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2022-12-31-accounts

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2022

The Parish of All Saints, Leavesden

Annual Report

and

Financial Statements

of the

Parochial Church Council

For the year ending 31[st] December 2022

Correspondence Address: The Parish Office, All Saints Crescent, Garston, Watford, Herts, WD25 0LU email: office@allsaintslife.com Registered Charity Number 1160135

Incumbent:

Father Eddie Green Leavesden Vicarage, Horseshoe Lane, Watford, Herts, WD25 7HJ

Bankers: Lloyds plc, Intu Shopping Centre, Units 32 & 32a, Watford, Herts, WD17 2UB

Insurers:

Ecclesiastical Insurance plc, Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1JZ

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2022

All Saints’ Leavesden – Annual Report 2022

This report is part one of a two part report for the Annual Meeting. This part fulfils the requirements of the Charities Act 1993. Part two comprises additional reports that the PCC wish to have presented to the Annual Meeting each year.

1.1 Background

The church of All Saints is situated in Leavesden In the deanery of Watford in the Diocese of St Albans.

All Saints Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent, in promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC also has maintenance responsibilities for the Parish Centre, All Saints Crescent, Garston. The PCC is a charity registered with the Charities Commission.

1.2 Membership

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

During the year the following served as members of the PCC

Incumbent and Chair The Reverend Edward Green (from December 2013) Assistant Curate The Reverend Phillipa Maddox Readers Mrs Wendy Simpson Mr Charles Porter Miss Sue Oxlade (until March 2023) Mr Stephen Davidson Wardens Mr Andy Melling (elected 2017) Mr Barry Wenham (elected 2022) Deanery Synod Members Ms Frances Holmes (elected 2020-23) Ms Karen Storms (elected 2020-June 22) Elected Members (Year elected) Mrs Susan Bail (2022–23) Mrs Catherine Houston (2022-23) Mrs Rita Pritchard (2020-23) Mr Brian Beavis (2021-24) Mrs Cynthia Campbell (2021-24) Mr John Waller (2021-24) Mrs Pamela Bishop (2022 -25) VACANT (2022-25) VACANT (2022-25)

Co-opted Members Mrs Catherine Lawrence (Treasurer and Secretary)

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2022

1.3 Committees

PCC

The constitution of the PCC is governed by the Church Representation Rules. The PCC conducts major business as a whole committee.

Alongside the legal requirements of the PCC, its terms of reference require it to lead the Church in the outworking of its vision. This is facilitated by the delegation of many of its responsibilities to a range of committees and teams who are accountable to the PCC. The intention is to provide quality space on the PCC’s agenda for major discussions and development of the Church’s Life. The PCC seeks also to develop and sustain good communication through publishing the PCC priorities on the website and pew sheet. The PCC endeavours to encourage the congregation to take its full share of responsibility helping to live out the vision that it believes to be the fulfilment of the Church’s response to the Christian Gospel.

Chair: Father Eddie Green

Standing Committee

This is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any direction given by the PCC. It meets on the first Wednesday in the month prior to a PCC meeting. This is so that it can consider and plan items of business for the subsequent full Council. It has the authority to conduct other items of PCC business between meetings. Chair: Father Eddie Green

Finance Committee

This team has a clear brief to manage the finances of the PCC and report back to the PCC regularly on spending and budget. The team meets as necessary. Chair: Malcolm Sellen

Hall Committee

Chair: Karen Storms Secretary Frances Holmes

Stewardship

As ever, the first thing which we want to do is to thank all those who give to All Saints either financially or by contributions of time and talents. Fellow members of the congregation continue to support the work of All Saints in a huge variety of ways. Financial support remains, of course, vital to our continued operation, but contributions of time and talents remain equally essential if All Saints is to continue to serve the community as its parish church.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Diane Brooks for the vital contribution she made to the work on Stewardship. Frances Holmes has agreed to take on the Stewardship role in 2023. The payments which we receive from HMRC by way of Gift Aid are critical to our finances. During 2022 we were able to reclaim a total of £10574 from HMRC, which made a vital contribution to our finances.

This year the way people give gifts to All Saints Church continued to change as we settled into a new financial pattern, we offer a blend of options to suit different people’s needs. An example of this is the weekly Brown envelopes were discontinued in 2021. A total of 8 people are giving by way of the blue envelope scheme and another 19 were giving by standing order at the end of 2022.

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2022

----- Start of picture text -----
WAYS OF GIVING 2021
Cash
Online
Standing
4%
Card 11% Order
2% 16%
Envelopes
7%
Parish Giving
Scheme
60%
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
WAYS OF GIVING 2022
Online Cash
Card
5% 7%
5% Standing
Envelopes Order
13% 15%
Parish Giving
Scheme
55%
----- End of picture text -----

In previous reports we have mentioned that the Planned Giving Scheme (PGS), offers a far more efficient way of handling donations with payments collected by direct debit and a central body making tax reclaims on our behalf and sending payments to the Treasurer on a monthly basis. 27 people have signed up to the PGS, and it is working very well with Gift Aid repayments being made at monthly intervals without the need for annual returns at parish level. As we have said before, we would be grateful if those still giving by standing order would consider moving to the PGS. New donors are, of course, always welcome.

This year we again took advantage of the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS), which allows the parish to claim gift aid on cash payments under £20 made in collections up to a maximum of £8,000 in total. There is no need under GASDS to provide Gift Aid declarations signed by individuals. We shall, of course, continue to make claims in respect of individual donations made using the blue envelopes. We need to remind you again that whenever you use the blue envelopes for single donations the declaration on the front has to be signed and dated with the address and postcode shown. We have had to forego some claims because the declaration has not been completed fully.

As in previous years we need to repeat the important reminder for all of you who have completed Gift Aid declarations. Gift Aid claims are only valid where the donor has paid more tax than the amount which has been claimed by the parish on your gifts. If you are a non-taxpayer, therefore, you cannot complete a Gift Aid declaration. As the basic tax allowance has increased substantially in the past few years it remains very important that you check that you are still paying enough tax to offset the claims which we are making. If you are not, please let us know.

