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2025-12-31-accounts

St Mary the Virgin, Strensall Annual Report April 2026

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04.2026 Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

APCM Report 2026 Sunday 19th April 2026

The Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Strensall

We are here to worship, praise and thank God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the power of the Holy Spirit to take Christ’s love and peace into our community.

Priest in Charge: (Licensed to St.Mary’s on 11th November 2024)

Rev. Nikki Eastwood. The Vicarage, 10 York Road, Strensall, York YO32 5UN

Distinctive Deacon:

Rev. Dot Hicks. 111 Moor Lane, Strensall, York YO32 5UG

Additional Minister with PTO:

Rev. Dr. Judith Palmer. 6 Portisham Place, Strensall, York YO32 5AZ

PCC Chair

Rev. Nikki Eastwood. The Vicarage, 10 York Road, Strensall, York YO32 5UN

Treasurer:

Pauline Chambers. 11 Netherwoods, Strensall, York YO32 5WE

Independent Examiner:

Kanako Whapples. 19 Heath Ride, Strensall, York YO32 5YW

Church Architect:

Andrew Wiles. Wiles and Maguire Ltd. The Danesmead Wing, York YO10 4PB

Parish Safeguarding Officer:

Jane Atkinson. 1 Brunswick Close, Strensall, York YO32 5ZT

Santander UK plc. Account Number 95929403. Sort Code 09-01-51 The following served as PCC members as from the APCM 2024:

Jane Atkinson

Parish Safeguarding Officer (Elected 2023 for 3 years)

Daniel Pillai (Elected 2024 for 2 years)

Term ends in 2027

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04 2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

Terry Atkinson (Elected 2024 for 3 years) Pauline Chambers Treasurer (Elected 2024 for 3 years)

Rev Judith Palmer Co-opted to PCC in 2024 for 1 year Linda Fee Co-opted to PCC in 2025 for 6 months Rev. Dot Hicks Ex-officio member (Clerk in Holy Orders)

Those elected to the PCC at the APCM are on a rolling 3-year term.

Three councillors are to be elected each year with a total of 9 elected members.

Any ex-officio and co-opted members will be in addition to this figure.

Members are eligible for re-election at the end of their term of office.

For re-election in 2026 Daniel Pillai, Shirley Bamford, Jane Atkinson

For re-election in 2027 Terry Atkinson Pauline Chambers

Deanery Mission Partnership

In 2017, the Deanery Mission Partnership was entered into and means that all clergy in the deanery are issued with licences enabling them to officially minister in all parishes of the deanery. This legally means that each PCC in the deanery acquired new clerical members.

It was agreed that these additional clerical members will not attend any PCC meetings other than those in the parishes they are directly responsible for. These clerical members also agree to forfeit any voting rights.

All future clergy licensed in the deanery will be appointed on the same basis of cross licensing. Names of these clergy will not be recorded in APCM Reports.

PCC Meetings in 2026

The full PCC met in 2025. This includes the first meeting of the new PCC which was held immediately after the APCM. All meetings were in person.

In 2025 the Standing Committee met three times

There were two PCC groups that continued to meet regularly, these were the Environment Group and the Finance Group.

Background

The PCC at St Mary’s Church Strensall has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent, the Rev Nikki Eastwood, in promoting the work of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Strensall with Towthorpe. This responsibility includes financial management of the church and the care and maintenance of church buildings and fabric and the wider mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical.

Membership

The PCC (The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Strensall with Towthorpe) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission. Registration Number 1162095. (First registered 10th June 2015). Members of the PCC are either ex-officio, co-opted or elected by the APCM in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04.2026 Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

The Incumbent, along with any other licensed clergy to St. Mary’s and the Churchwarden(s) are ex-officio members of the PCC. It is agreed that no more than 9 members be elected to the PCC on a proportional three-year rotating basis. Any members of St Mary’s Strensall who are elected as members of the Deanery, Diocesan or General Synods are automatically members of the PCC for the duration of the Synod.

The PCC may appoint co-opted members in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

Standing Committee

The Standing Committee comprises of the Incumbent, Churchwarden(s), PCC Secretary, PCC Treasurer, and PCC Vice Chair. This committee of the PCC is required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings subject to any direction given by the council.

