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2020-12-31-accounts

St Giles Church Desborough

Annual Reports & Accounts 2020

A community rooted in Christ, 1 sharing God's love with all

St Giles Church Annual General Meeting Thursday 29[th] April 2021

AGENDA

  1. Opening Prayer

  2. Appointment of Chairpersons

  3. Appointment of AGM Secretary

  4. Apologies for Absence

  5. Minutes of the last meeting

  6. Matters Arising

  7. Election of Trustee Members

  8. Election of Church Wardens

  9. Election of Deputy Church Warden

  10. Election of Stewards

  11. Election of Deanery Representatives

  12. Representatives to the Circuit Meeting

  13. Deanery Synod Report (see attached report) 14. Church Fabric Report (see attached report) 15. Church Lands Report (see attached report)

  14. Desborough Town Lands & Loakes’ Charity Trust Report

(see attached report)

  1. Church Membership Report

  2. Finance Report

(a) Presentation of Annual Accounts

(b) Adoption of the Accounts

(c) Appointment of the Independent Examiner

  1. Safeguarding

  2. Health & Safety

  3. Reports from the Organisations

  4. Report from the Rector

  5. Report from the Minister

(see attached reports) (see attached report) (see attached report)

  1. AOB – advised in advance

  2. Closing Prayers

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ST GILES CHURCH DESBOROUGH

ANNUAL REPORT for the years 2019 & 2020

Background

St Giles Church, Desborough is the country's oldest Ecumenical Partnership. Our union dates back to 1969. There is a united congregation sharing a Church and Community Centre. We serve the people of Desborough alongside the Baptist, Roman Catholic and United Reform Churches in the town. The Church is part of the Anglican Diocese of Peterborough and in the Kettering and Corby Circuit of the Northampton District of the Methodist Church.

Clergy resourcing the ministry at St Giles

Rector: Rev. Hannah Jeffery Methodist Superintendent Minister: Rev. Andrew Farrington Curate: Rev. Sophie Cowan Assistant Priest: (SSM) Rev. Cannon Neil Clarke Retired Priest: Rev. Stephen Heygate

Lay Ministers resourcing the ministry at St Giles

Reader: Mr John Lund Reader: Mr Tim Jeffery Local Preacher: Mr Philip Rice Lay Pastoral Minister: Mrs Cath Smith Licensed Lay Minister: Mrs Wendy Steel Bereavement Support Worker: Mrs Kim Rowbotham

Church Council

The Church Council meet six times during the year and was chaired by either the Rector or Methodist Minister. There are 15 trustees to the Church Council.

Churchwarden: Mrs Pauline Clarke Churchwarden: Mr Steve Burt Deputy Churchwarden: Mr Martin Lawrence Church Steward: Mrs Ann Window Church Steward: Mr Peter Shuker Church Steward: Mrs Carolyn Rice Church Secretary: Mrs Katie Steel Treasurer: Mr Mike Littler Deanery Synod Rep: Mr John Toyne Deanery Synod Rep: Mr David Woods (resigned in January 2021) Trustee: Mrs Karen Dougan-Mabbutt Trustee: Mr David Cox Trustee: Mrs Karen Lennox Trustee: Mrs Jeanette Wonfor Trustee: Mrs Lucy Eglinton (resigned in January 2021)

Representatives to the Circuit

Mrs Ann Window, Mr Alan Window, Mr David Cox, Mrs Joan Cox & Mrs Carolyn Rice

Other Positions

Independent Examiner: Church Administrator:

Mr Eric Lennox Mrs Wendy East

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Rector’s AGM report for St Giles Desborough 2019-20

St Giles – A Community Rooted in Christ Sharing his Love with All

2019 report (please note this report was written ready for our AGM in 2019, which of course never happened!)

It’s been a joy to share in leading St Giles over the past two years, and one of the huge highlights for me has been seeing many people really grow in their journeys of faith. It’s encouraging to look back and to see how God has so evidently been at work.

I’ll draw your attention to just a few things below, which for me are particularly encouraging in terms of how they reflect the aims of our mission statement.

There is always so much more I could say, but these are just a few examples of how we’ve grown and are beginning to live out our mission to be a community rooted in Christ, sharing his love with all.

In amongst the growth we have also had to let go of some things, and maybe most significantly for this year the Monday lunch team felt they were no longer able to continue. The Church Council are looking at how we can build on some of the ministry they were offering, and of course the Wellbeing Café is open to all who would appreciate some company and friendship. I offer my

We’ve also seen some significant work on the buildings over this last year – new lighting and an AV system for the church, and a new flat roof for the Community Centre. Thank you to all of those, who did much of the ground work to enable that to happen – never a quick process when dealing with listed buildings !

It’s also been a year in which we’ve said goodbye to several of our longstanding members who have either moved away or died. We give thanks to God for them and for all they contributed to the life of St Giles, and whilst we grieve for those who have died, we rejoice too that we know that they live on in Christ.

And of course we’ve welcomed two new members of clergy – Sophie and her family joined us in her capacity as curate last summer, and Andrew and his wife Fiona as our new Methodist minister a few months later. Welcome to both of them – it feels like you’ve been with us forever, which I’m sure is a sign of how well you’ve settled in….I hope you feel that too!

My thanks as always to those who continue to support me in my role, particularly the ministry team and the stewards and wardens, but many others too – I really appreciate the encouragement and the support you give. Thank you!

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Lastly but most importantly – let us continue to thank God for his presence and work amongst us, and pray for his guidance as we seek to continue to be a growing community rooted in him, sharing his love with the world.

2020

At our Council away day in February 2020 we reflected on the theme of growth, recognising that for growth to come that has to mean change, and for growth to be healthy it also has at times to mean pruning and sometimes even death. Just as we were then starting to set targets following that away day, we found ourselves in lockdown and moved into a year that none of us would have predicted. Whilst the resulting year proved hugely challenging for so many people, it’s good to see where God has been at work in all sorts of ways. Below are just a few things that have stood out.

All the above are just some indicators of how God has been working in us and through us in 2020.There has been much lament too, and let us not forget those who have lost loved ones, had their wedding cancelled, or have struggled with isolation and loneliness. But in it all God has journeyed with us, blessed us, and provided for us.

And so back to our vision day in February 2020 when we thought about what was bearing fruit and what needed pruning. Well much fruit was borne in 2020. Some of that fruit we won’t want to stop going forward, and the Church Council will be reflecting on what we want to have as our ‘Covid keeps’. But also in 2020, much pruning or even cutting has happened almost without invitation. We have stopped doing so many things. The Church Council will be reflecting on that too, as we consider, of the things that were cut in 2020, which do we need to allow to grow again post Covid, even if they look a little different, and which do we recognise in retrospect weren’t bearing fruit, and don’t need revitalising, hard, but vital questions.

As I finish I do want to give an especial thanks to the ministry team and the wardens and stewards, all of whom have done an incredible job in all sorts of ways throughout 2020. It’s been an exhausting year, but so encouraging to work with a group of people who have been so willing to give of their gifts and their time to serve the church and community here in Desborough. And thank you too to all our members of St Giles – you make up a wonderful family and maybe 2020 more than ever before, has seen us finding ways to support and love each other like never before. Old and young alike have got involved in caring for each other, and it’s been wonderful to see. Others of you have done other things which have been such a blessing - if I were to start naming folk I’d leave someone out, but needless to say, thank you all for all you’ve done – whether that be to pray for us, make phone calls, build nativity sets, deliver services, wind the church clock and more. I could go on and on and on! 2020 for me has been a remarkable demonstration of what it means for the Body of Christ to work well together – each part playing its part – with each one being important. What a privilege and joy it is to minister with you all. Thank you!

Rev. Hannah Jeffery

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KETTERING & CORBY METHODIST CIRCUIT

2020/21 has proven to be quite a challenging year. Who would have thought that just twelve months ago we would have need to launch into live-streaming and YouTube as the principle means of providing worship? We have developed our skills, mainly by trial and error, but also by team working. The Ascension tide ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ gave a welcome opportunity for Circuit Local Preachers to join the regular St. Giles Church clergy and lay leadership to bring a daily sign that all are one in Christ. Likewise the Virtual Nativity Play, ‘ God is with us – everywhere’, demonstrated a sharing of gits and talents – musical and acting. The Circuit remains committed to the regular planning of trained people, lay and ordained, to lead worship at St. Giles Church and throughout the Circuit. All of this reflects the vision established in the Single Congregation LEP agreement. Caring for friends and neighbours is the essence that brings congregations together. The Circuit took the decision, just before the first lockdown in March 2020, to employ a pastoral visitor, Fiona Farrington. The opportunity to physically visit anyone was, alas, quickly removed by socialdistancing rules. Undaunted, Fiona has been able to compliment Cath, Kim, and all the team at St Giles Church in their provision of excellent phone-based care.

