## St Mary’s Church ## Thorpe Annual Report _For the year ending 31st December 2024_ ## **ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING** _To be held on Sunday 23rd March 2025 11:30am_ St Mary’s Church, Church Approach, Thorpe Village, Surrey TW20 8TQ Charity No: 1176929 ## **www.stmaryschurchthorpe.co.uk** ## **Contents** |**Contents**||| |---|---|---| ||**Pages**|| |**Part 1**||| |Introduction to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting||2| |Agenda for the Vestry Meeting 23rd March 2025||3| |Agenda for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 23rd March|2025|3| |Minutes of the Vestry Meeting held Sunday 21st April 2024||4| |Minutes of the APCM held Sunday 21st April 2024||5| |Reports for 2024||| |Vicar’s Report||9| |Electoral Roll Report||11| |PCC Secretary’s Report||11| |Churchwardens’ Annual Report||12| |Fabric and Property Register Report||14| |Financial Report||16| |Safeguarding||18| |Deanery Synod Representatives’ Report
||19| |Other Reports in the Life of the Church||| |Family Service||22| |Noah’s Ark||22| |Church Cleaning||23| |Contemplative Prayer Group||23| |Flower Guild||23| |Music Secretary’s Report||24| |Social and Fundraising Team||24| |Thorpe Church of England Primary School||26| |Runnymede Foodbank||28| |Tea and Talk||28| |**Part 2**||| |Financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024||30| |Independent Examiner's Report||33| |PCC Responsibilities, Governance and Vision||34| |**Part 3 Appendix Section**||| |Regular Worship and Social Activities at St Mary’s||35| ## **Introduction to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM).** The APCM is an opportunity to elect our representatives for the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and to ask questions about the finances of the church, the state of the buildings, or any matter of concern in the life of the parish. The PCC takes account of views expressed and matters are taken forward in subsequent PCC meetings for discussion. We look forward to the year ahead as well as reflecting upon the past year. 2 Please read the report thoroughly and come to the meeting with questions, as we meet together in sacramental worship and fellowship – Transforming Church, Transforming Lives. ## **Agenda for the Vestry Meeting (Meeting of Parishioners)** Opening Prayer Apologies for absence Minutes of 21st April 2024 and any matters arising Election of Churchwardens Nomination for approval of Deputy Wardens (honorary supportive role) End of Vestry Meeting _(At this point those not named on the Church Electoral Roll cannot vote if they remain.)_ ## **Agenda for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting** (APCM) Apologies for absence Minutes of the previous APCM held in Church on 21st April 2024 Matters arising 1. **Elections & Appointments** - Annual election of PCC Members - Election of Deanery Synod Representatives - Approval of Sides-persons - Appointment of Sides-person to assist the Treasurer with banking Confirmation of appointment of the Electoral Roll Officer _Note that the PCC Secretary, Treasurer and Vice Chair of the PCC will be formally agreed at the next Parochial Church Council meeting (to be held on Monday 19th May 2025 7:30pm) as they are Officers of the PCC._ Appointment of the Independent Examiner for 2025 Financial Accounts to assist the Treasurer with banking. ## 2. **Reports – see written reports** - (i) Report on Electoral Roll - (ii) PCC Secretary’s Report on the proceedings of the PCC - (iii) Parish Reports – _printed & distributed_ - _Summary of reports from the Chair_ - (iv) Churchwardens’ Report including Fabric/Terrier - (v) Accounts – Financial Report 2024 - Acceptance of Financial Report 2024 - (vi) Deanery Synod Representatives’ Report – _printed & distributed_ ## 3. **Any other business** - (i) Questions & Answers Session – _questions please at least_ _**24 hours** in_ - _advance stmaryschurchthorpe@outlook.com_ - (ii)Announcements The meeting concludes in prayer and with the Grace. 3 . **Minutes of the Vestry Meeting /Annual Parochial Church Meeting of St Mary’s Church, Thorpe – Sunday 21st April 2024** ## **Vestry Meeting** Present: Allison Kelly (PCC Secretary) – Chair (AK) –Vestry Meeting Diana Lees (Churchwarden) – Chair (DL) – APCM Meeting Present: P. Gruncell, A. West (AW), Joy Mitchiner, Jane Carter, Katerina Ridge, Margaret Alderson, Ann Leighton, Terry Leighton, Elaine Gill, Kim Stangroom, Claire Cobbold, Jill Collinson, David de Ville, Jackie de Ville, Sue Bruce, Jenny Bright, Joan Gruncell, Susi Thornton (ST), Paul Whitlock, Margaret Roberts, Mary Morris, David Howard, Helen Cunningham, Deborah Kidd. Absent: All electoral roll members not listed as Present or having submitted apologies Meeting commenced: 11.35 am **1.** Diana Lees opened the meeting with prayer. ## **2. Apologies for Absence:** Grace Brown, John Brown, John Brittain, Jean McCloud, Margaret Lilley, John Rook. ## **3. Minutes and Matters Arising** Minutes for the Vestry Meeting held 2[nd] April 2023 were accepted and no matters were arising. ## **4. Election of Church Wardens** Peter Gruncell and Diana Lees confirmed their agreement to stand as Church Wardens. Unanimously elected. ## **5. Nominations for approval Deputy Wardens** There were eight Deputy Warden nominations from: Margaret Harnden, Susi Thornton, Helen Cunningham, Bev Germany, Jill Collinson, Deborah Kidd, Margaret Roberts and Kim Stangroom. All eight candidates were unanimously accepted. ## **7. Any Other Business** None 4 ## **Annual Parochial Church Meeting** Minutes from the APCM held 2[nd] April 2023 were accepted with no amendments. ## **Matters Arising** None. ## **1. Elections and Appointments** There were 6 nominations for PCC: Andy West, Allison Kelly, Margaret Harnden, Jenny Bright, Susi Thornton and Grace Brown. All 6 nominations were unanimously confirmed. Election of Deanery Synod Representatives Mary Morris, Claire Cobbold and Diana Lees indicated their wish to continue serving as Deanery Synod Representatives. Unanimously approved. Approval of Sides-persons Nominations for Sides Persons were: Susi Thornton, Deborah Kidd, Joan Gruncell, Margaret Roberts, Jill Collinson, Philip Alder, Margaret Harnden, Sue Bruce, Jenny Bright, Bev Germany, Helen Cunningham. Elaine Gill, Grace Brown and Joy Mitchiner. Unanimously approved. Appointment of Sides Person to Assist the Treasurer with banking Nomination from Paul Whitlock. Unanimously approved. Confirmation of appointment of the Electoral Roll Officer Claire Cobbold confirmed that she was happy to continue as Electoral Roll Officer. Unanimously approved. Appointment of the Independent Examiner for 2024 Financial Accounts Paul Whitlock was unanimously confirmed. ## **2. Reports** DL asked if there were any amendments or errors to the reports contained in the 2024 APCM booklet. There were none. ## **(i) Electoral Roll** Claire Cobbold confirmed that there were currently 114 on the roll, 80 of the households contained on the roll are of 2 people. ST raised a query on behalf of Iris Rigazzi-Tarling who had now moved and 5 wished to remain on St. Mary’s electoral roll as well as that of her new parish. DL confirmed Iris could be on two electoral rolls but was only eligible to vote on one. Claire Cobbold confirmed there would be a full revision of the electoral roll in 2025. ## ( **ii) PCC Secretary’s Report** No questions raised. ## **(iii) Parish Reports** DL advised that attendance was starting to pick up at services, all of which had been kept running during the vacancy. She passed her thanks to all the visiting clergy, with special thanks to Fr Gerard, together with Mary Morris for her work behind the scenes securing priests. Thanks were passed by all to DL and MM for the tremendous amount of work undertaken during the vacancy. ## **(iv) Church Wardens Report (including Fabric/Terrier)** DL confirmed that there were 3 applicants for the post of vicar, who will be attending