Safeguarding Statement

St Mary’s PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline

Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to House of Bishop’s guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

Our Safeguarding Group meets regularly in order to support our safeguarding officer and to ensure we are up to date with current practices related to safeguarding.

Fundraising

Fundraising is the responsibility of the full PCC.

Electoral Roll and Church attendance

Membership of the electoral roll is open to all lay people who are baptised, over the age of 16 and have signed a declaration that they are either a member of the Church of England or of a church in communion therewith and:

Resident in the parish OR

Not being resident, has habitually attended public worship in the parish during a period of six months prior to enrolment, OR

Is a member in good standing of a church which subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity (not being a church in communion with the Church of England) and also prepared to declare themselves to be a member of the Church of England having habitually worshipped in the Parish Church for a period of six months prior to enrolment.

St.Mary’s Church Electoral Roll Report from Wendy Robinson, Electoral Roll Officer

We remember the following member of St. Mary’s Electoral Roll who has passed away since the APCM 2025 - Susan Nunn.

In 2026, we reviewed the Electoral Roll as governed by the Church Representation Rules. Renewal of the Roll happens every 6 years and this was completed in 2025. During all other years, the Roll is only reviewed in preparation for the APCM.

Numbers on the Electoral Roll at the end of 2025 = 76

Number on the new Electoral Roll prepared for APCM 2026 = 80

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04 2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

The following reports are presented to the APCM:

Statutory Reports

Non-Statutory Reports

Vicars Report for year ending 2026 APCM 026 Sunday 19[th] April 2026

APCM 2026 Sunday 19[th] Apil 2025 Vicar’s Report for St Mary the Virgin, Strensall APCM - 19[th] April 2026

God has shown us what is good. That is: to act justly; to love mercy and to walk humbly with Him. Micah 6:8 - St Mary's Verse for the Year 2026

Over the last year, we’ve concentrated on three areas where we’ve seen growth and change.

Welcome

As I write, the new doors to the church building are being finished. We’ve been delighted to see the project be finished in time for Easter – a time of doors opening for faith as the first disciples saw the rolled away stone; the empty tomb, and Jesus appearing to them. Thank you to the St Mary’s team- particularly, Paul Bulmer, Janet Irish, and Terry Atkinson who, together with the PCC, have guided the process to completion after many years of planning around how best to welcome our community to the church. We are grateful to Andrew Wiles, our church architect, and Marcus Jacka and his project team for their craft and care in the building and installation of the church doors. All those who have joined us for worship or a visit to church agree that the space is lighter and more welcoming for those coming in.

We are thankful for the legacy of Chris Halliwell which enabled us to do this work of renewing the doors. One of the many benefits of remembering a place or cause in a legacy through a will, is the work that continues to be done through a gift that that lives beyond the one who gives. The Halliwell gift continues to work for the places that mattered to Chris. Thank you to Gordon Moore for continuing to keep in touch with Chris’ friends and for updating them on the use we have made of the Halliwell gift.

Part of our welcome is in the appearance of the church outside and inside. Our churchyard is a God given canvas to show our welcome. We have worked hard as a church family over the year to maintain the outside beauty and welcome. Thank you in particular to Alison and Peter Bayliss and

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04.2026 Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

the team of churchyard helpers who in all weathers maintain the space outside our church to a high standard. Thank you to all those who have helped during the year with tasks outside and cleaning inside to offer a bright peaceful welcome to those who join us through the year.

Worship

We have focused on not just sustaining Sunday church services, but on expanding our invitation to the community to explore faith with us, weekly and midweekly. We extended our practice of offering communion to include those who want to take communion with the bread and then the wine, to be alongside those who take communion from the cup with the wafer dipped into the wine. To include more people in our communion services, the PCC has agreed on the licencing of seven additional people to serve the second cup. They serve alongside the clergy team of Rev Dot Hicks and Rev Judith Palmer, and our Eucharistic Minister, Judy Smith. We are thankful for this expanded team and their service through each Sunday of the year and at the midweek Wednesday communion introduced this year.

Thank you to all the team, and in particular to the Rev Dot Hicks , who, with Nikki, takes home communions to Goldsborough Manor and to those who are unable to come to church for communion on Sunday or Wednesday.

