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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of All Saints Leavesden

2024-12-31-accounts

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2024

The Parish of All Saints, Leavesden

Annual Report

and

Financial Statements

of the

Parochial Church Council

For the year ending 31[st] December 2024

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 2024

All Saints’ Leavesden – Annual Report 2024

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 David Scourfield (from June 2023) Readers Mrs Wendy Simpson Mr Charles Porter Mr Stephen Davidson Wardens Ms Frances Holmes Mrs Cynthia Campbell Deanery Synod Members Ms Frances Holmes (elected 2023-26) Mrs Juliet Scourfield (elected 20024-26) VACANT Elected Members (Year elected) Mrs Rita Pritchard (2023-25) Mr Jacob Melling (2024-25) VACANT (2022-25) Mrs Sam West (2023 -26) Mrs Catherine Houston (2023-26) Resigned May 2024 VACANT (2023-26) Mrs Jennifer Eglington (2024-27) Ms Sarah Hayes (2024-27) Karen Sweeting (2024-27)

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

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2024

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 second 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

Hall business is currently being conducted by the Standing Committee

Pop Up Café Committee

This team has a clear brief to manage provision of Pop Up Cafe and report back to the PCC regularly on budget and community engagement. The team meets as necessary. Chair: David Scourfield

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.

The payments which we receive from HMRC by way of Gift Aid are critical to our finances. During 2024 we were able to reclaim a total of £11,176 from HMRC, which made a vital contribution to our finances.

This year the way people give gifts to All Saints Church has settled into a financial pattern across the blend of options we offer to suit different people’s needs. As of the end of 2024 9 people are giving by way of the blue envelope scheme, 5 using the card machine and 2 using online giving regularly and another 17 are giving by standing order.

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2024

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----- Start of picture text -----
WAYS OF GIVING 2023
Online Cash WAYS OF GIVING 2024
Card 7% 7% Standing Online Cash Standing
5% Order 11% 6%
Envelopes 14% Card Order
17% 9% 14%
Envelop
es
11%
Parish
Parish Giving
Scheme 50% Giving
Scheme
49%
----- End of picture text -----

In previous reports we have mentioned that the Parish 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. 28 people have signed up to the PGS so far and it is working very well with Gift Aid repayments being made at monthly intervals without the need for annual returns at parish level. One-off gifts can also now be made through the PGS. As we have said before, we would be grateful if those still giving using other methods would consider moving to the PGS. New donors are always welcome and there are guidance postcards available in church which include a link to our PGS page: https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/leavesden-all-saints-watford/

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. Whilst the Personal Tax Allowance has been frozen for several 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 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 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 still also offers Just Giving as an alternative 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 automatically for taxpayers who specify this criteria when making the donation.

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2024

Stewardship Monthly Gift

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----- Start of picture text -----
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
Number of people 2023 Number of people 2024
----- End of picture text -----

In early 2025 we shall be having a Generosity month to ask everyone to prayerfully consider their giving. We all love the diversity of celebrations we have at All Saints but to sustain them we need £10 for every person at every celebrations , for each attendee at each act of worship to keep them going. We are aware that some in the church already contribute far more than this and others can’t contribute this much. .

But If we reached this figure as a church, if 100 church members, coming to church 52 times a year could we would be able to enrich our celebrations with that bounty.We wouldn’t have to worry about keeping our 10-year-old projector going. We could improve access to the church. We could start planning for improved facilities like a toilet at the back of the 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!

If you would like to have a confidential discussion about stewardship and giving, please contact Frances Holmes.

Thank you

CATHERINE LAWRENCE/FRANCES HOLMES

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 68 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll.

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

We have continued to stream our 10am Service and offer restrictions still in our midweek service for those who are more vulnerable. The offer of Home Communion has recommenced and we have continued our Home Worship sheets.

The average Sunday attendance in person in October 2023 was 52 adults and 6 children Electoral Roll Officer: Andy Melling

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2024

1.5 Review of Year

The PCC met 6 times during 2024 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 average attendance level of 70%.

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 Health and Safety Loan of Vestments from St Peter’s Arch Deacon Inspection Pop Up Café Weddings Fund Raising Social Events Governance Bells Spire Deanery Synod Living in Love and Faith Churchyard Path Makin Review Disaster planning

The Standing Committee generally met monthly on the 2nd 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 2024 9 Baptisms,60 Weddings and 18 Funerals were conducted

1.6 Safeguarding Report 2024 Report

The Parish is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and to supporting those who have been victims of abuse, as well as those who may present a risk to others. The PCC has complied with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to the House of Bishop’s guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). The PCC have adopted all the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policies and Practice Guidance, as well as “Promoting a Safer Church” (child protection and vulnerable adults policy) and the Domestic Abuse statement, at their meeting in 2024. The latter two documents are displayed in the Church and Church Hall .