It has been interesting to work with the subtlety differing responses that the two denominations have made to the C-19 rules/guidance. We have often needed to consider which route to take. It has been helpful to have two distinctive buildings ‘owned’ by two different Churches. The Community Centre has tended to follow the guidance issued by the Methodist Church and this has enabled its use during the Autumn period. How we long for the Centre to, once more, be filled day by day! I wish to thank Pauline Clarke and Peter Shuker for their working with me as we developed Risk Assessments to keep everyone safe. Wendy East has skilfully kept bookings in good order. I have enjoyed the opportunities to meet and communicate with Group Leaders.

The requirement for a new heating system led us to make use of the new Property Consents system. By careful planning, the approval for this essential repair was given in record time. Revised room hire arrangements through Standard Form Licences will give security to both the Church and those using the premises.

We rejoice in the ecumenical foresight that led to the formation of ‘Revive Cafe’. Members of St. Giles Church form a significant part of the volunteer team. I look forward to continuing to assist the development of an outreach plan at Revive. This will certainly include ‘signposting’ clients to all the town Churches.

The Circuit has been blessed to increase the ordained staffing as we welcomed Rev. Noel Nharsiwa and his family from Zimbabwe. Noel has pastoral charge of Burton Latimer, Central Kettering, and Cottingham Methodist Churches. He looks forward to occasionally leading worship at St. Giles Church.

The Conference of the Methodist Church (General Synod) has asked all Circuits to review their structures and to consider partnerships with adjoining Circuits. The Circuit Leadership Team are pursuing this. Decisions regarding the report ‘ God in love unites us – marriage and relationship’ were delayed during 2019/20. The Conference will return to this in June 2021 having received indicative votes and comments from District Synods. Ann Window is a District Rep to the Conference.

As lead Northampton Methodist District Ecumenical Officer, I always remain certain that (especially at this time) we provide the best witness to the Gospel message and Christ’s love and compassion when to work in partnership. United by the one true God, the love of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit we strive to be as light, peace and hope to a world in need of care and healing. Rev Andrew S Farrington

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DEANERY SYNOD

The first meeting of 2020 was held at Hayfield Cross School. The programme included a presentation on “Open the Book”, which proved to be thought provoking. This was followed by a financial report and a Deanery update.

The next meeting was due to be held at St. Giles but had to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions. Instead a service was held via Zoom from the Church of St. Peter & St. Paul in Kettering.

Our final meeting of the year was in October conducted by Rev. Hannah Jeffery, our Rural Dean, via Zoom. David Walsh gave a Financial Report and stated that to the end of August the percentage of parish shares paid was actually higher than last year, not quite the catastrophe the Deanery were expecting! He also stated that there would be no increase in Parish share in 2021 and that all stipends and salaries were frozen. Rev. Hannah closed the meeting with final prayers. Let us hope that we will actually be able to meet again sometime in 2021. John Toyne

WELLBEING

The Pastoral care and Wellbeing of our Church family, benefice and community has continued during 2020. The ways in which we could offer that care were drastically changed by the Corvid-19 virus and the different restrictions that we had to comply with.

Within a few days of the first lockdown, in March, we had volunteers to undertake weekly ‘phone calls to all the Church family and a lot of these are still continuing their calls. Another team of volunteers undertook shopping for those who were shielding, and also collecting prescriptions. A third team of volunteer offered to deliver Sunday service sheets to those who were unable to receive the online Church services. Many thanks go to all those volunteers.

The Wellbeing care continued on a Tuesday morning from 10am to 12 noon in the Community Centre until the first lockdown.

After that was lifted, the wellbeing group met outside on the benches around the War Memorial, or in the Revive cafe for a socially distanced chat, and as the weather deteriorated in the Autumn, we went on walks together, observing all restrictions. At present we keep in touch by telephone calls. Kim was able to continue the gardening group on a Wednesday morning during the summer for a while tending flowerbeds on the Millennium Green.

As restrictions lifted in the summer, we started to meet and sit on the seats at the top of Havelock Street every Monday morning and invited people to come and chat – we also talked with passers-by – a way of connecting with people who were on their own. We were able, for a time, to sit outside with Church family too, to enjoy a takeaway coffee. We also went on ‘Walk and Talk’, one to one walks, whilst we were able.

‘Love in Action’ were unable to offer meals, or lifts to Church or hospital, the Sunday lunches ceased and as yet not able to resume. However, the Alpha group baked and delivered cupcakes and a Christmas card to all who used to attend the lunches. Home communion also had to cease.

Services could not continue in the Care Homes, although a video call service was held monthly with Beech Close from Summer onwards. We have tried to keep in touch through cards written to residents and with Christmas cards.

Healing Services have been unable to go ahead. Cards have been sent, but home visits were not possible, although at the end of the first lockdown, visits were enjoyed in gardens, within restrictions, weather permitting. Jean Wardle has been unable to visit those in hospital due to present restrictions.

The confidential prayer ‘e’ mail continued during 2020, and has been extended to include all the Churches in the Benefice.

Kim Rowbotham has worked as our Bereavement Support worker, her help and support has been much appreciated during the year.

All the team have completed their Safeguarding (DBS) checks and training. Thank you to all who helped in any way during 2020, and to the Clergy team for their support. We would welcome anyone who has a heart to care for our Church family and our Community to join us. Cath Smith - Lay Pastoral Minister

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BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

Support has continued to be offered in accordance with Covid-19 safety guidelines– by telephone, doorstep conversations and accompanying people on walks. Some of those unable to attend funerals due to the restrictions have been supported. Invitations were sent for Open Church events on 1[st] of November to coincide with the online ‘Darkness to Light’ service and for ‘Lights for Loved Ones and Loss’ on 19[th] of December.

Kim Rowbotham

HEALING SERVICE

This would normally take place on Sunday evening, once a month at 6pm. It is a quiet reflective service. Unfortunately, due to the Covid virus we have not been able to hold any services since March 2020.

Wendy Steel

WORSHIP BAND

Despite the Church building being closed for most of the year, the band have come together to produce a song digitally using the wonders of technology. We were also been able to provide musical accompaniment to the online Holiday Club in July. We have bid a sad farewell to our drummer and percussionist, Clive and Caspian. Our loss will be Northampton’s gain as Ali takes up her Curacy placement. Charlotte has also moved to new pastures as she begins her university degree in Wales. We look forward to seeing her again in the holidays. Although we cannot meet to play together at the present time, we remain in touch the best we can. If anyone has taken up an instrument during lockdown or just fancies taking part, please do be in touch, we would love to hear from you! All are welcome.

Katie Steel

ALPHA for MUM’s

This group has been meeting, via zoom since the 3[rd] of June 2020. We originally arranged to meet at one of the ladies homes, but, once again that was not possible. However, Hannah suggested we met on line, this we did led by Hannah and Sophie, with input from eight other ladies (all Mum’s). We have met regularly each week on Wednesday evening at 8 pm. The course was originally intended to last eight weeks, but it went on for much longer than that, and we still meet now. As from 21[st] October 2020 Hannah & Sophie decided to step down as leaders due to pressure of work, so Gloria and I agreed to facilitate it. This group have really bonded well, grown enormously in faith, and via zoom meetings plus a lively What’s App group, have shared thoughts that they would not have done, if we had met in person. Just before Christmas, each of the ladies delivered cake to all those who would normally attend the Sunday lunch which delighted most of the recipients! We have travelled quite a journey over the last eight months. We have learnt more about the Christian faith, prayed together, grown together, shed a few tears and enjoyed lots of laughter. I would recommend this way of experiencing Alpha and would encourage other people to ‘have a go’ maybe a Dad’s group? You will be surprised! Wendy Steel

GAPSTILE HOUSE GROUP

We are a mixed group of Christian denominations and have been managing to meet via Zoom fortnightly on a Monday evening since September and have continued to study Mark’s Gospel. Prior to that we did try to work on an individual basis on study material sent to us at the beginning of the pandemic, but we found that this didn’t work and people were more receptive to the Zoom meetings. Unfortunately a few members are unable to access Zoom but we hope to see them again when we can meet face to face.

Carol Krone

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FRIDAY HOUSE GROUP

Our house group usually meet fortnightly on Friday afternoon at 2 pm. We are a small group of ladies who meet to study the Bible, share fellowship and drink tea! The last time we were able to meet was 21[st] February 2020 due to Covid 19.

