The Parish of St. Peter and St. David, Fleetwood in the Diocese of Blackburn.
A summary of the Annual Report and Financial Statement of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.
Bank: The National Westminster Bank, Cleveleys, Lancashire.
Charity Number: 1168745
Our Mission: To be accessible, welcoming and at the heart of the community. In Christ our mission is to serve, care for, teach and pray.
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Members of the Parochial Church Council 2023
Gloria Birdsall Peter Day Di Graveston Peter Draper Joan McLean John Eastwood Hilary Craig Lynda Smith Alexandra Miles Beryl Patricia Stead Stephanie Ashcroft Carol Swarbrick Pamela Ashton Christine Thompson Christine Dawson
Treasurer : Maureen Burns (not a member of the Council).
Secretary Report 2023
During 2023 there were 6 PCC meetings, including one attended by Archdeacon David Picken, and 1 extraordinary Standing Committee meeting.
We now hold a Standing Committee meeting one week before each PCC meeting to set the agenda and ensure all matters can be brought forward.
The main topics during 2023 were:
Updates and progress during the interregnum,
Ensuring safeguarding and other policies are in place and adhered to,
General running of the Parish, e.g. Fabric issues and continued running of events.
Stephanie Ashcroft
PCC Secretary
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The Acting Chair’s Report 2023
Months 3-14 of interregnum…….
As Acting Chair of the PCC it falls to me to write the state of the Parish address, which would normally be penned by the incumbent.
Much of the first part of the year was spent in refining the Parish Profile, which was to tempt clergy looking for a move to come to join us in our wonderful parish. It didn’t, however. Huge thanks must go, though, to the committee who spent hours working on this: to Di, Joan, John E, Liam, Joshua and Olwen.
The main point to make at this frustrating time, is that we are still here, we are still worshipping and we are still supporting, as you will read later in this report, the vulnerable members of our community in these particularly difficult economic times.
However, we are an ageing congregation; as people have to give up their responsibilities for a variety of good reasons, a small number of parishioners are taking on more and more. The load must be spread more evenly; if you have a couple of hours a week to help with a coffee morning or flower arrangement, please make yourself known to the lead volunteer.
Financially, we seem to be in a sound position because of legacies the Parish has received. I will not underestimate the amount of work required from Maureen – and Liam – to keep our House in order; it took a superhuman effort on their part to unravel the accounts for 2022, which were eventually accepted by an emergency AGM on 10[th] December. It can only get easier from now onwards.
At the APGM in May several members of the PCC stood down: Ian and Jan Risely, Kath Whittle, Catherine Tattersall, James Lang and Josh Brayshaw. Since the AGM Peter Day, who had the difficult task of acting as Chair at the start of the interregnum, has also stood down, as have Gloria Birdsall, Lynda Smith, Christine Dawson and Christine Thompson – we thank them all for their time and commitment to the Parish.
Those who remain are doing an outstanding job: Pat, Carol and Hilary and those mentioned later.
Anyone considering standing for the PCC this year must be prepared to undergo a DBS check and complete the training courses required by the Diocese before they can attend a meeting.
A final word about more key people who work so hard behind the scenes to ensure the smooth working of the Parish: to Di and Joan, our Churchwardens, to John E, our Health and Safety and Fabric Officer, and to Steph, our PCC secretary, who has to keep up-to-date with all the machinations of Diocese. We would not be where we are today without them.
And there we have it. Keep praying for a new incumbent; our prayers will be answered in due course, I am sure.
Peter Draper
Lay vice-chair of the PCC
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Churchwarden Report 2023
Since Joan and I were elected to the role of Churchwarden at last year’s APCM, we have worked hard to keep Worship and all our usual events on the road.
It has been challenging, but, on the whole, with help and support from so many of you, we consider that we have weathered the storm, and kept things rolling. So, “Thank You” to you all, for being the wonderful congregation of the Parish of St. Peter and St. David, Fleetwood!!
We know that we are worshipping in two different premises, but, we are one Parish, and need to work together to keep this Parish of St. Peter and St. David, united.
Joan and I find it so rewarding that so many activities are now joint. Tuesday’s Breaking Bread, for example, with cooks and assistants from both of our congregations, also leading the Morning Prayer beforehand, and the same situation at Tuesday and Friday Coffee Mornings. It is so heartening. A big thank you to all who are involved in these activities.
