2025-12-31-accounts

DIOCESE OF ELY

THE ECCLESIASTICAL

PARISH OF

FEN DRAYTON WITH

FENSTANTON

FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS

2025

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

DIOCESE OF ELY – CHARITY NUMBER 1173597

page 1

THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FEN DRAYTON WITH FENSTANTON

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF FEN DRAYTON WITH FENSTANTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

I report on the accounts for the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2025 which are set out on pages 2 to 13.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• Examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 2011 Act);

• To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b))

• To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

• (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respects the requirements - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act: and

• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met.

• (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should the drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

pxgt 2 THE PAROCIILIL CHURCH COLryCIL OF FEN DRAYfoN ThqTH FENI STANTO RECEtWlS PAyI1E￿Ts ACCOUN[ FOR THE YEAR EP*l)ED 31 DECENIBER 2025 2024 TOTAL UNFISIFICIED BESTPJCIED DESIQ4AIED FLThVS PageNo PCCnTa>S 45.915 45.915 3.676 13.178 Ot1￿[l￿(￿ne 150 CutuwmtyFuxKi 35 Bell 4.995 12.783 4.995 63 63 63.588 63.7)6 63.693 63 24.763 Fe￿t￿nToD 28.077 1.40? 28.677 io io stone F￿(rf￿t ? j.365 30.079 30.079 BEQITSTFLryDS 1.000 Fenststt(￿BeqUes¢ 1.38? FeJJ fwollc1￿￿Chi￿d 2.382 io lJ80 1.380 1.380 1.380 14.0?O HO[￿j AI¥D GYM 13.?8j SiTrT)AY 1.5?0 COTrThILT4IY CAFE 119.030 TOTAL RE(TIPTS 121.194 76.978 41.216

THE PAROCHLiL CHURCH COiQ¥4CIL OF FEN DIUYION WTtH FENStLvroN RECEIPTS AND pA￿aL￿Ts ACCOUNT FOR THE TrL4R Ef*T)ED 31 DECLIIBER 2025 7024 TOTAL UThFESTPJCTED ￿$]￿JC￿ED DESIGNAIED PageNo ALLFcCF￿vs GLNT114L FLryD The ch￿ch P&z] . Chutch - War%knp - Cfvb 12J57 486 . TeeDagech[￿Jall5 771 - Cknurch a￿dP￿lS￿￿e￿e5 7.899 45.663 ?.899 45_663 43J?2 Clar￿able Pec A GelletalFwlld Tfall%fer to Cooullw'Fulld 984 CoDll[￿t4 Fuod Béu Fwd 70 70 66.096 64. 64.768 RESFOE4llON.LND REF.4tRFU￿s c￿￿tt FellDraittoL Cburoh H￿t0￿C EllglandGThat 10.645 BEQ[￿s[EL￿￿S i J?0 HOLISE L%D CYM 566 566 FLO71￿R5 SiryDAY CLIT 94JO? TOTAL 91,684 ?4•98 ryET RECEIPTS 29,511 li 17,866 FLryD B￿NCE$AT I JL)ITARY 300.677 1?6.074 118.690 JTrOffj77 FLryD BALL)(IS.4T 31 DECEYBER 33fr,187 137,718

ge4 RECEIVfS AND PAYMENfs ACCOLT. II FOR THE TrTARENDED 31 DECEMBER2025 2024 CLNTIL4L FL74D 4.f61 Pl3tecoUecb( PIatecolleCts￿ Iie51ncted) 32.962 Plth giw(e￿r1QyS atKlpfi ald) 8.923 T￿ree￿￿ed￿c4ThUk7￿trd A149 6.149 31,054 &694 31.054 8.09! 40.549 45.915 45.91) FUlld.rn5jDg￿ll￿S 3.417 WthB 2td kne531 fres 4.549 4.549 3.676 4.995 4.99) 181 (xhet Re￿pts l.l?5 Fell¥3a￿ Chwth E**e-rentof 6ela 1.307 T￿￿ &JdBequess Jllt¢Y 10.505 itttiitd 373 373 1.457 9_L?9 1.457 9.829 12.783 150 C(XllU]￿tyFU￿ITr￿Dsf￿trtd fU￿Gy) Bell Fw 35 BtllFuLd[k￿aty(n)s Bell Fulld IDtere5t re(￿l￿a 63 35 03 63.588 TOTALRECEJP 03.756 63.693 63

page 5 THE PAROCHtAL CHURCH COUNCIL OFTrEN DRAYfoyi TrTNSTANfoN RECEipfs AND PAYMEINryS ACCOt]Nf FOR THE YEAR ￿￿1)ED 31 DECEMBER2025 2024 Cbwthauts Panth .CkntthbuiJ eal Jigbt. 3.120 5.384 5.384 2.591 953 953 701 . WLYthp 219 1.805 271 l j 9%5 14 316 1.970 ."4"Jc3e5 l(utlldetBY 1.033 1.192 074 1.033 546 +FU￿.￿s11}ge0StS 674 7.899 43.322 45.063 45.663 4).663 45.063 1.855 ClL2noble￿￿7llg &LwPCC fim lio GtLeralFuthlTraLsfrrtycth￿￿mryF￿thI 1.820 1.820 1.8?0 70 70 70 70 123 06.?15 TOTALPAIIIENrs 61.891 61.768 1?3 12.626) NET RECFIPTS 11.075} (001 79.479 FLryD&4L41%(fSAT I J￿￿TARy 09.853 66.094 3.057 779 69.853 FLryDB￿￿ AI 31 DECLIIBER 68.718 61.￿9 7.997 77?

page 6 PARISH CHtryiCH OF ST. PETEIL & ST. PAti, FEl¥4STANfoN RECEIPTS PAYMEhTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEARENDED 31 DECEMBER2025 ?0)4 TOTAL UNRESTRLCtED RESTRICTÈD DE51GNAIED ]rESToRATIO￿ FLTh71 24.228 Fulld-14]5]DgeNpllt5 House kn Hwse collectso Rest(fdtioll Boxe&Wo11 S8ftht¢i Plallned T￿receI￿redibroUEb aid Twst loconJt Illteiest receiiEd CB300 meti￿lIal Or¥dnRefvrbislunent TOTAL RECEtpr5 28.106 28.106 338 386 45 140 45 197 24,763 28.677 28.677 7.163 Furtd-ia]S]tsg¢osis OrwiRtfiwb151llnent C05ts CB300 MeD￿n￿l C05t& ChtsrchRePa￿ICIth￿cel Tepg]rwtrk TOTAL PAIThrfENFS 8.673 8.673 3.547 6.467 6.467 15.140 14.053 T REcETrTsIIPAY￿1E￿1T$) 55.833 FtTrl) BAL4NeES AT I lA￿￿ARy 69.886 26.602 43.284 69.8S6 FUf4D BAL￿NcES AT31 DECLMBER E3.473 40.140 43.7E4 2023 TOTAL iJNRESTRIcfED RESIRtClED DESIGWATED BEQUEST FLTh DonAlirALS rlltere4treceiiEd TOTALRECEtPTS 1.000 PAITrIENTg N0hctb￿rd TOTAL PATrNEfi15 T FECEIPTS1(PAVIEhTS) FUNI) BALANCES AT I JANLARY BALAI¥CES AT 31 DECENIBER 41.295

