Saint John’s Church, Shildon
Annual Report April 2024– April 2025
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| Parish Organisaton | 2 |
| Report on the electoral roll | 2 |
| Minister’s report | 3 |
| PCC Secretary’s report | 4 |
| Treasurer’s report | 4 |
| Churchwardens’ fabric report | 5 |
| Report on Deanery Synod | 6 |
| Music Group Report | 6 |
| Messy Church | 7 |
| Explorers’ Group | 7 |
| Toddler Group Report | 7 |
| Youth Group Report | 8 |
| Church Flowers | 8 |
| Social and Fundraising Commitee | 8 |
| Craf and Chat group report | 9 |
| Memory café report | 9 |
| House group reports | 9 |
| Home Communion report | 10 |
| Care Home Services | 10 |
| St John’s School | 10 |
| Chaplain’s Report | 10 |
| Bell Ringers | 11 |
| Shildon Alive Report | 11 |
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Administratve Informaton
St John’s Church is situated on Church St, Shildon. It is part of the Diocese of Durham within the Church of England. The correspondence address is St John’s Vicarage, 1A Burnie Gardens, Shildon, County Durham, DL4 1ND.
Parish Organisaton
Priest in Charge: Revd. Carol Harris St John’s Vicarage, 1A Burnie Gardens, Shildon, DL4 1ND 01388 778998 carol.harris@durham.anglican.org Assistant Minister: Revd. Frances Cooper frances.cooper@durham.anglican.org Assistant Curate: Revd. Emma Harte Emma.harte@durham.anglican.org
The PCC of St. John’s Church, Shildon, has the responsibility for co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
The PCC is a charity registered with the Charity Commission. Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the annual parochial church meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During the year the following served as members of the PCC:
Church Warden: Mrs A. Todd (elected 2020) Lay Chair: Mrs A Todd Treasurer: Mr. P. Arnold Secretary: Mrs D. Truby
Mrs L. Arnold (Gift Aid Co Ordinator) Mrs. O. Bainbridge Mrs A. Cleasby (Safeguarding Officer) Mr. I. Cooper Mrs. J. Copland Mr A. Harris Mrs A. Sanderson Ms. B Walker
Deanery Synod Reps: Mr P. Arnold and Mr. T Hillary
The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Clergy Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to House of Bishops’ Guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.)
Report on the electoral roll
The number on the new electoral roll is 51 . The electoral roll officer is Mr Andrew Harris.
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Minister’s Report April 24 – March 25
For us all as a church the annual meeting and the annual reports give a chance to stop and look at all the ways we have seen God at work in the midst of us in the year that has gone and to give thanks. Often if you are not involved yourself you are not aware of what other people are doing as part of our church family so I hope you will be able to spend time reading and praying for the various groups and ministries of the church.
We each received so much from God when we became children of God, maybe many many years ago and for others very recently, when we decided to follow Jesus. Psalm 63 speaks beautifully of a life lived trusting in God’s presence and his constant love
Psalm 63: 5, 8 - ‘Your loving kindness is better than life itself and so my lips shall praise you. You have been my helper and under the shadow of your wings will I rejoice. My soul clings to you; your right hand shall hold me fast.’
and it is my prayer, that I hope is shared with many of us, that all that we do as a church shines out the love and light and hope of Jesus within our church and out in the community as we worship together and live our lives sharing his love with those around us so that many more come to discover this love of Jesus for themselves. In August the PCC explored on a vision evening who we are as a church, what characterises St John’s Shildon, and how do we listen to God as he leads us on and there were many wise thoughts and reflections shared by many. We continue to remember that Jesus is the vine and that it is only as we remain in him that we bear fruit (John 15)
We continue to hold the church priorities we set in 2021. Having priorities helps to shape who we are as a church and where we choose to invest our energy and time.
The priorities we have are church growth, both in numbers in the congregation and in discipleship with a particular emphasis on seeing a diverse range of ages represented in the church congregation. The second is to focus on children and young people and how we can engage with this group in more depth and the third is to continue with the priority of engaging with and serving our local community with a particular emphasis on continuing to work with and support our church project Shildon Alive.
