## **The Parish of the Solway Plain Annual Meeting**
**Sunday 22[nd] May 2022 at 11am St Mungo’s Church, Bromfield**
## Agenda
Minutes of the last meetings
Annual Reports
Accounts
## **Vestry Meeting and Annual Parochial Church Meeting**
St Mungo’s Church, Bromfield - Sunday 22[nd] May 2022 at 11.00am
## **Agenda**
## **Welcome and Opening Prayer by the Chairman**
## **The Meeting for the Election of Churchwardens**
1. The Election of Churchwardens
2. The Admission of Churchwardens – Tuesday 28[th] June 2022 at 7pm in Christ Church, Silloth
## **The Annual Parochial Church Meeting**
|Page|||
|---|---|---|
|1.|Minutes of last year’s Annual Meetings||
||2-8||
|1.|Matters arising from the minutes||
|1.|Reports||
|a.|Annual Report|9-|
||12||
|b.|Chairman’s Report|13|
|c.|The Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2021||
||_insert_||
|d.|Electoral Roll|13|
|e.|Report on the Parochial Church Council||
||14||
|f.|Reports from the church committees of the Solway Plain Parish||
||15||
|g.|Reports from Churches Together & Solway Plain Mission||
||Community
18||
|h.|Report on the Activities of Solway Deanery Synod||
||19||
|1.|The Election of the Parochial Church Council||
|2.|The Election of Deanery Synod Representatives||
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3. Review of Safeguarding policy 20
1. Any other business / Matters of general interest may be raised and
recommendations made for consideration by the PCC
## **Meeting of the Parochial Church Council**
The PCC will meet on Wednesday 22[nd] June 2022 at 7pm
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**The Parish of the Solway Plain Annual Meetings 2021 Parish of the Solway Plain**
## **The Vestry meeting for the Election of Churchwardens 30[th] May 2021 in Holme Cultram Abbey**
The meeting was held after a United Service which was held at 10:00am Welcome: - the Rector - Canon Rev Bryan Rothwell took the chair The meeting started with prayers and a recap from the Rector, it is only nine months since our last APCM; and we have had another lockdown, which has affected ALL the churches in the Parish.
**Present & Apologies** : 27 parishioners were present
**Apologies** sent – Liz Elliott; Sarah Norman; Anita Norman; Jean Oliver 1. **Election of Church Wardens**
The Team Rector thanked the Church Wardens who have been in post for the last year. Reminding us about the responsibility they have for their churches and the work they do behind the scenes.
Election of Church Wardens
**Holme Cultram Abbey** Margaret Graham Brenda Sim Ast CW Elaine Atkinson
**Holme St Cuthbert** Joe Armstrong Brian Bailey
**Silloth** Margaret Graham Jean Oliver Ast CW
Lawrence Marshall **Westnewton** Christine Young Mary Hodgson Election of Deputy Wardens (for the daughter churches) **Bromfield** Shirley Holland-Reid Mary Douglas **Waverton** no nominations received
Nominations were carried by all present
2. **Admission of Church Wardens**
Will take place on 19th July at 7:00pm venue tba (Archdeacon, Richard Pratt to arrange)
## **Minutes from the Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 30th May 2021 in Holme Cultram Abbey**
1. **Minutes of last year’s Annual Meeting** , Amended and will be signed as a true copy
2. **Matters arising from the minutes**
Update on The pastoral scheme with Newton Arlosh and Kirkbride, now with the Church Commissioners. So they have had their AP Meetings already. When the Pastoral scheme is approved they will be FULL members of the PCC and will attend this meeting too.
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The closure of Waverton Church – going ahead with notices on ALL of the churches within the parish. We are now in the consultation phase, where views can be aired.
## 3. **Reports in the booklet** -
## a) **Rector’s report**
Foot note from the Rector – effectively at present we have 8 congregations, with the addition of those who worship online! One of our OUTREACH areas.
b) **Treasurer’s report** –The consolidated accounts for the Solway Plain PCC copy with the booklet
Margaret Pickering – thanked ALL the treasurers for their work in the preparation of the account sheet (a very special group of people, that over the last year have encouraged and supported each other)
From the floor – All the churches in the Parish have paid their offer in full for 2020
2021 will be a challenge with some churches having to review their position later in the year
2022 now being looked at …. As the Diocese will not be able to subsidise parishes, which have a shortfall from what they can offer to what it actually costs to have a Stipendiary clergy (PSP £58k actual cost £64K). This will enable us to “keep doing the things that really matter” Generosity is needed by ALL to keep our churches alive
We can ALL pray – when we do blessings happen!
