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2025-12-31-accounts

ST SAVIOUR'S CHURCH stsavioursstalbans.com Youare verywelconw. to<ome In andenjoy e peace andbeauty this place.... ANNUAL REPORT 2025

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

Accountants Baverstocks

Dickens House, 2-7 Guithavon St, Witham, Essex CM8 1BJ

Incumbent Fr Richard Watson

Parish Ministry Team

The Ministry Team consists of licensed clergy and Churchwardens:

Fr Richard Watson Vicar Mthr Emily Lloyd Assistant Curate from June 2025 Fr Tony Halton Assistant Priest David Summers Churchwarden Elaine Wilson Churchwarden

Supported by those with episcopal permission to minister:

Fr Andrew Ferrar Permission to Officiate Fr Jonathan Smith Permission to Officiate Fr Ian Pidoux Permission to Officiate Dr Imogen de la Bere Authorised to Preach

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Statutory Reports

Parochial Church Council

Members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) are either ex-officio, co-opted or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

From May 2025 the following people served as members of the PCC:

Incumbent Fr Richard Watson (ex-officio) Assistant Curate Mthr Emily Lloyd (from June 2025) Assistant Priest Fr Tony Halton (ex-officio) Churchwardens David Summers (ex-officio) Elaine Wilson (ex-officio) Elected Members Bruce King (till May 2026) Ellie Matthews (Lay vice-chair) (till May 2026) Hasmeeta Mahandru (till May 2026) Matt Barbrook (Treasurer) (till May 2027) Dorothy Hones (till May 2027) Libby Agrotis (till May 2027) Charles Courquin (till May 2028) Gary Edwards (till May 2028) Susan Hare (till May 2028)

Representatives on Deanery Synod Geoff Harrison (ex-officio, Diocesan Synod) (till May 2026) Diane Nicholas (ex-officio, Secretary) (till May 2026)

The full PCC met six times during the year with Fr Richard chairing the meetings. There was also an extra meeting held in February 2025 to make a decision on the nave floor heating.

During the year, the PCC approved the following policies: Safeguarding - including Vulnerable Adults, Children, Domestic Abuse, and Social Media. Health & Safety policy was renewed in November 2025. Current versions can be viewed on the website in the Governance section.

Electoral Roll Report

In 2025 there were 96 people on the Electoral roll. This year 3 people have died, 2 moved away. There were 3 new names added to the Electoral Roll, which now stands at 94.

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Churchwardens Report

St Saviour’s continues to go from strength to strength, and we are very proud to be a part of this community. It is a joy to represent you as your Churchwardens.

INVENTORY

In September we received a visit by the Assistant Rural Dean to inspect the building and its contents. We discussed risk assessments, safeguarding and the building in general. All was found to be in good order. We have added a new nativity set to the Inventory made from Pyrenees stone by the nuns at the Bethleem Monastery in France, which was donated by James Cash in memory of Elizabeth. No items were removed from the inventory during the year.

TERRIER

Minor maintenance works have been completed throughout the year, and further details are included in the Buildings Team Report.

FACULTIES

We received a faculty to install heating to the floor of the nave to improve the comfort for those attending services and events. This work was carried out in the summer of 2025 and has been in use over the winter, helping ensure the building meets the needs of the congregation and local community.

We also received a faculty during the year for the major repairs of the parish organ. This was further updated at the end of the year to add a 16” trombone stop. We are grateful for the entire congregation who contributed to this work and in particular, Sue Myerscough’s generous legacy that enabled the work to commence.

There are currently two faculties that have been delayed and awaiting further building works, these are: -

As reported last year, we have also given notice to the International Organ Festival (IOF) for the IOF to be removed and this is still awaiting completion of reordering works at the receiving Parish Church.

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THANKS, AND OBSERVATIONS

We welcomed Mthr Emily, as our new curate during the year and we are delighted that she chose to join us. We would particularly like to thank our Clergy Team under the leadership of Fr Richard, for all their work, support and guidance throughout the year. Thanks also goes to everyone who supports our work at St Saviours in any way, they are far too numerous to mention here but are very much appreciated!

Dave Summers and Elaine Wilson

Churchwardens

Deanery Synod

St Albans Deanery is one of the 20 deaneries making up the Diocese of St Albans (Herts, Beds, Luton and Barnet). Our deanery consists of 16 parishes in and around St Albans and is led by the Rural Dean, Fr Richard Watson (St Saviour’s). The Assistant Rural Dean, the Revd Kylie Hodgins (St Luke’s, Bricket Wood) moved away in January, and the Bishop appointed the Revd Alex Huzzey (St Luke’s, St Albans) to replace her as Assistant Rural Dean. Meriel Dixon had been the Lay Chair of the Deanery since 2015 but announced that she would be standing down after the June Synod. The Deanery Synod enables liaison between parishes, supporting our mission and ministry. So, the Deanery Synod sits between a church’s own PCC and the Diocesan Synod. Deanery Synod members elect the members of Diocesan Synod and in turn those for General Synod. There are three synod meetings each year.

February 2025

St John the Baptist, Aldenham: This very old and beautiful church is currently in vacancy, so a churchwarden spoke about the life and witness there. The Deanery Treasurer announced that funds were suffcient for our current needs and with no large expenses expected, no subscriptions (normally £15 per synod member) would be asked of churches this year. The Revd Kate Pearson (St Mary’s, Marshalswick) spoke about ‘Wellbeing for All’, and the Revd Oliver Blease (Radlett) spoke about the ‘The Year of Spiritual Renewal and Wellbeing. The Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore (Dean of St Albans) brought Synod members up to date with the Vacancy in See proces, anticipating Bishop Alan’s retirement in May.

June 2025

St Saviour’s, St Albans: The Revd Richard Watson gave a brief history of St Saviour’s Church and told the Deanery what has happened since his arrival in 2017. Dr Chris Swain spoke about Support in Ministry and Philip Nalpanis spoke about being the Deanery Eco Champion. The Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore (Dean of St Albans) updated us on the process of appointing a new Bishop. The Revd Sarah Marshall was announced as the second Assistand Rural Dean. The evening ended with the Revd Richard Watson thanking Meriel Dixon for her time as Lay-Chair to the Deanery and presented her with a card and gifts.