We have a Parish Safeguarding Officer/Lead Recruiter and an Assistant Recruiter. Those who work with vulnerable groups in the Parish are recruited in accordance with the Practice Guidance Safer Recruitment July 2021. DBS checks are renewed every three years and all those who have been safely recruited and all members of the PCC, have undertaken the appropriate safeguarding training within the last 3 years.

Contact details for those wishing to obtain advice, raise any concerns or make referrals to the statutory authorities are with the safeguarding information which is displayed on the church notice board and the church website.

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2024

There is adequate insurance cover for all activities involving children or adults undertaken in the name of the Parish. There has been six issues of safeguarding concern reported during 2024. These matters has been dealt with according to the relevant safeguarding policies and guidance by the Parish Safeguarding Officer, the Vicar and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

We continue to update the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard and are at Level 3 with 87% which we are happy with but when all training is completed the percentage will rise.

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

1.7 Church Wardens Report

In April 2023, no Church Wardens were elected. It had become clear thatthe old model of Church Wardens serving numerous years and giving a large time commitment was not working for us at All Saints, and a new approach would be required.

Instead, the PCC and Standing Committee worked collaboratively, sharing jobs as they came along. However, while such a model worked well,, it was recognised that the role of Church Warden still exists in church law and not having Wardens could put the church in a vulnerable position.

After discussion, in March 2023 the PCC adopted the 5 point motion below and subsequent PCC’s will be asked to do likewise..

o At All Saints the Wardens and Vicar commit to share their Governance responsibilities with members of the Standing Committee and wider PCC.

o The Standing Committee meets on a monthly basis and communicates via WhatsApp on day to day matters that would traditionally be handled by Wardens and Vicar, consulting the PCC as required, or acting on the PCC’s decisions.

o There is no expectation that Church Wardens take on any more work than other members of the Standing Committee, and that responsibilities that would traditionally rest with the Wardens are shared across the Standing Committee. All Standing Committee members will commit to this collaborative pattern every year.

o Church Wardens serve for a year. At the end of their term the standing committee discusses who might be willing to take the role for the coming year, from those who are eligible to stand.

o After the APCM each year a short PCC meeting will be held during which these commitments are agreed and the Standing Committee appointed.

On this basis, Cynthia Campbell and Frances Holmes were elected as Church Wardens for the year ahead.

.

Church Building

The Wardens are responsible for maintaining the church building and its contents.

Spire

The most urgent matter identified in the 2022 Quinquennial inspection of the church building and churchyard that had not already been addressed was the condition of the shingles on the spire.

A number of holes were now clearly visible from the ground and following inspection by a specialist contractor a quote was obtained for repairs to be undertaken for around £9,500 (including scaffolding). Given the Church’s financial situation, discussions took place with the DAC,and an application to the Diocesan Minor Repairs fund was submitted, along with another to the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust. These were successful, and the repairs were undertaken in January 2025, just after the period covered by this report. Following reclaim of the VAT by the Treasurer under the HMRC Listed Places of Worship scheme, the full cost of the works has been met.

Further work is required to clear bird debris from the interior of the spire. This was identified during the repair work, but additional time and specialist hazardous materials handling equipment will be required, so it was not possible to achieve this at the time. The work can be completed by long ladders rather than scaffolding and discussion is again underway with the DAC regarding potential funding.

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2024

Bells

After the rope for the tolling bell broke during a service, a repair was carried out in conjunction with a service inspection of all the bells by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough. Bells were found to be be in good condition but the bird debris was raised as a concern requiring action.

Lady Chapel

The work is on hold until such time as the PCC have the capacity to project manage these works.

Sidespeople

We are grateful to all those who undertake this important role for the church, and to Barry Wenham who manages the rota. Also, for undertaking the safeguarding procedures and training that are required as part of fulfilling the role.

We are keen to recruit more people to this ministry of welcome at our regular services as well as occasional services such as Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals. If you would like to join the team, please speak to Barry.

Church Records

The annual Archdeacon’s Inspection included a recommendation regarding digitising paper records such as the Log Book of works and Terrier of church property (both fixed and movable). A review of existing computer records is underway to ensure work already completed is not duplicated. Once this work is completed, we will archive the paper records and move to updating the electronic version.

Other Activities

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. Work to improve and widen the path as well as to create a proper footpath to meet the pedestrian crossing on the other side of the Vicarage driveway is planned by the Council and recently received funding from a Neighbourhood. The front wall is due to be repaired in early 2025 as is the bench

Grant.