- c) **From the Secretary of the PCC**
- d) **Electoral Roll report– membership is currently 234**
- e) **From the Parish Churches – in the booklet**
- f) **Churches together - in booklet**
- g) **Mission Community – in booklet**
- h) **Deanery Synod - in booklet**
4. **The Election of the Parochial Church Council**
Nominations from each church were received before the APM they are:- **Westnewton Silloth**
Jane Launchbury Mary Hodgson (CW) Christine Young (CW)
## **Holme Cultram**
Judith Bryan Elaine Atkinson (Ast CW) Margaret Graham (CW)
## **Bromfield**
Marjorie Harrison Margaret Pickering Margaret Graham (CW)
## **Holme St Cuthbert**
Brian Bailey (CW) Pauline Stagg Barbara Stephens
## **Waverton**
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Shirley Holland-Reid (dCW) None received Sue Roberts Janet Sharp All nominations were carried by all members present
## 5. **Review of the Safeguarding Policy**
- Report on file from Francess McIntyre; Parish Safeguarding Officer
- Thanked all who have looked after the churches, keeping them safe for Parishioners.
- Everyone in the Church has a Duty of Care; PCC members need to be trained C0; C1; (online) C2 for those in Leadership roles – inc Church Wardens
- Training if required for C2 will commence shortly
- Most of the PCC will renew their certification in 2022
6. AOB None
- Date of next PCC meeting Wednesday 7th July at Holme Cultram at 7:00pm
The meeting closed with the Grace (meeting closed at 11:40am)
## **Extra-ordinary Meeting**
## **An extra ordinary meeting of the Parish of the Solway Plain was held on Sunday 31[st] October 2021 after a United Service at St John’s. Newton Arlosh**
Single agenda item to elect members from St Bride’s, Kirkbride and St John’s, Newton Arlosh on the Parish of the Solway Plain PCC
**Present** : A mixed congregation, which included representatives from all the other churches within the Parish.
**Apologies:** 2 sent beforehand
**Welcome:** The Rector opened the meeting with a little of the background of the Parish of the Solway Plain and the formation of a single PCC.
## **Agenda item** : **Election of members to the PCC from Kirkbride and Newton Arlosh Churches**
The new Pastoral Scheme that made Kirkbride and Newton Arlosh, full members of the Parish came into being on 1[st] August. Because ALL the members of the PCC are trustees of the churches; ALL members need to be formally elected onto the PCC and are allowed 3 members per church. Nominations:
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**Kirkbride:** Stephen Sowerby Josephine Jefferson Ann Little
**Newton Arlosh** : Robert Heywood Sarah Ann Whitaker Ruth Pinguey
The Team Rector asked if the members present were happy to elect the above representatives on to the PCC, with a show of hands - it was unanimous.
So the above are duly elected on to the PCC of the Parish of the Solway Plain.
The meeting then closed with thanks from the Rector and him saying “Now go in Peace to Love and serve the Lord” and all responded with “ In the name of Christ - Amen”!
## **St Bride’s Church, Kirkbride**
**Minutes of the Vestry Meeting on Wednesday 26[th] May 2021 at 6:00pm in St. Bride’s Church, Kirkbride.**
The meeting opened with prayer.
The Rev’d Canon Bryan Rothwell thanked the churchwardens and PCC members for continuing to look after St. Bride’s and the Church Institute throughout the Covid Pandemic and ensuing national lockdowns. He noted that services had been available online and that once they could resume had continued with appropriate hygiene precautions following government protocols. There had been reduced numbers at services, but this was probably due to the ongoing self-isolation appropriate for some. Very few activities outside worship had been possible though the Lent discussion group following the ‘God for All’ vision had taken place online. The financial impact had been considerable, income has decreased due to reduced worship, fewer church visitors, no weddings and only a few baptisms and funerals. This had placed an increased burden on the role of treasurers, and they were thanked for their efforts.
- Appointment of Vestry Clerk Craig Thompson was appointed.
- **Election of Churchwardens** Re-appointment of **Josephine Jefferson** – proposed by Stephen Sowerby, seconded by Jennifer Sowerby. Re-appointment of **Stephen Sowerby** – proposed by Josephine Jefferson, seconded by Jennifer Sowerby.
## **Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on Wednesday 26[th] May 2021 at 6:00pm in St. Bride’s Church, Kirkbride.**
- **Present** The Rev’d Canon Bryan Rothwell was in the chair. Present were: Anne Little, Stephen Sowerby, Jennifer Sowerby, Craig Thompson, Josephine Jefferson and Arnold Kyrke.
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- **Apologies** Lynn Beattie.
- **Minutes** The minutes of the Annual PCC Meeting of Wednesday 21[st] October 2020 were read, approved, and signed by the Chairman.
- **Electoral Roll** The electoral officer, Mrs Beattie has concluded the review. There are 22 names on the roll. There has been one removal since last year.
- **Fabric, goods and ornaments** Ceiling plaster in the Southwest corner of the church has collapsed. This is probably due to water penetration and is to be investigated further. PAT testing of electrical equipment has been completed. A new fuse board fitted with an RCD is to be installed as soon as possible. Further opinions are to be sought on the wood worm issue in embedded roof timbers. Ivy encroachment on the exterior of the building is to be addressed.
