OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-12-31-accounts

St Mary’s Church,

Hardwick

APCM

Sunday 13[th] April 2025

Contents

Contents
Agenda for the 2025 APCM 2
Minutes of the 2024 APCM held on Sunday 14th April 2024 4
Vicar’s Report 5
Financial Report 8
Parish Reports 16
Worship, Prayer and Spiritual Life 16
Church Community and Pastoral Care 19
Mission, Outreach and Contribution to Village Life 21
Pippins 24
Community Lunches 26
Colour Wheel 27
Events Committee 28
The Cabin 29
The Cabin Financial Report 31
Fabric and Churchyard Report 33
LOTS 35
Safeguarding 36
Lordsbridge Team Report 37
Lordsbridge Team Council Report 38
Bourn Deanery Synod Report 39
Electoral Roll 41
Eco Church and Wildlife Management Plan 43

1

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING SUNDAY 13[th] APRIL 2025, 10:30 am

ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE CHURCH OF ST MARY, HARDWICK AGENDA

Opening Prayers

I. THE ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS

  1. To receive the minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 14th April 2024

  2. To elect the churchwardens

II. THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

  1. Present & apologies

  2. Minutes of the annual meeting held on 14[th] April 2024

  3. Matters Arising

  4. Notice of items to be raised under AOB

  5. Review of 2024

  6. a. Vicar’s Report

  7. b. Finances 2024

  8. c. Proceedings of the Parish and the PCC

    • Worship, Prayer and Spiritual Life

    • Church Community and Pastoral Care

    • Mission, Outreach and Contribution to Village Life

    • Pippins

    • Community lunches

    • Colour Wheel

    • Events Committee

    • The Cabin

    • The Cabin Financial Report

  9. d. Fabric and Churchyard

  10. e. LOTS

  11. f. Safeguarding

  12. g. Lordsbridge Team Report

  13. h. Lordsbridge Team Council Report

  14. i. Deanery Synod Report

  15. j. Eco Church and Wildlife Management Plan

  16. Report on the new electoral roll

  17. Elections and appointments

  18. a. To elect three representatives to the PCC

  19. b. To elect a representative to the Deanery Synod for the next three years

  20. c. To appoint an independent examiner to the Council

  21. Any other business

2

III. PCC MEETING

  1. Appointment of Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer and Standing Committee

  2. Budget 2025

  3. AOB

  4. Confirmation of next meeting

Note: the composition of the Standing Committee will comprise Parish Priest, Churchwardens, Secretary and Treasurer to be elected and approved.

3

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of St Mary’s Church, Hardwick

Held on 14th April 2024 at 10:30 in the Cabin

Present: Jane Muncey, Pauline Joslin, Sarah Parker, Kate Riley, Mark Manning, Anne Williams, Jean Jaggard, Anne & Jeff Jones, Sue & Peter Cornwell, Charlie Dyson, Chris Ford, Ali Marcus, Janet Hayman, Brian Coxall, Mary Wilkin, Tricia Maguire, Liz Entwistle, Joan Segrave, Naomi Roy, June Everitt, Lois Frettsome, Thelma Westbury, Howard Bigg

Apologies: None

The Annual report and the minutes of the last APCM had been circulated. These were approved. Thanks were expressed to Clare Bigg for looking after the finances so well over the years.

Janet Hayman and Ali Marcus were re-elected unanimously as Churchwardens. Rev Clare thanked them for their support. She also acknowledged the great support not only from the congregation but from the village.

There was no Deanery Synod report this year as yet. there is still much discussion about the Deanery Plan, but nothing to report.

Janet was thanked for producing the electoral roll.

Peter Cornwell and Chris Ford were unanimously re-elected to the PCC. Lois Frettsome will continue as the Deanery Synod representative. Mark Taylor was re-elected as the Financial Independent Examiner.

Much appreciation was given to Rev Clare and her family.

PCC meeting following the APCM

Vice-chair - Jeff Jones Treasurer - Sue Chase has been co-opted and was thanked. Secretary - Sue Cornwell will continue for another year.

No budget has been set for 2024 as yet.

As Stephen Coates is now Churchwarden at Caldecote, a new Team Council representative is needed. Also, a Parish representative for the appointment of Team Rector, before June 24th.

The standing committee is Ali Marcus, Janet Hayman, Rev. Clare, Chris Ford, Sue Chase and Sue Cornwell.

4

Vicar’s Report

Rev’d Clare Coates

2024 was, in many ways, a difficult year for us all here at St Mary’s. In early March we were shocked and deeply saddened by the news that Clare Bigg, a key and much-loved member of the team here, had suddenly and unexpectedly died. It was a big loss: for her family and friends; for the Church community; and for the village. Clare was a wonderful friend, and I will miss her terribly. She was a very kind, warm, intelligent woman, and she would always have a big smile and a quiet word of encouragement. We were furthered saddened by the sudden deaths of our friends Jean Jaggard (in June) and Janet Barnard in October. All three women were life long, faithful Christians and a real inspiration to us. They had a deep faith and loved God whole heartedly, serving Him faithfully with great kindness and gentleness all their lives. Their Christian beliefs were at the heart of who they were as people. Their faith really mattered to them, and this was reflected in the way they lived their lives. They are deeply missed by us all. As a church family, we are here for each other and for all our friends in this community, especially in hard times. As Christians, we trust that no matter what we are facing, God will look after us, and that all will be well, even if we cannot understand why things like this happen. Our faith can help us through times of grief and sorrow, and we trust that God is with us. He will be our strength when we have none of our own. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all of Clare’s, Jean’s and Janet’s family and friends, and who knew and loved them.

Early in February, contractor Alastaire Lingard from AJ Restoration came to conduct a thorough plaster survey of the entire ceiling and walls. He also met with Bat expert, Chris Vine, who advised us regarding the bat population. The Building Repairs Team also met with the Diocese of Ely Advisors Graham Pledger (retired Surveyor) and David Grech (retired Architect). We are very grateful to

them for their help and advice, and they continued to help us as the project got underway. Alistaire returned in mid-March to complete the internal and external repairs, and the project was completed on time and to budget in early May. Jeff Jones writes more about this project on p33 below. It was with great excitement and joy that we reopened the church on Sunday 26th May. It was wonderful to worship together again in such a beautiful, spiritual place and to celebrate finishing the repairs project. It was a great honour for me to be part of the team involved in this project. We join an historic line of people who have worked hard to keep our church going and we are so happy that the repair project went so well. Graham Pledger

5

continued to monitor movement in the church building for the rest of the year (and into 2025) and this is a good reminder to us that our church will always be a work in progress. Thank you to all who worked on this project, including Marlows Scaffolding and local Carpenter, Steve Bond, and of course the Building Repairs Team here at St Mary’s, including the late Clare Bigg who was an integral member of our team. Clare was a wonderful, calming presence, especially when things were difficult, and I will always remember her saying: “We don’t need to worry because God is with us. He’s helped us before and He will help us again.” And how right Clare was and is, and as a Church community we are

very thankful to God who has watched over us and helped us through this time, which has had its challenges and times of great sadness. We are incredibly grateful for the continuing help and support of the wider community, which has meant so much to us.