Several reports have been made to the Council regarding raised paving slabs caused by tree roots. This is awaiting action.

Church Hall

The Churchwardens and Standing Committee continue to work with the PCC, who are responsible for the maintenance and running of the Hall. Minor works have included replacement of broken lights in the kitchen.

1.8 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. In 2024 the good news is that we paid our Parish Share of £40248. However we still have our Parish Share shortfall of £33179 from 2023 with the Diocese. We applied for a Support Grant from the Diocese for 2025 which the Deanery supported but unfortunately was not successful at the Diocese. Our Parish Share for 2025 £55456

The cost of running the church in 2024 was £235 per day, in 2024 with regular income slightly decreasing by £9 per day to £229 per day. A major impact this year was the rising costs as our fixed energy contracts expired and continuing to catch up on maintenance. The shortfall in our income meant the PCC made the decision that we could not meet our Parish Share from Reserves as it would

All Saint’s Church Annual Report for 2024

have left us with no contingency. This is an unsustainable position and based on current income, we will in all honesty be looking to the Diocese for a further Support Grant in 2026. Going forward this is a cause for concern which the PCC have been discussing at great length and our looking at our income generation from all sources and a stewardship campaign in 2025.

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 , via www.parishgiving.org.uk or call 03330021271 using code 320632231 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 2025.

Priorities for 2025 are to continue fund raising the money to pay for the second part of remedial work to the Spire 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 5.26% 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 2024 £300 was dispersed.The PCC received a large legacy in 2019.

This year 0.78% 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 2024

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Where All Saints Money Came from in
2023
Voluntary Income Activities for Generating Funds
Income from Investments Church Activities
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Where All Saints Money Came From
2024
Voluntary Income Activities for Generating Funds
Income from Investments Church Activities
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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 2024

How All Saints spent it's money in 2023

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Fund Raising Costs Church Activities Governenance Costs Major Works Loan
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How All Saints Spent its money in 2024

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Fund Raising Costs Church Activities Governenance Costs Major Works
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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 a receipts and payments 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 2024

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 2024

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 2024 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 ( 2024: £961.76).

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 2024

Budget for 2025

#N/A

Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

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
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 receipts over payments
Transfers between funds
Cash at bank and in hand at 1 Jan
Cash at bank and in hand at 31 Dec
Note		 Total
Total
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
1,988.38 - - - 1,988.38 2,506.37
27,612.21 - - - 27,612.21 30,482.94
13,807.52 - - - 13,807.52 16,393.99
- - - - - 1,307.00
- - - - - -
11,176.87 - - - 11,176.87 13,879.63
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Endowment
Fund
Restricted Fund
54,584.98 - - - 54,584.98 64,569.93
3,002.92 - - - 3,002.92 4,288.03
1,136.86 - 1,393.79 - 2,530.65 2,074.20
26,264.82 - - - 26,264.82 15,165.18
- - - - - -
84,989.58 - 1,393.79 - 86,383.37 86,097.34
40,248.00 - - - 40,248.00 21,721.50
17,550.73 - - - 17,550.73 17,667.35
15,054.48 - - - 15,054.48 21,648.69
661.60 - - - 661.60 879.38
101.60 - - - 101.60 3,187.15
3,348.21 - - - 3,348.21 3,192.01
1,436.63- 285.06 - 1,721.693,090.26
78,401.25 - 285.06 - 78,686.31 71,386.34
6,953.48 - - - 6,953.48 6,624.91
85,354.73 - 285.06 - 85,639.79 78,011.25
- 365.15 - 1,108.73 - 743.58 8,086.09
#N/A
#N/A
#N/A
#N/A
#N/A
-
#N/A
#N/A
#N/A
#N/A
#N/A
8,086.09
20,308.67 - 27,017.62 - 47,326.29 50,540.20
#N/A
#N/A
#N/A
#N/A
#N/A
47,326.29

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Cash Funds
Bank Current Account
5
Bank Savings Account
6
Deposit Account
7
Investment Assets at market value
Paul Grey Trust
8
Total Investments
Note
Note		 Total
Total
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
3,649.97 - 232.75 - 3,882.72 12,469.79
- - 5,164.87 - 5,164.87 -
10,428.68 - 25,993.60 -36,422.2833,606.50
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Restricted Fund
Endowment
Fund
14,078.65 - 31,391.22 - 45,469.87 46,076.29
Total
Total
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
- - -37,667.3437,667.3436,824.49
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Endowment
Fund
Restricted Fund
- - - 37,667.34 37,667.34 36,824.49

