ST MARY’S CHURCH, KINGTON
Registered charity number 1185453
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS for 2024
St Mary’s Church is situated in Kington, in the Kington and Weobley Deanery in the Diocese of Hereford within the Church of England. The correspondence address is Church Office, The Vicarage, Church Road, Kington, HR5 3AG.
The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2011) and is now registered with the Charity Commission (Registered charity number 1185453).
As Charity Trustees, all PCC members are mindful of the Charity Commission’s six core principles for charity trustees, which are as follows:
1. Ensure your charity is conducting its purposes for the public benefit.
2. Comply with your charity’s governing document i.e. PCC Measure and Church Rep Rules – and the wider law.
3. Act in your charity’s best interests ., by making sure that you act for the church and not for any conflicting interest, e.g., a related school or other organisation. Ensure that the decisions are yours, not those influenced by others.
4. Manage your charity’s resources responsibly.
5. Act with reasonable care and skill .
6. Ensure your charity is accountable.
PCC members who have served at any time since the Annual Church Meeting 2024 until the Annual Church meetings in April 2025 are:
| Annual Church meetings in | April 2025 are: |
|---|---|
| Licensed Clergy: |
Vacancy since 28/02/2023 until 25/11/2024 The services have been covered by a team of deanery and cathedral clergy coordinated by the Rural Dean Mike Kneen ,SallyWelch,Paul Roberts and Judith Pollard |
| Licensed Reader | Mr Rob MacCurrach |
| Churchwardens: | Miss Ann Edwards |
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| Mr Rodney Bowdler (Vice Chair) until his death in December 2024 |
|
|---|---|
| Deanery Synod Representatives: |
Mrs Eileen Thomas (sacristan) Mr Stephen Lacey Mrs Penny Halcrow |
| PCC Secretary | Mrs Christine Robinson |
| Elected members: |
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| 2022 | Debbie Horne, (resigned November 2023,)Stephen Lacey |
| 2023 | Mrs Margaret Pengelly, Deborah Sell, Ms Julia Read coopted from November 2023 Nick Cooke, Margaret Cooke, Malcom Price re-elected |
| 2024 | Malcom Price resigned Mrs RosemaryBrown |
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St Mary’s, the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (our vicar when in post), churchwardens, the reader licensed to the Benefice, parochial representatives elected to the Deanery Synod, and members elected by those on the electoral roll of the church. All members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish, including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. There were six PCC meetings during the year of which were chaired by the lay chair Rodney Bowdler during the vacancy for vicar of the Parish. It was with great sadness that we learnt of Rodney’s death in December 2024 and the PCC would like to note their gratitude for all he gave to St Mary’s
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AIMS AND PURPOSES
St Mary’s (Kington) PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent (when in post) and the Rural Dean in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical. The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of the Church and of the Parish House.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at the church and to become part of the parish community at St Mary’s. This includes those who worship via the live stream. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and in 2024 has overseen the introduction of a new Prayer and Praise service once a month at St Mary’s.
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Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music, and sacrament. We try to enable everybody to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:
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Worship and prayer; learning about the gospel and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus.
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Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish.
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Missionary and outreach work.
To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church of St Mary and the Parish House and build up the church community. We are indebted to the Rural Dean for supporting the parish and the PCC, to continue to maintain the life and worship of the church.
WORSHIP AND PRAYER
Worship and Prayer
This reports on worship, prayer, services, home groups and other ways and occasions where we have worshiped our Lord in and around St Mary’s during the second year of the vacancy. There has been plenty of coming together to turn ideas and small dreams into practice. It’s been encouraging! There has certainly been a buzz of the Spirit, and a flurry of new members. In no small measure thanks are owed to Mike Kneen, our Rural Dean, who led so many services and encouraged us with his enthusiasm.
Music should have its own report since it has been playing such a central part in our worship. Philip Sell, our director of music, has been busy, and the choir, often with new additions, is a spiritual force. Paul Roberts regularly stands in or supports Philip. The newly renovated organ makes its presence known by its lusty sounds. We are very blessed!
Our normal Sunday service is the Eucharist, and our most popular service. We have enjoyed some visiting priests leading and preaching, including the Dean of the Cathedral and the Bishop’s Chaplain. When 5[th] Sundays arise, a group Eucharist was celebrated in one of the churches.
A small team leads a monthly Morning Praise. This has been developing encouragingly and allows a less formal tone with greater variety in worship and prayer. There is certainly room and need for new leaders to join the team and be trained. The new sound system will offer the opportunity for a wider range of music and liturgy.
Freda Lymath and Alison Hird run a well supported and popular monthly morning service at The Garth and Kington Court care homes.
The Read Mark Learn study group, led by Trish MacCurrach, progressed to our first Alpha group. There was a mixture of finding faith, recovering faith, and growing in faith. Paul
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Roberts led a small team that then ran a second Alpha course in the Parish Hall. Alpha is described as ‘an introduction to the Christian faith,’ but for some it is also a ‘refresher course’ for their faith. The heart of the meetings was the discussion in a small group where guests were invited to share their comments and questions about the Alpha video. No question was off limits. We spent a day in the lovely setting of the Friends Meeting House in Almeley finding out about the Holy Spirit – who he is, what he does, and how he can fill us. All of us – team and guests – felt our lives touched in some way by the grace of God as a result of Alpha.
Little happens without prayer; God expects us to talk to him and listen to him! A very helpful prayer course (part of Pete Grieg’s ministry) was run during Lent at Nick and Margaret Cooke’s and at Paul and Nicy Roberts’.
