OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2021-12-31-accounts

Holy Trinity Church without-the-walls Blacon Norris Road, Blacon, Chester. CH1 5DZ

www.holytrinityblacon.org Registered charity number 1180853

Annual Report 2021

Contents

Contents
PAGE
Rector’s report 3
Outreach Project reports 5
PCC Secretary’s report 15
Environment report 17
Deanery synod report 18
General synod report 19
Electoral roll report 21
Warden’s report 21
Financial report 22
Summary of accounts to year end Dec 2021 24
Independent examiner’s report 27
Parish Administrator’s report 28
Blacon Beacon—Review of activities 2021 30
Parish staf and PCC members 32

2

RECTOR’S REPORT

When I wrote the 2020 report – full of Covid and lockdown experiences, I did not expect that I would still be mentioning the same when writing the report for 2021. However, the year ended and significant restrictions were still in place. PCC discussed the restrictions we had in our Sunday worship on multiple occasions, and a cautious approach was generally adopted. We restarted singing in services, accompanied by the organ at the start of October. We continued to receive only in one kind, and the altar rail remained in its storage place out of use, so people receive standing at the top of the nave.

Although restrictions in the country eased, levels of infection remained high locally, especially in schools, so many planned school services and assemblies (not least the Community Carol Service in Advent) had to be cancelled, or held online using ‘Zoom’.

Restrictions on numbers of people who are able to attend services were lifted, and this enabled Occasional Offices to restart as usual. However, the overall numbers remain considerably down on our pre-Covid levels (especially of Baptisms), reflecting a general cautiousness among the local population.

Our church hall underwent some important changes during the year. The Clinical Commissioning Group (who are responsible for deciding how NHS money is spent locally on GP services) decided not to renew the Elms GP surgery lease when it expired at the end of August. So, they moved out – and the NHS paid for work to be done on those rooms to

redecorate and make them habitable in the absence of the clinic. The ‘hatch’ for the Reception was filled in, and a useful storage cupboard was created. We took advantage of these changes to make further adjustments in the hall: Blacon

3

Beacon extended their premises, with the removal of the storage cupboards behind it’s room – so now Blacon Beacon have an entrance directly onto the carpark. Also, with cupboards being built in the old entrance area at the side of the hall, and the end of the corridor to the clinic rooms being blocked off, while opening an entrance into that side lobby near the toilets, we now have a self-contained area with its own entrance and two offices. We have not yet found a long-term tenant for both of these to replace the GP surgery, though we are exploring various possibilities for that. Meanwhile, it was good to welcome back to the hall regular groups like Brownies and Beavers – and birthday parties have regularly restarted also.

Our ministry team also underwent some significant changes. It was with real sadness that in August we said goodbye to our Curate Rev Louise, as it was

time for her to go on to pastures new. I had a three-month sabbatical in the early summer, and Louise had been key at holding the fort in my absence (assisted by the PCC). Our Assistant Curate Rev Canon Dr Christopher Burkett retired from his diocesan role as Director of Ministry in September, but we were delighted to learn that he continues to be licensed to this parish, so we are very pleased that his ministry among us continues much as before. We also gained a new Reader during the year. Lindsay Tanner had started worshipping with us not long after moving to Chester, and in October at the Readers’

licensing service she formally had her license transferred to this diocese, and to our parish, from Newcastle Diocese where she had previously been serving as Reader.

2021 was far from easy, and presented many challenges, so I am immensely grateful for the

4

support and encouragement I have received from the members of the PCC, the church wardens Linda and June, the whole ministry team (Chris, Louise, Sarah, Lindsay), and other staff (Linda, Anna, Ellie, Sara), and many, many volunteers who help us to serve Blacon in so many different ways. We couldn’t do any of it without you!

Outreach Project

The Outreach Project began tentatively to restart after Covid, from the Spring of 2021, with the Monday Art Group and Baby Buddies and Gardening Group on Tuesdays beginning in April. Our former Outreach Worker Sue

Mountford was not able to come back to work, as she was caring for her terminally ill husband Nigel (very sadly, he died in December 2021). In September, Anna Briggs began work with us in September 2021, restarting the Meeting Place Café and Playtots Café on Thursdays. Each of these groups describe what they have been doing here:

Gardening Report

Covid affected the gardening because the beds had become overrun, so we had to take everything out and replan. When the full team are in, we can get up to 8 people helping, including a few people from Bowmere Ward at the Countess, who are fortunately very strong and are great at digging holes.

