2024-12-31-accounts

ST. MARY'S CHURCH ANNUAL PARISH REPORT 2024 St. Mary's PCC, Wivenhoe Registered Charity Number 1165660

The Annual Parochial Church meeting will take place on Sunday 11 May 2025 at 12 noon in church. AGENDA Apologies for absenc• Minutes of the meeting held on 12th May 2024 Election of memb•rs to the Parochial Church Council Election of Churchwardens The Annual Report Report on thè changes to the Electoral Roll slnce the last annual Parochial Church Council meeting and the numbers entered on the Roll. Annual Report on the fabrlc, goods and ornaments ol the chur¢h A report of the proceodlngs of the Deanery Synod Acceptanc• of the accounts 10. Appointment of an Ind•pend•nt Examiner 11. Any Other Bu8lne88

Index to Contents Minutes of the Annual Parochial Churth Meeting. 12th May 2023 Deanery Synod Report Page...4 Page...6 Page...6 Electoral Roll Officets Report . Fabric Report . Page...6 Health & Safety Report Rectors Report . Page...7 Page...7 Safeguarding Report . Page...11 Secretary to PCC Report Communications Report Treasurers, Report: Achrevements & Perfo￿nan￿. Annual Accounts Page...11 Pag8...12 Page...14 Page...35 All Together Worship . Bellringers Report Café Chill Page...35 Page...36 Catering Report Cleaning Team Report Churches Tts3ether Report Film Night Flower Report . Page...36 Page...37 Page...37 Page...37 Page...38 Friendly Club . Friends of St Mary's Report . Fundraising Report Page...38 Page...39 Page...39 Lectio Divina Report . Page...40 Music at st Marys Report Page...40 Page...41 Page...41 Open Gardens . Pastoral Care Report . St Mary's Link with Uganda . St Mary's Music Society Sunday Club Report. Page...41 Page...41 Page...42 The Way Page...43 Wivenhoe Baby & Toddler Group ReFM)rt Page...43 Vvorship Group Report Page...44

SL Mary the Wirgin, Wwenhoe Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Sunday 12th May 2024 in Church The Meeting opened at 12.00 noon with a prayer read by the Revd. Erwin Lammens which referred to the Vision for our church and the glory of God and our community. Revd. EThvin Lammans in the chair welcomed the 57 people present. Apologles for absence: Graeme & Carolyn Martin: Bill Ebom, Peter Hill Minutss of the meeting held on 141h May 2023 shown on pages 4 and 5 ofthe annual report were proposed by Hannah Cole and seconded by Margaret Allison. It was unanimously agreed by thos8 present that th8 minutes of th8 meeting held on 14th May 2023 were a true record. Electlon of members to the Parochial Church Councll Eplvin thanked Graham Wadl•y and Margar•t Alllson for their time and comrnitment as a member of the PCC. They were given a round of applause and a thank you Card. The following candidates for were put forward for election to the PCC - Sandra Osborne was proposed by Heather Edwards and se¢onded by Sue Jones Sam Belcher was proposed by Bonnie Hill and seconded by Peter Terry There being no othor nominalions they were confimied in that role. Electlon of Chur¢hwardens Envin thanked Douglas Mccomick and Mary Jakens for their work during the year. Douglas and Mary were both prepared to starKI for election again. Greg Butler and Sue Jones V￿re also thanked for Ihe duties he had undertaken as assistant churchwardens. The following Gandidates were wt forward for election as Churchwardens - Douglas Mccormick was proposed by Peter Terry and seconded by Bonnie Hill Mary Jakens was proposed by Susan Darien and seconded by Greg Butler There being no other nominations they were confimed in that role. Those present Y￿ra content with the election. The Annual Report A PowerPoint presentation was shown outlining various aspects of church lrfe. Erwin spoke about the progress that had been made Sin￿ the periods of Covid lockdown and the fact that attendances are slowly growing. Two posrtive things from a grid showed attendan￿ at services - the first was the number of young people under 16 attending and settjndly evensong atter)dance had increased since 2022 both were encouraging for the future. Holy Ground didn't appeal to a v￿der section of the congregation and so had been set aside. The 8 a.m. and 7 past 7 attendance is a wory and creative thinking is needed. A decent number of Baptisms have taken place but only one wedding during 2023. Church weddings in general are droppin9 in number. Erwin thanked The Revd. Or. Sara Batts-Neale, Helena Hughes.. Douglas Mccomiick and the Revd. Janet Driver for their support and commitment during the year in delivering services. Erwin spoke about the Revd. John Drtver who had died in 2023 - he was really missed and kept in our memories and hearts. Erwin reviewed the annual report, highlighting and thanking people for their contribution to the life and work of the parish. He apologised in advance just in case he forgot to thank individuals during his verbal report. He was thankful for all the numerous volunteers and their commitment. skills and loving heart given to the church. Report on the changes to the Roll since the last Annual Parochial Church Council meeting and tho numbers entsred on the Roll.

Erwin referred those present lo page 6 of the 2023 Annual Report. 121 names were on the 2023 electoral roll. Some members ofthe congregats'on had sadly passed away or moved away. Erwin thanked Wivien for her work in preparing and keeping the role. Annual Report on the fabric and goods and ornaments of the church Erwin referred those present to page 6 of the 2023 Annual Report. More plans were being put together to address the requirements of the Quinquennial Report. A report ofthe proceedlngs of the Deanery Synod Erwin referred those present to page 5 of the 2023 Annual Report. An overview had been given of the meetings which had laken place during the year. Acceptance of accounts Treasurer Douglas McCoThick presented th8 accounts to those present. £32,000 had been spent more Ihan the incc#ne received during 2023. Thls Is a trend and may continue. Thanks to Incorne from Friends of Sl Marys.. Sl Mary's Music Society., Ihe Friendly Club and church bookings the shortfall had been reduced. Douglas pointed out that we have paid our Parish Share in full for 2023 which was £73,000 and in 2024 it would rise lo £76,000. He also pointed out thal the cost for POW8r and insurance had increased. Roof repairs costing £25.000 had been undertaken bul there Is anolher area on the roof which was identified in the Quinquennial report that needs attention. Some areas of lead and some coping stones need to be refixed or replaced. when the stones fall they cause more damage. Our archrtecls Inkpen Downie is due to send our tenders for the WO￿ in the near future. The cost of the repair work is going to be more Ihan £50.000. Douglas urged those who could sign a form for gift aid as a significant amount can bè claimed which makes such a difference to church finances £21,339 had been claimed in 2023. The accounts also show various legacies which are in reslricted and unrestricted funds. Susan Darlen asked a question about how the parish share amounl was worked out- Douglas explained that it was a deanery calculation. In 2024 we volunteered lo pay more as we are bless8d with funds and other churches are not in such a positive position. Lucy Crocker stated that we have lots of drfferent ways to give to the church now and wè need to direct people to Ihe card reader and QR code which can be used rather than cash. The QR code bwll be put on the serwce sheet to enable easy giving al services. The acceptance of the accounts was pro￿Sed by Sandra Osbome, seconded by Greg Buller, and unanimously agreed. 10. Appointment of Independent Examiner Although Pewon Tyler Mears had been appointed lo act as Independent Examiner5 at the 2023 Annual Meeting Ihey had been unable lo prepare and examine the accounts. The PCC had authorised the appoinlmenl of Lart(ing Gower LLP to undertake the work al their February meeting. Douglas Mccormick proposed Ihal Larking Gower LLP be appointed as Independent Examiners for 202412025, this was seconded by Barry Smith and unanimously agree by those present.

1. Other matters Erwin thanked his family An, Jona5, Mieke and his friend Nigel SpencEr for their understanding and SUPPM)rt during the past year.
2. Erwin closed the meeting at 12.45 and everyone joined together in saying The Grace. Deanery Synod Lay representalives plus dergy from all the Anglican churches in the Colchester Deanery meet three tlmes a year. to hear whals going on in the Diocese and nationally. and to discuss and share ideas about how we can work together more effectively acxoss Colche5ter. Please find below a short report on the Deanery Synod Meetings held during 2024. 13fh March 2024- At St. James The Great wlth St. Paul Church, Colchester Our speaker for this Synod was Sam Fowler. Director of Christian Y¢)uth Outreach ICYO). Lyne Gettings, Lay Chair, interviewed Sam about the work of CYO. During the interview Sam told us about the vision for CYO and how they want lo work with churches in supporting them to carry out work in schools - local churches in local communities. Revd Hanna Copper, Assistant Area Dean, then spoke about a new chaplaincy seryice being implemented by Sl. Mark's Church with the help of CYO, at Brinkley Grove School. Colchester. This was followed wlth a Q&A session. 12 June 2024- At St. maru's Church, West Bergholt Our speaker for this Synod was Revd Canon lan Hilton who introduced a new course, 'How to Pioneer.. Following the talk Revd Sarah Hayward. Revd Wendy Pagden and Revd Sue Howlett gave lestimonies about pioneer ministry in their contexts. Synod was then p￿sented with a proposal from the Deanery Standing and Pastoral Committee {DSPC), to develop ministry to children, young people. and families and also for a Deanery Day to be held during 2025 to further develop a co-ordinated vision for mission in this area. 16 October 2024 - St. Peter's Church, Colchester Synod was joined by the bishop of Colchesler, The Right Reverend Roger Morris. The format for this meeting was a Question-and-Answer Panel with each parish providing feedback on Parish Away Days which had taken place wilh funding from the Mission Opportunity Fund IMOF) for this year. Electoral Roll In 2024 there were 124 names on St Mary's Electoral Roll. This year, 2025, the roll needed to be revi5ed.11 is 6 years since the lasl revision. Having your name on the Electoral Roll entilles you to attend and vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting and to hear about all that has happened in the last year. A list of names on the Electoral Roll can be found al the back of church. Mary Jakens Fabric Report Maintenance work ha5 continued in variou5 areas to ensure that the building is kept in good order. The fabric team have not met regulady in 2024 as there has been little to do other Ihan the routine maintenance of systems scheduled throughout the year.