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October 2025

St Mary’s Marshalswick: The Revd Kate Pearson gave a brief history of St Mary’s Church and explained what exciting projects they have going on at the moment. There was no speaker at this meeting, so it was fairly short. Fr Richard was away, so the meeting was excellently led by Alex Hussey from St Luke’s, St Albans and also Assistant Rural Dean. He welcomed our newest members to Deanery Synod, including, Revd Sherine Angus (now vicar at St Stephen with St Julian) and AJ Hutchinson-Wade (Curate of St Mary’s Marshalswick) He also informed the meeting of three other new Curates, including Revd Patrick Craig (Curate at St Luke’s, St Albans) and Clinton Dan-Jumbo (Curate at Christ Church, St Albans) and Mthr Emily Lloyd (Curate at St Saviour’s Church, St Albans)

Deanery comings and goings in 2025

February: Honoray Canons at the Cathedral: Professor Russell Cowburn, Mr Chris Curtis, Revd Mike John, Revd Ysmena Pentelow, Revd Andrew John Thomas

March - Revd Alex Huzzey was made Assistant Rural Dean in St Albans; The Revd Patrick Moriarty made Rector in the Benefice of Harpenden

June - Revd Jason Wratten made Youth Chaplain at the Cathedral, Revd Kate Pearson became Assistant Dean of Women’s Ministry

September - Revd Sherine Angus made vicar of St Stephen with St Julian; Revd Stephen Fraser became Vicar at St Luke, Wimbledon Park in the Diocese of Southwark October - Revd Sarah Marshall became Assistant Rural Dean of St Albans, with Revd Alex Huzzey; Revd Oliver Blease, made Team Rector of Aldenham, Radlett & Shenley Team November - The Revd Em Coley, made Diocesan Disability Advisor – Hertford and St Albans Archdeaconries and Honorary Canon of the Cathedral.

Diane Nicholas

Deanery Secretary

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General Reports

Bible Study

The weekly Vicarage Bible Study has continued to meet through the year providing an opportunity for discussion and reflection on the gospel reading for the coming Sunday. Using a simple form of lectio divina all are given an opportunity to contribute to the discussion and share insights as we learn to listen to one another and the prompting of the Spirit. Each meeting ends with an opportunity for open or silent prayer, closing with the Prayer for Growth and The Grace. The time of meeting alternates between 2pm and 8pm enabling a wider group of people to be involved. All are welcome to come along – no preparation of prior knowledge required!

Bookings – Church

We have continued to grow our community hub, with bookings from our regular hirers for concerts, workshops and entertainment. This year we have also welcomed Hightown Housing who have used the Church twice, to support the homeless people in St Albans. There have been four weddings or celebrations, seven baptisms, four funerals and three Burial of Ashes.

The Church has also been used by theatre groups, Rotary and the Guild of Vergers. As before the Church turned into a Polling Station for the May elections.

The English classes in the choir vestry are now well established on a Tuesday morning, and the numbers seem to be increasing.

We also hosted two Quiz nights, The Beer & Fizz Festival, The Christmas Tree Festival and The Burns Night Supper.

In 2025 we welcomed back Harry Baker, SwanVesta Social Club and Edwina Hayes wowing their audiences with their own kind of entertainment, and we look forward to seeing them again in 2026. Other performers included Track Dogs, and the church was also used by Nick Byrne, Cristina Federici and Folks Singer for recording purposes.

The Heat Mats were installed in July 2025, and the Parish Organ started its restoration in October. We are looking forward to Easter 2026 when the restoration work will be finished. We continue to reach outside our building with the regular Pizza man on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and Street Food Heroes from March till September.

Bookings – Parish Hall

The church hall is very well used with church events, concerts, regular and one-off bookings. The hall is in need of some attention to make sure it is a space people continue to hire. The current cleaners are efficient, but it is difficult to clean the floor, toilets and kitchen. The figure for the hall income does not include the concert bookings.

Tina Alder Hall Booking Secretary

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Book Group

There have been no meetings this year but hopefully they will start again in 2026.

Wendy Oakley

Building Team

The team has been busy during the year, and we were very pleased to welcome Brian Matthews to the team.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Buildings Team over 2025.

The Buildings Team

Children & Youth

Families at Four

Families at Four meets on the first Sunday of each month at 4.00pm. Parents and Carers are welcomed with a hot drink and children are encouraged to participate in crafts related to a biblical story or theme, which is introduced in the story time that follows. The session ends with everyone sharing a meal together. The number of families attending has increased steadily and ranges from around 3-8. Good comments are often made on the quality of the food, the creative crafts and the friendly reception received at Families at Four.

We have a committed and creative team of volunteers who meet throughout the year to discuss the themes and vision for the group. Our previous theme was “Friends of God,”

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during which we explored a different person in the bible each week. We have just begun our new theme “Creation Care”, which ties in with the church’s vision to become more aware of our environmental impact, and how this relates to our faith and theology.

Our hope and prayer is to continue to provide a space where families feel welcome and experience the love of God through stories, play and fellowship. And more growth would be great too!

The Prayground

The area in the north aisle was ‘christened’ The Prayground some years ago now by Trevor Oakes, our late churchwarden - and he also make the beautiful sign! Not only during services, but also through the week this space provides a welcome to families, children and many more: dads waiting to collect from Rainbows or Brownies in the hall, parents waiting while children have music lessons in the Vestry, children walking home from school with Mum or Grannie. Thanks to Gloria and others who keep the area tidy and replenish the stock of colouring sheets and activities for all who might drop in!

Sundays at Ten

The number of children attending Sundays at Ten continues to be variable and there have still been a few weeks with no attendees. The 2025 Good Friday workshop had to be cancelled due to several children pulling out at the last moment when numbers were already low and plans for an Advent workshop were also abandoned due to very low takeup. On Remembrance Sunday, the children made their own wreaths which were laid at war memorial. During Advent, the children read at the lighting of the Advent candles and were also responsible for constructing the 250 Christingles given out at the service on Christmas Eve. They also made their own Advent wreaths to take home. We joined forces with Tots Time and Families at Four for the Christmas Tree Festival, the theme for our tree being SustainabiliTREE. All the decorations were made from items which we already had and items that can be recycled. Thanks, as ever, to our loyal group of leaders and helpers.