There have been continuing signs of growth over the last year, with those coming to church increasing on average. It has been wonderful getting to know new friends in the congregation. Our fundraising events have been particularly well attended and enjoyed. Highlights include our annual Quiz; the Walk, Run, Cycle event in April; our Cheese and wine evening with a talk by David Grech in May; Afternoon Tea in June; and the Big Book Sale and Harvest supper and Ceilidh in October. Sue Cornwell writes more on our fundraising and social events on p28 below. I have really enjoyed meeting and getting to know people in and around the parish, whether at church services and events or through dog walking in the village each day. Being a presence in the community is at the heart of our vision of being a church for the whole community here in Hardwick.

My thanks to the wonderful Ministry Team here: Ali, Janet and Peter, who have been incredibly supportive and encouraging, and who continue to be a joy to work with. A big thank you, too, to the PCC and to the wider church community for your continuing support and friendship. A special thanks must go to Sue Chase from SEC Solutions, who agreed to be our interim Treasurer in 2024 following the sudden death of Clare Bigg. We are incredibly grateful for her advice, support and help.

Many years ago, my family lived in an old Tudor house. It had an inscription over the door: Honour and glory to God. The house had been owned and occupied by a predominant Catholic family during the Reformation. It has several priest holes and two chapels, one of which was a secret room at the top of the house where all members of the family would gather for worship. I have often thought about why they chose Honour and glory to God as their motto and have given much reflection to these words, which we can find in 1 Timothy 1:17. St Mary’s Hardwick has given “honour and glory to God” for centuries and we join our prayers and praise with generations and generations of faithful Christians who have come before us and with those who will come after us. We

6

are part of a long line of people who have served and cared for our church building and churchyard; and who have loved, prayed and worshipped here. We are playing our small part in helping this church remain at the heart of village life, and in so doing, we are giving honour and glory to God. Over the last year I have seen how much our local church really matters to so many people. Our church is here for the whole community, and it has been and will continue to be a powerful symbol of God’s presence here in Hardwick.

We honour and glorify God in all we think, say and do. As a church community we are committed to being welcoming, inclusive, kind, caring, and to helping people in need. I feel very positive about everything we are doing together, and I believe we will continue to grow and thrive. I am so excited about what lies ahead for us in the year, and years, ahead!

7

Financial Report Sue Chase -QqBIN Sue Chase, Treasurer St Marfs, Hardwick (Charity number 11885271 5 Wllllams Close, Great GransdÈn, SG19 3QS sim￿S01￿tIonSCofftb&C0.U*IOI?67Is77S62 dmi HAROWIGK St Mar￿S Church Hardwick Accounts for 2024 Introductlon to Account8 The accounts have been prepared by Sug Chase of Simple Solutions (Cambsl Ltd on a rocgipts and payments basis. Sue took over in March of this year after the sad demise ol the thon Treasurer Clare B￿9 who has looked after the PCC accounts for many years. The accounts were examingd by Mark Taylor who continues to be the nomlnated Independent Examiner. The PCC u$8s Natwest for everyday banking requirements. They hold both a current account and a deposit account. The deposit account was sel up earlier Ihls year to hold th8 funds raised for work on the church labrtc. Th8r& are two deposit accounts held with CCLA.. the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund CB3025074-001which holds monies designated lor the church building and churchyard and the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund CB3025f)75-001designaled to the Cabin. There arg three main Funds within the remit of the PCC- the General Fund, the Fabric Fund and the Cabin Fund. Each Fund has a separate Anancial Ststernent. Sue Chase Treasurer February 2024 The patshes of Barton, Caidecote th Chlldertey, Comberton, CotQD. Ory Draytc￿, G￿￿t and Littio Eversden. Hardwfck, Harlton, Haslln8fi?Id and Toft LORDSBRIDGE TEAM OF CHuRC￿E5

5r MARVS CHLIRCH HARDWICK Financial Sts ement rthe arendl 3ts1 Oec 2024 GENERAL FUND 2024 Fund Balance at l Jan 24 Natwest Cash CCL4 Icabin alcl Less uncleared cheques 5,2 666 7,367 252 1.502 14801 708 11.0831 7,244 RECEIPTS Planned G￿￿ng¥ll Parfsh GNin8 Stherne Other Planned Giving Open Plate Collections Donatlons Grft Recovered Fete takings Other fundralslng Wedding and Funeral fees MinSstryShare rebate & gront Familie5Work Misc TOTAL RECEIPTS 14,910 4,725 383 346 3,871 2,728 2,516 3,466 282 12,987 4,900 687 742 4,249 2,538 252 3,595 264 141 1,012 33.368 3L281 PAYMENT5 W and F fees to Ety etc Fete Costs Charftable Gnfing Ministry5hare Incumbent's Expenses SeC￿￿ry,$ Expenses Adult Outreach Resources Fam￿lie5W0rk Youthministry Pastoral Insurance, fire etc Ministry & seNKes Maintenance 150 1.251 59 4LKI 22,564 120 23,609 525 1,895 J,290 205 704 385 93 337 42 55 1,167 327 192 706 1,522 530 261 1,413 Misc Accountanry TOTAL PAYMENTS 30,189 41,580 Funds held Held in N4t west alc Held in Cabin Fund CCLA alc Held in cash Les5 uncleared chegUÈS Balan￿ at Jtst Dec 24 13,385 5,258 1,502 666 14801 13.2611 10.124

ST MARY%CHURCH HAPDWICK FABRIC FUND 20Z3 23,121 6,5 Natwe5t I8￿92 RECEIPTS Donat1on5 Fundraisingl￿et3tsIe￿e1oW1 Intete51 Giftl￿d Grant In5urancecLilm TOTALRecEIPTS 7,762 7.736 1.034 S,339 S￿£0 637 4Z4 ii,ioi 12,S64 0.291 13A49 PAYMENT5 Treesurvey AJ Re5toratknns Re5tcr3tknns Batconsultancy Steye Bond AJ Resiorati¢ns wakelin8 BéeconsultarKy Rl Marfowe ACR Cleanln8 5toiage btsx CHCT menbership Fo¥cotte Coulson Signwark Stonè mason Skip Hire vdtated ￿me tTringconductor Mower TOTALPAYMEMf5 pla5tersurvey deposltformatsri8 220 1014 nduw board5 k4bour 8Utter deanin8 175 30 14.352 3.Z40 133 tree Surgèty repairwork repairtochurch slqn letter￿r￿n9 6,106 9,16S 150 3.518 2W 24 1,228 235 49.671 l357 31 Oecembr24 |nve51ed in CCL4 alc Held in Natwestdlc eltt In N3tWtalc 14,02S 6,130 89 23.121 6563 Z0243 Z9.684 Sum ratsl Ev4nts Ta￿n￿* Expenses 4dutted PROHY WRC 4314 I,iix) L131 4.314 38 ¢hee5e&Wlne AftemoonTEa fari Supper XmasTree5 E#Syfundralsln8 Tpt•l L131 600 4￿) 25 204 7.716 204 7.774