- **Financial Statements** Mrs Little reported upon the current financial situation. She reported that considering the problems caused by the Covid Pandemic finances had held up quite well. Regular giving had remained at similar levels to the previous year. There was a deficit for the annual quota of £1083. The PCC unanimously agreed that this deficit would be paid. The financial statement was adopted by the PCC.
- **Election of PCC Members** Lynn Beattie, Jennifer Sowerby and Ann Little were re-elected (3 years). Craig Thompson (1 year), Arnold Kyrke (1 year).
- **Deanery Synod** Arnold Kyrke passed on to PCC members information regarding the costs of local ministry. Meetings have been minimal and online during the national lockdowns.
- **Safeguarding** There have been no concerns regarding the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. All PCC members need to complete Safeguarding Basic Awareness CO. Not all have yet done so. Safeguarding is overseen by the Solway Plain Parish and it is anticipated that as the pandemic diminishes the resumption of courses will be encouraged.
**Church Institute** Grants from Allerdale Borough Council have proved extremely beneficial and made a significant contribution to income. Without that support the Church Institute would have been in a very difficult financial position. Leaking guttering requires attention, an Ash tree to the rear of the building requires pruning back and there is a developing though not unsafe issue regarding the stability of the toilet block.
**St John the Evangelist, Newtown Arlosh The Annual Vestry meeting was held on Tuesday 4[th] May 2021 held in St John’s Church at 7.30pm.**
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Revd Canon Bryan Rothwell opened the meeting with a prayer, and welcomed everyone to the meeting
**Present** : W & E Bell, R Haywood, G Hill, W Baldwin, R Pinguey & S Whitaker
Minutes of the last vestry meeting held on 5[th] October 202 were read, approved and signed.
**Elections** of Churchwardens:
**George Hill** , proposed by A Hetherington & seconded by E M Bell **Willy Bell** , proposed by R Pinguey & seconded by W Baldwin
Everyone was in favour, and both accepted.
Revd Canon Bryan Rothwell thanked Willy & George for their hard work in running our church together and all the jobs that need to be done.
## **Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Tuesday 4[th] May 2021 following the Vestry Meeting**
**Present** : as above
Apologies from A Hetherington, she handed in her resignation which Ruth read out to PCC members. A thank you to be sent to Alison for all the hard work playing the organ every Sunday morning and a lot of other jobs. We will miss her.
**Minutes** of the last Annual General Meeting held on 5[th] October 202 were read, approved and signed.
## **Reports:**
**Electoral Roll** given by E Bell. 20 members, having lost one member.
## **Annual Report of the proceedings of the Parochial Church Council**
and activities and the parish generally. Ruth Pinguey gave her report on the activities in church, George Hill gave his account on the church building, fabric, goods and ornaments.
**Financial Statement of the Council** . Willy Bell read out the income and expenditure in the Accounts £7844.35 a loss of £647.73. George Hill proposed the financial report seconded by Eileen Bell.
Thank you to everyone for their reports and keeping the church running, keeping the books up to date and we must carry on until we join fully into the Solway Deanery, from Revd Canon Bryan.
**The Appointment of Auditor** for the coming year would be Olive Reed. Everyone was agreeable.
**Election of PCC members** . All were re-elected on block, without Mrs Alison Hetherington which has resigned from the PCC. Everyone was agreeable.
**Election of Sidespersons** was also re-elected on block. All were agreeable.
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**Safeguarding** will help with catching up with Francess McIntyre (Parish Safeguarding Officer)
The meeting closed with the Grace and Peace shared by all (meeting closed at 11:15am)
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# **The Parish of the Solway Plain in the Diocese of Carlisle**
Registered Charity No. 1187312
# **Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2021 Administrative Information**
Addresses
Christ Church, Criffel Street, Silloth CA7 4BZ St Mary, Holme Cultram, Abbeytown CA7 4SY Holme St Cuthbert, Mawbray CA15 6QZ St Matthew’s, Westnewton CA7 3NT St Mungo’s, Bromfield CA7 3NB Christ Church, Waverton CA7 0AE
Correspondence Address
The Vicarage, Wigton Road, Silloth CA7 4NJ
## **PCC Membership**
PCC members are Trustees of the Registered Charity.
