OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-12-31-accounts

Parish Church of St Andrew, Kettering Part of Kettering Deanery in the Diocese of Peterborough

Annual Report

and Financial Statements

of the Parochial Church Council

for the year ended 2023

Vicar from 25[th] January 2021 Rev Thomas Houston St Andrew’s Vicarage Lindsay Street Kettering NN16 8RG

Bank: Nat West 16 Hight Street Kettering NN16 8SZ

Independent Examiner: Paul Adams 19 Wymington Park Rushden Northants NN10 9JP

Index

----- Start of picture text -----
Page No. Item
3 Vicars Report
6 PCC Members List
7 Minutes of the APCM 8 [th] May 2022
15 Electoral Roll
17 Treasurer’s Report
18 PCC Accounts
29 Independent Examiner’s
30 Churchwarden’s Report
32 Church Attendance Figures
33 Kettering Deanery Synod
34 17 [th] Kettering St Andrew’s Scout Group
35 20 [th] Kettering St Andrew’s Guide Group
36 Art Group
37 Café Church
38 Choir Report and Accounts
39 Community and Fellowship
40 Kettering Arts Centre
43 Little Ands
44 Make and Natter
45 Mother’s Union
46 Pastoral Committee
47 Running Group
48 Safeguarding
49 Social Committee - Report and Accounts
’
51 St Andrew s Ladies - Report and Accounts
53 Sunday Club
55 Walking Group
56 Welcome Events
57 Worship Band
58 St Andrew’s Parochial Trust (Church rooms)
59 - 64 Annual Report, Accounts and Independent Examiners Report
----- End of picture text -----

2

Vicar’s Report

It’s been another busy and action packed year and so much to give thanks to God for. That does mean trying to squeeze everything into this report was particularly difficult so please do forgive me that I didn’t include everything. However, hopefully the other amazing reports included, will give some justice to the healthiness and vitality of St Andrews and the wonderful leaders and groups who make up the rich tapestry of St Andrew’s Church. It is such a privilege to be your vicar and we would not have so much to celebrate if it wasn’t for each person using their gifts in such an amazing variety of ways.

The main headline for this year has to be that we reached the amount needed to start the redevelopment works. Grants continued to pour in, thanks to our brilliant fundraising manager, Clemmie. The biggest celebration came when we discovered we had been successful for the full £100,000 grant from the FCC in June. This meant we could finally get an update on the 2021 quote and begin work. Although we had expected a price increase, nothing prepared us for how much it would rise from £320,000 to £427,000, but amazingly that didn’t leave us dead in the water. A fantastic fundraising campaign in November saw the church and community dig deep and the amount needed to start was reached, meaning Goodfellows builders were booked to start on January 8[th] 2024.

The paragraph above could have been enough for some churches to have been getting on with, but that’s not to say St Andrew’s has sat still this year. Far from it. Church attendance has increased, new groups have started, old groups have flourished. New people have joined the church and five people were confirmed in November. We saw the start of a new youth group led by Harriett Carter and a new service called the boiler house started by David Carter, a service for people to go deeper in their faith. Café church and Evensong celebrated their first birthdays since starting (and restarting) since covid. The Arts centre has gone from strength to strength with Terry, Waite, Richard Coles and many more fantastic events taking place.

Children’s groups have recovered well from the pandemic and are looking full of vitality including Little Ands, Sunday Club, Stars and Youth and the Scout and Guide groups. The different range of activities and groups for adults has also seen a healthy year with new people joining and others taking up new leadership roles in improving the groups.

I am always pleased to see the breadth of what is on offer for anyone joining the church and encouraged that people continue to come forward with new ideas and energy to start a new group for a life stage or interest that will give someone on the edge a way to settle into the family of St Andrew’s. I give special mention to the new initiative of the newcomers lunches which Maggie Price has developed and is an example of the many ways people have creatively found to help those on the edge of the church gain access to the rich resources on offer.

Below is a whistle stop tour of some of the things God has been doing in the church and as you read through the rest of the APCM report I hope you are encouraged for what God has in store for 2024.

3

January

Covid had dominated the last few years reports but heating would be the main issue this time. The year started with a road test of what it would be like to lead services in the church hall when our heating broke again. Thanks to Sean McNally we were only out of the church for two Sunday’s and I think a lot of people might have preferred to stay in the hall as it was considerably warmer even with the heating fixed.

February

We had our second wine tasting night which was a great success. Sir Terry Waite came to speak at an arts Centre event alongside Kintsugi Hope founder Patrick Regan. Patrick stayed on overnight to preach the following Sunday which was a special moment for many people.

March

Harriet started up a new drop in youth group on a Thursday evening and this has been a wonderful new addition to give a space for our young people in the church.

April

We held our second ‘Have a go’ day which saw artists and art groups join together to provide free events for the local community. We held our first normal Easter services with no hint of lockdowns or social distancing and a new service in the evening at the shire horse pub on Easter day.

May

We held our first concert with local charity ‘Deep Roots tall trees’ and also celebrated the King’s coronation service. I was able to go on a trip to South Korea to explore and deepen our diocese link.

June

We led a pilgrimage to Lindesfarne with our church leaders. Father Gregory from our link church in Gangnam, South Korea, came to visit and we found out the fantastic news that we had been successful in receiving the final grant of £100,000 from the FCC for the redevelopment project.

July

The arts centre joined in with Kettfest and hosted the main stage music event in the town centre and we interviewed for our new church administrator, with Debbie Cox being the successful applicant. I can’t thank Debbie enough for all her hard work and the amount she has done in such a short time is not to be underestimated.

August

We held our rescheduled PCC Away day focusing on how to navigate the start of the building works and dreaming of how we can use the building when we return. Holidays at home held a very successful event again with a trip to Rutland water. The week after we held our second Holiday club craft day and it saw an even larger number of local families attend. We finished the month with a trip to Greenbelt and our 10am service joined with the Sunday service on site.

4

September

Our organist Brian Reid retired and held a fantastic concert to celebrate his many years of service. Claire Barber’s role shifted to working more in schools and we held a special thanksgiving service for her to mark the amazing work she has done in the short time she was here. David Carter created a new service called the Boiler house, which focused on extended periods of worship and reflection. Sarah Hanson led a month long artist in residence experience on the theme of creation and we finished the month with Richard Coles performing.

October

The Redevelopment team met with the builders and we started organising the next stages of the project. We launched the fundraising scheme to make starting the project in January possible and the fundraising team held a brilliant quiz night with Roger and Penny Payne.

November

We held our confirmation service in November and 5 candidates were confirmed. We also launched our boat altar to explore the theme of trusting God in the unexpected. The selling of the woodblock floor caused some commotion in the local press, but that soon calmed down once they realised that we had permission to sell it. We also dedicated the new window in memory of Jane Burwell.

December

Work commenced on planning how to hold Christmas services and then pack down the church the week after. Never have I been more proud of the members of St Andrew’s as after a joyful and celebratory Christmas we packed the whole of the church down and decamped into the church rooms all in the space of a week. The new year began in the church rooms and the builders arrived to start work. A unique Christmas indeed.

Whilst this is only the bare bones of this year, the real excitement has come from seeing the church lean towards the hope we have waited so long for. The reality of making the church warm, accessible and safe was suddenly a reality and it has been a privilege hearing and listening to the church start to dream about the new opportunities that will be just around the corner.

Church attendance has risen, regular giving has increased and more people have stepped forward to lead in different areas. Whilst we have lost several faithful members of the church this year due to them passing away, I hope they would be pleased to see new men and women stepping forward to fill their large but much missed shoes. I give my final words to thank the wonderful church wardens, Christine and Barbara, new Administrator Debbie, our brilliant Lay Reader Margaret Bell, Mission Enabler Claire Barber, Intern Mark Ingram and Retired Priest Brian Withington. Alongside them the faithful and hard working PCC have been incredible and though we have all felt pushed to our limits this year, each time they have risen to the challenge and I am so grateful to every person in the church who offer their gifts to the ministry of St Andrew’s.

Thank you again and I hope you are as excited to see what 2024 brings as I am.

5

PCC Members List

St. Andrew’s Kettering PCC - 21[st] May 2023 - Membership list after APCM

----- Start of picture text -----
Vicar Rev Tom Houston CRR 14(1)(a)
-
(ex officio)
Team Ministry Members Rev Brian Withington CRR14 (1)(c)
Mr Mark Ingram – Urban Monk
Churchwardens Mrs Christine Smith – Vice Chair CRR 14(1)(d)
(ex-officio) Mrs Barbara Carter
Readers Mrs Margaret Bell CRR 14(1)(e)
-
(ex officio by PCC resolution)
Diocesan Synod Rev Tom Houston CRR 14(1)(f)
-
(2021 2024)
Deanery Synod Mr John Weaver CRR 14(1)(f)
(2023 -2026) Mrs Jane Lawrence
Mr Graham Dickenson
Mrs Susie Jones
Serving until APCM 2024 Mr Mike Kane CRR 14(1)(g)
Mrs Rosemary Harradine - Treasurer
Mrs Debbie Cox – Secretary
Mr David Carter – Deputy Warden
Serving until APCM 2025 Mrs Ruth Connolly CRR 14(1)(g)
Mrs Lucy Westley
Mrs Bethany Roberts
Serving until APCM 2026 Mr Nick Maple CRR 14(1)(g)
Mrs Clare Smith
Ms Zoe Tones
Vacant
Co-opted members None CRR 14 (1) (h)
(max of 2) CRR 14 (1) (h)
----- End of picture text -----

The abbreviation CRR… refers to the section of the Church Representation Rules under which the individual is a member of the Parochial Parish Council.

These may be summarised as follows:

(a) Clergy (b) Lay workers (c) Team Ministry members (d) Churchwardens (e) Readers

(f) Deanery, Diocesan and General Synod members (g) Elected Lay members (h) co-opted members.

6

Parish Church of St Andrew, Kettering

Minutes of the

Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Meeting

Sunday 21st May 2023 at 11.42am in St Andrew’s Church

----- Start of picture text -----
1
a. Opening prayers – Rev. Tom Houston opened the meeting with prayers at 11.42am
b. Appointment of clerk to the joint meeting – Debbie Cox
Proposed: Rosemary Harradine
Seconded: Barbara Carter
In favour: All
Against: None
Abstentions: None
2 VESTRY MEETING - Meeting opened at 11.44am
a. Appointment of Churchwardens
Christine Smith and Barbara Carter are both willing to continue in the role of Church
Warden
Proposed: Nick Maple
Seconded: Mike Kane
In favour: All
Against: None
Abstentions: None
There being no other nominations received Christine Smith and Barbara Carter were
elected as Church Wardens for the next year.
b. Appointment of Deputy Churchwarden : David Carter
Proposed: Christine Smith
Seconded: Clare Smith
In favour: All
Against: None
Abstentions: None
There being no other nominations received David Carter was elected as Deputy Church
Warden for the next year.
3 ANNUAL MEETING – The meeting opened at 11.48am
a. Apologies and Welcomes
Present: 50
Apologies for absence: 9 (Tony and Pat Elmore, Gareth and Sue Ogden, Rev and
Barbara Landon, Paul and Fiona Sweeney, Kirsty Bathe
Observers as not on the electoral roll: 0
----- End of picture text -----

7

b. Minutes from previous Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 8th May 2022
These were taken as read as the reports had been well circulated prior to the meeting
In favour: All
Against: None
Abstentions: None
c. Matters Arising / Amendments
There were no amendments and no matters arising.
The Meeting shall receive the following reports:
d. Electoral Roll
Electoral Role Officer, Graham Dickenson, gave the following report:
At the time of the 2022 APCM the role had 174 names; 9 in the parish and 165 outside
In preparation for this year’s APCM the role had 171 names; 7 in the parish and 164
outside
Graham also advised the meeting that there would be a full revision of the Electoral
Role in 2024 in time for the APCM
e. Annual report for 2022
One amendment to the published report had been received:
Page 47 Kettering Arts Centre Report; the monies raised by the RAF Wyton Area
Voluntary Band Concert were sent tothe Royal Air Force Association to help fund
welfare support for serving and former RAF personnel and not taken by Paul Sweeney
Rev Tom Houston also gave a verbal report, please see Appendix A at the end of these
minutes
f. Financial Statements for 2022
The Treasurer, Rosemary Harradine, gave the financial statements of the Parochial
Church Council having been independently examined and invited questions. There
were no questions so Rosemary gave a short screen presentation:
75% = the amount of parish share we awere able to pay for 2022. Diocesan
Stewardship Officer, Pete Squires advised that the outreach work of the church in the
local community and wider town was an investment in the future and worth more than
the parish share being paid in full.
£59,652 of a total in excess of £72,000 was paid
£3,438 = Insurance premium
£5,124 = Given to causes and charities
£6,920 = Cost of repiars and maintenance to the church building
£7,287 = cost of Gas, Electric and Water. The Gas and Electric charges are locked in
until 2024, however we have been given a sum form the Dioces towards the rising
energy costs which The PCC decide should be held until such time as we are out of
contract.
Contrary to some opinions the Arts Centre activities do not bring a great deal of profit in
to the bank account but the outreach and church awareness in the community is
fantastic.