Generally: PAT testing of electrical equipment, pump maintenan￿, fi￿ alarn and fire extinguisher equipment maintenance, light fittings ￿plaCed in the Annexe, etc all Ca￿led out as scheduled throughout Ihe year. Roof: tenders were sought for the re-roofing and replacement of coping stones to the East end of the main roof. The lenders returned were beyond the Church's ability to fund the works, given a sizeablé ¢ontingency would also be required. Fundraising will be required to fund these works. General maintenance of the roof and the roof alarm system was carried out during the year. Storage: A clear out exercise was carried out in the year, bul Ihi5 will need repeated as the space created has been filled again. It is proposed to clear out the Choir Vesty, the Rector's Vestry corridor and the shed early in the Spring 2025. Church Yard: great thanks are due to Peter Terry and his team of volunteers have done a brilliant job of upgrading the Church Yard with new planting and maintenance. Similar thanks are due to the team from th& Town Council who provide general maintenance. grass cutting. elc throughoul the year, vlhich is greauy appreciated. A number of bicycle racks were installed in the Church Yard during the year. Mary Jakens and Douglas Mccomiick Church Wardens Health & Safety There have been no significant issues reported In lems of the health. safety or welfare of any volunteers or visitors to the church premises during the year. Rectors Report Let Ihe figures speak When we look al the slatislics of the last decade. the Covid year 2020 appears 8s a reset of the figures. Just befoT6 Covid we we5comed on average 86 people on a Sunday moming; in the years after Ihe pandemic that figure had dropped to 70. In the last three years the attendance seems stable". therè is no decrease in the numbers but also no growth. In 2025 we have a mission to fulfil. tuming St Mary's into a growing thurch again. But there are exceptions, which are significant and tell us which services have grown In popularity, and which seem less attractive. Also in 2024 people voted with their feet. Wo have seen a significant increase in attendance al Evensong. The new fomiat includes. much loved elements of the Book of Common Prayer IBCPI Evensong and Common Worship Communion. Taizé services attract a good number as well. On the other hand, the 8.00am BCP Communion sees a worying drop in numbers. Midweek reflection has seen ups and downs. sadly more downs than ups last year. The statistics illuslrale that young families y￿th thildren are more than ever a vital part of our church family. Flgures do nottell us everylhing. Whetherthe Sunday Service is allended by 5 or 75 people, there 15 always a team of volunteers offering a wami welcome and making sure that everything is in place for you to sit down and relax, to encounter God in your prayers and to make you realise how much you are loved by Him and your sisters and brothers in your church.

Sunday and Wednesday servlces 2011 2rf112 20JJ 2fr14 2111S 2016 i 2D17 2018 2019 2020 2021 1 24)22 2023 2024 io 12 14 12 io li li i 10.30*m: 10 nd¢r 16 .IOJO arn: 77 79 79 76 76 72 72 62 67 51 52 54 57 adults F.Ve￿5￿n% 17 16 16 17 17 14 16 12 NIA 14 20 7p&5t7 10 12 12 Talzé 18 12 25 34 28 18 27 26 21 16 14 Pastoral and Initlalion services The figure Ihat stsnds out in the statistics below is the number of funerals that took place in the church.. 22. This is the highest number for the last 15 years. On the other hand, th8 number of weddings at the church remains low, which confirms the national trend. 2011 2012 2013 2014 29IS 2016 2017 12011 2019 20211 12011 1012 2023 2024 8•p￿$m$ 18 30 20 27 14 21 18 18 13 Confirm•Yons Weddlnp 12 19 13 io 15 Rgn•wal of Fum•rnls In church 15 12 21 20 18 20 20 | 10 14 22 Crernatlpn servicts 13 15 io 16 17 Vlsion Away Day On the 27thApril 38 members of our church community. 30 adults and 8 children, spent the day at St Andrew's churth Alresford exploring our vision for the fulure of St Mary's. A vision committee has been established to work through the list of ideas that we discussed on the day. Ils Inilial alm is to manage the suggestions by accessing, prioritising, and validating each rtem so that a measured recommendation can be made to the PCC outlining the key action5 to be taken forward. Some ttems are 'easy wins. which can be implemented quickly, and others wtll need a much longer timescale to action effectively. The committee will also be accountable for validating ihe correct outcome.

The Deanery Synod also asked us to write a report about the Vision Day and lo take part in panel with other churches and Bishop Roger, Bishop of Colchesler. Lucy Crocker represented St Mary's at the panel and here is an extract of her report. 'At Ihe Vislon Day we worked our way through a serie5 of creative exerctses, topics lo cover everything from Worship and pastoral care to music and (x)mmunily links. This allowed us to uncoverwhal our church community means lo us now, how we would like our church to develop moving forward and how we see those things setving God's mission through our offering to both our church community and the wider community of Wivenhoe in the fulure. Our last vision day was 7 years ago and wllh the support of so many in our community we have been able lo fu￿11 the aspirations set out to build the Annexe and re-order the Nave which is an amazing achievemenll As we continue to grow and discover new ways of using our new flexible layout at Sl Mary's il was refreshing to relum to Sl Andrew5, a source of inspiration in our projecl planning, to remind ourselves how far we have moved forward in the last 7 years., In 2024 the focus was on how we continue to develop on the wonderful factlities and community we have through worship, faith education, opportunrti'6s for children and young adults and much rnore. As a church community we have a huge amount of respecl for those who work withln our church to organise and implement 8 busy schedule of activity on a weekly basis, a great deal of our work moving forward revolves around building that team and future proofing those key roles so that we can. for example. maintain Ihings like our outreach for children, muslcal 8clivities, pastoral care and vaneties of worship. Also, In 2025 the vision committee will continue to find ways lo implement the conclusions of Ihe Vision Day. The first results are already seen in the work with children, youth and families {such as Open the Book in the Wivenhoe schools. plans for a Youth Drama Group and Nativily Play in the streels of Wivenhoel, in the running of nurture and study courses (such as the Romans Bible Course. 'Spot the difference, Lent Course and the Radical WeloJme Course) and further developing the indusive ethos of the church. Mlnlstors, Team and Standlng Committee Sl Mary's is blessed wlh a passionate and compassionate Ministets, Team and hard- working St8nding Committee. Members of the ministers, team are Revd Canon Erwin Lammens. Rector, Revd Dr Sara BaltS-Neale, Associate Priest, Revd Emma Smith, Assouate Curate, Dr Glyn Stanway, Reader, Helena Hughes and Dougl8s Mccormick, Authorised Local Preachers. After the passing of Deirdre Gill last July, this Parish no longer has a Pastoral Assistant. The Slanding Committee consists of the churchwardens, treasurer, PCC secretary and the Rector. This team discusses matters of Fabric, Finance5 and Mission. They also meet to sel Ihe PCC Agenda. Without these teams il would be impossible to fulfil my ministry as Rector in Wivenhoe. l am hugely grateful to all. Worshlp The worSh￿p group meets three times a year and di$￿sseS the church seNices. Some good ideas have been put into practice. There 15 always space for renewal or making use of resources that we haven't included before. Also changes of circumstances may urge us lo adjust the pattem of Sunday worship. Elsewhere in the Annual Report you will find the Worship Group Report.

We celebrate the Sunday setwices and major festivals wsth music by Ihe church choir, St Mary's sin9ers, director, organists. soloists. olher musicians, and the participation of our congregation. I thank all those involved in singing and playing music at our church. Music also plays an important role outside Worship. St Mary's Wivenhoe Music Society organi5es successful concerts and several other music groups book the church for their concerts. The church is popular lor these events because of its excellent acoustics. Fabric and Fundraising These topics will be covered elsewhere. l just wanted to highlight the drop in our financial reserves and the need to raise funds for Ihe roof repair la &figure expense). The Fundraising at special events, Friend5 of Sl Mary's, donations, collections, legacies, standing orders continue to cover partly the running cost of our church {over £400 per dayl but this year an extra effort will need to be made to raise for the roof repair. Challenging times. Thank you to all involved and to generous givers. st Mary's w6lcome8 •voryone The PCC has voted unanimously to apply for the church to receiv8 the status of an inclusive church as part of the Inclusive Church Netsvork. A Radical Welcome Course to which everyone in church will be Invited - will be organised during 2025. This course will help to welcome people with diverse backgrounds. Two groups of people who receive our spwal attention are Ihe eldedy and the young. Pasloral visiting and social events 8re organised for those who like. Every week it is good lo see peopl8 jolning the Friendly Club, Sunday services, Café Chill. and other events at whlch the elderly are very welcome. Thank you to all organisers and volunteers. For a Parish of this size and with sevéral pastoral needs among ils resSdents the absence of a Pastoral Assistant is felt strongly. St Mary's pastoral visitors group, a small group of volunteers, works hard to cover the need by visiting or keeping in touch with the residents who have asked for a vi51t. Please do consider how God is calling you. He needs fieldworkers and labourers, and you may well be one of them. OUT children's and youth ministry are another main focus in our Mission. Sunday Club, The Way, All Together, Easter adivities for chlldren. nativity play, Christmas paty and much more are events where the young feel very welcome. With thanks to the Sunday Club and the Way leaders. The wlder perspectlve We are not an island or isolated church. We have a mission in establishing peace and protecting the environment locally with a global perspective. If everyon8 contributes to this mission the worfd will be belter. Small but irnportant steps have been made such as the upkeep of the churchyard with mrxe plantlng and sowing flowers, Induding creating a patch th wildflowers. We take part in an active way in the broader conlext of Churches Togeiher In Wivenhoe, Mission and Ministry Partnership with the churches ID Greenstead and St John's Colchester and the Colchester Deanery (with three St Mary's representstives at Synod). We also have an active link with St Andrew's in Namalemba in Uganda and the group of Christian Women there. 10