In between lockdowns, we were able to do lots of cutting back, tidying up, weeding and planting. A far bed that had been a vegetable bed is now transformed into perennials, and the big central one is an annual display, with forget me nots, wallflowers and cineria. We also added grasses, snapdragons, dahlia and cosmos - and will probably do the same again this year.

Around the edges of the garden are shrubs which we’ve been cutting back, and the central bed now has sambucas (purple elder) as a centrepiece.

5

MONDAY ART GROUP

Covid has not deterred us from making beautiful art; we came back with a smaller group at first, all socially distancing and in masks. We have painted, beaded, and sewn our way through the term, especially making animal doorstops and beaded elephants.

We are also involved in the Queen’s Jubilee Project and have collated ideas to represent our allotted years of 2013-2022, which we are going to spend next few weeks painting. The Crown we are making needs to be weatherproof so we have started painted with acrylic paints, and

we’ll use imagery of various topical subjects alongside the usual Corgis!

9 or 10 people regularly attend and we have occasional popperinners. There is a mixture of abilities, and even 2 married couples who come. The WhatsApp group has been good to share ideas through week.

This is a real community group, which has even been described as a family. Mabel the dog, who belongs to one of our regulars, joined us this year who is also very arty and supportive of all endeavours!

Alison Pitt

6

OUTREACH ON THURSDAYS

Since September 2021 I have been in the role of Outreach Worker, managing The Meeting Place Café and Playtots group on a Thursday during term time. This has come with its challenges and joys over the past 9 months as I’ve learnt to function well within my role and creating a sustainable working rhythm for our volunteers.

To start both projects after COVID19 restrictions lifted has

had its difficulties. We have done our best to navigate opening the groups again while minimizing the risk to people’s health and safety. This meant following government guidelines concerning wearing facemasks, as we eased out of lock-down, and thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing equipment and toys, and following the appropriate hygiene protocols required. It has been a pleasure to see how keen the community has been to see both groups begin again, which is a testament

8

to how much love and hard work Sue Mountford has put into these activities pre-covid lockdowns.

The Meeting Place Café , since September 2021, has had its regulars who come along each week and has developed into a lovely community. We have also had people utilizing the space to meet with friends, pastoral visits or as a place to come and simply be. It’s always a joy to meet new people when they come in curious about who we are and what we do.

I’ve done my best to keep the menu sustainable and simple, but delicious, while being accessible to those who might not be able to afford much. We also partner with

the Blacon Beacon by referring anyone who might need help of that sort, and vice versa with the Beacon giving out vouchers for a free meal to those who are in need. A current favourite is our ‘Blacon Bacon Buttie’ . If you fancy coming along, you’ll be sure to be met with a friendly face and warm welcome.

Playtots has evolved since last September but has grown and thrived as people have been keen to come back, despite the worries surrounding COVID19 early on. We averaged about 15 children with their parents/carers in the September term till Christmas. This past term we have averaged about 20 children each week. It is

9

encouraging to see the average number of attendees grow as people are seeking a place to find community, friendship, and support. Overall, the feedback that I’ve received has been wonderfully positive, with the parents and carers expressing gratitude for the space and service we provide for the local community.

and make these groups what they are.

On a given Thursday, you can expect to find crafts, toys, coloring, a free lunch, story time, games, sing-along nursery rhymes and a lovely community of people. We have also done themed activities around particular holiday seasons.

Anna Briggs BABY BUDDIES

We celebrated the first year anniversary of Baby Buddies in April 2022, and it has been a privilege and a blessing to connect and build relationships with the mothers and their babies during that time.

I hope that by continuing to create a safe, open, and welcoming environment in the church building on Thursdays, that people will encounter the love of Jesus through our actions of serving the community through these projects.

The aim of the group is to support the emotional well-being of new mothers and their babies and to create a safe space where mothers can come and relax, express their thoughts and feelings surrounding motherhood and help develop their social network with other new mums. We have welcomed over 30 mums so far and each one has been

The Meeting Place Café and Playtots would not be able to function without the consistency of the faithful and hard-working volunteers that make these projects possible. Thank you to all who give their time and energy to help serve the local community

10

provided with a sensory gift bag for them and their little ones to support and encourage attachment, sensory play and connection.