We would like to extend our grateful thanks to so many people for their help and assistance throughout the year. To our Crucifers, Acolytes and Servers, to all our Sidespersons, to all who undertake the readings, to all who write and present Intercessions, to our Verger and Sound System operator, to the Choir, to our Pianist at St David’s Janet Bull, to all involved in Mustard Seed Monday & Friday, to all who work so valiantly to run Fairs, to those who prepare weekly notice sheets and power point presentations, to our cleaners, to those who make sure the altar linen is clean, to our flower arrangers, and those who prepare the Easter and Christmas displays, to all who have responsibility for Letting our premises for external use, to our Treasurer and all those who help count the money weekly, to those who coordinate The Walsingham Cell, The Men’s Fellowship, Mothers Union, The PCC, for all the visiting Ministers who have been absolutely wonderful throughout the year, for the organists we have had to arrange for Funerals and Special Services. We could go on and on. Apologies if someone feels they have been overlooked. That was never the intention.
We are so grateful for all the support and assistance we have received from you.
THANK YOU.
God bless.
Di Graveston & Joan McLean
Churchwardens
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Church worker report 2023
Throughout the year I have taken the morning service at Breaking bread on Tuesdays. I have organised the weekly rota and included myself on the cooks list. I have liaised with Chaucer school to collect a teacher and four pupils during term time to serve the meal, say grace and eat with the service users. We use the church minibus to collect the children and also pick up folk who are otherwise unable to get to there. Approximately 10 people a week attend the Morning Prayer and 25 attend the meal.
I have continued to lead a fabulous team of 7 volunteers to deliver the Mustard Seed Monday night meal at St Peter`s. I have contributed to menu planning each week as well as helping to prepare the meal and serve it. I also interact with the service users each week to check on their wellbeing. I organised a fund raising concert with Carleton Community Choir and band in December and raised £602 for this project. We deliver a three course meal to approximately 35 people a week.
I have done the readings or intersessions once a month at St Davids and twice a month at St Peters. I have organised the rota for duties at St Peter`s Sunday service. I have also carried the crucifix and served communion wine when needed. I have made myself available for any other duties at both Sunday services when required.
I have carried out home visits in the parish and taken holy communion at home when requested.
Throughout the year I have continued to immerse myself in the life of the church and make myself available to support any of the Church`s work where needed.
I continue to manage the Pantry food bank on behalf of Faith in the community.
I have compiled the duty rota for St Peters Sunday service until 25[th] Feb 2024 and for Breaking Bread until 2[nd] April 2024.
I have coached John Eastwood to officiate the Tuesday morning prayer service at St Davids after my contract expires at the end of January 2024.
Phill Clarke
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Parish of St Peter & St David's Fleetwood – Treasurers Report 2023
During the year the duties of Treasurer were undertaken by Maureen Burns. The accounts for the full year (Jan to Dec) have been prepared on behalf of Parish by the Treasurer and have been independently examined by Mr Des Lund.
Overall Summary
We have managed to cover all our normal running costs for both churches.
We have not been able to meet our Parish Share request from the Diocese for the last couple of years so we are accruing a debit. The request for 2023 was £ 38,278 (£58,278 less £20, 000 as we are classed as a lower income Parish). The PCC felt that contributing this amount is beyond our means. That said, we have made regular contributions in line with what the PCC felt we could afford which over the year amounted to £18,000. At the end of 2023 the debit was £37,079 (2022 and 2023).
The Parish Mini Bus value has been depreciated by 10% . The cost of the insurance (£869) and tax (£137) has been met by the charity Faith in the Community as they have been using the Mini Bus on a regular basis.
Our total income looks over and above what we would normally have on an average year. The figures have been inflated for a number of reasons (see below)
Income highlights
Giving - During this extended period of interregnum the number of regular worshipers in both churches has reduced. As a consequence, our regular income giving has reduced from £45,731 (2022) to £33,005 in 2023. These figures are made up from donations coming directly into the bank, in the envelopes and as cash donated during services on the plate. There have been significant reductions across all types of giving, as an example, the weekly plate donations have reduced from £7,937 (2022) to £4,686 in 2023 .
Legacy donations - We were fortunate to receive two legacy donations in 2023 (£47,235 and £5,000).
Gift aid - claims to HMRC had not been done for some time. These are being brought up to date by Liam Burns and we have so far managed to successfully reclaim Gift Aid and GADS which amounted to £14,165.