Love one another I was humbled by your response that I received when Bishop Gull. Bishop of Chelmsford. honoured me as a member of the College of Canon5 at Chelmsford Cathedral. St Mary's church family is wonderful. caring. and welcorning. I pray that you may continue to love one another. Due to circumstances beyond our power, such as illness, WO￿ and family commitments, the workload in this busy church lies on the Shoulders of only a small group of people. They are already stretched. Ifanyone readin9 this has the time and energy lo give some support, please let the churchwardens or me know. Whatever your skills are l am sure your assislance will be much apprecialed. In my second year as Area Dean the demands on me have increased. But despite the rise of my work hours, wth the help of others, we have regained strength in the afterrnath of the pandemic. The last three years have seen a stalus quo. Bul now il's time to start growing again, spiritually, and numerically. Huge thanks to An, Jonas and Mieke and all of you for your prayers and support. Safeguarding Report I hav8 had one planned focussed face-to-face meeting with ErWn, numerous phone calls, emails, and unplanned infomial meetings, as always Emn has given me support, 8ncouragement. and advice. There have been Iwo Safeguarding issues raised and dealt wlth this year. They demonstrated clear communication channels. prompt acts'on with thorough and reflective ouicomes. Everyone was communicated with appropriately, both electronically and verbally. The question of streaming the Nativity play was raised. I sought advice from the Diocese and then fed the infoTrnation bath. Erwin and I have discussed on many occasions the log that the Diocese keep on individuals training. Names appear lo moveldisappear dependent on whether it is mine or Emn's name that is clicked on. Erwin plans to discuss this with the Diocese Safeguarding Team Ihis year. Erwin and I met on Wednesday 25th September at the Rectory; these are Ihe minutes from that meeting. We discussed the recent rewitmeni for ￿0 new volunteers. one for The Way and the otherforThe Sunday Club. We talked aboulthe whole process. and il was obvious that Erwin had gained much from the experience and how he would adapt it for future recruiting. Once more. we discussed the need for all PCC members to underlake Safeguarding trainSng- this is 8 requirement from the Diocese. Both Erwin and I received an email from the Diocese Safeguarding Team alerting us to an individual la name was given) Erwin made some very sublle enquiries and was assured he had no connection lo Sl Mary's. We went on to discuss the Christingle se￿ICe, Child￿n.5 Society and Harvest donations. A very produclive meeting. A big thank-you also to Bonnie for her knO￿edgeabIe and prompt answers to my enquiries. It is of aramounl Im ortance to remember that Safe uardln Is eve one's res onsibili Gill Black, P.S.O

Secretary to the PCC Report The PCC is a charity registered wth the Charity Commission. The PCC {Powers Measure 19561 states that Ihe PCC is to co-operate wth the Minister in promoting in the Parish the whole Mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.. The PCC is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the church building of St Mary ihe Virgin. and for the "movables" in the church. Members of the PCC are either ex-officio. co-opted, appointed, or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the 2020 Church Representation Rules. The following have served as members of the PCC during 2024 Incumbent The Revd. Erwin L8mmens Chairperson Licensed Cleryy Revd. Dr. Sara Batts-Neale Reader Emeritus Professor Dr. Glyn Stanvrny Churchwardens Douglas Mccormick Mary Jakens Douglas Mccormick Bonnie Hill Troasurnr Secretary Deanery Synod Representatives Rick ca￿eY Dr. Nick Guslard Heather Edwards Elected Members Greg Butler Jane Taytor Eric Jakens Claudia Alsdorf Hannah Col& Gary Ranf¢yd Sue Jones Sandra osbome Sam Belcher Since the last Annual Meeting, the PCC have mel on 9 occasions. The PCC members above have worked together lo ensure that Sl Marys Church continues to develop and grow both spiritually and wlthin the local communty- The PCC receive monthly reports from not onty the Treasurer, but also the Churchwardens, Fundraising T6am, Cal8ring Team. Fabric Group, Worship Group, our Colchesler Deanery Synod representatives, Wivenhoe Churches Together, Healih & Safety, Safeguarding, FOSM and information on the Children's Ministry. youth work and young adults. This gives an excellent view of what is currenl, whal needs to be addressed and promotes discussion. The Standing Ccfnmittee meetings regularly prepare for the PCC meeting. The PCC meeting minutes are available al the back of the Church. in a folder, or can be accessed from the St. Mary's Church website, if there are issues arising from the Minutes, or other matters, please do speak to a counal member. PCC members continue to represent all those involveil with Church life. Bonnie Hill, PCC Secretary 12

Communication OUR DIGITAL PRESENCE Streaming senilces On the tech side, when the system works it works well. However, we can never be certain that it will be the same from one use lo Ihe next and attendance at one hour before servic8S has become a way of life for the operatives. The BT conneclion ha5 been reliable. In the last few months, we have experienced recurring failures of the most used of the 3 cameras. Putting this right requires physical manipulation al the camera itself and a suilable stepladder needs lo be made available to obviate the necessity to climb the rood screen.. ! On the ministry side, we have streamed church serwces, Civic and Remembrance seNices, funerals, and thanksgiving Servi￿$. Our YouTub8 Stats ar8 less than impressive. Rick helped Edward Cole lo leam how to use Ihe equipment to record, and the Nativity Play could this way be made available to parents on a DVD. Edward has become a valued member of the le8m. producing and screening pres8ntations al the Altogelher Services. Clérgy still need to gel used to the presence of our virtual audience and remember to address viewers at the welcome and from tlme lo time throughout the servlce. Whal we really need is a dedicated streaming team that can look at and prepare outside content for incorporation into our s8rvice streams as is done Io great effect by other churches. examples of whi¢h abound on YouTube. Web8lte and Facebook Around 100 people follow the websit8 which means they are alerted by email when new posts are made. Facebook postings gel good attention when posted by Facebookers who themselves have a large following, and l am grateful lo FB ttpeditors Teresa and Lucy for taking much of the publicity on this plaffomi for their a￿ount. Llcen8lng CCLI and OneLicence between Ihem cover the music sung in church broadcast on YouTube during our streamed services or printed in seNice b¢)oklels. We also have a church video licence wilh CCLI which costs around £141 per year. Unfortunately, there are restrictions involved wtlh this.. 1. we cannot publicise filrn screenings outside the congregation. 2. we cannot charge people when they attend film showings. we can only show films from producers on the Approved list. Together these restrictions have frustrated efforts to bring people in with the intention of evangelising, or as Lenl events by Churches Together in Wivenhoe. l am informed that CUrren￿Y we show 13 films in the year. I have investigated arternative licences,. Ihese are available but are all more expensive. For example, Moving Image pays £100 per film. 13

11 must however be recognised that. unless the abovevmentioned reslrictions are observed, we are not covered by our licence and at risk of being fined with all the reputational damage that woul¢J entail. I suggest this is 8 matter for the PCC trJ attend to, kX)ssibly by apF￿1ntlng one of its members to be the gt>to person who can assist those who wish to show films. GDPR As little appeared to have changed by way of administration no audit was carried out in 2024. There will have lo be one in 2025. and questionnaires will be sent out in the course of the year. I highlight one of the ways w8 can all remain compliant.. by making MO￿ use of the BCC email facilily. If il is not necessary for Ihe recipients to get in touch wlth each other about the content of the email, BCC should be used as standard. Thls will cover most mass information mailings. Marika Footnng TIDINGS Erwin and I continu8 to meet up in pgrson or by telephone, depending on our circumstsnces. The Annexe's popularity has continued lo grow, which means that We have been able to advertise, and r8POrt on, the events taking place there. One advert15er has pulled out (Rosie Hvnt8r), and at the time of writing this report we are stsll lo replace this. Advertising costs remain the same for 20241£120 for ten issues), the revenue for which covers all printing costs. The four-page content has continued. and the number of flyers remains buoyant. We almosl always have more than enough copy to exceed four pages. bul not enough for eight. An In¢￿aSe in pages would entail more wo and an Increase in costs, neither of whith is currenlly viable. As last year, in order to b8 fair to all corrtributors. as a general rule we decided to offer an editorial space in Tidings rf possible, in which case a flyer will nol be included within the mailing envelope. If space in Tidings is unavailable. then we wll include a flyer. This system now seems to be working very well. as long as I give Bonnie enough advance waming. We have also continued to produce ten, rather than 12, issues per year to enable the rector. editor, and designer to take annual leave. There is usually a limited amount of news around Christmas and summer holidays. so il seems sensible to take a break al these times. In 2024 Tidings has conlinued to be mailed out by PCC secretsry Bonnie Hill and this will be the distribution system for the f(Keseeable futu￿. Erwln, Bob (our designer} and I have a robust working pattem in place. and l am grateful that contributors now seem confident in approaching me as much as Erwin. This eases the time pressures put on Erwin. and I can always re￿ on Bob to achieve the impossible with some of the pictures and copy. 14