We had a busy Christmas with many coming to our services, especially the carol service where there was standing room only. We have been busy with baptism services which take place in the 11am service, and we have been able to welcome children into the church and encourage their family and friends in their faith too. We have a student – Rachel Watson – who has joined us on placement in preparation for her ordination next year. We are thankful for Rachel’s work in helping with our welcome to children and families – particularly with the creation of our children’s corner in church.

Thank you to those who lead services -especially Janet Mountain at 11am – and for all those who lead prayers and readings. Thank you to organists, singers, and all musicians for generously sharing your musical gifts and leading our sung worship. Thank you to the churchwardens, Jean Cooper, and Gordon Moore and those who welcome week by week for ensuring people are encouraged to find their place in the church family here.

Witness

Through the year, we’ve looked for opportunities to share faith and to encourage each other in growing as disciples. In the season before Advent, we ran an Alpha course with people attending through the 10 weeks. A good number of us deepened our faith and commitment to follow Christ and welcomed the refresher. Thank you to all who came and all those who nurture faith through the year in leading home groups and visiting and praying with others.

We have continued our witness and discipleship with the Lent course that’s currently running – looking at the Bible together and reading and praying together.

Through the year, we’ve worked in different ways to support the community – both locally and further afield. Thank you to Linda Fee who has worked– alongside the Open the Book team – to strengthen the link between Robert Wilkinson school and church. Linda has organised invitation events for children and families to come to church as part of our welcome to the community.

Our pre-school group – Little Fishes - has been a warm place of welcome and encouragement for all those who attend. Thank you to everyone who helps Tuesday by Tuesday to set up and set down, lead songs, make crafts and tea and chat to those that come. It all helps little ones to learn and play.

Thank you to Jane Atkinson and Victoria Haworth who have served in keeping our church community safe with their work on safeguarding.

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04 2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

We’ve looked to serve and share faith the love of God in how we’ve supported and given to causes locally and further afield. Thank you to everyone who helps with community events like the Spearehead Café and the Strensall Carnival. Thank you to all who give food for the foodbank, and especially those what gave to our Harvest Appeal; and to those who gave Christmas gifts for York Salvation Army. We were particularly helped this year with the support of the Half Moon Pub and their hosting of the carols in the pub evening and their support for the Salvation Army Christmas Toy and Gift Appeal.

During the year, we’ve been encouraged with news from our Nepal mission link. Pol and Chris Chambers visited our friends in Nepal over Christmas and took gifts and our prayers. We heard news of projects in Nepal at a social event at the end of January this year, and we look forward to supporting the church in Nepal with further events this year. It has been very encouraging to hear news of the flourishing of the church in Nepal and opportunities to strengthen the link with St Mary’s.

Throughout the year, we’ve encouraged generosity. We’ve increased our annual financial contribution to York Diocese, and we’ve also thought about how to give our time and talents. Our financial giving has increased with new people joining our regular giving programme, and with increasing giving from those in the programme. We serve a generous God who has made us a generous people. Thank you to all who give generously to the ministry and mission of the church and thank you to all who give generously of their time and their gifts.

This year, we have worked without a parish administrator. I am very thankful to all those who have helped in any way with keeping our administration moving. Thank you to those members of PCC who have helped with admin areas, and a particular thank you to Jane Widgery and Gordon Moore for faithfully enabling us to get the news sheet completed and distributed each week.

God has been generous to us, and we give thanks for the many ways we’ve grown, and our faith has been deepened this year. Reading through the APCM reports, you might be encouraged to get involved in an area of church life. Please do get in touch if you’d like to offer time in some way.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the We Holy Spirit be with you all.

Grace and peace

Rev Nikki Eastwood

Priest in Charge, St Mary’s

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04.2026 Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

APCM 2026 Sunday 19[th] April 2026

Treasurers report 2025 for APCM held 19.4.26.

At the beginning of January 2025, the balance in the Santander account was £15,512 and at the end of December 2025, was £9,036.03 with £142.622 in the CCLA account (of this £19,627+ interest is contingency) and £37,968 (inc. Children and Youth work) is in the Skipton Building Society (restricted) account. Both of the latter deposit accounts are receiving interest, but as the interest from the Skipton BS has dropped (2.35% compared with CCLA 4.2% at 31.12.25) the Skipton BS will hold a nominal amount with the balance being transferred to the higher interest CCLA deposit account. £6737 was transferred from the G. Speare legacy to General funds to cover maintenance costs

Income

31 people are giving regularly via the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS), which is also used for one-off gifts and 9 people are giving by Standing Order (S.O.). SumUp is used by a small number on a regular basis, in particular those attending Little Fishes. SumUp was popular at the Colour and Light party, a free event but where several people requested to donate. Gift Aid and GADS were received for 2023 and 20024 amounting to £535 and the claim for 2025 has been submitted.