p*ge 7 PARtSH CH[￿CH OF ST. PETEIL & ST. PAi￿, FENSTLYtoN RE(EIPIS PATh￿￿Ts ACCOlJWt FOR]HE Y￿￿Er1DED 31 DECEMBER 2025 2024 TOTAL UNRESTRICIED RESTRIcfED DESIGNATED HOLSE & GYM RECEIprs 13.500 12.375 910 910 14.0?0 13.?B5 cBFCburchofEll8kDdlni￿S￿￿tFu￿d TOTAL RECEIPTS 1.485 M8lla8ementfees G)Th Costs 758 140 140 140 140 7.557 T0TALPATrThq￿S 566 566 11.463 NET RECEtPTS 12.719 48.587 FUNDBALINCESAT I JANUARY 6ts.050 fA),OSO OPENft4GBJlknlNCE TRANSFER 60.050 FUNDBALINCESAT 31 DECEMBEk 72 769 72.769

p#gtr 8 PARISH CItCliCH OF ST. PETEIL & ST. PAUL. FENSTAD*ryOP4 RECEIPTS AND PATrTrIEJTS ACCOUNT FOR THE TrTAR ETr4DED 31 DECE.MBER 2025 2024 TOTAL U￿STRICTED RESIRI(1ED DESIGNATED cOMhlbl￿y CAFÉ 1.520 Gr4Dt& re￿7 TOTAL RECEIEyrs 1.5?0 PAYMENrs sm￿h8$e$ TOTAL PAYNIENrs 7.550 (1.029) T REcEIPTsI￿AYIfEhYS) FLryD BAL￿%(￿$ AT I JknI'ARY FLIW BALL)CES AT 31 DECEIIBER 483 483 483 483 483 FLOThTR FLry Donkl]OAS TOTAL RECEIESTS PAYMENrs P￿baSe5 TOTAL PAITrIENfs 91 Tr4￿T REcEIPTsI￿AY￿￿￿Ys> NET PIcEIPTSIIPA￿IElYrS) BAL.&%CES AT I J.4)IT.4RY LND BAuriCÈ5 AT 31 DECEMBER SLhTIAY CLL'B RECEtPTS DottatllX15 Grntg receiied TOTALRECEIvf5 PAITrIENrs pL￿(base5 TOTALPAITrIEtrITS f4ET RECEIPT51{PAy￿E￿[S) FLThD BAL￿NcES AT I JAhlTARY D BAL￿NCEs AT 31 DECEMBER

page 9 PAIUSH CHLtRCH OF ST. PETEIL & ST. PAW TrEP*3TANroN RECEIFfs AI¥D PAYMENTS ACCoU￿T FOR THE TrIAR LryDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 2024 TOTAL CHLRCH CENTRE FLTrT> 8.306 3.465 40 8.284 3.708 8284 3.708 H8ll. ¢awAlknthgs KeyDystts ?83 60 gtTest 6?? 80 80 343 12.694 603 1.091 896 803 803 714 BTowJb?￿d9bOnt 742 742 439 Wiiw &Sew'erdge CieAtter..Wtydrns'5 391 391 2.085 4.193 285 2.282 L?0 2.282 820 CieAtttygMatemLs 412 412 50 150 150 43 45 45 2.lY)O 31 ￿thI%e5 2.459 2.459 9.767 9.767 Deve]DP￿tt0Sts TOTALPAITrIENrs 9.767 9.767 2.927 2.927 71.775 FUN￿BAL￿NcE5AT I JATqUARY OPENnqGBALINCE TRANSFER ?1.393 FiNDBJULWCESAT 31 DECEMBER ?4.-1?0 )4.320

10 PARISH CELIiCH OF ST. MARY TEE FEN DRATrTON RECEIPTS AND PAYME￿￿$ ACCOiryT FOR THE YEAR EJNDED JI DECENIBER 2024 2024 roTAL LTh￿T￿LIED RESTRICTED DESIGNATED EL￿D 5th) ¢DlltcbopsJ15tTrXY5 29 602 TOTALRECEIPTS J.402 65 0fr7 ET FICEIPTW(PAIThIEYt51 1.402 1,49Z 5.408 FLThDB.4LANCESAfAJANLARV 5.408 5.408 6.075 FLI41>￿LANcL5￿TJlDEcE￿IBER 0.810 2024 TOTAL UNRFSTRtCTED RESTRICTED DES]GNATED ESToRICEN￿YDCR￿Nr TOTALRECEWS TOTALPAYhlENTS NET REtEIPT*TrAMIENT• FLThITrB.4LthCESAT I I.￿¥UAR}. FLI%TBAL415CE5 AT31 DECE)fBER 19581 953 95S 958 2024 TOTAL UNRESTrICTED RESTRICIED DESIGNAIED TOTALRECETrTS lJ20 TOTALPATrIqE1￿tS IJ82 NETREcEWWAy%IEI￿) FtThl>BAL414CESAT l JkNtTARY FLThIIBAL4liCESAT31DECEMBER

page 11 PAROClItAL CHLTICH COUTr*CIL OF FEN DRAYTOY IIryTH FLYSTA￿￿or1 STATEMEIST OFASSETSAND t14BtLfiIES AT 31 DECEMBER 2025 2024 TOTAL UNRESIRICIED RESTRICTED DESIGNATED ]NVESIMENrs CBF Chutcb of EDglalld Fulld ltttowe Sb2res- 8t CBF ixluatii M&G Diilldfrnd Fwjd 160W Ste[1￿B Class ANet IDCOJDe Sha 21.291 22.798 8.338 9.4 NOTE CBF fllve&tJDellt Fuod sbrn are at the￿PUrChasepnce of&6CW JD the D￿￿th)Y StateD￿ of NOTE ShaTe5 are at a Naiuatson of £9.400 ￿ the molllbi)'5tate]Delll oftuDds MONJ ETARY A5SE73 Bank Cutterti A¢couttt {Jo]or) BeJ& Cwrtnt Account IFell DrA)¢onl BBnk Currellt Accouot {ch￿￿h Celltre) Bank C￿Tellt Accouut Fpll5t3Dtoll Bank lllltre51.beanLp A¢cowJis BPA BF Dep￿41t Accounts Fe05t￿t0￿ CBF Depo￿TA£cOunt5 (FellDt3)ton} 521 8.707 9.417 21.193 5.092 24.370 5.014 76.861 5.014 76.861 55.402 16.49? 43.284 )).047 6.$5! 99.953 330.445 139 99? OTHERASSETS rtropety4lld C￿tents- Churcb Celltre Aiid 010 Sets￿1 Hwse . (see notes DEBTORS Sllndrydeb￿ PTepayDents 50 Ctswch Field RellipyepAJd Cburch Celltre Eleclriuty& G85 Tax lefi￿d frL￿￿Jll)aUdReTre￿lle Cbweh Cetttse reLIS 489 539 eh Cetttre Ele￿tt￿ty& Gas Chwch Ejeetncity Watei & gewetaBe

page 12

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF FEN DRAYTON WITH FENSTANTON

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

These notes should be read in conjunction with the attached financial statements.