The church is also now able to take card payments this is a convenient way of making a one off or regular donation using your card for those who do not carry cash. Gift aid is collected by filling in a

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2022

blue envelope and marking it with Card and the amount, for taxpayers who specify this criteria when making the donation and handing it to the device operator when making your donation. The church also uses Justgiving as a convenient online way of making a one off or regular donation via the link on our website www.allsaintslife.com or going to our just giving page using https://www.justgiving.com/allsaintschurchleavesden Gift aid is collected for automatically for taxpayers who specify this criteria when making the donation.

----- Start of picture text -----
Stewardship Monthly Gifts
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
£0- £9 £10.-£19 £20-£29 £30-£39 £40-£49 £50-£59 £60-£69 £70-£109 £110+
Number of People 2020 Number of people 2021 Number of people 2022
----- End of picture text -----

We have previously looked at generosity in the hope to create a solid financial future. If everyone on the electoral roll gave regularly and moved up one step on the graph above ,it would go a long way in reducing the deficit in income we have and reduce the amount of reserves we use for the day to day running of our church.

To those who don't, but could - please think, pray and act! To those that do, have you reviewed how you give and what you give this year – please think pray and act!.

CATHERINE LAWRENCE

Social and Fundraising

To coordinate events in the life of the parish to encourage community building and have an overview of events intended to raise funds for the work of the Church and the building up of God’s Kingdom. This committee is currently in abeyance

Chair: Vacant

1.4 Church Attendance

There are 117 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll.

Our weekly services are varied with SUNDAY having 8a.m. Communion (1662), 10a.m. Parish Eucharist (2nd Sunday Family Service), There are various midweek services.

During 2022 as and when allowed by COVID restrictions the 8am and 10am have allowed people to attend in person and been streamed. A monthly outdoor service has also allowed singing and a lower risk environment. By the end of the year only our Wednesday midweek service continued for the vulnerable with mask wearing.

The average Sunday attendance in person in October 2022 was 43 adults and 4 children Electoral Roll Officer: Andy Melling

1.5 Review of Year

The PCC met 5 times during 2022 usually on the 3rd Wednesday of the month either in person or via zoom. Business was also conducted via email. A monthly PCC briefing was circulated There was an

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2022

average attendance level of 49%.

Committees met between PCC meetings according to need and reports of the deliberations and activities were made to the full PCC. Each PCC meeting had a subject for full discussion in areas such as:

Stewardship Safeguarding Mission Action Plan Health and Safety Church Yard Loan of Vestments from St Peter’s COVID Quinquennial Volunteering Arch Deacon Inspection Licensing of Readers Pop Up Café Reoredering of Lady chapel Lay members administering Holy Communion

The Standing Committee generally met monthly on the 1st Wednesday of the month to plan the PCC agenda for the next meeting and occasionally at other times if there was an urgent matter to discuss or decision to be made.

In 2022 10 Baptisms, 10 Weddings 2 and 20 Funerals were conducted

The Parish Safe Guarding Office reports:

At All Saints we take the safeguarding of Children and vulnerable persons very seriously and seek to encourage good practice amongst the whole congregation.

Its important we provide a safe and caring environment not only for our Church family but all who use our Church.

We are now using the Parish Dashboard as requested by the Diocese and have completed 75% on level 2 and have been moved to level 3. To achieve 100% we need everyone to have completed their safeguarding courses.

We continue to ensure all those who require it are up to date with their safeguarding training and have current Disclosure and Barring checks (DBS).

There is a current list of all persons who have been DBS checked in the parish office. There is also a list of safeguarding- “useful contact numbers” also kept in the Parish office and on the church notice boards.

The PCC review annually our Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Policy. Thank you all for your continued support.

Cynthia Campbell (Parish Safeguarding Officer) and Catherine Lawrence (Deputy Safeguarding Officer)

1.6 Church Wardens Report

Andy Melling and Barry Wenham are your Churchwardens. We endeavour to represent the best interests of each of our congregations and groups, alongside supporting Eddie and the rest of the ministry team. As we have moved on from most of the pandemic restrictions and resumed the majority of our normal activities, we continue to try and make our church, our worship and our other activities safe, accessible and welcoming for everyone.

We are grateful for all the people who have contributed throughout the year and we are particularly blessed with Eddie’s technical capability which has enabled us to continue to broadcast worship and other events. We still maintain an online congregation and plan to continue the broadcast for the time being.

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2022

During the last year we have been returning to more in-person events and hope that this will continue throughout 2023 whilst taking on what we have learnt from the past few difficult years.

Church Building

We are responsible for maintaining the church building and its contents. The church was set up to accommodate ‘socially distanced’ worship with a temporary lectern for the broadcast, but we have now gradually returned to ‘normal’ worship and updated most of these arrangements.

Work to simplify and update lighting within the church is still ongoing.

We had to replace the rear projector this year after the old one failed, but this was funded by a specific donation.

The quinquennial inspection of the church building and churchyard was undertaken, and we will be looking at the report and actions over the next year.

Lady Chapel

We have submitted a faculty application, which has been approved, to remove the raised pew platform in the Lady Chapel. The approval process took longer than anticipated, but we hope to progress these works in 2023.

Sidespeople

Sadly, our team of regular volunteers has shrunk over the year and we now often have only one person or nobody to welcome the congregation depending on the service. We hope that more people will be inspired to provide a warm welcome this coming year at our regular service and for people attending Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals.

We are grateful to all those who undertake this important role for the church and the flexibility and willingness that they have shown over the last year as our services have changed. Also, for undertaking the safeguarding procedures and training that are required.

Other Activities

We remained active in Leavesden Green in accordance with the government rules. The Lighthouse Café is covered in a separate report.

Churchyard

The maintenance of the churchyard and boundaries is the responsibility of Watford Borough Council, although various volunteers continue to help to keep nature under control by clearing leaves and tidying graves. We continue to maintain a positive relationship with the council maintenance team, and we now have a smaller number of green bins which are paid for annually. The maintenance team are gradually getting the various boundary hedges under control and doing some work to manage the trees in the churchyard.

Boundary Walls

Following the boundary wall renovation in 2020, there is no further update at the time of writing on plans to improve the wall in the car park or any other renovations to the churchyard.

Church Hall

The Churchwardens continue to support the PCC and Hall Committee, who are responsible for the maintenance and running of the Hall. See Hall Committee report.