During the year, no legacies were received. A grant of £1000 was received from the Parish Council for the upkeep of the churchyard. VAT of £277 was reclaimed under the Listed Places of Worship (LPW) grant scheme. This scheme closed on 31st March 2026 and is to be replaced by “Places of Worship Renewal Fund” details of which are still to be finalised.

Spearehead hall is well used for church and community events, bringing in a steady income stream and good-will. Thanks to those who ably manage the bookings.

Expenditure

Main areas of expenditure are the Free Will Offering, energy bills, churchyard upkeep, cleaning, and insurance. The FWO, orginally set at £60k in the budget for 2025, was fully paid up for 2025. A negative budget for 2026 was sent to the Diocese but Income and expenditure balance, due mainly to having had no paid administrator since April 2025. The Spearehead Hall produces a steady income stream, and significant maintenance costs have been met by the G Speare legacy.

£12,000 was paid in December 2025 for the materials for the new main entrance. This, and corresponding architect’s fees, will come from the Halliwell legacy, but have currently been taken from the General fund. (approx. £2550 of this amount can be reclaimed from the LPW scheme). See also above.

During the year, St Marys Church has financially supported the Salvation Army, Christian Aid, York Foodbank and New Life Church, Kathmandu, Nepal. Charitable donations amounted to £1022 Thank you to everyone who has supported St Marys over the last year, in whatever way.

A special thank you to Denise Edmundson for her bookkeeping

P Chambers, Treasurer. March 2

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04 2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04.2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095 Page 9

St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04 2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095 Page 10 of 19

______________ Independent Examiner Report APCM 2026 Sunday 19[th] April 2026

Independent Examiner's Report To the Trustees of the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Strensall with Towthorpe Charity Number 1162095

I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2025.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act; to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report My examination was conducted in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which given me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

• the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04.2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

Name: Kanako Whapples, AAT Level 3 Relevant professional qualification: AAT Level 3 (near completion of Level 4) Address: 19 Heath Ride, Strensall, York, YO32 5YW Date: 30th March

_______________

Churchwarden Report APCM 2026 Sunday 19th April 2026

St. Mary’s church has ‘blossomed’ during the past year since the arrival of Rev Nikki Eastwood. Under her leadership, church members have volunteered their various skills such that our attendance is rising, and the overall atmosphere of the church is one of welcome and support especially that for the younger generation. The installation of new entrance doors has transformed the appearance of the approach to the church, and we hope that, over time, this will encourage more visitors and additional church members.

Our grateful thanks go to the Entrance Doors project team including Paul Bulmer and Terry Atkinson and to Janet Irish the chair of our Environment Team. This project has been made financially possible due to the generous legacy of a past Strensall family member whose mortal remains now watch over the church from the churchyard.

The church is now open to visitors from Monday to Thursday between 09:00- 16:00. Thanks go to Terry Atkinson and SallyAnn Long who ensure the doors are opened and closed each day.

The annual inspections of the following were carried out with no issues of note to report:

  1. Gas heating boiler

  2. PAT inspections (Portable Appliances Test)

  3. Church clock

  4. Lightning conductor

  5. Church organ (visual)

  6. All fire extinguishers in the church and the hall.

Bookings for the use of the Spearehead Hall have continued to be a healthy source of revenue and thanks go to Jean Cooper and Penny Parish for managing all the related activities.

Poppies Cleaners gave sudden notice, and we had to find a replacement service. Our thanks go to Janet Irish and Jean Cooper for managing this development successfully and the cleaning service is now carried out by a local Strensall person. The Spearehead Hall is cleaned each Monday and the church building every other Monday.