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
Roof Loan No 2
Reserves Fabric Fund
Reserves Giving Fund
Reserves Legacy
Paul Grey
Utilities
RNP Pop Up Café
Projector Savings
Reordering Reserves
Fabric Savings		 Bal b/fwd
Receipts
Payments
Transfers
Bal c/fwd
30.06 1.20 - - 31.26
300.75 - - - 300.75
1,250.00 - -- 300.00950.00
13,007.00 - - - 13,007.00
6,774.00 1,392.59 - - 8,166.59
0.00 - - - 0.00
517.81 - 285.06 - 232.75
- - - 650.00 650.00
4,488.00 - - - 4,488.00
- - - 4,514.87 4,514.87
27,017.62 1,393.79 285.06 4,214.87 32,341.22

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

Reserves Fabric Fund - Restricted for the upkeep of the Fabric of the Church Reserves Giving Fund - Restricted for Charitable Giving by the PCC Reserves Legacy - 0

Paul Grey - In 1998 a £3000 Paul Grey Trust Fund was set up specifically for the upkeep of the Churchyard and the money invested Utilities - A Diocese Grant with use on payment of utiliy bills

RNP Pop Up Café - Restricted for the setting up and running of Reaching New People Projects - Pop Up Café Projector Savings - Restricted for the use of buying a new projector

Reordering Reserves - Restricted for the use of the Reordering of the Lady Chapel Fabric Savings - Restricted for the use of the Reordering of the Lady Chapel

3. Receipts
COLLECTIONS AT SERVICES
Sunday Collections
PLANNED GIVING
Standing Order
Parish Giving Scheme Income
GIFT AID RECOVERED
Gift Aid Reclaim
Parish Giving Scheme Gift Aid reclaim
ALL OTHER GIVING/VOLUNTARY RECEIPTS
CAF & GAYE giving
Donations
Gift Aid Envelopes
Donations - Gift Aided
Just Giving
Card Donations
ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS
Bookstall
Fete		 Total
Total
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
1,988.38 - - - 1,988.38 2,506.37
Endowment
Fund
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Restricted Fund
1,988.38 - - - 1,988.38 2,506.37
5,987.00 - - - 5,987.00 6,487.00
21,625.21 - - - 21,625.21 23,995.94
27,612.21 - - - 27,612.21 30,482.94
6,008.95 - - - 6,008.95 8,075.52
5,167.92 - - - 5,167.92 5,804.11
11,176.87 - - - 11,176.87 13,879.63
249.60 - - - 249.60 211.20
647.83 - - - 647.83 1,707.81
4,047.10 - - - 4,047.10 8,853.30
106.60 - - - 106.60 -
4,741.39 - - - 4,741.39 3,229.78
4,015.00 - - - 4,015.00 2,391.90
13,807.52 - - - 13,807.52 16,393.99
152.90 - - - 152.90 157.90
2,022.13 - - - 2,022.13 2,272.40
Other Fundraising
CHURCH ACTIVITIES
Non-charitable trading
Fees - Statutory
Hall Deposit
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends and Interest
GRANT INCOME
Non-Recurring Grants
4. Payments
CLERGY AND STAFFING COSTS
Clergy Expenses
Salaries
CHURCH RUNNING EXPENSES
Cleaning
Gas and Electricity Bill
Insurance
Service Costs
Maintenance
Water Bill
Governence
MISSION GIVING AND DONATIONS
Charities - Home (UK)
Charities - Overseas
BUILDING WORK AND REPAIRS
Church - Major repairs and Redecorations
Loan
COSTS OF GENERATING FUNDS
Fund raising
Bookstall
Hall Running Costs
Hall Deposit refund
ADMINISTRATION COSTS
Bank charges
Stationery
Support Costs
Computer
Card donation costs
OTHER EXPENDITURE
Mission and Evangelism Costs
Churchyard Expenses
pop up café
children's work
5. Bank Current Account
Leavesden Parish Church PCC
cash
6. Bank Savings Account		 827.89 - - - 827.89 1,857.73
3,002.92 - - - 3,002.92 4,288.03
18,071.82 - - - 18,071.82 11,598.18
6,643.00 - - - 6,643.00 1,667.00
1,550.00 - - - 1,550.00 1,900.00
26,264.82 - - - 26,264.82 15,165.18
1,136.86 - 1,393.79 - 2,530.65 2,074.20
1,136.86 - 1,393.79 - 2,530.65 2,074.20
- - - - - 1,307.00
- - - - - 1,307.00
Total
Total
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
2,182.44 - - - 2,182.44 2,808.08
15,368.29 - - - 15,368.29 14,859.27
Restricted Fund
Endowment
Fund
Designated
Fund
Unrestricted
Fund
17,550.73 - - - 17,550.73 17,667.35
- - - - - 381.99
5,875.05 - - - 5,875.05 3,194.57
3,153.03 - - - 3,153.03 3,308.25
3,684.24 - - - 3,684.24 3,911.65
849.79 - - - 849.79 9,076.44
505.53 - - - 505.53 471.80
986.84 - - - 986.84 1,303.99
15,054.48 - - - 15,054.48 21,648.69
661.60 - - - 661.60 799.38
- - - - - 80.00
661.60 - - - 661.60 879.38
101.60 - - - 101.60 -
- - - - - 3,187.15
101.60 - - - 101.60 3,187.15
993.64 - - - 993.64 1,113.94
157.85 - - - 157.85 152.40
5,801.99 - - - 5,801.99 5,358.57
1,650.00 - - - 1,650.00 -
8,603.48 - - - 8,603.48 6,624.91
184.09 - - - 184.09 221.44
398.29 - - - 398.29 452.70
2,720.31 - - - 2,720.31 2,476.27
- - - - - 14.40
45.52 - - - 45.52 27.20
3,348.21 - - - 3,348.21 3,192.01
245.51 - 244.65 - 490.16 814.02
202.99 - - - 202.99 198.60
- - - - - 1,102.36
988.13 - - - 988.13 975.28
1,436.63 - 244.65 - 1,681.28 3,090.26
Total
Total
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
3,636.52 - 232.75 - 3,869.27 12,456.34
13.45 - - - 13.45 13.45
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Restricted Fund
Endowment
Fund
3,649.97 - 232.75 - 3,882.72 12,469.79
Total
Total
2024
2023
Restricted Fund
Unrestricted
Fund
Endowment
Fund
Designated
Fund