• 1 The Accounts have been prepared on a ‘Receipts and Payments’ basis. Statements headed ‘Receipts and Payments’ are a factual summary of the money received and paid during the year

The ‘Statement of Assets and Liabilities’ is a list of sigmificant possessions and outstanding financial obligations as at the end of the year

• 2 Accounting Policies

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 using the Receipts and Payments basis.

3 Funds

The General, Church Centre and Bequest Funds are funds of the PCC that are not subject to any special restrictions regarding their use (exceppt where indicated) and are available to the general purposes of the PCC. These may include funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC. The Restoration Funds are funds (with the exception of designated funds) raised for specific purposes and are not available for the general purposes of the PCC.

• 4 The Accounts include monetary transactions, asstes and liabilities for which the PCC can be held responsible. They do not include the Accounts of othe Church groups that owe affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.

• 5 Subject to the above, receipts and payments include income as received and expenditure when irrevocably paid.

• 6 Statement of Assets and Liabilities

The following assets are recognised but not valued in the Statement of Assets ans Liabilities:

-Movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal

-Land and buildings held by or on behalf of the PCC.

-Other fixtures, fittings and equipment where the PCC is free to pispose of such assets without a faculty

-Any other amounts owing to the PCC but not specified.

Investments in CBF Church of England Investment Fund Income Shares and M&G Dividend Fund Shares

Closing bank balances as shown in the Receipts and Payments Accounts

The following liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

-Creditors for goods and services only where the supply has been received and invoiced by 31 December

page 13

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF FEN DRAYTON WITH FENSTANTON

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

7 Insurance

The PCC has insured the properties for which they are responsible for the following values:

	£’000
Fenstanton Church – nave, tower and east window and chancel	13,329
Fenstanton Church – contents	322
Fen Drayton Church – buildings	6,652
Fen Drayton Church – contents	136
The Church Center – buildings	948
The Church Center – contents	54
The Old School House – buildings	1000
The Old School House – contents	5
Public liability insuance	10,000

8 Trust and Bequest Income

The Receipts and Payments Accounts show income from trusts and bequests set up in favour of the PCC and administered by other bodies: the PCC has no access to the capital.

One of the bequests provides income solely for the maintenance of the fabric of Fenstanton church and another for the maintenance of the Fen Drayton Churchyard. The income from another bequest and a trust is unrestricted once occasional payments have been made for the maintenance of a family grave.

9 General Fund

The PCC’s General Fund benefits from income from The Fenstanton Church Estate, derived from a parcel of land let on an agricultural tenancy.

10 Special Collections for Charity

In addition to funds donated by the PCC to charity, a sum of £5237 was raised by special collections and sent to selected chariries.

Christine Hyde Honorary Treasure – Fenstanton Parish Church 4 Sumerling Way Bluntisham Huntingdon PE28 3XT

The eccleciastical parish of Fen Drayton with Fenstanton

Charity number 1173597

St Mary’s, Fen Drayton, CB24 4SG St Peter & St Paul, Fenstanton, PE28 9JS

Address for correspondence:

The Vicarage, 16 Church Street, Fenstanton, PE28 9JL

Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2025

Incumbent : The Vicarage 16 Church Street Fenstanton PE28 9JL

The Reverend Rosie Tallowin

Bankers:

Barclays Bank, Market Hill, Huntingdon, and also Leicester LE87 2BB.

Independ Examiner: Mr Ray King-Underwood

Our website: www.fenchurches.org.uk

The ecclesiastical parish of Fen Drayton with Fenstanton Charity Number: 1173597

The Parochial Church Council of Fen Drayton with Fenstanton Annual Report For the year ended 31[st] December 2025

Aim and Purpose

Fen Drayton with Fenstanton Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, Rev Rosie Tallowin, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is responsible for the administration of the necessary funds of both its churches, St Mary’s (Chapel of Ease) and St Peter & St Paul (Parish Church), and Fenstanton Church Centre. Our mission statement calls us: “To grow and develop our Christian faith in our community.” Further, the Diocese of Ely requires us to pray to be generous and visible people of Jesus Christ.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship with us and to become part of our benefice community, one parish with two churches. When planning our activities, the PCC has considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, and in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. We try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish family.

The PCC has sought to engage with those who seek to grow in faith, deepen their discipleship, as well as those who are spiritual explorers. Both churches offer a warm welcome to anyone who wishes to worship with us regardless of gender or ability, and where they are on their journey of faith. In this way the PCC has sought to take seriously their responsibility as Trustees so that the public may benefit from connecting with the benefice and be part of our worshipping community.

We provide opportunities to worship with us via an online presence as well as a ‘Worship At Home’ booklet so that everyone may feel included in our worship and prayers, being mindful of those with concerns due to their vulnerability of health and mobility. We provide a weekly-ish newsletter with an opportunity not just to share news but also to request prayer, as well as intercessory prayer for others and the needs of the world.

The PCC thanks all those involved in the production, printing and delivery of the booklets and newsletter. This has become a vital part of our ministry to our community, locally and beyond, including our churches, deanery and diocese. We give thanks for Harry Hucklesby, who continues to provide an excellent livestream for all the weeks he is available.

Thursday Morning Prayer continues to meet on Zoom and has a good weekly attendance, including those beyond the parochial boundaries. The Parish was able to provide several services of Holy Communion at the Church Centre, for those who wished to attend, followed by a soup and sandwich lunch, or a sandwich and cake depending on when the service was held. It is acknowledged that for some of our church members who live their own, a shared meal together is important to try to prevent isolation. Planned social and other events for 2025 were well supported by the local community, giving opportunities for mission and outreach, working ecumenically and raising funds for vital repair work to the church buildings, and the church organ in the parish church, Fenstanton.

Our people resources include our Rector Rev Rosie, our curate Rev Claire, our LLM Niki and our ALM for Children & Families Caroline. Many of us were able to join Rev Claire at Ely Cathedral for her priesting, on

28 June 2025, and to gather at the parish church, the following day, for the Patronal Festival where Rev Claire presided for the first time at the communion service.

Not only has the benefice enjoyed a year of being able to share people resources for ministry and worship, the PCC is also aware that we are very fortunate to have two committed churchwardens who give up so much time for our benefice, as well as a treasurer, supported by our assistant treasurer. Whilst these are key roles in the life of the church, the PCC is always thankful for the gifts and skills of all those who give support and offer their time in many ways.

Rev Rosie Tallowin, Rector

Safeguarding Report 2025

Safeguarding remains a central priority in the life of the parish, and I continue to oversee safeguarding practice to ensure that our policies, procedures, and training requirements are maintained to a high standard in line with Church of England guidance.

During the year, there have been a small number of minor safeguarding concerns. These were addressed appropriately at the time and did not require any further action. I am grateful to those who brought these matters forward, as this reflects a healthy safeguarding culture in which people feel able to raise concerns and where they are taken seriously and handled proportionately.

I also need to report that there was a data breach during the year. This was managed in accordance with diocesan guidance, with appropriate steps taken to address the situation and minimise any risk. The incident has served as a helpful reminder of the importance of vigilance in handling personal information, and I will continue to emphasise good practice in this area.