interviews 29/30 May. There are a mix of men and women with wide experience and skills. Claire Cobbold enquired why there was a long delay before interviews. DL advised the process is one month’s notices to give candidates time to prepare and for initial DBS and Safeguarding checks to be undertaken. Sue Bruce enquired if the Diocese choose who they feel is the most suitable candidate after interviews. AW advised that he and DL as parish representatives can override the choice. DL confirmed the current candidates were a better selection than those who had previously applied and all should keep praying. Jackie de Ville asked how long the appointment was for. DL confirmed the position had been advertised as a three-year tenure with intention to renew, so this could be six years. AW explained that this was dependent on whether St. Mary’s can pay its way. The current discount on the Parish Share continues but is on a decreasing scale over the next 5 years. If we can pay our Parish Share there would be no argument on the position continuing, otherwise the Diocese would seek an alternative solution. Katerina Ridge enquired if a full-time priest would place a burden on the church. AW advised this was not the case, the Parish Share covers employment costs, although less than the salary. It costs £92,000pa for any church in the Diocese, regardless of size, to retain a full-time priest. £47,000 of which is employment costs – salary, pension, NI and the balance goes to the Diocese to support them in its work – staff etc. Sue Bruce enquired why the Vicarage had only had one short let during the vacancy. AW advised that the Vicarage does not belong to St. Mary’s, it is owned by the Diocese, any rentals would have gone to them. Margaret Roberts felt that the Ecclesiastical Council should release some of 6 the funds they hold – currently 10.2 billion. Mary Morris advised that even the Cathedral is trying to sell some of its land in order to stay afloat. Margaret Harnden wished to pass the thanks of all those present to DL, AW, PG and MM for all the work they have done over the year. Unanimously agreed. DL again explained that service numbers did fall initially at the start of the vacancy but are now showing small increases. Our relationship with the Thorpe Primary School and TASIS continues well, with thanks also to Bryan Nixon and his staff. DL also passed thanks to the Social Committee and to AW as Treasurer and Sacristan, we rely heavily on his knowledge. Margaret Alderson pointed out that there was no children’s church viable currently, there was no contact with parents although children attend through school events. Parents were not always included in the invitation to services. AW advised this was down to the school, parents are always welcome. Susi Thornton advised that she has been requesting for a year an appointment to talk to parents about church activities – perhaps at an open evening – but had not received any response. AW confirmed all candidates will be specially questioned about school commitment and the community at large. Outreach in school is strongly required, it has been noticeable since Fr Damian left there has been no contact in school. The school children’s services are held by year group as an extension of their RE lessons, so it is not really appropriate for parents to attend. Parents were at the Harvest Festival services but at Easter with 210 children in attendance there was no room for parents. Elaine Gill raised the question that historically parents used to have forms signed to say they attended church but this is no longer undertaken, why not? Margaret Harnden advised that under the selection process regular attendees get priority access even over siblings, however, parents would attend until the forms were signed and then disappear. PG advised that to make the walk back to school safer, the children are now accessing TASIS grounds. Margaret Harnden is aware that Helen Southgate is keen we start up Faith and Fun again on a Monday, it did encourage parents to attend on a Sunday as follow on. DL advised that currently there is not enough manpower to run. AW advised that Faith and Fun finished because of Covid and Fr. Damian leaving, it will be imperative that the new vicar starts up contact with the school. Sue Bruce enquired if there were any Scouts of Guides groups in the area. Elaine Gill advised Thorpe Brownies are still running but there are no scouts, due to lack of leaders. DL reiterated that there will be a strong emphasis to candidates that increasing child and youth contact is very important. 7 Elaine Gill advised that St. Mary’s would be prominent at the Summer Fair and when the new vicar is in situ she proposed a Mayoral service for children. Unanimously approved. DL advised that as churchwardens, there is s legal responsibility to keep the inventory (terrier) and logbook updated. This had last been reviewed in 2018, but she could now advise this was all up-to-date. PG passed thanks DL for all the work and hours involved in undertaking the full review. ## **(v) Accounts – Financial Report 2023** AW referred to the report in the APCM booklet with the statement of accounts, which highlighted the age old conflict of income vs expenditure. Giving is down 17%. Other donations are down 94%. There had been fewer weddings and funerals over the year, which were down 24%. Apart from the Parish Share of £63,000 other costs were static. DL has been renewing contracts where applicable with lower costs and heating has been reduced over the winter months. The new organ was installed in August which has been very much enjoyed. There is a need to keep on top of costs and hope income will rise on appointment of a new Vicar, which will be down to growing the congregation. AW thanked all for what they do give as without it there would be no church. The Diocese would be continuing the Parish Share discount over the next 5 years with £67,000 required this year. Margaret Harnden enquired if we lose much money through not having an online service.AW confirmed no, the broadcasting licence was costing £1,000 pa and that during lockdown we still raised money via Facebook and A Church near You, what we lost were the cash/envelope money as it transferred online. Claire Cobbold voiced that Fr. Damian had had a high profile and a relationship with a vicar is helpful, hopefully when a new vicar is in post this will increase events. Jane Carter enquired if parking was a problem with weddings. AW advised no, this has always previously worked out and guests are aware, it is the lack of priest which makes St. Mary’s a less attractive venue. DL proposed acceptance of the Accounts for 2023. Accounts unanimously accepted. ## **(vi) Deanery Synod Report** There were no questions raised. Thanks were passed to Claire Cobbold, Mary Morris and Diana Lees for their attendance and reports. ## **3. Any Other Business** No questions had been submitted before meeting. Elaine Gill asked if christening candidates had to reside in the parish. Mary Morris confirmed this was not required. All christenings are currently being 8 held during the 10am service. DL also confirmed no qualifying connections were required. AW wished to pass his thanks to Paul Whitlock for his work as Independent Examiner of the annual accounts. DL closed the meeting with the Grace. Meeting concluded at 12.36pm. ## **REPORTS FOR 2024** ## **Vicar’s Report 2024** As I look back to my Licensing service on 1st October 2024, I do so with deep appreciation for the warm welcome, the generous hospitality and the prayerful service with Bishop Paul that set the course for my ministry as Vicar of Thorpe. I arrived in a church that has been loving looked after by the Churchwardens, PCC and congregation, who were delighted to see the end of a long vacancy and ready to take a breath and prepare, with me, for a new season. The following months have been about listening and learning as we respond to the