Andy Melling Barry Wenham

1.7 Financial

Brief Commentary

There is no Government funding for the Church nationally, so funds for the day to day running of the church to support its ministry and mission is provided by our congregations. We currently still have £4000 of our roof loan to repay and in 2022 paid £53609 Parish Share to the Diocese, this increased £8000 from 2021 as the Support Grant from the Diocese finished and we still have a shortfall of £15,000 from 2018. The cost of running the church in 2022 was £305 per day, an increase from £230 from 2021 with regular income slightly decreasing by £5 per day to £164 per day. A major impact this year was the rising costs as we began to run near normally with events and reopening the Church Hall on a pre pandemic basis for the majority of the year meant we also had some maintenance to catch up on. We were able to run the Christmas market for the first time since 2019. This shortfall in our income meant we did not meet our commitments and used £20000 from reserves. This is an unsustainable position

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2022

and based on current income, we would not fulfil our commitment and the Loan repayment in 2023 if we do not look to re-establish our income streams. Going forward this is a cause for concern which the PCC have been discussing at great length.

Financial support is very much welcomed, although there is absolutely no church ‘membership fee’ Biblical guidelines make clear that Christian giving to God’s work through the church is a priority, and should be planned, regular and a suitable proportion of our income.

Whilst you always put money in the Collection when you come to church, as the pandemic highlighted, the church continued to provide ministry, week by week, even when you are unable to be at services in person, and it costs the same to provide ministry in this place whether you are here in person or not and we are hugely grateful to all those who have supported the church during this difficult time. This is why we encourage everyone to join the Planned Giving scheme , or alternatively, supporting the church via a regular monthly Standing Order with your bank or by using weekly envelopes, whereby you help to ensure a regular source of income for this church. We have also introduced the ability to take card payments in the Collection or using Justgiving for online

https://www.justgiving.com/allsaintschurchleavesden . We would therefore ask you to prayerfully consider your contribution to All Saints for 2023.

Priorities for 2022 are to continue fund raising the money to service our £40,000 loan to the Diocese and for General funds to pay the Share this year.

 Reserves:

The Fabric Fund is a restricted income and can not be used for general expenditure purposes. The Roof Fund includes grants and moneys raised for the Roof replacement and redecoration. The average interest rate we received was 2.5% during the course of the year.

The Giving Fund was set up following a large legacy bequest and the PCC agreed to set aside 10% (£8500) of the gift to give to charitable causes, in 2022 nil was dispersed.The PCC received a large legacy in 2019.

This year 0.95% of our income has gone to missionary work beyond All Saints.

Where does the money come from ?

For our day to day running costs, most of the money comes from you in planned giving, collections and the associated tax recovery.

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2022

----- Start of picture text -----
Where All Saints money came from in 2021
Voluntary Income Activities for Generating Funds
Income from Investments Church Activities
Other Incoming Resources
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----- Start of picture text -----
Where All Saints money Came From in 2022
Voluntary Income Activities for Generating Funds
Income from Investments Church Activities
Other Incoming Resources
----- End of picture text -----

How do we spend your money ?

From our general income, over half is paid to the Diocese to pay our clergy and the wider work of the Diocese and the Church

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2022

How All Saints Spent it's money in 2021

Fund Raising Costs Church Activities Governenance Costs Major Works Loan

How All Saints spent it's money in 2022

Fund Raising Costs Church Activities Governenance Costs Major Works Loan

Accounting Policy

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and under the Charity Commission’s revised Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 2005.

These financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis and investments shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible by law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members. An independent examiner has examined these statements whose report is attached.

Reserves Policy

It is the PCC policy to maintain a balance on general unrestricted funds (if possible) which equates to approximately three months unrestricted payments, to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time.

It is our policy to hold reserves in short term deposit accounts and long term savings with CCLA Investment Management Limited who manage funds on behalf of the Church of England. In particular,

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2022

it is our policy to invest our Reserves in the interest paying CBF Deposit Account and the Paul Grey Trust Fund in the CBF Investment Fund.

CCLA, as part of the Church of England Ethical Investment Advisory Group, monitors its investments according to the Groups ethical investment policy, which includes avoiding investment such as armaments, gambling or tobacco. The Group carries out ethical investment research, develops policy and communicates this to the wider Church.

Investment Policy

In 1998 a £3000 Paul Grey Trust Fund was set up specifically for the upkeep of the Churchyard and the money invested in the CBF Investment Fund managed by CCLA Investment Management Limited. In 2022 a further £10000 was gifted to the Trust Fund. Current Valuations are in line with general market conditions. Investing in equities is a higher risk policy but over a period it was the view that these funds would gain in value at a greater level than had they been invested in sole interest paying funds.

Related Party Transactions

During the year, the following transactions occurred with related parties to the PCC:

Funds

Restricted Funds:

Represent a) income from trusts which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trusts or bequest, and b) donations or grants received for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate fund, monies are held in a Restricted General Fund and as these funds are only held on a short-term basis, no interest is apportioned to individual objects.

Unrestricted Funds:

These are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.

Incoming Resources

Planned giving, collections, donations and tax refunds are recognised when received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Dividends and interest are accounted for when received. All other income is recognised when received.

Resources Expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when they are paid over, or when awarded if that award creates a binding or constitutive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and accounted for gross (i.e. taxation included where chargeable, such as VAT)

Fixed Assets

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993.

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2022

Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property and as such not included in the accounts. These items are listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). As items are acquired, the expenditure has been written off when incurred and therefore these items do not appear as assets.

The PCC holds one Trust fund in equity funds (stocks and shares) managed by CCLA Investment Management Limited. These assets are valued at market value at 31 December.

Church Workers Pension fund (CWPF) FRS102 December 2022 Year End

All Saints Leavesden participates in the Pension Builder Scheme section of CWPF for lay staff. The Scheme is administered by the Church of England Pensions Board, which holds the assets of the schemes separately from those of the Employer and the other participating employers.

The Church Workers Pension Fund has a section known as the Defined Benefits Scheme, a deferred annuity section known as Pension Builder Classic and a cash balance section known as Pension Builder 2014.

Pension Builder Scheme

The Pension Builder Scheme of the Church Workers Pension Fund is made up of two sections, Pension Builder Classic and Pension Builder 2014, both of which are classed as defined benefit schemes.