Parish worker/ Pantry Manager – we received £15,000 from the charity Faith in Community (Pantry) and £10,000 from the Diocese towards the salary pot of the Parish worker/ Pantry Manager. The Parish contributes £5,000. This is managed as a reserved fund within our current account. An outside company (Brambles ) voluntarily calculates and produces a monthly pay statement for this role. As we are the holders of the finances for this role, as Treasurer I then pay the salary due and send off the Tax due to HMRC. All this business is shown on the balance sheets.
Undertaker fees collected – There is a fee payable for all funerals and weddings held. The amount of these fees varies depending on the type of funeral, for example,
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burial in the church yard, burial at Beach Rd or cremation . The fee is also impacted if there is an organist etc… A proportion of these fees has to be sent to the Diocese.
These fees are now coming directly into our bank from the undertakers (£15,246). Please note that this is not all money for the PCC as there are several payments that have to be made from the money, which as Treasurer I have to make. Any money left after I have made these payments stays within Parish funds and contributes to overall running costs.
Reimbursement of Visiting Priests fees – As we are interegnum we have to ask other clergy to cover our scheduled masses. If the clergy providing cover are retired they are entitled to claim a fee per service covered. I can claim any fee we have paid back from the Diocese. A total of £4,824 was reimbursed.
Rents – Revenue from hiring St Davids amounted to £ 4,740 Coffee Group – Revenue from Coffee group activities raised £6,209 Breaking Bread – Revenue was £1,165 Fayres – Summer and Christmas Fayre raised £2,321
Expenses highlighted
Parish Share contribution – £18,000
Utilities
Gas – Slight increase in heating costs £4260 (2022) to £4,362 in 2023 Electric - Slight increase in electric costs £3605 (2022) to £3,956 in 2023 Insurance – cover for both Churches amounted to £4,130
Organist – Currently there is only a regular organist at St Davids so our costs were lower than normal at £2,000
Cleaners/set up - Costs for both churches amounted to £7,080
Walsingham youth costs – These were monies owed to Father John (£2,126) for the Walsingham Youth trip the previous year.
Visiting priests – Expenses amounted to £7,946 for fees paid for celebrating masses and also fees paid for conducting funerals. All these fees are covered by either undertaker fees under income or monies claimed back from the Diocese.
Repairs – A number of repairs last year amounted to £4,070. The largest cost proportion being work undertaken on the roof and gutters.
Bank charges – Our bank (Nat West) introduced charges which amounted to £555.91 last year. The main cost of these is the charge levied for paying in funds. The only bank left in Fleetwood does not provide an account for Charities so we have either to bank via the post office counters or travel out of town to bank directly with Nat West. Either of these options incur charges.
Maureen Burns (Treasurer March 2024)
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Stwtln8Equlty fundsasatend 012022 atWestl01043nii C6F Fthnd Cash In hand1FIowerFurj har Imwwrdse) 33.01&45 75453.75 37&15 I992.27 Ilal West IOJ0137221 31022.fA I3953.30 g,W3.16 88.61 L6%5 Fb* I8114.52 18U14.52 ts8,075.05 .(KX). 4.041.85 L04E.85 88.61 iB4.95 4371.10 18lJ14.S2 krwThtswep3red J[rOLa1rn MrDIiLun 2lTkRpYv 11030227 n.703J6 -25.31 .283 QQL Page 8 of 19