8

Rev Tom expressed his thanks to Rosemary and John Weaver, Gift Aid Officer, for all
their hard work.
g. A report was given on the fabric of the church for 2022 by the Churchwardens
Barbara Carter expressed the Warden’s thanks to Debbie for her work in keeping all on
the right path at PCC meetings
A list of tasks for the smooth running of the church is being drawn up and Barbara
asked for the help of church members; If you do something on a regualr basis (weekly,
monthly, yearly) please do let the wardens know so that it can be added to the list.
The role of volunteer Administrator for 5-10 hours a week is to be advertised in the
June/July magazine as no volunteers have come forward following the appeal in the
weekly notices. This is becoming an urgent need for the parish as the workload is
growing there maybe the need to employ someone. She asked that the process is kept
in our prayers over the coming weeks
h. Accounts and Report of the Trustees of Kettering St Andrew Parochial Trust for
2022
Rev Tom explained that accounts were missing from the report as Hugh Marks is very
unwell and he has had to stepdown.
He expressed his thanks to all the trustees and Terry Smith, Pat Elmore and Sam, the
cleaner for all their work
4 ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
a. Elect members to the Deanery Synod
Jane Lawrence: is willing stand as a member of the Deanery Synod
Proposed: Christine Smith
Seconded: Debbie Cox
In favour: All
Against: None
Abstentions: None
Graham Dickenson: is willing stand as a member of the Deanery Synod
Proposed: Jane Lawrence
Seconded: Ros Goodfellow
In favour: All
Against: None
Abstentions: None
John Weaver: is willing stand as a member of the Deanery Synod
Proposed: Sandra Reid
Seconded: Malcolm Robinson
In favour: All
Against: None
Abstentions: None

9

Susan Jones: is willing stand as a member of the Deanery Synod Proposed: Barbara Carter Seconded: Debbie Cox In favour: All Against: None Abstentions: None

There being no other nominations Rev Tom thanked all for standing for the next 3 years for this important link with the wider church b. Elect members to the Parochial Church Council

Rev Houston asked for any nominations from the meeting not previously notified and gave the proposed new members of the PCC the chance to introduce themselves:

Nicholas Maple: is willing stand as a member of the PCC Proposed: Christine Smith Seconded: Graham Dickenson In favour: All Against: None Abstentions: None Clare Smith: is willing stand as a member of the PCC Proposed: Gareth Ogden Seconded: Hillary Whitwell In favour: All Against: None Abstentions: None Zoe Tones: is willing stand as a member of the PCC Proposed: Christine Smith Seconded: Lucy Westley In favour: All Against: None Abstentions: None Bikash Das: is willing stand as a member of the PCC Proposed: Debbie Cox Seconded: Christine Smith In favour: All Against: None Abstentions: None Rev Tom also acknowledged the remaining members and thanked them for being willing to stand for a further year: c. Retirements and Thanks  Rev Houston thanked the retiring members of the PCC Gil and Suzanne. Gifts of Fizz and flowers will be delivered to them by Ruth

10


Maggie Jones is also stepping down after 16 years of service on the Trust. She was
presented with a garden voucher and flowers by Christine with grateful thanks for her
support and encouragement over this time
Jeremy Carter offfered a vote of thanks for all Rev Tom’s hard work over the past year
and gave him flowers to be passed on to Emma with everyone’s thanks
d. Appointment of Independent Examiner of the Accounts to the Council
Rosemary Harradine, Treasurer, indicated that Paul Adams was willing to stand for the
coming year
In favour: All
Against: None
Abstentions: None
e. Any other business
There was no other business brought to the meeting
f. Closing Prayer and reflection – Rev Tom
We have planted lots of seeds which are starting to grow, this growth needs to be given
time to mature and flourish. However we must be aware of areas not yet reached
We seek to grow in our relationship with God showing trust and love to more people.
Our gifts and tallents have grown in ourselves and in others and is to be built on in the
coming year
There being no further business the meeting closed with prayers at 12.34pm
5 PCC MEETING – CLOSED MEETING 12.38pm
a. Appointments to the PCC
a. Secretary - Debbie Cox
Proposed: Clare
Seconded; Nick Maple
b. Treasurer – Rosemary Harradine
Proposed: John Weaver
Seconded: Graham Dickenson
c. Vice-Chair - Christine
Proposed: Nick Maple
Seconded: Graham Dickenson
d. To appoint two members of the PCC to the standing committee, which already
comprises: Priest in Charge, both Churchwardens, PCC Vice-Chairman, PCC
Treasurer and PCC Secretary (all ex-officio).
Graham Dickenson, David Carter
All in Favour
e. To co-opt members to the PCC as appropriate:
As existing: Brian Withington, Mark Ingram, Margaret Bell
All in favour

11

’ Appendix A - Vicar s Verbal report May 2023

Hopefully you've had a chance to read the 2022 report and found it helpful to reflect on the many ways God has been faithful throughout this year. Despite covid taking a back seat, we have had more than our fair share of world changing events.

The Ukraine war, The death of our Queen and the coronation of King Charles. The world has been far from quiet, but St Andrew's has not slept and I am so proud of the quiet and loud ways we have been a place for those in our parish and town to make sense of this strange time.

Our core values of Arts, Belief and Community continue to drive us as a church and it is encouraging to hear members of the church use those words as we look ahead to the future.

The arts and creativity in the church continues to grow, with new leaders, new groups and people trying new ways to use their gifts. The arts centre is starting to feel more like an extension of the church's ministry rather than a separate company.

Prayer and belief remains at the core of what we do and I have been particularly encourage by Mark, who has been on the internship this year, his presence appearing at different groups and amongst the leaders has helped foster and grow the instinct to turn to God in prayer, and remind us to not rely on our own strength but God's.

As a community we are building stronger links with each other within the church, with the return of many meals, supper and community events. The connections with our parish, town and other churches continue to strengthen and we are already seeing the fruits of those links from new families, grant funding and especially encouragement as we see God moving wider than what he is doing at St Andrew's.

Nothing stays still for long and we could easily turn our focus towards what is next but it is important to recognise and thank people for the part they have taken in doing this. As a vicar, I get the unenviable job of being the one everyone cheers when things go well, but also the one who is responsible when things are difficult.

Most of the time it is my responsibility when things go wrong, but when things go right, and there has been so much to celebrate those who have put so much into, do not always get the credit they deserve. It is a risky thing to try and celebrate everyone and I will not be attempting to name everyone today, but what I will do is mention a handful of people who perhaps don't always get the limelight, but if they were to stop doing what they are, we would soon realise the amount they hold and give to the church.

Firstly I would like to take a moment to remember Don. Don's passing has not been easy on the church, in the short time he came and served here, he and Sue have filled every space with their love and support. It has been even harder that we have had a significant period of losing key members of the church at the same time. So can we take a moment to mark all those who have died since the last APCM and give thanks for their ministry, friendship and love they shared with each of us.

12

Although there photos greet you at the door, the PCC could be so easily forgotten. Each has had a particular area to support given to them and whilst it is not their responsibility for the success or failure, it is so helpful to have others help carry the load. We are not a small church and pastoral care, technology, worship, fellowship, policies, fundraising, and so many more are vital to ensuring the church grows evenly across all areas. Thankyou so much to each and every PCC member who has helped champion these areas and for their contribution to the leadership of the church.

Rosemary and John - Thankyou for the work you put in

Rebecca arts centre

I need to say a special thankyou to those on the staff team, Mark has almost completed his internship and we give thanks for his calm and gentle nature, helping so many to discover the riches of a strong and healthy prayer life.

Margaret for your support and leadership, especially taking up so much of the strain with Don's passing

Brian who joined us last year, you have been such a help and wise person to support St Andrew's.

Debbie our amazing PCC secretary who continues to amaze me with her love for admin and the church has been richly blessed by the countless hours you have given to the church.

Claire is still visiting other churches each Sunday and exploring how children's ministry is carried out in other churches so couldn't be here today, but I want to say a special thankyou to all she does and has done this year. Her love for children and families to engage with faith where they are has allowed so many to enter and be part of the church and we want to recognise her contribution to designing the All together service and the structure for Sunday Club. I have a plea from her that the third round of Happiness club is starting in June and she would love 5 more volunteers who would be up for helping with this great link project between the school and church.

Christine and Barbara are an unstoppable force and we owe a great deal to these excellent church wardens.

I also want to mention three people in particular. Jeremy, Andrew and Brian. As some of you will be aware, Brian is retiring in September and the church has been so blessed under his leadership of our choral music. There is a special concert on June 24th to say thankyou to Brian and we will be having a special celebration service in September to officially mark his service to the church. Thankyou Brian.

For many this would be a Vicar's worst nightmare losing the church organist, but thanks to Brian's choosing to give me lots of time to prepare, Jeremy and Andrew, have both taken the strain well and we look forward to them leading the choir and band. Thankyou to both of you for all you do.

I will stop there as looking out there are so many who give their time, talents and love to this church and I could never thankyou enough for what you give.

13

So where are we going. Is 2023 the peak. I pray and hope not. Whilst there is still lots to celebrate those areas of Arts belief community have more space for us to grow into.

Whilst we have planted many seeds since covid, and we celebrate the rich garden of saplings that are sprouting, this is perhaps the hardest space (especially for those who love to see new over maturing)

No doubt there will be new sprouts to grow, and new areas to invest in, I particularly think of Newlands shopping centre and the industrial estate, retail park with Dunelm and Aldi which are in our parish and yet we have very little contact with. Perhaps those areas will grow naturally over the next few years, but for now we have more than enough to focus on.

As with all things people move on, pass away or their life circumstances change. We are a church of people not stones and so we must adapt and support those places which we see new life but need extra support. I want to say a big thankyou to the parents and leaders who stepped up to help with Sunday Club as Claire's role changed after Easter. I had a good meeting with her on Thursday and she is finding the space on Sunday so refreshing. Of course she misses leading it terribly though.

How do we mature though in the places we see growth. The growing links with the school, from the biscuits dropped off the day they before they found out they had Ofsted inspection to those who have helped with happiness club. Little Ands regularly has between 15 and 20 families attending. The meals continue to grow and new people join each time.

I could list a dozen places where I would like to see growth, from the school, to the arts centre, to our youth and children's ministry. But as we get bigger and healthier, we start to move away from what does Tom want me to do and where does God want me to grow.

If I was to give three places for each person here to grow in if we are to see the garden of St Andrew's grow even healthier.