6. Bank Savings Account

Leavesden Parish Church PCC Savings
7. Deposit Account
Reserves
Roof No 2
Paul Grey Trust		 £
£
£
£
£
£
- - 5,164.87 - 5,164.87 -
- - 5,164.87 - 5,164.87 -
Total
Total
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
10,428.68 - 17,795.75 - 28,224.43 26,802.44
- - 31.26 - 31.26 30.06
- - 8,166.59 - 8,166.59 6,774.00
Restricted Fund
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Endowment
Fund
10,428.68 - 25,993.60 - 36,422.28 33,606.50

8. Investments

Further Details

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 C

All Saint’s Leavesden

Written Reports to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting for the year 2024

Sunday 11[th] May 2025

1. All Saints Leavesden – Annual Report 2024

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

This year we had some weddings. We decorated the church for main celebrations, Christmas, Easter etc, to save costs we have been using silk flowers for the arrangements on some occasions.

2.2. Server

The servers team remains a small but committed group, assisting with worship at All Saints. Members are present for every Sunday service and special services at Easter, Christmas, and throughout the year.

Towards the end of the year, Jose from All Saints, South Oxhey, joined us on training placement. The servers are always pleased to welcome training candidates, and Jose enjoyed getting to know us and participating in a different style of worship from his own church.

As always, I would like to thank all the servers for their support, dedication, and the enthusiasm they bring to their role. Especially to Jamileh, who looks after things when I am away

Barry Wenham

2.3. Home Worship

Stephen Davidson has taken over this role from Phillipa.

We continue to produce and distribute a Home Worship sheet every calendar month for, currently, 11 church members who are unable to attend in person or access on-line worship. The sheet includes the Sunday service Bible readings and prayers as well as the anniversaries of death over that month. In addition to this sheet, we also include 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.

2.4. Music/Choir

As is true for every year, the choir continues to provide outstanding support to myself and the church community.

Through all seasons, situations and personal circumstances our singers put in their best effort and ask for nothing in return

Without your help we would not be able to perform live music in the same way, and it simply would not be as life affirming and joyful as it is. I am extremely grateful for your time and energy, both in singing and the help you provide in other areas.

I am sure 2025 will be our best year yet.

Joe Leslie, Director of Music

3. Discipleship and Nurture

3.1. Little Saints

The number of families with children attending church on a Sunday morning has slowly grown. The children are well engaged in worship, enjoying their roles of candle-lighting, bell-ringing and flag distribution. Eddie and David 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.

3.2. Little Saints Wednesday Club

Little Saints meets on a Wednesday afternoon at 5pm for an hour and a quarter and provides time and space for children of junior school age. In 2024 all of the 5 regular attendees were at primary school although this will change in 2025 as several move onto secondary education. The team is lead by Fr. Eddie, assisted by Fr. David and by Susan and Carol. The time is structured into activity, discipleship and nourishment. Activities have included making super long ‘ball runs’ using cardboard tubes, crafting (Sheep for the Good Shepherd) and obstacle courses (team work and journey of life). The focus of the autumn terms

teaching/learning (using bibles, PowerPoints and Web videos) was the Big Story of the Bible. The children look forward to the food: normally pita or wraps with fillings of cheese, ham or vegetables.