Rob MacCurrach
16/01/25
Music at St Mary’s
A key aspect of the provision of music at St Mary’s is the choir and organ and this year we are delighted that the restoration of the organ is complete. The following is the summary provided to one of our main funders.
Summary of work on the Organ
The overhaul and refurbishment project was carried out by Clevedon Organ (UK) Ltd. As well as a total dismantle, clean and reassemble, they have revoiced some ranks of pipes to make a more balanced whole. As planned, they added in a 16ft trombone stop to the pedals. They also added, free of charge, an acoustic bass, named as a 32ft Gravitas stop to the pedals. - which has made a much more robust and exciting sound.
Once the company commenced the disassembly work, they became very aware that access to the upper regions of the organ presented great risk. Put simply, the organ did not conform to current health and safety requirements. Consequently, they had to install internal ladders to allow safe access to all areas. There was no internal lighting, some of the original cabling was deemed unsafe. This resulted in the need for extra, unplanned and uncosted electrical work.
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Once the organ was completely dismantled, tests were made on the organ substructure, and it was felt that there wasn’t sufficient robustness in the framework to take the additional weight of the new wind chests and trombone pipes. It had been planned to add those in a void at the top of the organ space. Now the choice was either to incorporate a new sub frame in steel to allow this, or to reposition the pipes at the rear of the organ. It was decided that this would be the cheapest option, but it would require a redesign on the organ case. Given that the rear of the organ was basically a wall of painted plywood, we saw great advantage in producing a case to incorporate the new pipes and sound chest. At the same time giving great enhancement to the aesthetics of the instrument. The new case incorporates a high-level access door, with ladder fixings/platform. This a further enhancement of safety.
Extra costs
The works described above added considerably to the cost of the project. Around £18,000 for the new case work and internal/external ladders. £5300 for the extra electrical work/lighting. The new work also required amendments to the original specification of work/ Diocesan approval which delayed progress greatly. Consequently, the scaffolding was required for an additional 6 weeks, adding a further £2300 to the project costs.
The restored metal flute (8ft rank) The completed front case. Note the silvered finish of pipe work
The beautiful new rear case, showing some of the 16ft trombone pipes and access ladder.
The 8ft stopped diapason pipes after restoration and cleaning
The new rear case, showing the new exterior access ladder and top entrance
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The new rear case, as seen from the north aisle with all
trombone pipes installed.
Reflections and observations
the restoration of the organ has provided us with a reliable instrument that will serve us well for the next hundred years before it requires further major work. From a long-term financial point of view this makes very good sense. From a historical point of view our organ is usable rather than gradually declining into unusability and over a hundred years of history is contributing to the musical life of our church and town. (PCC Treasurer)
From this project we have a reliable instrument, much improved sound, much improved usability and a great improvement in terms of the visual appeal. ( church member)
The organ is now a pleasure to play. Before they work was carried out it was unreliable, out of tune, and badly balanced, but now all those problems have been resolved. The organ can now be featured in a number of solo, choral and instrumental concerts as well as providing a good lead in congregational worship. ( One of the organists)
I have never heard the organ with so much power. It made the ground shake! (member of the congregation)
It has been a joy and an encouragement to have our organ back in good fettle, soaring upwards and grumbling deep. We love it, and we are so lucky to have several able musicians to make it sing and weep for joy ( Member of the congregation )
Summary
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This project required a great deal of effort and determination. There were obstacles over the course of the work, but it has all been so worthwhile. We now have a truly splendid looking and wonderfully sounding, reliable instrument that will serve the church and wider community for decades to come. Thank you to all who contributed their time, skills and donations to enable this huge achievement. Thank you especially to The Garfield Weston Trust for their valuable support and encouragement.
Philip Sell (Director of Music)
MISSION AND EVANGELISM
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Messy church
Ten Messy Church sessions were run over 2024 mainly featuring the Fruit of the Spirit Theme and fitted around the other key Christian calendar events. The format has been typically an introductory story, linking into 3 activities and a game, followed by a short worship and a meal. Numbers have reduced towards the end of the year and following a review we look forward to trying a new day and format for 2025.
A big thank you to all helpers without whom running Messy Church would not be possible.
Themes covered:
| January | N/A |
|---|---|
| Feb | Kindness |
| March | Easter |
| April | Goodness |
| May | Holy Spirit |
| June | Faithfulness |
| July | Gentleness |
| August | Self-Control |
| September | F of S summary |
| October | Walk in the Light |
| November | N/A |
| December | Christingle |
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Attendance:
| 2024 | Children | Adults | Helpers | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 13 | 9 | 10 | 31 |
Kington Creations – St Mary’s Lego Club
The aim of the club is to get children playing, sharing, listening and solving together within the church environment. Eleven Lego club sessions were run in 2024 with the theme challenges shown below. A few picture suggestions are provided, but no detailed instructions are given and so it’s up to their imagination to create the build. We are constantly amazed not only by the models created, but the stories the children tell as they present their finished items. Once pictures of models have been taken, they are actively encouraged to sort and put away all the bricks.
Numbers have continued to steadily grow and encouragingly parent participation with the children has also increased.
We have also supported Weobley Church Easter & Summer Kids Clubs with Lego build challenges too.