ST MARWS CTrIURCH HARDWICK Flnanclal Statement for the arendln 31st Dec Z024 Fund Bala￿e at ljan 24 Natwest CCL4 2,208 1.914 2,208 1.914 Rental Incorne Bank interest Donations & Gift Aid 8,092 88 197 130 TOTAL RE￿IpTs 9,767 PAYME14TS Fees & ticences Insurance &fire 659 1,167 1,411 1,396 319 434 1,094 1,469 1,480 151 917 1.027 549 76S Cleaner Consurn•bles Cabin grountls Inside fitments Maintenance & serV￿1n8 Legacy items 342 713 TOTALPAYMENTS 7,886 Oalance of F nd tDec24 Held in N8t West alc Held in CCLA alc 3.907 2.208 5,%7 Mlml Restricted Fun Istjan 536 io Paid In Paid Out 31st D 153 1,325 io Community Lunch Fund Pastorgl Fund CollectSon forJimmys ColleCt￿n for Howard 2.210 2,210 3,191 2.369 1.374

NU EC ENERAL FUND 2024 Cash at Istjan ank at 1st lin Less holding for FF at 1st lan Le55 holdingfor Cabin fvnd Istjan Lès5 holdin8 for mini restricted accounts l$tJon Excess Receipts over payments Cheques from last year now cleared Chooues from thisyear not cleared Held for FabrSc Fund 31st Dec Held for Cabin fund Oec 31st Held for mlni restlcted accounts De¢ 31st Totsl Cash at 31st Dèt Bank at 31st Dec Total 665.51 12.366.46 16,562.981 1,502.02 1545.961 3,178.99 1479.891 3,260.50 88.63 2,060.28 1,374.41 16.908.27 251.83 7,474.88 1107.711 708.45 1298.521 11,083.471 479.89 6,562.98 11,502.021 545.96 13.032.27 665.81 16.9)8.27 16.908.27 IZ,366.46 13.032.27 Statement of Assets and Llabllltles as at 31st De ZJ Nat Westcurrerf al¢ Nat West Deposit ale CCLA Fabric Fund CCLA 5undaySchool Fund laka Cabin fund) Cèsh in hand Uncleared cheques Total 16,908.27 6.129.69 14.024.93 3,907.03 12,366.46 23,120.83 3.710.11 665.81 1479.891 £39.383.32 13,260.501 £37,709.42 Fabric Fund Cabln Fund General Fund Mlni restrirted fund5 TOTAL 20,243.25 5,967.31 10.124.45 1,374.41 £37,709.42 29,683.81 2,208.09 6,545.46 545.96 £39.5813Z Approved at the pa￿￿1a1 Churth Councll M¢etlnB on 24March 2025 Slzned: fte￿ dare Coat•s

ST MARY'S CHURCH HARDWICK FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024 Not o the Account5 GENERAL FUND: Thi4wa5 a positwe yearforthe General Fund with income of £33J681£31.281 last yearl les5 expenditure fjf £30,1891£31.580 lastyeorl resultln8 in a surplu5 of £3,179 to add to reserves Ideflclt of £299 lastye3rl. Intom•: P13nned Givin8 via the Parish Glvlngscheme saw an increase of around £2tmover the year although other glvln8 IlncludSrrf Glft Aid) sèw a fall of £1,253. Fund Raising 5pecificallyforthe General Fund intrèÈ5èd thisyèar, toppin8 last year by £2,754. Thi5 15 parti£ulartyto k commended in the Iwdhtof the intense fund raising thattook place last ye8rand Into thls yearfor the Fabrlc Fund. EXpendI￿re. There were increases in the fees to Ely Dlocese and the Lordsbridge Team. The sad death of Clare BS8g early In the year necessitated the PCC employing a professional accountant as Treasurerforthe short tÈrtn until a replacement could be found amongthe parish. Thi5 C05t £1,￿9 forwork done during the year.The PCC remained mindful of the need to keep expenses to a minimum and dÉ5Plte the tnpntioned inciea5es, managed to reduce overall expenses by over £1,(￿. Thère a￿ still some ￿yMentS relatin8 to the financial yearto be made in January whl¢h will appÈar Ir* the accounts for 2025. Dis£ussK)n took place at PCC about the meritsand drawbac￿ of accounting on a Receiptsand Payments ba￿5 rather than an Accrual basis and thevote wastaken t¢ change to an Accrual basis from 2025. The General Fund stood at£lO.124 at the end of De¢ember24. FABRIC FUND The sterlln8 work done bythe Fundralsln8 Team lastyear centinued into 2024 wlth £7,736 beln8 rai5eil throuEh various aCt￿ltIeS. This w)s matthed by donationsfrom individuals1£7,7621 and further increased by a Grant from the Cambridgeshire HistoricChurche5Tru5t, the refund of the VAT on the towerworkand a sum of £5,IYXI from the Parfsh Coundl to be put towards requlred tree surgery. The Towerwork wa5 cornpleted and the Church deep£leaned in May. The Standing Stone at the front ofthe Cabin was replaod after beingaccidentty knocked down and n Insuran￿ clalm was made for the replatrmentstone and carvinz. The Fabrit Fund redU￿d by enly £9.441 despitÈ work amounting to £49.671 having taken place. The balance atthe Ènd of the year of £20,243 has surpassèd 811 initial expectation5 and the PCC is appreciative of the hard work required to be In such a posltwe Position.

CABIN FUND This isthe third yearthat the Cabin has been active and rentsl income incfeased by 17Y6 from last yeorto £9.770. Utilities, insurantr and ¢￿anIng remained very similarto last year but witlout the rieed for èdditional refurbishment total expenditure fell 5ignificantty to £6.1))81£7.886 last yearl. The Cabin Fund sèw a 5urplusof £3,756 at theyearend. A very p￿tIVe note a5 it re*nforces the Initial belief that the Cabln Would be self-supportln8. 1+glNI BESTRICTED FUIIDS The Mini Rettritted Funds are not owned by the PCC but are held by them on a temporary basls.The most Sl8nificant mini fund is the Comrnunity Lunch Fund which ¢urrently holds f 1,325 wtthin the PCC bank account. A record 15 kept of these funds and the balance known atany ￿me throu8hout the year.

Independent Examiner's report to the PCC of SL Mary's. Hardwick This report on the fi'nan¢ial slalements of the PCC for the year Ènded 31sI December 2024. which are sel out on pages 3 6 is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the ChLJr¢h Accounting Regulations 2006 Ilhe Regula110ns'l and se¢lion 43121 of the eh8riliés A¢1 1993 {'Ihe Act} Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner As members of the PCC you 8re responsible for the preparation of the financial statèments You consider that the audit requirements of the Regulations and section 43121 of the Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those financial statements in accordance wrth the lemis of the Regulation Basis of this report. My examination was cairied out in accordan￿ WFth the General Direction given by the Charities Cornmission under section 43171 of the Act and to be fc>und in the Church Guidance, 2006 editi(Jn, issued by the finance Division of the Aichbishop's Couneil. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a ompaii50n of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial ststements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the eV￿ence that would be required in an audit. and consequently I do not express and audit opinion on the view given by the 8¢oounts. Independent examinerfs statement In connection wrth my examination. no matter has corne to my attention. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any rnateiial respeet the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance wrth section 41 of the Act, and to prepare financial statements. which accord with the accounting fecords and comply with the requirements ol the Aol and Regulations have not been rnel or To which in my opinitsn attention should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding of the account to be reached. (Signed) Date /J

Parish Reports

Worship, Prayer and Spiritual Life

Rev’d Clare Coates, Michaela McNeill and Peter Cornwell

Worship, Prayer and Spiritual Life – Clare Coates

My thanks to Ali and Peter, and Michaela for their continuing support and help throughout the year and for agreeing to lead services that Clare Bigg was previously responsible for. I am incredibly grateful to them.