The PCC has reviewed key safeguarding policies, including the Parish Safeguarding Policy, ensuring that these remain up to date. These reviews have been recorded on the Parish Dashboard, which has consistently been kept fully up to date, demonstrating our compliance and good governance.

Attention has also been given to risk assessment, particularly in relation to Sunday Club and Fen Youth. Updated Risk Assessments have been completed, helping to ensure that these ministries continue to provide safe and supportive environments for children and young people and those who lead them.

Training continues to be an important focus. I regularly monitor the Parish Hub to track the safeguarding training status of PCC members and others in relevant roles. Where training is due for renewal, I contact individuals directly and offer support where needed, so that everyone remains appropriately trained and confident in safeguarding matters.

I am encouraged by the parish’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding and by the support of the PCC in this work. My thanks go to all those who contribute, whether through policy review, risk assessment, or maintaining their training, with particular thanks to Julia Mitchell for her work in undertaking DBS checking. Together, we continue to ensure that our churches are safe and welcoming places for all. Sue Mackellar PSO for Fen Drayton with Fenstanton

Electoral Roll Officer’s report to APCM, April 2026

The 2026 Revision of the Electoral Roll, as required by Church Representation Rules, is now complete. The roll contains 107 names, in contrast to the 94 on the then completely new roll prepared for the annual

meeting in May 2025. Two of the 94 were young people looking towards their 16th birthdays, which have now been attained, so they have become full voting members.

(The revised roll will be used for our annual meeting in April and (as further revised annually thereafter and from time to time as otherwise necessary) until 2031, when a completely new roll will be required once more.)

The parish is invited to note that, even though we often include narrative on the electoral roll in the annual report, the Electoral Roll Officer’s report is technically separate. This is because, whereas the annual report covers the parish’s activities during the calendar year (2025 this time), the ERO report covers the period between Annual Parochial Church Meetings (in this case May 2025 to April 2026).

Mercifully, in the past year, we have lost no one from the parish roll through death or through moving from the parish. Joyfully, we have been able to add 13 names to the roll, four of whom have lived in the parish for some time and had previously been electors but had missed last year’s opportunity to be included in the new roll. The other nine are new to the parish, the church family or both. That is very encouraging and we welcome them all with heartfelt thanks.

Having exceeded the 101-name threshold, we are once again entitled to elect four members (instead of currently three) each year to the parochial church council– a total of 12 members chosen to serve in addition to those who are on the council by virtue of their offices as clergy, other ministers, churchwardens or synod members.

As required by canon law, I have duly reported the results of this revision to the Diocese of Ely. Ian MacKellar, Electoral Roll Officer, March 2026

Fabric, goods and ornaments of the churches 2025

The two churches in the Parish are listed buildings dating mainly from the 14th and 15th centuries. The Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, Fenstanton, is listed as Grade I under the Historic England asset register while the Church of St Mary's, Fen Drayton, is listed as Grade II*. St Mary's was added to the Heritage-at-Risk register in 2019 due to its generally poor structural condition. Both churches continued in use for regular worship during 2025. The Parish Church is set in a ‘closed’ churchyard which is maintained by Fenstanton Parish Council with an area where cremated remains can be buried. St Mary’s churchyard is open for burials and interment of cremated remains.

In addition, the PCC owns the Church Centre and adjoining Old School House and Old Gym building located in School Lane near the Parish Church as well as a 14-acre field located adjacent to Conington Road.

The Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, Fenstanton

Structural movement issues that have been affecting the northwest corner of the church since 2022 remain unresolved. As a result of further falls of plaster and debris mainly in the tower arch area, the decision was taken to screen off the area under the arch as a safety precaution and not to allow extended periods of bellringing (quarter peels or longer) for the time being. Slight movement of the central window arch headstone in the North aisle was also noted and, as a precautionary measure, timber propping of the window arch was installed. On advice from the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) who visited the church in early December, it was decided to continue monitoring the structural movement in the expectation that conditions causing the movement will, eventually, stabilise. It was also decided to remove loose plaster and debris from affected areas to forestall unexpected further falls and a ‘List B’ Faculty approval has been obtained for this work on the proviso that once settlement issues have been resolved the affected areas will be re-rendered and re-painted.

For some time the pipe organ in the Parish Church has been giving trouble from a leaking great manual air chest and unreliable key and coupler action requiring frequent intervention by the organist. It was therefore decided to accept an offer by Pipe Organ Services who maintain the organ to carry out a major refurbishment involving rebuilding of the air chests and updating the key and coupler actions. The work was ongoing at the end of the reporting period.

Replacement of the radiant heater elements in the nave overhead heaters was carried out by an in-house working party following acquisition of a scaffold tower to facilitate safe access. A further section of the cremated remains area in the churchyard was cleared to allow for further interments. Routine maintenance and minor repairs were also carried out including regular gutter cleaning. Review and checking of the Church Inventory has revealed that there have been no significant changes to the goods and ornaments of the Parish Church. Copies of the updated inventory and church maintenance log are available on request.

St Mary's, Fen Drayton

The Quinquennial Inspection (QI) for St Mary's was carried out in April 2025. As expected, the QI report confirms that the Church is in a very poor state of repair with many items needing urgent attention. The chancel has remained cordoned off due to the risk of falls of plaster moulding from the ceiling and the Church has remained locked apart from during regular Church services which continued to be held fortnightly in the nave.

Some rechargeable heated pew cushions obtained at the end of 2024 have proved effective in providing some comfort for congregants attending services in cold weather. There were some issues with the battery recharging equipment but these have finally been resolved. With encouragement from the DAC we are also reviving proposals obtained two years previously for a permanent radiant heating system to be installed in the nave within the capacity of the existing power supply.

Relocation of old headstones in the area in the churchyard assigned for further burials under the faculty obtained in October 2024 was completed and the first burials in the new area have taken place. Routine maintenance and minor repairs were also carried out including regular gutter cleaning, repairs to the churchyard storage shed, etc,

Review and updating of the church inventory have revealed that there have been no significant changes to the goods and ornaments of St. Mary's. A copy of the updated inventory is available on request.

We are indebted to the volunteers who give their time to maintaining the churchyard at St Mary’s as a fit and proper resting place for the deceased and for the work given freely in maintaining the fabric of both churches in the benefice.

Archdeacon’s Church Visit

The Churchwardens were honoured to host a formal Church Visit by the Archdeacon and Rural Dean on 5 June. The Archdeacon was encouraging about our efforts to resolve the structural movement issues with the Parish Church. He also suggested some minor improvements to highlight and improve access issues in the Parish Church which have since been implemented as well as advising on policy documents that needed to be in place for good governance. Regarding St Mary's Fen Drayton, apart from endorsing the community engagement initiatives that are under way, the Archdeacon thought that it should be possible to open the Church to the public with suitable safety precautions and subject to no objection by the Church insurer. We expect this will happen early in 2026.

Philip Blunt, Churchwarden and Chair of the Fabric Committee

Finance Report 2025

Well, here I am again in my office writing my Annual Report. I know I keep saying it but once again the Parish has had a very busy year. There have been several fund-raising events during the year for the Parish Church together with our nominated Charity Arthur Rank Hospice. In my report last year, I asked the question could we beat the total we raised for Operation Smile. You will find the answer below! Once again, we have paid our Ministry Share in full, a total of £45663 across the Parish. We should be very proud, and I thank everyone who continue to support both Churches in whatever way they can.