As always, a huge personal thank YOLJ also goe5 to everyone who willingly helps out with photos and contributions. which makes my job as Tidings editor as straightfonuard as possible, and Tidings a popular publicalion wtthin Sl Mary's and Wivenhoe in general. Sue Clement, Edttor Treasurer REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 l am pleased lo be able to report that. thanks lo the generosity of many, our Parish Share and all our bills were paid in fvll for 2024. Overall, our total funds have increased in Ihe period by £63912023= decrease £31,875), as the difference between our income and expenditure. In the medium term. this remains a concern as we are continuing to use our reserves to prop up the running costs of the Church. This comes inlo particul8rfocusas we look to implementsome ofthe Quinquennial Inspection Report, in respect of repairs to the roof and to high level stonework. This work requires fund raising and is likely lo ￿st in the region of £150,000. Funds raised and allocated to dale amount to approximately £83,000. There is more to do. Th8 majority of our regular incc4ne comes from monthly standing orders.. committed giving envelopes. and loose collections. This is gralefully acknowledged and where we are able gift aid is claimed. In 2024 gift aid was worth just under £16,000, which was more than expected. The objective to create space for the community with the Annexe continues to be realised with many groups using the facilities Ihroughoul the week as well a5 the adivities of the Church. The revenue thls generates covers the costs and adds lo our financial viability. Fundraising events such as the June and December markets, Friendly Club and the concerts held by Wlvenhoe Music Society, lo mention just a few also contribute to our funds and we are grateful to all who expend greal efforts to make these occasions successful. I would Ilke to take this opportunrty lo say a very big thank you io Bill and Vivien Ebom who, continue together lo collect. count and bank all the monies received and to Bonnie Hill who dual authorises our bank payments. The full accounts, which appear on pages 19 to 34 have been prepared in accordance with the Charity Commission's Statement of Recommended Practice and have been Independently Examined by Larking Gowen LLP, Chartered Accountants. Their certificate appears on page 18. Douglas Mccomiick. Treasurer Alm and purposes St Mary's Parochial Church Council {PCC) has the responsibility of cooper8ts.ng with the incumbent, in promots'ng in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, sc￿la1, and ecumenical. Objectives and activities The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship al our church and to become part of our parish community al Si Marys. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout Ihe parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live wthin our parish. Our services and worship put laith into practice through prayer and Scripture, music and sacrarnent. When planning our aclivilies for the year, we have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular. the supplementary guidance on charities for

the advancement of religion. In particular. we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through.. Worship and prayer, teaching Scripture- developing their kno￿edge and trust in Jesus Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish Outreach work. To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the church of St Marys and the environs. Financial revlew Total receipts on unrestricted funds were £136,970 of which £94.374 was unrestricled planned voluntary donations. including a Grfl figure of £15,912. Restricted grants and donations of £4,268 were also received. It was good lo see that the use of Gift envelopes continues, although much reduced and the regular giving by standing order with gift aid is consistent throughout the year. During the year, the tolal fund balances increased from £201,818 to £202,457, of which £154,746 is unrestricted. Reserves pollcy It is PCC policy to try to maintain a balance on free reserves (net current assets) which equates lo al least three months unr&slrict8d payments. This is equivalent to £34,000. It is held lo smooth oul fluctuations in cash flow and lo meet emergencies. The balance of the free reserves at the year end was £154,746 which is significanlly higher than this target, largely due to legacies received over time. Currently £53.665 is held in the short tem deposit fund with the CCLA Church of England Deposit Fund. Achlevements and perforniance The achievernents and performance of the church of St Mary's is set out on pages 35 to 44 of the Annual Rep Structure. govarnance and management The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body establishèd by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is Registered Charity. The method of appointment of PCC members is sel out in the Church Represenlation Rules. At Sl Maws the membership of the PCC consisis of the incumbent lour vicar), churchwardens, the reader and members elected by Ihose members of the congregalion who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who attend our servicèslmembers of the congregation are encouraged to register on the electoral roll and sland for election lo the PCC. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concem and importance to the parish, induding (Jeciding on how Ihe funds of the PCC are to be spent. New members receive initial training into the workings of the PCC. The full PCC met 9 tlmes during the year an average level of attendance of 79•10 Given its wide responsibilities the PCC has a number of committees each dealing with a particular aspect of parish lrfe. These committees, which include worship. mission and outreach, fabric and finance, are all responsible to the PCC and report back to it regularly, minutes of their decisions bèing received by the full PCC and discussed as necessary. Administrative infonnation St. Mary's Church is situaled on High Slreel, Wivenhoe, C07 98D. It is part of the Diocese of Chelmsford within the Church of England. Registered charity number 1165660. PCC members who have served at any time from 1 January 2024 are as detailed on page 12 of Ihis Annual Report. 16

Address for correspondence". 16 Colchester Road Wivenhoe Colthester C079EU The PCC'S bankers.. Barclays Bank UK PLC Leicester LE87 2BB Independent examlner of the PCC'S accounts: Larking Gowen LLP 1 Claydon Business Park Great Blakenham Ipswith IP6 ONL Approved by the PCC on their behalf and signed on g14 IIOA by the Reverend EThAn Lammens (PCC Chairnan) 17

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Indop¢ndent examlnerfs report to the mwnbgrs of the Parochial Church Council Ilhe Truytèes'l of the Ecclo8iastical Parish of Wivenhoe I'the Charlty'l I retk)rt to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Parochial Church Counal of the Ecclesiastical Parish ol Wivenhoe Ilhe Charity) for the year eThled 31 December 2024. ￿1¢h are set out on pages 12 10 34. Responslbllltles and basls of rèport As the Trustees of the Charfty yw are resp)Mi￿O for the prepardtion of the accounts in a￿Ords1)ca wth the requirements of the Charili8s Act 2011 Ilhe 2011 Acl'l. I report in resp￿1 of my examination of the Charivs accwnls carried under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I havo Idl0￿*d the applicable Directlorts g￿en by the Charity Commission un(Jer section 14S(S1{bl ol the 2011 Act. Indep•nd•nt examln•r'¥ ¥t•temant I have completed my examination. I confimi that ￿ matters have ￿rne to my attention In connection wth Ihe examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respod". accounting records Wefe not kept in re$￿t of the Charity as reqimred by section 130 of the 2011 Act., or the actt)unls (lo nol acc(ffd wth th(w rec￿d$.. c the accounts do not compty wlth the aFyl1cat￿e requirements conc8Tning the fom and content ol accounts set out in the Charities (Aecounls and ReFMYtsl Regulations 2￿8 other than any requirement that the acctyjnls give 8 'true aThJ fairf view vknith is not a malter Co￿ldered as part of an ind8pend8nl examlnalion. I have no concerns #nd have come au088 m other mottets In ¢xyN)8cli￿ wth the examlnallon to vthich allenllon should be drawn in this reF¥)rt in order lo enable a proper understsrKliryJ ol the accounts lo be reached. This report is made solely io th8 Ct￿n{￿S Trustees. as a b(xty. in accordance vAth Part 4 of the Chartties {Aithunls arKI Reports} Regulations 21J)8. My has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charitys Trustees those matters l am required to stale to them in an Independent examinerfs report and for no olh8r purpose. To the fullest extent pemitted by law. I do rK)t accept or assume Tespongbility lo anyone other than the Charity and the Charitys Trustees as a b(xly, for my wyk or for this rep(x1. Signed- Gil6s Kérkham FCA DChA Dated: 22 Aprll 2025 La￿Ing Gowgn LLP Chartered AGcountants 1 Claydon Business Park Great Blakenham Ipswich IP6 ONL Pagg 18

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE STATEMENT OF FINA)ICIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Restricted Unrnstrlcted funds funds 2024 2024 Total funds 2024 To181 funds 2023 Note Incomlng resources Volunlary income Acllvlties for generating funds Income from invements ChurGh aGlivilies 1.557 94374 19,580 3,400 19.616 95,931 20,680 3.400 21,227 74,637 18.772 2,380 15.450 1.611 Total Incomlng r•8our¢•• R••our¢•• •xpend•d Costs of generating voluntary Inrnme Chur¢h activities 4,268 136.970 141.238 111,179 7,706 132,328 7.706 132,893 7,795 135,259 565 Total exp&ndliur• $65 140,034 140,599 143.054 Net In¢omell8xp•ndltur•) Transfers betwn funds 3,703 142,538) 13,0641 42,538 639 (31, 875) 12 Not movement In funds (38,8351 39,474 639 (31, 875) R0¢0nclllatlon ot fund: Totsl funds brought forward Nat movement in funds 86,540 138,835) 115,272 39,474 201,818 639 233,693 f31, 875) Total lundi carrl•d forward 47,711 154,746 202,457 201.818 The Statement ol financ4al activities indude5 all galns and losses recognlsed in tho year. The notes on pages 21 to 34 form part of these financial statemenls. Page 19

PAROCHIAL CNURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Note Curront 8s¥•t8 Debtors FOSM Currenl AGcounl Tran8formation Appeal Account Short Term DepO￿ts PCC Curr6nl Account Transf0rrnatic￿ Appeal D&Fx)sit Account 10 13.000 10,490 5.939 53.665 102.424 19,873 10,000 9. 745 5,851 53,665 170,804 15,329 205,391 205,394 Creditors- arnounls falllng due wlhln ¢)ne year 11 12.934) (3,576) N•t currnnt 8•50ts 202.45T 201,818 Total n•t a8s•t8 202,457 201,818 Charlty funds Reslrided funds Unroslricied funds 12 47,711 86.546 Designated funds General fun(Js 12 12 45.900 108.846 42, 779 72,493 Total unrestn'cted funds 12 154,746 175,2T2 Total tund8 202,457 201,818 The flnanclal stalemonts V•we approved and authorÈsed for issue by the Parochial Church Coundl arKI slgned on their behalf by.. In Chaimian ammens Mary Jakens Churchward Dougl Chur Date.. Mc warden l¢k The notes on page$ 2110 34 form part of these financlal slalements. Page 20