We maintained the monthly pattern of four Sunday services: Holy Communion on the first, second and third Sundays, with Sunday Club available on first and third Sundays if children attended with their parents; and Morning Worship for all ages every fourth Sunday, led by Ali and Peter. Wild Church continues to be a popular service for families and children, meeting outdoors whatever the weather and exploring God’s creation together. Fifth Sundays

provided us with the opportunity to participate in a Team-wide service. The annual Remembrance Service in November was well attended and the ecumenical, area-wide service to mark Christ the King was delivered both online and in person. During Advent we followed a Sunday series ‘Song in scripture.’ We thought about how our singing to God is an act of worship and celebration, and how it is so central to our worshipping life together, here in Hardwick. A well-attended and much enjoyed Carol Concert was held just before Christmas in December.

The availability of ‘Worship at Home’ continued to be appreciated by some members of the church for times when they were unable to be at church in person.

The joys and sorrows of life were marked by baptisms and funerals throughout the year. Some of these services were held for families who now live outside the parish but continue to feel a strong connection with this church, and others for parishioners and friends: Clare Bigg, Jean Jaggard and Janet Barnard. There were no weddings in 2024.

Our beautiful churchyard is a special place for walkers and passers-by. My grateful thanks to Jeff, Peter and all the LOTS team for their hard work and dedication, it is hugely appreciated. Special thanks must go to all who kept the church as a welcoming and safe space, notably to Ali, Janet, Lois, Naomi, Stephen and all who quietly served us, through either cleaning or flower arranging throughout the year.

16

Midweek and Friday Night Prayers – Michaela McNeill

The midweek prayer group meets once a week on Wednesday mornings during term time. Three times a month we are on Zoom and on the first Wednesday of the month we meet in person in the Cabin. The group consists of members from St Mary's and the Evangelical Church in Hardwick plus another person in the village who attends a church in Cambridge. We use a simple form of service depending on the time of year and pray for about half an hour. We take turns in leading. We read out a Psalm and a passage from the New Testament. We also focus our prayer on various issues throughout the world, as well as national and local issues or any other topic that may concern us.

The Friday Night Evening Prayer Group started during the pandemic and has continued on Zoom. We meet every Friday evening from September to June with a break at Christmas. Initially it was led by the Rev Alison Myers but Clare Bigg took over when Alison left to take up her post as Warden at Launde Abbey. With the sad passing of Clare, I have been leading. We have been using a short form of Evening Prayer again depending on the time of year and we are online for about half an hour. The group consists of a small but steady group of loyal and faithful worshippers. It originally started with just members from St Mary’s, but I have opened it up to others within the Lordsbridge Team.

Sunday Club – Peter Cornwell

Sunday Club (SC) began the year with two children coming infrequently. They were joined by the three boys during the year, and we initiated what has become known as SC outside. SC outside is supposed to happen approximately fortnightly though the reality is somewhat less often. We have built a cross, done some willow fence weaving and split and replanted snowdrops. Sunday Club inside still happens occasionally.

Wild Church – Peter Cornwell

Wild Church meets on the second Sunday of the month. The flavour and character of Wild Church is very different to the Sunday Club. The most noteworthy difference is that while Sunday Club is for the children without their parents, Wild Church is for families spending time together. The average age of the children for Wild Church is considerably lower than that of Sunday Club.

At Wild Church we look to grow closer to God through the natural world. We usually begin with an introductory activity which leads into the main theme and we finish with a prayer and a session called ‘going deeper’.

17

Our afternoons always start with the prayer:

‘Enter in as if the bark beneath our feet were gold

and all the trees all of wealth untold,

As if a choir, in robes of fire, were singing here, Nor shout, nor rush, but hush for God is here.’

Both Sunday Club outside and Wild Church reflect the movement in the Church of England towards ‘fresh expressions’. What we are doing is still in its infancy but there are growing signs of success.

18

Church Community and Pastoral Care

Ali Marcus, Rev’d Clare Coates and Michaela McNeill

Church Community – Ali Marcus

Although St Mary’s is a relatively small church, in the words of Rev. Alison Meyers, we continued to “punch above our weight” in 2024 by supporting all ages and stages in Hardwick and demonstrating the love of God by our actions. Support groups and community activities are highlighted in other reports. We grew slightly in numbers during our regular Sunday services, and maintained our Fresh Expressions, Wild Church and Tuesday Toddlers. Clare B whilst she was with us, Rev Clare, Trica and Michaela provided home communion and pastoral support throughout the year

We continued to rejoice that Rev Clare Coates is our incumbent and say a big thank you to her for leading us through a very rocky 2024 where we said goodbye to several muchloved members of our congregation. Clare, Jean and Janet. We prayed for peace and strength for ourselves and their families as we learn to live without them.

In contrast to these losses, it has been wonderful meet and make friends with many new members of our worshipping community young and old. Whilst it was a joy to welcome a visiting family for 6 months, it was very sad to say goodbye to them just before Christmas.

With all this change, the project to repair the church ceiling and continuing to address the action points of the quinquennial report under Jeff’s guidance, Peter re-tabled our 7- year plan; a work in progress. As a result, it has been amazing to watch our youngest members grow, and Sunday Club and Wild Church contributed to changes in the church yard and charity fund raising for the homeless. It was very important that we continued to focus on our missions to care for our natural world both in terms of combating climate change and improving biodiversity on our land. LOTS team continued to spear head this work by the sweat of their brows and by planning and sharing out tasks such as splitting snowdrops and planting bulbs but also by starting the planning of an Eco day in 2025. They even instigated a “hot composting box” for the Cabin and started work towards a Silver Wildlife Trust Award.

As one of your Churchwardens, I wish to say a heartfelt thank you to each one of you in our congregation. So many of the things’ Churchwardens are responsible for have been shouldered by you. Jeff takes the primary responsibility of maintaining the church and Cabin buildings and keeps tabs on the graves, the Cabin management team run the business of the Cabin, Chris creates the rotas and is a whiz with the sound system, Harry and Sue play the organ for us, Lois does our flowers, LOTS maintain the churchyard, Kate has volunteered to be our treasurer, Jane is our Safeguarding Officer. Time after time, the Events Committee, led by Sue, organise and work hard at fundraising and social events. You all support each other and participate in or help at events. The strength of St Mary’s is in the faith, vocation and teamwork of the individuals that make up our community.

19

Pastoral Care – Clare Coates

Pastoral contact amongst the church and wider community continued to be made both by the clergy and through an informal network of support. Home communion is available for those who would like to take it.