Pension Builder Classic provides a pension for members for payment from retirement, accumulated from contributions paid and converted into a deferred annuity during employment based on terms set and reviewed by the Church of England Pensions Board from time to time. Bonuses may also be declared, depending upon the investment returns and other factors.

Pension Builder 2014 is a cash balance scheme that provides a lump sum that members use to provide benefits at retirement. Pension contributions are recorded in an account for each member. This account may have bonuses added by the Board before retirement. The bonuses depend on investment experience and other factors. There is no requirement for the Board to grant any bonuses. The account, plus any bonuses declared, is payable from members’ Normal Pension Age.

There is no sub-division of assets between employers in each section of the Pension Builder Scheme.

The scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. This is because it is not possible to attribute the Pension Builder Scheme’s assets and liabilities to specific employers and means that contributions are accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme. The pensions costs charged to the SoFA in the year are the contributions payable ( 2022: £983.49).

A valuation of the Pension Builder Scheme is carried out once every three years. The most recent was carried out as at 31 December 2016. A valuation as at 31 December 2019 was under way as at 31 December 2020.

For the Pension Builder Classic section, the valuation revealed a deficit of £14.2m on the ongoing assumptions used. At the most recent annual review, the Board chose not to grant a discretionary bonus, which will have acted to improve the funding position. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time.

For the Pension Builder 2014 section, the valuation revealed a surplus of £1.8m on the ongoing assumptions used. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time.

The legal structure of the scheme is such that if another employer fails, All Saints Leavesden could become responsible for paying a share of that employer’s pension liabilities.

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2022

Budget for 2023

#N/A

Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

Receipts and Payments Accounts

Receipts
Voluntary receipts:
Collections at Services
3
Planned giving
3
All other giving/voluntary receipts
3
Grant Income
3
Legacies Received (Capital Value)
Gift Aid recovered
Activities for generating funds
3
Investment income
Church activities
3
Other income
3
Total receipts
Payments
Church activities:
Parish share
Clergy and Staffing costs
4
Church running expenses
4
Mission giving and donations
4
Building work and repairs
4
Administration Costs
4
Other expenditure
4
Cost of generating funds
4
Total Payments
Excess of payments over receipts
Transfers between funds
Cash at bank and in hand at 1 Jan
Cash at bank and in hand at 31 Dec
Note		 Total
Total
2022
2021
£
£
£
£
£
£
2,588.68 - - - 2,588.68 1,705.73
32,866.56 - - - 32,866.56 32,236.67
27,195.17 - - - 27,195.17 9,352.44
400.00 - 1,593.41 - 1,993.41 -
- - 6,000.00 - 6,000.00 84.09
10,574.11 - - - 10,574.11 9,259.04
Restricted Fund
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Endowment
Fund
73,624.52 - 7,593.41 - 81,217.93 52,637.97
4,171.21 - - - 4,171.21 1,733.41
619.08 - 857.77 857.38 2,334.23 31.09
13,860.08 - - - 13,860.08 6,615.25
120.15 - - - 120.15 927.93
92,395.04 - 8,451.18 857.38 101,703.60 61,945.65
53,609.00 - - - 53,609.00 45,392.00
18,508.55 - - - 18,508.55 16,708.75
12,189.22 - 350.00 - 12,539.22 10,644.29
879.58 - - - 879.58 405.25
13,993.90 - 1,512.00 - 15,505.90 4,222.55
6,546.34 - - - 6,546.34 2,218.14
4,673.04 - - - 4,673.04 3,939.87
110,399.63 - 1,862.00 - 112,261.63 83,530.85
1,132.56 - - - 1,132.56 396.89
111,532.19 - 1,862.00 - 113,394.19 83,927.74
- 19,137.15 - 6,589.18 857.38- 11,690.59 - 21,982.09
14,000.00 -- 4,000.00- 10,000.00- 437.27
- 5,137.15- 2,589.18 857.38- 1,690.59 - 22,419.36
11,658.33 - 52,679.84 - 64,338.17 85,626.45
6,521.18 - 55,269.02 857.38 62,647.58 63,207.09

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Cash Funds
Bank Current Account
5
Petty Cash
Bank Savings Account
Deposit Fund
6
Investment Assets at market value
Paul Grey Trust
7
Total Investments
Liabilities
Roof Loan due within 1 year
2
Roof Loan due after 1 year
2
Total Liabilities
Note
Note		 Total
Total
2022
2021
£
£
£
£
£
£
3,263.04 - 5,731.41 - 8,994.45 4,019.27
13.45 - - - 13.45 13.45
- - - - - -
3,244.69 - 39,537.61 - 42,782.30 59,611.64
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Restricted Fund
Endowment
Fund
6,521.18 - 45,269.02 - 51,790.20 63,644.36
Total
Total
2022
2021
£
£
£
£
£
£
- - - - 33,820.29 23,153.11
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Endowment
Fund
Restricted Fund
- - - - 33,820.29 23,153.11
Total
Total
2022
2021
£
£
£
£
£
£
- - 4,000.00 - 4,000.00 4,000.00
- - 3,000.00 - 3,000.00 7,000.00
Restricted Fund
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Endowment
Fund
- - 7,000.00 - 7,000.00 11,000.00

Notes

1. The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts & Payments basis.

2. The movement in designated and restricted funds during the year were:

Restricted
Reserves Fabric Fund
Reserves Giving Fund
Utilities
Reserves RNP
Roof Loan
Roof Loan No 2
Paul Grey Trust
Reserves Legacy
Reordering		 Bal b/fwd
Receipts
Payments
Transfers
Bal c/fwd
300.75 - - - 300.75
1,250.00 - - - 1,250.00
- 1,279.41 350.00 - 929.41
- 314.00 - - 314.00
13,378.86 - -- 4,000.009,378.86
28.74 0.39 - - 29.13
4,026.44 857.38 - 10,000.00 15,571.87
33,007.00 - -- 20,000.0013,007.00
- 6,000.00 1,512.00 - 4,488.00
51,991.79 8,451.18 1,862.00- 14,000.00 45,269.02

Reserves Fabric Fund - Restricted for the upkeep of the Fabric of the Church Reserves Giving Fund - Restricted for Charitable Giving by the PCC Utilities - A Diocese Grant with use on payment of utiliy bills

Reserves RNP - Restricted for the setting up and running of Reaching New People Projects - Pop Up Café Roof Loan - Restricted for the payment of the Diocese Roof Loan