Wendy Steel

20's - 30's GROUP

This group was created during the first lockdown last year as a response to the need for something for this particular age group. We continue to meet over Zoom once every 2 weeks to socialise and have bible study sessions. We take it in turns to lead the sessions and provide sweets. Before Christmas we were looking at the early church in the book of Acts. During Lent we have been looking at some shorter reflections. It is hoped that when restrictions allow, we can add a third element to our group in the form of social action. We have welcomed new people to the group who have recently moved and hope to continue increasing in number. Katie Steel

ENGAGE

The Engage group consists of adults and young people aged 11+ who meet together once or twice a month to have fun, support each other, and explore what it means to be a follower of Christ. 2019 saw us continuing to explore the beatitudes, using material known as the 9 beats.

The group engaged really well with this, and put into practice some of the ideas that came out of our discovery of what it might mean in real life to live the way of life Jesus was suggesting in the beatitudes.

In September 2019 we then invited several new folk to the group, and managed on one evening to get eighteen people into the living room in the Vicarage for a crazy evening of laughter, food and an introduction to youth Alpha. So began a new programme together, using youth Alpha to help us explore and understand the Christian faith. By this point our meetings were happening in the Vicarage, which the group agreed made for a friendlier, more personal space. 2020 – By February 2020 we were getting closer to going into lockdown, and ahead of that agreed that having 18+ people crammed together in one room wasn’t a good idea! And then of course, lockdown hit. Since then the group have done what lots of others have done, and moved online. Sadly that has meant that some of our members have found it more difficult to come, and have not been able to join us, but we still have up to 15 adults and young people joining us on zoom once a fortnight – we have found ways to make it fun! and have also made use of some great online resources and have been focussing on going deeper into the Bible. We’ve explored the gospel of Luke in some depth, and as always have looked at how we can apply some of what we’re learning to our current lives. We miss not meeting in person, and look forward to the day when we can again share pizza and cake together in the same room! But it has been lovely to stay connected with at least most of our members. The group is open to anyone over the age of 11, so be in touch with Hannah if you would like to join!

Rev. Hannah Jeffery

CHURCH LANDS

The Church lands income for the year 2020 is £683.76 Mike Littler

DESBOROUGH TOWN LANDS & LOAKES’ CHARITY TRUST

The balance of the bank account started the year at £1,509.91. The trustees met on Tuesday 20[th] May 2020 and decided to distribute funds as follows: £1,000 to Marlow House and £400 to Desborough Town Welfare. A further meeting of the Trustees is to be held on 19[th] May 2021. Pauline Clarke - Churchwarden

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‘A’ TEAM

What a year!! We have not met as a full team during 2020. We have, however, carried out some essential work in the Community Centre, the main one being to carry out a full insulation programme to the heating pipe work located in the cellar. After this followed the installation of a replacement central heating boiler to the property. To say I miss the company of fellow team members would be an understatement but we do still talk to each other!! David Cox

FABRIC REPORT

The fabric of the Church remains in good repair, thanks to the continued efforts of the ‘A’ Team. There are no additions to the inventory, but several alterations to the Church were made during the year:

  1. Various actions from the Quinquennial Report were effected, mostly by the voluntary labour of the ‘A’ team and others.

  2. The tomb stones were tested for their stability.

  3. Repairs were made to the Church outer doors and the Clergy Vestry door. Locks were replaced following the two breaks ins in December.

  4. A new panel was installed to seal in the traces of asbestos in the Chancel.

  5. The glass in one of the Lady Chapel windows was replaced.

  6. A new safe was installed in the Clergy Vestry.

  7. The medieval chalice was taken to Peterborough Cathedral for safe keeping.

  8. Other silverware was treated with Select DNA.

  9. The Churchyard perimeter wall was rebuilt by Kettering Borough Council.

  10. A new addition was made to the stained glass window in the Lady Chapel to commemorate 50 years of the Anglican and Methodist partnership.

The Churchwardens would like to thank all those individuals, who put in a great deal of hard work and commitment to contribute to the appearance of St Giles and its’ grounds.

Pauline Clarke and Steve Burt - Churchwardens

RINGING MASTER / STEEPLE KEEPER

This year’s report reflects on what has been a surreal time for all bell ringers. Things ground to a halt in March due to Covid-19 and do not look likely to return to normal until May 2021 at the earliest! Disappointing, as ringing was good and progress was being made. Jessica was starting to show positive improvement when ringing ceased, we do hope to see her again when we get back to normal. We do need to recruit a couple of new learners to increase band numbers. Please give some thought re anyone you know who may be interested.

It has been very pleasing we have managed to get together occasionally and keep in touch during the year when permitted, that is most important. The present lockdown has been most unfortunate creating a ‘non-ringing’ situation. We have just one quarter peal to our credit this year namely: Friday 29[th] of November 2019 – Bob Triples – rung to celebrate the Christmas Tree Festival /Gala Night. This was Kim’s first quarter on the 8, well done Kim! I would like to offer my thanks to ringers who helped during the year 2019 Christmas Tree Festival and for chiming for services during the current year their efforts are always appreciated by both the Church and townsfolk.

The Christmas Tree Festival did not proceed this year 2020, due to the pandemic but it was good to chime a few carols for the Christmas services. Thanks to all our volunteers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Deborah Wallis for all her hard work and dedication as our Secretary as she moves to pastures new. Deborah set a high standard for a long time and will be a hard act to follow. However, we are very pleased that Tony Gale has kindly offered to take over the position, many thanks Tony. Finally, I hope that when we are allowed back in the belfry we can all remember how to ring! I feel it could be a major challenge!

Moving on as Steeple Keeper – there is no Steeple Keeper’s report as such this year; but I am pleased to report that things look good in the bell chamber apart from the usual ‘attendance’ of flies and insects. We need a tidy up in the Bell chamber and Clock room in the New Year and I will be looking for a volunteer or two to lend a helping hand. Bill Adcock

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BRASS CLEANING

With the Church being closed during the lockdown it has not been possible to clean the brasses for several months. However, at the end of August 2020, when St Giles had the “deep clean”, Gwen Hurst and I cleaned the brasses to ensure St Giles was sparkling clean!

The brasses were cleaned again to celebrate Christmas, hopefully we can resume once normality prevails! Thanks to all who remain committed to helping clean the brasses. Liz Adcock

CHURCH CLEANING

The Church cleaning rota was suspended during our periods of lockdown. A Big Clean was carried out on the 29[th] of August 2020 prior to re-opening. Following this, due to the limited use of the Church building and fewer volunteers, cleaning was reduced to fortnightly and followed Corvid-19 safety guidelines. Grateful thanks to all who offered their time to clean. Kim Rowbotham

HEALTH & SAFETY

It is reported that all necessary required maintenance checks and tests have been completed (fire alarm and emergency lighting), and there has been one accident reported. Pauline Clarke – Churchwarden

SAFEGUARDING

This year we have ensured that all new and existing children’s workers and those working with adults have appropriate DBS checks and are admitted using safer recruiting procedures. Signs about safeguarding are displayed and the website complies with Diocesan requirements.

Training is ongoing, but the vast majority of our volunteers working both with adults and children have now completed up to date safeguarding training.

All risk assessments have been put in place this year and we have now established written job roles for all children’s and adult’s workers. All groups have been made aware of the safer environment guidelines.

There were two causes for concern during the year, which were referred to the DSL. Advice was also sought from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team on other matters.

We have signed up to the Parish Dashboard initiative to manage our approach to safeguarding and this has proved to be beneficial in ensuring that we are complying with current Church policy. Pauline Clarke - Safeguarding Officer.

INSPIRE MAGAZINE

Production of the magazine has been suspended since March 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions. A Christmas card was delivered to subscribers who have little or no other contact with the Church. Subscriptions received for 2020 are being held until further plans are discussed. Kim Rowbotham

MONTHLY LUNCH

After many years, I believe almost twenty, we decided to hang up our aprons in November 2019. The team enjoyed those years preparing the lunches but with everyone getting older, the youngest being nearly seventy the oldest ninety, we were finding it increasingly hard work to carry on. On behalf of the team I would like to thank all our ‘customers’ over the years for their continued support, this enabled us to contribute towards some of the repairs to the larger appliances in the kitchen.

Helen Wignell

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LADIES FELLOWSHIP

Although we have not been able to meet together for our weekly meetings in the Community Centre for some time, we have continued to keep in touch by phone, socially-distanced walks or simply by a chat if we happen to meet in the street. Out last meeting was held on 11[th] March 2020, when we celebrated the World Day of Prayer, a service from Zimbabwe. We welcomed visitors and readers from the other Desborough Churches. Rev. Sophie Cowan was our Guest Speaker. It was something to look back on with pleasure as we began the first lockdown later in the month. We have continued to send and receive Birthday cards, and flowers have been delivered to those members celebrating milestone birthdays, instead of our usual “Secret Santa” at Christmas. We have all appreciated regular contact and support and look forward to meeting again in the nottoo-distant future.