Around these priorities it has been lovely to see new people of all ages joining us this year both at our main Sunday morning service as well as other services such as First Sunday and Messy Church. It has been encouraging particularly at present to see how many people are engaging with the lent course and I hope we can establish new house groups alongside the established ones when it finishes. At St John’s School it is amazing to have Catherine now working two days a week as chaplain and along with all on the team it has been such a joy to see the children and families coming alive in faith as we look to establish a new worshipping community in the school. And at Shildon Alive it is incredible to read the statistics for the year that has gone and learn how much the charity has achieved in the year. It is good that four PCC members continue to be trustees for Shildon Alive and that other church members continue to volunteer regularly while others donate and support in many practical ways through the year.
Finally thank you to all the ministry team, church officers, PCC members and everyone else who has served the church so faithfully this year. Ann Sanderson is stepping down from the PCC this year having given many years of dedicated service to the church so it is a particular thanks to Ann for all she has given to the church over many years. There are too many people to name individually but I give thanks for all you do as we together live our lives as disciples of Jesus.
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At the end of 2024 on the last Sunday of the year we looked at Colossians 3: 12 - 17 as we reflected on who we are as the people of God in Shildon as we moved into 2025. May this be the picture of us as the people of God here in St Johns Shildon -
‘12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13 ] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14 ] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. [15 ] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. [16 ] Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. [17 ] And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’
Revd. Carol Harris, March 2025
’ PCC Secretary s report.
During the last 12 months, we have held 8 meetings, with good attendance, plus one extraordinary meeting after church one Sunday. Dorothy gave her thanks to Anne and Lynne who took the minutes during her absence.
During the past year we have held many different activities. There was a Prayer Day during May, followed by a Beetle Drive which created lots of fun and laughter. We supported Christian Aid by holding a coffee morning, and we also held our annual church summer and winter fayres. In July we had a Vision meeting which was open to all members of the congregation who wished to attend. October saw a soup and quiz evening.
During November a few members of the St. John’s school “Families @ 4” team attended a seminar at the Glo Centre for a day of training. Also during November, the PCC attended a diocesan evening of training at Cuthbert House, which was also attended by other PCC’s from across the diocese.
During March we had our “annual” pancake and Low Bar Talent Show. Much fun was had with various acts to entertain us.
It has been a very busy year at our church, with lots of services and activities.
We give special thanks to Ann Sanderson, who is stepping down from the PCC, after many years of devoted service as church warden and member of the PCC. We are pleased that Ann will continue to run the craft club, and still help at various events.
Dorothy Truby - PCC Secretary
Treasurer’s Report
Financial Review for Parish AGM 7th April 2025.
Annual Financial statements and accounts for the year ended 31/12/2024.
These have been circulated for your perusal. It should be noted that we ended the year in deficit by £3,022. This was due to the continuing high utility bills among other maintenance items. We had to transfer £5,000 of our investment reserves to our general account to cover this deficit. This has led to a balance of £2,161 on our general account.
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The upkeep and maintenance account was in deficit and transfers from the general account had to be made to keep this account in credit the balance on this account is nil although it should be noted that £2116 was set aside for the electrician’s bill in early January. The totals carried forward including our invested reserves reduced from £39,263 to £33,228. Any money from fundraising is credited to the building and maintenance account.
Income
Planned giving increased by £1,708, collections decreased slightly by £666. Gift Aid increased by £47. Income from other sources, Grants and Legacies increased by £1248. Overall giving increased by £1,248.
Income from fundraising decreased and rent from the mission hall increased. A lot of these decreases I believe are due to the cost-of-living crisis. Thanks go to all who have contributed to the fundraising, especially the Social and Fundraising committee.
Overall, our total income reduced from £69,178 to £64,158 a reduction of £5,020.
Expenditure.
Clergy and staffing costs were similar. The PCC decided to reduce the parish share contributions to a more affordable level, if we had not done so the overall deficit would have been £9,322 which would have substantially reduced our reserves from £11,000 to £5,000 (see reserves policy) Church running costs were significantly lower due to problems with utility bills being corrected and less, repairs, and maintenance costs.
Mission Hall running costs were lower due to less maintenance costs.