As at 31[st] December 2025 there were 32 people across the Parish on the Parish Giving Scheme and 13 giving by regular Standing Order from their Bank. A good number of givers link their giving to Inflation which really helps as our Ministry Share has increased by 4% for 2026. Other costs have increased also. The total amount of Giving across the Parish in 2025 was £45915. This was slightly down on 2024. This is due to some givers reducing their giving or moving away. On a positive note, the Treasurer did deliver a talk on Giving to both Congregations across 2 Sundays in September. Happily, this resulted in net increases on Giving of £298 per month with effect from December 2025.

It was decided to purchase a Card Reader for St Marys Church to make it easier for people to give in St Marys. This has proved an asset immediately. The Card Reader in the Parish Church is used regularly and the handheld Sum-Up card reader is mostly used at Fund Raising Events.

There were some wonderful events held during the year which raised monies for the Parish Church and also St Marys held a Gift Day. This resulted in a net increase in the Restoration Fund of St Marys of £1402. The highlight of the year has to be Booze in Fenstanton Pews which was held in June with lovely sunny skies. A lot of work and effort goes into this event, but it resulted in a healthy net profit for the Restoration fund. A huge Thank You to everyone involved. Other events were Sing for your Supper, Church Full of Art, Pimm’s and Pate and the Mulled Wine evening. The Church was also involved in the VE Day celebrations, The Village Fun Day and the new event at the end of November with the Christmas market and Lights switch on. In my last report I asked the question, could we beat the increase of income into the Fenstanton Parish Church Restoration Fund? Well, we did. The net increase was £13538, how incredible is that! The monies will be used towards more work on the subsidence in the Parish Church plus the final work on the Church Organ. At the time of writing there are plans to have Open Gardens in St Marys together with A Church full of Art in St Marys during May.

Our Charity of the Year was Arthur Rank Hospice and yes, we did beat last year’s total that we sent to Operation Smile sending £3579.60 to Arthur Rank. This came from fund raising lunches, donations and raffles. A great result for which Arthur Rank were extremely grateful. We continue to support Aquaid on a monthly basis. Our total monies sent to Charities was £7076.95, a great result. Can we beat that this year!!!??

The Finance committee met regularly throughout the Year. The Agendas were always full, with lots of discussions taking place. My thanks to Philip Blunt who takes the notes and produces minutes very promptly! One of the main issues during the year was the frustration of trying to get a new Smart Meter installed in the Churches.! Several engineers attended but they were not qualified to fit the type of meter we need!! At the time of writing, it still has not happened. Watch this space!

Our decision to relieve Maxine Lester of the management of the Old School House has resulted in an increase in the Net Receipts from £11463 to £12719. The property has been inspected in November and more recently in January by myself and Debs Hunt.

In my report last year, I talked about the possibility of a new Accounts Package. As yet I have not made it happen . To be honest the current system is working well using the Receipts and Payments System on Bank Genie. Thanks to Harry Hucklesby who has ensured that the Gift Aid system and PAYE is now on the Church Laptop and not on my personal laptop. This will make my life a lot easier.

At the time of writing the Year End Accounts have been finalised and Audited. My huge thanks to Ray KingUnderwood for his continued support for the Parish. I am very grateful for his love and support for me and the constant cups of tea when I meet with him!

Thank you to Julia who supports me by doing the Banking and counting monies, also Keith who assists when Julia is away. Thank you both so much.

Finally Thank You to Ian Hucklesby for his support and efficiency, and also always being on the end of the phone!

Thank You to everyone in the Parish for your continued support. Christine Hyde, Treasurer, Fen Drayton with Fenstanton PCC

Reserves Policy

The Reserves Policy was introduced at APCM 2022, setting out the principles of accountability, transparency and good stewardship.

Policy : It is the policy of this PCC to hold in reserve the equivalent of six months’ general running costs for each church. It is the policy of this PCC to hold an amount of £100,000 for each church for building works that are to be undertaken in the next two to three years. This policy will be included in the accounts for each financial year reviewed annually.

Deanery Synod report 2025

Huntingdon Deanery Synod met three times during 2025, in February, June and October.

The February meeting focused strongly on safeguarding, with a detailed presentation from the diocesan safeguarding team. Members were reminded that safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone in the Church and that PCCs, as charity trustees, must ensure appropriate structures, training and reporting are in place. The synod discussed the possibility of developing a deanery-level safeguarding resource to support parishes, recognising that some struggle to meet requirements on their own. It was agreed to explore this further following an audit of parish needs. Financially, the deanery was congratulated on having paid its ministry share in full for 2024, though concerns were raised about pressures in future years. In June, synod reflected on the 400th anniversary of Little Gidding, considering themes of prayer, rest and renewal, and encouraging members to take these insights back to their parishes. Updates were received from the deanery working groups, which continued to explore mutual support between parishes, ministry sustainability, children and families work, and the fairer distribution of ministry share. Succession planning emerged as an increasingly urgent issue, with several key deanery officers nearing the end of their terms. Ongoing financial challenges were again noted, alongside practical initiatives such as contactless giving. The October meeting heard a substantial presentation on the Leightonstone Churches, illustrating how streamlined governance and collaborative ministry can support mission, safeguarding and administration in rural multi-parish benefices. Synod also learned about the work of 221 Divorce Support, highlighting the pastoral needs of those affected by marital breakdown. By the end of the year, financial pressures had intensified, with a significant shortfall in ministry share forecast, and synod continued to stress the importance of mutual support, prayer and shared responsibility across the deanery.

Ian Mackellar on behalf of Fen Drayton with Fenstanton Deanery Synod Representatives

Children and Families Group report 2025

Another full and active year to report on. At Fenstanton we have continue to offer Sunday Club (SC) twice a month and pew activities at the services where all ages stay together for worship. On a SC Sunday, we begin all together in the service introducing the theme and return later for communion and share what we have been doing. This promotes interest and community across all ages and further conversations can take place over refreshments. This pattern ensures each week that there are always age appropriate activities for children and young people to engage in, to learn more about Bible readings and explore matters of faith for themselves. Numbers attending SC have decreased through the year.

We held an informal pancake party for the parish at the start of Lent and 44 people enjoyed time together over a savoury buffet and pancakes afterwards.

During 2025 seven child baptisms took place within the benefice. Most of these took place in the spring summer months and so a new initiative was tried to invite families to at Harvest. (and not have a big gap until Christmas when traditionally an invitation to Advent and Christmas events would be delivered) The event was a Teddy Bear’s picnic in church with time to share a story (Feeding the 5,000) activities/crafts and a simple picnic for the children and tea and cake for the grown-ups. 11 children and 8 carers attended. They were given an invitation to our Harvest Festival and the collection for the Food bank which some were able to support.

On Palm Sunday, a ‘Hosanna to Hallelujah’ afternoon was held in Fenstanton church with activities relating to Holy Week shared. Numbers attending were small but those hosting thought it had a nice atmosphere and it was good to spend time together. On Saturday of Holy Week ‘Spiritual spaces’ were offered and a couple of families dropped in nearer lunchtime to try the activities offered.

