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2023-12-31-accounts

St. Edmund’s

Taverham

Minutes and Officers’ Reports to the 2024 Annual Parishioner’s Meeting and 2024 Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

St. Edmund’s Church, Taverham

Registered Charity Number: 1185420

Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) for the year ended 31st December 2023

For more information about St. Edmund’s Taverham visit:

Since 1st October 2008, PCCs with gross income over £100,000 have been required to register with the Charity Commission. St. Edmund’s PCC therefore registered with the Charity Commission on 20[th] September 2019. Our registration number is 1185420.

To meet the Charities Commission requirements the trustees for the financial period of this annual report (January to December 2023) are listed below :

Ex officio Trustees

Revd Paul Seabrook Incumbent Revd Philip Charlesworth Assistant Priest Revd Val Hooker Curate Susan Charnock (to May 2023) Jinette (Netti) Arthurs David Osborne (from May 2023)

Elected Trustees

Susan Beevor Paul Beverley Susan Charnock (from May 2023) Ann Coker Sue Elmes Dan Gentle Maggie Goodchild David Howard Jenny Merrin (to May 2023) Granville Routledge Treasurer Pat Routledge Frances Sanderson-Bates

Co-opted members:

Rachel Seabrook

Representatives on the Deanery Synod

Stella Noons Deidre Porter Judy Tyler (to July 2023)

Incumbent: from June 2007 Bank: The Revd Paul Seabrook, Barclays Bank plc The Rectory, Taverham Road, Leicester LE87 2BB Taverham, Norwich, NR8 6SY

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 2

St. Edmund’s Church, Taverham Parochial Church Council (PCC) Annual Report for 2023

Background to PCC

St. Edmund’s PCC accepts the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, ecclesiastical, social and ecumenical.

The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of the St. Edmund’s Church building and facilities.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of the parish community at St. Edmund’s. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.

When planning our activities for the year, the incumbent and the PCC have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and the guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

To facilitate this work it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church.

Structure, governance and management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules.

At St. Edmund’s the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent, assistant priest(s), churchwardens, and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance in the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are spent.

The PCC, in accordance with the Churchwarden’s Handbook, delegates some activities to the Standing Committee. The Standing Committee handles urgent matters between main meetings, and is accountable to the PCC.

As part of considering arrangements for the Standing Committee to deal with church business whilst PCC meetings could not be held due to Covid restrictions, on 14[th] July 2020, the PCC, (re-) confirmed membership of the Standing Committee. That is, the Standing Committee is limited to the following roles: the Incumbent, Churchwardens and assistant (if there is one), PCC Secretary, Treasurer, PCC Lay Chair.

At that time all monthly Standing Committee meetings were minuted and the minutes circulated to the full PCC for comment, together with the finance report and accounts for that month. Any proposals requiring PCC approval being addressed within this process.

As the Covid restrictions were relaxed, in July 2021 we resumed our normal cycle of PCC meetings. Since then the Standing Committee has met as and when there have been specific matters to address between PCC meetings, rather than meeting monthly.

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 3

Membership of PCC for 2023

Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation rules.

During the year the following served as members of the PCC:

Incumbent (Chairman) Revd Paul Seabrook Assistant Priest Revd Philip Charlesworth Curate Revd Val Hooker Churchwardens Susan Charnock (to May 2023) Jinette (Netti) Arthurs David Osborne (from May 2023)

Elected members:

Elected members:
Dan Gentle Lay Chair of PCC
Sue Beevor
Paul Beverley
Sue Charnock (from May 2023)
Ann Coker
Sue Elmes
Maggie Goodchild
David Howard
Jenny Merrin (to May 2023)
Granville Routledge Treasurer
Pat Routledge		 Standing committee (SC) 2023
Frances Sanderson-Bates • the Incumbent: Revd Paul Seabrook
• Churchwardens: Netti Arthurs, David
Osborne (from May 2023), Sue
Co-opted members: Charnock (to May 2023)
Rachel Seabrook • Treasurer: Granville Routledge
Representatives on the Deanery Synod • PCC Lay Chair: Dan Gentle
Stella Noons • PCC Secretary: Sue Beevor
Deidre Porter
Judy Tyler (to July 2023) Note, other people may be invited to attend
SC meetings to provide expertise so issues
under consideration can be addressed in a
Methodist Observer John Morgan timely manner.

Notes

Note 1, From February 2023 to May 2023 David Osborne was acting as Assistant Churchwarden. Note 2, From early 2024 David Howard was acting as Assistant Churchwarden.

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 4

Agenda

St. Edmund’s Taverham 2024 Parishioner’s meeting to be held Monday 20[th] May 2024 7pm in St. Edmund’s Church

  1. Prayer and Welcome

  2. Apologies for absence

  3. Minutes of the previous meeting (2023, see below)

  4. Election of Churchwardens

Minutes of the 2023 Parishioner’s Meeting of St. Edmund’s Taverham

The 2023 Vestry meeting was held on Monday 22[nd ] May 2023 at St. Edmund’s Church Taverham

Prayer and welcome

Revd Paul Seabrook thanked everyone for attending and opened the meeting with prayer.

Apologies for absence

Janet Colbert, Dan and Pat Gentle, Gina and Brian Clapson, Maggie Goodchild, Revd Val and Richard Hooker, Revd Gill and David Osborne, Pat and Granville Routledge, Judy Tyler

Present

Revd Paul Seabrook, Rachel Seabrook, Jinette (Netti) Arthurs, John Baker, Sue Beevor, Sue Charnock, Ann Coker, Keith Denny, Jane Dryden, Jill and Peter Duffield, Alex Durrant, Gwendolyn Horn, Julie Horrobin, Catherine Marchionne, Sam Martin, Molly Mason, David and Linda Johnson, Margaret Miller, Stella Noons, Deidre Porter, Frances Sanderson-Bates.

Previous meeting minutes

The minutes of the 2022 Vestry Meeting were approved as being correct.

Election of churchwardens

There were two nominations – • Jinette (Netti) Arthurs nominated by Dan Gentle and seconded by Paul Beverley • David Osborne nominated by Sue Charnock and seconded by Sue Beevor They were elected unanimously. Revd Paul thanked them for their willingness to stand. He also thanked Sue Charnock for her hard work as churchwarden and she was presented with a card and gift.

The meeting closed at 7.15pm

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 5

Agenda

St. Edmund’s Taverham 2024 Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) The 2024 APCM to be held on Monday 20[th] May 2024 at 7.30pm in St. Edmund’s Taverham

  1. Apologies for absence

  2. Minutes of previous meeting—see pages 6 and 7

  3. Matters arising from 2023 APCM

  4. Update from 2024 Parishioners’ meeting (if held on different date to APCM)

  5. Rector’s Report—see pages 8 to 10

  6. Finance / Treasurer’s Report—starts on page 11

  7. Reports—see page 24 onwards

7.1 confirm current Electoral Roll figures—see page 27

8. Elections to Deanery Synod ( if needed—appointment to 2026)

  1. Election to PCC

Minutes of St. Edmund’s Taverham 2023 Annual Parochial Church

Meeting (2023 APCM)

The 2023 APCM was held on Monday 22[nd] May 2023 at 7.30pm in St. Edmund’s Taverham

Prayers and welcome

Revd Paul Seabrook thanked everyone for attending and opened the meeting with prayer.

Apologies for absence

Janet Colbert, Dan and Pat Gentle, Gina and Brian Clapson, Maggie Goodchild, Revd Val and Richard Hooker, Revd Gill and David Osborne, Pat and Granville Routledge, Judy Tyler

Present

Revd Paul Seabrook, Rachel Seabrook, Jinette (Netti) Arthurs, John Baker, Sue Beevor, Sue Charnock, Ann Coker, Keith Denny, Jane Dryden, Jill and Peter Duffield, Alex Durrant, Gwendolyn Horn, Julie Horrobin, Catherine Marchionne, Sam Martin, Molly Mason, David and Linda Johnson, Margaret Miller, Stella Noons, Deidre Porter, Frances Sanderson-Bates.

Previous meeting

The minutes of the APCM held on 23[rd] May 2022 were approved as being correct.

Matters Arising

None

Minutes of 2023 APCM continue on page 7

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 6

Minutes of 2023 APCM continued from page 6

Rector’s Report

– See pages 7-9 of the Annual Report for 2022

Revd Paul read from Acts and highlighted rebuilding our prayer life; rebuilding our connections with our community; rebuilding our expectations and our vision.