Revd Canon Bryan Rothwell (Rector) **Chair** Revd Andrew Callaway (Curate) Revd Malcolm Stilwell (Assistant Priest) _to 4[th] April 2021_ Mr Tim Barker (Reader & Deanery Synod) **lay vice-chair** Mrs Christine Young (Licenced Lay Minister)
Mrs Shirley Holland Reid (Bromfield) Mrs Sue Roberts (Bromfield) Mrs Janet Sharp (Bromfield)
Mrs Margaret Graham (Holme Cultram) Mrs Elaine Atkinson (Holme Cultram) Mrs Judith Bryan (Holme Cultram) _from 30[th] May 2021_
Mr Brian Bailey (Holme St Cuthbert) Mrs Pauline Stagg (Holme St Cuthbert) Mrs Barbara Stephens (Holme St Cuthbert) _from 30[th] May 2021_ Mr Joe Armstrong (Holme St Cuthbert) _to 30[th] May 2021_
Mrs Josephine Jefferson (Kirkbride) _from 31[st] Oct 2021_ Mrs Ann Little (Kirkbride) _from 31[st] Oct 2021_ Mr Stephen Sowerby (Kirkbride) _from 31[st] Oct 2021_
Mr Robert Heywood (Newton Arlosh) _from 31[st] Oct 2021_ Mrs Ruth Pinguey (Newton Arlosh) _from 31[st] Oct 2021_ Mrs Sara Whitaker (Newton Arlosh) _from 31[st] Oct 2021_
Mrs Margaret Graham (Silloth) Mrs Margaret Pickering (Silloth) **Treasurer** Mrs Marjorie Harrison (Silloth)
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Mr Peter Wardle (Westnewton & Deanery Synod) Mrs Mary Hodgson (Westnewton) Mrs Jane Launchbury (Westnewton & Deanery Synod)
Mrs Francess McIntyre (Deanery Synod) **Secretary**
Mrs Anita Norman (Deanery Synod)
Mr Arnold Kyrke (Deanery Synod)
## **Structure, Governance & Management**
The Parish of the Solway Plain came into being on 1[st] November 2018 under a pastoral scheme which united the parishes that formed the Solway Plain Team.
Holme Cultram Abbey, Holme St Cuthbert, Christ Church Silloth and St Matthew’s Westnewton are Parish Churches in the benefice.
St Mungo’s Bromfield and Christ Church Waverton are chapels of ease (daughter churches) and were licenced for the reading of banns and the solemnization of marriages by the Bishop on 19[th] November 2018.
Christ Church, Waverton was declared closed for worship on 1[st] October 2021, the Carlisle Diocese are now looking for alternative uses for the building. The bank accounts in the name of Christ Church were closed and the funds transferred to the Solway Plain PCC account.
The Benefice of Bowness, Kirkbride & Newton Arlosh was dissolved and the churches of St John’s, Newton Arlosh and St Bride’s, Kirkbride became Parish Churches within the Parish of the Solway Plain on 1[st] August 2021
The incumbent of the benefice, the Rector works with a ministry team including a Reader, a part time Assistant Priest, part time Curate and other licenced lay ministers.
The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) registered with the Charity Commission at the beginning of 2020.
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The PCC has prepared Terms of Reference for SubCommittees of the PCC to oversee the day to day management and finances of the six churches.
Regular members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
## **Finance**
The PCC sub-committees of the seven churches in the parish hold the delegated responsibility for their church’s finance. Accounts are prepared in accordance with the Church accounting procedures.
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Expenses relating to the whole parish are administered in a Parish Account by the PCC treasurer.
The magazine committee holds accounts for the running of the parish magazine.
The PCC receives regular updates at its meeting from the churches in the form of a consolidated account.
The end of year accounts presented to the Annual Meeting are a consolidated account for the Parish. The individual audited accounts are available for inspection from the committee treasurers. - St Mungo, Bromfield – Shirley Holland-Reid 016973 61805 shirley.holland reid1@virgin.net
Holme Cultram Abbey – Laura Sim 016973 61007 lozs1984@btineternet.com
Holme St Cuthbert – Barbara Stephens 01900 881411 barbara.stephens@btconnect.com
Christ Church, Silloth & Solway Plain PCC – Margaret Pickering 016973 33068 marbigroc@gmail.com
St Matthew, Westnewton – Peter Wardle 07824903420 pajwardle@btopenworld.com Magazine Account – Leila Wilson 016973 61200
## **Objectives and activities**
The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, social and ecumenical.
The Parish is part of the Ecumenical Solway Plain Mission Community and is supportive of the Diocesan Vision “God for All”.
The PCC has the legal responsibility for church buildings, finance and safeguarding. Local responsibility is delegated where possible to the subcommittees of the PCC.
There are six open churchyards in the Parish (Abbeytown, Kirkbride, Newton Arlosh, Holme St Cuthbert, Bromfield and Westnewton), one closed churchyard (St Paul’s Causewayhead) and an area for the burial of ashes (Waverton).
There are five primary schools and one secondary school in the parish, the ministry team has good links with all the schools and is involved with regular Collective Worship and other support for the schools.
Holm Cultram Abbey School and St Matthew’s School, Westnewton are church schools and the PCC appoints foundation governors.
## **Safeguarding**
The PCC has adopted the national policy “Promoting a Safer Church” and Francess McIntyre acts as the Safeguarding Officer for the Parish. Training
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for clergy and lay people has taken place over the past year and the PCC ensures that updates to the Policy are implemented.
## **The Electoral Roll**
The Electoral Roll was renewed in 2019 and updated in preparation for the Annual Meeting.
## **GDPR**
The parish has an agreed policy for the General Data Protection Regulations and a copy is displayed in all the churches and on the parish website.
## **Communications**
The Parish Produces a Magazine which is distributed throughout the churches monthly for 10 months of the year, joint editions are produced in July/August and December/January. A committee formed from representatives of all the churches oversees the production. The committee meets twice a year.
