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.

11. Other matters
Erwin thanked his family An, Jona5, Mieke and his friend Nigel SpencEr for their
understanding and SUPPM)rt during the past year.
12. 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 inve*ments
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