A big thank you to all helpers without whom running the Lego Club would not be possible. We are also grateful to a significant donation of Lego which has helped grow the collection.
| January | Shops, playgrounds, parks & buildings |
|---|---|
| Feb | Space and alien worlds |
| March | Musical instruments, bands & concerts |
| April | Sports |
| May | Fish and sea creatures |
| June | Tower blocks, tower villages |
| July | The Olympics |
| August | N/A |
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| September | September | Tree Houses | Tree Houses | Tree Houses | Tree Houses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | Fruit & veg figures | ||||
| November | My imaginary bedroom | ||||
| December | Nativity scene, games & bridge challenge |
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| 2024 | Children | Adults | Helpers | Total | |
| Average | 12 | 6 | 4 | 22 |
(Average numbers shown would be higher, but on 2 occasions significant flooding and snow fall led to particularly low attendance)
Stephen Lacey 24 Feb 2025
LOCAL WORSHIP LEADERS
Five members of the church community trained as Local Worship Leaders in order to lead the non- eucharistic worship on the third Sunday in the month. Freda Lymouth, Alison Hird, Trica MacCurrach, Elaine Roche, and Ann Edwards have all been commissioned as Local Worship Leaders for a period of three years from 2023. Together with the Lay reader Rob McCurrach they have ably led the worship and introduced innovative approaches to worship.
NURSING HOMES SERVICES REPORT
During the past year, our team of Lay Worship Leaders - Alison, Ann and Freda - have been holding a Church Service on the third Tuesday of each month, with Kington Court at 10.30am and the Garth at 2.30pm. At each service we build up an Altar with a lighted Candle to represent the light of Jesus sent into the world, a Bible to represent the Word of God and finally a Cross to signify Jesus’ presence with us.
Until January Ann brought the Candle and Cross from the Vaughan Chapel at St Mary’s, but in February Sally blessed and dedicated a Cross of our own.
After building up the Altar, the service moves on to a Confession, Bible story, Reflection, Prayers and the Peace. These items are interspersed by four hymns chosen by the residents. We then end with the Grace, close the Bible, and extinguish the Candle, whilst reminding the residents that although the candle has gone out, Jesus is with us always.
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Freda leads the service. Alison plays the piano or keyboard for the hymns and reads the Bible story. Ann builds up the Altar and reads the Prayers. The reflection moves between us.
The needs of the residents are basically the same at each home although the atmosphere is very different. We can have an attendance of 20-25 at Kington Court and 8-12 at the Garth. Although there can be challenges each month in delivering the service, we always feel a sense of fulfilment and of a job done to the best of our ability. We were pleased to see the following comment from Kington Court on Facebook “ We were delighted to welcome representatives from St. Mary’s Church for their monthly service at Kington Court. The theme for this month’s gathering was thankfulness, and it was truly a beautiful and uplifting experience. We had a wonderful turnout from our residents, who appreciated the opportunity to reflect, connect, and find comfort in the message of gratitude .”
Alison, Ann and Freda Lay Worship Leaders GIVING AND COMMUNITY
Helping those in need is a demonstration of our faith. Through various special collections and donations, £254 was sent to two charities. Through the Deanery, we continue to support the Diocesan Train-a-Priest scheme in Tanzania (please see Deanery Synod Report).
Our parish magazine keeps our parishioners informed of the important matters affecting our Church as well as providing a valuable source of community information. Thanks are due to Freda Lymath who having done a sterling job for nineteen years has now retired. We now have new joint editors for the magazine, David Redmayne and Craig Freece St Mary’s is fortunate to have a week at the community shop and this not only raises money for the church but also emphasises that the church is an integral part of the community.
Bell Ringing Team
For the last eighteen months, we have been holding regular Bell Ringing Learner’s Practices every Thursday afternoon from 3.30pm until 5. 00pm.Before this time I was the only regular ringer at Kington Tower.
At present Tim Hollinghurst and I are teaching about fourteen people.
Two of our most advanced learners have completed quarter peals, which involves ringing methods, nonstop, for approximately forty-five minutes,
Some of our learners have advanced to help ring for the first Sunday of the month 10
o’clock Kington Service. They have also travelled wit me to ring for services at Lyonshall and Bredwardine.
Kington held the Hereford District’s Striking Competition; we entered a learner’s band and came second in that class. There was excellent feedback about the way St Mary’s had
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hosted the event. We are now one of the leading towers in the Hereford Diocese for learning.
Having been a bell ringer for over sixty years it gives me great pleasure to be teaching such a great crowd of learners, especially as there is a great shortage of new people taking up the art of bell ringing. It does take a long time to become a good ringer, but the tower will always welcome new people.
John Clayton March 2025
SAFEGUARDING
St Mary’s church is committed to ensuring that children and vulnerable adults have a positive experience of church and are safeguarded and protected. The Safeguarding Officer ensures that adults in positions of responsibility and helpers with children’s work are checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service and that the correct processes are in place. The PCC has agreed to display information about safeguarding in the church and has agreed to update all the policies and procedures. The Safeguarding lead Christine Robinson is conducting an audit of activity and ensuring every volunteer has a role description to ensure that we keep children and adults safe in all church activities.
Christine Robinson Benefice Safeguarding Lead
ECUMENICAL LINKS
Behold, how good and pleasant it is for us to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133).
We continue to enjoy good, flourishing links with churches of other denominations in the town. St Mary’s Parish Church, Kington Baptist Church and St Bede’s RC Church form a strong trinity!
Regular meetings are held to share news from each church and to plan joint ventures and services. This past year has been particularly fruitful.
A Pentecost Praise Service was held at the Baptist Church on 19[th] May, when each church selected hymns and songs according to their own traditions and styles of worship The service was well attended and an uplifting experience for all involved (Rounded off with a scrumptious tea)
A Second Praise service took place on 20[th] October at St Bede’s Church. This time on the theme of Jesus the Healer . Another time of fellowship and worship together.
In addition, members of each church participated in the traditional Lent Groups led by various members of St Mary’s Church. These sessions proved very popular.