Over a cup of tea and a cake, key themes surrounding sleep deprivation, weaning, teething, feeding, milestones, labour, support networks and confidence have all been topics for discussion during the year. Within the

sessions we have lots of fun with bubbles, nursery rhymes and sensory blankets for the little ones to enjoy. As a group, we have enjoyed themed parties to celebrate the closing each set of six sessions, including summer, Christmas and Easter.

We have been joined by the children's centre at various points and they have provided valuable resources and information for the

11

mums and their little ones. As covid has settled and other groups have opened up, the decision has been taken to move from a six week model to an open group, meaning that mums can continue to attend for as long as they like whilst their babies are fairly stationary! WhatsApp social media groups have been set up for the mums to create a forum where they can share and discuss any worries or experiences. These groups have also been used in a very positive and effective way and we recently had an update from the first ever Baby Buddies intake to say that they still meet

every week in various locations and arrange a mums' night once a month!

Below is a selection of feedback we have received throughout the year from the mums that have attended the group.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Blacon Baby Buddies?

12

How has it made a difference to you and your baby?

• Being able to come to somewhere different compared to other baby groups

events outside of the group

We look forward to another year of meeting and emotionally supporting new mums and their babies and we pray that God will continue to bless the group.

Ellie Knight

support networks and social

13

PCC SECRETARY’S REPORT

There are 11 of us serving on the PCC at present, including Tina, Chris and Louise while she was with us (until the end of July 2021). We discuss and take decisions on most aspects of running the church from fabric to finances, from Outreach to worship services. We meet 6 times a year, thankfully now in person again, but the first 4 PCC meetings of 2021 were held over Zoom.

There are 4 Sub-Committees with PCC members being on 2 each.

Standing Committee – which makes major decisions Finance and Buildings Committee Youth and Children’s Committee Parish Development and Outreach Project Management Committee All of these meet as and when needed and report back at PCC meetings.

Much discussion in the early months of the year were about replacing the old church boilers,

which were unreliable and uneconomic, doing a poor job of heating our large church building. Jim did a brilliant job of

negotiating a good price for the work and Colin applied for grants. The congregation kindly raised a good amount towards it but PCC decided to go ahead and have the work done anyway and

prayerfully trust that the rest of the money would be raised. Alleluia! The grants we were given plus the congregation's gifts covered the exact amount needed. We now have a warm, efficiently heated church and hall.

Another big topic of discussion was Tina’s sabbatical from midApril to mid-July, 3 months when her work would need to be covered. PCC members took over most of these tasks and Louise and her ministry team covered all the pastoral and worship services. I think everyone will agree that things worked fairly smoothly during Tina’s absence, but we were all very pleased to have her back!

We had high hopes that the GP’s would renew their lease for the rental of their treatment rooms in

14

the hall, but sadly at the last minute they decided to wait until the new surgery by the Enterprise Centre is finished. This was a huge blow to our finances as the rental money was a major source of income for the church. The treatment rooms have been painted and tidied and are now available for renting by any individual or group on a sessional, daily or weekly basis and the church would be very glad of the income. If anyone has any ideas who might be interested please let us know.

Yet more discussion was obviously about Covid and when we could safely open up the church and return to normal services again. Although restrictions had eased slightly from April, we decided to be very cautious, still wearing face masks and no singing or organ until the first Sunday in October. It was lovely to eventually hear the organ and join in with communal hymn singing again, even through face masks! We also decided to keep with no altar rail and only wafer at Communion.

The Cafe, Playtots and the InterGenerational Project we decided

should start again in September on Thursdays with Anna Briggs employed as a temporary Outreach Worker. This was very welcomed and has been a great success. The Gardening Group, being outside had restarted in the summer.

Much discussion at PCC is on our finances, or lack of them! We so need a Treasurer to oversee the balances and to keep a close check on it all. Anyone know of anybody who could help us? Sadly the Royal Bank of Scotland branch has closed in Chester but we are now using the Nat West for our weekly banking needs. Lack of funds is a big concern for the running costs of supporting our church building and hall and of course for paying our Parish Share.

We as a PCC really do believe God is blessing Holy Trinity judging by the success of all our weekday activities and Outreach Work. We trust and pray that we are making the right decisions on your behalf but if you want more of a say please join us, we need new members on your PCC.