A notice sheet is produced and distributed at services every Sunday. The Parish has a website **www.solwayplainchurches.org.uk** which includes information about all the churches in the parish and has a diary which is updated regularly with services and events taking place across the area. Individual churches have Facebook pages where information is publicised to the wider community.
Signed by the chairman:
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## **Rector’s Report**
The past year has seen the loosening of restrictions caused by the Covid Pandemic. Worship has resumed its normal pattern across the Parish, but many of the regular activities and fundraising events have not taken place. The regular congregations have not fully recovered from the effects of the lockdowns, and some people are cautious about meeting up with others because infection rates are still high.
Worship online began at the beginning of the first lockdown and has been maintained throughout, having a regular group of people following the service on Facebook, as well as many casual visitors to the site.
The parishes of Kirkbride and Newton Arlosh joined the Solway Plain Parish at the beginning of August after almost two years working together.
Christ Church, Waverton was formally closed for worship in October, though no services had been held there for two years. Plans to create a memorial garden at the Western end of the church have been made, and the Diocese are looking at the sale of the building for alternative use.
I am immensely grateful to everyone who plays a part in the smooth running of our churches, PCC, churchwardens, treasurers, and secretaries. We have a great team of members on the churches sub committees who are involved in looking after the day-to-day work of our churches including looking after the buildings and raising funds to maintain the ministry and mission of the church.
I would also like to thank our team of worship leaders, who turn out each week to ensure that regular worship is maintained in all of our churches. The ordination to the priesthood of Revd Andrew Callaway was a very special occasion held in Holme Cultram Abbey.
Looking after old and historic churches comes with its challenges, but our buildings are much loved and cared for. The re-ordering of Christ Church, Silloth has opened up new possibilities for developing the mission of the church, and it was wonderful that all the churches came together to celebrate the 150th Anniversary in November.
Finance often dominates discussions at PCC and church committees. We have seen income drop during the pandemic but are grateful for the continuing support received. All our churches have paid their parish offer in full, a great achievement in the current financial climate. Rising costs, especially with the rising prices of energy, will put a significant burden on our churches over the coming months, so we are going to have to face up to the challenge over the coming year.
May we be open to the Spirt guiding and leading us as we move forward together, safe in the knowledge of the Father’s love and care revealed to us through Jesus Christ our Lord.
_Bryan Rothwell_
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## **Electoral Roll**
The combined Roll in 2021 was 276 from the Parish of the Solway Plain, Kirkbride & Newton Arlosh.
The Parishes Rolls were brought together in 2021 and the new roll now has 282 members.
## **Report from the Secretary of the PCC**
During 2021 we had four FULL meetings of the PCC and one extra ordinary meeting to elect new members from Kirkbride and Newton Arlosh
The year was again dominated by the Covid 19 virus and its variants and the opening of our churches with much caution. Service going ahead with and without singing and communion continuing with just the bread being distributed by masked clergy!
But for those that like the atmosphere of our church buildings, just being in them is a cause for celebration. It’s thanks to that tireless band of workers in all our churches for keeping them open and safe for us to attend.
St Bride’s, Kirkbride and St John’s, Newton Arlosh eventually came into our fold officially in September with the lovely service in St John’s and the election of members to our PCC. It was first time, for many being in a full church and the singing was amazing. It will take time for the churches to fully recover from this pandemic, especially when we have all lost many loved members that will be greatly missed.
Re ordering, the continued renovations and general maintenance (in line with Quinquennial inspections) for our churches has continued apace during the year.
In June we hosted Bishop James for the Ordination of Revd. Andrew Callaway - a first for the Abbey and away from the Cathedral - where the Solway Plain Parishioners were in attendance to welcome Andrew as a fully licensed member of our clergy team.
Christchurch, Silloth hosting the Bishop, again in September, for a duel celebration of its (belated 150th anniversary of laying the foundation stone) and the reopening after its re ordering.
United Parish services started up again when there was a 5th Sunday in the month, but only in Silloth or Abbeytown as they are the only churches with the capacity for social distancing.
Financial burdens which our churches bring and maintaining our churches for our communities is a MUST within the Solway Plain, but the way people worship is changing and we will all have to adapt and “find new ways of touching the lives of all” BUT having and keeping someone who can steer us through this time of change is a PRIORITY. As the review of our Parish Offer looms large again - let us all just take time to reflect on what others do for us and what we would miss if this was lost.
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Francess Mclntyre
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## **Reports from the PCC church committees**
## **St Mungo, Bromfield**
We are now at the end of our third year under the new PCC setting. We have 3 members serving on the PCC and a local church committee looking after the everyday business of the church. We welcomed a new member to our local committee. Covid lockdowns and restrictions has meant that our fundraising and church activity has been significantly curtailed, which resulted in income being severely limited. We received donations from Bromfield Parish Council and several parishioners which enabled us to maintain a grass cutting programme, our largest expense after insurance. Funds remain steady and in a fairly good state but like others we would wish for more. Regular reminders are given to donate via Gift Aid where possible. Our Parish offer was paid in full, although we had to reduce the amount paid in previous years. Gift Aid and Gasds claims will be made for financial years 2021 and 2022.