Home Communions – Michaela McNeill

I resumed taking Home Communion to people this year after not being able to do so during the pandemic. I have continued to take it to Hazel Basham, a former member of the congregation and more recently I have begun to take it to Nora Nunn, again another member of the church who is not able to get to church. With Hazel I had already established a rapport with her, which I had developed prior to the pandemic, and I have continued to do so. With Nora, I made my first visit with Clare Coates in September and I have continued to visit her since then and we have established a good relationship quite quickly. Both Hazel and Nora appreciate the continued connection with the church here and I visit them on a monthly basis.

I was accepted for the Authorised Lay Ministry specialism in Pastoral Awareness in September and I am undertaking the course which runs for ten months. As part of it, I am required to take on a Pastoral Project and with Clare's approval I hope to take Home Communion to Gracefields Care Home. I have been going up to Gracefields once a month with a Worship Group which consists of myself and members of the Evangelical Church.

20

Mission, Outreach and Contribution to Village Life

Ali Marcus

2024 was a very bittersweet year for all of us in St Mary’s. We lost some very special women from our midst, but in terms of our mission and outreach, the most keenly felt was Clare Bigg. As our lay minister, treasurer and back bone of much of our children’s work and pastoral care we floundered without her and had to pray and work hard to function without her.

The Church Building- Back to the heart of the community

2024 and we processed our way back into the church building!! Repairs to the church ceiling were finished and services returned to where they belong. Although we have not hosted a wedding yet, funerals and baptisms have been held in the church in 2024. We once again extend our thanks to our sister churches who helped us out at the beginning of the year and Clare and Stephen for being project managers. It really is difficult to do justice to all those who continued to beaver away to get the project over the line.

Can you believe that The Walk Run Cycle, donations and all the events run by the events committee together raised over £15,000 in 2024. It really was a busy year and especially pleasing that so many “Hardwickians” joined in with our events. And although fundraising was the incentive to push through with so many events, we need to celebrate the degree to which we fulfilled our mission to support and contribute to a happy healthy community in Hardwick. A big thank you to the Events Committee.

In terms of welcoming the village into the church building and hopefully encouraging them to come back in, Christmas 2024 was particularly successful. The Christingle service, school Christmas services, the Christmas tree festival along with Carols and the Carol Service were all very well attended.

Cabin Use- Fulfilling the brief of Hospitality, Wholeness, Encounter

Despite the accident which felled our standing stones depicting our mission of Hospitality, Wholeness and Encounter, in 2024 we continued to get good feedback about the cabin as a venue for clubs, activities, parties, and family gatherings with users specifically commenting on the tranquillity and peace of the setting- special thanks to LOTS for looking after the garden- but also the very special atmosphere inside the building. Many people struggle to pinpoint what it is about the building that they particularly value. They speak of feeling relaxed and welcome and being able to leave their troubles behind. Let’s keep God at the heart of the building.

The running of the Cabin which has become the hub of much of our mission and outreach is down to the Cabin Management team. In 2024 the team was led by Jeff, who continued to look after the building, with Anne being the bookings secretary and Clare B the treasurer until she died in March, followed by Sue Chase and Ali. We can not underestimate how much time and hard work these members of St Mary’s have put

21

into running the cabin and allowing us to actively pursue our mission to share and demonstrate the love of God in our Community.

The breakdown of cabin usage in 2024 by type of use is shown in the Cabin report using numbers of people attending different activities. Overall, it was used for 27.3% of its availability which is less than in 2023. There is room for further groups to meet and for us to extend our outreach if we wish to.

Brief Summary of groups that are run by or supported by St Mary’s Church

Bumps and Babies in the Cabin (led by Ali)

In 2024, Bumps and Babies in the Cabin met 48 weeks out of the 52. After a slow start, the 2024 cohort built up steadily and there were 6-8 families in each session with a total of 12 families supported over the year. There is good evidence that it achieved its aim of supporting families during the “transition to parenthood” by providing a comfortable and secure space for new parents to become confident caring for their babies whilst promoting the development of new friendships and a robust support network within and around Hardwick. Ali keeps an eye on the group Whats App and there is much sharing of information and meet ups arranged outside of the group meeting in the Cabin.

Cabin Art Group (Caroline Edgley)

This well-established group continues to meet in the Cabin every two weeks to practice either their own creative projects or something offered to the group on the day. Between 3 and 7 attend.

Summer afternoons

Despite losing Clare who had taken on the leadership of this well-established outdoor café with children’s activities during 6 sessions in August, Summer Afternoons was again very successful again in 2024. Sue headed up the team this year and we need to ensure that we plan well for 2025 so that we can sustain Summer Afternoons in the future

Events Committee (led by Sue)

How can we even start to thank our events committee for doing the planning and donkey work of all our church events? They work tirelessly whether for fundraisers for the Church (Fete, quiz nights, cheese and wine evening, book stall) or “not for profit” community events (Bonfire night party, Carol singing around the fire, coffee mornings, summer afternoons cakes and drinks) to name a few. These people are, alongside Clare C, the faces of St Mary’s church- welcoming, caring and inspiring. They form the core of our community outreach and are great bakers too!!

Tuesday Toddlers – Clare Coates

Families were deeply saddened by Clare Bigg’s sudden death in March. Clare had led this group for many years and was very much loved by all who came. Revd Clare stepped in to lead for the rest of the Spring term, and after a break during the Summer,

22

re started the group in September, with the help of Janet Hayman. The group has thrived, and we now have on average seven children a week during term time, and many new families have joined the group. Each week we have bible themed craft, a Bible story and lots of time to chat and play. Children and adults enjoy singing together and the morning is rounded off with a snack!

23

Pippins Report

Anne Jones

Pippin’s opened in June 2014 and we continue to open on the first Saturday of every month from 10am – midday and it is very popular, as we cater for all ages. There is always a good atmosphere, friendliness and a real buzz, with lots of chatter – certainly our way of serving the community! It has gone from strength to strength, and it has been known for people to be queuing outside the door to come in.

Sadly, in March, Clare Bigg, one of our Management Committee died unexpectedly and has been a great loss to us all. We were very pleased to be able to provide the refreshments for the funeral wake, which was greatly appreciated by her husband Howard and their children Alex and Michael.

We have a very keen and supportive team of 17 bakers and 30 helpers (although not all the helpers are ‘regulars’) who offer their services each month. We pride ourselves with our wide selection of homemade cakes, cookies and biscuits, all at a very reasonable price. We try to have seasonal refreshments for Christmas and Easter. The bakers are reimbursed for the cost of the ingredients only, which enables us to keep our costs down as we are a non-profit making enterprise. Due to increased food prices, we have increased our prices slightly. Any profit that is made is used to further improve our facilities and donated to groups or individuals in the village or further afield, worthy of our support. This year (January - December 2024) we made the following donations:

Sponsored the Writing Competition in the Hardwick Happenings - £40 (book vouchers)

Donated towards the installation of outdoor electrics at Hardwick Community Primary School – £200

The assets for the year ending December 2024 were £2188.05 in the bank and £81.30 cash in hand.

In June, Pippin’s celebrated its 10[th] birthday with a birthday cake, birthday balloons and children’s activities at Pippin’s. The team of bakers and helpers also celebrated at the Cabin with a BBQ and a lovely selection of desserts.