Gloria Winter

Tots Time

We began the year with sad news of losing Sue Myerscough, who had been a faithful helper at Tots for several years and is greatly missed. Our weekly formula remains the same, with lots of age-related toys for the children to play with, adults offered fresh coffee and tea, children offered snack bowls when they sit at small tables on chairs chatting like mini adults. We finish with a story, ‘the hello song’, ‘head, shoulders, knees and toes’ with musical instruments to accompany. At the end of the session all are encouraged to tidy up which they do eagerly. Our numbers have fluctuated from 0-11 but we have regulars and returners with 2nd and 3rd children. Our age range is much younger now. We usually keep our coats on between Nov and Feb but now there is a small area of heating and parents report having a warmer bottom after sitting on the floor!

We celebrated Valentine’s Day, Mother and Father’s Day, and Easter with treats of eggs and chocolate coins and cards. We shared a tree with Families at Four and Sunday School for the magnificent Christmas Tree Festival and loved our prime position next to the font. The

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children took take their decorations home to put on their own trees in future years. We welcomed Emily (curate) in July and quickly learned she loves babies and has a very sweet tooth! She has taught the children a new thank you song with Makaton and has taken over duties as social media postings. A huge thank you to Moira who plays piano for us, Ashley our refreshment Manager (of 1)and John for clearing the platform and helping out monthly.

Anthea Smith.

Children & Families Lead Worker

We are still seeking to appoint a ‘Children and Families Lead.’ The advertisement has been on the diocesan and St Saviour’s websites since October 2025, and whilst there has been some interest, we are still looking for the ‘right person’ for the role. After receiving some feedback about the job description being overly comprehensive, it has been pared back to make it more focused and accessible. An updated version has now been uploaded online.

Although children and youth ministry is vital to both the life and growth of the church, many churches across the country are facing ongoing challenges in recruiting children’s and youth workers. Please continue to pray for this important aspect of our ministry, in St Saviour’s and the wider church, and for God’s guidance and provision in appointing the right person for the role.

Mother Emily Lloyd

Christmas Tree Festival

The Christmas Tree Festival took place on 16–22 December, celebrating the theme of Past, Present and Yet to Come and supporting the charity, Herts Young Homeless. Planning began back in January, and the festival owed its success to the dedication of the organising team— Brian, Dorothy, Elaine, Ellie, Laura, Linda, Rebecca and Father Richard—whose hard work shaped the event from start to finish.

This year the church was filled with 92 beautifully decorated trees, contributed by more than 80 organisations, charities, schools, community groups and parishioners. The festival’s primary aim remained to welcome more people into St Saviour’s and strengthen its role as a vibrant community hub. Fundraising was a secondary goal, so entry was once again free, with income generated through events, the café and bar, donations, sponsorship and the ever ‑ popular raffle. Special thanks to those who secured mince pies, sponsored trees, supported events or donated prizes.

Several new ideas were introduced this year. The “Pub in the Pines” opened on more evenings, extending hours to 10pm, while musical sessions included Carols till Tea Time and ticketed concerts by Magpie Lane and Tom Wackett – both paid for with generous sponsorship from Atlas Translations and Ayletts Nurseries. The café served until 7pm daily, with the bar opening from 4pm and running through the evening. Alongside favourites such as mulled wine, tea, coffee and mince pies, visitors enjoyed expanded drink options, hot ‑ chocolate and new merchandise including sew on badges.

The festival relied on the incredible commitment of St Saviour’s volunteers. Over eight days, 64 volunteers covered 238 shifts, giving an extraordinary 714 hours of their time. Marketing was also extensive, with banners around town, an updated website, social media activity,

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magazine features, radio mentions, cinema advertising and postcards delivered across the parish. The result was a truly successful festival, attracting thousands of visitors, boosting attendance at Christmas services and inspiring countless positive comments.

Charles Courquin

Clare Lodge Residential Care Home

We continue to have a very positive relationship with Clare Lodge Care Home in Battlefield Road, which welcomes the clergy and other members of St Saviour’s for a monthly Thursday morning service. We alternate between the Anna Chaplain, Maggie Dodd, leading the services and Father Richard and/or Mother Emily. In December, one of the care workers began an initiative to donate toys for children for Christmas, and they decided to donate them to St Saviour’s; many of which were given to the toddler group. A number of Clare Lodge residents join us for Tea Club on the third Friday of the month, and the staff often bring residents into church during the summer.

Churches together in Marshalswick

In January the six CTM churches exchanged candles with one of their partner churches at the regular Sunday morning church services. In May CTM ran a Christian Aid Market outside St Mary's at the Quadrant at the end of the CA Week raising about £1700 for Christian Aid. In July St Leonard's, Sandridge hosted an afternoon tea followed by a Songs of Praise service in the church. The event was poorly attended so won’t be held in 2026 and reviewed for 2027. During the year CTM members collected donations for the Food Bank from outside Budgens at the Quadrant. On the three collection occasions spread throughout the year approximately 900 food items were collected and delivered to Vineyard for distribution. This was slightly fewer than the previous year. St Saviour's hosted the Advent Carol service at which representatives of the six CTM churches took part in the readings. The Christmas Nativity Angel Trail Challenge ran for its fourth year, requiring participants to find and correctly name the 12 knitted angels from the heavenly choir provided by members of the various churches and hidden in the windows of shops at The Quadrant. The Marshalswick Public Library hosted the collection of the answer sheets.

John Myerscough

Compassionate Café

The Compassionate Café team are pleased to report that the year 2025 has gone very well. We have had a regular cohort of visitors over the year, and new visitors have been welcomed, many of whom have gone on to become regulars themselves. We have averaged 10 visitors per café in 2025, with a steady increase in numbers towards the end of the year when we welcomed 16 at December’s cafe. One of our volunteers, Claire R, has led craft activities each week, designed specifically for our visitors to create such things as memory jars, or, for the Christmas Tree Festival, flowers dedicated to the memory of loved ones. These have proved very successful with many people. Thanks to our dedicated team of

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volunteers, we continue to “provide a safe place to talk and be with friends”, as one of our visitors said.

The coordinator at Rennie Grove Peace Hospice, who oversees all the Compassionate Cafes, is actively sending referrals to us, as we demonstrate that we are providing valuable support in a warm, safe and welcoming space for all who come.

We are grateful to St Saviour’s PCC for supporting the Compassionate Café by providing the church hall for us each month.