On Good Friday members from all churches and people of the town gathered at Kington Court for a simple service followed by fellowship and hot cross buns.
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On every month of the year, a visit has been made by Kington Churches Together to Kington Court to lead an informal service, with readings, prayers, hymns and a short address by a member of the group.
Churches Together in Kington produced a colourful leaflet listing all the Christmas services, together with a seasonal message from the Chair of the Committee.
Members of the committee welcomed a speaker from KICK, a Christian organisation providing training for volunteers, mentors for students and sports coaches. They explored how we might be involved in such activities. One member has now trained as a mentor. We also explored the possibility of running a Summer Activity Club using KICK staff and volunteers from our 3 churches. This would be a big undertaking- but certainly worthwhile.
The Chair of the group is appointed on a rotating basis across the three churches. From February this year, it fell to St Mary’s. We are pleased that Revd Sally Welch has taken on this role. We now look for a successful year ahead, starting with some form of joint service at St Mary’s in the Spring.
PJGS
MEMBERSHIP OF CONGREGATION
Kington St Mary’s Electoral Roll Officers Report 2025
I took over the role of Electoral Roll Officer towards the end of 2024.
2025 is the year that the Electoral Roll had to be completely restarted and all members contacted where possible.
The new roll is somewhat down on the numbers from the 2024 roll. Currently there are
60 people resident in the parish
10 people outside the parish
4 people have moved away.
4 people have died.
7 people have joined the register.
30 people, although contacted, have not responded. Total on 2024 Roll 103 Total on 2025 Roll 70.
Alison Hird Electoral Roll Officer for St Mary’s Church Kington March 2025
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KINGTON AND WEOBLEY DEANERY SYNOD
DEANERY SYNOD
Three members of the PCC sit on the Deanery Synod. The Deanery Synod provides the PCC with an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the church.
Only one meeting has taken place since our last APCM and was held in St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne.
The Synod began with the Eucharist, led by Rev Hollinghurst.
The meeting which followed was chaired by the Rural Dean, Rev Mike Kneen.
An opportunity was given to those present to share news from the parishes of upcoming events and activities.
The Rural Dean reported that the Diocese needed to know who the Deanery representatives will be to the Diocese. Nominations for representatives to the Diocesan Synod were invited. The rural dean made the point that unless the Deanery have representation at Diocese level, decisions may be made that do not represent the Deanery requirements.
The Treasurer’s Report included the information that, in 2024, the Deanery was to pay some £274.600 to the Diocese towards the professional costs of ministry in our deanery. These professional costs of ministry are normally assessed at about £63,000 per full time incumbent – i.e. around £315,000 for our Deanery’s full complement of five incumbents. Our total offer shows a considerable shortfall (c £40,000) from the full costs of professional ministry and the gap is made up by deficits at the Diocese level mitigated by some relatively small savings made during vacancy.
Significant shortfalls (from the £63k per benefice) are seen in two of the benefices. The other three, including the Kington Group are close to or in excess of full offers.
The Deanery is currently earning interest on money held at a sufficient rate to fund the Deanery’s donation to Train a Priest in Tanzania (£1,500).
A volunteer is still being sought to take on the role of Deanery treasurer.
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On 2nd September 2024 Mike Kneen retired as Rural Dean. The position will be filled in time.
As Steve Hollinghurst said in thanks to Mike, “We have been deeply blessed with Mike’s presence, particularly in his Kington work. We are hugely grateful for his pastoral care and love for all of us.” We in Kington would certainly second that remark acknowledging all the help and support he gave our parishes during the Vacancy.
The new Dean is Karen Smith It is hoped that in the future Deanery Synod will be held twice a year, going up to three if there are important issues to discuss.
Penny Halcrow (Deanery Synod Rep)
PARISH HOUSE REPORT
The Parish Hall is seen as part of the Church’s mission to Kington, and we are pleased to be able to offer the hall as a facility for community meetings and activities.
The Parish Hall has continued to be let to various bodies independent of Church use, including Home-Start, the Kington Scout group and KADOS. Unfortunately, since Christmas, the Scout group has been unable to meet in Kington as they are lacking in volunteer help. The scoutmaster hopes to be able to reestablish the group soon. The hall is also used for Yoga classes and workshops and rehearsals by a small music group. It is used once a month (third Wednesday) by the Community Lunch Club and is regularly used for PCC and other Church meetings. There have also been occasional bookings for private parties and meetings of other local organisations such as the Kington Malayali Association who have held celebrations in the hall for Onam (an annual harvest and Hindu cultural festival) and for Christmas and New Year.
The highlight of the year for the Parish Hall was its use as a venue during the Marches Makers Festival in May. The Prize-winning Marches Book Art Group had a very successful weekend in the Parish Hall and have already provisionally booked the hall for the next Marches Makers Festival.
We were very pleased to receive the following from the chair of the Book Group:
“This is just a quick line to say how much I'd like, both personally and as Chair of MBAG, to thank you and the rest of the Parish Hall team for letting us stage our exhibition in your hall. It was an absolutely perfect venue, beautifully appointed and equipped, you made us feel thoroughly welcome.”
- and from another member of the group:
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“Just a note to thank you once again for looking after us so well in the run up to and over the weekend. We loved the hall as did our visitors and we can't believe that we had over 680 people through the doors (in addition to us!) in the three days.”
During 2024 the floor was sanded and resealed and better lighting was installed. There is now a Wi-Fi connection in the hall, which has been much appreciated. New chairs were purchased for the hall and church and a clearer sign to the Vicarage and Parish Hall was installed at the end of the drive. The gas boiler and cooker were serviced and safety checked in November and all alarms are checked regularly. Repairs and repainting have been carried out where necessary.