Our quinquennial inspection was undertaken and luckily the church building is in a good state of repair, so no major repairs were necessary, but our boiler is very old and getting beyond repair. Internal decoration is also being considered. Outstanding inspections are due for Electrics and the roof. In addition, we need to undertake some roof repairs and churchyard wall repairs. External painting of doors, guttering and gates has been completed.
Our congregation numbers remain small, but we remain positive that numbers can increase. Westnewton pre-school group now meet at the church on Mondays, hopefully parents will become familiar with our activities and become more involved.
We look forward to this coming year and hope that there are no further lockdowns. We have resumed our fundraising programme and hopefully, life will get back to normal.
_Shirley Holland-Reid_
## **Holme St Cuthbert**
We only had met three times as the Covid pandemic continued well into 2021 with another lockdown, so it was April before we had our first meeting of 2021. The meetings being held after the Sunday service which fits in well with all of us.
The new heating system works well and is much more efficient, heating the church quickly so hopefully more cost effective too. Quinquennial inspection work started in the summer and by the autumn the repointing of the Tower was completed. The Old Church yard had a clean-up and we hope to keep some of it wild as the Abbey is doing.
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The Parish Hall is getting past its best and we have been monitoring its cost closely, but at present income and expenditure are similar with a few regular hiring’s that keep it viable.
The subcommittee would like to thank all those that have contributed to Holme St Cuthbert’s in anyway during the past year.
_Francess McIntyre_
## **St Matthew, Westnewton**
Another strange year but finding a “new normal”. No Summer Fayre, no concerts but more Church services and a new style Christmas Fayre.
We, in common with most, had to dip into reserves to pay our Parish Offer, albeit reduced from previous years. Our weekly congregation hasn’t quite reached pre-pandemic levels but is certainly improving- we had a congregation of 40 at our Christmas Eve service.
We, the Ladies actually as I was told not to worry and let them get on with it, organised a very successful Christmas Fayre with take-away teas and made an astonishing £2010!
We held 7 sub-committee meetings during the year, mostly at Midtown, so we enjoyed Martha’s hospitality. We also held a Lent course, led by Rev’d Malcolm and well supported.
Financially it continues to be a challenging time but, hopefully, as we get back to normal fundraising we’ll be able to, once again, “punch above our weight”.
_Peter Wardle_
## **Christ Church, Silloth**
A momentous year for Christ Church. The reordering project completed and 150 years since the church was consecrated.
The church was closed for the builders to complete their work from May to October. We were lucky to be lent a marquee for the period by Thomas Milner which enabled us to continue with services and other activities within the Church grounds for the duration.
The committee were able to meet for all the usual meetings in either the marquee or the church.
Bishop James came for the celebratory Service on 21st November to mark the 150th anniversary and the reordering of the church. A well-attended joyful occasion.
The opening up of the Christ Church and its change to a more flexible usable building started in earnest with the switch on of the Silloth Christmas Lights the Church was packed with happy folk. The WI and the
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Solway Youth group now use the Church regularly and more local groups are expected soon.
With the pandemic restrictions easing a more normal schedule of services and events has resumed..
_Liz Elliott_
## **Holme Cultram Abbey**
With the pandemic restrictions continuing well into 2021, the Abbey remained open for services whenever possible. Not fully opening its doors on a daily basis until July. Being one of the larger churches in the Parish, most of the United Services, were held in the Abbey. Notably, the first away from the Cathedral was the Ordination of Revd Andrew Callaway in June, with Bishop James.
Fundraising both inside and as a take away outside of the Abbey went ahead with Monthly Munches; Teas and Talks; Strawberry Tea weekend and the Christmas Fayre, all help towards the continued renovations and upkeep of our buildings. A new front door was erected (made by Stanley Foster and completed by Ray Holyoak); Discussions on the new lighting scheme commenced and the updating of the outside toilets with help from the Parish Council were projects started in the year.
We continued our involvement with the school in ”Get Cumbria
Buzzing”(wilding of the Old Church Yard for nature) and taking a messy Christingle into the school too.
Again we remember those in our community that have died during the year. They will be missed; not only by their families, but by all of the Church community and we thank all who have contributed to our church during the past years.
_Francess McIntyre_
## **St Bride’s, Kirkbride**
We are delighted to have, this year, become a member of the Parish of the Solway Plain. The Committee is pleased that as Covid restrictions have eased, attendances at services have increased. However, they remain at only about half of the levels we might previously have expected. Church life though has very much resumed; lay and community contribution continues to be an important aspect of our church including both involvement in our weekly services, in annual services such as the Carol Service and in the welcome practical support of St. Brides. Events have also returned to normal; a coffee morning in the Autumn for example, and a recent Lent Lunch which was a great success and also raised valuable funds; further events are in the planning. The Church Institute is once again hosting regular local community groups and also now houses Kirkbride’s defibrillator.