Revd Paul thanked the churchwardens and all who have worked hard to support the Ministry especially Ann Coker for all her commitment as Safeguarding Officer.

Finance/Treasurer’s Report

Revd Paul thanked Granville for his hard work and commitment.

Reports

1, The Electoral Roll was confirmed as 109, several members having sadly died this year.

2, Questions on the Report:

Elections to deanery synod for 2023 to 2026

There were three nominations

Elections to PCC

There were three nominations :

The meeting closed at 8.10pm

We paused for refreshments.

Nick Blanch from Norwich Youth for Christ gave an inspiring talk and answered questions.

The evening concluded with prayer from Revd Paul and the saying of the Grace together.

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 7

Reports for 2023-2024

Rector’s Report

Life in our churches, and life generally, has not been easy in the past year. Yet the Lord’s grace and love goes ahead of us in all that we encounter.

We live in times of trauma and change. This year there have been many challenges, as well as joys and celebrations.

We continue to witness the most unbearable suffering across the world, especially in Gaza and Israel, in Ukraine, in Sudan and in the wider impact of those conflicts. We pray for all those caught in these situations.

There have also been awful situations in our community we have been involved with. We look to the Lord’s comfort and hope in each of them.

As churches we continue to pray for the problems in the NHS, and with people obtaining treatment, and with the rising costs of everyday living especially affecting our young people. Life has become hard for so many. We do our best to listen, pray, and to be here for people.

The problems of climate change are experienced by all of us almost every day, and this is becoming a major preoccupation for young people. What kind of a world and a life are they inheriting?

Yet we have hope. St Paul writes in Romans 5. This is a passage that has meant so much to me personally :

“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us”.

When we reflect and absorb these words, we realise the Lord does indeed go ahead of us, and much of the answer lies in our own discipleship, faithfulness and love.

We do have so much to give thanks for at St. Ed’s in this past year. We continue to have a strong leadership team, despite illness and waiting for NHS treatment for some in our team. I continue to be so grateful to all those who exercise their gifts and ministries at St. Ed’s, including all those who are called and commissioned. It is faithfulness that will be rewarded, and is rewarded now in the breaking out of the Lord’s Kingdom.

Rector’s report continues on page 9

Rector’s Report continued from page 8

A huge thank you to Revs Phil, Val, Stella, Gill and Fiaz for all they do in carrying forward the ministry at St. Ed’s and St. Peter’s. We also continue to benefit from the much valued ministries of Rachel, Stella Noons and Jane Dryden.

We are so blessed in our Churchwardens David and Netti. They have tackled some difficult issues, and have been wonderful at ensuring St. Ed’s is a place of welcome week by week. I particularly value all their support, especially in some of the situations we have been facing.

It has been great to have David Howard return to us. We are so pleased to have his ministry among us, especially in his role now of Assistant Churchwarden.

We continue to be blessed in the ministry of our AWA’s. A huge thanks to Granville, Catherine, Andrew, Ben, Ben, Frances and Ingrid. They have all grown in their different ways. We are delighted that Ben Fiaz has been accepted for training as an LLM, and that Frances is being considered in this role, but we will miss Andrew’s wisdom and faith as he moves to Acle.

We continue to give thanks for the sheer dedication and enthusiasm of so many, including Granville our Treasurer, Graham Harris managing our online output, Fran Scarff managing our Annual Reports, and deadlines, Sue Beevor in the role of PCC Secretary, Ann Coker as our Safeguarding Officer, and all our musicians, gardeners, church cleaners, flower arrangers, activity organisers, and so many more.

There are so many people of course who contribute in so many ways. Thank you to everyone who so faithfully carries out their ministry.

There has been sadness this year as always. We have all been affected by the deaths of Robert Beevor, Peter Kerry, Irene Coker, Judy Tyler, Pat Taylor, Daphne Secker and Alice Hartland. They have each made a wonderful contribution to our life and worship. We miss them dearly, and cannot begin to imagine how much they are missed by their families and loved ones.

There have been many highlights also this year, especially baptisms. It began with Emmy’s baptism in January. She wrote everyone a message to thank us for attending, for loving her, and being with her as she was baptised. And for dressing up smartly for the occasion. Bless her!

It has been such a great privilege to baptise Justin in the sea, and Nick and James in the river at Ringland.

Rector’s report continues on page 10

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 9

----- Start of picture text -----
Rector’s Report continued from page 9
Other highlights have been:
• the pancake party with so many different people coming along,
• the Coronation Fair that was a breath of fresh air after Covid,
• the Open Day we held to invite our community in as we tackle the
various building projects,
• our amazing Alpha course that led to so many surprises and good
things,
• Mustard Tree Church that continues to help us listen to the children’s
Example of bible
voices,
given to children
• our schools work that has reconnected to hundreds of children,
• the work at St. Peter’s Ringland,
• reviving our work in the Care Homes, and
• all the Bibles we have been able to place into people’s hands. At least 250 this year in our
community.
Our Vision
On reflection I would prayerfully offer these pointers as to where I believe the
Lord is calling us in the coming years:
• to build and grow each of our congregations in a way that enables them
to connect with one another and with our wider community
• to deepen our worship through the power of the Holy Spirit
• to encourage Bible reading and study, and promote Biblical teaching
and growth in faith through the Scriptures.
• to continue our livestream ministry and to be encouraged by the fruits of
that ministry
• to encourage those who are searching in faith through Alpha, and other
ways of discipleship , and being a welcoming congregation
• to continue to encourage and release vocations and calling from within
our congregations
• to listen to the young people in our community, to value what they have
to say, and to learn from their viewpoint
• to reflect the increasing size and diversity of our local community.
Returning to the Romans passage I cited earlier, the Lord is changing us. Transforming us.
Growing us in perseverance, character, and hope. My prayer is that all we are doing now, our
prayers, our faithfulness, will bring faith and hope for the future generations we are called to inspire
as we pass on the message of love and the Good News of Jesus.
Revd Paul Seabrook Incumbent
----- End of picture text -----

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 10

Treasurer’s report for 2023

Introduction

The main purpose of Taverham PCC and St. Edmund’s Church is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus, and the role of finance is to support and facilitate this objective.

This is the fourth full financial year of our operation as a separate registered charity.

At the end of 2022 we finished with a surplus of £1,125.42. At the end of 2023 the surplus turned into a deficit of £3,009.11. In other words we spent more than our available income. The net movement in funds is actually larger in real terms. We have used the 2022 surplus and spent more than we received, so the “net“ movement is minus £4,134.53.

However, we continue to pay all our suppliers and volunteers expenses promptly as part of our witness to the goodness of God to St. Edmund’s.

Overview of the 2023 Accounts Income

Most of our income comes from the regular and planned giving of our congregations. It is supplemented by Gift Aid Tax refunds and other cash giving, donations and legacies, as well as Fees for Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms.

It is important to note that income from Fees, particularly weddings, was zero in 2023 and other fees reduced. Total Fees income was down by £5,176.20. In broad terms you could say that this represents the main reason for the deficit incurred in 2023.

Our Christmas and May Fayre net proceeds £3,900.47 were added to the General Projects and Improvements Fund.

We received £1,860 in two grants from the Diocese to help with keeping the church warm. This meant that instead of electricity costing £3,000.10 in 2023 the net cost was £1,140.10 compared with £2,972.36 for 2022.

A fund was started to receive donations and grants towards three major building projects. These are the replacement thatched roof, repairs and renovation of the east stained glass window and renovation of the Organ. At the end of 2023 that Fund was £2,351.16

Total Income: 2020 £108,503.42

2021 £ 99,145.92 2022 £108,650.05 2023 £ 95,112.16

Expenditure

In 2023 we had to draw on our Deposit Fund reserves, by £2,737.38, as there was insufficient cash in the General Fund to pay all the Parish Share and other costs.

Total Expenditure: 2020 £104,925

2021 £ 94,123 2022 £107,525 2023 £ 98,121

Treasurer’s report for 2023 continues on page 12

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 11

Treasurer’s report for 2023 continued from page 11

Concluding remarks

Our net Funds Total at the end of 2023 was £55,878.21 a decrease from 2022 of £3,009.11

We act as an Agency for the Diocese other smaller charities, collecting fees on their behalf. Funds held as an Agency are shown each month below the individual Funds shown in the “Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund) Report. At the end of 2023 we held £3,242.05 in Agency Funds, mainly for the Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance.

The General Fund, from which our running costs are met, ended 2023 at £3,867.45. At last year's end the General Fund was £5,423.05.