Bishop’s charge to grow the church larger, younger and to become financially sustainable. As an inclusive church this work has begun by making sure that when people come to services who may be unfamiliar with how we do things, they are put at their ease and feel included; able to follow what is going on even if they have little idea of church or Christian faith. Listening to families who used to come to St Mary’s, pre-Covid (or who have never been), about what would work for them by way of Sunday and midweek activities, has been a priority. Also I have been meeting community leaders and having conversations with residents of the parish to find out what at St Mary’s is of interest to people, or 9 what would be of interest. Conversations with other church leaders in the area and with the central staff of the Diocese have helped us maintain a sense of the bigger picture to ensure that the ministry and mission of St Mary’s is part of the greater life of the church. One of the remarkable features of my conversations around the parish has been the goodwill towards the church and the sense that this is ‘our church’, including among those who don’t attend for worship. It has also been somewhat sobering to meet people who have lived in the parish for many years and never visited St Mary’s or weren’t really aware of it - after all most residents of the parish live around the edges and would have little reason to pass by St Mary’s. Developing how we communicate to the wider parish has also been a priority - huge thanks to the office staff for support with publicity and administration. We have enjoyed glorious worship through the seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany in the majestic setting of St Mary’s, hosted a memorable Christmas fair that saw the nave full of activity and enjoyed many other social events. I’d like to express sincere thanks to the Choir, the Social Committee and all who support our services and maintain the building, bless you. It has been a pleasure to throw myself into leading Collective Worship at Thorpe (CofE) School, school services at St Mary’s and to begin to work with the staff and governors to develop the links between church and school - there are many opportunities to work together. 10 As I reflect upon the history of St Mary’s as a church maintained by the monks of Chertsey Abbey, and upon cultural changes in the way people express belonging to a church, a picture is beginning to emerge of what I believe are some key foundations to build upon, for a secure and vibrant future. I will be working with the PCC to prayerfully discern our priorities but I strongly believe it will be less about what we do and more about who we are: the church as a community of people of faith working out how to respond to the invitational love of God in the way that we live and serve together. Thanks be to God for his work among us, in Christ. Fr. Stephen ## **Electoral Roll Report** The Electoral Roll for St Mary’s Thorpe at the end of December 2024 was 115 and of this figure there are 18 households where there are 2 members. The figure has slightly decreased from 121. This has included some additions and some members of our church family passing on or moving away. St Mary’s Church Thorpe had an interregnum of 21 months. This was longer than expected. Bearing this in mind, the electoral roll figures remained reasonably stable. Knowing this, I believe the electoral roll figures to be quite positive. 2025 is the year where everyone has to re-apply for the electoral roll. This is my third year serving as an electoral officer. I am grateful for the encouragement I have received during this year. _Electoral Roll Officer, Clare Cobbold_ ## **PCC Secretary’s Report on the work of the Parochial Church Council** The Parochial Church Council met six times over 2024 for regular meetings, excluding the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Sunday 21st April 2024. There was 1 additional extraordinary meeting, concerned with decisions to be made on legacies. Again 2024 involved much discussion regarding the vacancy, but at last concluding with interviews of candidates and installation of Fr Stephen Girling to the post on 1st October 2024. The whole PCC has been involved in work not undertaken by individual members previously in order to keep St. Mary’s running but special thanks go to Andy West, Diana Lees and Peter Gruncell who have kept us up to date with finances, the huge admin commitment and upkeep and caretaking of the buildings and churchyard. These tasks while not seen are a heavy time commitment which is massively appreciated by us all. _PCC Secretary_ , _Allison Kelly_ 11 ## **Church Wardens’ Annual Report 2024** We began 2024 twelve months into our Vacancy and after a further 9 months we were delighted to welcome Fr Stephen Girling, his wife Diane and their family to St Mary’s Thorpe. It has been a pleasure getting to know them, and to be working with Fr Stephen, looking to the future and becoming a strong united team. As in 2023, we are extremely grateful to all the visiting clergy who continued to support St Mary’s during the year providing a wonderful range of services. They have all become firm friends and we will miss seeing them so often. Thank you to each of them for their time and commitment. Attendance at services dipped as the second year of our Vacancy progressed but our many social events were well supported and we saw a lot of engagement from the local community. Our thanks go to Jill Collinson for her unwavering hard work organising the hymns, organists and choir throughout the year, and to our organists, David Howard and Lionel Pike, for their outstanding playing at all our regular services, weddings, funerals and baptisms. Their music is always greatly enjoyed and appreciated. This year we have been joined by Naomi Parfitt and Edward Wilmouth, two local students, who are learning to play the organ, and who have played the hymns and anthems in our 10am services. It has been a real pleasure to welcome them and we have greatly enjoyed their playing. Thank you to them for their time and efforts. During the year we held a number of festivals including Holy Week and Easter, our Patronal Service, Harvest Festival, Remembrance Sunday and Christmas. All these services saw the church beautifully decorated by our dedicated team of flower arrangers. Thank you to all of them for their creative genius, practical skills and dedication. On October 1[st] we held the Licensing and Installation Service for Fr Stephen attended by The Rt Rev’d Paul Davies, Bishop of Dorking, The Venerable Martin Breadmore, Archdeacon of Dorking and Fr Max Kramer, Chaplain of Keble college, Oxford, who are the Patron for St Mary’s Church, Thorpe. We were delighted to welcome the Bath Abbey Girls Choir who, after a rain-soaked afternoon at Thorpe Park, remained thoroughly cheerful and sang beautifully. 