Penny White

CRAFT GROUP

At the moment we have twenty seven members who normally meet on Monday afternoon to enjoy various crafts, but due to the Corid-19 restrictions this has not been possible during 2020. A warm welcome is extended to anyone who wishes to spend a couple of hours in congenial company whilst working on their preferred craft, and ultimately continuing to contribute towards the three festivals held at St Giles throughout the year.

Carol Waxman

‘LOVE IN ACTION’ LUNCH

The last Sunday lunch we shared together was in February 2020, when good company and food was enjoyed as normal. Little did we know that February was to our last time together for 2020. We have missed seeing our regulars and cooking for them, but we were very pleased that the ladies of the Alpha group decided that they would like to bake cakes for our regulars and deliver them. We asked the ladies to also deliver a Christmas card from the team. Since then I have seen many of you on our daily walk and it has been good to chat at a distance or on the telephone. We know how much you miss the lunches and we do hope that we will be able to join together again very soon. Pauline Clarke - on behalf of the Sunday Lunch Team.

GAME BOARDING GROUP

Since March 2020 we have not been able to meet at the Community Centre due to Covid-19, so we moved to online using Face Book and Board Game Arena. We have thirty seven members and meet online on Monday evenings at 7 pm, playing a variety of board games. We have a league which we use to decide the player who chooses the next game.

Alan Window

BARROWS & BASKETS FESTIVAL

Like so many other activities Barrows and Baskets was a non-event in 2020. We did however try to adapt to changed circumstances and hold a virtual festival. The plants had been ordered from the supplier in January and were thriving so we did not want to waste them. We compiled a list and offered them for sale from my garden at pre-arranged times on what would have been the festival date, paid for direct to Eric by phone. This went very well and with the addition of sales of jams and marmalade which we offer at every fund raising festival, we were able to add our bit to the Church coffers. Meanwhile, Alan organised a face book competition for our Church family and friends to make and photograph a decorated basket and submit on line for others to see and vote for their favourite. In this was we were able to continue the Festival albeit much reduced. We will be able to at least do this again and hopefully more in 2021 to ensure we continue to celebrate the life of the Church and the ‘doll in the basket’ for another year. Stella Freeman

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FLOWER FESTIVAL

Our thanks to everyone who helped with another happy weekend of “It’s a Small World”. The Flower Festival weekend continues to be a celebration of our Patronal Festival and an attempt to reach out to our wider community. It was a positive experience to be able to include a display from the Desborough and District Dolls House Club – thanks to them. All those involved and everyone who visited had a positive experience and one they will wish to repeat. Preparations are already underway for this year. “Better Together”, the culmination of a year’s celebrations of our Anglican and Methodist Partnership’s 50[th] Anniversary. We shall be including a Lego display and would love to have your model included. It will be held on September 4[th] to 6[th] so please make a note in your diaries. We welcome all of you to be part of the weekend.

Alas, as we all know, the 2020 festival, along with most other events didn’t happen hence there is nothing to report apart from giving thanks to Stella for opening her garden and selling produce to mark when it would have been.

Whether there will be a Flower Festival in 2021 is anyone’s guess. If it does happen, we may not have the luxury of having a long time to plan so it will be all hands to the pumps. If there is one thing we have learnt in 2020 it is that we can rely on the St Giles family for help when it is needed. Thank you in advance of it happening.

Carol Johnson

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 2020

The Committee took the festival in ‘Virtual’ mode this year, with web pages on the St. Giles site and on Face book. A large number of tree entries appeared on the Face book page, both regular and new exhibitors supporting the festival.

We wanted to provide a little of the festive cheer across the town and fortunately we managed to slip in a few actual trees into the Church, (of course, the committee were socially distanced and stuck to the 72 hour gaps allowed between service contacts). The trees were themed around the positives of the COVID-19 challenges and included a tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore and his fundraising walk for the NHS; grounded planes leaving a pollution free sky; the Food Bank providers, supporters and contributors; the 75[th] Anniversary of the NHS; all the technical challenges overcome by providing worship online and the different ways of keeping in touch; the rainbow colours and symbol of the NHS; and a reflection on the “Comfort and Joy” that has been shown throughout the year and supported by Peterborough Diocese.

On the East Window the Nativity scene lit up by the Bethlehem star shone out to our 2020 Festival title “Light in our Darkness”. The Organ Pipes displayed thousands of tiny coloured paper Christmas tree shapes stuck together as one large Nativity scene. Not many people were able to view our Church exhibits so a video of them went on line too!

The Festival’s Prayer Tree is so popular that a “Padlet” was created for prayers to be put on virtually. Our much sought after jams, marmalades and chutneys, along with Christmas Gift packs were advertised online and were “Click and Collected” on what would have been festival opening day, i.e., the first weekend of Advent. Young people could listen to a reading of “The Candle in the Window” and colour a candle to shine from their window during Advent. Also available to watch were several Christmas videos and readings.

The town’s Advent Windows were well supported this year the St. Giles contribution was to light up a stunning NHS rainbow in the North Window. Hopefully all these efforts cheered the town up and made the Christmas season special.

The Committee have challenged themselves to do things differently and as such have made sure we put on a festival in 2021.

Ann Window – Secretary on behalf of the Christmas Tree Festival Committee –Steve & Helen Burt, Neil Clarke, Stella & Sean Freeman, Eric Lennox, Kim Rowbotham, Katharyn & Peter Shuker, Sarah Toseland, Alan Window.

13

TINY TOTS

During 2019 we really enjoyed meeting every Thursday afternoon during term time. We had lots of really enjoyable sessions with a Bible story, craft and a cup of tea. It was so lovely to see the children playing and the Mum’s chatting away.

Highlight of 2019 - Tiny Tots worked very hard to create a basket of flowers for the Barrows & Basket festival, and actually won the Favourite Children’s Basket!

Many of the children who attend Tiny Tots joined in the Christmas Nativity held in St Giles Church, they all dressed up as characters from the Nativity and sang the songs really well.

2020 – As we haven’t been able to meet we have been sending out weekly online sessions, consisting of a story, a song and craft ideas. Fiona Farrington and I alternate on a weekly basis and follow up by posting to the Tiny Tots face book page. Lisa Smith

MINI CHURCH

Mini Church continued to meet on the 4[th] Sunday of the month until March 2020, the congregation continued to grow with approximately 20 to 25 families attending each month. During the first lockdown when the Church was closed, we continued to worship using our Mini Church Face book page. Once we were able to go into the Church we then held our service within the main 10 am service which was lovely. December saw us celebrating the nativity story and many of the children dressed up and joined in from their seats. Currently we are holding services online and in January we held our first zoom call service which was well attended.

Mini Church will continue to deliver a service every month through zoom. We look forward to the time we can all worship together in the same building again.

Karen, Jeanette, Hannah

HOLIDAY CLUB

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the Holiday Club had to be run on-line this year. An enthusiastic team prepared videos, puppet shows, activities and games.

We used a secure application, to ensure that only the children and their responsible adults could gain access to the site or communicate with the children.

As usual the club ran for five days, over the first week of the school holidays. Leaflets were distributed by post to a few living outside of Desborough, but the majority were sent out by Havelock and Loatlands Schools.

We provided the children with a list of objects they would need for the craft activities and, if they could not get or find these, we delivered those objects to their door. The children could upload the pictures they drew and photographs of their crafts they had made. There was also a team time when the children could chat with the team leaders each day. Around twenty five children joined the club, which made all the work worthwhile. No BBQ this year but we hope the club will be back as normal in 2021 but if not we will be on-line again!

Rev. Neil Clarke - On behalf of the Holiday Club Team

FRIDAY FAMILY FUN

Friday Family Fun continued to run well during 2019 until March 2020, meeting on the first Friday of every month in the Community Centre. Unfortunately, we have not been able to meet since March 2020 due to Covid-19.

We have a strong team of approximately twelve helpers all of whom we could not continue to run Friday Family Fun without. To each and every one of you a sincere thank you for your continued support. We had at least ten families and around twenty children attending each month some coming from Kettering to join us for an evening of Craft, Bible story and a family meal. We look forward to the time when we are able to welcome families back again. Karen Dougan-Mabbutt on behalf of all F.F.F. leaders & helpers.