Libby Agrotis

Eco Team

Having achieved the A Rocha bronze award we began to pull together an Eco Team towards the end of the year, in response to the challenge made by our Deanery Eco Champion. Ellie Matthews has agreed to lead the team, and a strategy for achieving the Silver Award will be implemented in 2026.

Events

Beer & Fizz Festival

The 2025 Festival was our biggest and most successful yet, drawing a huge number of visitors and with profits around £23,400. We received generous donations and sponsorship from numerous local pubs, breweries and businesses as well as private individuals which meant that every drop sold was profitable. £4,000 was given to the Pioneer Youth Club, our chosen Festival Charity. Thanks to all who gave their time and energy to make this major community event possible for another year!

Harvest Festival

The Harvest Festival weekend took a different shape in 2025, beginning with our regular Street Food Heroes evening on Friday and followed by a Table Top Sale and Harvest Café on the Saturday morning, with a Community Quiz in the evening. Thanks to Sarah, Elaine and Laura for masterminding the event, and to Ann and others who baked cakes for all to enjoy!

House Group

We meet on the second Thursday of each month at my home. Each session starts with the ubiquitous tea and biscuits, then chat about the general well-being of those known to us in case any help is needed. This follows with lively discussion on the readings and sermon of the week, taking the theme as a whole. We would be delighted if new members joined us.

Nonita Palmer

The ‘Jolly Saviour’ Pop-up Bar

The Jolly Saviour Bar has had a successful year and raised a considerable amount of money towards the running of the Church, thanks to a small but enthusiastic group of bar tenders.

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We run a bar for a variety of events, including St Albans Folk’s monthly gathering, several church ‘promotions’ such as Track Dogs and Harry Baker , other choir bookings, wedding blessings and of course Church social events and after service ‘specials’. I would like to thank all those who have helped over year giving up their spare time to set up, man and clear up.

Geoff Harrison

Lent 2025

The usual programme of Lent Groups and activities in recent years were consolidated into a single event which brought together around 25-30 people every Thursday in the weeks leading up to Holy Week and Easter. Under the title of Supper & Psalms , each evening began in the Parish Hall with a shared 2 course meal at 7pm, followed by an informal celebration of Holy Communion seated at the tables, usually using a celtic-style liturgy. Then there followed a reflection on a psalm led by one of the clergy team and leading into discussion groups. Night Prayer was the final component of the evening and we were off home by 9.15pm having been fed physically and spiritually. Thank you to Ann Ferrar and her team of assistants who catered for all so amazingly!

Men’s Group

The Men’s Group has had an interesting year with the numbers varying but steady. We have visited a number of different restaurants and pubs and tasted a lot of different types of food varieties from English pub grub to Thai/Malay, Indian to Fish and Chips and of course Fr Andrew’s Oaklands Christmas dinner. The banter is always good and we attract members who are not regular church members.

Geoff Harrison

Music

Choir

There have been significant changes this year. Sue Myerscough, our long-standing and much-loved soprano sadly passed away in hospital in January after a short illness. Sue had a wonderfully clear and beautiful solo voice, and we miss her warm personality and friendship. We were honoured by John and the family to sing Sue’s favourite pieces at a special requiem joined by four of Sue’s fellow Bach Choir sopranos. A very generous bequest from Sue’s estate became the foundation of the Parish Organ Restoration Fund (see organ report). We are very grateful for this gift, and for those of the wider community in ensuring the restoration of the organ and continuance of the parish Anglican music tradition. The final organ use before dismantlement was choral evensong with St Mary’s Woburn choir, following a combined Harvest evensong at Woburn Abbey. The IOF organ has subsequently accompanied worship, with choir now in original oak choir pews before the rood screen,

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adding adjacency and musical cohesion. Other notable choir ‘awaydays’ were St John’s Church, Watford (Ascension Day Mass) and the Duke of Bedford’s Estate Carol Service. It was with great sadness that following a short illness our wonderful bass Trevor Barton died in June. We all miss his deep resonant voice, non-stop twinkle in the eye, friendship and encouragement. At his funeral the Choir combined with SACC for a fitting choral celebration, music representing his membership of both choirs and key aspects of his life.

We warmly welcomed new altos Freya and Jenny Burley, and the commencement of the Choral Scholars scheme with official endowment for Ethan Roberts (tenor) and Alexander Crook (bass) by the Bishop of Hertford - plus new affiliate scholars, Eva Powell and Lucille Neale. Alex was appointed bass choral scholar at Portsmouth Cathedral in September. We are appreciative that the choir vestry gained an upgraded piano courtesy of Glora Winter (Bernards Heath School) and an electronic keyboard for rehearsal use courtesy of Marie Price (St Nicholas, Harpenden).

Socially. the choir team came second in the Parish Quiz (!) Philip and Jacqui hosted a wonderful summer barbecue, and the Christmas Tree festival team showed their design skills with ‘Carols through the Centuries’. Thank you to all, and especially Nicholas, for your support over this momentous year.

Carol Crook

Organs

The Parish Organ

For the most part the Parish Organ has continued to work quite well within its limitations, i.e. only the Swell and Choir manuals plus the Pedals were at least partially operative. The main Great manual continued to be unusable as the result of earlier serious damage due to a water leak. Otherwise, various notes continued not to sound, and I had to devise workarounds for these types of problems.

Early in 2025 we received the sad news of the death of Sue Myerscough, a long-standing and much-loved soprano in the parish choir. In the summer we received the amazing news that in her legacy she had left the incredibly generous sum of £100,000 towards the restoration of the organ. We needed something approaching £140,000 to complete the job, so an appeal was launched to raise the remaining £40,000. This inspired some further big donations, and we were able to give the go-ahead to Gary Owens Organ Builders (Herefordshire) to start work. In October 2025 they began to dismantle the instrument and take most of it back to their workshop. Material which didn’t get taken away was stored in the Lady Chapel, which unfortunately has been out of action as a result. The restoration work is scheduled to be completed in time for Easter 2026, when I hope to be able to perform a suitable fanfare to celebrate the opening of the reredos doors during the Easter Saturday Vigil service! We need to be aware that there may be some teething problems as the “new” instrument beds in.

International Organ Festival Organ

Meanwhile, from October 2025 all services have been accompanied on the IOF Organ. This has continued to operate satisfactorily despite it not having been maintained for some years. The reed stops (trumpets trombone and crumhorn) have become badly out of tune, and therefore best avoided! Negotiations with the IOF for the eventual removal of this organ have continued, but at the time of writing no definite date for this has been

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fixed. Unfortunately, the position of this instrument in the church provides a physical barrier to the sound of the Parish Organ reaching the nave properly.