12 ## **Outreach** The Social committee excelled themselves in 2024. At times they were so busy with multiple events, they weren’t sure if they were coming or going!! Congratulations to all the team for their truly superb efforts and outstanding dedication, and special thanks to Susi Thornton who leads the team with seemingly unlimited energy and enthusiasm. Where would St Mary’s be without them? Susi, Claire and Margaret have worked extremely hard during the year leading our twice monthly Family Service and have seen some growth in the number of families attending. The team are working closely with Fr Stephen to develop the service and are exploring several exciting opportunities for greater engagement. Allison and Joy lead Noah’s Ark, our pre-school and toddler play group, which runs every Thursday during term-time, and have seen continued growth in attendance. An amazing selection of toys, tempting refreshments and time for adult conversation among the parent and carers make it a thoroughly enjoyable morning. Thank you to our family outreach workers! ## **Community Engagement** Thank you to TASIS Head of School, Bryan Nixon, for his ongoing support in allowing us access to the South Carpark, leading the students on our churchyard cleanup days and his participation in our church services. The students came several times during the year to help clear up the churchyard, and in October they helped clean the vicarage and tidy the carpark ready for the arrival of Fr Stephen and family. We are immensely grateful for their hard work and cheerful willingness. We continued to host the children from Thorpe Church of England Primary School at a number of services held in the church. We thoroughly enjoy these services and the very high standard of engagement from the pupils bears witness to the leadership from headteacher, Helen Southgate, and her staff. We look forward to building on our relationship with the school in the coming years through the efforts of Fr Stephen who is working hard to establish new activities to support parents, children and staff. St Mary’s Church continues to support and contribute regularly to Thorpe Together. magazine. We believe in its value as a means of engaging with the village and use it to promote our services and social events. We would like to acknowledge the total commitment given by Margaret Harnden to keeping the magazine running and thank her for her sterling efforts. In addition to those already mentioned we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the other volunteers who serve so willingly at the church in a wide variety of ways including: our Deputy Wardens, servers, readers, and welcomers for managing our services; Claire, our Electoral Roll Officer and 13 Facebook Administrator, our coffee and breakfast helpers, the Tea and Talk Team hosting our very popular monthly community get together; Clare, our excellent cleaner who is assisted by Jill and Hannah; Kim who looks after our service linen and serves at some of the Wednesday services, and Bev who manages our Gift Aid donations. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Andrew West, our Treasurer and Sacristan, whose hard work is invaluable in managing the church finances and coordinating the myriad details for the smooth running of services including being our server nearly every week at the 8am service. His experience and knowledge is essential to our team. Further thanks are due to the Administration team: Mary Morris, (Parish Administrator), Andrew West, Jill Collinson, Allison Kelly, the members of the PCC and all the parish teams for their efforts and steadfast support during the year. Finally, on a personal note, the churchwardens would like to thank everyone at St Mary’s for the unfailing support, assistance, encouragement and laughter you have shared with both of us in a challenging year. _Churchwardens: Peter Gruncell and Diana Lees_ ## **Church Property Register and Fabric Report** The Inventory has been updated to record the donation of 4 hand-painted icons and a framed print during the year. The icons which were made in Greece depict: the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, Archangel Gabriel and St Nicholas. The framed print is a copy of “Light of the World” by William Holman Hunt and is in recognition of our stronger links with our Patron, Keble College in Oxford. The inventory entries for two large paintings formerly recorded as missing were updated when the items were located behind the High Altar. A printed version is held in the Parish Office and a digital version on the church computer. The Church Log Book has been updated for 2024. ## **The Tower and Church Building** A PVC strip curtain was fitted across the west doorway of the tower replacing an old fabric curtain. This has significantly reduced the flow of cold air into the base of the tower and the loss of heat from the rear of the church. Over the course of the year there was a 10% reduction in gas usage. The gutters of the church and the Rutherwyke Room complex have been cleaned. ## **Church Bells** Cumbrian Bell Co. made visits during the year to reset the controls on the electric console in the church and to investigate failures in the electronic relays that cause the bells to be struck. There are 8 relays which operate the electromagnetic hammers. One was replaced in January but the remaining 7 are 14 beginning to fail. At present we can reset these but in time these relays will need to be replaced. We are monitoring the situation. ## **Clock** The clock continues to run well with timely adjustments made by Andrew West. It is serviced annually. ## **Organs** The original bench supplied with the Viscount electronic organ has been replaced by the supplier three times due to deterioration of the veneer. This will be monitored in future. The pipe organ, made by Lewis & Co Ltd, Brixton, will remain in situ for the foreseeable future. ## **Health & Safety** All required safety checks have been carried out for the electrics and portable appliances, gas, fire alarm system and fire extinguishers and the requisite certificates received. A replacement powder extinguisher was fitted in the boiler room. An advisory notice was given for the smoke detectors in the Rutherwyke Room complex. These have been cleaned and serviced but will need to be replaced in the next couple of years. Ecclesiastical Insurance carried out an inspection of our policies, procedures and safety checks which we passed with flying colours. The bollard lamp outside the Boiler Room was repaired and additional solar lights have been placed alongside the path to the vicarage car park. ## **Churchyard** Our sincere thanks go to our TASIS neighbours; to Bryan Nixon and the volunteer students and adults, who spent several days during the year clearing the churchyard and tidying up the carpark. Pete and Joan Gruncell have worked hard to keep the churchyard patios and paths tidy and have been helped by volunteers from the church family. Plans are in place to put more flowering plants in the west flowerbed beside the TASIS wall. The tree overhanging the vicarage gate began to lean significantly during the summer. It was cut back and a vast amount of ivy removed to ease the weight on the trunk. This situation is being closely monitored. Pete replaced the reed roof on the Nativity stable which looks amazing and should last for some years. 15 ## **The Vicarage** During the interregnum the churchwardens made weekly inspections of the Vicarage and took monthly meter readings. In June a significant flood was discovered in the vicarage following the removal of several radiator valves by a diocesan contractor. This required considerable repair and redecoration work to be carried out by the Diocese Property Department which was completed in time for Fr Stephen Girling and his wife, Diane, to move in. The churchwardens thank the Diocese for their support during the refurbishment process. St Mary’s was liable for the repainting of the vicarage, regardless of the flooding, but because of it, the Diocese assumed a larger proportion of the cost than is usual for which we were very grateful. The final cost for the painting paid by St Mary’s was £3006.59. _Churchwardens: Peter Gruncell and Diana Lees_ ## **Financial Report 2024** _PCC Accounts can be found at_ _**pages 30 - 33.