Firstly grow in your relationship with god. This time next year, come back and say I know God better than I did last year and I've shared that relationship with others.

Second grow in your links with others. Come back and say I trust and love more people than I did last year and more people trust and love me than last year.

Finally grow in your gifts. Come back and say I have grown in the gifts and talents God has given me and I have encourage others in growing their talents and gifts.

14

Electoral Roll

At the time of the last meeting in 2023 the total number of persons on the Register was 171, with 7 residing within the Parish of St Andrews and 164 residing outside the Parish.

Since last years meeting the Electoral Roll has been updated and currently stands as follows:

Electors on the Roll living within the Parish 8

Electors on the Roll living outside the Parish 160

TOTAL 168

That completes my report.

Graham Dickenson

15

Electoral Roll

Please email ad.standrewskettering@gmail.com or call 07481 156283 to make any changes or additions to this list. Debbie Cox

Abrams Heather Crawford Susan Ison Peter Payne Penelope
Abrams Malcolm Cross Barbara Jenkinson Jane Payne Roger
Allen Tim Cross David Jenkinson Peter Pell Jeffrey
Andrews Jennifer Cullup Noreen Jones Ivor Price Derrick
Andrews Charles Cullup Robin Jones Margaret Price Margaret
Arer Claire Cullup Susan Jones Zoe Reid Sandra
Arer Scott Cullup Michael Jones Susie Reid Brian
Avery Gavin Curchin Angela Kane Michael Roberts Benjamin
Avery Ailish Curchin Christopher Kane Angene Roberts Bethany
Badu Felicia Das Bikash Kendrick Julie Robinson Malcolm
Baish Penny Davies Lesley Kendrick Trevor Robinson Rosalind
Bathe Daniel Dickenson Graham Kitson-mills Delphina Russell Lisa
Bathe Kisty Dornan Christine Landon Ted Russell James
Bathe Lucy Dove Jill Landon Barbara Shakeshaft Roy
Bedford Steve Duncan Ashleigh Lawrence Jane Smith Nigel
Bedford George Earl Kara Lawrence Neil Smith Claire
Bell Alex Earl Jon Lee Patricia Smith Michael
Bell Dawn Edmundson John Litster Patricia Smith Molly
Bell Anna Elmore Patricia Litster Graham Smith Christine
Bell Margaret Elmore Anthony Lynch Janice Smith Terrence
Bell Peter Ford Kathryn Macangus John Smith Vicky
Berridge Gary Ford Scott Macangus Veronica Stanley Patricia
Berridge Liz Franklin Michaela Maple Nicholas Stockham Anthea
Blackwell Jean Fullilove Judith Marlow Kathleen Sturgess Patricia
Brackwell Margaret Goodfellow Rosalyn Marlow Andrew Sturgess Brian
Brant Richard Goodfellow Barry Marlow Lorna Sweeney Paul
Brant Christine Goodfellow Judith Maylan Jean Sweeney Fiona
Brookes Darren Goodliffe Angela Mc - Kane Daniel Thompson Christopher
Brookes Jackie Grantham Mandy Mccrone Frances Tiney Marjorie
Bullivant John Griffin Gina Mcminn Suzanne Tones Zoe
Burwell Edward Hancock Robert Mcnally Denise Walden Pam
Carter David Hancock Doreen Mcnally Sean Weaver Brenda
Carter Barbara Harradine Rosemary Mcphie Angela Weaver John
Carter Harriot Heels Monica Merrifield Susan Welch Pauline
Carter Jeremy Heels Martin Moore Barbara Westley Lucy
Cherry Barbara Hicks Sharon Morson Joy Whitwell Hilary
Cherry Glen Hicks Gary Ogden Gareth Wildman Sharon
Clode Nicki Hicks Emma Ogden Susan Wilford Patricia
Coe Carol Hicks Laura Ogden Peter Wilson Alan
Connolly Ruth Hopkins Margaret Ogilvie Gil Withington Jacky
Cox Deborah Houston Emma Osborne Karen Wyldes Gemma
Cox David Ison Marjorie Panther Linda Wyldes Alastair

16

’ Treasurer s Report - Year Ended 31[st] December 2023

Registered Charity Number 1163359

The accompanying detailed financial statements have been prepared on accruals basis in accordance with The Charities Acts. They have been independently examined. This report provides the narrative behind those figures.

Total receipts on unrestricted funds, specifically to the PCC Fund including the surpluses on trading from the Arts’ Centre and Bar were £109,024 (2022 - £87,192).

Kettering Arts’ Centre activity increased in 2023, the net loss reducing from £3,520 in 2022 to £482 in 2023.

St. Andrew’s Bar contributed a profit of £7,827 (£2022 - £4,752).

Unrestricted voluntary donations increased to £68,478 (2022 - £63,404), a further £15,925 (2022 - £14,343) arising from Gift Aid.

Restricted donations of £103,075 (2022 - £47,977) were also received and are detailed in the Note 7 to the Balance Sheet contained within the Financial Statements.

The planned giving through envelopes and banker’s orders increased slightly by 8.21% compared with 2022 and the associated Gift Aid increased by 11.03%.

Total income, including tax recovered but excluding the legacies, increased by 25% compared with last year.

£68,352 (2022 - £58,512) was spent from unrestricted funds to provide the Christian ministry from St. Andrew’s Church, including the contribution to the diocesan parish share, representing 83% (75% in 2022) of the sum requested by the Diocese of Peterborough.

The net result for the year was a surplus of £4,855 (2022 – deficit of £985) on unrestricted funds.

The balances carried forward at 31st December on unrestricted funds totaled £16,939 (2022 - £8,960).

Reserves policy

In 2023 the closing balance on the PCC fund increased to £8,815 (2022 - £3,960), which represents the balance we consider, using our judgement, that is required to cover working capital requirements whilst allowing us to pay as much Parish Share as we were able, as well as to continue support to those causes for which the congregation voted to continue to support.

The notes to the balance sheet show the details of the sums owed by and to the PCC at year end.

We start 2024 with £159,486 (2023 - £97,676) towards work on the reordering project. At the time of writing, this work is well under way and is on schedule.

It is our policy to invest at least the value of the Essam and Martin legacies in the CCLA Church of England Investment Fund and the remainder in the CCLA Church of England Deposit Fund. The PCC decided to hold the balance of the previously received legacies to allocate to the Redevelopment Project, as appropriate.

Rosemary Harradine

April 2024

17

PCC Accounts

THE PARISH OF ST. ANDREW, KETTERING

PCC Fund - Statement of Financial Activities Year ended 31st December 2023

Unrestricted Funds - PCC Fund
Notes
Incoming resources
Stewardship giving
1
Stewardship giving - tax recovered
1
Cash offerings
1
PCC Fees
1
Donations - for general use
Donations - for specified use
2
Hire of church
Magazines
Christmas Fair
3
Grants received
Deposit account interest
Fundraising
Legacies and in memoriam
Other
4
Transfer of surplus from Kettering Arts' Centre
Transfer of surplus from St. Andrew's Bar
Transfer from legacy
Resources Expended
Parish share
5
Mission giving
6
Utilities
Insurance
Choir, music & PA expenses
7
Fees due
Repairs & maintenance
8
Education & youth ministry
Magazines
9
Clergy expenses
Printing, stationery & postage
Telephone & WiFi
Christmas Fair
3
Training costs
Expenditure covered by specific donations
2
Bank charges
Fundraising		 £
£
2023
2022
64,548
59,652
15,925
14,343
3,050
1,948
7,343
2,639
880
1,805
0
1,118
1,756
1,541
653
740
0
441
755
312
604
226
2,675
0
1,433
0
2,057
1,195
101,679
85,960
(482)
(3,520)
7,827
4,752
109,024
87,192
60,000
54,313
8,352
4,199
9,788
7,287
3,887
3,438
2,223
2,744
4,779
1,683
7,281
6,920
0
2,691
0
0
488
277
1,288
901
918
531
0
0
368
602
0
1,247
654
251
883
0

18

Admin assistant
Other
10
Excess / (deficit) of expenditure over income
Opening Balance 1st January
Closing Balance 31st December
NOTES TO THE PCC FUND
1
Stewardship giving & gift aid
These figures include accrued income for December which were received
2
Donations for specific use
The donations given for specific purposes are analysed as follows:
Donations - for Communion glasses
Donations - for Church Suite
Donations - for notice board
Donations - for Cycle Rack
These donations were used as follows:
Communion glasses
Church Suite
Notice board
Cycle Rack
3
Christmas Fair
The PCC decided to allocate the net income from 2023's Christmas Fair to
Redevelopment Fund.
4
Other income
Sale of jam & chutney
Book sales
Coffee
Peterborough bookstall
Refunded towards maintenance by St. Andrew's Trust
Other items		 1,100
0
2,160
1,094
104,169
88,177
4,855
(985)
3,960
4,945
8,815
3,960
£
£
2023
2022
83,523
in January 2023
156
125
50
787
01,118
171
239
50
787
01,247
the
34
855
252
20
840
0
268
0
490
0
174
320
2,0571,195		 1,100
0
2,160
1,094
104,169
88,177
4,855
(985)
3,960
4,945
8,815
3,960
£
£
2023
2022
83,523
in January 2023
156
125
50
787
01,118
171
239
50
787
01,247
the
34
855
252
20
840
0
268
0
490
0
174
320
2,0571,195
01,118
171
239
50
787
01,247
34
855
252
20
840
0
268
0
490
0
174
320
2,0571,195

19

5 Parish share

The figure included represents 83 % of the full Parish Share requested by the Diocese of Peterborough.

6
Mission giving
Stewardship giving
Stewardship giving - tax recovered
Cash offerings
@10% = year end giving budget
To be allocated as follows:
Compassion UK
Urban Monk Internship
Education and Youth Ministry
Kettering Food Bank
Kettering Street pastors
Kitsugi Hope
Korea
Young Lives vs. Cancer
Eve (formerly Nene Valley Christian Family Refuge)
7
Choir, music & PA expenses
Choir expenses
Copyright / Licences
8
Repairs & maintenance
General R & M
Quinquennial review
Other non recurring expenditure		 64,548
15,925
3,050
83,523
8,352
672
1,585
2,000
797
797
110
797
797
797
8,352
1,0351,819
1,188
925
2,2232,744
2,1534,713
4,7081,200
4191,007
7,2816,920

9 Magazines

Kettering St. Andrew Parochial Trust kindly waived the costs of parish magazine printing in 2022 & 2023.