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Accountlng policleB 1.1 Ba$1$ of proparatlon of financlal 8tat•ment8 The financial statements have been yepared in accordane8 N%ith th8 Charities SORP IFRS 1021- Accounting and Rewting by Chanties.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in acc(wdance wth the Financyal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republlc of Ireland IFRS 1021 leffeclive 1 January 20191, the Financial Reportin9 Standard applicable in the UK and RepulAic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Charilies Act 2011. and in accordance wth ihe chU￿h Accounting Regulations 2006 goveming the individual 8ccourits of PCCS. Th8 finanaal slatmenls have been prepared under the hislodcal cost CLJnvènlion. The financial Stslements include all transactions. assets and liabilities for vhich the PCC is responsible in law. They do not indude the accounts of church gr¢xJps that owe their affiliation lo another body, nor those %thich are infom?al gatherings of churth members. The Friends of St Ma￿S and Wivenhoe Sl. Mary's Music Society have agr8ed with Ihe PCC Ihal they produce separate financial stslements. Parochial Church Ciyjncil of the Eedesiastical Parish of Wivenhog moets the definition of a publlc benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised al historical cost or transaction value unless othe￿158 staled in the relevant accounting policy. 1.2 Income JI inLxyne is recohJnised once the Charity has enlidemeni lo the Income, il is probable that the income wlll be received and the amount of intAyne receivable can be measured reliably. The recognition of ineome Irom legaaes is dependent on establishin9 enli118menl, the probability ol receipt and the ability lo estimate wlh sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of enlillemenl lo a legacy exists vthon the Charity has suffirAenl evidence Ihal a gift has begn 18ft lo them {Ihrough knoYAedgo of the existence ol a valid wll and the death ol the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the propety In question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Recelpl of 8 legacy must be recognised ¥then il is probable that il wll be received and the fair value of the amounl recwvable, vthich will generally be the expected Gash amounl lo be distributed lo the Charity. can be reliably measured. Planned giving, colleciions arKI similar donations are recognised vthen received. Grants are accounted for vthen the PCC is entitled lo use of the resources, their ultimate receipts are considered reasonably certain and the amounts due aro reliably quantifiable. Dividends are also a¢counlod for 4then dedared Teceivable, and Inte￿$1 as and ¥then accnsed by the payer. All incL¥ning resources are accounled for gross. Income lax reLx)verable in relation lo donations received urKler Gift Aid is recognised at the time of the donation. Other income is recognised in the period in vknich il is ￿1Vable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on complelion of the seNi(*. Page 21

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Accountlng policios {contlnuedl 1.3 Expendlture Expenditure is reccgnised IMKe there is a legal or ¢￿StruCtive obligallon to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is wobable that a transfer of economic benefits wll be required in settlement and the amount ol the ob15galion can be measured reliably. Expenditure is da$￿fIed by activity. The 1x￿ts of eath activity are made up of the total of dired cx)sls and shared costs, Including sUPPOrt cosls involved in undertaking each activity. Expenditure on raigng funds indudes all expenditure incurred by the Charity lo raise funds for ils charitable PLsfFoses and includes costs of all fundraising activitses events and non-charitable trading. Expenditure on charilalJe activities is incurred on directly undertakn'ng the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs. Grants payable are tharged in the year vthen the offer is made except in those cases vthere the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised a3 expenditure Nthen thè eonditlons allaching are fulfilled. l expendllure 1$ Incluslve of Irrecoverable VAT. 1.4 Interest recelvabl• Interest on funds held on depostl is Induded when reCeiVa￿e and Ihe amount can ￿ measured reliably by the Charity., thi5 is normally upon notifi￿tIon of the interest paid or payable by the institution ¥Mlh whom the funds are deposted. 1.5 Cong•crat•d and ben•ll¢• prop•ty In so far as cefisecfated and benefice propety ol any kind is exduded from the stalulory definition of 'charity' by Seclion 10(2)(al and (cl of the Ch8flti88 Aci 2011 such assets are not capilali8ed in the financial stslements. 1.6 Debtors Trade and olher debtOTS a￿ recc¥Jnised al the settlement amounl after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued al the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. 1.7 Cash at bank and In hand Cash at bank and in hand indudes cash aThY shcrt-lemi highly liquid investments with a short maturity of th￿e months or less from the dale of a4uisitioft or opening of the deposit or similar account. 1.8 Llabllltles and provlsions Liabilities are recognised then there is an obligabon at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, il 15 probable that a transfer of economic benefit wll be required in 5ettlemerit, and the amount of the setuemenl can be estimated reliably. Page 22

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Accounting pollcles {contlnu•dl 1.9 Flnanclal Instruments The Charity only ha5 Ilnancial a&8ets and finanual liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic finan¢i81 Instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recogn15ed at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value wth the exception of bank IDans which are subsequently measured at amorti*d cost usng the eflective inleiesl method. 1.10Fund accountlng General funds are unrestyicted funds vknich are availatrje fcw use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of th8 general objeclives of the PCC and vthich have nol been desgnated lor other purposes. De&gnaled lun(Js comprise unrestricted funds that have been sel aside by the Trustees for particular purFoses. The aim armfj use of each designated tund is sel oul In the notes to the financial statements. Restricted funds a￿ funds are to be used in accordance wlh specific reslrlctions imposeé by donor5 or bthich have been raised by the PCC for particu18r purposes. Any balance remainlng unspent al the end of Ihe year is carried forvrdrd as a balance on that fund. The aim and use of each reslricled fund is sel out in the notes to the finano81 stslements. Investrnent income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriale fund. Volunt•ry Income Re•trlcted Unrestrlctsd funds funds 2024 2024 Total funds 2024 Planned glvlng: Gift aid éonalions Income tsx recoverable Other 57,828 15.912 991 57,828 15,912 991 74.731 74,731 Collections al all services {open plate) Legacies Grants Sundry donations and apped$ 8,443 2,246 941 8,013 2.246 941 9,570 1,557 Subtotal 1,557 19.643 21,200 1,557 94,374 95,931 Page 23

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Voluntary income Icontlnuadl Rèstricted Unffjslrict8d funds funds 2023 2023 To181 funds 2023 Planned glvlng: Gift aid donations Income tsx recoverable Other 48,358 7,399 223 48,358 7.399 223 55,980 55,980 Collections al all services Legacies Grants Sundry donatfjons and appeals 7.344 2,013 760 7,344 2.013 760 1.682 6,858 8,540 1,682 T2,955 74,637 Actlvltlès for generatlng funds Income Irom fundral¥lng gvents Restrlcted Unrestrlct•d funds funds 2024 2024 Total funds 2024 Parlsh magazine (adverti￿ng) June and December ¥narkels Fundraising 1,385 3,706 14,489 1,385 3,706 15,589 1,1¢)0 Total 2024 1.100 19,580 20,680 Page 24

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Actlvltles for gefitrra￿ng ￿ndS {¢ontlnuedl Income from fundralslng events Icontinu•d) Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2023 2023 Total funds 202J Parish magazine la(fvertisingl Seplemb8r and December markets Fundraising 364 3,217 11,744 364 3,573 14,775 356 3.031 Total 2023 3,387 15,325 18,712 Investmenl Income UnrostrSct•d fund8 2024 Total funds 2024 Divid8nds on CBF Investrn6nl Fund Bank and CBF Deposit Fund Interest 704 2,696 704 2,696 3,400 3,400 Unreslricted funds 2023 Total funds 2023 Dividends on CBF Investment Fund Bank and CBF Deposit Fund Interest 19 2,361 19 2,361 2,380 2,380 Page 25

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Income from Churth activitigs Restrlcted Unrestrict•d funds funds 2024 2024 Total funds 2024 Fees from weddings and funerals Parish Magazine18al8sI Church lettinss: local community use 12.734 20 6.862 12,734 20 1,611 8,473 Total 2024 1,611 19,616 21,227 Unreslricled funds 2023 Total funds 2023 Fees from weddlngs and funerals Pa￿Sh Magazine Isalesl Church lettings.. local community use 9. 108 135 6.207 9,108 135 6,207 Toto12023 15,450 15,450 An8lys13 of •xpendlture by actlvltles Charltable Acllvltl8S 2024 Total fvnd$ 2024 Church Activities Missionary and charbtable giving- Ove￿aS Govemance Costs 124.922 5,037 2.934 124,922 5,037 2,934 132,893 132,893 Page 26

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Analysls ol eXpendI￿re by actlvltles Icontlnuedl Charrtabl Activilies 2023 Tolal funds 2023 Church Activities Missionary and chartlable giving- Overseas Govemance Costs 128,510 3.173 3,576 128,510 3,173 3,576 135,259 135,259 Charltabl• Actlvltles Mlsslonary and Charltable Glvlng Governanc Over$ea$ Costs 2024 2024 Church Activities 2024 Total funds 2024 Relief 8nd Development Agenues Home Missions Secular Charities Ministry C05ts.' Diocesan Parish Share Other Ministy Costs Church Maintenance Church Running Expenses Upkeep of Services Organ and OpJanists Vergers Major Repairs.. Structural Renewral Parish Magazine Costs gned Fees lo lh8 Diocese Administration Bank Charges Independent Examin*s remtsnerdb.on 900 3,362 775 76,909 2,055 4,539 15,659 2,702 2,670 690 7,888 2,78S 4.968 3,560 499 2,934 3,362 775 76.909 2.055 4.539 15,659 2.702 2.670 690 7.888 2.785 4.966 3,560 499 2,934 124.922 5,037 2,934 132,893 Page 27

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COVNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Analysls of oxpendlture by actlvltles (¢ontlnu8dl {cont5nugdl M1￿￿n3ry and Charitablg Giving Gov8mance Ov8rseas Costs 2023 2023 Church Actiwties 2023 Tot81 funds 2023 Relief and Developmenl Agencies Home Missions Secular ChaTrties Ministry Cosls." Diocesan Parish Sha Oiher Mini5ty Costs Church Maintenance Church Running Expense¥ Upkèep of Services Organ and Organists Vergers Major Repairs.. Sinjctural Ran•￿41 Parish Magazine Costs Assigned Fees lo the Diocese Administratson Bank Charges Includlng Independent Examinrfs remuneration 720 365 2,088 720 365 2,088 73,247 2,613 4,598 9,752 2,377 1,602 520 25,238 2, 196 3,379 3,094 500 73.247 2,613 4.598 9, 152 2.371 1.602 520 25.238 2, 196 3.379 3,094 500 3,576 3,576 128,510 3,173 3,576 135,259 Expendltur¢ on rai¥lng fvnds Generation of Voluntsry Income Unrestrfcted funds 2024 Total funds 2024 FundraI￿ng costs 7.706 7.706 Page 28