Our annual Good Friday Walk of Witness following a short act of worship at St Mary’s brought together people of all ages to remember Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. Carrying a large black wooden cross the walking route took in playing parks and fields and some streets in both villages. 16 people walked and in Fenstanton a family joined our group at the back for a while and the Mum answered the child’s questions about what we were doing. A simple bare cross made from the stem of last year’s church Christmas tree was erected outside the parish church for Good Friday. On Easter morning, it was bought to life, resurrected by the addition of homemade knitted/crochet flowers, standing as a symbol of resurrection and new life, visible to all who passed by at Easter and for weeks afterwards.

As a church, we have also hosted Fenstanton and Hilton primary school community at Harvest and Christmas and the pre-school children made egg box poppies with Laura Housego that were on display in Fenstanton church porch for the Remembrance season. Children in years 1 and 2 also visited Fenstanton church separately to explore the Spiritual space.

With a new Squirrel pack meeting in Fen Drayton we took the opportunity to share with them about Harvest at one of their sessions. They too collected for the Foodbank and were invited to Harvest Festival and many came along with their parents etc. Remembrance Day soon followed and all the Uniformed organisations were invite to a service in Fenstanton church with representatives from Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and (attending for the first time) Squirrels all taking part in some way.

Another new initiative took place on All Hallow’s Eve when a stall was erected at the church gates in Fenstanton offering free hot chocolate to all out ‘Trick or treating” and a glow stick with a simple message attached “Let your Light shine”. The evening weather was kind and 52 children, 61 adults and 3 dogs all stopped to see what we were offering and very positive comments received including asking us to repeat next year!

In advent two SC sessions helped prepare the church displays on the O antiphons and as usual the season continued with the busyness of the travelling crib, Christingle, Giving a gift service, Christmas Crunch and two Crib, carol and Nativity services with children attending in both St Mary’s and the parish church. One family with 4 children in Fen Drayton also joined worship in St Mary’s on Christmas morning.

During 2025 Katie has continued to attend St Ives Hub, (held in Ramsey) a termly gathering for children and families’ workers (paid or voluntary) in the diocese. The hub offers time to reflect on good practice, explore new ideas, offers mutual support, encouragement and offer a space for leaders to refresh, refuel and pray together and for each other. A new Huntingdon chapter is planned for 2026.

Fen Youth has continued to meet on the 3[rd] Friday of the month for two and a half hours. The session includes a meal with usually around 10/11 young people attending. After sharing a meal, the evenings continue with a mixture of bible reading, prayer, games, quieter more reflective activities and craft. It has been good to see relationships build within the group. The sessions are led by at least 3 adults from the CFG team: Kate Tuplin and/or Curate Claire with assistance regularly from Niki Whitby, Hazel Cox, Caroline Stevens and Katie Hucklesby. Topics have included prayer, being rooted and established in Christ, speaking words of peace. Two young people joined the group mid-year after attending church for their baptism anniversaries on Palm Sunday. A high light of the year was Fen Youth preparing and leading our worship for Palm Sunday at Fenstanton with many positive comments from a supportive congregation. A new logo has been designed by a youth group member and posters displayed around the villages advertising the group and WhatsApp is used for easy communication both to the young people and within the leadership team. CFG also attended the Big Village Fun day in the summer with a gazebo, free games, deck chairs and activities to promote awareness of the group. Fen Youth ended the year in traditional style- carol singing around Fenstanton with hot chocolate and chocolates in the Church Centre afterwards.

We are fortunate to have a team of volunteers to lead all these activities and families that join us regularly and I thank them all for their time and energies. We aim not ‘to occupy the children’ but share a journey of faith with them through different styles of learning and worship activities as well as show a genuine interest in their lives, the good and the challenging. As the years go by our children are growing up and more than half the children we see are now teenagers and while many no longer attend SC or youth group they have taken up roles within our church family for themselves eg bell ringing, playing in the band, playing the organ, serving and helping with refreshments afterwards. Katie Hucklesby, Children and Families coordinator

Fenstanton Church Centre Report 2025

We have just completed the first year managing The Old School House which has remained rented by the same tenants with routine maintenance, safety and tenancy inspections as required. Some safety concerns raised were immediately addressed .

As well as the usual maintenance checks and inspections a few maintenance tasks have been undertaken as required eg weeding garden and courtyard, leaky cistern and high level lights changed. One major purchase was a scaffold tower to reach high level tasks safely . An ongoing project is to improve the acoustics and we have been investigating with the help of an acoustician the way forward to improve the acoustics particularly of the main hall. Tests and surveys have been undertaken and plans drawn up to install panels. We are currently investigating how to proceed with the installation of the necessary panels.

Our thanks to Janice Addison who has continued as cleaner a role she undertakes thoroughly and efficiently for the benefit of all our users. We are also very grateful too for her many voluntary hours spent on the centre accounts.

The Church Centre continues to be well used by villagers and the wider community. Casual bookings have increased slightly on last year and income from regular bookings has remained at a similar level. Two units in the Gym are rented to local families for storage.

Church Centre regular users in 2025 included; Fenstanton Parish Council, Fenstanton Morris, Swavesey Community Choir, Keep Fit class, Welcome space, Toddlers, Art classes, Fenstanton village hall committee, Scout Group leadership meetings, Bowls Club meetings, dance and band practices.

The centre is occasionally used for “pop up” lunches, business meetings, bell ringer meetings and funeral wakes as well as by Ely Diocese, and a whole day for the 2025 Mayoral election.

The church use includes for Youth group, Sunday Club, fundraising lunches and events, PCC meetings and committees, Holy Communion and lunch for older parishioners and Deanery Chapter gatherings.

As always, we acknowledge that the Church Centre only operates thanks to the dedication of many volunteers, whose time and effort support both the church ministry and the wider community. I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved for their contributions.

Ian Hucklesby, Churchwarden and Chair, Church Centre Committee

Restoration committee report 2025

The Committee met 8 times in 2025 to plan, organise, and undertake fundraising activities specifically aimed at raising funds for the restoration, repair and renovation of Fenstanton church. On one occasion in May the committee organised a bar at a village event to commemorate the 80[th] anniversary of VE Day and the money raised (£764.00) was sent to the Help the Heroes charity.

We held ‘Sing for your Supper’ in February which was attended by 100 people (including visiting choir) and we raised £1,658.20. In the summer, we ran a BBQ stall at the Fenstanton Big Village Fun Day event on the school field and raised £1,156.00. Our ‘Pimms and Pate’ lunch was held in September and raised £857.00 and finally on the last Saturday of November we ran a BBQ stall at the Christmas Village market and the sales of BBQ food and roasted chestnuts raised £635.14 followed an hour or so later by the ‘Mulled Wine evening’ which was attended by 38 adults and raised £895.9.

In May, we held our Open Gardens and Church Full of Art weekend- showcasing talent of 30 local artists. The two-day event took some weeks of preparation but was enjoyed by many with gardens big and small explored, artwork, paintings, cards, tea towels bought and raised £3,105.00.

Our third “Booze in Fenstanton Pews Beer Festival was held over three days in June. Our thanks go to Martyn and Cath from Xtreme Ales for their advice, support and loan of necessary bar equipment and for sourcing local beers. The weather was kind and this year we added some outdoor entertainment (a talented singer). The festival was a big success both in attracting lots of people to church building, community engagement and it raised £10,862.00.