Roof Loan No 2 - Restricted for the upkeep of the Church Roof

Paul Grey Trust - In 1998 a £3000 Paul Grey Trust Fund was set up specifically for the upkeep of the Churchyard and the money invested in the CBF Reserves Legacy - 0

Reordering - Restricted for the use of the Reordering of the Lady Chapel

3. Receipts
COLLECTIONS AT SERVICES
Sunday Collections
Weekday Collections
Wedding and Funeral Collections
PLANNED GIVING
Standing Order
Regular Giving Envelopes
Parish Giving Scheme
GIFT AID RECOVERED
Gift Aid Reclaim
Parish Giving Gift Aid
ALL OTHER GIVING/VOLUNTARY RECEIPTS
CAF & GAYE giving		 Total
Total
2022
2021
£
£
£
£
£
£
2,321.28 - - - 2,321.28 1,392.73
- - - - - 18.00
267.40 - - - 267.40 295.00
Endowment
Fund
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Restricted Fund
2,588.68 - - - 2,588.68 1,705.73
6,717.00 - - - 6,717.00 6,880.00
375.00 - - - 375.00 100.00
25,774.56 - - - 25,774.56 25,256.67
32,866.56 - - - 32,866.56 32,236.67
4,366.54 - - - 4,366.54 3,184.79
6,207.57 - - - 6,207.57 6,074.25
10,574.11 - - - 10,574.11 9,259.04
270.40 - - - 270.40 620.40
Donations
Gift Aid Envelopes
Card Payments
Just Giving
Giving.com
ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS
Bookstall
Fete
Churches Together Bike Ride
Other Fundraising
Christmas Raffle
CHURCH ACTIVITIES
Fees - Statutory
Hall Rental
Hall Deposit
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends and Interest
GRANT INCOME
Non-Recurring Grants
OTHER INCOME
Misc
4. Payments
CLERGY AND STAFFING COSTS
Clergy Expenses
Salaries
Pension & PAYE
CHURCH RUNNING EXPENSES
Gas and Electricity Bill
Insurance
Service Costs
Maintenance
Water Bill
Safeguarding
Governence
MISSION GIVING AND DONATIONS
Charities - Home (UK)
Peace
Watford Foodbank
Childrens Society
BUILDING WORK AND REPAIRS
Church - Major repairs and Redecorations
Hall/Other Buildings - Major Repairs and Redecorations
Loan
Loan Interest
COSTS OF GENERATING FUNDS
Fund raising
Bookstall
Hall Running Costs
ADMINISTRATION COSTS
Bank charges
Printing
Stationery		 10,626.68 - - - 10,626.68 369.82
11,640.40 - - - 11,640.40 2,819.10
2,424.00 - - - 2,424.00 947.00
2,226.57 - - - 2,226.57 3,960.59
7.12 - - - 7.12 635.53
27,195.17 - - - 27,195.17 9,352.44
216.95 - - - 216.95 175.15
1,821.48 - - - 1,821.48 -
157.04 - - - 157.04 194.00
1,383.84 - - - 1,383.84 580.67
591.90 - - - 591.90 783.59
4,171.21 - - - 4,171.21 1,733.41
3,612.00 - - - 3,612.00 2,550.00
8,798.08 - - - 8,798.08 3,615.25
1,450.00 - - - 1,450.00 450.00
13,860.08 - - - 13,860.08 6,615.25
619.08 - 857.77 857.38 2,334.23 31.09
619.08 - 857.77 857.38 2,334.23 31.09
400.00 - 1,593.41 - 1,993.41 -
400.00 - 1,593.41 - 1,993.41 -
120.15 - - - 120.15 927.93
120.15 - - - 120.15 927.93
Total
Total
2022
2021
£
£
£
£
£
£
3,501.06 - - - 3,501.06 2,250.99
14,024.00 - - - 14,024.00 13,576.35
983.49 - - - 983.49 881.41
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Restricted Fund
Endowment
Fund
18,508.55 - - - 18,508.55 16,708.75
1,988.95 - 350.00 - 2,338.95 2,066.55
3,375.56 - - - 3,375.56 2,996.11
4,096.42 - - - 4,096.42 4,233.11
1,912.00 - - - 1,912.00 308.00
312.00 - - - 312.00 294.57
45.00 - - - 45.00 -
459.29 - - - 459.29 745.95
12,189.22 - 350.00 - 12,539.22 10,644.29
198.07 - - - 198.07 100.00
- - - - - 50.00
279.44 - - - 279.44 50.00
402.07 - - - 402.07 205.25
879.58 - - - 879.58 405.25
4,932.00 - 1,512.00 - 6,444.00 185.28
5,012.40 - - - 5,012.40 -
4,000.00 - - - 4,000.00 4,000.00
49.50 - - - 49.50 37.27
13,993.90 - 1,512.00 - 15,505.90 4,222.55
978.36 - - - 978.36 236.54
154.20 - - - 154.20 160.35
3,904.11 - - - 3,904.11 1,986.21
5,036.67 - - - 5,036.67 2,383.10
4,952.14 - - - 4,952.14 138.81
- - - - - 915.56
229.25 - - - 229.25 308.94
Support Costs
Card donation costs
OTHER EXPENDITURE
Mission and Evangelism Costs
Churchyard Expenses
Gifts
5. Bank Current Account
General Account
Utilities
Reserves RNP
Reordering
6. Deposit Fund
Reserves General Fund
Reserves Fabric Fund
Reserves Giving Fund
Roof Loan
Roof Loan No 2
Paul Grey Trust
Reserves Legacy		 1,337.36 - - - 1,337.36 844.00
27.59 - - - 27.59 10.83
6,546.34 - - - 6,546.34 2,218.14
- - - - - 238.77
532.93 - - - 532.93 557.27
236.00 - - - 236.00 108.00
768.93 - - - 768.93 904.04
Total
Total
2022
2021
£
£
£
£
£
£
3,263.04 - - - 3,263.04 4,019.27
- - 929.41 - 929.41 -
- - 314.00 - 314.00 -
- - 4,488.00 - 4,488.00 -
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Restricted Fund
Endowment
Fund
3,263.04 - 5,731.41 - 8,994.45 4,019.27
Total
Total
2022
2021
£
£
£
£
£
£
3,244.69 - - - 3,244.69 7,619.85
- - 300.75 - 300.75 300.75
- - 1,250.00 - 1,250.00 1,250.00
- - 9,378.86 - 9,378.86 13,378.86
- - 29.13 - 29.13 28.74
- - 15,571.87 - 15,571.87 4,026.44
- - 13,007.00 - 13,007.00 33,007.00
Restricted Fund
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Endowment
Fund
3,244.69 - 39,537.61 - 42,782.30 59,611.64