Lynn Wakefield PCC Secretary

15

ENVIRONMENT

REPORT

Sometimes trying to be ecofriendly can feel like the picture above. Where the job is big, and needs a big swing to impact the world! The truth is, it is in the smaller things done by a lot of people that will really bring about change. Since we took on the roles of eco champions we have concentrated our efforts on discovering those small changes to make a big difference. We have been consistently impressed by the PCC and church members of Holy Trinity Blacon and their commitment to change. Setting up the bin twinning initiative,

achieving a Bronze eco church award and leading a pledge service are just some of the highlights.

Looking to the next twelve months we are investigating further improvements the church body can make, and hopefully move us closer to the Church of England commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Neive and Tricia Hughes

16

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

During the lockdown Deanery Synod meetings had been held over Zoom.

The first face to face meeting took place on June 24th 2021 at Saint James' Church Christleton which was attended by 51 members. The guest speaker for the evening was the Bishop of Chester Mark Tanner, who was welcomed by Revd. Hennie Johnston,Rural Dean and Vicar at St Mark's Church Saltney. She said how wonderful it was to meet in person after such a difficult year or so. Hennie opened the meeting by reading a deeply reflective prayer based on Isaiah 28-31 which was taken from a PCC members guide written by Bishop Mark.

The Revd. Stefan Collier introduced his semi rural parish which covers a large area. The main point of Bishop Mark's address were how it was so good to meet face to face as conversations are so important and we need to pay attention to one another. We have been through a deeply dehumanizing situation to be cut off from one another but Jesus brings hope and calm.

The Q and A session which followed centred on issues like Black Lives Matter, socioeconomic differences and hidden disabilities in the Diocese. Children should be more involved in the life of a parish and should be allowed to take communion before being confirmed. The evening concluded with a prayer by Revd. Stefan.

The next meeting was held on 18th October 2021 at St John the Evangelist Ashton. 38 members attended and 12 sent apologies. The Rural Dean opened the meeting with a prayer for wisdom. The Vicar of Ashton Hayes, The Revd. Phillip Weston gave an insight to the parish which covers the villages of Ashton and Mouldsworth with a population of 1300. There are 2 readers and Pastoral worker to assist him.

The main presentation of the evening was Living in Love and Faith by Revd. Nikki Eastwood. This is an invitation for every parish to engage in a process of church wide learning together, listening to one another and listening to God as a way forward for the Church of England in relation to matters of

17

identity,sexuality,relationships and marriage. The process has no formal outcome other than to report back to the Bishops by April 2022. The meeting ended by sharing the grace together. The February meeting was changed to the 28th. The speaker for the evening was Father Timothy Hupfield, vicar of St Martin's Church Marple who has just taken on a new role in the Diocese as a healing advisor. On a reflective note it has been good to get back to some normality and meet with others from different parishes to share ideas and concerns.

June and Jim Middleton.

General Synod Report

In October, Jason Clarke was elected to General Synod – this means ex officio he also has a place on Diocesan Synod, Deanery Synod, and Bishop’s Council.

The first session of General Synod I attended was from 15 - 17 November 2022 and was for 3 days.

Monday 15th, was the induction day for all the new Synod members, which involved learning a little about how Synod works as well as initiatives, and fringe groups. Tuesday 16th was a long day, starting at 9am and not finishing much before that in the evening. We started with a wonderful service in Westminster Abbey, when we were then sworn in, by Edward Earl of Wessex, standing in for the Queen. We then had speeches from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. Then we had a couple of debates, followed by a questions session, where Synod members

18

had sent in questions beforehand and these had then been answered, with supplementary questions being asked in some instances. There were 174 of these but they only got through about half of them. The evening ended with an interesting session on Living in Love and Faith.

Wednesday 17th started with worship lead by the Community of Saint Anselm. One of the debates was to ask the government to do something

about the wealth & poverty gap. There was an amendment to this whereby as well as calling on the government to do something about, this the Church of England would do what it can and lead by example. We then had a vision strategy for our churches from the Archbishop of York. People were then able to ask questions and this session was really good.

So, what do I bring back with me from this experience? General Synod IS an exciting and

19

wonderful experience, 60% of the Synod are first timers (like me), and it felt like I was part of one large Christian Community. I was also humbled and greatly

honoured to represent my church and my Diocese on this legislative body for the next 5 years.