Considering the difficulties that everyone has faced with increased costs we are grateful to God and to all who continue to support St. Edmunds, enabling the ancient building to continue to be a place of prayer, peace and proclaiming the Good News about Jesus.

Granville Routledge, Treasurer

The detailed finance information is provided as follows:

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 12

Independent Examiner’s Report - page 1

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 13

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Independent Examiner’s Report - page 2
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St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 14

Finance table 1: Income charts

Income in thousands

Gift Aid Giving 45.578
NonGift Aid 18.270
Tax&VAT Refunds 12.060
Fees 6.403
Legacies and
donations		 7.054
FundRaising 4.740
Interest 1.007
Total Income 95.112

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 15

Finance table 2: Expenditure charts

Expenditure in Thousands

Parish Share 63.525
Salaries &Expenses 10.750
Utilities 2.098
Insurance 2.815
Charitable Giving 5.600
Projects 2.188
ChurchServices 5.128
Churchyard 1.334
Sundry othercosts* 4.683
98.121
*Including £2,521
Photocopy and printing
costs

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 16

Finance table 3: Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) with separate designated funds For the period from 1st January to 31st December 2023

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Prior year
funds funds funds funds total funds
Total income 85,056.37 9,055.79 1,000.00 95,112.16 108,650.05
Total expenditure 87,541.79 9,524.12 1,055.36 98,121.27 107,524.63
Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer -2,485.42 -468.33 -55.36 -3,009.11 1,125.42
Transfers:
Gross transfers between funds - in 7,458.82 6,529.00 - 13,987.82 12,244.00
Gross transfers between funds - out -6,529.00 -3,373.22 -4,085.60 -13,987.82 -12,244.00
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains/losses on investment assets - - - - -
Gains on revaluation,fixed assets,charity's own use - - - - -
Net movement in funds -1,555.60 2,687.45 -4,140.96 -3,009.11 1,125.42
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 5,423.05 48,954.31 4,509.96 58,887.32 57,761.90
Total funds carried forward 3,867.45 51,641.76 369 55,878.21 58,887.32
Represented by
Unrestricted
General fund 3,867.45 - - 3,867.45 5,423.05
Designated
Bibles for Junior School - 486.25 - 486.25 78.5
Charitable Giving Fund (10% Of Ordinary Giving) - 593 - 593 664
Deposit Fund - 27,811.43 - 27,811.43 29,541.65
General Projects - 6,016.40 - 6,016.40 3,523.92
Outreach Fund (Donation Of £5k) - 4,920.05 - 4,920.05 4,920.05
RSpace - 75.75 - 75.75 75.75
St.Edmunds Training - 1,000.00 - 1,000.00 1,000.00
Three Project Fund 2023 - 2,351.16 - 2,351.16 -
Verger Fund - 602.34 - 602.34 1,365.06
Youthworker Fund - 7,785.38 - 7,785.38 7,785.38
Restricted
Choir Fund - - - - 243.83
Christmas Afternoon Tea Fund - - - - 17.12
Growing in Faith Bursary Fund - - 369 369 369
Open the Book - - - - 41.31
The Graham Porter Legacy - - - - 3,838.70

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 17

Finance table 4: Analysis of income and expenditure: page 1 For the period from 1st January to 31st December 2023


Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
0102 - Standing Order Giving - Gift Aid
0103 - Envelope Giving - planned and Gift Aid
0104 - Envelope giving - Gift Aid - Occasional
0110 - Envelope Giving non Gift Aid
0121 - Loose Cash Offering - All Services
0122 - Loose Cash Offering - Wednesday
0123 - Giving direct to Barclays Bank -non Gift Aid
0125 - Easy Fund Raising
0137 - Donations to Three Projects Fund 2023
0140 - Donations - General
0142 - Donations - Funerals
0144 - Junior School Bible Donations
0700 - Organist Fees given from offerings
Donations and legacies Totals
Income from charitable activities
0143 - Donations - Baptisms
0300 - Fees - Wedding
0310 - Fees - Funerals in Church
0314 - Fees - Ashes
0320 - Fees - Funeral at Crematorium
0330 - Fees - Churchyard - Burial
0340 - Fees - Churchyard - Memorials
0350 - Fees - vergers
Income from charitable activities Totals
Other trading activities
0147 - Christmas Fair
0149 - Fund raising Expenses
0160 - Taverham Fair Income
Other trading activities Totals
Other income
0101 - Standing Order - Non Gift Aid
0124 - Direct deposit to PCC Barclays Account - Gift
Aided
0139 - Donations - Tuesday Hospitality
0150 - Outreach contributions/income
0151 - Alpha income donation
0200 - Gift Aid Tax Refunds
0210 - VAT Refunds
0400 - Interest received
0600 - Churchyard Maintenance
0810 - May Fayre proceeds
Other income Totals
Income and endowments Grand totals		 Total
General
Designat
ed
Restrict
ed
This year
Last year
38,898.96
-
-
38,898.96
36,815.96
1,495.00
-
-
1,495.00
4,066.00
30.00
-
-
30.00
465.00
163.00
-
-
163.00
898.00
4,476.98
-
-
4,476.98
4,524.72
-
-
-
-
30.00
1,463.00
-
-
1,463.00
843.01
53.66
-
-
53.66
96.14
-
1,914.58
-
1,914.58
-
1,866.93
506.58
-
2,373.51
15,239.18
935.54
-
-
935.54
200.00
-
522.00
-
522.00
537.50
-335.00
-
-
-335.00
-100.00
49,048.07
2,943.16
-
51,991.23
63,615.51
354.64
-
-
354.64
353.84
-
-
-
-
2,829.00
2,800.00
-
-
2,800.00
3,947.00
1,162.00
-
-
1,162.00
1,155.00
745.00
-
-
745.00
681.00
-
-
-
-
10.00
976.00
-
-
976.00
1,473.00
-
365.00
-
365.00
1,130.00
6,037.64
365.00
-
6,402.64
11,578.84
-
2,352.68
-
2,352.68
2,696.93
-
-
-
-
385.00
-
-
-
-
30.00
-
2,352.68
-
2,352.68
3,111.93
16,644.35
-
-
16,644.35
15,847.03
960.00
-
-
960.00
-
50.00
-
-
50.00
10.00
-
-
-
-
289.00
100.00
-
1,000.00
1,100.00
-
12,060.14
-
-
12,060.14
13,091.62
-
-
-
-
978.45
-
1,007.16
-
1,007.16
127.67
156.17
-
-
156.17
-
-
2,387.79
-
2,387.79
-
29,970.66
3,394.95
1,000.00
34,365.61
30,343.77
85,056.37
9,055.79
1,000.00
95,112.16
108,650.05

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 18

Finance table 5: Analysis of income and expenditure page 2 For the period from 1st January to 31st December 2023


Expenditure on:
Raising funds
1114 - Christmas & May Fair Expenditure
1410 - Fund Raising Expenses
Raising funds Totals
Expenditure on charitable activities
1000 - Parish Share
1010 - Clergy Expenses - Rectors
1011 - Clergy Expenses - Non Stipendiary- Phil
Charlesworth
1012 - Clergy Expenses - Non Stipendiary - Val Hooker
1015 - Clergy Expenses Stella Green
1025 - Verger's Fund Expenditure
1100 - Electricity
1101 - Water
1102 - Insurance
1110 - Church Maintenance
1120 - Churchyard Maintenance
1125 - Bins
1130 - Photocopier - Lease
1131 - Photocopier - Copies
1132 - Electricity costs payable to Stella
1140 - Printing & Stationery
1151 - Payroll and Accounts Software
1152 - Administrator Salary
1154 - Parish Evangelist Salary
1160 - Church Services - including hospitality
1162 - BT Broadband wifi
1165 - Tuesday Hospitality Costs
1200 - Outreach
1201 - Alpha Course
1210 - Junior School Bibles
1300 - Children and Young People
1400 - Sundry expenses
1500 - Charitable Giving
1900 - Due Diligence fees
3100 - Audit Fee
Expenditure on charitable activities Totals
Other expenditure
1115 - Projects and improvements
Other expenditure Totals
Expenditure Grand totals		 Total
General
Designated
Restricted
This year
Last year
-
840.00
-
840.00
545.00
-
-
-
-
385.00
-
840.00
-
840.00
930.00
63,525.00
-
-
63,525.00
62,637.12
703.31
-
-
703.31
1,351.40
854.01
-
-
854.01
871.70
644.79
-
-
644.79
603.99
-
-
-
-
11.20
-
827.72
-
827.72
1,004.00
1,275.94
-135.84
-
1,140.10
2,972.36
334.30
-
-
334.30
310.89
2,815.27
-
-
2,815.27
2,756.08
780.27
-
-
780.27
501.17
1,127.59
-
-
1,127.59
4,119.48
206.45
-
-
206.45
-
624.00
-
-
624.00
624.00
1,897.70
-
-
1,897.70
883.09
-
-
-
-
100.00
120.40
-
-
120.40
160.37
204.00
-
-
204.00
240.00
-
-
-
-
1,312.90
7,720.44
-
-
7,720.44
7,018.68
2,954.54
-
58.99
3,013.53
3,555.98
624.24
-
-
624.24
540.73
99.74
-
-
99.74
71.00
485.80
-
418.31
904.11
1,023.27
-
-
578.06
578.06
-
-
684.25
-
684.25
1,309.00
332.00
-
-
332.00
714.13
50.00
300.00
-
350.00
681.64
-
5,600.00
-
5600.00
5,830.93
132.00
-
-
132.00
48.00
30.00
-
-
30.00
30.00
87,541.79
7,276.13
1,055.36
95,873.28
101,283.11
-
1,407.99
-
1,407.99
5,311.52
-
1,407.99
-
1,407.99
5,311.52
87,541.79
9,524.12
1,055.36
98,121.27
107,524.63