The Management Committee consists of Kate & Steve Gaze (Evangelical Church), Anne Jones (Community Association), Clare Coates (St Mary’s Church), Julie Coulson, Jane Chudleigh and Gino Starace, our Treasurer.

“Pippins is a real success story and a welcome addition to the things that go on in the village.”

24

PIPPio r& 25

Hardwick Community Lunches

Anne Jones

The Community Lunches, held in the Cabin four times a year, were started at the beginning of 2023 and they continue to be very popular and successful with 40 - 50 people attending. We provide a two-course meal with coffee and at Christmas, we provide a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. We advertise in the Hardwick Happenings. We still have the same band of helpers and two co-opted husbands. We do not charge but ask for a donation. The money raised has been used to purchase equipment to improve the facilities and we have a healthy reserve which we have not decided what to do with at the moment. We continue to have a quiz and a raffle and since June, the proceeds have been donated to various charities…

June – Cancer Research UK

September – Motor Neurone Disease

December – Salvation Army

This leads us on to 2025 and the next lunch is on March 26[th] . So, if you want to join us for our Community Lunches, you have to get in early as news travels fast and it is becoming a popular event in the calendar.

26

The Colour Wheel Report

Nicky Kerr

The Colour Wheel has been running successfully for six years since its inception in 2019.

The Cabin remains an excellent venue for hosting the group, providing a secure, safe, and accessible space. Its peaceful surroundings contribute to an atmosphere of tranquillity and mindfulness, enhancing the experience for attendees.

At the heart of the group is a commitment to reducing loneliness and isolation within our village. Open to all members of the local community, the Colour Wheel offers a welcoming space for social connection and mindful colouring activities. The group primarily consists of residents from Hardwick, with some attendees from Comberton and Toft, averaging around ten participants per session. All materials are provided, and refreshments are served midway through each session. A voluntary £4 donation helps to cover the cost of hall hire, refreshments, and general running expenses. These donations have been sufficient to meet all financial needs.

Many attendees prefer using chairs with armrests for added comfort and support. Thanks and appreciation to the Cabin Committee for arranging additional chairs, they will make a significant difference to the experience of those who attend.

Over the past year, the group has welcomed three new regular attendees. Many participants have faced personal challenges, including illness and bereavement, and the group has provided them with much-needed support and encouragement. The Colour Wheel continues to be a valued and uplifting space for all who take part.

27

The Events Committee Report

Sue Cornwell, Events Committee Chair

A big thank you to all who have supported the fundraising events this last year. All have proved to be successful and a total of nearly £8,500 has been raised. It has been very encouraging to welcome many new friends, neighbours and families from outside the Church congregation.

In addition to the annual events - the Quiz night, Fete, Harvest Supper and Book Sale - we had a second Cheese & Wine evening with a very interesting, illustrated talk on English architecture by David Grech, a retired conservation architect. The afternoon tea in June was well attended and raised an amazing £600. We had a 'stall' at the Village Garage sale, enjoyed another Safari Supper and a Bonfire party on November 5th. A new fundraiser this year was 'How posh is your palate' - an evening of great fun when we discovered that expensive brands are not always the tastiest. Our thanks to Kate and family who organised this. We also held a 'Chocolate House' workshop, with thanks to Lynn Reynolds who brought all the materials and was very patient when there were near disasters and managed to put things right. I think quite a few children and grandchildren enjoyed the fruits of our labours! We also ran the Summer Afternoons in August and the Christmas Tree festival in December. It was a poor year for gardeners and the plant and produce stall did not do so well - hopefully 2025 will be better.

A list of all the planned events for this next year has been circulated and printed in the Hardwick Happenings so we hope for lots of support for the events and, as always, we would be delighted to have offers of help at any of them, but particularly for the fete in May.

28

The Cabin

Jeff Jones, Cabin Management Team Chair

Hospitality, Wholeness, Encounter

Cabin Management Team : Jeff Jones (Chair), Anne Jones (Booking Secretary), Sue Cornwell (Minute Secretary), Peter Cornwell, Ali Marcus, Nicky Kerr, Rev Clare Coates.

2024 was another very successful year for the Cabin, being extensively used, virtually every day. Users are so complimentary about the building and its facilities and how welcoming it feels. People find the surrounding area, including the pond, both pleasant and tranquil, as well as being so functional.

There has been an extensive list

of users during year, such as family parties, funeral wakes, a wedding, exercise classes and art and craft sessions. the Cabin is now also used for several other activities (see list of users below) . The Cabin was again used for weekly services until the re-opening of the church in May. Moreover, it also enabled the events committee to continue running fundraising activities and functions towards the cost of renovating the church.

Unfortunately, in March there was a serious negative issue. Whilst parking her car to attend a pilates class, a lady lost control of her car and drove into the building significantly damaging the brick plinth and the above wall. Two of the three decorative standing stones were smashed and the third knocked over. Fortunately, nobody was injured and despite a bowed wall in one of the toilets, the building was still usable. A quote of £9166 for repairing the building was provided by Coulsons, the original builders and Pipa Westoby provided a quote of £3518 to re-carve the smashed stones and reerect all three. The building was repaired in August, but the stones had still not been replaced at the end of the year. Our insurance company agreed to cover all costs, less an excess of £250; reclamation of this will be pursued once the work on the stones is completed. Another difficult issue during the summer of 2024 was repeated infestations of ants.

29

Cabin users in 2024

Voluntary Village Groups

Bumps & Babes

Colour Wheel Cabin Creative Arts Brownies LOTS Coffee Friendship Club

St Mary’s Church Groups

Tuesday Morning Toddlers Wild Church Wednesday Morning Prayers/Coffee Parochial Church Council Ministry Meetings

Lordsbridge Team

Exercise Classes

Pilates Zumba Yoga Ballet Swing Fit West Coast Swing Training Gong Sound Bath Taiko Drumming Workshop Martial Arts (Wing Chun)

Lordsbridge Core Team

Families

Baptism Celebrations Funeral Wakes Children’s Parties Family Gatherings Weddings

Village Socials & Events

Village Group Committee Meetings

Hardwick Women’s Institute St Mary’s Events Hardwick Allotments Hardwick Parish Council Hardwick Community Centre Working Group

Village Social Group

Pippins Hardwick Women’s Institute

Business Meetings & Workshops

Talks Church Fete Coffee Mornings Music Evening All Souls & Christingle Teas Guy Fawkes Party Cheese & Wine Carol Service Summer Afternoons Community Lunches Giant Book Sale Walk, Run, Cycle

History Off The Page

Christmas Wreath Making

30

The Cabin Financial Report

Ali Marcus

We start with the financial break down of the Cabin finances through 2024:

Cabin Running Fund

Assets at 01/01/2024 £2,208

BUDGET 2024 Actual %
Receipts Rental Income 8,000
 9,440 118%
Donations & GA & bank interest 1,000 130 13%
Total £9,000 £9,570 106%
BUDGET 2024 Actual %
Payments Licences & fees inc Hallmaster 450 659 147%
Insurance, fre & mini maintenance 2,000 1,881 94%
Utilities 2,000 1,411 71%
Cleaner 1,600 1,340 84%
Consumables 300 319 106%
Outside 550 0 0%
Inside ftments 300 342 114%
Total £7,200 £5,952 83%
Legacy expenses (pond fence) 800
TOTAL £8,000 £5,952
Balance of Fund at 31 December 24 £3,208 £5,826

As you can see, the Cabin finances are good evidence that the Cabin is a much loved and well used facility for the community. Rental income in 2024 was close to £1,500 greater than we projected. I have included a breakdown of the usage in the pie chart below. I think we have again achieved our aim of creating a warm and welcoming community space for the benefit of the whole village as well hospitality facilities for the Church building and our own community outreach. We continue to get regular feedback from users that they value the warmth, light, modern facilities and outlook of the hall.