Penny Halcrow January 2025
CHURCHWARDENS’ MESSAGE AND REPORT ON THE FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS OF ST. MARY’S CHURCH
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Churchwarden’s report
We extend a warm welcome to newcomers to St Mary’s, and we are delighted to welcome the Rev Dr Canon Sally Welch, who was licensed as Vicar of our Benefice on November 25[th] . We look forward to Sally and Jeremy becoming part of the Kington community within the benefice.
The past year has seen the loss of some church members either through failing health or death. It remains difficult to come to terms with Rodney’s sudden death. He contributed to life at St Mary’s in so many different ways from the re-shingling of the spire, the improvement of the lighting to lesser things, like helping to organizing the Christmas Tree Festival. Above all, he cared for people. We shall all miss his presence and his wisdom. We give thanks for all that he has done, he will not be forgotten. Sincere sympathy goes to all bereaved families.
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It’s always good to hear the bells ringing out and we congratulate John Clayton, Bell Captain in encouraging new members to join the ringing team. Thank you, John, and all who ring.
Continuing on the theme of music we thank Philip Sell (Musical Director and Choirmaster) and all members of the choir for the leadership and enhancement they bring to our services.
The organ restoration, which began on February 1[st] , 2024, has featured largely in our thoughts throughout the whole year. Philp has worked tirelessly in many different ways throughout these months, and we give him special thanks. It has been an expensive venture. We do thank the many people who shared their care for and interest in St Mary’s by the generous way they responded to our appeal. We now look forward to the organ recitals that Philip is planning for 2025.
We enjoy delightful, well maintained flower arrangements, week by week, and as always, we give thanks to Gill Pennel and Lesley Walters, together with their team of cheerful, skilful workers. Sadly, Gill and Lesley have decided that it is time to retire. Their contribution to life at St Mary’s will be sadly missed and we thank them for their service over many years.
Kington Primary School shared a celebration of Christmas and Harvest with us. Little Orchard we welcome too. Lady Hawkin’s School made their annual visit to celebrate Founders’ Day, and this year shared a varied Christmas celebration with us.
We have very much missed Kington Community Choir weekly practice, but we look forward to welcoming back Kington Choral Society for a Concert in Holy Week.
Many comments are received regarding the shining brass in St Mary’s, we thank Julia Reid for taking on this considerable job.
Guliana has done a splendid job cleaning St Mary’s week by week, but she too has decided that it is time to retire. We extend our grateful thanks to Guliana for all that she has done over the years. We’re fortunate that Rita Roberts has agreed to be responsible for this weekly job.
The day-to-day oversights of vestments, church linen and ornaments has remained in the capable hands of our Sacristan, Eileen Thomas. Many tasks undertaken by Eileen are beyond the call of her office and we would certainly be the poorer if she were not to do them.
Beverley is both Deputy Churchwarden and Deputy Sacristan. In addition, she compiles the monthly duty rotas organises the distribution weekly of the Church Lottery Fund and the
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bigger task of putting the Parish News ready for distribution. These are all important to church life and we thank her sincerely for the time she gives to this.
We all appreciate those who make and serve refreshments after the services.
Lay people play a vital role in the services at St Mary’s. To each and every one we say thank you.
The interior at St Mary’s
The annual inspection of the security system, the lightning conductor, along with PAT testing electrical items and testing of all fire equipment has all taken place successfully. The audio system has been replaced.
Following the use as a workshop for the organ restoration, the North Aisle and Barker Chapel have been sorted and the Children’s corner restored. The Barker Chapel is again a prayerful place. A large Display screen has ben acquired. More comfortable chairs are now available in the north aisle and the reordering of the area of the north side of the church in front of the Craigie Altar has proved invaluable for many different uses. It is a joy to see the children at both Messy Church and Lego Club using these spaces.
More improvements including improved heating are underway.
Much paperwork is involved in such projects, and we are very grateful for the time several have given, arranging meetings, gaining faculties and undertaking general correspondence.
Exterior at St Mary’s
Being a closed churchyard, Kington Council are responsible for the maintenance of the churchyard. For them, a lot of expense has been incurred on some necessary work. Some churchyard trees have suffered broken branches and after investigation two had to be cut down as they were considered unsafe. Kington Town Council renewed the tender for grass cutting during the summer of 2024 and the work was satisfactorily completed.
The extension of the Garden of Remembrance has made slow progress due to the diocese not agreeing to the initial suggestions made. The diocesan architect has now drawn up plans which we hope will be accepted.
St Mary’s is a treasure belonging to the people of Kington. However, its maintenance is an ongoing reality which becomes more costly every year. Fundraising remains a priority among our responsibilities, and we do appreciate the generous way in which you and people generally in Kington help to stock the community shop and making it the success it has proved to be. We have it to stock in November, so please keep sending.
Rodney and I have always much appreciated the support you have given us over more than twenty years.
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A Churchwarden has the remit which is to keep the Fabric Goods and Ornaments in good shape for future generations to use for worship together with identifying ever widening opportunities and events. This report shows how this has been achieved in 2024.
Ann Edwards Churchwarden
VICAR’S REPORT
This will of necessity been brief since at the time of writing I have only been licensed for two months! I have been very moved by the warmth of the welcome that I have received from the congregations and communities of the Benefice. I am impressed and delighted at the amount of time and effort devoted to the care and upkeep not only of each church building but of the church members and wider community as well. I am grateful for all the hard work that has been put into maintaining buildings and services during the interregnum and for the amount of energy and enthusiasm for new projects that is evident throughout the Benefice. You can be assured of my commitment to each church and its surrounding community in the year ahead; I look forward to getting to know everyone better and to enjoying this beautiful part of the world and the people who live in it.