The Parfsh of St Peter &St David. Flee". Gene¥al FUNJ Intomeand expendlture Accountfortheyear endir431 Decembv 2023 INCOME dÈared throu8h banks Jan to i)ec 2021 fjfft Alded planned Èith Other Planned GIn8 Collecttons at seTrkes l other ReCUrringBM/jLtiOnS all nan recurringwlnyjdonations I tax rewvered thruu8h Gllt IGADS. LeÈacie5 ReIVed Income from Grants L7W6.I7 9.0.49 468&1S 1436.29 14165A6 Aal¥ldeslorGtneAtknB Fund5 Gross incomefrom Fund r3attèS l(K)Club Coffee morniw1jan1 Marm313¢k/ 50.50 etc... Summer & Chri5trna5fayre 8rea*ln8 Bread ADwer Fund chrfsrian aid Acon Aid bookof rernembran I.I65.iA) 147.50 196.60 274 20 Dkndends. IntefesL Income Irom Property COIF Inc Dmdend CBF Interest io 161952 PCCStatutory Fee5 li Gross Incomefrom TradinBIOthpr KtNitie5 Bookstall Magazine ftent from thuTchlthurch centrehlre Cand 12 5.n727 11.50 4.740.(V OtheTint(xnins Re50urce5 BBQ equlpment sa Donation from Faith in the Communitv for Mini Bus InsurarKe refund for Mini Bus ta Banns/ bapitism certs RdmbursementotvissthnBwcarfees UndertakeT Fee5£011ectedlstone 13 21353S2 137.0) 227 4,824.(X) 15,246.(K> Re5er¥efunds Parish Pantry worter ContribJtionfrtsm L¥oÈÈ$efUTParhIpats¥r CotttrUtnfr0rn Faith thÈ Q>mmunityforPMh1 Paaknry¥Mxker Reserye FuDd5Mu5thrd Seed thjnatlons L19S.11) DWKJteGrft?klpryrnEnt 4.111.95 TOTAL INCOME Page 9 of 19
The Parth of Sl Peter & St Dtid. Fleetw1. General Fur 2023 C4W Ofaentmi Funts 17 15Q75 Mi&5iorb Gmrnal)ns1od1l1es IChri5tia aidlactm akll Diocesan Parish sre/cOmm Fund pabd 19 ). 34m.96 lknnist deanetsl set up Pari5hl Pantry wtyker1Sahryl Tr41ltaxl Funeral Fee% l or8ani5L verBerlsoundlcremated remvan5 diggerl Exper of clergylstaff. youth worker) Irar5 & WiraraÈeexkn5e5120221 2.IKX).¢X) 7,080.(X) 2L999. 2.930.(N) 21 8JX50 7.946.(I) ms1On & Evangeltsm Projeds pha couse. confirMatrt c.._ waI3Youth Oub Church Runn¢ngexpenses SeThiring & Testi5¥ Insurance 22 1517.23 39123 2,126.LX) 23 17.153.73 7B3.DJ 4.130.42 arni 578.28 2.049.83 316.80 L57Q.64 245.89 1,414.52 Office Expenses lassortedl Photocopier reThtsl Candles. Comnwnion ne.tar bread5 Flo%Ye Mini seThi) Equipment purthases Bank tharBes repayTnentto HMRC tor duplicatÈ8fft aid paymenl repayrwtfor wedding lee overtharRe RSCM thoral mewnbershlp Or88n repair th¥rth UtslityOi115 555.91 4.111.95 127.Lkl 24 193LAO 4,362.44 3,956.30 61136 Electrk WatLY& W45teWater Cost of Tradsn8 8ookstaN Repairs Roof deanir¥ (knlerfvdlld csean. TolkLBOll etc O.(K) 27 4.070.20 3X*6J 1584SS ¥153.62 use of Mustard Seed Ire5eryedl TOTAL EXPEIIDrruRE le55 PayTrvttofAsswMd Fees thatwere due in 2022 and xcounted for in thatyear L525.th) gA628.62 to bLgwln85 ICBFCCiAI 70513.19 Page 10 of 19
Indepwdurt Examlner's Report to the trustees of the Par15h of St Peters and St Davld I report on the accounts for year ended 31 Dember 2023 Re5pecb¥e resp(wlbSlltles of the Trustees and 1ndeThIent Examln•r The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for thls year under Settion 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Actl and that an independent examination is needed. It Is my responsibility to eXam1r the accounts untler Section 145 of the 2011 Act- follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissloners Section 145I5llbl of the 2011 Act,. and stste whett*r partlcular matters have come to my attentlon asls of Independent ExamIne5 ststement My examinath)n was carried out Sn accordance with the General DlrectK)n$ given by the Charity Commiwon. An examination indudes a VIeW of the accounting records kept by the ¢harlty a comparison of the accounts pSeTrted with those records. It also includes consideratK)n of any unusual items or dSsclosures In the accounts. aThl seeklng explanaiions from the management committee conterning any such matters. The proceilures tsken do not provide all the evidènce that wovld be required in a fvll audit. and consequentty l th not express an audit opinion on the accounts. 1tydepnt Examlnerfs statsm•rt In connection with my examination. no matter5 have come to my attentlon which give me 3$Onable cause to beIve that Sn any material respect the requirements to keep accountin8 COrdS in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act,. or to Prepa accounts which accord with these accountln8 records have not been met. or 2. to which. in my oplnlon. attentlon shoul(i be drdwn in order to enable a proper understandin8 of the account to be reached. F)rt .) 3)¥ MrDRLund 21 The Ridgeway Fleeiwood FY7 8AH Page 11 of 19
Mothers Union Report 2023
St. Peter and St. David Mothers Union met for 10 months in 2023, with a break during the summer.