**_ ## **Receipts** ## **Regular Giving** Income from regular giving saw a considerable decrease throughout 2024. Planned giving from standing orders or regular direct credits to the Bank decreased by £797 on the previous year (-2.9%) and Gift-aided donations were down by £20.4k (-66%), although half of the 2023 figure included a £10k donation for the organ. Income from yellow and green envelopes was down by £3k or -37% compared to last year. Overall giving for the year decreased by 31% or £17,375 compared to the previous year. ## **Other voluntary receipts** In 2024 the church received an extremely generous legacy from former churchwarden Barry Huxley as well as two smaller legacies from past members of the church. Total income for the year was £461,670. £450,000 was transferred temporarily to the Works a/c whilst the PCC considered where best to invest the money and how to fulfil any conditions attached to these donations. Income from wall-boxes/ votive candles was slightly down on 2023. ## **Fund-generating activities** Receipts from fund-raising events in 2024 were 12% higher than the previous year at £8,161. This is a reflection of the very hard work put in by the social committee in organising find-raising events throughout 2024 and the generosity of all those who helped and attended. Receipts from room hire were up by 62% totalling £3,248. Total income from this category was £11,409, an increase of £2,122 (22.9%) on the previous year. 16 ## **Income from Church activities** 2024 saw far fewer weddings and funerals than 2023 and this is reflected in the difference in income compared with last year. Revenue was down by £3,533 (-41%). Noah’s Ark saw very encouraging growth in attendance and this was reflected in the income which was up by £579 or 69.7% compared to last year – thank you to Allison and Joy. Overall, income from church activities was down by £2,951 (-27.8%) compared to 2023. ## **Receipts from Investments & Other Income** The dividend from our CBF shares rose very slightly by 1.6% year on year providing an annual return of £516 compared to £508 in 2023. Works account transfers were the transfer of the BH legacy funds back into the current account prior to investment in several savings accounts via Flagstone. Education transfers were to reimburse the purchase of Noah’s Ark resources and PCC contributions to Thorpe primary school for a projector and travel costs for the Yr6 Leavers service at the cathedral. The Tax reclaim (Gift Aid) from HMRC for 2023 (received in 2024) was £10,106, a reduction of 21%. Total receipt and payment activity for 2024 was £988,125 compared to £134,110 in 2023. ## **Payments** ## **Church Activities** The Parish Share for St. Mary’s for 2024 was £69,987 of which £45,007 was paid in-year. Of this, £10,007 was outstanding from 2023, so the real contribution to last year’s PS was only £35,000. It must be noted that the £69,987 due for the year included a £25k sliding-scale reduction agreed with the Diocese i.e. £20k in 2025, £15k in 2026, £10k in 2027, £5% in 2028, £0k in 2029. Parish running costs such as visiting priest’s travel and a new telephone service provider were £1,306 (116%) more than 2023 although future savings will be made with the new phone system. Resources for Services increased by £1,1421 mainly due to outlay on the new icons and our Patronal visit to Eucharist at Keble College, Oxford, both of which were reimbursed in full. Overall, the cost of church activities was £51,108. ## **Maintenance** Maintenance costs were £2,731 lower (-39%) than last year. As well as weekly cleaning, the main areas of expenditure were the regular servicing contracts for the boiler, fire and alarm systems as well as some remedial work to the bell ringing system and Tower draught exclusion. ## **Church running expenses** The cost of insurance rose by £141 (4.8%) compared with last year. Utility costs fell by 7% (£468). We try to maintain a constant building temperature to protect the fabric of the church, especially in the Winter months and all our 17 utility expenditure is monitored carefully by Diana. ## **Administration** Costs across administration, computer and office supplies were £1,386 (12.8%) higher than 2023. Office operating supplies such as photocopier charges, paper and stationary are also included here. ## **Other costs** Total expenditure in 2024 includes the investment (shown as expenditure) of the large legacy (£250,000) from B Huxley to Flagstone in October so any year on year comparison must take this into account. Vicarage costs were expectedly higher than 2023 (up £1,397) due to expenditure on decorating, garden maintenance and utility costs not covered by the Diocese. Most other areas saw a reduction on 2023. Sundry payments were the cost of the school projector and cathedral visits for the pupils mentioned above. ## **Fund transfers** This £450,000 transfer represents the movement of the main (BH) legacy from the current account to the Works account where it remained until the PCC decided to invest it with Flagstone (see Receipts-Other Voluntary Receipts) Total payments in 2024 were £988,197 compared to £145,561 in 2023. This difference between Income and expenditure for 2024 was -£72, compared with £-11,451 in 2023. _Treasurer, Andy West_ ## **Safeguarding Officer’s Report 2024** There were no reported safeguarding incidents in 2024. In 2022 St Mary’s enrolled in a new safeguarding administrative system, the ‘Parish Dashboard’, which is a simple online tool, enabling us to keep track of safeguarding and keeps us up to date with local and national changes in safeguarding requirements. We have also been able to link to a national safeguarding ‘hub’, which provides an excellent form of record keeping. The Vicar, Safeguarding Officer and Warden Diana have permission to access the Parish Dashboard and Safeguarding Hub. All PCC members, Wardens and Noah’s Ark staff have taken (or are in the process of taking) the requisite safeguarding courses, renewable every three years. Church of England Safeguarding has been under scrutiny over the last year, resulting in several changes in senior management. A Church of England Regional Safeguarding lead covering Guildford Diocese, Michaela Berry, has been appointed to provide additional independent scrutiny. In December 2024 the Diocese produced a new Parish Safeguarding Information Welcome Pack, which is available on the link noticeboard, as well as names and contact details of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. 18 Online diocesan safeguarding surgeries will soon be available for Churchwardens, Safeguarding Officers, PCCs and incumbents. These surgeries should broaden our knowledge and help us to be aware of any safeguarding issues in our parish. Throughout 2024 St Mary’s Church gave no indication of being anything other than a safe environment . _Parish Safeguarding Officer, Mary Morris_ ## **Deanery Synod Representatives’ Report 2024** The Runnymede Deanery Synod met 3 times in 2024. The meetings are well attended and varied. The Deanery leadership has remained the same. We are still upholding our longstanding link with Kebbi (In Nigeria). The Runnymede Deanery accounts continue to be sound. The last meeting was held here at St Mary’s Thorpe. Our New Vicar, Father Stephen Girling hosted the meeting. Our own churchwarden, Diana talked about our 21 months interregnum here at St Mary’s Thorpe. Other topics included growth, applying for grants and green champions. It is a nice opportunity to meet other people from other churches. There will be 3 meetings in 2025. _Clare Cobbold_ 19 20 21 ## **OTHER REPORTS IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH** ## **Family Service Report 2024** Claire Margaret and Susi have kept the Family Service going through the vacancy holding 2 Family Services each month. This has hymns, prayers, and creative work connected with the gospel reading. The number of families has been very small since Covid and the departure of Fr Damian but the families that come are enthusiastic and we have staunch support from some of our congregation. Diana created a new Service leaflet and we are deeply indebted to David and Lionel for joining us and providing live music for hymns. We are hoping to extend this by the visitors coming around the organ or piano to watch our wonderful musicians play. Now with Fr Stephen in position there are many new ideas as to how to increase our Family Service membership and a Family Service Tea has been arranged for April. Watch this space. _Susi Thornton_ ## **Noah’s Ark Report 2024** Noah’s Ark, the toddler group, meets