Parish Pantry

The Parish Pantry was set up to try to address some of the local needs resulting from the national Cost of Living Crisis following the covid pandemic. This is an additional resource to local Foodbanks, catering for more immediate, occasional and regular needs. There is no requirement for a social services referral.

The Pantry is housed in a small cupboard at the back of church, with shelves for tinned and dry food, toiletries and cleaning products. Donations are provided by individuals and groups connected with St Saviour’s, as well as our local Morrison’s supermarket. The Pantry is accessed throughout the week by anyone who is in need. Some regular users come from families at the local primary school, others come into church anonymously and take what they need. Staples like pasta, rice, tinned fish, meat and vegetables, pasta sauces, toilet roll, nappies, tea and coffee are particularly useful. Thank you to everyone who has provided donations for the Pantry. These are very much appreciated, and the need remains.

Linda Watson

Parish Retreat – Pleshey

The Parish Retreat this year was led by Fr Richard with the theme ‘Christian Life as Eucharist’ and exploring the fourfold action of taking, blessing, breaking and giving as we experience the work of God in our lives and in the church community. Visiting the House of Retreat at the end of August meant we were able to see the garden in all its splendour, which helped make the weekend a peaceful and refreshing experience…. And not only thanks to the accustomed welcome at The Leather Bottle !

Pastoral Team

In general terms, in the tradition of St Saviour’s, many members of the church family carry out ongoing pastoral work in both lay and ministerial roles. Nonita and Bruce have continued their work of sending bereavement and baptism cards respectively. Their considerable efforts are very much appreciated.

Libby Agrotis

Refugee Language Classes

English classes for Ukranians were set up in partnership with StAR (St Albans for Refugees) in 2022 and have continued this year. The students enjoy coming and are very enthusiastic about improving their English. The classes are run by Hilary Elder, an experienced ESOL

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teacher, and are open to all levels. Newcomers are always welcome. Classes are on Tuesdays from 10.30am to 12noon in the Vestry which St Saviour’s makes available at no charge.

Sacristy

Although we are a small group of Servers, in 2025 we were able to turn out a minimum of three servers for each Sunday Mass, and for Festivals. In June we welcomed Gary to our team, and he has been a real asset. Our dedicated group of servers faithfully assist the clergy altar every Sunday and at special services for Festivals. Apart from one all our servers are now members of the Company of Servers, and it is hoped that they will joined in with the Company of Servers activities, held four times every year. We eventually gathered for our regular Christmas meal in June, and all had a wonderful time. I would like to thank John Myerscough, who every year is my right-hand man, for all his support and unseen, invaluable contributions. At the end of the year, we completed an audit of everything in the Sacristy, reported our findings back to the PCC and looked at ways to slim-line our budget. If you’d like to join us, please speak to one of us. St Saviour's cherished traditions of incense and bells wouldn’t be possible without our team of servers.

Diane Nicholas

Safeguarding

The new Learning and Practice Guidance 2021 came into force in January 2022. There is a national requirement for all dioceses to ensure healthy safeguarding practice, responding well to victims and survivors of abuse in the church context. The Bishop of St. Albans set minimum requirements for safeguarding training using the new Learning and Development Framework.

Summary of progress in 2025

As Parish Safeguarding Officer, I am satisfied that the PCC has complied with its duty to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance in relation to safeguarding. Safeguarding alerts made to the PSO would be reported to the Diocesan Safeguarding Lead. Thank you to all our volunteers who offer their time and skills in support of our parish community and help us in our Diocesan and parish commitment to safeguard all God’s people.

Elaine Wilson

Senior Citizens’ Tea Club

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The tea club runs on the third Friday of each month between 2pm and 4pm for senior citizens. It is a free event with the raffle raising money to help fund the entertainment. Numbers have been about 30 to 35 over the last year with a steady trickle of new faces each month. People speak of it being a friendly group with interesting speakers/entertainment and delicious cake! The group is advertised on social media and other mediums to encourage new people. The “helpers” are amazing and we have had a couple of new people join which really helps. We always appreciate cake or raffle donations.

Tina Alder

Services

Sunday Parish Mass

Throughout 2025 we have seen a small but steady growth in attendance at the 10am Parish Mass, and we have also welcomed visitors and new members to the congregation, including new families. This has been in part influenced by the launch of the new website and its integration with our church social media. As the ‘core’ act of worship we have maintained a good choral tradition thanks to the music department, and an ordered and prayerful liturgy thanks to our team of servers.

The congregation at the Sunday 8am ranges from 3 to 12 and continues to provide a quiet ‘escape’ for those who need it!

Third Sunday All-age Mass

The all-age service is always a challenge for preachers as we can never be certain how many (if any!) children and young people are going to be present. None the less the positive comments from the congregation with regard to the more informal ‘feel’ and variation in music choices is appreciated by many, and the style of service forms a ‘bridge’ between the more ordered parish mass and the children’s experience in Sundays at Ten . We have been fortunate to welcome Mother Emily as curate and look forward to developing the all-age element in our worship more once she is priested.

broken/

Our monthly informal communion service takes place on the second Sunday of the month at 6pm. Using a celtic-style liturgy with recorded music for reflection and no singing, the service lasts about 30 minutes and is deliberately unlike anything else we have at St Saviour’s. We have been pleased to welcome visitors from other churches from time to time, or those who have their curiosity tweaked by Instagram posts.

Midweek Services

Although both the Tuesday 10am and Thursday 7pm masses are small congregations they provide important ‘pitstops’ in our regular weekly schedule, sustaining the work and mission of the parish through prayer and sacrament.

Walsingham Mass

The Cell of Our Lady of Walsingham & St Amphibalus was established at St Saviour’s and continues to meet following the Mass of Our Lady held at 10am on the second Saturday of

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each month in the Lady Chapel. We are pleased to regularly welcome members from the Cell at the Cathedral. Following the tradition of pilgrims over the centuries, the Parish undertook a Day Pilgrimage to the Holy House at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham on Saturday 26[th] July 2025, drawn by the strong bond for spiritual healing between the two holy places. Andrew Ferrar

Street Food Heroes

With #foodfestfridays now in their third year, we continue to welcome sizeable gatherings on the second Friday of each month between March and September. Each evening offers local people a choice of 4 or 5 street-food trucks with varied cuisines, plus a licensed bar and mobile DJ. Bringing so many people (including lots of families) literally to our doorstep has had a positive impact on requests for baptisms and weddings, and a growing awareness of what St Saviour’s ‘is all about’.