During our AGM, in April 2023, we enrolled, and welcomed Paul into the Branch. Paul had been accompanying Catherine, and getting to know us all better, to our meetings throughout 2022, so, it was lovely to have him join us officially.
Throughout the year we have held quizzes, held a Royal themed meeting, with a red, white and blue raffle, in the week before King Charles coronation, been on minibus trips to Barton Grange just before Easter and Christmas for seasonal shopping, hosted the Indoor members Social, when Mike, a local folk singer and guitarist provided the entertainment, and we finished the year in style with a really fabulous Christmas evening meal at the North Euston Hotel.
I am very pleased, and happy, to say that, following last year’s AGM we have made donations of £100 each to 3 MU charities – Overseas work and projects, Emergency Relief and MU Caravan.
I must thank you all for your continued support at our meetings, buying raffle tickets and 50/50 envelopes, donating raffle prizes and refreshments. It’s so wonderful of you all. A huge, big thank you to all who serve the refreshments and/or wash-up later. It is so
lovely to have willing volunteers.
I am so grateful for you all being you. Thank you all so much. It really is very much appreciated.
God Bless
Di Graveston (Branch Leader)
Electoral Roll Report 2023
I have to report that there are 105 people on the Electoral Roll at March 2024. 72 live within the Parish Boundaries, and 33 outside. This will be on display in both Church buildings from Sunday 10th March 2024. Throughout the year I have removed only those who have sadly died, or who have expressed a wish to no longer be part of this Parish. There are a number still on the Roll whom we have had no contact from for some time. I have left them on for now. However next year is the revision when everyone will have to complete a new form. That will then be the time to tell just how many we really have wishing to be on the Electoral Roll for this Parish.
Thank you
Di Graveston (Electoral Roll Officer 4[th] March 2024)
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Bereavement Report 2023
Throughout the year remembrance cards have been given or delivered to the relatives of the names on the Bereavement Register at the appropriate time. When the group first started, the plan was to give out these cards to relatives for 3 years following the date of loss. At which time there were a number of people undertaking these visits, so, remembrance cards continued to be delivered for longer than the 3 years because they were a comfort to the families. Unfortunately, there is now only 1 person issuing the remembrance cards. So, I have to say that, whilst the remembrance cards will still be delivered, it is now time to call a halt to continuing beyond 3 years from demise. From now on, the remembrance cards will still be delivered at the appropriate time, but, just for 3 years, and then no more. I hope you all understand and appreciate the situation.
Thank you
Di Graveston (Bereavement Group Co-ordinator 4[th] March 2024)
Altar Servers Report 2023
Our small team of dedicated Altar Servers have gallantly coped with all the changes this past year in the interregnum.
We have had to be very flexible as all visiting clergy have their own methods of conducting the services, and our role within them. We can all multi task now! Also we can cover all roles required however many of us are available on any particular day. This includes Crucifer who carries the cross, two acolytes who carry the candles and receive the gifts of bread and wine at the chancel steps, thurifer who deals with the incense when needed, one of us taking up the collection, Serving the priest at the altar for the consecration of the gifts, ringing bells and giving out the wine in the chalice to the congregation at the altar rail. As well as Sunday mornings we also cover funerals when requested, Wednesday and Thursday mornings Baptisms and other special events.
Members of our team and St Peter’s and St David’s, see that the church linen is clean and ready for use each week; that the candles are ordered and replaced in the candle holders for services. We change altar frontals for the church seasons and see that the sanctuary and vicars vestry and clean and tidy.
We all hope to continue our service to the church in the coming year.
Hilary Craig
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Choir Report 2023
David Hall’s departure in December 2022 left the choir with huge decisions to make: with no replacement in sight, were we to sing to CDs? Or, at the other extreme, were we to disband the choir altogether and move to said services?