We continue to offer fun, shared fellowship and good value for money and we receive positive feedback with people regularly returning to support our events. Huge thanks to everyone for their generosity in donating food and raffle prizes each time and of course to everybody who helps organise, plan and execute the events before and on the day.

Other income for the Parish Church Restoration fund is generated through www.easy fundraising.org.uk -

more people are always welcome to choose Fenstanton Parish Church as their nominated charity.

The money raised by the committee is essential to preserve the building ensuring it remains both functional and beautiful for worship and wider community use. The events this past year have helped towards the cost of restoring Fenstanton church organ and will also be used to repair subsidence once the building movement is stable and the correct way forward has been ascertained. The events help to promote the church and enable us to engage with the community both in the church itself or by our presence at other village events. More volunteers would be very welcome to the team, especially to host the Beer Festival in June each year.

Ian Hucklesby, Churchwarden and Chair, Restoration Committee

Mission and Evangelism 2025

The PCC continues to support the concept of a benefice charity for the year, with alternating UK and overseas charities, nominated by parishioners and chosen by vote. We have welcomed speakers from the charities with the hope that someone will be available for the first charity event, a Lent Soup Lunch, although that is not always possible. It is interesting to note the variety of charities nominated with successful outcomes, for example: Mission to Seafarers (2022), Air Ambulance (2023), Operation Smile (2024) and Arthur Rank Hospice in 2025. We are pleased to announce the charity of the year for 2026 will be Hands At Work Africa.

The benefice continues to financially support “Support Malawi”, and in particular we prayerfully support Josie. Her dedication to the work of this charity continues to be such a positive witness of faith in action and the benefice enjoys hearing about her trips to Malawi each year.

The Virtual Community Café took the difficult step to meet less frequently for a variety of reasons, and due to individual circumstances. However, our WhatsApp group is able to maintain a safe space for enjoying each other’s news or prayerful support, as appropriate. It is available 24/7 and covers a global area, which means that anyone can be included.

A new group will begin in the new year (2026) to help those exploring faith to meet together. This has arisen out of pastoral conversations and enquiries during 2025.

It is interesting to look back and note that we are making contact with those seeking to explore faith from across the benefice, of all ages and including both areas of new housing in each of our villages. We have arranged baptisms, officiated at weddings and conducted funerals with families and parishioners from our areas of new housing in both villages too. We have confirmation candidates too, planned for 2026. Rev Rosie Tallowin, Rector and Pioneer Minister for New Housing

AquAid Lifeline Fund – now Support Malawi

Support Malawi would like to extend grateful thanks to Rev Rosie, the PCC and congregations of both churches for their loyal and continued support of the charity.

Life in Malawi continues to be very challenging for the 3,090 orphan and vulnerable children who come under our umbrella of care. With no-one to love, encourage or care for them, they rely heavily on Support Malawi for daily food, clothes, education, healthcare and spiritual guidance. We are their family.....and we love them, each and every one. With part of your monthly donation going towards the care of these children, you are enabling change in their young lives by giving them opportunity and hope for the future.

The financial support you give to the 2 pastors, Ibrahim and Masters, enables them to feed their own families whilst continuing to bring hundreds of people to Jesus. These are dedicated pastors who have amazing gifts. They both send their heartfelt thanks to you all for continuing to bless them in this way.

I would be delighted to update members of both congregations on new developments, success stories and introduce them to a few more of our beautiful children, should the opportunity arise.

May God continue to bless our partnership. Josie Charter

Ecumenical Relationships

The Fenstanton Churches Together Group comprises the Anglican and URC churches. The FCT Group continues to work together where possible e.g. Remembrance Sunday services and the Christmas Card. The service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity for 2025, which was held at the URC church, was greatly appreciated, by the URC and they suggested we could have more joint services together. This is something we can explore together. The URC will be welcoming their new minister Rev Alison Davis officially in early 2026 and we look forward to meeting her. As always, we are grateful for the opportunities where we can work together and look forward to more opportunities during 2026. We were very sorry indeed to hear the news that Rev Peter Ball had died, husband of newly retired Rev Catherine Ball (URC). Rev Rosie Tallowin, Rector

Music – Fenstanton Parish Church 2025

The monthly service pattern enables accompaniment by both the use of the organ and a music group of all ages. The 1[st] and 3[rd] Sundays have a Eucharistic service for which the organ is used and the 2[nd] Sunday (Worship for All) and 4[th] Sunday (Family Communion) on which the music group plays.

The music group is led by the piano and various instruments depending on their availability and comprise Trombone, Trumpet, French horn, Saxophone, Flute, Violin and Cello.

The four-part choir prepared special music to be sung at Fenstanton for 3 Choral evensongs and Service of Readings & Carols for Christmas. They also attended monthly Sung Evensongs.

We welcome choristers from Swavesey, Hemingford Abbots and Grey and Hilton villages that augment our local singers for the Choral Evensongs. Choir attendance is typically 12 at this event.

We did have to say goodbye to Alan Bush whose funeral was in January 2025. Both he and Ruth joined the choir around 40 years? ago and have been dedicated and committed members. He will be missed greatly by us all.

We strive to maintain a moderate standard of musicianship and encompass a wide range of church music. This not only helps with maintaining interest to the musicians and choristers but also assists in the worship by adding a dimension that would otherwise be absent.

Some organ works have been taking place so it has not been usable for 5 months. We are looking forward to its return to duty. I was grateful for the use of an electronic organ from David and Abbie Riddoch for the Christmas Service of Readings and Carols. It was also used as a piano!

I am pleased to be able to say that I have a keen Cameron Riddoch learning to play the organ and he is making very good progress. He is also playing for services at Fen Drayton, which has no organist, where he is much appreciated.

We are happy to welcome anyone who enjoys singing or playing an instrument to come along. We need you. Please contact me (Keith Page) if you are interested. Keith Page, Organist and Choir Leader

Fen Band, 2025

I’ve enjoyed leading our band at St Peter and St Paul more than ever over the last year. I feel a there’s been a tangible improvement in the musicality of our ensemble, with careful listening and an ability to respond to each other’s playing.

Cameron (violin) has shown such commitment dashing back from playing the organ in St Mary’s or legging it over from a URC service to join us, always playing with a calm confidence. It’s been an enormous benefit to have Harry (alto sax) continuing in the band, playing with a beautiful sound and never phased by however many sharps are thrown his way as a result of the transpositions. Philip (trumpet) and Finlay (French horn) have contributed wonderful inner harmonies in the musical arrangements as well as some very sensitively played tunes, showing off their musicality. And Isla (cello) is now jumping between playing soprano and bass with an impressive confidence as her playing has gone from strength to strength. Rachel (flute) has joined us whenever she has been able to, juggling this with supporting Stephen in his singing commitments at Peterborough Cathedral; it is always an added pleasure to have her with us. That we sometimes struggle to squeeze into our corner of the Church is a very nice problem to have and is evidence of everyone’s commitment to our music making which I greatly appreciate.