Thanks go to the Environment Team and the Churchyard Maintenance Team for their hard work keeping access open to the churchyard and graves, including the Commonwealth graves. Our thanks especially go to Peter and Alison Bayliss for their tireless work on the development of a Rest Area and wildflower areas in the churchyard. The many previously planted daffodil bulbs are a wonderful and cheerful sight to see during early springtime.

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04 2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

Thanks go to Mike Cawthorn who continues to provide AV support during Sunday services, especially the 11am service.

We continue to enjoy live music in church with the introduction of regular instrumental music and singers, led by Mike Eastwood. Our grateful thanks go to Mike and to the team of singers who have brought a new dimension to our worship, primarily at our 11.00am services. Paul Blenkiron and Alison Bayliss are our ‘resident’ organists, and we are very grateful for their continued commitment each Sunday morning at our early 09:30am services.

In the absence of a Parish Administrator, various portfolio tasks have been taken on by several church members, and our thanks go to these people who are working towards keeping essential church administrative duties carried out.

From Jean- thank you Gordon, for all the hard work you've put in over the past 4 years and your support to me while assisting as churchwarden.

My time wearing a Churchwarden hat is coming to a close and my thanks go to Jean Cooper for all her support this past year. Also to everyone else, too numerous to mention, who have together ensured that St Mary’s church continues to be a wonderful place to worship the wonders of our Lord.

Report compiled by : Gordon Moore & Jean Cooper- Churchwardens April 2026 01.04.2026

PCC Secretary Report APCM 2026 Sunday 19[th] April

PCC Meetings and Organisation

The PCC met 5 times in 2025 The Standing Committee met 3 times.

The following areas continue to be covered by the PCC:

Safeguarding Data Protection

Environment and Fabric Policies and Procedures Finance Mission Fundraising

Key Achievements in 2025

Other notable achievements are:

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04.2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

Future Challenges 2025/6

The PCC is dedicated to supporting the vision of St Mary’s and in seeing the mission of the church enlarged. This will require dedicated work and commitment from all. It will be important to underpin this with adequate administrative support and the continued help of all those who volunteer

Report prepared by Janet Mountain (PCC Secretary) April 2026

Easingwold Deanery Synod Report APCM 2026

Sunday 19[th] April 2026

Meetings this year have taken place at Easingwold, Crayke and Strensall. They have largely been well attended in that most benefices have been represented but there have been issues of illness amongst the clergy and pressure of trying to spread themselves across so many parishes.

A new incumbent has been appointed at Easingwold but due to requiring a period of recovery following an operation he was unable to attend our last meeting in Strensall.

The theme of the Easingwold meeting was about outreach in schools and Linda Fee gave an excellent account of the ‘ Open the Book ‘ scheme.

Crayke hosted in October and demonstrated how they run their family services which was interesting and interactive and should help to bolster family services throughout the Deanery.

In February we hosted here in Strensall. Helen Champion was introduced as our new Deanery Secretary and Margaret Price was thanked for all the extra work she had undertaken as temporary secretary.

Rev. Nikki gave feedback from the Deanery Learning Together morning in January led by Archdeacon John Day.

Our main speaker was Laura Beesley, Head of Communications for the Diocese, who explained her role and how she can support our Deanery. She recommended’ The Briefing’ which is a general newsletter for the Diocese about stories and events as they happen. Margaret Price will present a Rural motion in support of farmers to the Diocesan Synod in March.

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04 2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

Many thanks to Rev. Nikki who within her role as Area Dean leads by example.

Janet Irish

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04.2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

____________

Safeguarding Report APCM 2026

Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) at St. Mary’s

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) is Jane Atkinson. Jane was appointed to this role at the 2021 APCM. In 2022, Jane completed all the Statutory Safeguarding Training for her role as PSO. Jane is standing down from this role at the APCM 2026.

Safeguarding Administration & Safer Recruitment at St. Mary’s

Victoria Haworth has been responsible for the administration of Safeguarding and for ensuring that we follow Safer Recruitment guidelines as set by the National Safeguarding team. This includes safeguarding training and online DBS applications. Victoria is standing down from this role at the APCM 2026.

Safeguarding in Church of England

The Church of England’s ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ safeguarding policy must be implemented and followed at all levels within the church. Jane will read a Safeguarding Policy Statement at the APCM 2026.

Safeguarding in Diocese of York

The safeguarding team at the Diocese of York ensures that ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ and all associated central documents is followed locally. In parish churches this is to be managed through the PCC.