14

LINK UP

From April 2019 to March 2020 Link Up continued to meet every Sunday during term time, and is still run by Simon Pearce and myself. We learnt what it meant to make new friends, to make new starts and we had just started to watch the Greatest Showman, intending to learn about how the film related to God and ourselves. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 we have been unable to meet since March 2020, but as soon as we are able we will continue to meet again, meanwhile all the children that attend will receive postcards as part of keeping in contact. Karen-Dougan-Mabbutt

ESCAPE

Escape is a youth group for 11+ year olds, and pre Covid-19 times met a couple of times a month on a Sunday evening to do all kinds of things ranging from sports nights, to make Christmas wreaths and more. Ready, steady cook is always a popular option. Sadly the group has not been able to continue during 2020, but we hope it will be able to restart sometime in 2021! We have managed to keep in touch with most of our young people during 2020 and will work hard to re-establish connections in person as soon as we are able.

Rev. Hannah Jeffery

SCOUTS GROUP

Well, what a year we have all had, this time last year we were preparing for a “get to know each other” weekend camp with other Scouts from across the county. Over 100 Scouts and Leaders were to travel to a Jamboree in Austria in August 2020. As the pandemic grew, we first cancelled the camp then postponed our participation in the Jamboree until 2021. However, in January this year we took the sad decision to cancel the entire trip. The planning team have already met to discuss possible destinations for a trip in 2023.

When the first lockdown came, I did not want the Scouts to forget about Scouting so I set up weekly Scout Zoom meetings and encouraged them to post to our Facebook site. We have completed several badges, joined with other groups, done online cooking and have had Virtual Camps, that’s camping in the garden or making a den in the house and following the itinerary set out for them with regular Zoom meetings to share what we have been doing. In January we decided to ScoutZoom every other week as children are being asked to spend more and more time in ‘online’ education.

CUBS

When lockdown came the Cubs took to setting online challenges posted on Facebook. They have also joined in with some District and National run online activities such as the Photographers badge and the Digital Citizen badge. Some of the Cubs have even joined in with some of the Scouts activities like the Virtual Camps. Since September the Cubs have been Zoominjg every week but from half term every other week.

BEAVERS

Our youngest group have been very busy, their Leadership team recognising that they are a little young for weekly Zoom meetings have been setting weekly challenges and craft activities. Since September they have been joining with the Cubs Zoom meetings as well. Beavers have also been joining in with the online Group Activities like the Virtual ‘Campathome’ world record camp attempt that was held in April 2020 with 96,342 people not sleeping in their beds across 68 countries. We had 73 adults and children from Desborough participating.

I even came across one our Beavers (and Father) litter picking, whilst I was out walking. He told me he was fed up with all the mess people had left so he was tidying up, he also received sponsorship to do it, so looking after the Environment and raising funds for the NHS at the same time. The future of Scouting looks to be in good hands. Yours in Scouting Ian Krone - Group Scout Leader.

15

TREASURER REPORT

2020 proved to be a challenging year for us all. The spread of COVID-19 and the restrictions set by the government hit us all hard including St Giles Church.

The church has been closed for the majority of the year, festivals cancelled as well as our major services around Easter, Remembrance Sunday and Christmas. Besides having a profound effect on our mental wellbeing, this has also had an effect on St Giles church finances.

Although the end of year financial accounts report a profitable end, £7,674,39, the major contributing factor has been interest from investments. We ended 2020 16.6% (£19,366) behind the voluntary income received in 2019. We would like to thank those of you who continued to contribute within the Planned Giving programme, via envelopes or donations. During these challenging times, every donation helps.

2021 has continued with COVID-19 restrictions for the first quarter, which again impacts on St Giles Church finances. If you would like to contribute towards the work of St Giles Church please do not hesitate to contact me.

I would like to thank Wendy East for her continued support. I would also like to thank Eric Lennox for his patience and support for without this, these accounts would never be completed.

Mike Littler - Treasurer

16

StGHes and M¢thodlst Church Desbowh $tments Tor th• Y•ar Endtd 31Jt Decembor 2020 Re￿pts Pawments Total 2Q20 Unmiirkred 2019 80.020 17 2.882 31 3.412)7 1.362 68 2.026.90 180.00 81 56165 4 909.21 3.412 37 1.654.76 5.704.96 62.029.53 22.236.56 9.786.07 1 787.73 768.87 AcbvrtJe$ IN geThern9￿Tr hcome from Church 4ctiwbes h¥e5tm¢rl InGorrv4 fJh¢r 7.54 1.640.80 6.42 5 704.96 T4Xal r•¢eOpls 92.019.81 3.397.12 1,820.80 ￿42 97244.15 116.610.70 249.08 249.08 3.981.06 66.004.18 18.334.70 ?.662.62 548.17 1.65104 3.657.60 85.853.80 30.827.56 5.792.64 7.612.18 3.981. 66.1￿.18 18.334 70 3.812.62 429.17 Mmistry ChJi¢h Ad￿rstr0n Cther 50.00 119. 92.561.73 2YJ.Q8 119.00 92.979.81 115.395.82 aqdThstP•yW￿ts 1541.921 J.Og8. 1,701.80 4.284.34 1.214.88 Tr￿5ets betwknd5 3.037.00 13.037.Wl 2.495.08 61.04 1.701.80 4.264.34 1,215 G￿￿Lome￿} on InvestrnEnts 3.410.ts5 J 410.05 7.788 N￿IncOM￿lE￿l￿rtI 2.495.08 61.04 1.7DI.80 J.416.47 7.674.39 9.003 8M•t Isi 202(t iNDt• 61 41.816.78 20.503.37 17 664.32 50.89S.11 130 879 58 127.876 F￿d# Cmat 31Jt D•c 2020 tNOtè61 44311.88 20 564.41 S4 311.58 136.553.97 130880 $r•¢ntOlAss¢ts U•b#lJ¢s FLids k Kccurrt5 Is•e Note SAI C8F Dep05rt Fund 75 188.35 764.93 4.24 54.393 25.161 101.957.52 79.555 Invesbm•ntAW￿. C8F knv•&tsnent Fund. Incomè Un< 52.793.38 49.383 NeleLYreniReceivablesllPayat4051 17.870.9SI Sp8cik R95Erve5 4Ethodisi Grani ltee Notè 71 8uski•Bs Cwunuty (¥ F￿d Autho Root AnDwersary WIDdDW Fund MetrKJLTiid Gw(kn 11.600.ODI 15.000.ODI 1457.701 ($200) 14581 156.271 11.212.001 13051 IS601 138 553.97 17

st Glles and Melhodlst oe$LM￿ w￿14151￿¢¢0%￿ts lh• Y•r End•d 31st O•cembfrr 2020 12] Ncrte l.. ofGw4 tUnr•Str￿dl FL¥KI Recelpts and Piy•n•hts 2020

J19 FI￿ned gm T ithvèred LoosÈ¢oleth¢ns 56 574 41 12.445.48 2.981.97 8.018.31 N020.17 55.218 14.767 8.177 1.473 Totsl vcknnWlncL¥ne C0mTrwJnity¢￿tr£ hire DcffjalKns ￿ b.eu ofG¢Dtye tsre 2.546.31 336 00 7.718 J.104 15fj 30 297.00 2.614 00 345.07 3.41137 1.614 2.948 3.921 1.305 9.788 edLfjng5 Funer frLYTr dw¥ch ch￿th mixell￿e0u5 Inccffie ¥¥¥rt 683_76 21.20 5.WO QQ 5.70&96 85 Other IncoTh¢ Don8tyws rn￿ I￿ Not¢ 501 Frid•y fwrity ￿TI MITh Ch￿Ch 3.983.50 12.441 3.501 157 3,%1.0S 3ffi58 P4D6h 611t MÈthodst asgessffthl 8ernawemenl CouD5dkq Clerw expenses In¢ti Illn15ty 10.544.00 14.85D_31 S1.608 12.¥Ji 60>.87 6SM54 Cfvur¢h 202.02 335.64 2.499 2S 1.918.65 468.30 670.32 1.108.30 3.638.60 9.463_39 1.656 2.717 Etectricty evrw¢e Repaus id M￿l•nInC• Clc¢k bng 7.544.74 15.814 232. 23165 295 626 Jo? 3.156 417 562 8ugness Rates ¢leaMg Telephono w#er MIxEll4neous 2.087.32 438.32 S￿.24 169.56 2,087 32 438.32 506 24 189.$6 143J&711 29A99 Postbjè and slAtiDn•ry Photoccyie15 Mu*c You Aéff¥Thstraior aThJsecret¥y Card Fee5 PU￿1(ty Adnthl>tr•kn 644_67 88_3J 471.45 1.142 245 441 2.573_35 24.82 3.31S 3,81162 and mis¢dI￿a0us Ouxf Expwdlbjie 132.17 7.527 7￿21 429.17 18