7. Investments

Further Details

Paul Grey Trust (Endowment) - In 1998 a £3000 Paul Grey Trust Fund was set up specifically for the upkeep of the Churchyard and the money invested in the CBF Inv

All Saint’s Leavesden

Written Reports to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting for the year 2022

Sunday 23[rd] April 2023

1. All Saints Leavesden – Annual Report 2022

This report is Part Two of a two–part report for the Annual Meeting. Part One fulfils the requirements of the Charities Act 1993. This part reports further on the life of All Saint’s Church and its associated groups.

This report reflects most areas of our church life and, it is hoped, reflects the wide range in our community life. We give thanks to God for what is happening in each area.

2. Services

2.1. Flower Arrangers

Flowers are in the church throughout the year apart from Lent and Advent normally.

2.2. Server

The servers have been able to return to being at all the services in the church this year. However, due to the small number of people on the rota it has not always been possible to fill all the positions as previously so we have been changing the way we do things based on the number of people available for a service.

Ted left for university this year though still comes back at the holidays to help out. Jamileh joined the servers’ team this year and has become proficient in all she has been asked to do, quickly becoming a valued member of the team.

As always I would like to thank all the servers for their support and dedication and the enthusiasm that they bring to their role. Barry Wenham

2.3. Home Worship

We have continued to produce and distribute a simple home worship sheet every month for about 10 church members who are unable to attend in person or access on-line worship. The sheet includes the Sunday service bible readings and prayer as well as the anniversaries of death over that month. In addition to this sheet, we also distribute the latest pew sheet so that people feel in touch with church news and events. The Home Worship sheet includes a reminder that everyone is welcome to phone the church office with prayer requests or to ask for a pastoral visit or home communion. Phillipa will now be looking for someone to take on the small role of updating the sheet and coordinating the distribution.

2.4. All Saints for All Seasons

Our monthly outdoor service continued until November 2022, jointly led by Phillipa and Sue Oxlade. We had some very enjoyable and meaningful all-age services, utilising the benefits of our beautiful churchyard and

often including some Celtic-inspired liturgy and an open fire. Numbers, however, were consistently low, with only about 5 or 6 attending on each occasion. It was therefore decided that this event would be discontinued in 2023.

Phillipa Maddox

2.5. Music/Choir

2022 was the year that singing returned properly at church. It was a relief for The All-Saints Singers to meet with no restrictions. Despite a touch of post pandemic malaise we are still able to provide a weekly Sunday choir that practices once a week, at least for the time being,

We are too few to perform many concerts but we put together an enjoyable program at Christmas, where we had three guest performers without whom we would have been unable to go ahead. I am very grateful to them for helping us out. I am also grateful for the assistance of Frances and Andy, who sing and provide administrative and technical help on Sunday mornings.

Our plans in 2023 are to survive and boost numbers We have between 2 to 3 people who attend choir practice each week but they cannot do it alone. If you are willing and able please talk to me or the ministry team about singing. It does not have to be a weekly commitment. All backgrounds are welcome.

Joe Leslie, Director of Music

3. Our Young People

3.1. Tiny Saints

Currently we don’t have enough volunteers willing to help run the sessions and so a larger space has been created in the church to allow toddlers to congregate and play. This is resourced with season relevant craft and stickers, books etc. to engage them during the service.

3.2. Little Saints

The number of families with children attending church on a Sunday morning has slowly grown and we now regularly have 7+ children in the service. The children are well engaged in worship, enjoying their roles of candle-lighting, bell-ringing and flag distribution. Eddie and Phillipa take turns to plan a craft activity for the children to do during the sermon. A couple of other adults support the children’s work by supervising and encouraging the children during the services. Two of the children have been baptised during the Sunday service and it was a lot of fun to share these special events with the church community.

3.3. Little Saints Wednesday Club

In response to demand, Phillipa started a mid-week children’s club last summer. The group now includes 7 children who meet during term-time

in the church for bible teaching, games, craft and a picnic tea. Susan Bail and Debbie Howarth support Phillipa in helping to lead the group. One of the newer group members has expressed an interest in being baptised and starting to attend church on a Sunday which is very encouraging.

3.4. Tots and Teddies

We are now back to having Tots and Teddies every week. It has been a slow uptake on tots and their carers coming, but we have a regular core that come every week. It’s lovely to see the young children enjoy what we do and their carers enjoying the fellowship as well. We worship God with singing, movement and play. Pam and Sue stepped back during the year so anyone who wants to help please see Eddie or Rita

Pam Bishop, Rita Pritchard, Susan Bail

3.5. Open Space

Open Space continued to meet regularly in the Summer term of 2022, but with usually only 2 or 3 young people attending. Three of the previous members have now moved away or begun University in September 2022, so the group has only met occasionally since then during holiday periods for food, games and catching up.

4. Adult Church Groups

4.1. Bible Study

In the weeks leading up to and including Advent 2022 our bible study group met to discuss how we are preparing ourselves for the coming of the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ at Christmas. We followed a course entitled Coming of the Saviour coupled with various passages from the bible. We met on a Wednesday afternoon. There was a small number in our group but as always we were able to explore and discuss our faith in a relaxed atmosphere in the comfort of our home. Having confidential discussions and enjoying fellowship.

Our Lent group followed a few months later when our discussions followed the course The Hour Has Come. Once again together we were able to prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of our Lord’s Passion at Eastertide.

Wendy Simpson

4.2. Lent Group

Wendy ran a Lent group.

4.3. Advent Course

Two advent courses ran during December at All Saints. Wendy led an afternoon group and Eddie ran an evening group at Peter’s with a light supper and discussion.

4.4. House Group

The Tuesday House Group normally meets on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings each month.