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MVENHOE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Expendltur¥ on raislng funds Icontlnuedl Generatlon of Voluntary Income {contlnuedl Unrestri¢tsd runds 2023 Tol81 lunds 2023 Fundralslng c•Jsts 7,795 7, 795 Ind&pend•nt ox•mln•rf• remuneratlon 2024 2023 Fees payable to the Charitvs irKlep8ndenl examinor for the indewndont examination of the Charit¥s annua accounts Fees payable to the Charivs indèpendent examiner in rèsped of.. All other services not indud&J above 2,380 600 Trust•es' remuneratlon and ex￿n¥0$ During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023- £NIL). During the year ended 31 December 2024, expenses totalling £1.617 were reimbursed or paid direct lo 1 Trustee (2023- £2,613 10 l Trusteel. These were in relatson to the Trustees expenses incurred as their role as the incumbent. 10. Debtors 2024 2023 Debtors less than one year Tax recoverable 13,000 10,000 Page 29

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 11. Creditors: Amounts falling duo in less than one y83r 2024 2023 AccnJ8ls and deferred income 1934 3,576 Page 30

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 12. Slatement of funds Statement of fund8- currnnt ye Balance at 31 Do¢ember 2024 Balancè at 1 January 2024 Trangfgr$ inlout Incom* Expendllure Unrestrlcted funds Deslgnated funds Oesignaled legacy funds Sunday dub 40,000 2,779 2,246 875 42.246 3,654 42,779 3,121 45,900 Gèneral funds General 72,493 133.849 1140.0341 42,538 108,848 Total Unrestrlcted funds 115,272 136.970 1140,0341 42,538 154,746 Re8trlcted fvnd Bell Cholr Fabric - General Fabric - Ashton Legacy Flower FOSM Maintenance Transformation Project Organ Wiv St Mary's Music Society 12.105 800 4,964 10.000 719 140 12,245 800 9,520 10,000 719 4,556 9.745 2,S35 40,663 370 1.310 1565) 10.490 2,535 140,6631 370 4.645 1818 (6,4311 1.032 86.546 4.268 1565) 142,538) 47,711 Total of funds 201,818 141.238 1140,599) 202.457 A transfeT has been made from RestrTCted Funds lo General Funds in the year of £42,538. This corrects the Transfomiation Project Ireatement ￿1¢h should have been reflected wthin unrestricted funds. Page 31

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 12. Ststem•nt ot funds {contlnu•<ll Stat•mont of fund5 - prlor year Balance 81 31 Dec8mbei 2023 Balance al t January 2023 Transfors inloul Income Exp8ndilure Unrestrfct•d fund# Deslgnated funds Sheila C8rrick Legacy Hugh Brogan Legacy Janel Richardson Legacy Sunday Club Doris Robinson Legac Delia Schafle Legacy Jane Cde Legacy 500 5,000 1,000 2, 775 1,000 22,500 10,000 1.529 1,250 22,500 10,000 8,029 2,250 32.500 42, 779 General funds General 94,Ot9 103,860 (125,386) 72,493 Total Unr•strfcted funds 102.048 106, 7 10 f125,386J 32,500 115.272 Restrlct•d funds Bell Choir FakKic - General Fabric - Ashton Legacy Jane Cole Legacy Delia Schafle Lega Flower FOSM Maintenance Transformation Project Organ Wiv St Mary's Muyc Society 12.035 800 4,856 10,000 10,000 22,500 719 8.686 2,415 58,231 370 1.033 70 12.105 800 4,964 10,000 (10,000) (22,500) 719 9.745 2,535 40,663 370 4.645 1.159 120 (100) (17,568) 3.612 Paqe 32

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WIVENHOE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 12. Statemenl of funds (continued) ststemenl ol funds - prior year l¢ontinuod) Balance al 31 December 2023 Balance al 1 January 2023 Transfars inloul Inc(¥ne Expenditure 131,645 5.069 {17, 668) (32,500) 86,546 Total of fund• 233,693 111.1T9 (143,054) 201,818 13. Summary oflundl Summary of fund•. current y••i Balanc• at 31 D•combor 2024 Balance at 1 January 2024 Transfers Inlout Income Exp?ndlturè Deslgnated funds General funds Reslrieted lunds 42,n9 72,493 86,546 3,121 133.849 4,268 45,900 108,846 47,711 140,034) 1565) 42,S38 (42,5381 201,818 141,238 1140,599) 202,457 Summary offunds- prloryear Balance 81 31 December 2023 Balance 81 1 January 2023 Transfers inloul Incom8 Expenditu Designated funds General funds Restricted funds 8,029 94,019 137,645 2.250 103.860 5.069 32,500 42,779 72,493 86,546 {125.386) (t T,068) (32,500) 233,693 111.179 {143,054) 201,818 Page 33

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WVENHOE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 DECEMBER 2024 1& Analysls of net assets between funds Analysis of n•t assets between lunds . current period Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total funds 2024 Current assets Cr8dllor5 due ￿thIn one year 47.711 157,680 12.9341 205,391 12,9341 Total 47,711 154,746 202,457 Analysls of not a86•t8 botwa•n funds- prfor perfod Restricted Unreslricled funds funds 2023 2023 Tol81 funds 2023 Current assets Credltors due ¥Mthin ¢)ne year 86.546 118,848 (3,576) 205,394 {3.576) Total 86,546 115,272 201,878 15. Related party transa¢tlon$ During the year, Graham Wadley was remunerated in hls role as Organisl for a total of £2,235 (2023.. £780). Mary Jakens was also remuneraled for her role as Verger for a total of £690 (2023.. £340). Both Graham and Mary held the posltion of Tnjstees during the year. Page 34

All Together Worship The core team consists of Teresa Warren, Rev. Erwn Lammens. Sue Jones and Hannah Cole. Ordinarily we have shared out lasks, leading talks and demonstrations. We usually receive great comments and supportlencouragement from the congregation. We still hope for larger numbers of attendees. Numbers of children attending on these services are less than days when Sunday Club is running All Together had a full programme in 2024 with a monthly Sunday Se￿iCe for all ages. We chose readings and hymns that suit age groups from toddlers, over teenagers, to adults (young and mature)- Our young are involved in leading and reading. The t8Xts are available on screen. The All Together team (Teresa, Hannah, Sue and Erwin) prepares a diversity of monthly themes with Edward Cole weparing and running the PowerPoint. January Epiphany with blessing of the Magi's gifts February The Power of God s Wonl We compared God s Word lo reassuring love 18ngu8ge in human rglationships. March Welcome to Gods house.. what makes thè church your home? Also In March Mothering Sunday with th8 PartiCipat￿n of Ihe Sunday Club and Br(￿rng￿ve Junior. May Baptism celebration wilh baptism famili85 from the p8st y68r June Who calls you? Members of th8 congregation had to recognis6 dffler9nl sounds. Would you reGognise the sound of God s voice when he calls you? July First Communion August An infomalAII Together Communion September New beginnings." hope and peace October Harvest Festival with the particlpation of Broomgrove jUn￿r and Miiifields Primary. November All Saints, Sunday.. Rejoice and leap forJ()y December Advent Sunday.. Be on guardl Be alertl In 2025 we are changing the services a little and they will be part led by the children too. Teresa Warren and Erwin Lammens Bellrlngers Report We have rung for Sunday services and held our Wednesd8y practice evenings consistently each week, apart from one Sunday in October when the bells were silent as several of us were away on holiday or not available that day. Yes, it was noticed! We are pleased to report that bell ringing at St Mary's is still as strong and popular as ever and we have a good team of dedicated bell rlngers. We do of course ring for weddings. albeit not that many these days in comparison to a few years ago. We toll al funerals when il is requested. During the year another reluming bell ringer has joined us and she i8 now a valued and regular member of our team. 35

We are now training up several students from the University of Essex who discovered, and were introduced, lo bellringing at Freshers Week and decided to pursu8 their interest fur1her. They are now b6coming regular members of the team and are ringing on Sunday mornings and regularly attend our practice evenings. We have also been leaching 8 mother and her daughters to ring. So. Ihe future of bell nnging is being secured. We have received support from ringers in the area to assist in teaching the students. 11 is over 25 years since the bells were restored. and Ihere is some work that will need to be undertaken, Ihe painlwork on the metal parts is starting to deteriorate and will need to be refreshed in the not-loo-distsnl future. The bells themselves are not painled and are in good conditlon and are checked regularfy for wear and tear. Adrienne Wood Café Chill In September 2022 Teresa and Mik8 startéd up Café Chill. This is 8 once-a-month community café run from The Annexe. The intention is to welcome members of the community into th8 annexe and provide a calm, friendly and affordable place for people to come on a Sunday aftemoon. There is a book lending table wth Christlan themed books and CDS bul also a selection of novels and books of other interests. Music plays in the background and there are games provided for those who wish to play. such as scrabble, Uno and chess. Hot drinks and cakes and blscults ar8 for sale al great prices such as £1.50 and £1. With fr8e refills of hot drinksl The Wi-Fi is available. and the annexe is lovely and vrnnn vthen people May be struggling with the ri51ng costs at home. The café is c¢Jrrenlly taking place usually on the third Sunday of the month and starts straight after church during the coffees. The congregation can enjoy the atmospher8 of the café by using the games arKI looking at the books. It then officially b8comè the café from 12.30 when we start charging. All charges are technically a donation, and no one will be tumed away rf they have forgotten their money or haven't quite gol enough. The card donation machlne in church is sometimes usèd. From April-AugU5t we stayed open unlll 16.30. In April the café was busy as we ran alongside a pre•loved dothing sale in the church There was no Café Chill in May due to Open Gardens. however in 2025 it Ylill become part of the Open Gardens weekend. We opened on Saturday for a change in June, to be part of th8 Regatt8. This was popular and was important lo have the church open on such a great event in our community. We had a lot of sitors. The Gafé also was visited by many in Septsmber as part of Heritage Weekend and November for theArt Trail. Apart from these event dates, the café was wsiled by approximately 160 people, and we donated lo church funds approximalely £340 not including payments made on the machine. Teresa wa￿en Caterlng Report l think we can give ourselves a pat on the back this year.. .not in a fundraising respect but an experimental one for the future. 36