Stryl•s knllll¢n M¢tPodlstChui¢h De$borw FknAtTrL441 St4t+nws forth4 Yèar End4d Jl$t 04¢4m￿rI03￿ pi Nots3.. R•$trlGtsd Funds FwO tyrwgh¢fvnv4wd 1•tJ•D. 2020 8.304.80 9.359.SZ 17 664.32 Vdunlwy Inc?mt INestmert Inttsme (Xher 18D.00 37.17 180.00 I,S40.80 1.603.6Y Tot rtteipts 1 820.80 payr￿nts Fund i•srgc05 Fiic mantenarKe Adtnnistrab Cther 119.00 119.00 Tot4 P¥trYn•nts 119.00 119. N¢tr￿4P1¥ p•>¥rtNS .17 1.701.80 Twl¢rtybotsY¢n Fundsearvled lo￿ard 31st Dec 2020 8 402.97 10 ￿3.15 19 366.12 lJtr4." Enrf¢wM•n¢Fu￿$ Tlby T41$ Funds br•llDn¥ard IsiJ4n. 2420 49.383.SJ 50.895 11 V(4UnWi￿O￿ Invostrnèrinc¢me 6.42 TOW rectyts &42 PaYm￿ts Pwdrasng Gosts Chartle Jvibe5 M￿l5￿Y ChuTth r￿r￿e￿a￿e Ad￿r￿stra￿l ptyxeh 6.42 6.42 RÈcoonis•d gams on invÉstm•nts 3 410.05 3.410.05 F¥ndsurrlEd forwavd 3151D￿ 2020 52 793.36 54 311.58 19

stGit$41ngkah and MtuitrJistChiJrctt Oesbcrth Fthandal Stments forthe Year Ended 31st Decembei 20 Pag Note 5.. Othw FlnAndal A￿y5•S A ACco￿nts Thebala￿&sO1lhe severa b￿k3¢CoUnts ollhe Church we &fdluws- 2020 2019 Fund. S)t¥iaet GEnErd Fund- Gvner4 Fund. Bell F￿a CiaftGroup Events HL4iday Club Magaiine Monthty Ll￿ Primers T•by F￿￿ 55.3eo.I 1.387.05 3.751.40 8.402.97 265.76 720.50 533.1È 1.437.$2 38.608 1.267 8.305 386 623 849 1.274 562 1.207 1.23B 73 1.518.?D B. Akney r5ed alchutch Feslv Inthof •xpEnS•XI Owèr Festsv andBathgts Cth¢in Tiee Fesovl LaLles CF¥t (¥ovp 156.30 1,113.3Q s￿.86 12D.55 2.631 7.452 The chrgy•xp¢nsesfor St Qles ¥• shown n rkth? expenGÉs{andr•fin¢s ol those eAWnSps1 made by the otThertrYetPaltsht ThLmtan$ the amly￿1 ofdEtw expensesloT StGles aredeaty seern. O DgDab( Ex tstynated ex GEnual Funds F¥nd$ 3 871.00 Totsl GenaTal Muslwd %eedAppeal OKJces¢ In Europe J rtsb￿[vIÈ Love in Acti entssh Legitsn MWB Isunshinel ethop's Chanbes C￿dr￿S Sociey VVATOTO Chikare Womensw￿￿ Day ol Player Methothslchwch Nlsson Fund Ciwc S8rVK¢ 15.00 HosFice ¢hn5ban 97.50 3 983J 20

st￿$ •na Chu￿ Oesty)p Fiiind418tktMiifiis knrthi Yoar End￿)Ist 0•eem￿l IOXI P•9• 8Fd 1%7CO 8 304.80 25.161 386 31 49 )83 )3 1.2G7 05 a.3O4.8U 9.359.52 CCL4 10•w•styFabDCI 15.801.78 386.31 49.3e3.23 1.St1.7a ÉndDI4TiieDI.Tw EY• Ikbdty a ikyds 62J 34 646 fj2).34 648 91 1273.&7 2 11 l ?C6.89 38 609.13 127J.97 562 11 12W89 38,608.13 9.07 0.07 AcC￿nts Acco￿nE8 Ptyat4èlAe£•Jd$ 11¢ Re5•r¥•b.' 13 18).79 14.899.751 13.16179 14.699.751 IS.X￿ QOI IS.21)J.cJ MUSK Fund Autho RtsdFurth AnnivwwywiTrdtswF￿& G¥d￿ F￿d 14$7.701 1457.701 1304.811 156¢ 001 1304.811 15fj0.ts) 41.816.78 20 SQ3 37 17.6Y.32 sDe9511 1 3a70S 840297 26.784.93 285 76 $2 793 38 191820 720 50 S33 18 375140 143752 1.387.OS s.1￿.57 Iri,ss3.15 15.8DI.78 Cr¥t S2.793.38 1.51&20 Endo4merrt. 7W.50 533 11 Uoyd5 Ilagazine Mohtrty Lueh 3.751.40 1.43T 52 1.23e 73 SSX¢l0 1.238.73 s¥nI￿¢•r ea5h'. 55.)66.10 4.24 AKwJnls Recryvt7lPrepw AccMlllS fle RMN•A.' Metho4isiGrwt 418.80 16.290 76 419.80 761 11.SOO QOI S.￿0.0¢1 {1.6LXj.￿j Iluslc Ushbry. Ro¢4 Fw)dS AnNy￿5¥y￿n￿￿ Fwid 1457.701 27Tr 11212.0¢1 I￿.?7) 11.212.001 44311 08 20 564.41 54 Jl1.58 110127.. MethtyJlstGrknt kn ?018 SIGl¢s ChvTth OesbDrW receiyida gr￿l01£20r￿￿Ornthe KèttenwaTKfc(MtyFAtthudisl Circuilto be spbt ¢w•tyetw•￿ th• c05tof • Bw•w¢meDI Cowstlkr to awstwth ctrtthn woi•c15 Iusthlng •r¥JAutho Ewpmentl. 0￿￿9 2J20 the cl￿tthh&￿gl1Sea £3600 •fthts warti2019-£'.3 ￿1. a¢th¢ 104 ¢lth¢ yttaTthe reservedsYantWa5£1 eoo12019.£5 20C*I. 21

St Gilps Angfi¢ and Methodist Chur¢h Desbomugh Flntitil Stattments forthe Yeor Ended J1$t Oecember2020 Pagt 161 P)te 2: Deslunated F￿d$ C￿ft En nthty Lun¢h lub Printew Toth Jnds bwowhlfonvird 1%tJ4n. Its2# 15801.70 386.JI 823.34 .97 1273.97 1,2fy3.89 2050J.J7 fKOrnE 1.312.Y) 83 2535 1.362. 2.028. 1.n&gJ Ir￿orne ttom Ctru¢h•clTwp 6.49 0.00 1.7269J 20.00 1.613. 3t.84 3a97.12 Fund C￿Nabl&￿th¥ttt noteq 120. 12.74 115.79 249.£ fy) rA) Tow p•yrnent 120.ss 1174 D.tX) N re¢4p1S￿lyffle￿tj1 o.c*J 1120.551 195.79) 1.563.$5 31A4 3.(6&04 11.617.L 120.CQI 11.4N.WI D.CQ 13.037ml Fund• carri•d toff￿rd 31stDK2DZO 15.W1.76 Z5>76 72￿$} 533.18 1238.TJ 20.564.41 22

St Giles Church AGM Minutes 2019 Sunday 28[th] April 2019 10.00 am

The AGM this year took place during the 10.00 am worship service. Aspects of the worship service have not been included in the official minutes.

1. Opening Prayer

Rev Hannah Jeffery opened the meeting with prayer.

2. Appointment of Chairpersons

Rev Hannah Jeffery was appointed chair to the meeting. Proposed by Philip Rice and seconded by Lynne Banes-Marshall.

3. Appointment of a Secretary

Katie Steel was appointed secretary to the AGM. Proposed by Philip Rice and seconded by Tim Jeffery.