Jason Clarke – General Synod Rep 278 for Chester Diocese

ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT

During the year we sadly lost two members from the roll, and we gained two. Therefore, there is no overall change and we

currently have 87 on our electoral roll

CHURCHWARDEN’S REPORT

After a difficult year or so.it has been great to get back to some "normality" albeit in a very cautious way to ensure everyone's safety e.g. social distancing, mask wearing especially when singing and

sharing the peace from a distance.

In October, Tina and I met with the Archdeacon Michael Gilbertson for our parish

inspection. It was a very positive meeting. He realised there were still a lot of challenges to overcome stemming from the pandemic, but was impressed regarding the various activities which have restarted, and also that the Zoom bible study group had continued right through the lockdown.

I am so grateful for my loyal band of sidespeople, Colin, Joan and Linda who have been so reliable over the past year. A big thank you. We would welcome anyone who would like to go on the rota and the more we have the merrier. If you are interested please have a word with me. A big thank you to all volunteers who give up their time to support the church. It is very much

appreciated.

My Best Wishes to all my Church family.

June Middleton.

20

FINANCIAL REVIEW

In the absence of a Treasurer, the church’s finances are overseen by the PCC as a whole, which is far from ideal, as important spending decisions need to be made frequently. We would not be in a position to present any accounts to you were it not for the enormous amount of work put in by our Administrator Linda Tudor, our Independent Examiner Andrew Hopwood, and also informal advice from Phil Roberts. Our thanks are due to all of them for this work.

The year ended 2021 has seen increase in some activities and thus in spending, as church life began to emerge from the Covid lockdowns. However, the significant grant income which had been a major feature of the 2020 accounts was not as healthy this year. Moreover, the loss of the GP surgery from the hall after the end of August, has left a significant hole in the church’s income. There was an extremely large anonymous donation in the summer of £100,000 to the PCC, which makes the finances look far more healthy than they are. Without that, the year would have shown an excess of expenditure over income of about £46,000 (with about 16,000 of that representing the loss of GP rental income in that year). This level of

loss is clearly not sustainable in the year to come. Therefore, we are looking to both increase our income and decrease expenditure. We will increase the income of giving from church members, alongside exploring other sources of income. Expenditure will need to be

21

reduced through some very difficult decisions in the coming months.

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

INCOME
 Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted
funds		 Total 2021
(2020)
£ £ £
Giving &
donatons		 115,874.52
(13,014.18)		 2,928.54
(-)		 118,803.06
(13,014.18)
Gif Aid 2,451.32
(3,787.60)		 - 2,451.32
(3,787.60)
PCC fees 3,073.50
(2,415.90)		 - 3,073.50
(2,415.90)
Hall Rent 23,477.49
(39,790.79)		 - 23,477.49
(39,790.79)
Southway Rent 6,766.10
(7,051.20)		 - 6,766.10
(7,051.20)
Magazine &
Printng		 1,064.10
(2,105.90)		 81.00
(-)		 1,145.10
(2,105.90)
Other income 789.10
(98.55)		 0.21
(6.61)		 789.31
(105.16)
Outreach Project 862.49
(1,207.64)		 17,946.00
(54,147.84)		 18,808.49
(55,355.48)
Total Receipts 154,358.62
(69,471.76)		 20,955.75
(54,154.45)		 175,314.37
(123,626.21)

22

EXPENDITURE Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted
funds		 Total 2021
(2020)
£ £ £
Parish Share 35,687.91
(35,422.32)		 -
-		 35,687.91
(35,422.32)
Ministry expenses 5,057.68
(6,834.53)		 -
-		 5,057.68
(6,834.53)
Organist & choir 1,014.00
(1,438.82)		 -
-		 1,014.00
(1,438.82)
Church costs 7,004.72
(5,854.40)		 10,846.00
(-)		 17,850.72
(5,854.40)
Parish Admin 17,548.42
(14,942.98)		 258.00
(-)		 17,806.42
(14,942.98)
Hall costs 16,790.56
(5,799.22)		 503.00
(-)		 17,293.56
(5,799.22)
44 Southway costs 943.54
(557.51)		 -
-		 943.54
(557.51)
Youth work -
(85.61)		 -
-		 -
(85.61)
PCC donatons -
(750.00)		 -
-		 -
(750.00)
Returning church
charites money		 -
-		 -
(613.38)		 -
(613.38)
Outreach Project 10,286.46
(6,020.14)		 15,299.67
(58,555.78)		 25,586.13
(64,575.92)
Total Payments 94,333.29
(77,705.52)		 26,906.67
(59,169.16)		 121,239.96
(136,874.68)