Overall, our expenses decreased from £94,911 to £67,501 a reduction of £27,410 however £23,694 of the £94,911 was due to the quinquennial work.
Future Challenges.
I see this as being the effect of inflation and our ability to keep pace with it. Every year when our own personal income increases, either wage rises or pension income, we need to review what we give to church as the church is feeling the effects of inflation just as we do with our personal lives. In particular at present the costs of energy are still being felt in our expenses.
Reserves Policy.
The recommended reserves to be maintained are equivalent to three months payments. If possible, we would like to maintain a balance on our general (unrestricted) fund which would equate to three months payments this includes the money held with CCLA. This would mean we would need to maintain £15,000 to cover emergencies. Unfortunately we had to use £5,000 of the reserve money to prop up the general fund this year, our investments grew by £1,000 which means we currently have £11,000 as reserve monies.
Thank You.
I wish to use this opportunity to thank Joan Hodgson who deals with the collections and day to day banking and also Lynne Arnold who co-ordinates the gift aid keeps records and submits the claim. Without these people my role as treasurer would be significantly more time consuming.
Paul Arnold Parish Treasurer.
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Church Wardens’ Fabric Report
Annual checks and servicing complete as well as general repairs and maintenance to the fabric of the Church.
An electrical consumer unit had to be replaced in order to enable us to obtain our 5-year electrical certificate.
Hive Thermostats have been installed to our heating system which enables us to control our heating remotely through the internet.
All repairs and servicing is up to date at the mission hall.
We would like to say a huge thank you to David Dent who volunteers in maintaining and making the garden a lovely place for everyone to enjoy.
Myself and Jane Copland, assistant churchwarden, would like to thank the P.C.C. and everyone for their support throughout the year.
Adele Todd
Deanery Synod
The parish was represented on the Deanery Synod by Revd Carol Harris, Revd Frances Cooper, Revd Emma Hart, Paul Arnold, Tim Hillary.
There are usually three meetings annually, where various topics are discussed. This year we had speakers Revd Claire Gibbs and Bethan Smith (Environmental Focus) Paul Child who is the Parish Giving and Finance Advisor. Kimberley Lo and Derek Bagnall (Sunderland Hope4All a Community of Hope)
We also hear about good news from other parishes, where other parishes share what they are doing and works well.
Other matters passed down from the diocese were discusses e.g. The safeguarding review these were also forwarded on to the parishes for discussion or implementation.
Stanhope deanery has now disbanded and some parishes have been included into the Auckland deanery.
Paul Arnold Deanery Representative.
Music Group Report
Paul, Simon and I are now into our 8[th] year of providing music for worship at St. John’s. We continue to play music on the 2[nd] and 4[th] Sundays of each month, as well as other major services throughout the year. Paul and I also play regularly for messy church.
Particular highlights of the year are the 4pm Christmas Eve service when we are usually joined by Ruby, our daughter, and other services such as the deanery confirmation held at our church this year and ecumenical services.
Our commitment is ongoing, and we enjoy playing a variety of hymns with a repertoire of about 300, and hope to continue for the foreseeable future.
Lynne Arnold
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Messy Church
We meet on the second Saturday of the month. We start at two pm with an activity in the foyer while people register. We then move into the church and have a prayers, a talk, a bible story and singing. After that we move on to the crafts which are all based around the bible story for that day. We have covered various topics during the year with Feeding of the five thousand, House on the rock and the Lords Prayer among them. Numbers have fluctuated this year although numbers were up for December and January. We are planning an outdoor Easter egg hunt (weather permitting!) Many thanks to the team, who set up, prepare the talk, activities, worship and clearing away. Last but not least many thanks to the catering team!
Jane Copland
St. John’s Church – Explorers’ Group AGM Report
Sunday School is now held in the foyer of Church with myself and Becky Callaghan taking turns to teach each week. Our sessions last 25 minutes approximately. We do 3/4 classes a month with the third Sunday being All Age Worship, where children stay with their family/carer(s) for the Church Service.
We have been following the New Testament. We help the children understand the scripture for the week and do a craft relating to the reading. Children can choose to go to the front of Church to show what they have made/drawn to the congregation.
Some Sundays we have no children who attend. We have six children who attend the majority of sessions throughout the year. Numbers do fluctuate around school holidays and seasonal events.