Website: stsavioursstalbans.com

After a year of experimenting and adjustments, the new parish website went live in January 2025 with a new domain name and image-based designed, using WIX. It is continually reviewed in order to keep information up to date and a point of reference for congregation and the wider community. It offers an attractive shop-window for life at St Saviour’s, and we are awaiting the arrival of a new booking system for the Church and Hall, with the capacity to take payments online to simplify the collection of hire charges. This additional add-on is being provided free of charge by Parishpoint web design in Redbourn.

beerandfizz.com is a separate WordPress website linked to the parish site and dedicated to promoting the Beer & Fizz Festival.

Women’s Group

The group meets once each month, and Monday has become the regular day. Although not the same Monday each time, it tends to suit most. There is rarely less than twelve who spend a lovely morning over a coffee together at the local garden centre. Early in the year one meeting is a lunch and the year finishes with a much-anticipated Christmas gathering for lunch in a local pub. On this occasion the number has a few extras and is around twenty. Warm fellowship and support for one another is enjoyed in the simple pleasure of being together.

Jan Brown

Women on Wednesdays (WOW)

Women on Wednesdays (WoW) continues to meet on the first Wednesday evening of the month, as a complimentary group to the St Saviour’s Women’s group which usually meets during the day. WoW provides a good opportunity for an evening out as part of a group without partners or children and to get to know each other better. In 2025 the programme included a couple of Quiz nights at the King Will, a pancake party, BBQ, Chippy walk to the

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Wick, gathering at St Michael’s Folk Festival, meals at the White Lion, La Cosa Nostra and the Six Bells (where Mother Emily talked about her calling and answered our questions about life as a curate) and an Advent table-centre craft evening with reflection on a nativity painting by Ghirlandaio. There are over thirty members on the WoW WhatsApp group, which we use to stay in touch and update with details of monthly meetings and other church events. Around ten people attend each month, some have their main contact with St Saviour’s via Families at Four.

Linda Watson

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Annual Accounts 2025

Receipts and Payments

for the year ended 31 December 2025

St Saviour’s Church, St Albans

Income and expenditure account for the year ended 31 December 2025

General Fund

Receipts 2025 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Voluntary Income
Planned Giving 42,967.15 43,899.90
Collections 5,097.73 1,037.01
Donations 6,024.59 12,867.98
Legacy 5,880.81 6,000.00
Income tax recovered 10,507.94 70,478.22 12,584.39 76.389.27
Income from the Community
Fundraising Events 25,000.00 2,000.00
Hall Hire 29,029.24 26,122.50
Church Hire 5,573.83 7,574.50
Church Fees (341.00)
59,262.07		 (392.00) 35,305.00
Other Income
Investment Income 4,066.44 4,078.42
Other Income 3,819.50
7,885.94		 6,050.93 10,129.35
Total Income 137,626.23 121,823.62
Expenditure 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Relating to the work of the church
Parish Share 73,477.00 71,404.00
Sacristy 1,130.94 333.49
Youth and Children 230.49 119.04
Music 1,862.00 4,270.00
General Donations 1,977.92 78,678.35 0.00 76,126.53
Relating to the running of the church
Church Running 39,737.56 29,224.54
Hall and Garden 7,560.03 6,743.36
Publicity and Printing 170.00 2,784.59
Clergy Expenses 1,242.59 1,633.10
Admin, Banking and IT 3,768.41 1,268.82
Staff Costs 16,709.00 5,187.90
Miscellaneous Expenses 3,411.33 72,598.92 0.00 46,842.31
Total Expenditure 151,277.27 122,968.84
Surplus/(Deficit) (13,651.04) (1,145.22)

Notes

The revaluation of the shares has been attributed to other income. Staff costs for music and cleaning are in other categories in the prior year. The cost of the underfloor heating installed is included in church running. Publicity and printing costs are in admin costs in the current year.

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Income and Expenditure Summary

General fund -- 2025 -- -- 2024 --
£ £
Balance brought forward 21,132.76 22,277.97
Income
Surplus (deficit) on ordinary activity (13,651.04) (1,145.21)
Balance carried forward 8,420.69 21,132.76

Investments (part of 632009001J)

Shares Book value £
Balance brought fwd 01.01.24 78.59 1,066.96
Sales in 2025 0.00 0.00
Balance carried fwd 31.12.25 78.59 1,066.96

The value of the 78.59 shares at 31.12.25 using a bid price of 6,202.96p was £4,874.91. This represents an unrealised gain over the original purchase price of £3,807.95.

War Memorial

Income and Expenditure

Restricted Fund -- 2025 -- -- 2024 --
£ £
Balance brought forward 0.00 2,246.31
Income
Donations and grants 0.00 0.00
Expenditure
Surrounding maintenance 0.00 (2,246.31)
Balance carried forward 0.00 0.00

Flower Fund

Income and Expenditure Summary

(Restricted) -- 2025 -- -- 2024 --
£ £
Balance brought forward 0.00 117.80
Income
Donations and fees 0.00 0.00
Expenditure
Transfer to general fund 0.00 (117.80)
Balance carried forward 0.00 0.00
Cost of flowers is met from general fund or by donation going forward.

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Maurice Roberts Memorial Fund Income and Expenditure Summary

(Restricted) -- 2025 -- -- 2024 --
£ £
Balance brought forward 0.00 97.22
Income
Additional Donation 0.00 0.00
Expenditure
Cleaning 0.00 (97.22)
Balance carried forward 0.00 0.00

General Maintenance Fund Income and expenditure

Restricted Fund --2025-- --2024--
£ £
Balance brought forward 7,153.24 9,548.67
From Fundraising Events 0.00 2,000.00
Quinquennial expenses 0.00 (4,395.43)
Balance carried forward 7,153.24 7,153.24

The Phase 2 development fund is restricted to the upgrading of church and hall facilities for the disabled – ramps, lavatories, wider doors, etc. and to revamping the hall to make these changes possible.