Although we do not want to rely on donations to balance the books, we received significant donations from grateful users and from within our congregation. Further testament to the value that the building adds to individual experiences.

The balance in the fund at the end of the year is close to double from the start of the year, which has given us confidence that we can build a reserve ready for inevitable future maintenance, repairs and improvements in the next few years.

31

There is much invisible hard work which is volunteered to the running of the Cabin and contributes to the building being financially viable. We must acknowledge the huge amount of time and attention devoted to the building by:

Of course, last year was challenging for the Cabin Running Committee with Clare’s sudden and tragic death leaving us without a treasurer. We send our heartfelt thanks to Sue Chase for stepping in and holding the fort whilst Ali learnt the ropes of invoicing Cabin users.

32

Fabric and Churchyard

Jeff Jones

Church Fabric

With the church closed and services continuing in the Cabin, we began the year eagerly waiting to begin the plaster repair work on the church. With the help of Russell Marlow of Marlows Scaffolding, a tower scaffold was hired in early February and Alistaire Lingard of A J Restoration, a skilled lime plasterer, carried out a detailed inspection of every ceiling panel of the nave, as well as the ceiling of the chancel and the dislodged stone moulding at the apex of the east window. Alistaire produced a very detailed report on the nave ceiling, with approximately half of the panels, mostly on the south side, requiring repair or complete replastering. In many instances the wooden lathe backing also needed replacing. Fortunately, the ceiling of the chancel

appeared to be sound and the stone moulding, although found to quite safe, needed to be re-bedded. A bat survey was required and advice sought in relation to preventing the disturbance of any resident bats. With adequate funds available from donations and a huge fundraising effort, the repair project began with the erection of secure scaffolding at the west end of the nave for Alistaire to commence work on 11th March. During the following seven weeks all the necessary repairs to the nave ceiling were carried out, the dislodged stone-window moulding was re-bedded. Also, the crack and replastering adjacent to the vestry door was carried out.

As the scaffolding was on site, the project also included some urgent re-plastering and re-pointing on the outside of the church, which had been reported following the 2022 quinquennial inspection. The roof flaunching, where the roof and walls meet, on the porch, nave and chancel were repaired and replastered with lime mortar and the coping stones on the parapets re-pointed. Additionally, the crack in the east wall was repaired, along with a considerable amount of repointing on that wall.

All work was completed and the scaffolding removed by 15th May. The following week, the church underwent a professional deep clean and was reopened with a service on 26th May. Despite the cost exceeding £30,000, at the end of the project the Fabric fund still had a healthy balance.

33

Unfortunately, during July the interior of the church was plagued by a swarm of bees from a nest inside the north wall of the chancel. After seeking advice and much discussion, it was decided not to intervene and the problem gradually resolved itself.

Illuminated stars on the church tower and the lychgate for the Christmas period has become a village tradition and again was well received.

Churchyard

Once again, the churchyard has been well cared for by the LOTS team, for which numerous favourable comments have been received. Additionally, Brian Coxall has kept the Rose Garden neat and tidy,

A survey of the lime trees by Oakes and Watson in January showed that for safety reasons all the trees required dead wood removing within the next six months. Two quotes were received and with a significant difference, it was decided to engage Foxcotte Tree Surgery to carry out the work. This was done in April with a total cost of £5692. However, with a favourable change in the law regarding the legality of parish councils making donations to churches, a grant of £5000 was gratefully received from Hardwick Parish Council towards the cost.

34

LOTS

Peter Cornwell

There are now seven members of the LOTS team. We meet weekly to mow, dig, cut, prune, plant, paint and many other jobs which are thrown our way. For example, during fete week there are often jobs which we can do in preparation.

The work is accompanied by liberal doses of coffee and biscuits and the chance to discuss village politics and issues from the wider world as well as books, films, TV, theatre and where to go for a good meal. Thanks to David, David, Jane, Jeff, Jorge, Morris and Peter.

35

Safeguarding

Jane Muncey, Parish Safeguarding Officer

Safeguarding is a way to support the mission of the Church. It is not just DBS checks and trainings it is how we react to other people, how we look after them. We think often in respect to children, but it also refers to adults who may be vulnerable, either permanently or temporarily due to some crisis in their lives.

Even though there have been reports of lapses of safeguarding within the wider church, at Parish level we have continued to be diligent regarding the safeguarding processes.

An in person safeguarding training was held here to enable a number of members of the Church community to complete the basic level of training.

The safeguarding dashboard is a useful tool that sends reminders when DBS checks and trainings are due for renewal.

Several people have now used the digital ID checks and in most cases have found it useful and time saving as there is no need to arrange a meeting to do the face-to-face ID checks, however the option to do face to face checks remains, for those cases where the digital ID check does not work or if a personal approach is preferred.

Role descriptions, risk assessments and policies are regularly reviewed, for volunteers, and for events planned by our Church.

36

The Lordsbridge Team – Report for 2025 APCMs

The Lordsbridge Team parishes continued to share in mission and ministry across 2025. Joys across the team included the continuation of a variety of services weekly, including Forest and Wild Churches, as well as many events, activities and outreach opportunities across the parishes. We celebrated our curate, Rev’d Barnabas Leeke, being made priest in the summer, as well as the licensing of Rev’d Chris Westgarth as Associate Priest. Our lay ministry teams continue to grow and flourish, with Lynne Saylor (Harlton) being made ALM in Preaching. We have continued to enjoy celebrating life events of baptisms and weddings in our communities, and sadly, sharing many funerals. Challenges across the team have included fundraising for building works and ministry share in several parishes, and the ongoing Team Rector vacancy, particularly for the vacant parishes. We continue to work through the appointment process for a Team Rector.

The Priesting of Rev’d Barnabas Leeke, Team Curate. From L to R: Rev’d Steve Clark, Rev’d Chris Westgarth, Rev’d Priscilla Slusar, Becca Herrick, Rev’d Barnabas Leeke, Rev’d Claire Robertson, Rev’d Clare Coates

The Team exists to enable the support and

collaboration of the parishes. It continues to do this in a number of ways, including but not restricted to:

February 2025

37

The Lordsbridge Team Council - Report for 2025 APCMs

Sue Nelms, Secretary, Lordsbridge Team Council

The Lordsbridge Team Council meets three times as year. As you can imagine, much of this year’s discussions have been around the current vacancy for a Team Rector and Team Vicar for Comberton and Toft. Acting Team Rector Claire Robertson has calmly guided us forwards and hopefully by the time you read this, we will have had some good news about the vacancy.