We are very flexible and the children enjoy themselves. The children are free to leave the lesson at any time.
Anne Cleasby & Becky Callaghan .
St John’s Toddler Group Report
It has been amazing to reflect on the last year and seeing where God has been at work.
Toddlers’ has continued to be a privilege to walk alongside the adults and children that have attended the Toddler Group and seeing the Spirit move through the relationships that are being built and strengthened and those that are just beginning.
The structure of the group is well established last year as it seems to be working well, and the children who have attended previously know the format and get excited when their favourite part is about to start, and also prompt the leaders about what is about to happen next.
People continue to come via word of mouth and through contact with church mission and ministry.
The services that we hold in church for key liturgical events such as Pentecost, Christmas and Easter see the greatest number of attendees, compared to the normal sessions.
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Unfortunately, the variety of sessions that we had begun to offer on rotation: Messy Play, Music and Movement, and a Sensory Session: needed to be suspended come the start of the new year in September due to a change in leaders. Nikki Ross, stopped coming due to personal reasons. Gemma Pattison, left to start a new job. Which left Revd Emma Harte-Waters and Rachel Foster, as leaders, with Katie as a formal helper.
Moving forward, Katie will be moving and Revd Emma, has took a step back due to her curacy coming to an end soon. However, two mums who attend have put their names forward as wanting to step up and help keep, Rachel keep the group going. Which is absolutely amazing.
The numbers of attendees on a weekly basis have dropped this year. Although, this seems to be a trend across all toddler groups in the area. We have had a few mums from our previous cohort, who left as they went to nursery, coming back with their new babies, which serves as a testimony to how well loved and valued the group is.
The group regularly has between 5-10 toddlers and babies attending each session. Each paying £1 per family. The group continues to be self-sufficient, purchasing: refreshments, books, gifts, equipment needed for the extra sessions. We currently have a balance of £54.39
I look forward to seeing where God leads the Toddler Group, as they, ‘Go in the name of Christ.’
Revd. Emma Harte
Youth Group Report
It has been great to welcome Catherine Simpson to the team! We have moved from a weekly group to once a fortnight during term time. We also changed the age group to include Year 6s to help the transition between the chaplaincy club at St John’s School and the youth group. We have six regular members and a few others who come occasionally.
We have a variety of different activities including discussions, games, challenges, crafts and of course snacks! Since September we have also included preparation for the Families@4 at the school. We always have some Christian teaching and the opportunity to explore faith together. We didn’t go on camp together in the summer this year but took part in the Diocesan Pulse events, including the silent disco at the Cathedral and the youth pilgrimage to Holy Island. Off site we also had a walk in Bishop Auckland Park followed by chips in the market place and we went to the cinema together to see Elf at Christmas!
A huge thank you to Bev Walker and Catherine Simpson.
Andy Harris
Church Flowers
We would like to say a huge thankyou to everyone for their donations you give so generously for the flowers and the Busy Bees for their generosity This ensures us that there are always floral displays in the Church especially at Church festival celebrations and events and throughout the year. We also provide floral arrangements for weddings, and floral tributes for the bereaved in memory of their loved ones.
Adele Todd
Social and fund-raising commitee report
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The last 12 months have seen a variety of events. In 2024 we held a beetle drive in March, Christian Aid coffee morning in May, summer fayre in June, vicarage social in July, outing to Hawes Creamery and Leyburn in September, McMillan coffee morning in September, harvest supper and quiz in October, and Christmas fayre in November. So far in 2025, we have had a cowboy themed beetle drive in February and the pancake and low bar talent show in March. Our two main fundraising events are the summer fayre and Christmas fayre.
Attendance at the 2024 summer fayre was disappointing, and it was concluded that it was too soon after another large event in the town. With this in mind, the dates for the fayres are to be revised instead of staying with the last Saturday in June and November every year.
The 2024 Christmas fayre was opened after a wonderful performance by children from St. John’s School, who entertained us all with some beautifully sung Christmas songs.
The Northern Voices concert on 7[th] December 2024 unfortunately didn’t go ahead. This was due to the severe storm making travelling conditions dangerous for choir and audience alike.