As well as individual projects, I will be launching a Benefice-wide Pilgrim Paths Project for 2025. This will offer a series of printed guides to the most popular walks in the Benefice. These guides will include route instructions, illustrations, Bible passages and reflections. It is hoped that members of the Benefice will all contribute to their creation. A programme of guided walks along these routes will take place during the summer months and the booklets will also be available in the churches for independent walkers.
Sally Welch (Vicar of Kington with Huntington, Old Radnor with Kinnerton and Titley)
19
Financial Review for the year ending 31[st] December 2024
We started 2024 with total funds amounting to approximately £266,000 and ended the year with a total of about £157,000, largely because of spending the funds raised in 2023 for the organ project, which was completed in 2024.
The ordinary day to day running costs of the church resulted in an overspend of around £25,000, an increase from the £10,000 overspend in 2023, which had been in line with previous years.
There is a trend over the years showing that we are eating into our capital with normal spending. Analysis of spending has shown that we are not wasting money. The overspend is the result of rising prices and a reduction in giving. It has been suggested that St. Mary’s needs to run a Stewardship campaign to increase regular giving. We will investigate expanding the income potential of the Parish Hall
In this section of the report you will find the Balance Sheet on pages 21 an22 the Summary Receipts and Payments on page 23 the Notes on page 24-27 (these give an expanded version of the Receipts and Payments), the Statement of Assets and Liabilities on page 28
Explanation of the changes to Designated and Restricted Funds.
You will see on the Balance Sheet that, since last year a number of funds which were designated and restricted have been closed except where required by the terms of the donations and are now in the General Fund.
The Gregory Trust Funds which were Endowed have been released by the Charity Commission and have been transferred to the General Fund. They will be used for the heating project.
Notes applying to the Balance sheet:
Note 1: The funds in special collections have yet to be disbursed to the relevant charities. This will be done early in 2025.
Note 2: The published 2023 fund closing balances were found to be incorrect after a bookkeepers audit of the records for 2022 + 2023. Non-posting adjustments have been made to the Statement of Assets & Liabilities to match the published balances to the correct balances.
Note 3: The restricted heating fund represents the sum of the donations from parishioners given specifically for the heating project.
Note 4: The Gregory Trust fund has been released by the Charity Commission for the purpose of funding the heating project and is now in the General Fund.
N A Cooke (Treasurer)
17[th] April 2025
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135,693 135,693 135,693 130,038 265,731
2023 69,773 63,811 2,109 5,134 5,307 23,928 23,767 9,253 4,304 58,344
25149 0 25149 0 25149 131991 0 157140
2024 12237 12856 57 0 5796 6227 22209 24311 9465 4304 59680 0
Transfers
Net Change -110,544
2024 Movements
CR Receipts
DR Payments
Cash funds accessible at short notice Total current assets Adjusted cash funds available
CASH FUNDS Co-Operative Account (08-92-99 67225860) CBF Deposit (CB3026937) – Capital Reserve Cash and cheques in hand PLUS: Other assets Prepayments LESS: Liabilities Loans (Interest free) ADD: INVESTMENTS Bill Price Bequest (485 Utd Utilities shares) (K16) 1,650 Haleon shares (Share issue from GSK) 1,650 Glaxo Smith Kline shares (E Bowen bequest) M Edwards’ Bequest (CBF Invest. Fund) CB3026938 Price Bequest (CBF Investment Fund) CB3008085 (K15) Gregory Trust (Diocesan CBF Fund) CB3008122 (K11) Gregory Trust (CBF Investment Fund) CB3008040 (K11) Freehold property NET ASSET VALUE OF FUNDS
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156,784 -2,661 48,960 62,648 265,731
2,023 160,341 -14,330 3,295 5,978 1,500 -2,876 -1,698 166 340 1,406 292 2,209 2,122 -4,922 45,945 3,594 -280 58,344 4,304
147052 8130 1958 0 157140
2024 156784 -32999 2091 -137 0 21314 0 0 0 1821 1406 4903 92 0 0 0 0 1250 615 0 0 0
21,314 2,876 1,517 -166 4,227 -2,209 -2,122 4,922 39,109 -2,868 277 37,108 -58,344 -4,304 -62,648
-32,999 181 1,481 4,903 -200 -85,053 1,250 -111 3 -110,544
67,918 944 1,481 35,000 150 58,772 1,250 3,576 3 169,094
100,917 763 30,097 350 143,825 3,686 279,638