23

Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL 2021
(2020)
Total
Receipts		 154,358.62
(69,471.76)		 - 20,955.75
(54,154.45)		 175,314.37
(123,626.21)
Total
Payments		 94,333.29
(77,705.52)		 - 26,906.67
(59,169.16)		 121,239.96
(136,874.68)
Surplus/
[defcit] for
theyear		 60,025.33
([8,233.76])		 - [5,950.92]
([5,014.71])		 54,074.41
([13,248.47])
Fund
balances bt/
forward		 27,157.96 - 18,214.37 45,372.33
Transfers [60,000.00] 60,000.00 - -
Fund
balances
carried
forward		 27,183.29 60,000.00 12,263.45 99,446.74

24

Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL 2021
(2020)
£ £ £ £
Analysis of
funds
Church
General
Account		 27,183.29
(27,157.96)		 - - 27,183.29
(27,157.96)
Special
Projects Fund		 - 60,000.00 - 60,000.00
Outreach
Projects		 - - 8,587.00
(17,798.46)		 8,587.00
(17,798.46)
Church
Boilers Fund		 - - 1,138.00 1,138.00
Blacon Baby
Buddies		 - - 2,122.33 2,122.33
Church Choir
Fund		 - - 416,12
(415.91)		 416,12
(415.91)
27,183.29
(27,157.96)		 60,000.00 12,263.45
(18,214.37)		 99,446.74
(45,372.33)
Statement of
Assets &
liabilites		 £ £ £ £
RBS Current
Account		 5,814.37 - 11,847.33 17,661.70
CofE Deposit 22,121.92 60,000.00 416.12 82,538.04
Cash held
which is
repayable		 [753.00] - - [753.00]
27,183.29 60,000.00 12,263.45 99,446.74

Reserves Policy

The PCC discussed the following factors in arriving at their reserves policy:

Money should only be kept in reserve for specific reasons – whilst the Bible clearly indicates that we should not hoard it is also clear that sensible planning for known events and responsibly for others is

25

important.

The policy of this charity is to keep three months general running costs (£20k) in reserve to cover unforeseen emergencies. Current free reserves stand at £27,183.29

This policy will be reviewed in twelve months.

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Holy Trinity, Blacon accounts break down into six funds:

Fund 1 - Church General Account (Unrestricted)

This fund shows a surplus for the year of £60,025.33. £60,000 of this was designated for Special Projects. This brings the total unrestricted funds available to £27,183.29 which is above the current reserves policy of £20,000.

Fund 2 - Special Projects (Designated)

During the year an unrestricted anonymous donation was received of £100,000. £60,000 of this was designated for Special Projects to be carried out in future years.

Fund 3 - Outreach Project (Restricted)

This fund shows a deficit for the year of £9,211.46. The fund is restricted for the purpose of supporting the work of the community Outreach Project and has a balance at 31 December 2021 of £8,587.

Fund 4 – Church Boilers (Restricted)

This fund is restricted for the purpose of work on the church boilers.

Fund 5 – Blacon Baby Buddies (Restricted)

This fund is restricted for the purpose of running sessions for new mums living in Blacon and their babies under 6 months of age.

Fund 6 - Church Choir Fund (Restricted)

Other than the addition of a small amount of interest there was no activity on this account. The fund is restricted for choir use, and is used only at discretion of the choir.

26

IttdtyelldelltEAw5•y's R¢wrt to IbvTTitts•fThthr0E&i￿Ckn￿r(￿CQTwc4 DfThe rishofH<4y Tri•ity(wrtbo•tTr WlLs% Bl rgqdtern•Msofth8 Ch•thiAL1 2011 t45(Sllblofthg*4 CIII 2LE 11 1kn2022 27

Parish Administrator’s Report : 2021

Graph showing comparison between admin tasks for 2021 compared with 2020

Another year has gone and here I am in my 6[th] year as your Parish Administrator. Here’s a few snippets of what’s been happening in the Trinity Hall office:

What I’ve found challenging

Accounts continue to be a challenge, we now have a new software program recommended by Phil Roberts who has been a huge support in getting us set up and going. We desperately need a Treasurer so prayers would be most appreciated as we continue to believe and trust that God will provide the right person at the right time. Two other major changes was the switch from BT to Vodafone for our

28

Broadband provision and the search for a replacement contract for our new photocopier and the removal of the old one.