The programme for Little Saints for Summer 2025 onwards will be reviewed in terms of content and activity, particularly given that Fr. David will be moving on to Langleybury.

3.3. Tots and Teddies

Tots and Teddies meets for an hour on Tuesday mornings, under the supervision of Rita Pritchard and with the assistance of Fr. David. The

time is considered to an act of worship as all the activity is focused on worshiping God through singing, movement and play. 2024 was a good year for the young children attending and their adult carers. Whilst the number of children attending has fluctuated there are normally around five or six children attending with one or two toddlers coming less frequently.

Those that come to Tots and Teddies really appreciate our informal approach to worship and gathering. It is a time when the adults can gain support and friendship from each other and the Leaders within the spiritual environment of our church.

As ever the ‘struggle’ for numbers is a constant factor with the group naturally loosing children as they start school. 2024 saw 3 children ‘graduate’ to nursery! As above, new children have attended but attendance has been infrequent. The leadership are seeking to attract more parents from the weekly ‘Baby Sensory’ groups (a commercial user of the hall) as their babies grow into toddlers and also via word of mouth at the Pop-Up Café events, during the school holidays. Additional children can come from new members of the church or from those parents arranging their child’s baptism.

However, Tots and Teddies works well and is fun for children and their careers. What we are seeing is the children are accompanied by their (relatively young) grandparents rather than parents, which brings a whole new level of pastoral care to this generation. During the holidays a lot of the older siblings enjoy coming back in the holidays! and provides a valuable time of worship alongside other formal services within the church.

This ministry, although challenged by numbers, is certainly worth continuing for its Christian presence for children and adults alike.

Rita Pritchard

3.4. Open Space

Open Space is currently not running

3.5. Lent Group

A home group was run for four weeks in February/March 2024 in preparation for Lent hosted by Cynthia Campbell who completed the appropriate Risk Assessment.

The group Leader was Father David Scourfield. It was both enjoyable and informative.

3.6. Advent Course

Due to availability of leaders a course was not run this year

3.7. Home and Midweek Bible Study Group

Currently not running

4. Mission and Outreach

4.1. CAMEO

During 2024 we had another full programme of speakers and entertainers to whom we are extremely grateful for their support. This year we have been entertained by: The Friday Singers, The Treebridge Troupe, The Chedettes, Hand Bell Ringers, David Silver on the Piano and also with his Trio of musicians, Joe Leslie on the piano and also accompanied by Elizabeth singing. Kay Leyshon with old time music, Peter Dawson also gave an interesting talk on local history. Plus we had an afternoon of Bingo and our usual Christmas PArty.

Once again I would like to thank all of our dedicated volunteers who give their time to help in so many ways. Setting up tables and chairs in the hall, making tea and refreshments. Chrystal McGee, Pamela Bishop, Jenny James and Brian Beavis and others who help on the day which is greatly appreciated.

This is on the second Monday of each month 1.45pm – 3.45pm. We also hold a meeting on the fourth Monday of each month between 12.30pm – 2.30pm which is a eucharist followed by a soup lunch. Many thanks to Jenny for her wonderful homemade soup and cakes which she provides. New members are always welcome – we already have a full programme of entertainers for 2025 to look forward to.

Wendy Simpson

4.2. Church Watch

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

4.3. Leavesden Green Hub

Lighthouse Café

The Lighthouse Café meets every Monday morning in term time between 10am and 12noon at the Leavesden Green Community Hub in Clarke Way.

The year 2024 was again another successful year for the Lighthouse Café. The numbers of people attending were between 35-45.

We have continued with our specially designed ‘Morning Prayer’ service which we hold 15 minutes before the café officially opens and we have others come early to join in.

We continued to have the weekly quiz which is much loved by those attending.

In the spring term we continued the experiment of having a soft play area to encourage young parents to come and join us with their young children. During the year we had visits from various outside organisations. In March we had a visit from Garston Fire Service who not only gave a fire safety talk but also arranged to visit members’ homes and install free fire/smoke alarms.

In June we had a visit from the fraud security team from HSBC Bank who gave a short talk and handed out advice to those present.

We also had a visit from the local PCSOs who mingled among us chatting to our members on a range of issues.