Kay Leyshon

5. Community and Outreach

5.1. CAMEO

During the last 12 months we have had a full programme of speakers and entertainment. Speakers included David Schofield from the Watford Chaplaincy, Revd. Phillipa Maddox – My life in Ministry and Peter Dawson The history of All Saints Church Leavesden. All three were very interesting speakers and subjects and we thank them all for their time in preparing and giving these talks. Our entertainers included Hand Bells, The Treebridge Troupe. Karen Bell as “Victoria Sponge” The Friday Singers. We had three bingo afternoons and a Christmas Party where we were entertained by Ann and Michael Wenham. We also had a canal boat outing.

Once again, I would like to thank all of our dedicated volunteers who give their time to set up tables and chairs, make tea and cakes, chat, wash up and help with transport. Chrystal McGee, Jenny Janes, Pamela Bishop, Brian Beavis and Colin Simpson. Also thanks to many other of our cameo group members who on the day also help in the kitchen. Also grateful thanks to all our members who have contributed raffle prizes during the past year.

Our attendance at our second Monday of the month meetings (entertainment) has remained stable but attendance at our fourth Monday which is Eucharist followed by soup, dessert and coffee/.tea has unfortunately declined over the last 12 months. Special thanks to Jenny who has provided delicious homemade soup and desserts for each of these latter meetings.

A reminder that we hold these meetings on the second Monday of each month between 2-4pm. for our speakers/ entertainers and on the fourth Monday of each month between 12.30 and 2.30pm for our Eucharist and soup lunch. Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you

Wendy Simpson

5.2. Church Watch

Following our midweek service on a Wednesday the Church is open for private prayer and reflection from12.30pm – 2pm

5.3. Leavesden Green Hub

Lighthouse Café

Lighthouse Café continued during Term Time

Community Carol service

The Carol Service was back this year and well attended.

5.4. Churches Together in Watford

I wonder if you noticed the new title? At the beginning of the year it was becoming clear that we could not continue as Churches Together in North Watford & Garston – we simply did not have enough people able and willing to run the organisation. Therefore, discussions were held with the Churches Together group in West and South Watford, thinking that the time had come to form one group.

With the important focus at first of getting to know each other and our different churches, an outline plan of how this may work, was put forward and discussed. Occasional informal Social Gatherings at the Southern Cross, were already taking place. Each church is encouraged to appoint a rep. or ‘champion’ to promote Churches Together and keep everyone informed about their joysand prayer needs, etc. There could be regular ‘At Home’ evenings when we could gather in different churches to learn more about their history and style of worship, and share prayer and worship. In time, with this feeling of ‘togetherness’ developed, the time would come when the important work of reaching out and ministering to the people of Watford should come to the fore. We remember Jesus’ words as He prayed for His friends before His Crucifixion that they may all be one.

Sue Oxlade

5.5. Remembrance Sunday

Following an early service at All Saints, Father Eddie and members of the congregation joined the local community for a remembrance service at the War Memorial in the High Road which was live streamed.

5.6. Pop Up Café

In response to the recent cost of living crisis, we began a community café in October 2022. This even aims to run twice a week during school holidays and offers a free two-course hot meal to anyone who attends. There are also some low-key children’s activities provided. However, we are not providing a child-care provision and carers are requested to supervise their children during the session. The event is run by a group of volunteers from the church with Jenny Janes taking responsibility for coordinating the food provision. Several community charities have attended sessions, providing free items such as children’s games, toiletries and trainers. The event is advertised widely on social media and through all the local schools. Attendance has been good with numbers varying from 17 to 55. Once the Pop-up Café became a regular event, we registered with the Council Environmental Health department in accordance with legal requirements. The Environmental Health Officer subsequently attended in February and has given the Pop-up Café a Food Hygiene rating of 4 out of 5.

Phillipa Maddox

5.7. Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth

We were well prepared for the death of the Queen, thanks to the foresight of Catherine and Eddie as well as timely reminders from Bishop

Alan. This was just as well as Eddie was on leave and Phillipa was curate in charge! The church was opened with a book of condolence for members of the community to sign all of first weekend and selected times after that. Thanks to Barry for extensive bell ringing (helped by Mike and Lynn). The Sunday morning Eucharist service was changed to use liturgy supplied by the Church of England and appropriate hymns. On the day of the funeral, we opened the church hall for people to attend to watch the event live. Peter Dawson kindly set up all the equipment and others supplied generous quantities of sandwiches and cakes. Only about a dozen people attended, but these were all people who would otherwise have been watching by themselves, so the event was much appreciated.

5.8. South West Herts Railway Club Open Day A team from Church helped with refreshments for the Open Day and welcomed visitors

5.9. Heritage Day

In September the church hosted a Heritage Open Day with the theme of Astounding Inventions. Visitors were able to learn about the history of the church and the people who have worshipped there. For the Astounding Inventions aspect there was a display on the history of flight focusing on the former Leavesden Airfield and the inventor Dr Franklin who conducted research into making milk from cabbages and vegetable scraps at the Seventh Day Adventist school on St Albans Road. Thanks must go particularly to Peter Dawson who gave an engaging talk about the history and fabric of the church whilst showing some of his own photographs and also to everybody who supported the event.

Barry Wenham

5.10. World Day of Prayer

Each year, on the first Friday in March, Christians unite in prayer with people throughout the world. This day used to be called ‘Women’s World Day of Prayer’, as it was conceived and started by women in the U.S.A. at a time when women were less empowered – but they knew that at least they could pray. The movement grew to include countries all over the world and to welcome all who wished to join the services – not just women: hence the change of name. However, it remains a women-led organisation. The service is prepared by women in different countries, chosen several years in advance, on a theme – often a Bible quotation, also chosen in advance. As you may imagine, we were very excited that England, Wales &; Northern Ireland were to be the country to prepare and write the 2022 service, with its theme, ‘I know the plans I have for you. Moreover, Stephanie, leader of the Friends (Quakers) in Watford, and, at that time on the National Committee, would be on the writing committee.

As usual, Watford Committee planned and hosted a Preparation Day (when anyone who may be involved in putting on a WDP Service in their church or area, can come along to learn more about the thinking behind the Service and how it is intended to be organised) in the previous

autumn. This is very helpful when preparing for our own service. Again, as usual, a Bible Study was offered which helps us as we study the theme text, Jeremiah 29.1-14. The Service took place at Beechen Grove Baptist Church, and was much appreciated.