We had a good tumout the Summer Fair and again at our Scrufts BBQ for not just dogs but their owners, both very good fundraisers. Our Harvest Festival lunch proved very popular again as was our Christmas Candlelit Soiree. which we will be promoting as a fundraiser next year. Refreshments in the annexe at the Christmas Fair was another experimenl which proved very profitable and will now do annually Our main aim now is to try and fomi a grouplcommittee for the future, as for one reason or another, this has become a bil of a on6-man a￿y, whiL* is never a good thing. All in all, I think we can say a good year. Susan Potter. Calering Team Leader Cleanlng Team Report The loyal and diligent group of church cleaners have continued their good work throughout tha year. Having lost two people from the rota during that time has slightly in¢￿aSed the frequency that our other participants have needed to attend. Sandra Osbome The loyal and dlllgent group of church cleaners havo continued Iheir good work throughout the year. Having lost two people from the rota during that lime has slighlly increased the frequency that our othèr partlClP8nts have needed to attend. Sandra Osborne Churches Together Wivenhoe Churches Together in Wivenhoe consists in St Mary's ChLtrch of England, St Monica's RC and the Methodist, Congregational and Community churches. In 2024 the steering group met 4 times in order to prepare services and events that we organise jointly such as the Lent Lunch, Lent Film, Good Friday Walk of Witness. Good Friday Service. Pentecosl get-iogelher, the Christmas card, one for each house in Wivenhoe delivered by the Wivenhoe Scouts and Guides, Carols on the Quay at which the ministers of 811 Wivenhoe churches lead prayers and read Bible passa9es. Representatives of the Chvrches also attend the Civic Service and the Remembrance Service. Al these services the CTW secretary reads the Bible passage on behalf of all Wivenho8 churches. Due to Illness the Chair was temporarily replaced by Erwtn. The mlni$ters met twlce In fellowship over a cuppa. 2025 promises lo be a special year for Churches Together in Wivenhoe with mora Lent activities and the 1600, anniversary of the Nicene Creed. Please do join CTW servi￿$ and events to show year deep respect for your fellow Christlan brothers and sisters from other denominations. Film Night In January I started up a Film Club. The idea of watching films in our lovely annexe with friends from church. The selection of films is a mixture. They wll inspire you. uplift you, make you think or make you laugh. 37

There is a suggested donation of £2.50 whith indudes a drink and snack This is a monthly event and the films shown this year were - The Mirade Club,. War Room- The Shack- Keeping Mum; Miracles from Heaven., The Blind Side; The Book of Daniel and The Family Man. Attendance has varied from 3 to 15 people. We intend to continue this throughout 2025. Flower Report The Flower team meet in the church most Fdday momings beknn 9:30 and 11".30. Despite tsvo broken arms (different people), a shoulder feplacement, a broken nose and unexpectedly saying goodbye. just before Christmas to Carol Mitchell, our founder and inspirational leader, we have continued to provide displays throughout the year. We make a special effort at Easter, HaNest, Chrislmas and Candlemass. Our most appreciative audience is the Friendly Club, and we try to ensure the flowers look fresh for them each Thursday. We estimate the flowers cost aboul 900 pounds a year but not all of this is claimed from the church as the team often source the flowers and foliage from friends, and their gardens. We are very grateful to the ￿c rural maintenance slaff svho supwt the church at Easter and Christmas th hedge and tree clippings. We are a happy 'bunch' and Ii)ok fonward to others joining the team. During 2025 we would hope to'grow and nurture. a new team leader. Jenny, Hillary, Jill, Maragarel, Susan, Trish & (Carol) Frlendly Club & Café The Club celebrated its 3" birthday in August 2024. A5 usual we had a party with fun, a visit of an ice-cream van so that everyone could be 9lven free ictrueam. and talented entertainerAngi8 Gilbey. Music and dancing always goes down well. We have had lots of people come and provide entertainment- there have been illustrated talks, clog dancing (clogs only wom outside) and singing. We don't havo this kind of enlertainment every week though. In between we have qulzzes and chair-based exercises We aim lo m8ke sure that each week is different. We are fortunate In having a wonderful band of volunteers lum up each week - 35 in total. They don't all come each week of course but it is good to have so many. It means some can sit at the tables and encourage conversab'on. Others run the Reception Desk whilst a great team provide a sleady supply of tea and coffee to everybody. Alison has a good gang of people around her knitting table. Jan Sinclair organises the entertainment each week until she fell ill towards the end of the year. Sylvia Garrily was also playing the keyboard for us each week and also Stella Amos the piano most weeks. We find having music in Church is very important. If everybody came we would have 88 people come plus volunteers. From the £2 we take from everybody except Ihe volunteers and anyone who is a professional carer who we don't charge, we gave St Mary's Church £2.262 during the year. In the yearto Dec 2023, we gave the Church £1,671. which is a sign of how popular the Friendly Club has become. 38

Peter Hill, Chaimian, Wivenhoe Demenlia Support Group. joint sponsors with St Mary's Church PCC of the Friendly Club & Café. Frlends of St Mary's Report Friends of Sl Mary's or FOSM as Il is knovm has had a very goo¢Y year. Wyvem Stores have continued to sell our merchandise which has become increasing popular and the basket on the table in Church has been welcomed. Our largest event was the June Market which is always a lovely day. and the Chrislrnas Martet provided the opportunity to sell attractive Christmas gifts. Hopefully in 2025 we can return to Regatta Day. Scrufts and some community events, if invited. Our grateful thanks to the members who have helped this year. rfs always a pleasure to work together. Vivien and Bill Ebom Fundralsing Report The Fundraising team had another busy year made possible by utilizing the besl of all the skills available. Each member brings certain skills, and we are all grateful for all the time and attention Ihat make this t8am work in raising funds for St Mary's. Th8 first avent we arranged in 2024 was a bingo event. although a great deal of advertising went oul, the tumout was rather low. So, we agreed to tum our effort in a different diredion for next year. The June Market had more emphasis on raising funds for Sl Mary's. we achleved this with both the white Elephant stall having extra tables and even more quality Items to sell, and the new addltion of a Garden Stall with exlra tables and ground sheets. Added to this we had both regular and new stall holders joining the market wilh all available stall space inside sold out, and a greatèr number of stalls outside the church. The Children's stalls were also popular, and w& are currently looking at how we can expand all these stalls for this coming year. Scrufts. Following on from last year's experiment with adding four sta115. This year we added even more and again we had the BBQ with us which really helped to raise the funds for the church as well as bringing more folk into our church, some for the first time The turnout was teryific again and the photo's along with 'can we book again for next year. from some of the stall holders was a real joy. This has now berA)me an established event in our fundraising calendar. Next Came the Christmas Marf(et. The weather plays a big part in this event, as the oulslde stall holders always attest. This year we had agreed earlier lo put the inside stall price up lo £20 for the inside stall spaces, which for the first time included the Annex- Santa was in the V8Stry. All the inside stall spaces soon sold out. Despite the previous yearfs storms, we had many stalls outside, with most stallholders retuming to support St Mary's. Looking ahead this year. Inslead of8 Bingo event, we are planning to run a Book Fayre, and the research so far is looking very well indeed in such an academlc village with a university close by and three schools and local book dubs. The aim now looks at for running four main fundraising events each year, so as not to overburden any of our helpers. We have a good stable fundraising team, a list of helpers for each event, strong catering, strong advertising, a superb raffle support, and a little support from those with strong musdes to help lift and move items. This year we hope we can develop all our skills and strengths in raising funds St Mary's. l am also pleased to report that many of our members 39

also help out at other church events throughout the year. even if they are not specifically fijndraising events. Heather Edwards, Fundraising Team Lead Lectio Divina Report Lectio Divina meets at 7.We5t Quay on Ihe last We(Jnesd8y of each month at 7.30pm. IVS a small group of 8 people including Erwin. A Bible passage is chosen each month ,in lum. and as we read il we discuss how it affects our lives and what we leam from it. Prayer for each other is poignant. Erwin brought Communion to the gmup at Easter and Christmas which was greally appreciated by everyone: such joy. If you would like to come along. pleasè speak to Erwin. Blessings. Ann Evershed. Muslc at St Mary's Report The music in 2024 logged along under some duress with some of our musicians suffering severe medical issues which made things quite ch811enging. Hopefully the Servi￿ music has continued to be acceptable with support from our small choir and embracing many different musical styles. Taize Se￿iceS were held with Ihanks to instrumentalists Hilary Cook {clarinell Karen Cakebread and Nina Greenwood (flutel wth Jonathan Timms-Bruno adding a cello. A Civic Servic8 was held in October. Isla and Lucy Crocker sang a very moving affangement of Allelujah. St Mary's Singers presented a high standard programme of music for Good Friday although there was no Music for Remembrance held in 2024. This was after much consideration of the poor attendance last year and also my availability due to medical issues. John Dowden accompanied the rehearsals, and the soloists were drawn from within the group. John Rippin as always accompanied on the night and added some organ pieces lo the programme. SMS is now a small chamber choir group of about 12 to 15 singers worklng to a very high standard. We were encouraged lo have some new members join for the Carol Service which had a mix of congregational and choir carols The Berlioz Shepherd's Farewell seemed partlculady popular. Carols on The Quay took place on the Quay again this year with Geoff Osborne conducting the band and Pam Garland arranging the music. There was a good attendance. Our organ tuner Peter de Mle decided to retire at short notice in December 2024. The organ is tuned and regulated twice a year and after a lot of investigation into the limited opllons available to us, Johnson Organ Builders from near Bury St Edmunds will undertake the tuning in fLJture. Thanks to everyone who supported our musical efforts particularly John Dowden and Geoff Osbome who have played for ServI￿S in my absences. Graharn Wadley, Director of Music