Again, we had a couple of visits from the children of Kingsway Infants School, who came to the Lighthouse Café and sang for us during the autumn term. Once to celebrate Harvest festival by singing harvest related songs for us. Then again in December to sing carols to us especially as many of our people couldn’t get tickets or didn’t want to come out in the dark evenings for our Community Carol Service.

We are still in constant communication with Watford Borough Council and Watford Community Housing and are looking forward to continuing our good relationship throughout the coming year.

We are registered with the Church Urban Fund ‘Places of Welcome’. We are also registered as ‘A Place of Warmth’ with Watford Borough Council. Finally, I would like to express my thanks to Bessie Porter and Gladys Coldman for staffing the kitchen every week. And I would ask that if anyone else is available on Monday mornings in term time that they might consider coming and helping our limited numbers of volunteers.

Community Carol service

We again held our popular Community Carol Service in the Hub on an evening in December with the children from Kingsway Infants School singing for us and Ella Foster singing a solo of her version of ‘O Holy Night’. Once again, we had people from different parts of the community (including the Mayor of Watford) to read the lessons.

Once again because of the popularity of the event and the legal restrictions on the hall capacity, this year we had to make The Community Carol Service a ticketed event again. The tickets were free but had to be booked through Eventbrite so as we could control numbers. We managed to keep the numbers down to 170 (plus kitchen volunteers).

Charles Porter

4.4. Schools

We have been invited in to a number of schools to give assemblies including Coates Way, Kingswood infants, Alban Wood and equally hosted trips to the church to explore the building, festivals and the Christian faith to enhance the teaching of the curriculum by Garston Manor, Leavesden Green. Futures Academy and Coates Way also held Christmas Carol Services in the Church

4.5. Churches Together in Watford

Occasional informal Social Gatherings at the Southern Cross continue. Each church is encouraged to appoint a rep. or ‘champion’ to promote Churches Together and keep everyone informed about their joys and prayer needs, etc. ‘At Home’ evenings commenced whereby gathering in different churches we learnt more about their history and style of worship, and share prayer and worship.

4.6. 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.

4.7. Pop Up Café

The Pop-Up Café provides a time space for the church and parish community to come together within the Church Hall to share a meal, enjoy the company, and to use the children’s craft and play activity. Although the café is based within a church building it runs (and is funded) on a secular/non faith basis. However, spiritual nourishment provided for those who wish to partake, through access to the church building and provision of 3 or 4 prayer stations.

The Café project has been facilitated by five or six volunteers and has been led by Fr. David with Jenny James overseeing the kitchen. The team works extremely well, a result of experience developed during the previous years. The Café, (operating between 12 Noon and 2pm) ran on 9 occasions during 2024, during the Christmas, Easter and summer holidays as well as the three half terms. The frequency is determined by volunteer availability and also the dates upon which Thursdays in the school holidays at Easter and Christmas fall. Often the Thursdays clash with church services or clergy leave. It is also become apparent, through experience, that running more than four Café’s in the long summer break puts too much strain on our volunteers.

The Café is advertised through the Facebook pages of the Church, local schools and other organisations, although we have many new attendees who have come through word of mouth. The attendance varied but was within the range of 30-40, including 5-10 children.

The Café is very well received both by those using it and by local schools, Watford Council and local councillors. The high-quality meal (a main meal and desert) provides the focus for conversation. Children are provided with a soft play area and structure crafts. The church is open and on average 5-10 people (adults and children) will visit, either sitting silently or engaging with prayer stations: For example, The Tree of Hope, paper prayer links, Water and Stones, and craft activity.

The success of 2023 and 2024 has provided a very sustainable platform for the Café in 2025. Work is being done on funding and on Food Hygiene Management (the Café received four-star ratings after inspections in 2024 and 2023) as well as developing further activity and prayer stations. Alongside the Lighthouse Café, the Pop Up Café will remain and important part of the churches outreach activity with the local community.

David Scourfield

4.8. South West Herts Railway Club Open Day

A team from Church helped with refreshments for the Open Day and welcomed visitors

4.9. World Day of Prayer

January was the first committee meeting of the year to finalise plans for 2024.

On 9[th] February a Bible Study was held at the Scroll Church. This was based on Ephesians 4:1-7 and led by Dr. Jean Stevenson. On 23rd. February a full rehearsal for the Day of Prayer was held at the Scroll Church.

On 1st. March The World Day of Prayer was celebrated at the Scroll Church. This service had been prepared by the Christian women of Palestine.

The theme of the service was "I beg you, bear with one another in love" based on the Bible study in Ephesians.

After the service many stayed for refreshments and fellowship.