Represented by: GENERAL FUND - opening General Fund Movements Unrealised Gain/Loss on Investments Unrealised Gain/Loss on Shares Movement on Prepayments / Loans Transfers to Restricted / Designated Funds Balance C/F DESIGNATED FUNDS Parish House Messy Church / Lego (was Kington Kangaroo Club) Bells Music Family Service Sound System Transfers to / from General Funds Balance C/F RESTRICTED FUNDS Flower Fund Mission Support Reordering Roof Organ fund Heating System Special Collections Ukraine Appeal Transfers to / from General Funds Balance C/F ENDOWMENT FUNDS Gregory Trust (CBF Investment Fund) …. 1289S (K11) Gregory Trust (Diocesan CBF Fund) …1452D (K11) Transfers to / from General Funds Total current assets
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St. Mary’s Church, Kington
Registered charity no. 1185453
Financial Statement for the year ending 31st December 2024
These accounts are prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis
Receipts and Payments Account
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2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total
Notes General Designated
RECEIPTS
Voluntary Receipts
Planned Giving 1 23,846 23,846 24,525
Collections at Services 2 3,082 3,576 6,658 12,096
All other giving/voluntary receipts 3 1,878 2,425 4,504 8,807 28,258
Gift Aid Recovered 6 6,419 6,419 9,436
Legacies 5 1,500 35,000 36,500 5,000
Grants 4 55,671 55,671 11,320
Total voluntary receipts 36,724 37,425 63,751 137,900 90,634
Activities for Generating Funds 7 4,805 4,805 5,557
Investment Income 8 7,779 7,779 4,334
Church Activities 9 13,915 13,915 14,741
Rent/Hire of Church Property 10 3,358 3,358 3,020
Sale of Church Property 11 90 90
Sundry Income 12 1,247 1,247 50,363
Total receipts 67,918 37,425 63,751 169,094 168,649
2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Notes General Designated
PAYMENTS
Church Activities
Parish Offer 13 48,000 48,000 40,000
Prepayment of Parish Offer
Clergy & Staffing Costs 14 251 251 173
Church Running Expenses 15 17,467 17,467 23,220
Cost of Services 16 6,658 350 7,008 4,716
Mission Giving & Charitable Donations 17 254 763 3,686 4,703 10,324
Parish House 18 13,784 13,784 4,267
Administration 19 10,447 10,447 8,766
Weddings and Funerals 20 2,259 2,259 2,277
Major Works 21 30,097 143,825 173,922 3,557
Costs of Generating Funds 22 1,722 1,722 3,731
Costs associated with other church proper 23
Various 24 75 75 52,022
Total Payments 100,917 30,860 147,861 279,638 153,052
Shortfall -32,999 6,565 -84,110 -110,544 15,596
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23
Notes on the accounts
For the year ending 31st December 2024
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2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Endowments Total Total
General Designated
RECEIPTS
Voluntary Receipts
Note
1 Planned Giving
Standing Orders Gift Aided 2,210 2,210 2,496
Standing Orders not Gift Aided 452 452
Yellow Envelopes Gift Aided 1,055 1,055 780
PGS Donation 20,129 20,129 21,249
Total 23,846 23,846 24,525
2 Collections at Services
Unrestricted Collections 3,082 3,082 1,464
Restricted Collections 3,576 3,576 10,632
Total 3,082 3,576 6,658 12,096
3 All other voluntary Giving/Donations
Sundry Donations 591 591 4,309
Goodbox Contactless 559 559 760
QR (give.net)
Amazon Europe Core 20
Easy Fundraising 65
Donation Box in Church 728 728 602
Donations to Designated Funds
Mission Support inc Messy/Lego 944 944 258
Bells
Handbells
Flower Fund 150 150 30
Music (not organ fund) 1,481 1,481
Donations to Restricted Funds
Heating 1,250 1,250
Ukraine Appeal 3 3 479
Organ Fund donations 3,101 3,101 21,734
Total 1,878 2,425 4,504 8,807 28,258
4 Grants
Roof 5,000
Reordering 2,120
Organ Fund 55,671 55,671 4,200
Total 55,671 55,671 11,320
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RECEIPTS (Continued) 2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Endowments Total Total
General Designated
5 Legacies and Bequests
Geoff Marshall 500 500 5,000
Dorothy Pritchard 35,000 35,000
David Hill 1,000 1,000
Total 1,500 35,000 36,500 5,000
6 Gift Aid recovered
PGS Gift Aid Tax Refund 4,198 4,198 4,898
Other Gift Aid & GASDS 2,221 2,221 4,537
Total 6,419 6,419 9,436
7 Activities for Generating Funds
Bonus Ball 2,268 2,268 1,688
Beetle Drive 26 26
Com. Shop 1,210 1,210 1,591
Peerie Boxes 23 23 28
Fete 1,265 1,265 1,065
Other Fund Raising 13 13 1,185
Parish House Fund Raising
Total 4,805 4,805 5,557
8 Investment income
CBF Deposit Fund Interest (CB3026937) 4,044 4,044 649
Investment Income 3,735 3,735 3,684
Total 7,779 7,779 4,334
9 Church Activities
Fees 4,913 4,913 7,057
Parish News Adverts 5,825 5,825 5,478
Parish News Sales 3,177 3,177 2,206
Total 13,915 13,915 14,741
10 Rent/Hire of church property
Hire of Church 50 50 100
Hire of Parish Hall 3,308 3,308 2,920
Total 3,358 3,358 3,020
11 Sale of church Property
Sale of Church Property 90 90
Total 90 90
Further to note 12 Sundry income (Other & Net of expenses…) : The other parishes in our benefice are invoiced monthly for their shares of the
Benefice Expenses (Office work, stationery supplies etc.) This value will vary from year to year depending upon when they settle the final invoice.
Over the years it averages out to zero.