People who attended the Lordsbridge Team Council AGM in February had the opportunity to feed into the recruitment process by sharing with the team their thoughts around what the role of Team Rector/Vicar involved and their thoughts on what the skills needed to carry that out. There were an awful lot of things to consider which may be one reason why we are finding it so difficult to attract the right person.

At that meeting long-term Team Treasurer Erica Bithell from Barton stood down and we are employing Sue Chase, who also works on other parish accounts, in the role. She has also taken over administration of Team Administrator Becca’s payroll which will represent a saving over time.

Team Council finances have remained stable over the last year, but the Diocesan parish share request for 2025 have brought financial tensions in various parishes to the surface and the various parish Treasurers have met with and continue to meet with the Rural Dean to consider this situation.

I would like to thank Rev Claire Robertson for her work as Acting Team Rector and Team Administrator Rebecca Herrick for all of her hard work – we are so blessed to have her in place.

38

Bourn Deanery Synod Report

Rebecca Cowburn, Deanery Secretary

Meetings and talks:

Bourn Deanery Synod met three times during 2024 (in Toft in March, Harlton in June and Cambourne in October 2024). This year we have focussed on lay ministry , including a session led by local Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs) who shared their experience of training and ministry, and a talk on the more general ministry and outreach that can be undertaken by all within their parishes. We also considered aspects of governance and working together in ministry that contribute to outreach. One speaker outlined a novel approach to governance where PCCs can be restructured (where needed) into ‘Groups’ of PCCs (while still remaining within their Team), in a way that allows the pooling of effort, resources and expertise between the parishes, and helps to release more time and energy for outreach and local ministry. A further talk was on working well together in ministry and was expertly illustrated by the Rev’d Claire Robertson and her sister, Antoinette, playing duets on a single piano. The talks were open to all within the Deanery to attend.

News from the Deanery:

Regular updates were provided by the Teams/churches on their own activities through the year. Recent developments have included the creation of a ‘bereavement café’, which provides a lunch once a month for those who are bereaved, and ‘eco-engagement’ which includes growing fresh produce for the local food bank and rewilding (for outreach and community good) at Cambourne, a post-sermon music group in one of the Lordsbridge churches, that has seen increased engagement from young people, and an ALM-led service to encourage local ministry within the Papworth Team.

Both Cambourne Church and the Lordsbridge Team now have a dedicated Children and Families worker/Licensed Lay Minister to work with young people. The Lordsbridge Team reported increased engagement by young people with WCCYM (West Cambridge Christian Youth Ministries) – the Team hosts a youth café once a month with WCCYM and the young people attend youth services at Cambourne. WCCYM have also continued to work closely with schools in West Cambridge, offering pastoral and spiritual support, and across churches and the local community.

Within the Teams there has also been a continued focus on reaching the homebound – the Papworth Team holds a weekly phone-based church service and the Lordsbridge Team hosts a weekly Zoom call for those in their Teams (and beyond) that are unable to travel to church. The Synod has also helpfully been kept apprised of developments with the two new housing developments within the Deanery (Bourn Airfield and West Cambourne), as they have arisen.

39

Personnel changes:

Following the departure of the Lordsbridge Team Rector, the Rev’d David Newton, the position of acting Team Rector was undertaken by the Rev’d Claire Robertson and, more recently, by the Rev’d Clare Coates. The Rev’d Chris Westgarth was licensed as associate priest in the Lordsbridge Team during 2024. The Rev’d Nigel di Castiglione announced his retirement (due to take place in July 2025) and his intention, ahead of then, to step down as Rector and to take up the vacant Team Minister role in the Papworth Team, so that the recruitment process for a new Rector could commence in advance of his retirement, which it has since done.

Diocesan Synod representation:

We welcomed a number of new members to Deanery Synod in June 2024 and said farewell to some longstanding members. This year also saw the establishment of a Deanery Synod Standing Committee, to help guide the content of future Deanery Synod meetings, and the election of 3 clergy members (the Rev’d Nigel di Castiglione, the Rev’d Geoff Dodgson and the Rev’d Charles Fraser) and 4 lay members (Barry Burles, Cathy Michell, Russell Cowburn, Rebecca Cowburn) to represent Bourn Deanery on Ely Diocesan Synod. Regular updates on the work of both Diocesan Synod and General Synod have been provided to Deanery Synod.

Further details of the 2024 meetings can be found in the Deanery Synod Minutes.

Forward look:

It is intended that Deanery Synod meetings in 2025 will look at ways to encourage youth, children’s and schools’ work within the Deanery, as well as some further work on governance.

To Note - Membership of Bourn Deanery Synod

A number of churches within the Deanery do not currently have a representative on Bourn Deanery Synod. Please can we encourage you to nominate one at your Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) or at a following PCC meeting. The work is not onerous and we understand that members may not be able to attend all of the meetings during the year. Membership enables your PCC to have a voice on Deanery Synod and beyond, and it helps us as we seek to encourage one another and to share the good news of Jesus across the Deanery. Please do contact Rebecca Cowburn (Secretary, Bourn Deanery Synod) if you have any questions: rcowburn@googlemail.com.

40

Electoral Roll

Janet Hayman, Electoral Roll Officer

We had a mixed year for the electoral roll. We unfortunately lost quite a few people for different reasons, but did gain some new people on the roll. At the end of December 2024 the number on St. Mary's electoral roll was 45.

If anyone would like to join the roll please let Janet know.

Surname Christian Name
1 Austin Kate
2 Barnard Anthony (Jim)
3 Basham Hazel
4 Bennett Elizabeth
5 Butler Carole
6 Campbell Anne
7 Coates Stephen
8 Coates Julie
9 Coates David
10 Cornwell Peter
11 Cornwell Susan
12 Coxall Brian
13 Cutmore Charlotte
14 Dowman Jane
15 Entwhistle Elizabeth
16 Everitt June
17 Ford Christopher
18 Frettsome Lois
19 Gardner Lucy
20 Gardner Graham
21 Harding Helen
22 Hayman Janet
23 Jones Anne
24 Jones Jeffrey
25 Joslin Pauline
26 Lankester Charlotte
27 Maguire Nigel
28 Maguire Patricia
29 Maguire Sharon
30 Manning Mark
31 Marcus Alison
32 McMahon Sharon
33 McNeill Michaela
34 Muncey David
35 Muncey Jane
36 Nunn Nora

41

42

Eco Church and Wildlife Management Plan

Peter Cornwell

2025 saw the completion of the St Mary’s Eco Management report. The report is available to read at the Cabin and on the web site. This coming year we will be applying for the Wildlife Trust Silver award. Earlier in the year we were awarded the A-Rocha Silver Award. The A-Rocha award covers such things as ministry and buildings as well as eco matters.

A steering committee has been formed to plan the third Eco Event in the village. This time we have joined forces with Dry Drayton. The Eco event will be held on the 27th September.

Thanks to all who have contributed to the development of the site during the year: the LOTS team, the congregation, Wild Church and the Sunday club.

43