10
Other expenditure
Altar requisites
Peterborough bookstall
Gifts
Coffee
Subscriptions
Stewardship envelopes
Resources
Other		 467
170
385
0
71
265
420
0
120
203
162
94
322
91
213
270
2,1601,094

20

QUINQUENIAL REPAIRS FUND

Unrestricted Funds - Quinquennial Repairs Fund
Notes
Incoming resources
Accrual for future Quinquennial Review repairs
Resources Expended
Excess / (deficit) of expenditure over income
Opening Balance 1st January
Closing Balance 31st December
Vicar’s Discretionary fund
Unrestricted Funds - Vicar's Discretionary Fund
Notes
Incoming resources
Transfer from Money Advice Centre
Transfer balance on collection for Regent St. fire
Resources Expended
Excess / (deficit) of expenditure over income
Opening Balance 1st January
Closing Balance 31st December		 £
£
2023
2022
2,000
0
0
0
2,000
0
0
2,000
0
0
2,000
0
£
£
2023
2022
813
0
311
0
1,124
0
0
1,124
0
0
1,124
0

21

KETTERING ARTS CENTRE

Unrestricted Funds - Kettering Arts' Centre

Notes
Incoming resources
Ticket sales
Donations
Fund raising
Grants received
Resources Expended
Artistes' fees
Purchase of materials & equipment
Booking & promotion
Hospitality
Salaries & wages
Donations
Bank charges
Other running costs
Excess / (deficit) of expenditure over income
Opening Balance 1st January
Transfer to PCC
Closing Balance 31st December		 £
£
2023
2022
35,220
25,415
32
5
982
981
6,676
5,291
42,910
31,693
27,551
18,771
4,911
305
518
2,889
366
125
8,878
9,000
842
2,966
86
107
242
1,050
43,392
35,213
(482)
(3,520)
0
0
482
3,520
0
0

22

ST ANDREW’S BAR

Unrestricted Funds - St. Andrew's Bar

Unrestricted Funds - St. Andrew's Bar
Notes
Incoming resources
Bar takings
Resources Expended
Bar stock
Licence renewal
Bar sundries
Hospitality
Bank charges
Excess / (deficit) of expenditure over income
Opening Balance 1st January
Transfer to PCC
Excess / (deficit) of expenditure over income		 £
£
2023
2022
13,586
10,850
13,586
10,850
5,486
5,615
70
70
60
344
55
88
69
5,759
6,098
7,827
4,752
0
0
(7,827)
(4,752)
0
0

CHURCH EQUIPMENT

Unrestricted Funds - Church equipment fund

Unrestricted Funds - Church equipment fund
Notes
Resources Expended
Excess / (deficit) of expenditure over income
Opening Balance 1st January
Closing Balance 31st December		 £
£
2023
2022
0
0
0
0
0
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000

23

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Fixed Assets
Church Equipment [deemed value]
Organ [cost less depreciation]
Investments at market value
Current Assets
Debtors
1
Short term deposits
2
Cash at bank and at hand
Current Liabilities
Accrued expenditure
amounts falling due in one year
Charitable giving due
3
Income received in advance
Little Ands
Café Church
Lent Appeal
4
Holiday at Home Fund
5
Net Current Assets
Represented by Parish Funds:
Unrestricted
6
Restricted
7		 2023
2022
£
£
5,000
5,000
0
0
5,139
4,850
10,139
9,850
5,554
3,052
12,900
12,900
213,337
153,095
231,792
169,047
3,225
10,910
3,994
3,598
540
801
49
209
565
324
233,349
163,265
16,939
8,960
216,410
154,305
233,349
163,265
0
0

24

Notes to the Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2023

1
Debtors
Gift aid receivable for December
Owed by St. Andrew's Parochial Trust
Monies received December, banked in January
2
Short term deposits
Balance as at 1st January
Transferred to current account
Balance as at 31st December
3
Charitable giving due
See detailed analysis on separate sheet
4
Lent Appeal
Balance as at 1st January
"Talents" distributed
Returns on investments
Gift aid recovered
Distributed to support Technology budget
Distributed to support Holiday at Home
Unused "Talents" returned
Balance as at 31st December
5
Holiday at Home
Balance as at 1st January
Donations/contributions/gift aid received
Holiday at Home expenses
Balance as at 31st December
6
Unrestricted funds closing balances
PCC fund
Quinquennial repairs fund
Vicar's Discretionary fund
Church equipment
Balance as at 31st December		 2023
2022
£
£
3,794
667
1,070
690
2,385
5,554
3,052
12,900
12,900
0
0
12,900
12,900
0
(120)
661
4
(188)
(200)
52
209
323
213
1,276
1,264
(1,036)
(1,153)
564
323
8,815
3,960
2,000
0
1,124
0
5,000
5,000
16,938
8,960

25

Notes to the Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2023 Note 3 - Current Liabilities - Mission and Charitable Giving

Kettering Food Bank
Kettering Street Pastors
Korea
Young Lives vs. Cancer
Eve ( Nene Valley Christian Family Refuge)
Christian Aid
Advent Appeal
Bungoma Boat
Kettering Food Bank
Kettering Street Pastors
Young Lives vs. Cancer
Kettering & District Samaritans
Eve (Nene Valley Christian Family Refuge)
Christian Aid
Advent Appeal *
Bungoma Boat		 Balance B/f
Donations
received
Gift
Aid
Transferred
from PCC
Donations
sent
Transferred
to
Lent
Advent
Balance c/f
1st Jan 2023
Redevel-
opment
Appeal
Appeal
*
*31st Dec
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
898
797
(898)
797
898
797
(898)
797
0
797
797
898
104
797
(1,002)
797
898
173
43
797
(1,115)
797
0
5
5
0
0
4
4
3,598
173
152
3,985
(3,914)
0
0
0
3,994
Balance B/f
Donations
received
Gift
Aid
Transferred
from PCC
Donations
sent
Transferred
to
Lent
Appeal
Advent
Appeal
Balance c/f
1st Jan 2022
Redevel-
opment
31st Dec
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£**
2,595
898
(2,595)
898
2,595
898
(2,595)
898
1,112
20
550
(1,112)
329
898
1,112
81
(1,475)
283
0
0
898
898
0
0
63
(63)
0
4
4
7,481
0
101
3,245
(7,777)
(63)
283
329
3,598

Notes to the Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2023 - Note 7 - Restricted Funds (1 of 2)

27

Notes to the Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2023 - Note 7 - Restricted Funds (2 of 2)

28

Independent Examinerfs Certificatefor the PCC Accounts P•nxhl•l Church Councll 11P 2024 quillk•lW•l 01 body Irf Ntythwts NN10 A

Churchwarden’s Report

The Churchwardens are pleased to give their report on the church fabric and property for the year 2023.

The year started with cold weather and a heating system that could not cope so services were temporarily moved to the hall. This was a very good dry run for us showing some of the problems to address when we were planning our move to the hall for January 2024.

This year we have reintroduced the passing of the collection plate, which has resulted in a larger cash collection, we now just need to encourage givers to gift aid their cash offerings!

Early in year the wardens need to report to the diocese on average yearly attendance at services and our statistics for mission, which reports on our wider ministry and services in the community. This year we are pleased to report that our average service attendance statistics show an average increase of 9 people for a Sunday service.

Easter (Good Friday and Easter Day) and Christmas (Carol Service, Crib Service, Christmas eve and Christmas Day ) services in 2023 were well attended. We are also encouraged to see the joining of our church with The Shire Horse for singing events at Christmas and Easter.

Throughout the year we introduced coloured lighting to both the Chancel altar and pillars of the church. This has enhanced both worship and Arts Centre events.

One of the main jobs of a churchwarden is the repair and maintenance of the building and its grounds, especially those highlighted in the quinquennial report.

During 2023 we have

30

Volunteers will be needed in 2024 to rub down and paint the church railings.

The faculty for the new stained-glass window in memory of Jane Burwell, in the organ loft was approved in late 2022. It was installed in September and dedicated in November. Our thanks to Ted Burwell for his generosity and such a beautiful window design.

Our last remit of 2023 was to clear the church for our redevelopment project. Our thanks to David Cox (logistics) and all the volunteers that helped clear the church after Christmas for the works to begin. We are very grateful to have such a dynamic and willing church, and for the prayers that were said to make it all run so smoothly.

Finally we are grateful for all those that support us to maintain our church and rooms and especially our partners Terry and Jeremy, for their understanding, help and support.

Barbara Carter & Christine Smith

31

Church attendance Figures

Usual
children
and
young
people		 Usual
adults		 Communicants
at Easter		 Attendance
at Easter		 Communicants
at Christmas
including
Christmas Eve		 Attendance
at Christmas
(including
Christmas
Eve)
2023 14 86 105 132 113 280

BAPTISMS 2023

Under 1 year 1–4 years 5–12 years 13+& adult Total
3 2 5 1 11

CONFIRMATIONS 2023

Total : 5

MARRIAGES 2023

Total : 3

FUNERAL SERVICES 2023

Total : 11

32

Kettering Deanery Synod Report

Our mission is to encourage and support the churches of our Deanery to build the Kingdom of God. We do this by: building relationships; sharing resources; and praying for each other.

What is Deanery Synod?

Kettering Deanery is one of 12 geographical areas within the Diocese of Peterborough, containing a number of neighbouring churches.

The Synod comprises the clergy of the Deanery, along with elected lay members from each parish or benefice. The number from each is linked to a church’s electoral roll. Lay members were elected in April/May 2023 for a three-year term of office.

Who leads and manages Deanery Synod?

The current officers are: Rural Dean: Revd. Nicki Hobbs (St Andrew Broughton with Cransley with Mawsley) Assistant Rura Dean: Revd. Tom Houston (St Andrew’s, Kettering) Lay Chair: Peter Jackson Secretary: Steve Atkins Treasurer: Vacant These officers are joined by Hazel Goodman and Lyn Ridley to form the Deanery Standing and Pastoral Committee. This group met three times during the year.

What happens at Deanery Synod meetings?

Meetings naturally open with Prayer and Worship. They also briefly consider recurring business items such as: reports from Diocesan and General Synod; Finance, including Parish Share; local pastoral matters.

Each meeting also has a primary focus. In 2023 these were:

March – a presentation from the Gen2 team, focusing on Youth and /children’s mission and ministry. This was followed by a question-and-answer session.

May – extended prayer and worship centered on Thy Kingdom Come. We were joined by Revd. Canon Steve Benoy (Bishop’s Chaplain and Canon Missioner), who was in the middle of his walk around the whole diocese in connection with Thy Kingdom Come.

October – a presentation from the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer and the Safeguarding Learning

Development & Case Worker. This covered all aspects of Safeguarding in the church and featured a question-and-answer session.

Am I able to get involved if not an elected member? Yes!

Speak to one or more of your church’s Deanery Synod representatives about Synod activities. Many meetings are open to all, so why not ask what topics are planned for 2024 and consider coming along.

Steve Atkins

Kettering Deanery Synod Secretary.

33

17th Kettering St Andrew’s Scout Group

2023 has seen the Group grow in numbers. We have opened a Squirrel Drey, for 4-6 year olds, Beavers and Cubs are at capacity, and Scouts are stable. We have also had new adults join us.

The Squirrel Drey, one of 3 in the District, has been welcomed into the Group and we have 18 young people with more on a waiting list. They have taken part in lots of activities, earnt lots of badges and had the chance of a night away, with a sleepover at McQueen House in Twywell.

All other sections have had the chance of a nights away too. Beavers had a sleepover at McQueen House, Cubs held a Harry Potter Pack Holiday at Ulesthorpe in Leicestershire and Scouts attended an organised camp at Walesby Forest.

We joined the District at Wicksteed Park to celebrate St George’s Day, our Squirrels paraded for the first time. Squirrels took part in a County activity day at JLC.

All sections have been busy learning life skills and earning badges whilst having fun. Squirrels have earnt their Be Active, Get Creative, SuperChef, Local Superhero and Emergency Aid badges, They had visits from the local police community officer and a paramedic to help with their Superhero badge. Beavers have been busy too earning their Gardening badge which included planting sunflower seeds, Health and Safety, Fitness and Cook badges. Cubs have earnt their My Faith badge with the help of Tom, Hobbies, Gardener, Pioneering badge, where they made their own rope. Scouts not to be outdone have been working on lots of their challenge badges which count towards the highest award, Astronomer, Fire Safety and Emergency Aid.

We have also been able to award several top awards in each section this year too.

All the sections enjoy nights out of the rooms and visits this year have included the fire station, visiting the mini donkeys, kayaking, helping at a local community garden, lots of walks, nights at JLC, including a group night with campfire and smores.

Our fundraising team have also been busy this year with a couple of Bingo Nights, a Quiz, clothes recycling, ink cartridge recycling, scout post and our easyfundraising link. We have a very small and elite group now and are looking for more members to join.

We have welcomed new adults into the Group and said goodbye to long standing adults including Angie Curchin, who will be missed but I am sure she will be around to help when needed.

We are looking forward to another year of adventure and fun

Karen Osborne, Group Lead Volunteer

34

20th Kettering St Andrew’s Guiding Group

St Andrews Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers have had a very busy year with sleep overs in the British Science museum, days out in London with the Rangers, and rides on the London Eye .