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Our church building has required ongoing maintenance; an issue with the roof is still to be resolved whilst partial electrical updating is required. The organ has required a degree of renovation and the churchyard, which is maintained by volunteers, will now benefit from some financial support from Kirkbride Parish Council to assist with contactors cutting the grass.
The village vicarage has now been sold; the car park adjacent to the church has however been retained by the Diocese for the benefit of St. Bride’s church.
_Craig Thompson_
## **St John the Evangelist, Newton Arlosh**
During the year we had 2 meetings plus the Annual committee meeting. We now have 19 members on our Electoral Roll, unfortunately having 2 deaths.
The Church linen, Cleaning, Flower Rota & Church opening are very well attended to by our PCC members and parish helpers.
The grass cutting is done by Andrew Carr with his machines. The cutting of the roadside hedge and along the Churchyard are done by John Harrison, this keeps the Churchyard clean and tidy.
Our money making this year was our monthly drawing tickets which sold very well, also our Sale of Harvest gifts of all kinds of produce, homemade preserves, cakes, vegetables, flowers, potatoes, hay and straw, very ably auctioned by John Graham. This included a raffle.
Our Quinquennial Inspection took place a lot of work is to be done on the tower, re-pointing on all four sides, inside and outside the parapet walls and any other parts that need pointing. It was noted that the pointing out around the West door also needs attention. Askins & Little have now started on the work.
The 1st & 3rd Sunday Services are HC.10-45am Taken by The Solway Plain Ministry Team.
2nd Sunday 10-45 am Family Service taken very ably by Frazer Clark and David Ross.
We do now have tapes of Hymns so that we can have singing in Church, this all sounds good when we have some good singers.
_Ruth Pinguey_
## **Waverton**
The church was declared closed for worship on 1st October 2021. The Carlisle Diocese is now looking for alternative uses and potential sale of the building. It is proposed to move the War Memorial to the West end of the church, create a new gate and pathway to create a memorial garden including the Ashes Memorial Garden.
_Bryan Rothwell_
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## **Other Reports Churches Together in Silloth and Aspatria**
Churches Together in Silloth and Aspatria were restricted by covid regulations for much of 2021 but began meeting face to face in August; first at Trinity Methodist schoolroom and, since that building has now been sold, at St Andrews URC hall.
Christmas was the time for activities to begin again with a series of drivein (!) carols at Aspatria and open-air carols round the crib at Silloth. Thanks again to members of all the Silloth churches who helped to distribute a Christmas calendar to every household in the town.
On 23rd January this year services for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity were held at St Andrews Church Silloth and Aspatria Methodist church.
At Easter, united ministry included Lent Bible Study followed by St Andrews “Our Door's Open” lunch and on Good Friday members attended the united service at Christ Church. This was intended to take place at Greenrow church but, sadly, Margaret Gate and several church members had tested positive for covid. The service was followed by a walk of witness and Stations of the Cross. On Easter Day members met for the Sunrise Service followed by breakfast provided by Christ Church.
In August we said farewell to long-standing Chair Rev Dave Harkison who was retiring from ministry and Rev Tim Herbert retired in March 2022. All Church members are encouraged to take part in the activities which Churches Together present, especially when they replace our own regular Sunday services. Christian fellowship is always a blessing, and such events provide valuable “outreach” to non-churchgoers as a joyful and practical example of different church groups working together.
_Tim Barker_
## **Solway Mission Community**
The ecumenical community involving the Anglican, Methodist and URC churches in the Silloth, Aspatria, Wigton area became more active after the easing of covid lockdown. The cell groups for young people in the towns, led by Network Youth organiser Yvette Ladds were well supported and a group of 48 went for a residential time at Knock near Appleby. Walking football in Silloth resumed in June 2021 and a picnic with worship was held at the tent in Christ Church, Silloth's grounds on August 22nd with music by Michelle Dodds and Geoff Betsworth.
Ministers and Outreach worker Judith Parr marked Christmas by presenting an “Advent Calendar” of daily reflections on Facebook.
A zoom hour of prayer for Christian Unity had been held in January 2021 and a live event took place in Holme Cultram Abbey in 2022.
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The Abbey also hosted “Abbey Live” in April 2022; an open mic evening led by Michelle Dodds and including a variety of entertainment by Network Youth members from Wigton and Silloth.
The Mission Community is organised by a steering group of the clergy and youth workers plus representatives from the different churches. It is funded from various sources including church contributions, local council grants and the Diocesan Growth Fund.
_Tim Barker_
## **Deanery Synod**
Deanery Synod has met on three occasions since last year’s Annual Meetings, two on Zoom.
In October the new Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor addressed the meeting and, in a meeting, held in Maryport in February Canon Cameron Butland introduced the Living in Love and Faith discussion about human sexuality and relationships.
Throughout the past year, the secretary has updated the synod on various matters via email.
In addition, we have received regular reports about the Deanery Network Youth Church. Reports on the finances, Diocesan and General Synod have also been included on the agenda.