4. Attendance and Apologies for absence

Present
Rev Hannah Jeffery Joan Cox Veronica Mickley Lynne Banes-Marshall
Katie Steel Peter Shuker Eleanor Nelson Elizabeth Toyne
Karen Dougan-Mabbutt Gwen Haines Tim Jeffery Jenny Johnson
Karen Bruce Ann Window Michael Cole Sue Wood
Pauline Clarke Alan Window Helen Burt Jacki Cook
Neil Clarke Jeanette Wonfor Steve Burt Carol Best
David Cox Karen Lennox Samuel Steel Naomi Clarke
David Woods Eric Lennox Wendy East Helen Johnson
Dionne Seago Clive Wagner Wendy Nelson R. Parish
Jean Perry Mick Harvey Janet Tear Sonia Stanton
Roy Perry Carol Krone Doris Panter Ann Woods
Philip Rice Joan Paul Carolyn Rice Mo Foreman
Lois Bulcock John Toyne Lucy Eglinton Lista Nickason
Shane Ross Kim Rowbotham Jean Wardle Joyce Parish
Stella Freeman Sue Bailey
Apologies
Mike Littler Pat Watkin Daphne Lane Margaret Watts
Katharyn Shuker Jo Barrie David Eglinton Richard Watts
Cath Smith Wendy Steel Margaret Panter Norman Nickason
Ernie Panter Helen Ives

23

5. Minutes of last year's meeting and Matters arising

The minutes of last year's meeting were passed unanimously with no matters arising. Proposed by David Cox, seconded by Philip Rice.

6. Election of Trustee Members

The following people were elected unanimously as Trustee members.

Trustee Katie Steel Ann Window Steve Burt Pauline Clarke Jeanette Wonfor Lucy Eglinton Carolyn Rice

Proposed By: Ann Window Katie Steel Kim Rowbotham Karen Lennox Cath Smith Katie Steel Kim Rowbotham

Seconded by:

Karen Dougan-Mabbutt Karen Dougan-Mabbutt Karen Dougan-Mabbutt Lynne Baynes-Marshall Karen Dougan-Mabbutt Tim Jeffery Katie Steel

7. Election of Church Wardens (2)

The nominees for Church Warden were: Pauline Clarke Proposed by: Karen Lennox Seconded: Lynne Banes-Marshall Steve Burt Proposed by: Kim Rowbotham Seconded by: Karen Dougan-Mabbutt

Pauline Clarke and Steve Burt were unanimusly elected as Church Wardens.

8. Election of a Deputy Church Warden (1)

The nominees for Deputy Church Warden were: Martin Lawrence Proposed by: Pauline Clarke Seconded: Karen Dougan-Mabbutt

Martin Lawrence was unanimously elected as Deputy Church Warden.

9. Election of Stewards (3)

The nominees for Stewards were: Peter Shuker Proposed by: Pauline Clarke Seconded by: Joan Cox Ann Window Proposed by: Katie Steel Seconded by: Karen Dougan-Mabbutt Carolyn Rice Proposed by: Pauline Clarke Seconded by: Martin Lawrence

Carolyn Rice, Peter Shuker and Ann Window were unanimously elected as Stewards.

10. Election of Deanery Representatives

The nominees for Deanery Representatives were: David Woods Proposed by: Pauline Clarke Seconded by: Steve Burt

David Woods was duly elected to serve on Deanery Synod alongside John Toyne.

11. Representatives to circuit meeting

The previous representatives were Ann and Alan Window, David and Joan Cox and Carolyn Rice. All agreed to continue in this role.

12. Deanery Synod Report

There were no questions regarding the attached deanery synod report.

24

13 & 14 & 15. Church Fabric, Church Lands & Town Lands Report

There were no questions regarding the attached fabric, church lands and town lands reports.

16. Church Membership Report

There were no questions regarding the attached church membership report.

17. Finance Report

(a. presentation of the accounts, b. adoption of accounts and c. appointment of an independent examiner)

a. Neil Clarke presented the accounts. No questions were asked.

b. The accounts were proposed by Karen Dougan-Mabbutt, seconded by John Toyne and unanimously accepted. Thanks were extended to the whole finance team.

c. Eric Lennox was appointed as independent examiner. Proposed by Pauline Clarke, seconded by Ann Window and unanimously approved.

18. Safeguarding & Health and Safety

Pauline Clarke reported that included in this year’s annual reports and accounts booklet there is the annual safeguarding audit. Pauline highlighted 3 tasks, of which one has already been completed. The annual audit was proposed by Steve Burt, seconded by Karen DouganMabbutt and unanimously passed.

Pauline Clarke said that there are no health and safety concerns to report, only that when the scaffolding was up for the recent lighting project, it was noticed that the floor is unstable and will need addressing in the future.

19. Reports from the Organisations

The reports can be found attached in the annual reports and accounts document. There were no questions or comments.

20 & 21. Reports from the Rector & Minister

The reports can be found attached in the annual reports and accounts document. There were no questions or comments.

22. AOB

Pat Watkin requested that whenever there is a natural disaster, a retiring collection plate be put at the back of the church and the proceeds sent to the appropriate aid agency. This was proposed by Sue Wood, seconded by Lois Bulcock and unanimously agreed. Eric Lennox agreed to make this happen.

With no other business, Hannah Jeffery thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting.

25

St Giles Anglican and Methodist Church Desborough Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

Page [1]

Receipts and Payments

Unrestricted
See Notes
1
Receipts
Voluntary income
80,020.17
Activities for generating funds
2,882.31
Income from Church activities
3,412.37
Investment income
Other
5,704.96
Total receipts
92,019.81
Payments
Fundraising costs
Charitable activities
3,981.06
Ministry
66,004.18
Church maintenance
18,334.70
Administration
3,812.62
Other
429.17
Total payments
92,561.73
Net receipts against payments
(541.92)
Transfers between funds
3,037.00
Net after transfers
2,495.08
Gains/(Losses) on investments
Net Income/(Expenditure)
2,495.08
Funds B/f at 1st Jan 2020 [Note 6]
41,816.78
Funds C/f at 31st Dec 2020 [Note 6]
44,311.86
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Cash Funds:
Bank accounts [see Note 5A]
CBF Deposit Fund
Cash
Investment Assets:
CBF Investment Fund - Income Units
Net Current Receivables/(Payables)
Specific Reserves
Methodist Grant [see Note 7]
Business Continuity Grant
Music Fund
Lighting, Audio Visual, Roof
Anniversary Window Fund
Memorial Garden Fund
Total Assets		 Designated
2
1,362.68
2,026.90
7.54
3,397.12
249.08
50.00
299.08
3,098.04
(3,037.00)
61.04
61.04
20,503.37
20,564.41		 Restricted
3
180.00
1,640.80
1,820.80
119.00
119.00
1,701.80
1,701.80
1,701.80
17,664.32
19,366.12		 Endowment
4
6.42
6.42
6.42
6.42
3,410.05
3,416.47
50,895.11
54,311.58		 Total
2020
81,562.85
4,909.21
3,412.37
1,654.76
5,704.96
97,244.15
249.08
3,981.06
66,004.18
18,334.70
3,862.62
548.17
92,979.81
4,264.34
4,264.34
3,410.05
7,674.39
130,879.58
138,553.97
75,188.35
26,764.93
4.24
101,957.52
52,793.38
(7,870.96)
(1,600.00)
(5,000.00)
(457.70)
(56.27)
(1,212.00)
138,553.97		 Total
2019
82,029.53
22,236.56
9,788.07
1,787.73
768.81
116,610.70
1,652.04
3,657.60
65,853.80
30,827.56
5,792.64
7,612.18
115,395.82
1,214.88
1,215
7,788
9,003
121,876
130,880
54,393
25,161
0
79,555
49,383
8,464
(5,200)
(458)
(305)
(560)
130,880

St Giles Anglican and Methodist Church Desborough Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

St Giles Anglican and Methodist Church Desborough
 St Giles Anglican and Methodist Church Desborough
Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2020 Page [2]
Note 1: Analysis of General [Unrestricted] Fund Receipts and Payments
2020 2019
Planned giving 56,574.41 55,218
Tax recovered 12,445.48 14,767
Loose collections 2,981.97 8,177
Donations 8,018.31 1,473
Total voluntary income 80,020.17 79,636
Community centre hire 2,546.31 7,718
Donations in lieu of centre hire 336.00 386
Activities for generating funds 2,882.31 8,104
Flower festival 156.30 1,614
Weddings 297.00 2,948
Funerals 2,614.00 3,921
Other activities 345.07 1,305
Income from church activities 3,412.37 9,788
Church lands 683.76 684
Miscellaneous income 21.20 85
Business continuity grant 5,000.00
Other income 5,704.96 769
Donations made [see Note 5D] 3,983.50 3,501
Friday family fun (2.44) 157
Mini church
Charitable activities 3,981.06 3,658
Parish share 50,544.00 51,608
Methodist assessment 14,850.31 12,901
Bereavement Counsellor
Clergy expenses (net) 609.87 1,344
Ministry 66,004.18 65,854
Church Centre
Gas 202.02 468.30 670.32 1,856
Electricity 335.64 772.66 1,108.30 2,717
Insurance 2,499.29 1,139.31 3,638.60 3,630
Repairs and maintenance 1,918.65 7,544.74 9,463.39 15,614
Clock
Lighting
Altar 232.65 232.65 295
Organ 828
Business Rates 302
Cleaning 2,087.32 2,087.32 3,156
Telephone 438.32 438.32 417
Water 506.24 506.24 582
Miscellaneous 189.56 189.56
Church maintenance 5,188.25 13,146.45 18,334.70 29,399
Postage and stationery 644.67 1,142
Photocopiers 88.33 245
Music 471.45 441
Youth 199
Administrator and secretary 2,573.35 3,315
Card Fees 34.82
Publicity
Administration 3,812.62 5,343
Awards and Gifts 132.17
Miscellaneous 297.00 7,527
Other Expenditure 429.17 7,527