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 19

Finance table 6: Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund) As at 31st December 2023
Previous balance 78.50 17.12 243.83 10,000.00 369.00 4,920.05 41.31 3,523.92 75.75 1,000.00 3,838.70 664.00 - 1,365.06 7,785.38 5,423.05 1,701.81 41,047.48 19,541.65 19,541.65 60,589.13 1,701.81 1,701.81 1,701.81 58,887.32
Balance 486.25 - - 7,262.62 369.00 4,920.05 - 6,016.40 75.75 1,000.00 - 593.00 2,351.16 602.34 7,785.38 3,867.45 3,242.05 38,571.45 20,548.81 20,548.81 59,120.26 3,242.05 3,242.05 3,242.05 55,878.21
Designated Restricted Restricted Designated Restricted Designated Restricted Designated Designated Designated Restricted Designated Designated Designated Designated Unrestricted Restricted Designated Cash At Bank And to Hand Restricted Agency Accounts Grand Total

Cash At Bank And in Hand		 2000: Current Account Bibles for Junior School Christmas Afternoon Tea Fund Choir Fund Deposit Fund Growing in Faith Bursary Fund Outreach Fund (Donation Of £5k) Open the Book General Projects RSpace St.Edmunds Training The Graham Porter Legacy Charitable Giving Fund (10% Of Ordinary Giving) Three Project Fund 2023 Verger Fund Youthworker Fund General fund Agency collection 2040: Deposit Fund Deposit Fund Agency Accounts 6699: Agency collections Agency collection

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 20

Finance table 7: Fund Movement Summary For the period from 1st January to 31st December 2023

Fund
balances
Carried
forward		 486.25 27,811.43 369 4,920.05 6,016.40 75.75 1,000.00 593 2,351.16 602.34 7,785.38 3,867.45 55,878.21
- - - - - -
Fund movement summary Selected period: 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 Fund
Fund
balances
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers
Gains
and
Journal
Entries
brought
forward
Resources
Resources
Losses		 AF - Alpha Fund
-
1,000.00
996.37
-3.63
-
-		 BFJS - Bibles for Junior School
78.5
592
684.25
500
-
-		 CATB - Christmas Afternoon Tea Fund
17.12
-
-
-17.12
-
-		 CF - Choir Fund
243.83
-
-
-243.83
-
-		 Deposit - Deposit Fund
29,541.65
1,007.16
-
-2,737.38
-
-		 EG - Energy Grant
-
-
-135.84
-135.84
-
-		 GFF - Growing in Faith Bursary Fund
369
-
-
-
-
-		 OF - Outreach Fund (Donation Of £5k)
4,920.05
-
-
-
-
-		 OTB - Open the Book
41.31
-
-
-41.31
-
-		 Project - General Projects
3,523.92
4,740.47
2,247.99
-
-
-		 RS - RSpace
75.75
-
-
-
-
-		 SET - St.Edmunds Training
1,000.00
-
-
-
-
-		 TGPL - The Graham Porter Legacy
3,838.70
-
58.99
-3,779.71
-
-		 TPF - Charitable Giving Fund (10% Of Ordinary Giving)
664
-
5,600.00
5,529.00
-
-		 TPF23 - Three Project Fund 2023
-
2,351.16
-
-
-
-		 VF - Verger Fund
1,365.06
365
1,127.72
-
-
-		 YF - Youthworker Fund
7,785.38
-
-
-
-
-		 General - General fund
5,423.05
85,056.37
87,541.79
929.82
-
-
 Totals
58,887.32
95,112.16
98,121.27
-
-
-

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 21

Finance table 8: Balance sheet (summary)

Balance Sheet (Summary)
As at
As at
31/12/2023
31/12/2022
Fixed assets
-
-
Current assets
Cash At Bank And In Hand
59,120.26
60,589.13
59,120.26
60,589.13
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year
3,242.05
1,701.81
3,242.05
1,701.81
Net current assets less current liabilities
55,878.21
58,887.32
Total assets less current liabilities
55,878.21
58,887.32
Liabilities
-
-
Total net assets less liabilities
55,878.21
58,887.32
Represented by
Unrestricted
Unrestricted - General Funds
3,867.45
5,423.05
Designated
Designated - Bibles for Junior School
486.25
78.5
Designated - Charitable Giving Fund (10% Of Ordinary
Giving)
593
664
Designated - Deposit Fund
27,811.43
29,541.65
Designated - General Projects
6,016.40
3,523.92
Designated - Outreach Fund (Donation Of £5k)
4,920.05
4,920.05
Designated - RSpace
75.75
75.75
Designated - St.Edmunds Training
1,000.00
1,000.00
Designated - Three Project Fund 2023
2,351.16
-
Designated - Verger Fund
602.34
1,365.06
Designated - Youthworker Fund
7,785.38
7,785.38
Restricted
Restricted - Choir Fund
-
243.83
Restricted - Christmas Afternoon Tea Fund
-
17.12
Restricted - Growing in Faith Bursary Fund
369
369
Restricted - Open the Book
-
41.31
Restricted - The Graham Porter Legacy
-
3,838.70
Fund Totals
55,878.21
58,887.32		 Balance Sheet (Summary)
As at
As at
31/12/2023
31/12/2022
Fixed assets
-
-
Current assets
Cash At Bank And In Hand
59,120.26
60,589.13
59,120.26
60,589.13
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year
3,242.05
1,701.81
3,242.05
1,701.81
Net current assets less current liabilities
55,878.21
58,887.32
Total assets less current liabilities
55,878.21
58,887.32
Liabilities
-
-
Total net assets less liabilities
55,878.21
58,887.32
Represented by
Unrestricted
Unrestricted - General Funds
3,867.45
5,423.05
Designated
Designated - Bibles for Junior School
486.25
78.5
Designated - Charitable Giving Fund (10% Of Ordinary
Giving)
593
664
Designated - Deposit Fund
27,811.43
29,541.65
Designated - General Projects
6,016.40
3,523.92
Designated - Outreach Fund (Donation Of £5k)
4,920.05
4,920.05
Designated - RSpace
75.75
75.75
Designated - St.Edmunds Training
1,000.00
1,000.00
Designated - Three Project Fund 2023
2,351.16
-
Designated - Verger Fund
602.34
1,365.06
Designated - Youthworker Fund
7,785.38
7,785.38
Restricted
Restricted - Choir Fund
-
243.83
Restricted - Christmas Afternoon Tea Fund
-
17.12
Restricted - Growing in Faith Bursary Fund
369
369
Restricted - Open the Book
-
41.31
Restricted - The Graham Porter Legacy
-
3,838.70
Fund Totals
55,878.21
58,887.32
Fixed assets
Current assets
Cash At Bank And In Hand
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year
Net current assets less current liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities
Liabilities
Total net assets less liabilities
Represented by
Unrestricted
Unrestricted - General Funds
Designated
Designated - Bibles for Junior School
Designated - Charitable Giving Fund (10% Of Ordinary
Giving)
Designated - Deposit Fund
Designated - General Projects
Designated - Outreach Fund (Donation Of £5k)
Designated - RSpace
Designated - St.Edmunds Training
Designated - Three Project Fund 2023
Designated - Verger Fund
Designated - Youthworker Fund
Restricted
Restricted - Choir Fund
Restricted - Christmas Afternoon Tea Fund
Restricted - Growing in Faith Bursary Fund
Restricted - Open the Book
Restricted - The Graham Porter Legacy
Fund Totals

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 22

Finance table 9: Return of Parish Finance For the period from 1st January to 31st December 2023

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 23

Churchwardens’ Report for 2023

Our thanks go to everyone who, by giving their time and by sharing their skills, ensure that St. Edmund’s remains a special church to both worship and socialise in, and where a welcoming face is always present.