Sue Oxlade,Susan Bail

5.11. Churchyard

Over the year recordings were made in the churchyard for the Beautiful Burial Ground project run by Caring for God’s Acre with over 180 observations of the flora, fauna and fungi of the churchyard being recorded including the near threatened snowdrop and waxcap fungi, a flagship species for the organisation.

We were grateful to receive a grant from our local councillor early in the year for the purchase of some leaf clearing equipment which has been put to good use in our annual leaf clearing efforts.

In November we had a good number of volunteers along with the local Woodside Local Councillors and County Councillor to help clear leaves from the churchyard. Although it feels like there are always more leaves to clear removing the bulk of them helps the flowers and grass come through in the springtime as the churchyard bursts back into life once more. Thanks again to everybody who gave their time to do this

Barry Wenham

5.12. Deanery Synod

Deanery Synod usually meets three times a year, in February, May and October. Parishes take turns to host the meetings, providing refreshments and an act of worship. The meeting is then led by Revd. Dr. Peter Waddell, the Area Dean for Watford Deanery. The meetings are usually open to anyone wishing to attend, however, if a vote needed to be taken on an agenda item, only those elected members would be eligible to vote.

The February 2022 meeting was hosted by St Mary’s in the town centre. David White, the new Diocesan Secretary was the main speaker. If you thought of the Bishop as being a bit like a Prime Minister, the Diocesan Secretary is the equivalent of the head of the Civil Service. David was going round each Deanery to introduce himself, and explain how the central diocesan structures can support parishes. He was also keen to hear about the characteristics and challenges facing the different deaneries. And Eddie gave an excellent presentation on behalf of the Synod Standing Committee covering each parish and the main features of the area.

The May meeting was moved to June, and was hosted by St Matthew’s, Oxhey. The meeting focussed on the review of the Parish Share Factor which had recently been carried out and a presentation was given to explain more about this. This is one part of the input which goes into

calculating the amount each parish pays to the Diocese each year. Church memberships are averaged over 3 years then multiplied by the share factor for the parish. Another element is the Ministerial Stipend Contribution. The headline for us is that our factor will not change.

The outcome for the various parishes which make up Watford Deanery is as follows:

The October meeting was cancelled due to illness, so there were only two meetings for the year.

Looking to 2023, we have just hosted the February Synod meeting. Phillippa, Mike and Frances served welcome refreshments and Eddie led worship before the meeting began.

Frances Holmes

6. Mission Support

6.1. Christian Aid

For several years now, there has not been the support available to enable a door-to-door collection to be arranged during Christian Aid Week, even pre-Covid. Material provided by Christian Aid was, as usual, included in the 10.0 Eucharist on the Sunday of Christian Aid Week. Envelopes were provided so that people could make their personal donations – by ‘phone, on-line, etc.

Sue Oxlade

6.2. Foodbank

We continue to support this good cause, and thanks come from the Watford Food Bank and myself for your donations of money in the jar at the back of church, also for your continued food donations you give also in the containers in church,

During 2022 you have donated £279 in cash and food amounted to 418kgs from April 2022 up until the end of 2022 which included our annual Harvest Appeal. .

Brian Beavis

6.3. Bike and Hike

Bike ‘n’ Hike 2022 was slightly different for All Saints. The church was open as usual to receive ‘Bike ‘n’ Hikers’ i.e., folks from congregations all over Beds & Herts, being sponsored to visit churches in order to raise money for Herts & Beds Historic Churches Trust who give grants to churches for repairs etc. (All Saints have been grateful for funding in the

past towards more than one project.) However, as the date coincided with the dates when the public is encouraged to visit buildings and other interesting places under the scheme called “Heritage Open Days”, Barry Wenham, Church Warden and son of our Archivist, suggested we could combine the two. This meant that the ‘welcomers’ could meet and provide refreshments for a larger number of people, and participants in Bike ‘n’ Hike found the church not only open, but containing a host of interesting exhibits and information about the history of the Church and the area, which Barry had put together.

There was a bowl out, so visitors could donate to Bike ‘n’ Hike. Sue was the only actual participant, enjoying hiking between several churches in the countryside south of Hitchin. Altogether we sent £143.07 as All Saints’ contribution this year.

Sue Oxlade

6.4. The Children’s Society

Box Holders donations for 2022 were £229.57. Christingle collection raised £80.00. A big thank you on behalf of the Children’s Society to all who donated, especially Box Holders who help to raise more than 1million pounds in vital funds to help children and young people get the hope they need today and fight for tomorrow. New Box Holders are always welcome.

The Children’s Society was founded in 1881 by Edward Rudolph, who was appalled by the growing numbers of children living in poverty and the lack of help offered to them. Society may have changed since then, but the Children’s Society has never lost sight of Edward Rudolph’s vision of a world where every child can enjoy a good childhood

.Linda Cray

7. Links with St Albans Abbey

7.1. Easter Pilgrimage

This year we were a Hub church for walkers and a select group of pilgrims met on Easter Monday in the Churchyard for a short act of worship before walking to St Albans Abbey, enjoying the sights and sounds of spring. At the Abbey we had a picnic lunch on the orchard lawn with other pilgrims before a service in the Abbey which was the first proper Easter Monday Pilgrimage service since 2019. During the service one of our pilgrims was lucky enough to be given an Easter egg from Bishop Alan.

8. Events

8.1. Social Events

Following the Baptism of Rufus Green in October we saw the return of the All Saints Bring and Share Lunch

8.2. Summer BBQ

Our annual BBQ was not held this year

8.3. Family Curry Lunch

No lunches were held this year

8.4. Fund Raising

Fundraising of the church was severely limited this year. We held both a Summer Hamper draw and concluded the year with a Christmas raffle with tickets sold both online and in person.

8.5. Burn’s Night Ball

We were unable to hold the event this year.

8.6. Christmas Market

The Christmas Market returned this year for the first time since 2019. We scaled it back to just being in the Hall this year encase we had COVID restrictions. Both church members and the community well supported it.

9. Use of the Parish Centre

The Hall remains a valuable asset and source of income. This year saw the installation of a new door and we welcomed a new hirer in Baby Sensory. The Parish Centre availability is available on our website for potential hirers to view.

Catherine Lawrence