What I’ve enjoyed

It’s been great to get back into the Church office environment following the various Covid lockdowns and the office space and light helped tremendously with the work that is carried out by all who enter. We missed our annual student support but we did have Kickstart worker Michael Jones help out on occasion when his time with Blacon Beacon allowed. It’s been great to receive reviews on our new Google Business account – we’d love to encourage more as it helps others searching online for our church. Do search for ‘Holy Trinity Blacon’ on Google and leave a review of your visits.

Plans for the Coming Year

To continue learning ‘the ropes’ for the new accounts software and to keep on top on the book keeping side of things. Hall and minibus bookings have started to pick up – we have both lost and gained bookings throughout 2021 and we now have new spaces to let/rent following the departure of our NHS clinics. To pray for more admin support following the advert placed in the Parish News so that we can value the gifts of others in this much needed ministry.

Thanks

My thanks go to all those that have assisted in the admin work load particularly to volunteers Jason Clarke (Parish News editor), Linda Thomas, Ken Pemberton, Lynn Wakefield, June Middleton and Colin Jones to name a few – those I haven’t named, please know your support has been so much appreciated… thank you! T.E.A.M – Together Everyone Achieves Much.

Linda Tudor Parish Administrator

29

BLACON BEACON

lunch, and join in with various activities here. In the February and October half terms we provided families with recipe bags, including a recipe and all the ingredients to make a delicious meal – this proved very popular. At Christmas, we delivered two course Christmas dinners – this year it was 354 dinners, which was a record! Alongside the meals we also delivered 128 Christmas activity bags for children under 11 years. Other extra activities we were involved with, was delivering computer basics training to individuals who needed it, and associated with that was help with various tasks on computers, like applying for jobs or writing a CV. We gave out dozens of slow cookers as part of a project run by Welcome Network, and we have also given them bags of ingredients with recipes to encourage use of them. We also ran the Steps Challenge over a 12 week period in the summer –

(trading name of Pantry for Blacon CIO, registered charity number 1183763)

The past year was only our second full year of trading, but it has seen the charity grow and become more firmly established. The ‘basic’ activities, providing weekly food bags for its members continues, and alongside that each week there are three distribution sessions held for people collecting emergency food parcels for West Cheshire Foodbank.

We have also joined forces with Holy Trinity Church to continue to provide food and activities in the school holidays. While through lockdown, and also at Easter and May half term food was delivered to people’s houses, it was a delight to be able to welcome families on site to have a picnic

30

when people were given a Fit-Bit and the challenge was to see who could notch up the most steps, and we were donated prizes for the winners.

Understanding’ with the Trustees (the PCC) of the Church, which sets out the relationship between our two charities – it will be reviewed annually.

It became apparent in 2020 that the premises we had originally built for our store was not large enough, and we had been using a separate room on the other side of the church hall. So it was with great relief that builders arrived in November 2021 to work on enlarging our store (doubling it in size), and by Christmas we had our wonderful premises. Alongside that, our Trustees signed a ‘Memorandum of

We have had a changeover of staffing in the charity – our former Manager Kerry was replaced in the summer by Cat and then Georgia, and now we have Lesley as General Manager, Michael as Assistant Manager, Shona as store assistant and Naomi as Administrator. We also have a great team of volunteers who also work for us, and without their help we would not be able to function.

Tina Upton (Chair of Trustees)

31

WEBSITE: www.holytrinityblacon.org

PARISH STAFF:

PARISH STAFF:
Rector Rev Tina Upton
Assistant Curates Rev Anina Thomas
Canon Dr Christopher Burkett
Reader Mrs Sarah Dutton
Mrs Lindsay Tanner
Outreach Worker Miss Anna Briggs
Family Support worker Mrs Ellie Knight
Parish Administrator Ms Linda Tudor
Organist Mr John Williams
PCC MEMBERS:
Chair The Rector
Vice-Chair Mr Jason Clarke
Secretary Mrs Lynn Wakefeld
Wardens Mrs June Middleton
Ms Linda Thomas
Treasurer vacant
Deanery Synod Mr Jim Middleton
Mrs June Middleton
Other members Ms Su Colly
Mr Ken Pemberton
Mrs Tricia Hughes
Ex ofcio The parish clergy

32