Lots of Brownies and Guides have gained their Silver and Gold awards as well as many other badges.

Our units continue to thrive with Rainbows, Brownies and Guides at their maximum numbers whilst our Ranger Unit has grown in strength.

We continue to have a strong Guiding team with Carly Swanell leading Rainbows, Julia Grunhill leading Brownies, Susan Tillsley and Sarah Mowbrey running Guides, and Kara Earl running Rangers and being general coordinator.

2023 was rounded off with a trip to Harry Potter, which the girls thoroughly enjoyed.

We are grateful to St Andrew’s church for continuing to support our units and the work we do with girls of all ages and nationalities.

Kara Earl

35

Art Group

Over the past year Art Group has been very active with a programme of different subjects which the members chose to draw and paint. This has included trips to Grafton Underwood, which offers plenty of subjects outdoors to paint and draw and a coffee break at the Pig and Waffle this is followed by lunch at a local hostelry! You will see it is not all painting and drawing that is why we have a waiting list.

We have also had people in to sit for us; one lady came with her rather old dog which making a very good subject.

The Christmas fair enabled us to showcase our work with several good sales including a portrait Commission.

We've had some movement in their membership and this has let us recruit 2 new members both active at St Andrew’s and we have now a waiting list mainly of people not connected to our church.

Jeff Pell

St Andrew’s Art Group - Balance sheet for 2023

Opening Balance
Income
Total
Expenses
Closing Balance
Closing Balance represented by:
Cash In Hand
Bank Balance
Total
Main Expenses:
S.A.P.T.
Cransley Hospice
Medel Fees
Christmas drinks		 £
215.46
418.00
633.46
420.25
213.21
86.15
127.06
213.21
100.00
50.00
40.00
59.80

Stephen Burwell (Treasurer)

36

Café Church

Café Church is in its 2[nd] year now and runs on the 3[rd] Saturday of every month. We have a regular team of 8 volunteers who meet every 2 - 3 months to plan forthcoming events at The Trading Post in Kettering and they also help run the monthly services.

We need volunteers to help set up the tables, welcome people, run the café by serving coffee and cake, and to lead all or parts of the 30-minute informal worship.

We have had, on average, 25 adults and children attending each Café Church. We have been pleased to welcome both those who already attend St Andrew’s and those from the local community who have not been to our church before – and see them come back!

The addition of the “Church Open” sign has been wonderful for giving people passing by the permission to come in and be welcomed.

The ethos of Café Church is to provide a friendly, welcoming, inclusive, and informal community space for people in every stage of their faith journey to meet with God. We start by sharing refreshments of Fairtrade filter coffee, purchased from ‘Kingdom Coffee’, tea, hot chocolate or squash and homemade cakes which have kindly been provided by our volunteers and church family; including being supported on occasion by the Mothers Union.

Thankfully we were blessed with a donation to purchase a new filter coffee urn, which has been blessing us with delicious coffee ever since!

Highlights this year include the animal service we held in May, welcoming 10 dogs to the church for blessings, and giving virtual blessings to those who brought pictures of their pets. We were joined by a guest speaker, Joanna, a volunteer from “Pets as Therapy”, and her dog Maddie. They told us about their work in the local community, attending schools to help support children whilst reading, with Maddie sitting and comforting those who found it difficult.

We also celebrated our 1[st] Birthday in October with games, songs and more cake! At Café Church, we like to get creative – whether that be with the prayers or understanding messages in the bible. We have enjoyed saying prayers using “pass the parcel” and Play-Doh (adults enjoying this just as much as the children!) and exploring our faith through quizzes and crafts. We always have colouring and puzzles on the tables for everyone, toys for the children and a warm welcome for everyone.

We hope to see you there soon – and do speak to me if you would like to be more involved as a volunteer.

Bethany Roberts - Lay Worship Leader

37

Choir

The last twelve months has seen a few changes for the choir. The most visible of these is, of course, that the first three months of 2024 has seen the choir joining the worship services in the church rooms while the church renovation is taking place. Congregation members will now be familiar with the choir “non-processing” into the hall to take their seats beside a keyboard. We’re very grateful during this period to everyone who has helped to set the hall up with chairs and PA every week.

During the last year, our longstanding Director of Music, organist and choir master, Brian Reid, left these roles, which left a very big gap in the musical life of the church, although Brian has continued with the choir as a chorister, and to accompany the monthly Evensong service. I took over playing the organ, and supporting the choir. Although I lack the musical experience to teach anything to the choir about singing, I’ve been fortunate to work with a group of talented singers who already know how to do that. A very big thank you to Brian for all his work over many years, and for supporting a (hopefully) seamless transition - and for allowing me to borrow from his huge collection of organ music!

The choir itself has grown slightly in numbers, partly because Brian is now in its ranks, and also because we have been joined by a couple of new regular singers, and some who have joined us for particular services. At least one of our longer standing choir members has also been developing their skills, with John Weaver gaining (almost simultaneously) his light blue, dark blue and red ribbons. As part of the work to achieve this, he read up on the history of the choir, and I would recommend his article in the current magazine as a particularly interested read.

Our musical repertoire at services includes many of what we are hope are people’s favourite hymns, but we have also made a point of introducing some newer songs that may be familiar to congregation members who attend all St Andrew’s services, perhaps played and sung in a different style. I have a bit of an improvisational way of playing both piano (usually intentionally) and organ (sometimes unintentionally when I have to disguise some wrong notes), and the choir has adapted well to being able to respond flexibly to these improvisations. One of the joys of life music is to be able to respond in worship throughout the service, sometimes singing and playing a little more quietly if that feels right, other times reaching for a crescendo when you can sense that the congregation feels like it is is itching to sing to the rafters.

A particular highlight was the Carol Service, which was helped by the careful lighting choices made by our technical team. We were able to put together a variety of carols, some old favourites, and some less familiar; some accompanied by flute and acoustic guitar, some by piano or organ. The three months of rehearsal flew by, but I think the choir sung brilliantly, and received justified praise from many congregation members.

We look forward to returning into the church next year, and supporting the church’s worship there. I anticipate that there will be some new music during the year, including collaborations across choir and other musicians in the church, but many familiar hymns and songs as well.

New members are always welcome - it’s a cheerful choir, and you would be very welcome.

Andrew Jepps

38

Community and Fellowship

The Community and Fellowship Team met 5 times in 2023.

At our January meeting we looked at the age groups within the church and what provision there was for them during activities and worship. We established that Baptism cards are sent out and that those known to the church to be over 75 get a birthday card and if over 80 then they also receive a Christmas gift from the church.

We enjoyed discussing the preparations to celebrate the Coronation which would not have been possible without our excellent Social Committee playing their part.

At our extra meeting in March we reviewed the Coronation preparations and the many and varied fundraising and social events planned for 2023.

At our April meeting to finalise the arrangements we also talked about; Christian Aid week; Holidays at Home; Children and Families Holiday Club; Ride and Stride; Newcomers evenings.

At the July meeting a review of the success of the Coronation event in church was held with many positive responses about the inclusion of activities for the children to get involved in (Bouncy Castle, games, quiz etc.). We also looked forward to the Holidays at home in August along with the Children and Families Holiday Club later the same week.

Our last meeting of the year was in October where we looked back on events since our last meeting: Kett fest; Yorkshire Garden party, well attended and raised £600+; Make and natter ran through August in church with good attendance; Greenbelt, good group of 25ish from church attended the Sunday service; Ride and stride; Literary festival; Brian Reid’s retirement; Bingo – a scary success with over 100 attending; Harvest lunch always an excellent event and this one was attended by 70 people plus children.

So on review an active year in our church. We look forward to 2024 and all that being back in church after the Redevelopment works have been completed means!

Debbie Cox

39

Kettering Arts Centre

What a year we have had. We are so pleased with all the team have achieved this year and it is certainly hard to pick a favourite moment from so many. Here are just a few of our top ten moments from this year.

I’m sure you will have your own favourite moments and we look forward to the new year with excitement.

Financial review

Total profit after paying Rebecca’s salary= £7525 (2022 – £1232).

Events

February 4th Wine Tasting Evening - organised with Ruth at St Andrews Church SOLD OUT 18th Terry Waite (KAC/St Andrews event) Tom has final numbers - sold through EventBrite

March

10th Alfie Moore - comedy/story telling theatre SOLD OUT 11th Rob Auton - comedy 79 sales

24th ISM Music Academy - two shows/local music school/community - income donated to ISM - no venue hire fee/asked to donate if they wanted to 25th RITA - comedy club 76 sales

April

1st Arts Festival - community event - Free to all 300+ footfall 14th DRTT in Concert - community music event 48 sales 29th RITA - standup comedy 80 sales

May

13th Justin Moorhouse - standup comedy tour 84 sales Empyre - live rock music local band (acoustic album recorded) 189 sales 27th RITA - standup comedy 60 sales

40

June

9th Gary Delaney standup tour (second visit to KAC) SOLD OUT 10th The Pantaloons: Emma - touring theatre 99 sales

17th THEATS Kettering's Got Talent - community talent show fundraiser for group's next show 109 sales, they paid set venue fee £400 (pilot event)

July

15th Kettfest 2023 - KAC team ran the Main Stage at the Market Place - live bands throughout the day, funded locally to pay for equipment/admin/artists

September

16th (daytime) Kettering Festival of Literature - external community event hosted across churches/locations in Kettering supported by KAC with KCC

16th Josie Long - touring comedy 136 sales 17th Rev Richard Coles - touring comedy/theatre SOLD OUT

22nd LOL Theatre Company: Alan Bennett's Talking Heads - touring theatre 35 sales 23rd RITA - standup comedy 47 sales

October

6th The Noise Next Door: Winging It - touring improvised comedy 120 sales 8th Paul Kerensa: The First Religious Broadcast - touring historical theatre 49 sales 14th Quiz Night - St Andrews event

18th Sean Collins - standup comedy tour 54 sales

19th Fundraising Fashion Show in aid of CRY - St Andrews community event, tech fee charged 21st RITA - standup comedy 39 sales

November

1st The Sparkle of Christmas - Kettering & District Flower Club show, St Andrews event, room hire fee as per church rooms

4th The Incredible Makers Market - community artisan festive fair, set hire fee charged plus percentage of door fee

10th ISM Music Academy - two shows/local music school/community - income donated to ISM - no venue hire fee/asked to donate if they wanted to (as before) 24th Sounds of Simon - live music event 98 sales

25th RITA - standup comedy 59 sales

December

7th-9th Dec St Andrews Fair - volunteer team provided refreshments to both events

9th Comedians & Carols - comedy and festive music community event 156 sales 10th Mistletoe & Wine - Tara Horgan Student Showcase community concert 144 sales - hire venue fee charged

13th The Melody Choir Concert - repeat annual festive concert with local choir, fundraising for redevelopment project 146 sales

41

Review through the lens of our values

The core basis of the arts centre has started to solidify and we have tried to keep in line with the church’s core values of arts, belief, community and we have seen growth in many ways this year.

Arts should be an easy value to achieve and yet the word arts, is so broad and encompasses so much. Whilst working around the limitations of the floor and heating this year we have managed to expand and diversify what the arts centre can offer.

Comedy is still at the heart of what we do, but we have also put on theatre shows, Music events and inspirational speakers. We have also hosted a flower festival and a fashion show and encouraged other local groups through larger town wide events like the Literary festival &Kettfest.

Belief is an important value for the arts centre, but we balance this with a space where our aim is to offer it to all faiths and none that they may feel welcome and loved. However, the opportunity to host Christian speakers, Terry Waite, Richard Coles and Paul Kerensa have been so encouraging and help bridge the gap of church and arts centre. The artist in residence month in September with Sarah Hanson was also a gentle way to explore the themes found in the creation story with those who may have no church connection.