every Thursday from 9am to 11.30am, term time, in the Rutherwyke Room. We use the outside enclosed playground weather permitting. Children have a range of toys and activities they can undertake and we finish with a singing session and bubbles. Age range is from birth to school starters who attend with carers, parents and grandparents. Average attendance is approximately 16 children. We hold an annual Christmas party with Santa Claus and an end of year Summer Teddy Bear’s Picnic. The group is lively, noisy and thoroughly enjoyed by those who attend. We have space for additional children if you are aware of neighbours or relatives who would like to come—no need to book and there is no pressure to attend every week. _Joy Mitchiner and Allison Kelly_ 22 ## **Church Cleaning Report 2024** As for many years Clare continues to undertake the regular cleaning of the church on a Wednesday. She washes the floor and dusts the church, She also cleans the Rutherwyke room and adjacent areas and cleans windows when time permits. Hannah and I meet monthly to supplement where required. A team from Tasis visited and cleaned windows in the Rutherwyke room. Many thanks for all who have assisted. _Jill Collinson_ ## **Contemplative Prayer Group Report 2024** Our small Contemplative Prayer Group continues every week. We welcome anyone who would like to join us and see if this is suitable for them. What is this about? A time to shut off the burdens (and joys) of the outside world; to move into stillness and silence after listening to some suitable readings. We give ourselves to a Holy Space. It is a precious and beautiful time which we share each week on a Monday afternoon. There is a time for intercessions as we move back into the present time of need. This is a tradition begun at St Mary's in the 1970's and continued since then but it is an age old tradition of mystics and those who want to hear the words: 'Be Still and Know that I am God" We finish with tea, cake and conversation! _For more information contact the Parish Office._ ## **Flower Guild Report 2024** Elaine, Grace, Helen and I continue to enjoy providing floral arrangements in the church and are joined by Jane when not in the USA - and Margaret occasionally is able to join us from Scotland too! And I have just heard that another congregation member is considering offering her services. Please do the same if you would like to ‘have a go.’ We are all amateurs but happy to share our flower arranging knowledge with you. We especially love to decorate the church for festivals and special services. We are in the season of Lent now, when traditionally we don’t have flowers in church, but are looking forward to filling the church with flowers, mainly lilies, for Easter Sunday. Before that, there will be flowers in church temporarily – but just for one special day, Mothering Sunday. Jenni has in the past helped us to prepare little posies which are given to mothers and carers at the Sunday morning service. We thank you for your invaluable help Jenni which is much appreciated! 23 One of the special services in the past year was of course when we welcomed our new vicar, Fr Stephen, in early October, which was soon followed by the autumnal arrangements for Harvest Festival, a time of year I particularly love. We hope you feel the addition of flowers in St Mary’s adds to its beauty but of course, it is always a special space full of love and prayers – with or without flowers! _Margaret Harnden_ ## **Music Secretary’s Report 2024** We have had a full range of music at St Mary’s this year and thank all for their participation and support. Concerts were held by The Hythe Singers, The Egham Band, Tasis 5 member choir and The Red House Rhythm and Blues duo. The Bath Abbey Girls choir sang beautifully at Fr Stephen’s Installation service. We thank our organists David Howard and Lionel Pike for their tireless service. We also thank Naomi Parfitt who David has been training and Edward Wilmouth and Lindsey Bridgwater for standing in when required. Our choir has sung at 10 funerals and one wedding and at several Festivals this year. In addition, we have sung with the choirs at St Paul’s Addlestone and All Saints Woodham and at a Harvest Festival concert for Marsha White Lodge. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our choir for giving up their time to practice and sing at St Mary’s. We meet to practice at 11.30 on the 2[nd] and 4[th] Sunday of the month and would welcome any new members. Please contact me for more details. _Music Secretary, Jill Collinson_ ## **Social and Fundraising Team Report 2024** We continue to thrive as a fully formed Social and Fundraising Committee and provide support for all the refreshments for concerts and services. We continue to host our monthly Tea and Talk thanks to Susi and Allison for their valiant efforts in keep it going. It is well received and provides great fellowship. We started off our year with a very well attended quiz which raised nearly £1,000. We have been doing this for several years now so it is well tried and tested and provides a warm welcome of community. We organised a Rhythm and Blues evening in April with refreshments which was a new venture but we had a disappointing turnout. Nonetheless it was a great community effort. A few days later we hosted a tea party for our German visitors for which they were very appreciative. Andy kindly gave them a talk about the history of the Church and Jill Richards took them on a small walkabout to look at the historic buildings in the vicinity. 24 We took part in the Thorpe community fayre in June and had several stalls. It was a lovely day and brilliantly organised. Everyone seemed to enjoy the day and there was plenty of family fun. Our stalls did very well and we made a profit of approximately £1400 after costs. We hosted our annual patronal festival in August to which we invited our friends from Woodham. It was a great success. A good spread was provided and the weather was kind to us which enabled some of our guests to sit in the churchyard. In September we organised “thank you” meals on two different occasions for the kind priests who helped us during the interregnum. On the 1[st] October we also organised a welcome buffet for our new Priest – Father Stephen which was a great success. Later in October we catered for the Knights Templar. We catered for 45 and the buffet was very well received - there was virtually no waste and it was a worthwhile fundraising event. The Christmas Fayre was very well received and a great success thanks to Father Stephen who kindly allowed the use of the Church for most of the stalls. As it was so cold we had an indoor BBQ, which Father Stephen kindly ran. A pianist played in the Church and the young Egham Band also entertained us. It was an amazing day and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. We also made a net profit of approx. £1500. 