There are a number of events planned for 2025, with themes to celebrate the 200[th] Anniversary of the railway which started in Shildon in 1825. There is a timeline of events on the notice board in the foyer, and all will be publicised prior to the date they are to take place.
The social and fund raising committee continues to meet when required to plan and discuss events, and help is always welcome.
Social and fund raising committee
Memory Café
O ur aim is for people living with dementia or are supporting someone living with dementia or memory problems to come along meet new people. They are able to share their experiences, or simply have a cuppa and a chat in a relaxed enjoyable environment with a variety of activities. We meet ever first Tuesday in the month at Rowan Avenue Community Lounge. Some of the residents from our two nursing homes in the town also attend. Thank you to our volunteers that help in making it a relaxed and enjoyable place for the attendees to enjoy. We would also like to thank Livin’, the Alzheimers Society and the Busy Bees for their donation.
Adele Todd
Craf and Chat Thursday afernoon group
We meet every other Thursday 1.00 – 2.30pm in the upstairs hall. We have enjoyed a number of crafts this year, our favourite being diamond art, we decorated shopping bags, key rings, coasters and birthday cards. Along with other craft groups in Shildon we decorated wire hearts, which were displayed in the town square. A lady came from Daisy Arts and showed us how to do jelly art, our finished items are going to be displayed at an exhibition in Bishop Auckland.
If anyone would like to join us, please see Adele Todd or Ann Sanderson.
Adele Todd and Ann Sanderson
Housegroups
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Bible Study Sunnydale - Fellowship In Someone's House. (Formerly Dean St house group)
It was decided during the course of last year, that as we no longer meet in Dean Street, we should rename the group. After a discussion we decided on the name F.I.S.H. (fellowship in someone's house). We liked that the name uses the Christian symbol of fish, and the fact that it doesn't have to be based in one address, although it is based at my address in Sunnydale.
We meet on the second Tuesday of the month. We changed from evening meetings to afternoons, as this suits everyone's schedules better.
As the name suggests we meet to share fellowship with each other, and last year saw us finish the prayer course by Pete Greig and also follow the prayer course 2 which helped us to understand 'unanswered prayer.' As well as bible study and prayer-based courses, we actively support anyone who is need of any support- be that emotional, physical and spiritual support. We all have low and high points in life and sometimes we need our Christian family to spend time listening and praying about a health condition, family issues, traumatic occurrences and sometimes just to cheer us up if we're low.
We enjoy exploring our Faith, learning new things and trying to become more like Christ would want us to be, by studying the Bible and learning to be more rooted in our relationship with Christ through prayer. We aren't experts! We are just like-minded Christians who are striving to be better!
We continue our fellowship throughout the month when Jane shares a prayer/verse/quote or bible passage each day, through our group chat. It helps us to start the day with Jesus in our hearts and minds. We currently have about 7 people join together, and we would welcome anyone who would like to join us (though if lots of you come you might have to bring a chair!
Bronwen Coley
Home Communion
The visiting team continue to visit those members of the church who are unable to regular church services. As a rule, the home visits are held once a month, to a day and time convenient to both parties. The visits are very much appreciated, and following Communion there is always time for a chat.
If you know of anyone who would like to receive Home Communion have a word with Dorothy or Carol.
Dorothy Truby
Care Home Services
We take services once a month at both our local care homes, Redworth House and Holly Lodge Care Home. We sing familiar hymns together, listen to a Bible reading and pray together. The residents, who include church members who can no longer come to church, are always pleased to see us and we have a lovely time worshipping and chatting together.
St John’s School
The relationship between St John’s School and the Church continues to be very strong. Our PCC governors are Andy Harris (chair), Revd. Carol Harris, Revd. Emma Waters and Paul Arnold. Carol and Emma continue to lead regular collective worship at the school and we have continued to hold whole school services once a term in Church.
In September we received funding from the diocese to be able to increase Catherine’s time in school to two days a week. This was in order to establish with a team from church a new worshipping community in the school. Please see Catherine’s report below.