Rob Marshall is the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA).

Safeguarding at St. Mary’s Strensall

Our own safeguarding practice continues to be embedded and part of daily life at St. Mary’s and we thank all volunteers for their support and acceptance of this vital part of our church life.

From 15.03.2026-12.04.2026, we are completing our annual safeguarding audit to ensure that all documents and training remain up to date. This includes reading the Safeguarding policy, completing all required training, completing Confidential Declaration Forms and any that all required DBS certificates are fully up to date. We last did this in October 2024, so it is important that everyone responds to requests for any updates. We will update and revise our safeguarding database to ensure that it reflects current practice. All volunteers are recruited following Church of England Safer Recruitment guidance. The responsibility for the clergy DBS and safeguarding training remains with the York Diocesan safeguarding team.

We currently (17.03.2026) have 44 people involved with safeguarding activities at St. Mary’s. It is so encouraging to have such support for safeguarding.

Safeguarding remains a standing item on all PCC meeting agendas.

Following its introduction in 2022, we have worked hard to complete the ‘Safeguarding Dashboard’. This nationwide project encourages all churches to implement the ‘Church of England Safeguarding Handbook.’ The Dashboard is divided into eight areas and then into several sub sections, each covering a certain aspect of the safeguarding policy, such as ‘Training’. There are 3 Dashboard levels, all scored based on the traffic light system. We successfully achieved the

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04 2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

highest grading of ‘Level 3 Status’ in 2023. Sadly, in recent months our status has dropped, and we are keen to reverse this following the APCM 2026 so that we can hand over to our successors a complete dashboard and return to 100% complete.

We thank everyone at St. Mary’s for your continued and ongoing commitment to Safeguarding. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a handover and if you have any questions moving forward.

Report prepared by Victoria Haworth (Safeguarding Administrator) and Jane Atkinson (PSO), March 2026

Bell Tower Report APCM 2026

In 2025, we had 12 visits from visiting bell ringing bands who came to ring our bells, and all completed the relevant safeguarding paperwork before coming. Victoria remains the main point of contact for this

___________ Little Fishes Report APCM 2026 Sunday 19[th] April 2026

Little Fishes is St. Mary’s popular baby and toddler group. The group meets weekly on Tuesdays in term-time in Spearehead Hall. The session time is 9.15-10.45am. Whilst part of the children’s ministry of St. Mary’s, the group has a ‘light touch’ with the focus being on providing a safe space for children and adults, as well as showing God’s love in a gentle way encouraging friendships, kindness and generosity of spirit. At the end of the session, we all come together for a time of singing with children picking the songs from the ‘song bag’.

We set up the hall into different zones… the baby area is cordoned off with chairs and then becomes the place where we gather for the end of session sing song, there is a craft table with the weekly craft (glue, paint or colouring), play kitchen, reading nook, games for pre-schoolers and a tuff tray that we use for play dough, biscuit decorating or similar hands-on activity. In warmer weather we have toys for the outside area.

We recognise occasions such as Christmas, Harvest, Shrove Tuesday, Easter, Mothering Sunday, Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Children in Need, World Book Day etc and try to provide a linked activity such as card making, colouring or decorating Christmas baubles. We also keep the noticeboards in Spearehead Hall full of bright displays of the children’s artwork. We hope that this inspires those looking at it to either come along to the group or, in the very least, know that we are there on Tuesday mornings. Many thanks to Bianca for sponsoring our Christmas tree at the Methodist festival in December 2025. Did you visit the festival? Our tree was the one covered in sparkling stars and glittering fishes!

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04.2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

In 2025, the group continued to be led by Victoria Haworth. Victoria has been very grateful to a small and dedicated team who come along to help every week. In July 2025, Emma Wingfield stepped down from her role as leader and was replaced by Meg Gordon. Dana Headley also joined us. Both Meg and Dana have young children who attend the group and are both wonderful and enthusiastic members of the team.

Jane Atkinson, St. Mary’s PSO, also comes along to help to lead the group when she is able. We are always happy for others to join us and in 2026 we will continue to ask amongst regular attendees. We are supported by other helpers who come most weeks to help set up, tidy away, sweep the floor, make drinks, prepare crafts and provide friendship and fellowship to everyone who comes. Sincere thanks to Caroline, Jenny and Bianca.