25 The Hythe Singers joined us for the Lessons and Carols and they provided an amazing support for our choir. We also had a lot more people than last year for refreshments. The Egham Band concert followed a few days later. We did make a charge on that evening for the mulled wine and mince pies. For the nativity not only did we take part but we provided refreshments for the families and there was a joyous buzz in the Rutherwyke Room. After Christmas we drew our Grand raffle which also raised approximately £500. It was followed the next day by a meal at the Red Lion following the Epiphany service. We organised a raffle which again brought in some revenue. In February we organised a bring and share meal which met with great response and we received very generous donations. A couple of weeks later a continental breakfast was provided for all our congregations = again another success. _Jenny Bright_ ## **Thorpe Church of England Primary School Report 2024** We are very grateful for the close partnership with St Mary’s PCC and the new appointment of Father Stephen Girling has had a very positive impact on life at Thorpe CofE Primary. Fr Stephen attends our whole staff prayers and sharing of vulnerable children on Monday morning as well as leading worship for children every Tuesday. We have had a very successful teaching session for Holy Communion and we see our partnership with St Mary’s go from strength to strength. We are grateful that Fr Stephen, Andy West, Diana Lees and Margaret Harnden are on our governing body. Parents have welcomed open events and coffee mornings held by the PCC. We have strong links with the Diocese of Guildford who support with personnel issues as well as leadership, pastoral and academic. We continue to work with the Runnymede Learning Partnership to enhance provision, support our staff and raise standards. The schools in this partnership are St Ann’s Heath Junior School, Trumps Green Infant School, The Hythe, Manorcroft, Thorpe Lea Primary School and us. We are also working with Lyne and Longcross to enhance our Christian Distinctiveness provision for our Worship Committee ensuring we are ready for our next SIAMs inspection. We are committed to safeguarding children’s welfare and all checks on regular helpers are carried out. Our Single Central List is checked by our Safeguarding Governor Mr Bryan Nixon every term. We have undertaken a Safeguarding Audit by the Diocese. The Headteacher trains governors and every member of 26 staff on an annual basis and visitors who volunteer also have training before they work with children. FOTSA has raised a lot of money - they work hard, often with other job roles **,** for the benefit of all the children in the school. Recent purchases have been another bank of laptops and a trolley, various items for our Outdoor Play and Learning (Opal Play) scheme for all children as well as money for each class to spend on enrichment activities. We are very grateful to all our parents who work so hard for our children. Opal Play continues to support children with their play but this needs regular replenishment with donations of various items such as sand, dressing up clothes and construction items. We have a very successful Breakfast Club - Earlybirds, starting at 7.30am. and After School Club – Owl Club (from 3pm to 5.30pm). We also have a variety of other clubs; dance, coding, football, cookery, art and dodgeball. Again, we would love Faith n Fun to return to Thorpe, especially for our infant children. We are very pleased with the admissions to our school for 2025 and although we have seen quite a bit of movement to and from school; children have joined our school and settled well. We were delighted with our last Ofsted, October 2024 which states; Pupils are caring and thoughtful at this nurturing village school. If you have any questions, or would like to come for a visit, please do not hesitate to contact me. 01932 562329 or head@thorpe.surrey.sch.uk Many thanks Mrs Helen Southgate, Headteacher Faith, Love and Excellence 27 ## **Runnymede Foodbank 2024** We continue to support the Runnymede Foodbank. Their current needs are provided on a monthly basis and details displayed in the Rutherwyke room. These details are also printed on handy slips of paper to make shopping easier. The food is delivered to the Foodbank at the warehouse in Thorpe where it is sorted and parcelled up to those in greatest need. The Foodbank use the cash donated to purchase further needs and our contribution amounted to £240 this year The following was recently received: _“We have had another busy year and during the first 9 months of 2024 alone we provided over 61,580 meals to clients in the Runnymede and Weybridge areas._ _We are so grateful for your continuing faithful support, which is enabling us to continue to help those in our community who are most in need. Please pass on our thanks to those who contributed. Thank you again for your continuous support”._ _Jill Collinson_ ## **Tea and Talk 2024** We have had a very successful year with our monthly meetings. Our numbers are constant and often get extra people coming. Allison continues to provide wonderful cakes with the help of Grace and Jenny. Diana is always on hand to help the speakers set up with their equipment, grateful thanks to all of them. We have had talks on the sound of an Egyptian Mummy from David Howard, Grant returned to tell us more about Wild life dangers, one afternoon of personal sharings, another was a ‘death café’, a fascinating talk in November from Margaret Harnden on the Graves Commission and we finished the year with a showing of Brassed Off. 2025 was opened by Ian – a sailor and a weather man who came to share how the weather is plotted. This was followed by David’s return with his student Naomi showing us creativity in the electronic engineering department at Royal Holloway. A full programme will follow. ## _Susi Thornton_ 28 For Familie5 & chi14ren at st Mary'5 church, Thorpe BABIES, TODDLER & PRE.S(JIOOL Noahy Ark "Come •nd hdp us Mil No•Wsthl" Every Thursday of Term-Time 9- 11.30am Noah's Ark Dates for Summer 2025 at St Marvs 24" April to 1* July Half T¢mi Iltslidoy 2WI Al•y Wè m•ètln the Ruiherwyke Room, behlTrYthe church. Follow redbrtclr path 10 th• r8arollhe bullthr*J. Feelfree iopirt In Ihe Vlcarage. Iloah s Ar* ts a iodL¥ergrnup forbables. lodde￿a￿d￿￿5¢lK￿l chIld￿n wtth We anlnfr)mMlpl•ygmup andalways have an ¥lded¢rnftsesslon, lun aellon song or siory segnieni t￿lIng rhe morning. Secure outsffde area {wearherpemNNinRI. £2.00 per chlld L(XMING AHEAD Endof Teftn TedtyBe*s knc if Jdy 2￿￿5 Family Service OF ENGLAND Every l & 3 Sunday of the month 11.30 am- 12 nDDD A 51mpk 5er*knol¢bildrrn'syJD8&a bthkpAThbkwhb iDtmdii"e lalL¢nfti•dprJytrs F*rnlly #v•ryDTrtr- ¢Om• *l*ny *nd In thtr ¢*l*br*tl¥n St Marfs Church Thorp•. Church Approach. Thorp• Will•w•. TW20 8TQ. Parfsh Ollke: 01932 ￿7•03 ¥Mwtstrnary$¢hu￿hry.¢o.Uk 29 St Mary's Churth, Thwpe Finandal Ststements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Genernl Receipts & Payments Recelpts 2024 2023 PlannedgNing CollecDonsandthrgM"nglMngifta#ll iects0nsandotherg￿inE1yft•dI 27,277 5.128 38A92 &186 461.670 154 154 461,792 Fund-raI￿nIEVenls&kZmtss Hireotchurch ènd RUthe￿eRty)M 8,161 3,248 IiM09 7,277 ioio Refreshments Pkth's Ark 879 20 315 305 17 1I630 &Jr*lry IW. Crt eLI ?￿?9 516 516 Par•Jnt alc traYfers} TaK r*kn (2023 (>1 io,ir 4W237 11795 57,664 9W125 134.110 Payments 2024 2023 .l)J7 2A29 1,270 1,122 1.74) 51.108 57,069 5,355 InsurancE Gas.Electrpclty.Water 2,927 6,6 9.602 6207 9.275 185S3 io, 31 IOA131 Il2215 427 2,158 941 1,071 358 450.￿0 41 49,972 io,r 10,000 988.197 145,561 {72) (11,451) 31 Statement of Assets and Llabllltles 2024 2023 C•sh Funts al 31 Dec i ￿.. CLtr￿t 12.237 22227 12,309 19.(Q7 18,561 (82J.9gsWes ¢vJ3J/lW24) 514802 6329 32 10.245 10.245 Unrestr￿￿ 11+4+5) 37.573 483.618 S2LIg1 41,IYS 34,103 7S.239 Appr￿￿d￿IheFCc0n 3nds￿￿r￿1he1rbehaIrty. 32 CHARITY (OMMISSION ' Independent examinerfs report FOR ENGLAND AND WALES on the accounts Reporttothe trustees THORPE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2024 ct• 1176929 1 &2 31112rth124. Lrthr ￿ 1445Mbl any).. 