The Arts centre Community has grown not only within with more volunteers joining the team, but also our connection with other art groups. We have built on the links with ISM (music school), BHVA (theatre school), DRTT (Deep Roots Tall Trees choir) whilst forging new links with other local art groups. This was seen with the 2[nd] successful ‘Have a go day’. Our new round tables have worked well at some events (less so for the comedy club). We have found where they have worked the feedback has been how special it is to connect with others on their tables.

What’s in store for 2024

Final words 2023

Thanks go especially to Rebecca who much of what we do would be impossible and the amazing volunteers, particularly Debbie and Mike our bar managers and Nick our sound manager. So many people give their time so freely and generously and the success of this year is very much down to them.

Tom and Rebecca

42

Little Ands

Little Ands continues to thrive. We now have between twenty and thirty families attending each week and we have a wonderful time. Indoors we have lovely activities and toys and outside there are cars and bikes, sand and water, bubbles, cars and gutters and plenty of space for play. We finish each session with a special time of worship for under-fives including songs, stories, and prayers.

Sadly, Debbie has left us as she has a new job of Parish Administrator (Congratulations Debbie!) Brilliant Barbara has taken over running the catering side of things helped by a rota of ‘washeruppers’ organised by Maggie Jones.

We were delighted to have Maggie Price join us as a regular helper and Derek often helps to get the toys out for us too. Ludmilla from Ukraine sometimes comes to help and is learning English at the same time. Rosalind, Debbie, and Kirsty help out on a ‘supply’ basis covering holidays and any sicknesses.

In July we said goodbye to 6 children who were starting school or nursery, and we gave them each a leavers certificate and a pot of bubbles. Afterward there was a picnic in the Vicarage Garden (Thanks Tom and Emma). The weather was good, and the children loved playing with Tilda and Clara’s toys and trampoline.

In Advent we began our Travelling Crib that journeyed from house to house. This year we tried sending the full set of nativity figures so that the families could play out the whole story. It was very popular, and we realise this is a good opportunity for the little ones to hear the nativity. The families wrote a diary each day and we loved hearing how they were getting on.

In December Jim Lynch fell over and broke his arm badly. This has meant Janice has been unable to come for a few weeks. We do hope Jim recovers well and that Janice can soon return.

This year we had a huge Christmas party as it was also the first day of the school Christmas holidays! About 10 school age children joined us so we had 52 children who were all as good as gold. This year for party food we tried sausage and chips followed by cakes. It was very popular, and we think we will do it again.

Father Christmas visited us (Thanks Ted!) and gave each child a Nativity Story book and a chocolate coin. We were pleased to see some of our families at the Crib Service and one or two are coming on Sundays too.

Thank you to everyone who helps and supports us at Little Ands and especially all of you who regularly pray for us; it is much appreciated.

Sue Merrifield

43

Make and Natter

The Make and Natter group has been running for just over a year. It is a craft group that currently has 12 regular members and an additional 3 or 4 that come when work patterns allow. The members are from both church and the wider community.

It meets for most of the year, taking breaks at Christmas, Easter and August bank holiday. Our preference is to meet in church, where we can open the church to the community offering a place for prayer, a coffee and a chat or just a look around the church.

Currently we meet in the Robinson Room, but hope to return permanently to the church after the redevelopment project is complete.

Various activities are undertaken by those that attend; from knitting, sewing, painting colouring, sticking and chatting. Advice and help is always available from the group.

Sessions run from 10am to 12 noon on Tuesdays and there is always plenty of chat, tea and coffee available to those who come.

This year a number of our members crocheted and knitted Angels for Advent, it certainly got rid of some of the oddments or wool that had been collected!

Fancy a safe place for a chat or having a go at something? We have some “stashes” around for visitors to try out if they are unsure.

Talk to Debbie Cox or Barbara Carter if you want to know more.

44

Mother’s Union

Our first meeting of the New Year was our Epiphany Party which went very well with quizzes and refreshments provided by the Mothers’ Union Committee. Our AGM was in February and we welcomed to the committee Maggie Jones (now taken over as treasurer) and Barbara Cross. In March we had a thought provoking Lenten Talk given by Margaret and Peter Bell. Our Lady Day Service was held at St. Andrew’s Church on 25[th] March during which Jane Coleman was admitted into our Mothers’ Union Branch, following the Service we enjoyed tea and cakes. Our speaker for April was Jill Kearns with a talk about ‘the origins of Easter that we celebrate today’.

Unfortunately, our speaker for May was unable to attend and we were very grateful to Barbara Cross for stepping in and giving us an enjoyable talk about her time in teaching, meeting the Royal Family and being presented the O.B.E. by the Queen. In June we visited Sue and Gareth’s garden and raised around £200 for Mothers’ Union ‘Summer of Hope’ appeal. In July Helen Lynett, our Diocesan President visited us to tell us about how her faith had developed over the years.

It was with much sadness that we heard of the death of Norah Meadowcroft, one of our Honorary Members, who passed away in July, at The Old Vicarage, Weekly at the age of 94.

There was no Mothers’ Union Meeting in August but we did attended our Deanery Festival and Celebration of the life of Mary Sumner at St. Peter & Paul’s Church, this included lunch in the Church Hall beforehand and was most enjoyable.

We had a lovely afternoon at MacQueen House, Twywell, in September, where we had Afternoon Tea provided for us by the MacQueen House Committee We invited other Church Members to join us and were very pleased that 30 people were able to attend.

We held our Corporate Communion and Wave of Prayer Service in Church on 20[th] September, it was a lovely Service and we thanked Revd. Cannon Brian Withington who arranged and led it, also to John Weaver for playing the organ. In October we had a very interesting talk by Barbara and David Cross on the subject of ‘Shelter Boxes’ and at our first November meeting we talked about ‘How did you celebrate Christmas a child’ and our second November meeting, was a Christingle Service led by Margaret and Peter Bell.

We were all delighted with our poppy display which hung in place of our Mothers’ Union Banner with another display in the porch for Remembrance Sunday, we thank all who had any part in the creation of this. Just recently a few of us attended the Mothers’ Union Global Day of Action at Peterborough. It was a rather cold but most enjoyable day and we hope that we were able to make the people of Peterborough more aware of our Nomore1in3 campaign.

Throughout the year we have continued to send out our Bi-Monthly Newsletter to all our members and honorary members and my thanks go to Pam for putting our Mothers’ Union information into every edition of the Church Magazine. We continue to help out at ‘Little Ands’, provide cakes for Café Church from time to time. We provide refreshments after the Wednesday Morning Services each week and hold our ‘Joy’s knits’ stall at the Christmas Fair. Just recently we have been asked to become involved in St. Andrew’s Prayer Aunty and Uncle Scheme. We are pleased to join with other Deanery members, before each holiday, in making up food parcels for families of children at St. Andrew’s School through Francis Lunch Club.

Hilary Whitwell – Branch Leader

45

Pastoral Committee

Pastoral Committee meets alternate months and is open to anyone who is willing to make pastoral visits on behalf of St Andrew’s Church. Following the July Appeal several more people expressed willingness to help which brings the group up to about 12.

The main areas of activity are visiting the housebound and members in care homes and providing home communion.

There is a Pastoral Budget which can be used to buy small gifts for those visited. Risk Assessment document has been distributed to members of the group produced for the protection of both visitors and those visited. The general guidance is to visit in pairs, thus protecting the visitors and those visited from those seeking to take advantage of the situation, or being erroneously accused of doing so. Solo visiting would be appropriate in some situations.

It is hoped to extend the work of the Pastoral Group to include younger families. There is a dedicated confidential email address for people to make contact about pastoral concerns for themselves or others. This has not had much traffic. Christopher Thompson, who has been responsible to monitoring the emails has now stood down At meetings the members bring each other up to date with news on the people they have contact with. Details are kept confidential.

There are currently 9 people on a list to provide transport to Wednesday lunch and other special events. Rosalind Robinson is responsible for checking insurance, driving licences and that drivers have a DBS check through St Andrew’s safeguarding team. More volunteer drivers would be very welcome.

Christmas gifts of bowls of hyacinth bulbs and birthday cards have been distributed to our older members. The church magazine has been distributed on an individual basis. Tom had conducted funerals for Don Merrifield, Eileen Burley and Daphne Pegg. Trevor Hopkins, Sybil Maple and Janet Smith. Hugh Marks and Nora Meadowcroft

Ivor has taken on the responsibility for providing Memorial Books and labelled photographs at the back of church when a member of the congregation dies.

A ‘Prayer Uncles and Aunts’ scheme was discussed. Adults support a child with prayer, anonymously, using information given by parents. An anonymous birthday card could be sent. Sue Merrifield will co-ordinate this.

Lunches and evening events have been arranged for Newcomers throughout the year.

Margaret Bell

46

Running Group

St Andrew’s Running Club was formed in 2016. We started with 8 and now have 34 members, though not everyone runs every week.

We have anywhere between 8-18 people meet each Wednesday eve at 6.30pm. The summer months we meet at Ise Pavilion and utilise the lovely Wicksteed Park and in the darker winter months we run along Polwell Lane from St Botolph’s Green to Weetabix and back.

Not every member is a runner there are a few of the group who walk each week.

Throughout the year we have a few social meet ups aka ‘Run, beer and chips nights’ at the Stirrup Cup in Barton Seagrave. These are particularly popular and draw a good crowd with members bringing along others from their family to join us.

On occasion a few of the members will take part in organised 5k runs at Stanwick Lakes. The Santa Run in early December being the most popular one!

The group is friendly, relaxed and welcoming. No one gets left behind.

47

Safeguarding

St Andrew’s Church is committed to ensuring that Safeguarding is a priority and that the care and nurture of our community is an integral part of our faith. The safe keeping and protection of children, young people and adults who are vulnerable is the responsibility of the whole church, and everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a safer church for all .

Kirsty Bathe (Safeguarding Officer) and Clare Smith (Deputy Safeguarding Officer) have been joined by Helen Roberts and Fran Jepps to make up a safeguarding team at St Andrews. Helen is assisting Kirsty and Clare with general safeguarding and Fran has is looking specifically at vulnerable adults. The team continue to identify new members of the church who require safeguarding training and/or DBS certification, and this is to ensure that St Andrew’s Church meets all its safeguarding obligations.

Safeguarding Policy

The Safer Church (Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults) Policy was reviewed in February 2024 and as there are no reported changes from the Diocese, the policy will be reviewed again in early 2025. A full copy of the policy document is available on the St Andrew’s Church website. The PCC have also reviewed and accepted the form for Reporting a Safeguarding Concern and the Diocese Dignity at Work Policy.

St Andrew’s Online & Social Media Policy and St Andrews Transport Policy

The above policies were reviewed in June 2023 and October 2023 respectively.

DBS, Safeguarding Training and Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse Training

All online training and DBS requirements are up to date. Both are valid for three years, and as people’s certificates expire, everyone whose training/DBS checks require updating are being contacted by the safeguarding team and ask to complete their updated training/BDS checks.

A second in person Safeguarding refresher session took place in February 2024, using safeguarding scenarios as the basis for discussions. The feedback was that it was useful, so another session will be arranged in the future.

Safeguarding Dashboard

Our church must comply with all safeguarding requirements set by the Diocese and the Church of England and this is monitored via a Safeguarding Dashboard. We are currently working through the requirement to ensure that all groups within our church have appropriate risk assessments and clearly defined job roles. This is an ongoing task.

Kirsty Bathe

48

Social Committee Report

The year began with the New Year’s Lunch which went off very well and 69 people attended. Wednesday Club was held on the 18[th] January and everyone who came enjoyed themselves. Lent Lunches were held in the Rooms each Friday in Lent from 12 noon – 2 pm starting on the 24[th] February. The money raised goes to Christian Aid. Hunger Lunch was held on Good Friday.