It has been another busy but productive year. The ‘Gardening’ team continue to prove invaluable, not only maintaining our churchyard in such a fine condition, but also carrying out the smaller repair and maintenance jobs that do not warrant calling in the expensive professional. Their service is matched by the equally hardworking ‘Cleaning’ and ‘Flower arranging’ teams ensuring that our building is clean and inviting at all times.

On a larger scale, we had our Quinquennial inspection during the year, which confirmed much that we already knew, that the thatched chancel roof had reached the end of its useful life and the chancel east window was also in need of urgent attention. Both leak during heavy rain. As you might expect for such an ancient building the list of repairs runs to four pages, helpfully grouped in priority order from: ‘requiring immediate attention’, ‘within twelve months’, through to ‘requires attention within the next five years’. All we need do is fund them!

A project team has been set up to seek grant aid for our highest priority works, and faculties have been secured permitting us to progress with both the re-thatching and repairing the chancel window. Hopefully, we will see these works carried out in 2024.

The organ continues to cause concern and is also in need of urgent attention. Our thanks go to our team of talented organists who manage to provide wonderful musical support during our services, sometimes in spite of the organ misbehaving!

Our congregation numbers remain strong, not just at our main 11:15am Sunday service, but also at the 8am Communion, Mustard Tree and other services and activities during the week. We also have a remarkable weekly following of the ‘Livestream’ services, watched by people in the comfort of their own homes both in the Taverham area, and elsewhere in the world.

Our first church open day to highlight work needed

Our thanks go to the ‘Ministry’ and ‘Livestream’ teams that make all this possible.

Greater detail of the life of our church is described in various reports elsewhere in this overall Annual Report. These help to demonstrate how blessed we are to have so many wonderful people that contribute to the life of St. Edmund’s. They are too numerous to mention by name but our thanks go to them all.

As we move forward to 2024 we face financial challenges if we are to keep our building in good repair. However, God has been faithful to our worshipping community in the past and we can be sure that He has great things planned for us for the future.

Netti Arthurs and David Osborne Churchwardens

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 24

St. Edmund’s Building Project update

St. Ed’s is embarking on a building repair project to address three areas needing urgent attention:

Chancel Roof

We are advised that thatch to the chancel roof has reached the end of its useful life, being less than 125mm thick with large gaps at the gable /parapet junctions, permitting water ingress. It leaks during heavy rain and this may result in further damage to the fabric of the building.

The plan is to re-thatch the chancel roof to a depth of 300mm using Norfolk Reed, with a 125mm wrap-over ridge of Marsh Sedge, hazel fixings and galvanised wire mesh covering. New lime mortar flashing are to be provided to parapet junctions. Damaged roof woodwork is to be repaired as necessary once exposed.

Chancel East Window

The stained glass in the east window has received no attention since installation in 1873 and stained glass window experts advise that it is now suffering from both convex and concave buckling, cracked glass panes (allowing water ingress) corroded saddle bars and open jointed tracery stones. If left unattended, further serious damage to the glazing can be expected.

The proposal is to re-lead the glazing, repairing any cracked glass panes, replace the saddle bars and repoint the surrounding stonework.

The Organ

Our ‘Holdich’ organ is in need of restoration so that it can once again sound as it did when it was originally installed in the church in 1856-7. This restoration will include dismantling the organ so that the following can be undertaken:

Work will also be carried out to add a replacement swell box roof to the organ so that more sound from the instrument passes down into the nave of the Church rather than disappearing into the roof.

In addition, a new trumpet stop will be added to the organ to supplement the range of stops present on the instrument.

St. Ed’s Building Project update continues on page 26

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 25

St. Ed’s Building Project update continued from page 25

How much will this cost?

Estimated costs are:

• Roof work: £35,000 • East window: £33,000 • Organ: £24,000 Total estimate approximately £92,000

Where are we now?

Faculty applications have been made for all three projects and granted for both the thatch and window work. We still await approval for the organ restoration.

We are now seeking funding from grant-giving organisations and hope to see work on the thatch start in early summer 2024, and repairs to the window in late autumn 2024.

David Osborne Churchwarden

Norwich North Deanery Synod Report 2023-4

5[th] June 2023—This meeting was held at Horsford Parish Room with a short communion service followed by a quiz on the role and function of Deanery Synod. For new and existing members this gave food for thought and discussion. A new Lay Chair was appointed.

12[th] September 2023—This meeting was held at St Luke’s New Catton with Jane, Bishop of Lynn attending. She presented the Diocesan Mission Strategy. There was an election for the Deanery Synod clerk but the new position of Deanery Share Ambassador has not been filled to date. There were verbal reports from representatives attending Diocesan Synod and General Synod.

December 2023—A planned social event for advent did not take place.

12[th] March 2024—This meeting was held at St Cuthberts, Sprowston, with a talk about Children, Young People and Families Work, the current position in the Deanery and the challenges ahead. Members were asked to fill in a chart showing what support was already in place in their parish and what other events they would be interested in. Many of the possibilities suggested had already been tried or still exist at St. Edmunds but it was interesting to hear what other parishes offer.

For the first time, written reports from Diocesan Synod and General Synod were available and these were well received.

Next meetings in 2024

All are welcome to join Deanery Services.

After the sad loss of Judy Tyler there is a place to join Lay Members Stella Noons and Deidre Porter.

Stella Noons, Deidre Porter Lay Members

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 26

St. Edmund’s Electoral Roll update March 2024

It has become increasingly difficult to keep up with people who are on our Electoral Roll but do not attend St. Edmund’s in person. The changes in worship patterns has meant that some people who are named on the Roll only come to the occasional service in church and, unless we have a signing -in book it is impossible for me to know whether they are still in our parish and worshiping with us or not.

I have contacted my Sub Warden and the difficulty has been resolved with a new Electoral Role Application Form. Unless anyone on the PCC is actually told differently, the list will stay the same.

I have attempted to find out as much information as I can from the Clergy and the Churchwardens and PCC for which I am very grateful.

As far as I can tell at the present time the number of people on the Electoral roll is 108

After much thought I have decided that because of my health and that of my husband I would be grateful if the PCC would consider appointing a new Electoral Officer. Anyone willing to volunteer for the role should talk to Revd Paul.

Jane Dryden Electoral Roll Officer

Safeguarding Report

The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults is the responsibility of everyone who participates in church life, and at St. Edmund’s Church we are committed to providing a safe environment and also offering support to everyone, no matter who they are, or what their circumstances.

All church officers have current valid DBS checks. The period of cover was reduced in January 2024 from five years to three years so there have recently been several renewals. Church officers also have the required level of on-line training, which for most people is basic, foundation and raising awareness courses. Eight people, including myself, have completed leadership training via Zoom. This thought-provoking and challenging course comprises two two-hour sessions with coursework before, during and after the course and is a requirement for all those church officers who lead groups or take services.

It is important that safeguarding is an integral part of the life of St. Edmund’s Church and more than a tick-box exercise. It continues to be a standing item on all PCC agendas.

The House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy “Promoting a Safer Church” was re-adopted by the PCC at our meeting on 11[th] September 2023. This policy is displayed in church together with contact details for the safeguarding teams at St. Edmund’s and the diocese. My contact details are given every week on the newssheet.

We remain committed to safer recruitment and will adhere to Church of England guidance. Everyone, whether paid or a volunteer, will be asked to attend an interview and also provide references. They will then have a DBS check and complete safeguarding training before commencing duties. We need more church officers to complete the safer recruitment training.

I continue to attend the Networking Meetings for Parish Safeguarding Officers which are offered four times a year at Diocesan House. These are proving to be very informative.

No safeguarding concerns have been raised during the year. However, we must maintain our vigilance and continue to create a respectful and welcoming environment which enables safeguarding concerns to be raised and responded to promptly.

Ann Coker Parish Safeguarding Officer

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 27

Our Worship

Last year I asked: ’Is our worship becoming deeper?’