33 ## **Part 2 Appendix Section The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary’s, Thorpe – Charity No: 5116755** ## **The Parochial Church Council and Responsibilities** St Mary’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with and assisting the Vicar in promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission to which Christ Jesus calls his Church; worship, pastoral care, evangelistic outreach, fellowship as well as engaging fully within our local Deanery of Runnymede. Our PCC has responsibility for the fabric of St Mary’s Historic Medieval Church, the Rutherwyke Room with Wallace Room (Parish Office) and closed churchyard surrounding the church buildings (including the Leigh Bennett Enclosure, and the southern end of Church Approach including the lych-gate, flowerbed and entrance to the Vicarage in Church Approach). By agreement St Mary’s PCC maintains the Vicarage front garden for use as a church car park. This land remains the property of the Diocesan Parsonage Board and the agreement allows for car parking on the red gravel area only (approximately 13 spaces). The asphalt part of the driveway must always be kept clear for emergency vehicles and access to the Vicarage. ## **Governance** Churchwardens are elected at the Vestry Meeting and serve for a period of no longer than six years. They are then normally disqualified from being churchwardens for the next two years, after which they are free to stand for another term of six years. In 2008 the APCM voted to allow an extension of up to two years’ service before disqualification under the rules. Members of the PCC are either elected by the APCM or are ex officio in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Membership and Governance is managed under the provisions of the Church Representation Rules, details of which may be found on the Church of England website. **https://www.churchofengland.org/** ## **Parish Share Calculation** ## _See Financial Report for 2024 for details._ _**pages 30 - 33.**_ The Parish Share calculation is made up of two component parts: 'Ministry Costs' which include stipends, pension liabilities (including historical pension costs), housing, training (including curates) and the cost of maintaining vicarages, etc. 'Shared Costs’ which include money for mission and the National Church, church schools, diocesan costs and much more besides. 34 ## **GDPR & Privacy Notice** Your privacy is especially important to Thorpe PCC and we are committed to keeping your information and data secure and safe. Visit our website to read our Privacy Notice: **https://www.stmaryschurchthorpe.co.uk/** ## **Gift Aid** As a charity this is especially important in meeting the costs of ministry and the maintenance of our historic medieval church here in Thorpe. We ask every member of the church family who can do so, to complete and sign an annual Gift Aid declaration. Thank you for your help and support. ## **Part 3 Appendix Section Regular Worship and Social Activities at St Mary’s** **Sunday Worship 8am Said Eucharist 10am Sung Parish Eucharist** _1[st &] 3[rd] Sunday monthly_ **11:30am Family Service** **Weekdays 11am Wednesday Said Eucharist** Check our newsletter for details of baptisms and other services ## **Tea and Talk** 2[nd] Monday of the month 1.45pm to 2.00pm start Guest speaker, delicious refreshments and friendly company **Noah’s Ark** Thursdays during term time 9am to 11.30am Our play group for babies, toddlers and pre-school children with parents, grandparents and carers attending’ Includes fun action songs, a story, play time and refreshments! (Please park cars at the Vicarage). arage). 35 HAPPY MOTHERING SUNDAY AT ST MARY'S THORPE 30TH MARCH from 10 - 11am Join together for a service for all the family, to celebrate our mothers and the special place that they have lorhave ha4 in our lives. Posies of flowers for the ladies and refreshments served afterwards with cakes provided by the dadsl All welcome. ljth Palm Sunday 10am Holy CommunKJn 14th Monday 7pm Medltatfon on Easter art 15th Tuqsdav 7prn Meditètion on Easter art 16th W4dn•sday 11am Sta￿ons of the Cross meditatfion 7prn Meditètion on Easter art Thu 17th Maundy Thursday 7prn Hoty Cornmunion 8.15pm Night Warch (quiet tfill midnight) Ftl 18th Good Frbdav N￿)￿ Service for all the fami 2prn Hour at the Cross, a refiecbon 191h Hoty Saturday 6.30pTll Vigil of Light & Hoty Commun￿￿ 201h Eastar Sunday Hoty CommunK>n 10am HO￿ Cornrnunion for all the fami Sr Mary's Church Thorpe Easter Services in April 36 St Mary's Church, Thorpe Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 ## General Receipts & Payments |Receipts
Regular Giving
Planned giving
Collections and other giving (non gift aid)
Collections and other giving (gift aid)
Other Voluntary Receipts
Donations/Legacies
Wall boxes & Candles
Receipts from Fund-generating Activities
Fund-raising Events & Activities
Hire of Church and Rutherwyke Room
Receipts from Church Activities
Fees (Banns, Weddings, Funerals)
Refreshments
Noah's Ark
Flowers
Sundry (Stall, Cards, Gifts etc.)
Receipts from Investments
CBF Dividends
Other Income
Works Account (inter a/c transfers)
Education Account (inter a/c transfers)
Tax reclaims (2023 Gift Aid)
Total Receipts
Payments
Church Activities
Diocesan Parish Share
Parish Costs (Expenses, Travel, Telephone)|2024
£
26,480
6,883
5,128| |---|---| ||38,492
461,670
122| ||461,792
8,161
3,248| ||11,409
5,067
869
1,408
20
315| ||7,679
516| ||516
455,798
2,334
10,106| ||468,237| ||988,125| ||2024
£
45,007
2,429| |Organists
Cost of services
Maintenance
Facilities maint. Cleaning, Fees etc
Church running expenses
Insurance
Gas, Electricity, Water
Administration
Admin, computer & office supplies
Bank charges
Postage
Other Costs
Vicarage (Interregnum) utilities/repairs etc.
Music & Subscriptions
Children's Resources
Parish Fees to Diocese/Deanery
Events & Fund-raising costs
Refreshments
Marketing
Flowers
Legacy Transfer to Flagstone Investment
Fixed assets
Fund Transfers
Transfer to Works Acc
Transfer to Education Acc
Total Payments
Balance (Income less Expenditure)
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Cash Funds
at 31 Dec 20 Bank: Current Account
1
Bank: Business Reserve Account: Education
2
Bank: Business Saver: Works
3
Investment Assets
Flagstone investment accounts
6
CBF shares/CCLA: Thorpe St. Mary PCC
4
(821.99 shares @ £23.12 each on 31/12/24)
Sundry payments(School projector & Cathedral visit)|1,270
2,402| |---|---| ||51,108
5,355| ||5,355
3,069
6,207| ||9,275
12,185.93
-
43| ||12,228
4,049
22
243
286
1,484
941
1,071
50
2,085
450,000
-| ||460,230
450,000
-| ||450,000| ||988,197| ||(72)
2024
£
12,237
22,227
7,027
454,364
19,007| 514,862 |Other Monetary Assets
Estimated refund for 2024 GA donations
5
Breakdown of Cash Funds
Unrestricted (1+4+5)
Restricted (2+3+6)|6,329| |---|---| ||6,329
37,573
483,618| ||521,191| Approved by the PCC on and signed on their behalf by: 2023 £ 27,277 20,404 8,186 55,867 - 154 154 7,277 2,010 9,287 8,600 879 830 305 17 10,630 508 508 44,869 - 12,795 57,664 ### 2023 £ 53,225 1,122 1,740 982 57,069 8,087 8,087 2,927 6,675 9,602 10,800 - 31 10,831 1,368 46 - 427 2,158 1,033 1,633 358 - - 42,950 49,972 10,000 - 10,000 ### ### 2023 £ 12,309 24,204 9,899 - 18,581 64,994 10,245 10,245 41,135 34,103 75,239 : CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of THORPE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL On accounts for the year ended 2024 Charity no. 1176929 Set out on pages 1&2 I reFM)rt to the trustees on my exafnination of the accounts of the above charity (Ihe Trusv) for the year end 3111212024. Responslbllltles and As the charity trustees, you are reswnsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in aC(x)rdan￿ with the Charities Act 2011 (Ihe Acr). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I have folbwed all the applicable Directions grven by the Charity Commission under section 145(5Xb) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. l ￿nfi￿n that no material matters hava examinerfs statement come to my attention (other than that disclosed below "l in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in. any material the accounting recL)rds were not kept in accordan￿ with section 130 of the ACL or the accounts did not ac(J)rd with the accounting records" or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements con￿mIng the fomi and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a Irue and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examinatton. I have no COn￿mS and have ￿rne across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ' Please delete the words in the brackets rfthey do not apply. Slgned: J,. A7rt*rt/ Name: PAUL WHITLOCK Relevant professional quallflcatlon{sl or body (if any): Address: ￿￿20