Wednesday Club was held on the 15[th] March. King Charles III Coronation was on the 6[th] May and we had a celebration at 12 noon in the Church. It all went off well. The next Wednesday Club took place on the 19[th] July.

“Holiday at Home” was on the 7[th] , 8[th] and 9[th] August. On Tuesday they went on a coach trip to Rutland Water and then back to the Rooms for Fish & Chips. Lunch and Afternoon Tea were served on Monday and Wednesday. Our Church Organist, Mr. Brian Reid, retired and an Organ Recital was held in Church at the beginning of September followed by refreshments. Wednesday Club was held on the 20[th] September and a Harvest Lunch on the 8[th] October. We decided to serve Friday lunches for 3 weeks and raised approximately £400 for the re-development of the Church project. Wednesday Club was held on the 15[th] November. The Christmas Fair was held in Church on the 7[th] and 9[th] December and refreshments were served in the Hall. It all worked out well and was a great success. The Carol Service was held in Church on the 17[th] December and mulled wine and mince pies were served after the Service. Starting in January, the Church is being re-furbished so it will be closed for the next few months and services and events will have to take place in the Rooms. We must all pray that everything goes to plan and we all have a happy and healthy New Year.

Many thanks to everyone who has helped us over the year in so many different ways, especially our husbands.

Mrs S J Lawrence Hon. Secretary.

49

Social Committee Accounts 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
Expenses Income
St. Andrew’s PCC £500
New Years Lunch £216.79 £388.30
Senior Lunch £86.99 £234.30
Donation (S. Reid) £5
Oven Clean £130
Lent Lunches £429.47 £869.50
Lent Lunches Raffles £236
Coffee etc. £46.07
Funeral £569.05 £570
Senior Lunch £154.37 £206
Senior Lunch £7.60
Donation (S. Reid) £22
Hunger Lunch £41.12 £22.40
Funeral £456.25 £456.25
Funeral £30.85
Hire of cutlery £25
General Items £47.04
Coronation Lunch £485.78 £270
Senior lunch £88.03 £226
Cake (Whit Sunday) £17
St. Andrew’s PCC £700
Senior Lunch £173.57 £202
Funeral (H. Marks) £172.63 £192.63
Senior Lunch £145.97 £264
Carol Service £28.14 £5
“Holiday At Home” £353.03
Brian’s Retirement £44.10
Senior Lunch £149.80 £244
Harvest £443.04 £552
Harvest Raffle £114
Senior Lunch £16.50
Donation (S. Reid) £23
Wednesday Lunch £126.98
Christmas Fair £445
Plants For Elderly £239.60
Bank Charges £94.12
St. Andrew’s PCC £1000
Carol Service £17.90 £58
TOTALS £7011.79 £5639.38
Balance B/Forward £1849.65
Current Account £204.99
Cash In Hand £272.25
TOTALS £7489.03 £7489.03
----- End of picture text -----

50

’ St Andrew s Ladies - Report

January - This was our AGM we had much to discuss including which charities we're going to support:

PCC £250.00; Redevelopment fund £250.00; St Andrew’s Parochial Trust £300.00; Food Bank £100.00; RNLI £100.00; Cransley Hospice £100.00

We ended with a bring and buy, coffee and a raffle. Veronica a committee member for 52 years retired owing to ill health. She was thanked and presented with a bouquet of flowers.

February – Our Speaker was Julia Grunhill, one of our brownie leaders who came to talk about RNLI, she was very interesting. She sold some goods from their shop and we gave a donation.

March – Our speaker was Louisa Scotney who gave a talk on recycling. We learnt quite a bit especially that shredded paper is not recognised by the machine so it needs to be put in the paper bag another interesting talk.

We sold cakes on Mothering Sunday, 19[th] March

April – Our speaker was David Milner talking about William Carey missionary and abolitionist who was born in Paulerspury in 1761 and sailed to India in 1793. He established a college at Serampore, India which is still there today and is highly thought of. Slavery was abolished in 1833 and Carey died in 1834 so he just saw what he had hoped for.

May we visited Dean Park for a garden tour which was really lovely. We ended a visit with lunch in their tea rooms.

In June we enjoyed afternoon tea at McQueen house in Twywell, followed by a quiz and raffle.

July we had a Royal quiz event run by Penny Payne one of our members which was lovely. We followed it with a bring and buy which raised £61 for our charity giving.

August - Our speaker was Claire Pickering who talked about Christian Aid which was founded in 1945 and climate change interesting but a bit worrying!

September – Our speaker was Northants Search and Rescue also called Lowland Rescue. They are all volunteers who mainly deal with missing persons. They showed us the specialised clothing they need; mostly for deep water rescue. They also use dogs for searching

At our October meeting Barbara cross from church gave us a very interesting talk about her life and also when she received her OBE for her schoolwork.

November – our speaker John Stanyard who was going to talk about the Salvation Army in World War 2 was unable to come so we did our raffle and made arrangements for our next meeting.

December we ran a ‘pick a parcel’ stall at the Christmas Fair and delivered gifts to the over 80’s. For our meeting we had a bring and share meal and were entertained by Joy Morson's group of singers: Singing for Pleasure.

Doreen Hancock

51

St Andrew’s Ladies Accounts 2023

1
2		 2023
2022
Subscriptions (2023 = 22 members)
440
500
Coffee
250
267
Visitors fees
6.5
14
Collection -Blood, Babies, Bikes
50
Fees:-
Redhill Lodge
252
Kings Cliffe
126
Deene Hall
590
Bring and Buy
96.14
77.7
HSBC -Banking Ombudsman claim
125
Christmas Fair
280.33
268.2
Sale of 2022 Christmas Items
8
TOTAL INCOME
1782.67
1679.9
Balance brought forward
138.62
646.22
Turnover
3181.29
£2,326.12
EXPENDITURE
2023
2022
2021
Flowers
37.98
10
Donations:-
Northants Search and Rescue
50
PCC
250
Trust
300
Redevelopment Appeal
250
Cransley Hospice
100
500
Kettering Foodbank
100
RNLI
100
Parkinson’s - Davida Spooner
25
Deene Hall / Horninghold Estate
421.90
Refunds
£30
Trefoil Guild
140
Blood, Bikes, Babies (Serv.OBN)
50
Redhill Lodge
242
Kings Cliffe Heritage
126
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
1804.88
928
Balance carried forward
1376.41
1398
Turnover
£3,181.29
£2,326

M. Jones, Treasurer. 11.12.2023

1: A collection was also made but this amount (not known) was passed directly to NSR

2: To Christine, Ian, Barbara, Monica (in view of not attending subsidised tea at Twywell)

52

Sunday Club, Stars and Youth

Sunday Club

In September Sunday Club divided into 2 groups: Sunday Stars which is for school age children who are willing and able to be dropped off and Sunday Club which aims to provide a space for children of all ages and their parents to learn together.

Sunday Club generally begins with a snack and a catch up, then tell a Bible story and finish with a craft. We try to keep the sessions very relaxed and always have toys out for any children who don't want to join in with the led activities.

From September to December we worked our way through some Old Testament stories, starting with Creation and going through Abraham and Joseph and ending with Moses and the parting of the Red Sea.

Sunday Club averages around 4-7 children aged 0-8 and has 5 regular team members who have all been DBS checked and take turns to be responsible for preparing the story and craft.

Emma Houston

Sunday Stars

We start with a catch up on the children's weeks while they eat some lovely biscuits. We then move onto the carpet and use our gathering prayer to prepare for our bible story and lesson. After the lesson we invite the children to take away an action of the week for example be brave and courageous and then come back next week and tell us all about it. We are encouraging the children to pray out loud before we transition into the weekly craft. The children have made some lovely items including Angels at Christmas.

From September to December we worked our way through some Old Testament stories, starting with Creation and going through Abraham and Joseph and ending with Moses and the parting of the Red Sea. We have started to teach our children where the stories fit in the timeline of the bible and how to work out if its an Old or New Testament story

Sunday Stars averages around 4-7 children aged 4-10 and has regular team members who have all been DBS checked and take turns to be responsible for preparing the craft. We are also now joined by a member of the PCC each week so they don't miss out on the fun.

Sarah Allen

St Andrew’s Youth (STAY)

I want to start by giving a huge shout out and thank you too all the people who over the last year have supported, prayed for and joined in with STAY. None of what has been done over the last year could have been done without your support and guidance. You are all superstars so thank you!

2023 has been a super exciting year for youth work at St Andrews and the amount we have grown and how we have seen God move in such a short space of time has been incredible and such an answer to prayer. For context in January of 2023 we had yet to have our first Sunday Youth meeting and the idea of a drop in Youth Group were just a vague conversation for the future.

53

In February we had our first Sunday Youth, we meet during the service on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Sundays of the month. This gives our young people a space to explore their faith and ask questions that are pressing for them. Part of the reason for only meeting twice a month is sustainability we want to be here for our young people long term and with a small but committed team we don’t want them to burn out. The other advantage is that the other Sundays they get a chance to see how Sunday services are, giving them the opportunity to understand how to listen to sermons and learn from them, and how they find it best to engage with different parts of the service. This philosophy has also helped our young people see themselves as part of the wider church family and vice versa.

We operate our Sunday Youth a bit like a Small/Home/Cell Group. As is a common theme in our youth sessions we start with Hot Chocolate and chat about their weeks. This often consists of exploring our weeks by answering an odd question, some of our young people’s favourites being, Describe your week as a Disney song or If your week was a burger what burger would it be? We then go on to looking at a bible passage, we use a bible study method called a “Swedish Bible Study”; this covers five basic questions, What do you like/dislike about the passage? Do you have any questions? What does this tell us about God? What does this passage tell us about people? And what do we do differently because of this passage. These help us explore and cover what our young people are connecting with and finding important to discuss and also gives our young people a way of looking at the bible in their own time. If there is enough time we provide space and resources to allow our young people to explore the passages creatively.

It became obvious that we wanted to do something in the week for our Young people we were connecting with on a Sunday but also provide an environment for Young People who aren’t regular members of St Andrews to thrive. Thus Thursday Night Youth was born. This happens once a month, again so as to not burn out our team. These sessions are about providing a safe space for our young people to socialise, build friendships and relax. We always have FIFA, Pool, Arts and Crafts, Hot Chocolate and the Prayer Wall is always available for our young people to write/draw their prayers on. We try to have an activity that is a little different; in November we had a fire pit and made s’mores and over the summer we had a game called Spike Ball that we played outside.

Further to both of these groups being started, our young people had the opportunity to lead the All Together Service at Harvest, we had two Young People go through confirmation classes and get confirmed, and had a young person do some work experience with us.

As you can see Youth at St Andrews has been really exciting over this last year but what has been more exciting for me has been seeing how each of our young people have grown over the last year, both in their faith and as people. We have young people who are getting more confident, building friendships and growing soft skills (communication, teamwork etc…). We have young people who are keen for everyone to feel welcome and included, and what is also amazing is that our young people are actually putting this into action in their sessions. As a Church we are so blessed to have the Young People we are excited to see how each of their Journeys continue.

As we go into 2024 and beyond please do pray for each of Young People we engage with. Pray for our wonderful team! Pray for wisdom that we see each of our Young People as individuals and help them each to grow in their own unique ways. Pray for the Young People that we will get to know over the next year. Pray for energy and enthusiasm. And Pray that we continue to see God working in the lives of all the young people we engage with and all that we do.

Harriet Carter

54

Walking Group

The “season” runs from March to December and in 2023 twelve walks took place which attracted a total of 110 walkers (and one dog) none of whom got lost. During the year, as ever, the countryside was explored and included favourite routes as voted for by members of the walking group. These included an evening walk in conjunction with the running group, a nature reserve and a picnic in the park. Most involved a café or pubs.