We regularly have up to 15 families attending and approx. 40 families who have completed registration forms. Some come each week whilst others just drop in as they are able. Everyone enjoys the warm welcome (and warm drink!). We are a group for the adults as much as we are a group for the children. We signpost adults to help and support when it is needed and we provided a safe place where everyone is able to be themselves knowing that they are amongst friends.

In 2025, we charged a nominal £2 per family group up to 2 children and £1 for additional children. (In 2026, this is now £1 per person attending). We use the card machine as an option for weekly donations, and this is popular with everyone. We are also still happy to take cash payments. This is paid into the bank account, via St. Mary’s cashier. We have a restricted fund within St. Mary’s bank account and are self-sufficient financially. We use all money to provide crafts, tuff table activities, gifts for Christmas and Easter and always ensure that we have lots of biscuits!

Victoria will start a new job in January 2026 which means she is no longer able to attend the weekly sessions. She will continue to provide admin support as required. Meg, Dana and Jane have agreed to continue to run the group until Summer 2026 at which time we will decide what comes next.

Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers and ongoing support of this very important piece of St. Mary’s outreach within the community. We pray that it may continue far into the future.

Report prepared by Victoria Haworth, Little Fishes Leader until January 2026

02.01.2026

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St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04 2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095

________________ Open the Book Assemblies APCM 2026 Sunday 19th April 2026

Open the book assemblies continued to be successfully delivered on Thursday mornings at both Crayke C of E School (3 times per Half Term) and Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy (once per Half Term) until December 25. However, the Open the Book Team’s desire to increase the frequency of assemblies at Robert Wilkinson Academy was contingent upon finding a replacement team to take over Crayke and a willingness for the Strensall Team members to change to a Monday as requested by Robert Wilkinson School. This was made possible by the Easingwold Team kindly agreeing to take over Crayke from January 26 and the Strensall Team agreeing to Monday mornings. Having delivered assemblies at Crayke for four years, there was a feeling of sadness within the team as we said farewell during our Christmas assembly. We received a really lovely send off and afterwards, were able to join members of Crayke church and community at a Christmas Fair held in the Durham Ox.

The wonderful ecumenical team has now grown to 7 members from St Mary’s and 1 from Strensall Methodists. Many of the team have also helped with Holiday Clubs, All Age and Family events as well as supporting the monthly, All Age Rise and Shine services.

For our assemblies, we dress up in costumes linked to Old and New Testament stories as well as having many props to set the scene. This year, we have added the following to our props: boxes of pigeons, cardboard torches and trumpets, new larger tombstone, thunder shaker and a few more outfits. We continue to be really grateful to be able to store props at the Methodist church.

The impact these assemblies have is evident when we occasionally meet pupils at Spearehead Café, Holiday Clubs, Light Trail and in shops. Upon recognising leaders, they mime the OTB assembly hand action as well as sharing what they remember about the bible stories. It has been a joy to see the excitement on the children’s faces as they enter the school halls. They are always so keen to be chosen to be part of the cast.

We always receive a wonderful, warm welcome from school, and it is evident that the assemblies are much appreciated by children and staff alike. It is such a blessing that we can still go into school and deliver these Christian assemblies.

It was a joy for St Mary’s and Open the Book Team to be asked by Robert Wilkinson again to assist with Key Stage 1 Christingle Services at St Mary’s. The two consecutive services attended by the pupils, their parents / grandparents and teaching staff were so wonderful, and the church was packed. Seeing wide-eyed, excited children and smiling adults was a great start to our Christmas celebrations. Last summer, just before school broke up for the Summer Holiday, we were able to present Scripture Union booklets called ‘It’s Your Move’ to all Year 6 pupils

Ideally, we could still do with a few more volunteers (ideally men) to provide contingency for when members are on holiday or ill. The 3-hour online training is not onerous, and many parts are nonspeaking. Also, help would be appreciated from anyone who enjoys sewing with occasional costume repair. If anyone is interested or would like more information, please speak to Linda Fee.

Report prepared by Linda Fee, Open the Book Leader Feb 26

Page 19 of 19

St. Mary’s Strensall APCM 19.04.2026, Full APCM Report (JM) Reg Charity Number: 1162095