Open Gardens Open Gardens 2024 was held over the weekend 18 119" May. It attracted 600 people to the event who enjoyed visiting the 30 gardens which pwticipated this year. This year's evenl coincided with the Art Trail again this year, vthich made for a very busy weekend in Wivenhoe. It was a profitable event, and this year made £4.200. This was again shared 50150 between The Wivenhoe Society and St Marys Church. Cheques were presented at a Garden Paty at Toad Hall in August. The Society shared their £2,100 with 16 local organisation5 for different projects in Wivenhoe whilst the £2,100 was given to the Church specrfically for th8 Fabric Fund. This year several people retired from the Committee after many years, service. These were Dot Mathieson. and Jane & Glyn Stanway. Fortunately, Jenny Heaps remains a key member of th8 leam joined this year by Sandra Osbom to both represent the Chur¢h. Open Gardens 2025 is over the equivalent weekend in 2025 in May, being the 17th118lh May. Peter Hill, Chaiman, Open Gardens Team Pastoral Report Under the Guidance of Erniin Lammen5 and leadership of Gill Slrudwick. Supported by Volunteers Ann 8arrowman, Jackie Hopklns, Stef Goodman. Chris Amos and more recently Mary Baker and Rosie Vickerstaff. Al our last meeting of the group on February 5 we said goodbye and thank you to Stef for her over the last two years. We welcomed new volunteers Mary and Rosie for the first time to the group. th, 2ll25 At each of our meetings a confidential discussion has been held about Ihe peoplè being visited or phoned al the present lime. EnNin usually suggests people whom we might be able to help. There are many who live in Wivenhoe without their family nearby and who the group feel are vulnerable. Erwin has a confidential lisl of people involved and their contact numbers and famlly members when known. Since December 2024 all group members can be identified by wearing a pu￿le lanyard and badge showing their name and that they belonged lo the Pastoral Visiting Team for St. Mary's, Church, Wivenhoe. Since taking over this job from Deirdre in August 2022 1 have been creating confidential contact details for all those involved and have provided a list of agencies which can help in our work. Gill Strudwick St Mary's Llnk with Uganda We continue to supwrt Namalemba in Uganda. Rachale Butterfield came to visit Wivenhoe earfier this past year and broughl us items for sale which raised well over £100 for her. She 81so provided a power point show of how the funds have been spent and introduced us to some of the famili8s who re￿1ve the goods. Again, this year, we have sold our Christian charity Christmas Cards and again well over another £100 has been raised. All these monies have been sent lo her to spend as she sees where and when the need arises and to get the best possible Pri￿S. She thanked us all for St Mary's continued support. And she remains in our prayers. Heather Edwards St Mary's Music Soclety We organised 5 concerts last year and did all ofthe admin and promotion forthe Mediaeval Carol concert which tumed out to be a fantastic success. Opus Anglicanum wowed a full house wilh 41

Iheir beautiful voices in the beginning of Decemtsr. Not having seen them previously, they were big surprise. Our first concert in April last year also featured 4 people who have beautrful voices, they call themselves Quattro Amici and everyone who came to that concert appeared to thoroughly enjoy Ihe selection of lovely songs that th8y perfomied. accompanied by Joe Richardson on his keyboard. This was followed by renowned intèmational trumpeter Crispian Steele-Pe￿1ns in May and his selection of vintage tnjmpets which he played so skilfully. togetherwith lan le Grice on the Church organ. It was a highly entertaining evening and played to an almost full house. The Sea Shanty Extrava9anza in September fealured not just the Wivenhoe Hoolies and the Felixslowaways but also the female shanty crew, the Silver Dadings. from Southend. They were a great hit, and they all made lor a really fijn evening as well as a profitable one. The Churchfitters came from France where they now live and played most of their 42 instruments for us in October This included the musical saw as well as the fiddle and various stringed inslruments, whilst Rosie sang with her beaubful. clear voice a well as played her penny whistle, and sèveral oth8r Instruments, and all lo a packed house. The Wiv8nho8 Orchestra played a wide variety of different pieces of music in what we have called a Feast of Music, and a feast it was. This was concert number 7, a reminder that wè have been organising concerts in St Mary's now for Seven years. We think we achieved our key objective, and that is to brin9 a wide variety of quality music to St Mary 5 Church and the community of Wivenhoe, as well as make a financial contributson towards the maintenance of the Church building, and thi5 year of £1,700. Peter Hill, Chairrnan, Wivenhoe St Mary's Muslc Society. Sunday Club Report The Sunday Club is supported and run by a team of volunteers. This included the followlng Teresa Warren. Sue Jones, Heather Edwards. Cora Dai, Ceri Law, Hannah Cole and Louise Harrison. Louise Harrison joined the team at the start of Ihe year and Heather stepped down at the end of the year to focus on 'The Way, and the Fundraising Team. The Sunday Club is doing very well, and we continue to have a core group of children that attend on and off most weeks. We are all getting lo know each other very well. They ar8 all keen to begin havlng more involvement in the running of the Al Together services. We ordered all out volunteers a Sunday Club T-shirt. These are lo wear at events such as the Easter Workshop, June Market and Free Family Fun Feslival. They are great to advertise our children's work. Our Easter Workshop took place on Easter Salurday and was a busy well attended event. We had a café, and the church was full of art and craft activities. A mini film was shown of the Easter story, and children were able to help cxeate the Easter Garden. Everyone left with a bag of goodies they made along with a Belgian chocolate egg and Easter comic. 42

Lucy Crocker helped organise our stall at the June Market. We had an activity for the children to do. alongside the usual toys and games for sale. We had a team of volunteers helping on the rota, including some of our child￿n Y￿th their parents. On 2151 Seplember we had a slall in Colchester Castie Park at the Free Family Fun Festival. This was OLJr 4 time and was a greal success. Erwin, Teresa. Ceri. Sue and Cora were there to represent the team. We had a tree raffle tsble with books and toys, along with a giant 'play your cards right, game and some colouring. The Nalivty play in December was a traditional style. We set up the church in a circle style sealing and it was put together by Hannah. Hilary Cook and Sue. We have a group of others that support wilh costumes, prompting, Makaton signing and general encouragement for the children. A real team effort. Afterwards there was a party in the annexe for all the children. Healher led games. Then they all sal for a lunchltreats party with 'the SnowTnan' and 'Home Aone, films played on the screen. Gift bags were handed out as the chlldren left. Ther8 is an email address for Sunday Club. and this Is monitored by Teresa. wlvstma ssunda clu mall.com We 8re really hopeful that we can n¢)w continue to build on our Sunday Club and that more children will join us in 2025. We have space for new volunteers. Teresa Warren The Way Report This group is a relaxed. hang out group for the younger leen8gets from 11 to about 14115. They can meet up with thelr friends. Make new friends with others who attend different schools and mix ￿th others from all walks of life. Meet professionals they would not nomially meet and learn about life and the world away from fomal educab'on. Learning how to find a WAY to be themselves. This pasl year they have shown a great delight in food, as most teenagers do. They have been showng us new games which allows them lo show leadership skills with no pressure. During this past year they have enjoyed:. games, arts and craft, mug cake5, Rev Emma's visit, Lego night, prevset craft, sh¢)wed off their group work with their interpr81ation of Annie Bielecka's art work (now shovm in church). making and understanding the cooking process for burgers, movie night, free gam6s night. repeat of burger and sausages night. fire art work for self- expressionism, excellent debates, mince lie making and wnning their own paty- As Teresa has Stepped back, we have Helena who comes in to help when she can. This corning lemi is again planned loosely on more worldly events which have kicked off wlh the Chinese New Year. Numbers have dropped lo a more manageable group size, and it enables us lo sit with them and be more relaxed and able to listen to them. It is a pnvilege lo see them growing. We also get a lot of good feedback from the parents WhatsApp group. We could always use an extra helper to just join in with whatever is happening. Fran, Heather and Helena Wivenhoe Baby & Toddler Group Report The group has seen another successful year, de5Prte the numbers attending, fluctuating through the year. The average atiendance is 16 litue ones ￿uS adults. Out expenditure each week has inrxease(l as the rent we pay to the Scout & Guide association for the use of the hall, has increased as has the cost of the snack we supply due to the rising 43

cost of food in general. We have not increased the fee for attending each week as we want tr) keép the group aGcessible to all. However w8 were successlul in obtaining donations from both, Councillor Andrea Luxfortl Vaugh8n and Wivenhoe Tovm Council whith has helped us lo keep running. We still follow the same format each session, with role play, construction. craft, book corner and designated baby area. We still offer a snack for the children and hot drinks for the adults. Each session ends with singing time. Our annual summer paty, held in the Rectory Garden was a great success as was OUT Chrlstrnas party in our hall with both well attended. The group is not just for Mums, we have several Grandpa￿nIS bring along their grandchildren, a few dads and a couple of Childminders. We have a good leadetshlp team. wpported by 5 ladies who help on a rota basis. We hope our numbers remain steady lo enable us to keep running as we still fees the group is an asset to the lown and want it to continue running for many more years. V8nessa Reed Worship Group Report The Worship group has continued to meet three limos throughout the year.. a couple of months before Christmas and Easter and around the summer break. Each meeting begins with a reflection on services that have recently taken place. This helps us to note particular successes and identify areas that could be improved in the future. Following this we look at services thal will be taking place in future monlhs and plan for these in some detail. Our Sunday service pattem is also a Iheme for discussion. The Worshlp Group is always keen lo encourage feedback from the congregalion. Music is an essential part of the liturgy and worship at St Mary's and the Worship Group mernbers are grateful to director of music, organists, members of the church choir and Sl Mary's Singers. soloists and musicians al Ihe Sunday services and at sp8aal festsvals for lifting these occasions. Erwin Lammens