We decided to opt for singing a cappella under my direction. A huge, but successful decision. Many of the congregation have told us that they can focus more clearly on the words and meaning of the hymns we sing, which are beautifully enhanced by our wonderful acoustic. The organ continues to be played for funerals and each month by experienced local organists, in the hope that we will find a competent organist / choirmaster in the near future.
The highlights of the year must be the Good Friday Mass and the Carol Service. Fr Ron’s comment after the Good Friday Mass, that, in all his years of attending various churches on Good Friday, our worship was second only to that of Westminster Abbey. For the Carol Service we were joined by George Tarry (aged 7) and his mum, Hayley, and by Peter and Claire Cridland, with Ian Whalley on the organ. George and Peter sang solo verses with great confidence and professionalism. We were again joined by the North Fylde Group of Lodges, who provided the delicious mince slices after the service. The congregation, however, was not particularly large – please put the date in your diary early this year and come to enjoy a good sing and a glass of mulled wine and a pastry.
None of this would have been possible without our choir stalwarts: Jan Risely, Pat Stead, Catherine and Paul Tattersall, Barbara Riley, Mary Duck, Carol Swarbrick, Ann McLoughlin and Peter Day. I am hugely grateful to them for their loyalty and commitment, especially to those who have hosted choir practices in their homes, including Ann’s mum, Dorothy Cookson.
Sadly, Peter Day left the choir in October by mutual agreement. Then we hit turbulent waters: Barbara, Ann and Jan have all had to cope with serious medical issues – next year’s report will see us back on calmer seas, I am sure.
A difficult year, therefore, but as we all know: “God is working his purpose out”.
Peter Draper
Musical Director
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Fabric Report 2023
St. David’s
Fence down the left hand side and back stained.
The gutters are about to be or have been cleaned .
The whole electrical system has been checked and the small appliances Pat tested.
The flags to the front have been repaired and pointed.
St. Peter’s
Hopefully the 2 box gutters over the Lady Chapel and the office have been fixed. So we can now get on with decorating and new lino in The Vicars vestry.
Like St David’s the whole electrical system has been tested and the small electrical appliances Pat tested.
Safety spindles have been fixed to the 2 Vicars stalls and the 2 pew ends.
A new microphone has been fixed to the pulpit and 2 new head set microphones have been purchased along with some wind absorbers for the lapel mikes ( @ £3.00 each !) They are essential apparently .
Outside the grounds are looking splendid with all the bulbs purchased over the last couple of years being in full bloom.
Hopefully soon we will have a decision on the 2 rosebeds on the front.
Anyone willing to help with grass cutting and gardening ,please see John Eastwood .
Can I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their help over the last year. You know who you are. Many thanks.
John Eastwood
Fabric Officer
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Laying on of Hands/Healing Ministry Report 2023
Now a Emeritus Status from being a Licensed Lay Minister healing is a word that is ever more prevalent in my life.
Healing, that word stands for eternal life to come, it stands for freedom, it stands for heaven come down to earth lapping up joy and peace, it stands for acceptance, and it stands for passion for the Lord.
I am still consumed with songs and the liturgy words that relate to healing, and on where it is about healing and being healed. In instances such as these we are blessed to have the opportunity to praise God and worship Him and love Him and thank Him for all He gave, continues to and will forever give.
In amongst all of this we have the ultimate of healing, a Baptism drawing us to Himself as ever.
Healing, which we speak about and digest, can happen in so many ways. We know that God can use anything for his good and the good of those He loves.
Perhaps then, all it takes to start healing is to take a deep breath and use our senses to look at the world around us with a curious and softer gaze as God does His work on us.
Our anointed Son of God brought healing to those in weakness and distress; He broke the the power of evil and set us free from sin and death that we might become partakers of His glory. Hard times can be an ideal time to reconnect with, explore, and deepen our spiritual practice.
It has been a privilege in the last year to be of continued service to St David's and St Peters, plus visiting those to administer Laying of Hands/ Healing Ministry.
I know whilst we wait on the Lord for our new priest He will continue to be with us, and never leave us or forsake us.
I continue to pray for the sick dear God, that you may place healing upon them in mind, body and spirit and I ask we focus our thoughts on those we carry in our hearts too now.
Lord in your mercy.......Hear our prayer. Amen
Gloria Birdsall Emeritus Status LLM
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Mustard Seed Report 2023
Mustard Seed Mondays is still going strong with numbers increasing for our Monday night meals. We usually have upwards of 30 people for a 3 course meal and tea or coffee, all free to our guests.