We tackled some of our more challenging repertoire over the Christmas period, with two different carol medleys alongside Jingle Bell Rock. Thank you to all the band for putting in some extra work on those pieces which haven’t had an airing for a few years! And thank you to Finlay and Michele Sedgwick for playing at the Remembrance services at our two churches in November.

A huge thank you goes to Keith from me and all of the band for supporting us in our endeavours and for his time in revising a few scores to create piano parts where there were none. I’m also very grateful to Bron for standing in on occasion both when Keith has been away and when a family hiccup meant I was suddenly unable to lead one of our December rehearsals.

I know there will be some changes and challenges in the coming years as some of our young players head off University, College, training or to work away. We are keen to keep developing the band and to welcome new members so do let me know if you, or someone you know of, might be interested in joining us.

It’s a pleasure to be part of our music making and to be able to contribute to the worship within our Church family. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged us and expressed their appreciation for our playing over the last year.

Denise Hayles Fen Band Leader

Fenstanton Parish Church Bells

We had an enjoyable ‘ringing in’ of the New Year once again, starting at 11:45 p.m. New Years Eve. We all celebrated the occasion with a glass of bubbly. This event is open to anyone who may be interested in watching or ringing with us.

Practice night is on a Monday at 7:30 p.m. The venue varies on a monthly rota; Hilton(6) on 1[st] Monday, Houghton(6) on 2[nd] Monday, Fenstanton(6) on 3[rd] Monday and Holywell(6) on 4[th] Monday. The fifth Monday is generally variable and can include Bluntisham (8) when available.

This practice is open to all but in general I prefer to take learners on a separate night (Tuesday). This allows more time to be taught on their own with less distraction. Each learner is then able to progress at their own rate and move on to the main practice when confident to do so.

The local ringing band comprises Andrew and Caroline Stevens, Julia Mitchell, Philip Blunt, Owen Garnell (Junior Member), Keith and Linda Page. Two ringers, Josie and Margaret have moved away and no longer able to ring for services as a result. Sunday ringing is generally for around 20mins before the morning service. Timing can vary but service start is 10:30 a.m. so ringing from soon after 10:00 am.

If you are interested in learning to ring, please contact me (Keith Page) bell captain. Learners can be of any age above 8. It does require regular attendance and does take time to become proficient. We do need some more local ringers so why not get in touch and give it a try. Keith Page Bell Tower Captain

Flowers Parish Church Fenstanton

It’s been a good year as we have 6 volunteers plus a couple of extra ladies that help out for Easter, Harvest and Christmas. The price of flowers has increased a lot, so we are lucky that most arrangers don’t claim payment. There is an upside of the church being so cold the flowers stay fresh for a long time. Our main expense is the cost of the oasis which has also increased. Carole Crocker Flower Co-ordinator

Charity of the year lunches 2025, Arthur Rank Hospice

Once again, parishioners have supported 3 Sunday lunches throughout the year that raise funds for our chosen charity of the year and bring our church congregation and wider community together for a meal. We endeavour to keep these events affordable to all.

A Lent lunch of homemade soup, cheese and biscuits was supported by 45 people and raised £582.25. Our Harvest lunch in October welcomed 60 people and raised £861.16 and finally the Christmas lunch saw 53 people sit down for a traditional Christmas meal raising £815.21. Totalling £2,258.62 for Arthur Rank Hospice. In addition, some donations received were gift aided so the charity would receive an extra 25% where applicable.

My thanks to all who assist at the meals in any way. Katie Hucklesby

Volunteers

The PCC would like to thank all those who volunteer by giving up their time and skills for the benefit of the church family and the wider community. The PCC notes that there are a lot of people involved in the dayto-day running of the two churches and Church Centre, for Sunday worship and special events. The Rector would like to add her personal thanks to everyone who contributes in some way, big or small, enabling us to promote the whole mission of the church.

Structure, governance and management

The method and appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The benefice has one PCC consisting of the Incumbent (Rector), two Churchwardens, an LLM, an ALM, those elected to Deanery Synod, and other members who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church meeting, by those on the Electoral Roll. Members of the congregation are always encouraged to join the Electoral Roll, and to consider standing for election to the PCC.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance in the parish and benefice, and for all financial matters. The PCC met nine times during the year with an average attendance of 81%. The PCC is very grateful to Mrs Lynn Beecroft who offered to be a notetaker for PCC meetings, and notes that this does still leave the position of PCC Secretary vacant. Given its wide responsibilities, the PCC has a number of sub committees, each dealing with a particular aspect of parish life in a busy benefice. These include Buildings, Finance, Children’s and Youth Ministry (CFG), Ministry Team which includes worship, mission and outreach and a Dates Group which covers planning thereby incorporating the discussions within the Ministry Team and CFG. The PCC agenda includes space for reports from those committees and groups.

Rev Rosie Tallowin, Rector

Administrative Information

St Mary’s Church is situated in Church Street, Fen Drayton CB24 4SG. St Peter and St Paul’s Church is situated in Church Lane, Fenstanton PE28 9JS. The benefice, formed in June 2018, is part of Deanery of Huntingdon, Diocese of Ely. The correspondence address is The Vicarage, Church Street, Fenstanton, PE28 9JL. The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, section 3) and a registered charity with the Charity Commission – number 1173597. Bank – Barclays Bank, Market Hill, Huntingdon, and also Leicester LE87 2BB.

Membership of the PCC

PCC members, also Trustees, who have served at any time from 1[st] January 2025 until the date of this report are:

Rector	Rev Rosie Tallowin	ex officio	Chair
Curate	Rev Claire Brockelsby	ex officio
Churchwardens	PhilipBlunt	ex officio
	Ian Hucklesby	ex officio	Vice-chair
Licensed LayMinister	Niki Whitby	ex officio	LLM representative
DeanerySynod	PhilipBlunt	ex officio
representatives to 2026	Niki Whitby	ex officio
Elected to APCM 2026	Jane Blunt
	Christine Hyde
	Katie Hucklesby
	Caroline Stevens
Elected to APCM 2027	Lorraine Orbell
	Susan Mackellar
	Vacant
	Vacant
Elected at 2025 APCM to serve for twoyears(2027)	Julia Mitchell Keith Page
Elected at 2025 APCM to serve for threeyears to 2028	Simon Hunt
Appointed
PCC Secretary	Vacant
Parish Treasurer	Christine Hyde

Assistant Treasurer	Lorraine Orbell
Electoral Roll Officer	Ian MacKellar
Sacristan(Fenstanton)	Ian Hucklesby
Vergers	Jane Blunt
	PhilipBlunt
	Barrie Ashworth
StandingCommittee	Rector
	Churchwardens
	Treasurer
	Assistant Treasurer
Organist(contracted)	Keith Page
Choir Leader(Fenstanton)	Keith Page
Bell Tower Captain(Fenstanton)	Keith Page
Parish Children and Families Co-ordinator	Katie Hucklesby
Parish SafeguardingOfficer	Sue Mackellar
Parish DBS Co-ordinator	Julia Mitchell
Parish Health and SafetyOfficer	Lynn Beecroft
Parish Fire Officer	Churchwardens
Parish Website Administrator	Rev Claire Brockelsby
Flower Rota(Fenstanton)	Carole Crocker
Church Centre bookings	Pam Hucklesby