At Mustard Tree Church there has been a deepening at times in our worship and involvement of everyone present. Many of these changes are subtle, as the Holy Spirit leads us. The discussion element has grown at Mustard Tree and become well established. There has also been a deepening in the sense of connection between people, helped especially during the couple of times we have had breakfast together.

We have scope for further deepening of our worship times, and we hope to include Godly Play and the continued possibility of sharing Holy Communion together.

The cross-over time between 10.30am and 11.15 has become a more purposeful time of gathering between the two congregations, with more of the families staying and getting to know members of the 11.15am congregation, especially as the 9.30am service is beginning to last longer as people become more involved. This is helping to deepen the sense of fellowship.

At our 11.15am service our numbers are slowly growing, and we have seen people returning after the pandemic. There is scope for more interaction, especially times in our worship to give thanks for all the Lord is doing in our lives and in the church. The livestream once a month continues to be well received and introduces variety, and the Service of the Word gives scope for more in-depth preaching and reflection. We had an Open Doors speaker this year. Our Remembrance service was well-attended, and a service highlighting the life and witness of St. Edmund.

The 8.00am congregation continues well and we’re now able to advertise the dates of the services which has helped.

From the wider perspective it is important to include worship that does not happen on Sundays.

Wednesday mornings continues to attract a steady congregation, many of whom are not able to attend on Sundays.

Moreover we are now carrying out a large number of Home Communions, often with two or more people. These have been very special times, especially given the situations of those involved. In a couple of cases people are inviting their neighbours, and this has brought back some folks who have not worshipped for several years.

The Bible studies and home groups all include times of worship that are really important.

We have again established regular worship in Sunnycroft and Two Acres care homes, which have been well received.

Hopefully we feel we have a range of worship we can invite people to, as well as a breadth involving different kinds of preaching, praying, singing and testimony.

Revd Paul Seabrook

Christingle services were well attended on Christmas Eve

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 28

Livestreaming report

We have now been livestreaming services for over four years. Over the past year, as we have seen more people returning to church in person, we have changed the services that we offer Online.

We still offer our Sunday Informal Worship on 3 Sundays every month, leaving a Sunday when the livestream team, can themselves, go to Church. These Sunday services reach on average 2500 people each week via our Facebook page, with around a 1000 views for each service that we stream. To put that into perspective that means our video post appeared in the feed of 2500 Facebook users of which 1000 clicked on the video to watch it. We had a service in January which exceeded this with a reach of 4000 people.

Each Thursday in the evening we still offer a Prayer and Reflection service, whilst these services do not enjoy the same reach they are seen by an average of 150 people each week.

The average reach on our Facebook page each week is around 2500 accounts, mainly from the local area, as you can see, but we have active viewers in the US, Holland, Australia, Italy, Ireland, Jordan, Canada, Greece, Hungary and India - so quite a global reach from our humble beginnings.

Our Instagram page is not as active as it was, as we no longer have a daily prayer going out - it acts more to advise people what’s happening on our Facebook page.

We have also got a YouTube channel for the Church - @steds9567 but we only see very limited views of videos that we upload there.

Our thanks go to all the Team members, Rachel, Nick, Andy, Steve, Stella, Ingrid, Jacob, Tim and Sophie for the work that they all do each week to bring our services to the online community.

Graham Harris on behalf of the Livestream Team

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 29

Contemplative/Prayer Stream

People are gathering to pray in the church most days. On Mondays the 5pm prayer meeting. Tuesdays RSpace, the youth group, pray together in the evenings. Wednesdays at 5pm Revd Paul leads evening prayer and Thursdays are Compline. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are open to all.

Our Thursday evening Compline and reflection times are a small oasis in the week; an opportunity to be quiet and meditate as well as pray the Night Prayer Office together - an ancient monastic practice.

It is led by the AWAs and myself, taking turns to provide a reflection on a passage of scripture and lead the prayers.

We are still livestreaming it and it seems to have some value. We also have a handful of people who come into church for it which is lovely. We would love to welcome more folk to church. Maybe now the evenings are getting lighter more will join us. It is a very special time.

We had a wonderful quiet morning at St. Peter’s back in October based on the “Wells and Woes” that Julian of Norwich talks about in her ‘Shewings’. It was led by Sarah Miller from Mulbarton and was a great time of refreshment.

Rachel Seabrook

Rspace

Rspace continues to meet each Tuesday evening in term time, with games, food, chat and a Bible thought and time for prayer at the end.

During the summer months it was great to be able to go onto the grass at the front of church for football, badminton, cricket and other activities.

The group continues to provide such a valuable space for support, welcome, listening and for prayers.

We are so fortunate that Matt Vaughan is committed to the group each week. Two of the group come along as leaders.

We continue to offer the youngsters that come a space and a listening ear, and prayers.

Nick Blanch of Norwich Youth for Christ has continued the Christian Union in Taverhan High School, and we continue to support this work through our prayers.

Please pray for the group, for all the Lord longs to do in the lives of these young people. Above all that they will know how precious they are in His sight, and of the amazing plans He has for their lives and the people He has made them to be.

Revd Paul Seabrook

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 30

Bible Groups and Home Groups

All our Bible study groups are growing which is a real joy. It is wonderful that people want to get together to study scripture, and many topics have been covered this year in the various groups.

Not only are they an opportunity to study and pray together but are also a great source of encouragement to our faith as we encourage one another. They are also a great way to build deep friendships and support between a smaller group of people where a greater depth of friendship can be known.

The groups meet on various days and at various times so hopefully there is a group for everyone who would like to be part of one.

Rachel Seabrook

Monday lunchtime Study Group

The Monday lunchtime Bible study group has continued to meet over this last year. This group is an opportunity to pray for the work of the parish as well as wider afield.

Rachel Seabrook

Revd Phil Study Groups

Revd Phil’s fortnightly Monday afternoon group looked at Genesis chapters 1 to 11 with great interest as many of the stories therein were unknown or barely known to many in the group. They intended to progress to chapters 12 to 50 (The Patriarchs); however, illness of group members meant this group had to close but all but one member is already a member of another group.

Revd Phil’s weekly Wednesday afternoon group continued their exploration of the Book of Acts with renewed zeal as the contexts and actions promote exploration of wider topics of first-century geopolitics and human-nature as well as Petrine and Pauline theology. This has been followed from May 2023 by an exploration of Mark’s gospel with its immediacy, terseness and powerful sense of divine purpose. Ben Fiaz hopes to join this group in April when we will explore Genesis chapters 1 to 11.

Revd Phil Charlesworth

Bible Groups and Home Groups continue on page 32

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 31

Bible Groups and Home Groups continued from page 31

2023 Bible Study Group—Wednesday evening

For most of last year we were studying a book called “Cross Vision” by Greg Boyd. It is helping us to understand the Old Testament picture of God through the lens of Christ crucified.

We have nine members who meet every other Wednesday evening at our house, with prayer and well as Communion once a month.

Granville & Pat Routledge

Alpha groups

Following on from our Alpha course in 2023, two Bible study groups have continued amongst those who wanted to explore further. Both groups meet alternate weeks at the Rectory.

These have been really valuable times of Bible discussion and prayer.

Revd Paul Seabrook

A meal enjoyed at alpha

Thursday evening Study Group Wednesday evening Study Group We are a lively group of 10 people For the most part of this past year we have enjoying plenty of relevant (usually!) studied John’s gospel under the leadership of discussion. Ann Scarff. We meet on Thursday twice a month from We took a break from John during Lent when 7.30pm to 9.30pm taking turns to meet at we met weekly and shared together in 3 of our members’ homes. meditations based on the stations of the This year we have mainly been looking at cross. We borrowed the station icons from Acts using Tom Wright’s ‘Acts for church to give us a focus. Everyone’ study guide’ but will take a Again we deviated from John during Advent break from this in 2024 to look at Mapping and did one of the York Courses looking at Mark. refugees and their plight today. All centred The meetings begin with coffee and a on the thought of Jesus being a refugee when chat, followed by prayer and the study. he was a child. We have room for one or two more people. Stella Noons Sue Beevor

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 32

Schools work

Our involvement with the local schools continues to be a very important part of our life and ministry as a church, and I am very grateful to Revd Gill for all her help and regular input, and also to our amazing team who assemble whenever we need them!

Our contact with Langley at Taverham Hall continues. I continue to lead assemblies each half term. Langley Prep also held their Remembrance service in church, and the Pre-Prep came to St. Ed’s for a Carol Service.

I was also asked to contribute to a panel involving a Humanist, a Muslim Imam, a leader from the Jewish community and myself, and we were grilled by the Year 7’s and 8’s on our different perspectives. It was challenging but very interesting!