Millennium Window Income and Expenditure

Millennium Window
ncome and Expenditure
Restricted Fund -- 2025 -- -- 2024 --
£ £
Cash Balance brought forward 0.00 81.09
Cleaning 0.00 (81.09)
Cash balance carried forward(further costs to be met from general fund) 0.00 0.00

Friends of St Saviour’s

Income and Expenditure

Restricted Fund -- 2025 -- -- 2024 --
£ £
Balance brought forward 10,730.25 10,506.25
Income 184.00 224.00
Contribution to underfloor heating (10,914.25) 0.00
Balance carried forward 0.00 10,730.25

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Defibrillator

Income and Expenditure

Restricted Fund -- 2025 -- -- 2024--
£ £
Balance brought forward 163.70 487.70
Income
Donations 0.00 0.00
Expenditure
Maintenance 0.00 (324.00)
Balance carried forward 163.70 163.70

Fundraising Events Income and Expenditure

Designated Fund -- 2025 -- -- 2024--
£ £
Balance brought forward 19,572.53 6,605.38
Income
Net Income from all events 77,861.87 26,600.14
Expenditure
To general fund (25,000.00) (2,000.00)
To Maintenance Fund 0.00 (2,000.00)
Charitable Donations (4,000.00) 0.00
Fundraising Costs (36,334.04) (9,632.99)
Balance carried forward 32,100.36 19,572.53

` Organ Repair Fund Income and Expenditure

Restricted Fund -- 2025 -- -- 2024--
£ £
Balance brought forward 3,511.00 3,356.00
Income
Donations 153,914.00 155.00
Grants 10,000.00 0.00
VAT Reclaim LPoW 22,054.65 0.00
Interest on fund 253.37 0.00
Expenditure
Repair Costs (99,668.40) 0.00
Balance carried forward 90,064.62 3,511.00

Vicar’s Discretionary Fund

Income and Expenditure

Designated Fund -- 2025 -- -- 2024--
£ £
Balance brought forward 2,000.00 1,000.00
Income
Donations 1,000.00 1,000.00
Expenditure
Donation (100.00) 0.00
Balance carried forward 2,900.00 2,000.00

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Youth Worker Fund

Income and Expenditure

Restricted Fund -- 2025 -- -- 2024--
£ £
Balance brought forward 13,000.00 13,000.00
Income
Parish Large Grant 0.00 0.00
Transfer from Fundraising 0.00 0.00
Balance carried forward 13,000.00 13,000.00

Funds Placement

unds Placement unds Placement unds Placement
Financial Assets -- 2025 -- -- 2024 --
CBF Equity Investment Fund (current valuation) 4,874.94 4,932.48
Total at-risk equity investments 4,874.94 4,932.48
CBF deposit fund 14,388.01 13,739.07
Barclays Community deposit account 90,064.62 0.00
Barclays Community (current) Account 44,475.07 58,591.93
Total cash or low-risk holdings 148,927.70 72,331.00
Calls on Barclays Current Barclays CBF Deposit CBF Totals
Assets a/c Deposit a/c fund Accumulation
Shares
Fund 2025 2024 2025 202 2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024
4
General (10,842.
23)		 2,461.2
1		 0.00 0.0
0		 14,388.
01		 13,739.
07		 4,874.
91		 4,932.
48		 8,420.69 21,132.
76
General Maint R 7,153.24 7153.2
4		 0.00 0.0
0		 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7,153.24 7,153.2
4
Friends R 0.00 10,730.
25		 0.00 0.0
0		 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 10,730.
25
Fundraising D 32,100.3 19,572. 0.00 0.0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 32,100.3 19,572.
Events 6 53 0 6 53
Defibrillator R 163.70 163.70 0.00 0.0
0		 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 163.70 163.70
Vicar’s
Discretionary		 D 2,900.00 2,000.0
0		 0.00 0.0
0		 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,900.00 2,000.0
0
Youth Worker D 13,000.0 13,000. 0.00 0.0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 13,000.0 13,000.
0 00 0 0 00
Organ Repair R 0.00 3,511.0
0		 90,064.
92		 0.0
0		 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 90,064.9
2		 3,511.0
0
44,475.0 58,591. 90,064. 0.0 14,388. 13,739. 4,874. 4,932. 153,802. 77,263.
7 93 92 0 01 07 91 48 91 48

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'Off books' Investments

22 Sandridge Road Fund (132001799S)

CBF Investment Fund Shares Book value £ (endowment - income unrestricted) Balance Brought Forward 5,408.67 40,664.00 Balance Carried Forward 5,408.67 40,664.00

The value of 5,408.67 shares as at 31.12.2025 at a bid price of 2,219.83p was £120,063.28.

Ives Bequest (132001010S)

ves Bequest (132001010S)
CBF Investment Fund Shares Book Value
(Endowment, income restricted to Stipend of Assistant Curate or Diocesan £
purposes only)
Balance brought forward 2,966.00 1,720.63
Balance carried forward 2,966.00 1,720.63

The value of 2,966.00 shares as at 31.12.2025 at a bid price of 2,219.83p was £65,840.16.

These Accounts were approved by the Parochial Church Council on Thursday 30 April, 2026 and signed on its behalf by

Elaine Wilson & David Summers, Churchwardens

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Notes to the accounts

1. Social Committee

This committee maintains an account at the St Albans branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland for the purpose of receiving income and meeting expenditure in connection with social events. Profits are paid over to the PCC and are included in these accounts.

2. Accounting Policies

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting regulations 2006, using the Receipts and Payments basis. Subject to the above, receipts and payments include income as received and expenditure when irrevocably paid.

3. Funds

The General Fund represents funds of the PCC which are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes of the PCC. The accounts include monetary transactions, assets, and liabilities for which the PCC can be held responsible. They do not include the accounts of other Church Groups that owe an affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.

4. Balance Sheet

The following assets and liabilities are recognised but not valued in the statement of Assets and liabilities: -

Closing bank balances are shown in the receipts and payments accounts.

5. Investments

Investments are valued at market value as at 31.12.21. The investments consist of shares held in several common investment funds and are all held in the United Kingdom. The 22 Sandridge Rd Fund, and the Ives Bequest have not been included in the Accounts as the PCC has no control over these. The trustees for these funds are the St. Albans Diocesan Board of Finance.