St Giles Anglican and Methodist Church Desborough Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2020
Note 3: Restricted Funds
Funds brought forward 1st Jan. 2020
Voluntary income
Investment income
Other
Total receipts
Payments
Fund raising costs
Charitable activities
Ministry
Fabric maintenance
Administration
Other
Total payments
Net receipts against payments
Transfers between funds
Funds carried forward 31st Dec 2020
Note 4: Endowment Funds
Funds brought forward 1st Jan. 2020
Voluntary income
Investment income
Other
Total receipts
Payments
Fund raising costs
Charitable activities
Ministry
Church maintenance
Administration
Other
Total payments
Net receipts against payments
Transfers between funds
Recognised gains on investments
Funds carried forward 31st Dec 2020		 Bell
8,304.80
180.00
37.17
217.17
119.00
119.00
98.17
8,402.97
Slow
49,383.33
3,410.05
52,793.38		 Fabric
9,359.52
1,603.63
1,603.63
1,603.63
10,963.15
Tailby
1,511.78
6.42
6.42
6.42
1,518.20		 Page
[3]
Totals
17,664.32
180.00
1,640.80
1,820.80
119.00
119.00
1,701.80
19,366.12
Totals
50,895.11
6.42
6.42
6.42
3,410.05
54,311.58

St Giles Anglican and Methodist Church Desborough Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

Page [4]

Note 5: Other Financial Analyses

A: Bank Accounts

The balances of the several bank accounts of the Church are as follows:-

General Fund - Santander
General Fund - Barclays
General Fund - Lloyds
Bell Fund
Craft Group
Events
Holiday Club
Magazine
Monthly Lunch
Printers
Tailby Fund
Flower Festival
Barrows and Baskets
Christmas Tree Festival
Ladies Craft Group		 2020
55,366.10
1,387.05
3,751.40
8,402.97
265.76
720.50
533.18
1,437.52
566.94
1,238.73
1,518.20
75,188.35
156.30
1,113.30
600.86
(120.55)
1,749.91		 2019
38,608
1,267
8,305
386
623
649
1,274
562
1,207
1,512
54,393
1,614
2,631
7,452
1,212
12,910

----- Start of picture text -----
D: Donations
Ex Designated Ex General Total
Funds Funds
General 3,871.00
Mustard Seed Appeal
Diocese in Europe
J Osbourne
Love in Action
British Legion 15.00
MWIB (Sunshine)
Bishop's Charities
Childrens Society
WATOTO Childcare
Womens World Day of Prayer
Methodist Church Misson Fund
Civic Service
Memorial Garden
Cransley Hospice
Christian Aid 97.50
3,983.50 3,983.50
----- End of picture text -----

St Giles Anglican and Methodist Church Desborough Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

Page [5]

Note 6: Analysis of Assets, Liabilities and Specific Reserves for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

Bank Accounts:
Barclays
Bells
CCLA (Bequests/Fabric)
Craft
Endowment - Slow
Endowment - Tailby
Events
Holiday Club
Lloyds
Magazine
Monthly Lunch
Printers
Santander
Cash:
Cash
Debtors/Creditors:
Accounts Receivable/Prepayments
Accounts Payable/Accruals
Specific Reserves:
Methodist Grant
Business Continuity Grant
Music Fund
Lighting, Audio Visual, Roof Funds
Anniversary Window Fund
Memorial Garden Fund
Bank Accounts:
Barclays
Bells
CCLA (Bequests/Fabric)
Craft
Endowment - Slow
Endowment - Tailby
Events
Holiday Club
Lloyds
Magazine
Monthly Lunch
Printers
Santander
Cash:
Cash
Debtors/Creditors:
Accounts Receivable/Prepayments
Accounts Payable/Accruals
Specific Reserves:
Methodist Grant
Business Continuity Grant
Music Fund
Lighting, Audio Visual, Roof Funds
Anniversary Window Fund
Memorial Garden Fund		 B/F at 01/01/20
1,267.05
8,304.80
25,161.30
386.31
49,383.33
1,511.78
623.34
648.97
1,273.97
562.11
1,206.89
38,608.13
0.07
13,163.79
(4,699.75)
(5,200.00)
(457.70)
(304.81)
(560.00)
130,879.58
C/F at 31/12/20
1,387.05
8,402.97
26,764.93
265.76
52,793.38
1,518.20
720.50
533.18
3,751.40
1,437.52
566.94
1,238.73
55,366.10
4.24
419.80
(8,290.76)
(1,600.00)
(5,000.00)
(457.70)
(56.27)
(1,212.00)
138,553.97		 Unrestricted
1,267.05
38,608.13
0.07
13,163.79
(4,699.75)
(5,200.00)
(457.70)
(304.81)
(560.00)
41,816.78
Unrestricted
1,387.05
3,751.40
55,366.10
4.24
419.80
(8,290.76)
(1,600.00)
(5,000.00)
(457.70)
(56.27)
(1,212.00)
44,311.86		 Designated
15,801.78
386.31
623.34
648.97
1,273.97
562.11
1,206.89
20,503.37
Designated
15,801.78
265.76
720.50
533.18
1,437.52
566.94
1,238.73
20,564.41		 Restricted
8,304.80
9,359.52
17,664.32
Restricted
8,402.97
10,963.15
19,366.12		 Endowment
49,383.33
1,511.78
50,895.11
Endowment
52,793.38
1,518.20
54,311.58

Note 7: Methodist Grant

In March 2018, St Giles Church Desborough received a grant of £20,000 from the Kettering and Corby Methodist Circuit to be split equally between the cost of employing a Bereavement Counsellor and to assist with certain capital projects (Lighting and Audio Visual Equipment). During 2020, the Church has utilised £3600 of this grant (2019 - £13,600), and at the end of the year the remaining reserved grant was £1,600 (2019 - £5,200).

St Giles Anglican and Methodist Church Desborough Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

Page [6]

Note 2: Designated Funds

Funds brought forward 1st Jan. 2020
Voluntary income
Activities for generating funds
Income from Church activities
Investment income
Other
Total receipts
Fund raising costs
Charitable activities [see note 6]
Ministry
Church maintenance
Administration
Total payments
Net receipts/(payments)
Transfers between funds
Funds carried forward 31st Dec 2020		 Bequests
15,801.78
0.00
0.00
0.00
15,801.78		 Craft
386.31
0.00
120.55
120.55
(120.55)
265.76		 Events
623.34
1,726.90
1,726.90
12.74
12.74
1,714.16
(1,617.00)
720.50		 Holiday
Club
648.97
20.00
20.00
115.79
115.79
(95.79)
(20.00)
533.18		 Magazine
1,273.97
1,312.50
300.00
1.05
1,613.55
50.00
50.00
1,563.55
(1,400.00)
1,437.52		 Monthly
Lunch
562.11
4.83
4.83
0.00
4.83
566.94		 Printers
1,206.89
25.35
6.49
31.84
0.00
31.84
0.00
1,238.73		 Totals
20,503.37
1,362.68
2,026.90
0.00
7.54
0.00
3,397.12
249.08
0.00
0.00
0.00
50.00
299.08
3,098.04
(3,037.00)
20,564.41

E G A & K LENNOX 183 Dunkirk Avenue, Desborough, Kettering, Northants NN14 2PR Tel: 01536 761413

Email: eric.lennox@virginmedia.com

The Trustees, St Giles Church Desborough Lower Street Desborough Northants NN14 2NP

15[th] March 2021

To the Trustees of St Giles Church Desborough:

IDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

I have examined the attached Receipts and Payments Account and Statement of Assets and Liabilities for St Giles Church Desborough for the year ended 31[st] December 2020 with the books and records produced to me by the Honorary Treasurer and confirm them to be in accordance therewith.

The Statement of Assets and Liabilities sets out the position of St Giles Church Desborough as at 31[st] December 2020 and the Receipts and Payments Account shows the Income and Expenditure arising during the year to 31[st] December 2020.

Eric G Lennox BA ACA Independent Accounts Examiner