Revd Canon Tim Herbert announced his retirement and Revd Canon Bryan Rothwell took on the role in May 2022.
_Deanery Synod representatives_
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## **Safeguarding**
The Parish Safeguarding policy for the Parish of the Solway Plain has been reviewed during 2021 and amended as required by Church House to include the changes to the provision of safeguarding training.
(As recommended in the table below – Francess McIntyre PSO April 2022) Since the last APM, the Diocese has a new Safeguarding Advisor: Jo Van Lachterop.
January hit the ground running having to update the training modules for all, as training had lapsed during the pandemic, as well as Church House and churches opening slowly, and all of us still adjusting to restrictions and weekly changes in guidance.
The Safeguarding module now comprise of:
Basic Awareness; Foundation; Leadership modules.
_(The Basic Awareness and Foundation can be completed online, and the Leadership module is a combination of face to face and online. All are more Church focused and have a strong biblical content)_
_There will be provision for those not having access to computers to complete the training “in house”._
## **Who needs training and to what level?**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Basic Recommended for anyone who needs a basic level of
Awareness awareness of safeguarding
Anyone who holds an office within their church
(committee membership)
Foundation Required for anyone who has safeguarding
responsibilities/contact with children and/or vulnerable
adults
Elected Membership of the PCC (Trustees) &
Church Wardens
Leadership Required for anyone who has safeguarding leadership
responsibilities/is leading activities involving children
and/or vulnerable adults.
Clergy; PSO; LLM
**----- End of picture text -----**
## _The training modules only came online late 2021_
Church Leaders, clergy, and church members in leadership positions were asked to complete their training first, which started in the Autumn 21 – Of the Ministry Team, those who managed to get on the courses completed their modules Jan’22, others have dates arranged.
Update April ’22: Thank you, to those who have completed their training, whether online or face to face. Your support shows the level of
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commitment, love and care you have towards the Parishioners within our Parish
_Francess McIntyre (Parish Safeguarding Officer)_
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## **Consolidated Accounts of the Solway Plain PCC 2021**
1st January to 31st December 2021
|**Receipts**
**_Voluntary receipts_**
Tax efficient planned giving
Other planned giving
Collections at services
All other giving
Gift aid recovered
Legacies received (capital value)
Grants (including recurring & one off)
**TOTAL Voluntary Receipts**
**_Activities for generating funds_**
Gross receipts from fund raising
**_Investment Income_**
Dividends, Interest, receipts from property
**_Church activities_**
Statutory fees retained by the PCC
Gross receipts from trading (not fundraising)
**_Other receipts_**
Other receipts not already listed
**TOTAL RECEIPTS**
**COMBINED TOTAL**
**Cash & investment balances**
Cash & deposit balance at 1st January 2021
Investments at 1st January 2021
**TOTAL FUNDS**|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Payments**
**_Cost of generating funds_**
29,156
187
Fundraising activities
6,858
0
**_Church activities_**
13,163
0
Mission giving & donations
10,255
2,298
Diocesan parish offer
13,190
0
Salaries, wages & honoraria
11,100
2,000
Clergy & staff expenses
8,566
15,023
**_Church expenses_**
**92,288**
**19,508**
Mission & evangelism costs
Running expenses (including governance)
23,284
87
Utility bills
Cost of trading
282
357
**_Major capital expenditure_**
Major repairs to church building
10,927
0
Major repais to chuch hall
10,589
1,569
New building works
**SUB-TOTAL of all expenditure above**
332
30,554
Other payments not listed
**137,702**
**52,075**
**TOTAL PAYMENTS**
**COMBINED TOTAL**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Cash & investment balances**
124,352
220,317
Cash & deposit balance at 31st December 2021
0
566
Investments at 31st December 2021
**124,352**
**220,883**
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**189,776**|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
2,763
0
573
368
61,927
0
100
0
2,710
0
0
0
29,894
5,954
12,972
0
9,233
410
0
154,313
250
2,084
0
0|
|---|---|---|
|||**120,422**
**163,129**|
|||698
0|
|||**121,120**
**163,129**|
|||**284,249**|
|||**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
141,231
109,206
325|
|||**141,231**
**109,531**|
Signed by the Chairman Revd Canon Bryan Rothwell 22nd May 2022
## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the members/trustees of the Parish of the Solway Plain.**
Registered Charity No. 1187312
The component parts of The Parish of the Solway Plain are Independently Examined individually by their own appointed examiners who issue them with their Independent Examiners report.
I report only on the Consolidated Accounts of the Parish for the year ended 31[st] December 2021 which have been produced from the above records and which are set out on 1 page.
## **Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner**
The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
- follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by
- the Charity Commissioners section 145 (5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
- state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement**
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission.
An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
## **Independent Examiner’s Statement**
In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention
1. which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
- to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the
- 2011 Act; or
- to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting
- records 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.
Linda Brown Field End Cottage Waterside Wigton Cumbria
Date: 15[th] April 2022