12 Sundry income
Charges for Visits
Church Lunch
Benefice expenses reclaimed 1,072 1,072 363
Insurance claims and other income 175 175
Loans 50,000
Other
Total 1,247 1,247 50,363
TOTAL OF ALL RECEIPTS 67,918 37,425 63,751 169,094 168,649
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PAYMENTS 2024 2023
For the year ending 31st December 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Endowments Total Total
Note General Designated
13 Parish Offer 48,000 48,000 40,000
Total 48,000 48,000 40,000
14 Clergy Expenses & Staffing Costs
Kington Share: Vicar 146 146 173
Vicarage Garden wages
Other Parishes: Vicar (To be reimbursed) 105 105
Kington’s Share: Curate
Total 251 251 173
15 Church Running Expenses
Upkeep of Church 73 73 2,184
Wages 1,547 1,547 1,397
Insurance 4,238 4,238 4,256
Minor repairs/ maintenance 2,312 2,312 1,311
Gas 3003486630 5,488 5,488 9,685
Electricity 3003746581 3,258 3,258 3,084
Water 531 531 283
Upkeep of Churchyard 20 20 1,020
Tower Bells
Handbells
Total 17,467 17,467 23,220
16 Cost of Services
Cost of Services: Sundries 452 452 549
Live streaming 540 540 593
Payments to Organist 3,781 3,781 3,247
Music and Choir 1,886 1,886 214
Flowers 350 350 113
Total 6,658 350 7,008 4,716
17 Mission giving and Charitable donations
DEC Ukraine 1,531
Other special collections 3,686 3,686 7,646
From St Mary’s General Fund 254 254 561
Mission Support: Messy Church, Lego,
Alpha 763 763 586
Family Service
Total 254 763 3,686 4,703 10,324
18 Parish House
Wages 540 540 518
Upkeep 603 603 112
Insurance 397 397 690
Repairs & maintenance 2,468 2,468 230
Major repairs & improvements 7,143 7,143
Gas 3003519585 814 814 1,100
Electricity 3003746592 1,143 1,143 1,382
Broadband 543 543
Water 234
Rent to Diocese 133 133
Total 13,784 13,784 4,267
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Payments (Continued) 2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Endowments Total Total
General Designated
19 Administration
Wages: Office 1,671 1,671 1,889
Admin (not wages) 2,211 2,211 1,901
Expenses to be reclaimed 1,784 1,784
Parish News Printing 4,780 4,780 4,975
Total 10,447 10,447 8,766
20 Weddings and Funerals
Statutory Fees 1,244 1,244 837
Organist/Bells/Choir/Verger 1,015 1,015 1,440
Total 2,259 2,259 2,277
21 Major Works
Sound system 30,097 30,097
Organ 143,825 143,825 77
Reordering 3,480
Fabric
Project 2
Project 3
Total 30,097 143,825 173,922 3,557
22 Costs of Generating Funds
Bonus Ball 1,290 1,290 1,360
Beetle Drive
Community Shop 260 260 395
Peerie Boxes
Fete 97 97
QR
Contactless
Christmas Tree Festival
Parish House Fundraising
Organ Fund
Cost of grant applications 1,860
Other 75 75 116
Total 1,722 1,722 3,731
24 Various
Visits 1,760
Misc 75 75 262
Loans 50,000
Total 75 75 52,022
TOTAL OF ALL PAYMENTS 100,917 30,860 147,861 279,638 153,052
Surplus / Deficit for Year -32,999 6,565 -84,110 -110,544
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Statement of Assets and Liabilities on 31st December 2024
| Cash on Hand Accounts Co-operative Account (08-92-99 67225860) CBF Deposit (618026001D) – Capital Reserve Cash and cheques in hand Loan Accounts Prepayments Subtotal Cash /Cash equivalents Investment Accounts / Shares 1,650 Glaxo Smith Kline shares (E Bowen bequest) 1,650 Haleon shares (Share issue from GSK) Bill Price Bequest (485 Utd Utilities shares) (K16) M Edwards’ Bequest (CBF Invest. Fund) CB3026938-001 Price Bequest (CBF Investment Fund) CB3008085-001 (K15) Gregory Trust (Diocesan CBF Fund) …1452D (K11) Gregory Trust (CBF Investment Fund) CB3008040-001 (K11) Subtotal Investment accounts/shares Total |
General Designated Unrestricted Funds |
General Designated Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds 2024 |
Restricted Funds 2024 |
Endowment Funds |
Endowment Funds |
Total Funds | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Funds | ||||||||||
| 12,237 12,856 57 |
69,773 63,811 2,109 |
|||||||||
| 25,149 | 139,997 | |||||||||
| 22,209 6,227 5,796 24,311 9,465 4,304 59,680 |
23,928 5,307 5,134 23,767 9,253 4,304 58,344 |
|||||||||
| 131,991 | 125,734 | |||||||||
| 157,140 | 265,731 |
Balance Statement
| Opening Balances Opening Balance Adjustment Surplus/(Deficit) for the year Unrealised gain/(loss) in share values Unrealised gain/(loss) in CBF investment values Movement on Prepayments / Loans Transfers Between Funds Closing Balances |
2024 | 2024 | 2023 Total Funds 247,361 15,596 1,369 7,903 -6,500 0 265,731 |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Funds | Restricted Funds |
Endowment Funds |
Totals | |||||||
| General | Designated | 38,299 10,661 -84,110 37,108 |
62,648 -62,648 |
265,731 -110,544 -137 2,091 |
||||||
| 155,410 1,373 -32,999 -137 2,091 21,314 |
9,373 -12,034 6,565 4,227 |
|||||||||
| 147,052 | 8,130 | 1,958 | 157,140 |
This report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on Pages 21 – 28 of the Annual Report and Accounts, (produced by Nick Cooke) is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (“the Regulations”) and s.43 of the Charities Act 1993 (“the Act”).
Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the Examiner
As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those accounts in accordance with the terms of the Regulations.
Basis of this report
My examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent Examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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-
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
-
to keep proper accounting records; and
– to prepare proper accounts from those records and to comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations
have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Chris H.E. Smith
Chris H.E. Smith F.C.M.A., The Old Vicarage Lyonshall 01544 340598 / 07785 708603 17[th] April 2025
Approved by the PCC on 11/03/2025 and accounts approved on 17/04/2025 and signed on their behalf by the vicar Sally Welch
29