The walks were Harrington Airfield, Titchmarsh, Castle Ashby, Fotheringhay, Slipton, Cranford, Oundle, Wicksteed Park, Weekley Hall Woods, Pitsford Water, Woodford and Sywell Country Park. A walk around Grendon was held over to 2024 due to “claggy” field conditions.

Our new Honorary Presidents for 2024 are Maggie and Ivor Jones and we thank them for their commitment and sense of direction.

Thanks go to all who supported the walks. All are welcome for a time of exercise and fellowship which may also include a cake or two. Details of forthcoming walks will be in the Church Magazine and Notices.

Rosalind and Malcolm Robinson

55

Welcome Events

A number of new people joined St Andrew’s after Lockdown and we decided to hold some informal events where New Comers could meet some of the Church Leadership team. The first event was held on an evening in June and hosted at the Vicarage by Tom and Emma. About 8 newcomers and a number of seasoned Church members attended. We enjoyed Cheese and wine, chat and finding out about the history of the church and the different activities, events and plans for the future at St Andrews.

The second event focused more on families and was held in the Church rooms on a Sunday in July. About 20 adults and 8 children enjoyed a buffet lunch. The cake and pizza were very popular with children (and the grown-ups) After lunch Tom talked to the adults about the history of the Church and plans for the future while the children made good use of the Church toys. Everyone was given a welcome pack to take home.

It is encouraging that most of those who attended these events are now involved in Church Life and more events are planned as new people are always joining our Church Family.

Maggie Price

56

Worship Band

Last year I talked about the number of full time members that we have. This year I’d like to refer to it more like a football or cricket team.

We have a squad of around thirteen people. We don’t have the capacity for everyone to play all the time, but it does give a degree of flexibility especially since a few can fill a number of roles.

A lot of the worship band came and helped us pack away prior to vacating the church. A task which generated a lot camaraderie and which it would be great to re-kindle as we prepare to return.

Once we are back in church I will re-start the Worship Band rehearsals on a Saturday morning. Since we have been in the hall a number of people have spoken to me about learning more, and playing along. So once those rehearsals start I’d like to encourage anyone interested to come along and join in, playing along with us, even if not playing plugged – just playing along with other musicians can be a challenge in itself.

Finally I would like to offer my thanks to all the people who give up their time to play in the worship band, and help on the technical side of things – we couldn’t do it without you!

Jeremy Carter

57

St Andrew’s Kettering Parochial Trust

Registered Charity No: 259712

Annual Report

and

Financial Statements

For The Year Ended 2023

Chair of Trustees from 25[th] January 2021 Rev Thomas Houston St Andrew’s Vicarage Lindsay Street Kettering NN16 8RG

Bank:

Nat West 16 Hight Street Kettering NN16 8SZ

Independent Examiner:

Mr Brian Reid 3 Grenville Close Rothwell NN14 6TW

58

Trust Annual Report

Background

The Kettering St Andrew Parochial Trust, established in 1951, is a Registered Charity (No 259712) whose objects include any charitable purpose within the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Andrew, Kettering.

Trustees

The Trust Deed provides for 3 ex-officio Trustees and 4 appointed Trustees. Appointment of new Trustees is by the other Trustees and it is required that they shall be ‘persons who through residence, or occupation or employment, or otherwise have special knowledge of the area of benefit’ namely the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Andrew, Kettering’

The following served as Trustees:

Ex-Officio: Rev Thomas Houston Vicar (Chair) Mrs Christine Smith Churchwarden From May 2021 Mrs Barbara Carter Churchwarden From May 2022 Appointed: Mrs Debbie Cox Secretary From May 2021 to May 2026 Mr Hugh Marks Treasurer Deceased June 2023 Mr Derek Price Treasurer From July 2023 to July 2028 Ms Ailish Avery From June 2022 to June 2027 Miss Harriet Carter From June 2023 to June 2028

Documents governing the operation of the Trust

The Trust was registered as a Charity in 1951 on the basis of its definition in a clause of a Conveyance dated 11[th] May 1951 and a Scheme regarding the Charity was approved by the Charity Commissioners on 31st Oct 1997.

Income Tax

There are no covenants in operation for the benefit of the Trust

59

Review of the year

The Trustees met formally on four occasions in 2023.

Repairs and work done as follows:-

Baby changing facilities are now installed in the disabled and men’s toilets, thank to Ailish for her work investigating the best type of unit to use.

Coat Hooks were installed in the Loasby Room

Trees pollarded in line with the Church trees

A blackboard was installed in the bungalow to remind people we are a church building, for and on behalf of our youth group.

Jane Jenkinson has “offered” to take over the management of all garden areas once the builders have vacated the front of the church.

Sam Shipton our very diligent cleaner is doing a great job with only 6 hours per week.

Waste bin (4 wheel bin) costs have risen by 10%

PAT testing, Emergency Lighting checks, Fire Extinguisher checks up to date; boilers serviced.

We are out of our 3 years Utility (Gas and Electric) contract so these costs will rise in 2024.

We are increasing our hire prices by £1.50 per hour from February 2024.

Hugh Marks sadly passed away in June 2023 after several years as the Trust treasurer. We were so lucky that Derek Price “offered” to be our next treasurer, he has a finance background. A huge task awaited him as Hugh had been ill for several months and had not managed to finalise the 2022 accounts, As you will see from the accounts he has successfully achieved both year ends.

Harriet Carter joined the Trustee to represent the youth of our church

Pat Elmore finally retired after 46 years as bookings secretary, Pat was presented with flowers and a voucher and thanked again for her outstanding service.

Christine Smith will continue as Rooms Manager dealing with maintenance etc.

Debbie Cox was appointed Church and Trust Administrator in September, a paid role, she has taken over the bookings and invoicing together with the endless e mail conversations. She has worked hard to get all the information onto the Church Suite system which she now uses to generate the rooms booking list and invoices. Thank you to Debbie for taking on this role so enthusiastically.

Thank you so much to Graham, Steve Burwell for help with the maintenance work and to Terry for all his work to keep the building and outside area’s in good order during 2022.

Benefit of the Trust

No direct cash or material benefit was distributed by the Trustees

The Trust continues to provide affordable meeting space and facilities including equipment storage for a wide variety of groups and organisations.

60

Trust Accounts

Lettings have improved materially since 2020 as recovery from the Covid shutdowns continues. Occupancy has grown year on year for 2022 and 2023.

Thanks are due to Pat Elmore for her time administering the rooms which has now been taken over by Debbie Cox. Thanks also go to her and to Christine and Terry Smith for all their work to maintain and present the rooms for all users.

Kettering St Andrew Parochial Trust Accounts 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
Non Restricted Restricted
2022 Funds funds
£ Receipts £ £
20,302 Room lettings 29,262
675 Donations 120
5,225 Grants & Key Deposits 100
5,651 Opening balance 10,151
31,853 39,633 0
Payments
3,354 Insurance 3,768
3,305 Electricity & Gas 4,226
1,017 Printing 927
179 IT & Wi-fi provision 918
6,798 Security -
3,678 Cleaning & Materials 5,130
1,269 Other Expenditure [Keys etc] 483
778 Maintenance 3,559
318 Waste Expenses 575
- Contribution to Redevelopment 1,000
1,006 Water 1,280
21,702 21,866 0
10,151 Closing balances 17,767 0
4,500 Net Movement in Year 7,616 0
----- End of picture text -----

61

Trust Statement of Assets and Liabilities

----- Start of picture text -----
General Fund 2022 General Fund 2021
----- End of picture text -----

£ £
Represented by:
Current A/C
 10,151 17,767

The account is held with the Nat West Bank

Other Assets

Vested in the Trust are land and property adjacent to St. Andrew’s Church, Kettering commonly referred to as the Church rooms and the Curate’s residence, together with various fixtures, furniture and fittings.

During 1999, the bungalow was converted into additional meeting rooms and an enclosed link-way built. The property is now considered to be a single building.

The refurbishment of the kitchen area was financed by a grant of £27,500 from the National Lottery Charities Board and the refurbishment of the ladies and gents toilets and hallway were financed by grants of £21,165 from Grantscape in 2012/13.

The property has not been professionally valued but is valued for insurance purposes:

£

Church Rooms Buildings 1,255,796 Contents 76,469

62

Commentary on Income and Expenditure

  1. Room lettings were stronger for 2023 with income up to £29k [2022 £20k]. This showed an encouraging boost in occupancy rates no doubt in part helped by the ending of Covid restrictions. Hopefully these rates will continue into 2024.

  2. Insurances continues to rise year on year as a cost, rising to £3.7k in 2023 but will rise again in 2024 to £4.2k. This is however an unavoidable cost.

  3. Increased occupancy, as shown in increased rental income, has been accompanied by increased facilities costs [Gas, Electricity, Water and Refuse collection]. Costs for 2023 increased to £6.1k from £4.6k in 2022. This increase however was constrained thanks to the fixed term energy contracts that have been in place. These are now ended and new rates are in place for Gas and Electricity for 2024. Inevitably these are higher unit costs and will reflect in our 2024 expenditure. This cost increase was a major driver in the decision to increase rental rates with effect from February 2024 and the revised rates should help alleviate this cost increase.

  4. Adjusted funds at the bank increased over the year by £7.6k to £17.7k. This puts us in a strong position going into 2024 should significant repairs arise. However, the need to replace the heating system could make a significant dent in these reserves, currently estimated at £12k.

  5. Reconciliation of Bank account to Accounts:

£ Balance in Nat west per statement 31/12/2023 16,819.15 Net outstanding items included in Accounts 948.09 Adjusted balance at bank 17,767.24 Closing balance per Accounting Records 31/12/23 17,767.24

63

Inde endent Examiners Re CHARITY COMMISSION j FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examlnerfs report on the accounts Spctioti A Indeperident Examiner's Report R•port to th• tru•1￿ K¢f<ÉÉiNG Sf. A￿DREw PArtecHIAL TRsAsf On accaunts fty th• y••r •nd•d Charlty no {5f any) 31$¥ DetsN8ER lo%3 S•1 on p•9 I rewt lo the trusttsts on my ox8mln8tion olthe accounts d the 8b(wo thanty fthe Twsfi the year ended g I 112120Z¥ R•ipon#lbllllM •nd Ag Ihe tharity IIU8lees of th& TrusL yfA 8re respwsbl¢ for thfr wep8ra ba815 ol r•port ofthe accounts kn acctydwKe reoulrem•nts 011￿ Chantses A 2011 I'ihe Arf). I report in respd of my ex8minalitin of Ihe Tru8f8 8ccwnts c8rried (wt der 145 ol the 2011 Ad and in earryiThJ ojt my examinab"on. I have follow￿ the app¥¢•bl¢ Oir•ccA)s by th8 Chwlty CirfnmL88M der Sect￿ 1451SMbl of the ACL I have cunpleted my examinab"on. I c￿filM that no m91•n￿ mAtters have come to my attentKJn I ') In c¢nneclkn wllh the examination vthlth givgs MB cause lo b￿￿eVe th81 in, any m•l8rt81 Ind•p•nd•nt examinee¥ •t•t•m• aca)unllng record• were kept In a¢c%Ydanc Vlth 8•cM 130 the Act th• accounts do not accord vAth the aCC￿nyn￿ I havo no concems and have come ac¥oss otrw mattets in ith the exanwnatify) to ￿1¢h 8ttent￿ shwld be drawn in cth to enable 8 opef undersl8nding of the 8¢c￿nts to b8 road￿￿. ' Please d81818 the wonts in Ihe brnckels rflheydo nol •￿. D*t•: 3AI031ts1 N•m•: RIAthl YBM65 REb Rel•￿nI profmslonal qu•lfficallonlsl or body Iiranyl: Act4A Addr•M: 3 6ft£￿V¢Llé CL05é