We continue to be very involved with the Junior School, both as Governors and through assemblies and visits. In the past twelve months we have had more involvement with the Junior School (a Church School) than ever, not least being involved with the SIAMS Inspection, and then just three weeks later with the Ofsted Inspection. Both had good outcomes.

Each year group came into St Ed’s for RE days leading up to Christmas, and again recently leading up to Easter this year. I am hugely grateful for everyone from St Ed’s who came on board to help. Particularly memorable was the session with Year 6 on Christians in other parts of the world, and we simulated a ‘raid’ on the church in a different part of the world, with our team marching in, confiscating Bibles and removing Crosses and other items. One boy even tried to hide the Bible next to him!

In July 2023 we were asked by the headteacher, Mr Henman, to begin weekly Prayer Spaces in the school (actually in Hagrid’s Hut, a wonderful outdoor classroom made of wood). We have used ideas from the website ‘Prayer Spaces in Schools’, along with our own ideas. These have grown to be special times engaging the children in reflection and prayer. Again I am very grateful to our team.

Further afield, I have made connections with Norwich Youth for Christ, who are now running a weekly Christian Union in the High School. We continue to pray for this exciting venture.

It is a huge privilege to be involved in these children’s lives, in their questions and wonderings, and to present to them as best we can the love God has for each of them in Jesus.

Revd Paul Seabrook

Once again, I have worked with Nightingale Infant & Nursery & Ghost Hill Infant & Nursery Schools, visiting each of them once a month during Collective Worship.

Nightingale

Ghost Hill

We have very good contacts with both schools. It is easier for Nightingale to visit the Church because it is nearer and they have fewer children. It is a joy to visit the children in school, to sometimes be recognised by children in the street and to hear them talk about ‘Our Church’. Revd Gill Osborne

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 33

Pastoral Visiting

As we remember how people brought to Jesus people who were sick, in need, dying, (Luke 4 : 40), we continue to live out the ministry He has given us.

Much of our pastoral care is carried out informally, as we visit our neighbours and friends as a Christian community, and all those in any kind of need.

We are carrying out an unprecedented number of Home Communions. This has become a feature of our times with the crisis in the NHS, the post-pandemic deterioration in many people’s health, and a growth in faith and reaching out to the Lord. The Home Communions have been very special times, not least because it has revealed just how important faith in Jesus is for many people. In some cases people have invited their neighbours and friends, some of whom have not worshipped for many years.

Revd Phil continues to visit regularly Two Acres Care Home, which is providing many opportunities for ministry and faith-filled interactions.

In addition three or four times a year we are invited to lead our livestreams from two Acres, that are inspiring time of worship and involve many of the residents and some staff.

Revd Paul has re-established contact with Sunnycroft care Home, and this ministry is going well, with visits, prayers and a regular service of Holy Communion.

Livestreaming from Two Acres

Revd Val visits the Day Centre regularly.

We continue to hold before the Lord those who have asked for prayer - in our prayer times each weekday evening in church, and on Wednesday mornings.

So much of this work goes unseen week by week. I would like to thank all those who are involved with it in whatever capacity, and encourage anyone who feels they are being called to this valuable and rewarding ministry to contact me.

Revd Paul Seabrook

Revd Phil has visited Two Acres on a weekly basis for several years and established an effective working relationship with many of the staff. This has been so successful that he is now visiting morning and afternoon one day a week (usually Tuesdays), seeing as many as fifteen residents each day. Often, this is the only one-to-one visit that some residents have on a weekly basis and helps to support and affirm residents.

Molly Mason also visits, as she has done for several years, but revised diocesan rules on pastoral visiting, with the advent of the role of Authorised Pastoral Assistant (APA) means that she, and any others with a similar interest, will need to complete a diocesan six-session course before exercising this valuable ministry on their own. The rural dean, Revd Margaret McPhee, plans to run such a course from April 2024 to which interested parties from our benefice will be welcome. Revd Phil and Revd Stella are also happy to offer the course if and when required.

Revd Phil Charlesworth

Pastoral Visiting continues on page 35

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 34

Pastoral Visiting continued from page 34

Taverham Day Centre

The Day Centre continues to meet every Tuesday in the Scout hut, to provide a place for older members of our community to meet, enjoy a hot meal and a varied programme of entertainment, activities and outings, which is hugely appreciated.

Revd Val continues to visit monthly and serves on the Committee.

The real ministry this year has been one of coming alongside and listening, as an increasing number of people both volunteers and guests, are wanting to talk about their fears and things that are concerning them in these uncertain times. This has led to the building closer relationships and a greater number of people asking for prayer.

Home Communions

Several members of St. Edmund’s clergy team continue to provide regular Holy Communion and pastoral visits to those at home, in hospital or our nursing homes.

This ministry has increased considerably this year as more people have become ill or frailer and are no longer able to attend church. Revd Paul and Molly have again started visiting Sunnycroft Nursing Home at the home’s request; this has been a real encouragement and much appreciated by residents and staff.

St. Peter’s Ringland

Revd Val continues her regular pastoral visiting and outreach in Ringland. This has led to several fruitful relationships which have resulted in requests for a wedding and baptisms at St. Peter’s, as well as help being offered with various church maintenance tasks.

A growing and closer relationship and collaboration between church and community is developing, especially since the church has met in the Village Hall over the winter months. This is greatly valued by both and is something which we hope will develop further in the future.

It would be good to again be able to have a larger pastoral team, as the need for this ministry has increased significantly over the last couple of years and will no doubt continue to grow in the future. It is such a vital and important part of the ongoing caring ministry and outreach of St Ed’s.

Revd Val Hooker

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 35

Outreach and Wider Community

As believers in Jesus Christ we are called to share our faith with others, and to serve the communities we are a part of. Many of us who worship as St. Edmund’s live in communities other than Taverham. Those who regularly connect with us through the livestreams include those living in different nations, including the Netherlands, USA and Australia.

So what is our wider community? Who is our neighbour? (Luke 10 : 29)

We do what we can locally in Taverham. We continue to receive surplus perishable food each Monday evening from Tescos which is greatly appreciated. We distribute this food to a number of people within 24 hours, and the left-over food is available for those who come into church on Tuesdays, including our youth group in the evening. We also connect with our local Foodbank when we can, and listen to what their needs are and where we can help and support.

Several members of our congregation are Governors to the Junior School, which is a great blessing, as the schools are so much at the heart of our local community. Others serve the local community through the Parish Council, the W.I., and other organisations.

We continue to visit and offer spiritual support to the residents of our Care Homes, particularly Two Acres and Sunnycroft, Revd Val continues a regular visitor at the Day Centre and her visits are greatly valued by both the clients and the staff.

Our ‘Tuesdays at St Ed’s’ continues to flourish with our weekly drop in for pre-school children and their carers and people who are looking for a coffee and a chat. Our huge thanks to Paul and Sue Beverley, and to Marlene, for their faithful ministry each week. This has become a wonderful place of support and blessing for many over the months and years it has been running.

We joined with the Blythswood Shoebox appeal again in 2023 and collected a large number of shoeboxes, including from the Junior School and Ghost Hill School. This is a ministry of enabling our community to respond to the neighbours we do not know, in Eastern Europe and Ukraine. We also once again supported The Children’s Society through our Christingle services, which many families engaged with.

In terms of engaging with those around us, we live in times of enormous shift and change. As Christians we are called to listen and respond in faith, and most of all to pray. It is so important we pray continually for the needs of our communities.

Our community in Taverham is becoming larger and more diverse. We need to be courageous in asking questions:

I believe we need to pray and to listen, and we are called to be open to where the Lord is leading us, so we can witness in faith in Jesus to each of our local communities in a way that brings His life and hope.

Revd Paul Seabrook

Outreach and wider community continues on page 37

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 36

Outreach and wider community continued from page 36

Walking Group

We are a happy and well-established group that was first formed in 2004. We draw people from the Taverham and Drayton Community. We share a common interest in walking and appreciating the countryside.

We meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Hinks Meadow Community Centre car park at 10.00a.m. We share transport, some walks are close by; others further away. The walk is circular and now we walk about 3 miles on average.

We end the walk with a pub lunch when everyone can relax, share experiences and enjoy fellowship. You are welcome to join us even if it is only for lunch.

We walk in all weathers and over the years we have been fortunate to walk in fairly good weather most of the time. Norfolk has a wealth of walks and we have only repeated a walk on the odd occasion.

We would love you to join us and if you require any more information, please contact: Maggie on 01603 865997 or Stella on 01603 860025.