School Chaplain
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It has been my privilege and joy to continue my role as school chaplain to St John’s primary school. From September 2024 due to additional funding through the Diocese, I have extended my hours from one to two days a week which has given me increased capacity in school for the staff and children but also to offer opportunities for families to explore faith together. This has been primarily through our half termly Families@4 collective worship service. A huge thank you to all of the team who take part, plan and pray for this event. We have been so encouraged by the enthusiasm in school for this venture. We look forward to continuing to develop this further as part of our desire to build a new worshipping community with the school. School life is busy with after-school and lunch time clubs, worship warriors and various faith in action projects also linking in with Shildon Alive. I have also supported Andy with the youth group and have enjoyed taking part in the life of the church on Sundays in different ways.
Catherine Simpson
St. John’s Bell ringers
Our mission remains to provide bellringing services for Sunday worship, plus weddings, funerals and other special occasions (such as St. Johns school visits at Easter, Christingle, etc). All ringers are volunteers.
The practice night is Wednesday from 7:30pm till 9pm.
Both of the above activities are dependent on the availability of bellringers, which is arranged in advance, primarily by means of a WhatsApp group. The tower has close relationships with St. Andrews, Southchurch and All Saints, Hurworth-on-Tees, and exchange visits and ringer-sharing is common to make up the numbers (Shildon has 8 bells, but rarely enough ringers). There are occasional requests from a visiting band to visit our tower and "ring a peal".
Plans for 2025.
We hope to contribute to the bicentenary celebrations of the railways by sounding out our bells on 2 specific occasions this year:
July 4th. Exactly 100 years since the centenary peal by railway engineers, a similar peal to be rung by a local band.
September 27th. 50 years since the 150th anniversary peal of the opening of the line. The Hopetown organisation have been made aware of this in the hope that they would provide or contribute to a new peal board for the tower; it this is forthcoming, a faculty would be requested.
The bellringers AGM is November 8th. It is our turn to host this, this year.
Trevor Thompson, Phil Traviss,
Shildon Alive
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Shildon Alive has continued to have a massive impact on the lives of so many in the town and we, as a Church, are extremely proud of all it achieves. Trustees who are members of the PCC are Dorothy Truby, Olga Bainbridge, Rev. Frances Cooper and Rev. Carol Harris who is the Chair of the charity. Other church members volunteer regularly and support throughout the year. Below is a report from Paula Nelson, the project manager….
‘Over the last year we have been extremely busy and often pushed to breaking point with the level of need in the community, our team have however risen to the challenges and worked together to overcome difficult circumstances. Staff and volunteers together have worked hard and shown great dedication to our community and each other. We have been very proud to receive awards which have recognised the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and staff. In April 2024 we received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service and in November 24 we won the Community/ Voluntary Group Award category for County Durham from the County Durham Together Awards sponsored by the Northern Echo.
We continue to provide advice and advocacy and help people to rebuild their lives following a crisis with Shildon Alive crisis our dedicated advocate alongside practical help with food and support. In 2024 supported 1523 individuals who were clients accessing advice and support along with a cupboard top up and free access to the community shop via our red token scheme.
The kitchen in our community takeaway is always busy. In 2024, 15,354 meals went out. Of those 1532 were crises meals for someone who needed a hot meal; 4026 were holiday club meals and 9797 were meals on wheels and takeaway meals.
In the year we rescued 82,668 tonnes of food from going to landfill. Our drivers collect food from a number of supermarkets and wholesalers who partner with us in giving us their food at the end of the day. This food we shared with 8 other partner organisations in our area who all have told us the difference the food makes to their support of vulnerable people in their own areas.
We continue to work in our community garden with our community engagement officer working with all ages from toddlers and their families up to adults who attend weekly gardening and composting sessions. She also works in the local schools teaching the pupils about the journey of food and running cooking sessions with various groups. We now have school pop up shops in all our primary schools with pupils running the stalls after school weekly to support their families. We can only estimate the reach of these, but schools indicate that at least 80 families access these weekly.
It was lovely to be part of the harvest festival in October which was a wonderful celebration of Shildon Alive in church. It was amazing to see the amount of food that had been collected from the church and the three primary schools to support us.
I would like to say ‘thank you’ to so many people at Saint John’s Church for their continued support throughout the year with regular food donations, practical support and financial support.
Paula Nelson,
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