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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS HELD IN THE CHURCH

ON SUNDAY 18th May 2025

1. PRESENT AT THE MEETING

25 People were present at the meeting.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Fr Tony Halton Ellie Matthews Imogen de la Bere Libby Agrotis Colin Innes-Hopkins Fr Ian Pidoux

Tony Crook

3. CONVENING THE MEETING

Fr Richard Watson (chair) convened the Meeting at 11.32am

4. APPOINTMENT OF CLERK TO THE MEETING

From the chair, Fr Richard Watson proposed Diane Nicholas be clerk to the Meeting.

5. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 19TH MAY 2024

All agreed to these being a correct record of the Meeting.

6. ELECTION OF CHURCHWARDENS

2 nominations had been received.

David Summers – nominated by Hasmeeta Mahandru, seconded by Matt Barbrook. Elaine Wilson – nominated by Matt Barbrook, seconded by Moira Seton.

The vote in favour of these appointments was unanimous, and they were duly appointed.

7. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING CLOSED AT 11.35am

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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING HELD IN THE CHURCH ON SUNDAY 18TH MAY 2025

1. PRESENT AT MEETING

25 People were present at the meeting.

2 . APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Fr Tony Halton Ellie Matthews Imogen de la Bere Libby Agrotis Colin Innes-Hopkins Fr Ian Pidoux Tony Crook

3. CONVENING THE MEETING

Fr Richard Watson (chair) convened the Meeting at 11.35am

4 . APPOINTMENT OF CLERK TO THE MEETING

From the chair, Fr Richard Watson proposed Diane Nicholas be clerk to the Meeting.

5. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 19TH MAY 2024

All agreed to these being a correct record of the Meeting.

6. PRESENTATION OF ELECTORAL ROLL

In the absence of Imogen De La Bere Fr Richard reported that the completed new revision of the Electoral Roll was now 95.

7. VICAR’S REPORT

See separate sheet.

8. ELECTIONS TO PCC

Fr Richard explained that because our Electoral roll has fallen, we have fewer places on Deanery Synod and the PCC. We now only have three places on our PCC, and we have received three nominations for these places, they are:

Gary Edwards – proposed by Matt Barbrook, seconded by Diane Nicholas Charles Courquin – proposed by Diane Nicholas, seconded by Elaine Wilson Susan Hare – proposed by Moana Moore, seconded by Adrian Strain

Those present were asked if anyone else wanted to stand for PCC, in which case we would have to vote. No one applied.

All the above have submitted application forms and being correctly nominated and seconded, a vote was taken, and they were unanimously appointed.

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9. CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT/BUILDINGS TEAM

Elaine read the report printed in the annual Report for the Churchwardens report. She also read the building team report handed out at the meeting but had been agreed at the PCC meeting.

10. TREASURE’S REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

Matt Barbrook presented the Annual Accounts. General Fund - Income is similar to last year, with a few changes. Planned giving has declined and this is in hand. Church hire has declined quite a lot because of lack of heating. In other income we have been sent the money we were owed for our Curate. Expenditure – Parish share continues to increase due to the catchup we are paying; it will increase again in 2025. All other expenses are in line with last year. The General Fund made a slight loss during the year. Matt has had a tidy up with the accounts and the work for the trees outside was paid for from the War Memorial fund. The Flower fund, and the Maurice Roberts Memorial Fund have been closed as we haven’t used them for some time. General Maintenance paid for Quinquennial work and had £2,000 from the Fundraising Events fund added. The Millennium Window Fund has been closed. Friends of St Saviour’s is still on going. The Defibrillator Fund had some maintenance costs to be paid. Fundraising Event Fund we are at a surplus of £16,000. £2,000 were transferred the maintenance fund and £2,000 to the General Fund. There is still £13,000 for the Youth Worker Fund, so we are ready to go when we appoint. We started the year with cash assets of £64,000 and finished the year on £69,000. Our account is in good health. Matt thanked the churchwardens, David Thomsit, John Myerscough, and Imogen de la Bere for their support over the year, it was a team effort.

11. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS

Carol asked if the music accounts could be checked as she felt the figure should be lower. Matt proposed we accept the account, seconded by Gary, all agreed.

12. REPORT ON THE PROCEEDING OF DEANERY SYNOD

This is part of the statutory reports required for the Annual Meeting. This report was written by the Deanery Synod Lay-chair, Meriel Dixon.

13. ANNUAL REPORT

Fr Richard went through the Annual report. Fr Richard thanked all those involved with Sundays at 10, especially Gloria, for planning and all those involved with Families at 4. Fr Richard explained that the Eco Team are heading towards our silver award, this will include our new heat mats when they are installed. Fr Richard thanked all those who help at any of our events as we now have a good standing in the local community. He thanked Nonita for hosting the House group once a month. Goeff thanked everyone who help with the pop-up. bar, we now have regular groups who use the church and hall and ask for a bar. Dorothy wanted to thank everyone involved in the Lent groups (30 people had signed up this year), especially Ann for cooking the meal beforehand. Fr Richard also thanked Nonita who cooked

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lunches in 2024. It was suggested that we do something similar next year. Fr Richard thanked the choir, Carol, and Nicholas for all they do. Carol thanked the choir for all they do. Fr Richard thanked Diane (Sacristan) and John (Assistant) for all they do behind the scenes as well as in church for the Sacristy team. Safeguarding complies with the House of Bishops guidelines. Everyone who needs DBS training have done so and are up to date.

14. AOB

There was a short break while people were able to look at the ongoing plans for the development of the church.

Mike Mura asked if the building work would affect the acoustics in church? Fr Richard explained he had taken advice from John Gibbons, who says it shouldn’t affect the acoustics, but the Architect is aware of this. He also asked about the choir vestry being meeting room 2. Fr Richard explained that it would still be the choir vestry but there are other groups which meet in there, including the language group, PCC, and Men’s group meetings. Susan Hare asked about the improvements that are needed to the hall, as concerts use it as their green room. Fr Richard explained that this has been discussed before and is still ongoing. She also asked about access to the toilets during concerts and how with the corridor now being made narrower it is not ideal for concert users. There needs to be a separate entrance for the toilets. On the plans it is suggested that the toilets for church will be sited in St Michaels C hapel. We have many years of catchup for the building work in the church and hall.

15. THE MEETING CLOSED WITH THE GRACE LED BY FR RICHARD AT 12.29pm

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