We have had some wonderfully kind people who have donated to us throughout the year. As well as some regular donations from our parishioners, Light Bottles for Charity have supported us again with regular donations amounting to several hundred pounds. Carleton
Choir and Band donated £603 to our cause from their Christmas concert in St Peters especially to raise funds for Mustard Seed.
This means we are in a good position to continue providing "Christs hospitality" to all who wish to come for a meal on a Monday night. This we feel is an important outreach activity for our church. All are welcome as we provide a warm and welcoming place maybe not just for the food but to chat with friends and make new ones.
Mustard Seed Friday have planted thousands of bulbs in our church grounds, repainted the statue of St David on St David’s outside wall, and made many wooden items for sale in their Friday morning woodwork class, both for the Christmas fair and other ongoing events. They also make items to order like bird tables and will refurbish furniture if requested for a small donation. All are very welcome to join in our activities on Mondays and Fridays.
Hilary Craig
Friday Mustard Seed 2023
We carry on with F.M.S. Making all the usual stuff. At the moment we are refurbishing a dolls house. We recently made a hedgehog box and have received an order for another. We have repaired quite a few pieces of furniture this year and have also done some work in St. Peter’s church.
John Eastwood
Men’s Fellowship 2023
We have had a quite successful time this year. Brewery trip, a couple of games nights. A crown green bowling evening and a Christmas get together . In the near future a Steam Train afternoon .
John Eastwood
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Flower Guild Report 2023
Unfortunately, this year for health reasons, Margaret, one of the long-standing members of the flower team had to retire. A card was sent with our best wishes and thanks for the years she has made such an excellent contribution to St Peters arranging flowers on the monthly rota and the team events we worked on throughout the church calendar.
Until a new vicar arrives and with limited funds, our ladies have still continued to provide fresh flower decorations for Easter, Harvest and Christmas, this year, Beryl and John Eastwood set about creating a wonderful stable stand in the arch for a safe and enhancing platform to display the nativity figurines.
Being now such a small team am especially grateful to Jenepher, Maureen and Beryl for all their support and help - also Liam who not only looks an excellent job organising the funds and payments, but is always on hand when we are working in church to make sure we get a much needed hot drink (and is pretty handy washing keeping all the flower containers washed!)
We will next be assembling and decorating church in preparation for Easter day on Saturday 30[th] March.
Barbara Riley
Flower Secretary.
Breaking Bread Annual Report 2023
We have had another successful year at St David’s with friends who have come for lunch most Tuesday’s. We start with Morning Prayer at 11.30am (attendance is voluntary). Lunch of 2 courses is served just after 12 noon for approx. 20 people. Price £4.00
Our volunteer cooks work on a rota of approximately 5 weeks. Sadly, we have said goodbye to two in the last 2 months and would be pleased to welcome another volunteer to help prepare the meal. All expenses are reimbursed from the takings. We are once again grateful for the help we receive from 4 pupils of years 5/6 from Chaucer Road School who help to serve the meals. The interaction between young and old is much appreciated and they sit and eat with us and enjoy a cup of tea over a chat. Our thanks also go out to our volunteers who assist with kitchen tasks and provide transport for some of our older friends.
All profits are paid into the Parish account.
Olwen Hetherington
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St Peter’s & St David’s Coffee Morning Group Annual Report 2023
As in previous years we are still suffering the effects of Covid and it seems reasonable to presume that the situation is unlikely to change anytime soon, accordingly there does not seem much point in reporting fine detail as in previous years e.g. (the various amounts that each individual activity earns, see previous reports) These activities will still continue hopefully thanks to the sterling work of those two dedicated ladies on the bric a brac / book stall (thank you Cheryle and Marillyn). Thankyou to all those who help at coffee mornings including – Jenepher, Patricia, Carol, Pam, Di and Ann.
It has been ascertained that currently, on average, each week yields approximately £100.00. It is of interest to note that in pre covid times the period between Christmas and Easter was our least productive time. No doubt the sale of 50/50 tickets and various raffles throughout the year has had a positive effect.
Unfortunately we are suffering from a chronic shortage of staff on coffee mornings which puts a severe strain on those remaining. We hope and pray for more volunteers even if only for the odd hour or two each week.
We live in hope of better times to come.
DF Stead
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