Maggie Goodchild and Stella Noons

St. Edmund’s Arts and Crafts Group

Tuesday Cafe and

Tiny Tunes Tuesday mornings in church continues to be a very special place of welcome and safety for many people, young and old – a microcosm of St. Ed’s generally.

The group meets on Fridays from 9.30 to 12.00. People come and go as they please, doing any art or craft as well as a lot of chatter! We meet at Trinity Church, Acres Way, Thorpe Marriott. Last year we spent the summer months at St. Edmund’s Church.

Marlene and Paul in the kitchen, and Rachel leading Toddler Tunes are the ‘obvious’ people, but everyone seems to take responsibility for ensuring that no-one ever feels left out.

but everyone seems to take responsibility for In 2023 we successfully applied for the ensuring that no-one ever feels left out. Broadland Council Communities Grant. This helped us to seek new members That said, there is a growing number of people through local publications and pay our rent. committed to being a listening ear for those As a result the group is sound financially who need it. The proof of the pudding? (members pay £3 each time they come) and we have more regular members. Of 1, Non-churchgoers are inviting their noncourse, the social side is as much valued churchgoing friends and neighbours. as the things we produce, some of which 2, Toasted hot-cross buns disappear rapidly. will be on display at the church May Fair. Huge thanks to all. Jane Dryden and Sue Beevor Paul Beverley

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 37

Outreach and wider community continues on page 38

Outreach and wider community continued from page 37

May Fair, Plant stall and Christmas Fair

St Ed’s 2023 Fair took the theme of the Coronation with all things royal embraced.

HRH Prince William & Princess Catherine stood patiently waiting to welcome all subjects in the selfie throne room, all areas

were overrun with bunting and balloons. Themed gifts were given to all adults, children and dogs, particularly if royally dressed!

The Games were as popular as ever with a Royal Quiz and Find the Crown Jewels, Royal rats were duly splatted, even the sitting ducks were wearing crowns.

The event was well supported and well received by the local community. The Food Bank were justifiably delighted with the money raised from their Tombola. For St Ed’s just under £2000 was raised.

The Plant Stall has become a regular community event since its start in 2020. The 2023 sale started on 27th May and once again many donations of plants, seedlings, shrubs, pots and other garden paraphernalia appeared on the morning. The sale continued to run for two weeks when half the proceeds of £360.00 were donated to the Christian Aid Week Collection.

After much soul searching the Christmas Fair went ahead on 25th November 2023. A slightly different format was trialled with demonstrations in the chancel (including gonk making sported by Revd Val in the picture) along with various musical interludes. For many years David & Linda Johnson have produced a stall with a wonderful selection of handmade crafts and wood turned gifts - this was their final year and they finished on a very high note. We will miss their skillful crafts.

Children’s crafts and also the goodie bags were very popular. Donations from Taverham Garden Centre contributed to a PoP up Shop continuing in Church for the following week swelling the proceeds from the £1900 already received.

Sue Elmes

Outreach and wider community continues on page 39

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 38

Outreach and wider community continued from page 38

Christian Aid

Again this last twelve months, St. Edmund’s and St. Peter’s have continued to be strong supporters of Christian Aid.

The first donations were made to the Turkey and Syria appeal, where over £4,440 was raised to help mitigate the effects of that devastating earthquake.

During Christian Aid Week, over £900 was raised, by individual donations, church collections, and proceeds from the ever popular plant stall. Also, volunteers managed to deliver envelopes to over 1,500 households in Taverham, which raised a further £1,300. Huge thanks to all everybody who supported us!

A collection was also held at the carol service, with £200 being donated to the Christian Aid Christmas Appeal.

In February a Pancake party was held on Shrove Tuesday. This proved to be very popular, and a further £160 was raised, which has gone to the Middle East Appeal.

Again, thank-you to everyone who supported Christian Aid by their donations of money or their time – it is hugely appreciated, and supports people throughout the world who live in desperate conditions, either through poverty, war, or inequality.

We always need more help to organise and support our fundraising for this amazing charity—if you are interested in helping St. Edmund’s support Christian Aid in the future, please contact Revd Paul or Paul Scarff for more information.

Paul Scarff

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 39

Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals

During 2023 we led 8 Baptisms of infants; (aged up to 10 years); and 3 adult Baptisms. There were no Marriages in 2023. We led 14 Funerals in church, 26 at Crematoria; and 6 internment of ashes. All these figures indicate shifts in trends and general attitudes which we need to be aware of, and sensitive to, as our ministry changes and develops in new directions.

It is always a privilege to welcome families to bring children to be baptised. These days very often we already have a connection with the families who have come along to church events, or Tuesday mornings, and through Mustard Tree Church or our schools work. This means we are starting from a relationship within the church community.

We are also having a greater proportion of older children and adults coming for Baptism. These occasions are so encouraging. Some of these take place in church. It was a privilege this year to Baptise Nick and James in the river at Ringland and Justin in the sea.

We also offer services of Thanksgiving for a child if parents are unsure whether Baptism with Godparents is appropriate.

Along with these changes it means far more people are now deciding for themselves when they want to be baptised. There is a very encouraging shift now to people wanting to explore Christianity for themselves, and as churches we need to be ready when people ask for help in their journey. It is Baptism in the river a privilege to be involved in this ministry. at Ringland

We now have far fewer weddings than say ten years ago. However, those couples that do choose to be married in church have an expectation and sense of the Lord’s presence in their lives, and often they come with faith in the Lord, or at least an openness. The Cost of Living Crisis in 2023 has had a huge impact for families generally, and in particular for couples planning their weddings. It remains to be seen how this trend will develop, but I suspect as with Baptisms the weddings we now take will be strongly aligned with Christian discipleship.

There has been a huge shift in the taking of funerals that has affected everyone involved, not only ourselves as ministers. In the aftermath of the Pandemic there has been a shift towards smaller and even minimalist funeral arrangements, particularly with the introduction of Direct Cremation, which many families are now choosing.

Sadly with the crisis in the NHS during 2023 many of our church community fell ill and even passed away. Consequently we had many funerals in church. As time goes on, however, generally we are now only being asked to lead funerals where we have a strong connection with the deceased or the family involved.

As a result we will from now on be taking fewer funerals, but as with Baptisms and Weddings there is already a strong link to our Christian community or to Christian discipleship.

Another consequence is that we are taking a higher proportion of Interments of Ashes where we do not conduct the funeral. This is another shift.

I am so grateful to Revd Phil, Revd Val, Revd Stella, Revd Gill and our LLM Jane in all they do so willingly to be involved in each of these ministries. There is much to reflect on, and to the changing ministry the Lord is calling us to as a church.

Revd Paul Seabrook

St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 40

Churches together

The Churches Together Good Friday service took place in 2023 at Trinity Ecumenical Church, based on reflections from ‘The Nail’, by the Archbishop of York, and involved a number of Christians from the different churches. We again concluded the service by gathering outside with the Cross to pray and celebrate Jesus’ love through our fellowship at the Cross. It was moving to be able to witness to Jesus publicly in this way.

The Churches Together Good Friday service for 2024 is due to take place at St Ed’s. I have organised this.

Rev Stella and Rev Phil continue to be regular visiting ministers at Trinity Ecumenical Church.

I organised the Churches Together pages for Just Drayton and Taverham at Easter and at Christmas. We had the front page of the Taverham Newsletter at Christmas to wish everyone in our community the blessing and peace of Jesus’ birth. This sadly was the last ever edition of the Taverham Newsletter.

Our churches continue to share and interact at an individual level. Members of different churches attend Bible studies and prayer meetings, sharing in our witness and fellowship as the churches in this area.

Matt Vaughan from TEC continues to co-lead Rspace at St Ed’s and we greatly value his input. He also helped lead our Alpha course, and continues to help lead a Bible study emerging from it.

We hope to have a joint presence at Taverham Fair as the Churches Together.

Further afield, during the year we were visited by a Pilgrim from the Orthodox Church (‘Pilgrim Paul’). His stay involved many fascinating and challenging conversations about faith, the Bible and the church. As part of his visit we discovered the Coptic Orthodox church in Marlingford, and some of our congregation attended worship there.

I was also invited to the opening of the new premises for Soul Church which opened in March 2024. A truly joyful time of worship and praise to the Lord’s faithfulness.

We are increasingly discovering more of the richness and diversity within the Body of Christ.

Revd Paul Seabrook

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Livestream team in St. Peter’s
Ringland
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Remembrance Day flowers
in St Ed’s
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St. Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023 page 41