On 8th. November a Preparation Day was hosted by St. Luke's church. This is open to anyone who may be involved in organising a World Day of Prayer service in their area, for the following year. It is a helpful opportunity to learn more about the thinking behind the service and how it can be organised,

At that time we learned about the service for 2025 which had been planned by the Christian women of the Cook Islands and was based on the theme

"I made you wonderful"

Susan Bail

4.10. Churchyard

As part of their responsibility for the upkeep of the churchyard, the Council's contractors performed some much-needed tree work in April. They reduced the size of some trees and removed deadwood and storm damage from others. This work should all help to maintain the overall health of the trees. The Council's maintenance of the churchyard is a great benefit to the church especially for larger jobs like this which the church would otherwise have to arrange.

In July, the Hertfordshire Family History Society recorded all the existing inscriptions from the gravestones and monuments. These will eventually be put into a publication available for purchase from the society.

The first recorded sighting of a Jersey Tiger moth in the churchyard was made in August. This is a striking moth with striped black and cream forewings and vibrant orange-red hindwings that flies both in the day and at night, often being mistaken for a butterfly. The farthest north this species used to be seen was Jersey, but climate change has allowed it to move north, becoming commonly seen in London and east Hertfordshire over the last few years.

Barry Wenham

4.11. 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, or his Deputy, the Revd. Deborah Snowball. 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.

Two meetings were held in 2024 – in June and October - hosted by St Luke’s and St Peter’s respectively.

The main topic for discussion at both sessions was the Church Commissioners’ Diocesan Investment Programme for children’s and young people’s work and diversity work, and how a bid could be shaped for this.

The Diocese had determined that Watford and Luton would be the twin focuses of our regional bid, and Synod heard from the working group established to draw up the Watford part of the bid and had opportunities to feed into their thinking.

Leavesden was to be one of the focal points of the bid due to the large number of schools in the parish.

We have subsequently heard that this grant programme has been put on hold for the foreseeable future due to factors at a national church level – more information will be forthcoming via the Diocese in the next few months.

Frances Holmes and Juliet Scourfield

5. Mission Support

5.1. Christian Aid

We continue to support Christian Aid during the annual fundraising week in May. Envelopes were provided so that people could make their personal donations – by ‘phone, on-line, etc.

5.2. Foodbank

Many thanks to all who contributed to the Watford Food Bank during the last year, the total of food donated by All Saints was 270 Kilos.

Brian Beavis

5.3. Bike and Hike

Bike n Hike was a very productive day. We tackled a range of tasks, including the church boiler's annual hoover and filled three bins with compostable waste from the churchyard. We also welcomed our two regular cyclists from The Gaddesdens. The event, supporting Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust, which provides grants for the repair of churches and chapels in the St Albans diocese, raised over £100,000. To date, the Trust has awarded £4.2 million in grants. Thank you to Cynthia, Pam, Rita, and Christine for helping keep the church open throughout the day. We have also this year applied to the trust for a grant to repair the spire

Barry Wenham

5.4. The Children’s Society

Box Holders donations for 2024 were £212.45 Christingle collection raised £82.80. A big thank you on behalf of the Children's Society to all who donated, especially Box Holders who help to raise vital funds to help children and young people.

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

6. Links with St Albans Abbey

6.1. Easter Pilgrimage

The annual Easter Monday pilgrimage from All Saints to St Albans saw us joined by fellow walkers from Rickmansworth, making a group of twelve, accompanied by three eager dogs. The weather was quite sunny as we walked across the fields. After having lunch on the Abbey Orchard we joined over 600 others for the service in the Abbey, including visitors from our link diocese in Linköping, Sweden. The theme of the service was “All Things New” with Bishop Jane presiding. A memorable reflection was given by former All Saints' curate Phillipa Maddox drawing upon her time working as a van driver around the industrial estates of West London armed only with music cassettes that played slightly too fast and a wellthumbed A-Z.

Barry Wenham

7. Events

7.1. Social Events

A Harvest supper was organised for the first time since COVID and the small group had a catered meal and fun entertainment from Horse racing. David’s Ordination was celebrated with an All Saints Bring and Share Lunch

7.2. Fund Raising

We held both a Summer Hamper draw and concluded the year with a Christmas raffle with tickets sold both online and in person.

7.3. Christmas Market

The Christmas Market is now re-established on the calendar and was our biggest fundraiser of the year. Both church members and the community well supported it.

Planning the event:

Catherine and Sarah worked together to plan the event in months leading up to it taking place, this included:

The event:

==> picture [401 x 31] intentionally omitted <==

8. Use of the Parish Centre

The Hall remains a valuable asset and source of income. This year we welcomed a new Gymnastic for Tots class and a Dance School as a regular hiring and a Mum’s Market . The Parish Centre availability is available on our website for potential hirers to view.

Catherine Lawrence