
496.63
247.35
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,480.00
—
—
—
2,480.00
2,340.00
—
—
—
—
—
498.42
153.53
—
—
—
153.53
755.00
3,558.16
—
—
—
3,558.16
5,726.77
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,572.27
—
—
—
2,572.27
2,476.47
1,208.84
—
—
—
1,208.84
1,158.23
673.35
—
4,028.35
—
4,701.70
3,131.65
—
—
276.78
—
276.78
241.80
169.88
—
—
—
169.88
191.84
194.00
—
—
—
194.00
158.25
2,276.51
—
—
—
2,276.51
3,530.79
239.04
—
—
—
239.04
526.08
—
—
—
—
—
30.00
108.94
—
—
—
108.94
32.61
1,750.35
—
—
—
1,750.35
1,107.50
420.00
—
90.00
—
510.00
540.00
639.46
—
—
—
639.46
339.73
6,300.44
—
—
—
6,300.44
8,143.53
535.30
—
—
—
535.30
350.50
4,864.93
—
—
—
4,864.93
7,070.76
256.33
—
—
—
256.33
246.50
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(175.32)
609.00
—
—
—
609.00
1,388.40
22,818.64
—
4,395.13
—
27,213.77
30,489.32

Page 7

Church Running Expenses - Youth Club

Youth Club
Total
Hall Running Costs
Hall running costs
Total
Church Repairs & Maintenance
Church major repairs - structure
Church Major Repairs - Structure St
Nich
Guardians Costs
Church major repairs - installation
Capital Expenditure
Church interior and exterior
decorating
Total
Hall Repairs & Maintenance
Hall + major repairs - structure
Hall + major repairs - installation
Hall + interior and exterior decorating
Total
Governance Costs
Governance costs examination/audit
fee
Total		 —
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,916.91
—
—
—
1,916.91
2,109.60
1,916.91
—
—
—
1,916.91
2,109.60
—
—
2,020.80
—
2,020.80
2,280.00
—
—
2,816.28
—
2,816.28
—
—
—
9.59
—
9.59
—
—
—
1,852.80
—
1,852.80
—
499.00
—
—
—
499.00
396.95
13,441.70
—
80,074.49
—
93,516.19
—
13,940.70
—
86,773.96
—
100,714.66
2,676.95
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
120.00
—
—
—
120.00
120.00
120.00
—
—
—
120.00
120.00
EXPENDITURE TOTAL 89,350.59
—
92,113.09
—
181,463.68
98,703.96
GRAND TOTAL (2,917.08)
—
(51,065.70)
—
(53,982.78)
4,838.89

Page 8

WICKHAM BISHOPS & LITTLE BRAXTED P.C.C. ASSETS

ASSETS

General Fund :

CAF Bank: £10,765.66 Barclays: Account closed CCLA: £39,264.44 Petty Cash: £ 133.29

General Fund re Bowls Club Guardians Restricted Funds Ukrainian Refugees Restricted Fund Wickham Bishops Church Restoration Little Braxted Fabric Fund

£50.163.39 £ 843.14 £ 1,338.36 £ 506.48 £ 6,206.81 £36,018.96

Bookstall Stock £ 600

Estimated Values

Church Hall £ 500,000 Tables & Chairs £ 3,000 Kitchen Equipment, Storage Boxes, Urn, Cutlery, Microwave Etc. £ 1,500 Crockery & Glasses £ 500 Step Ladder £ 109 Vacuum Cleaners £ 200 Video/Television, Sound System/Heaters £ 1,600 Choir Robes £ 1,500 Lawnmowers £ 2,000 Strimmer £ 150 Hedge Trimmer £ 150 Piano x 2 £ 2,700 Shed x 2 £ 1,500 Projector £ 430 Floristry equipment £ 2,000 Dishwasher £ 1,500 Photocopier £ 2,500 Mevo Camera £ 350 WiFi Router £ 90

Page 9