2024-12-31-accounts

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Petworth

The Annual Parish Meetings Report on the Year 2024 Wednesday 21[st] May 2025

St. Mary the Virgin, Petworth

St. Mary the Virgin, Petworth

Agenda for the Annual Meeting of Parishioners Wednesday 21[st] May 2025

1. Minutes of the annual meeting of Parishioners held on the 8th May 2024

2. The Election of Church Wardens

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2025

1. Apologies for absence

2. The minutes of the meeting held on 8[th] May 2024

3. Election of Lay Members to the Parochial Church Council

4. PCC report

5. Electoral role report

6. Financial report

7. Fabric report

8. Reports – Deanery Synod, Choir, Bellringers, Safeguarding, Parish Magazine, Mother and Toddlers, PACT, Petworth C of E Primary School.

9. Father Mark’s comments

10. Appointment of independent examiner

11. Any other business – as previously notified to the Secretary.

St. Mary the Virgin, Petworth

The Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners Wednesday 8[th] May 2024

1. The minutes of the annual meeting of Parishioners held on the 14th May 2023 were signed as correct.

2. The Election of Church Wardens:

3. Eileen Lintill was proposed by Judy Howard, and Seconded by Jill Easton. Derek Rudge was proposed by Eileen Lintill, and Seconded by Judy Howard. They were elected for 2024-2025.

Father Mark expressed his heartfelt thanks to Eileen for all her support and work during this last year. Eileen said that this would be her 10[th] year and her last! Father Mark also thanked Nick Wheeler for all the re-ordering work, on which he had led, but he now had to stand down due to health reasons.

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2024

1. Apologies for absence were received from Jean Huggett. Eighteen people attended the meeting.

2. The minutes of the AGM on 14[th] May 2023 were signed as correct.

3. The election took place of 3 lay members to the Parish Church Council: Ruth Sneller was proposed by Tony Sneller, and Seconded by Jill Easton Di Parr was proposed by Jackie Smith, and Seconded by Derek Rudge Lewis Parr was proposed by Jackie Smith, and Seconded by Derek Rudge

Carole Field had stood down, and was thanked by Father Mark

Brian Parr who also stood down, was also thanked for all the wide range of jobs he had done in the church, prior to his illness.

There continues to be no Treasurer. Father Mark appealed to anyone who would either like to volunteer, or be suggested for the role.

1. There were no questions of the PCC report. Judy Howard was thanked for her work. Comment was made that the Clerk, John Townsend could not recall so many funerals as during this past year. We have lost many sadly missed friends.

2. There were 86 members on the Electoral role.

3. Eileen Lintill spoke to the financial report. She said that she is not the Treasurer, but was trying to “hold the fort”. The year had been something of a mine field, but basically the figures were correct although Tulip, who keep the books, had not detailed the monies as had previously been done. Having more than one person dealing with the finance had at times caused confusion, and we were under a lot of financial pressure not least to pay a great deal more towards our Quota than we were able to do this year. Tulip have been asked to provide the yearend figures, which had not come in time for this meeting. Andrew Howard said that

it may be of a little comfort that another 182 benefices were also unable to pledge their full Parish Ministry Costs.

Nick Wheeler proposed, and Tony Sneller seconded the approval of the accounts.

1. Eileen Lintill also spoke to the Fabric report. Emphasis during the last year had been to complete the reordering, which had been done. She thanked Derek Rudge for donating, and putting up the notice board in the porch. The Quinquennial review will be this year.

2. Reports – Deanery Synod, Choir, Bellringers, Safeguarding, Parish Magazine, Mother and Toddlers, PACT, Petworth C of E Primary School. There were no questions regarding these reports. Jean Huggett was thanked for both her work as Editor of the Magazine and leading a team of people who provide the coffee mornings. Jackie Smith commented that it was pleasing to see the Toddler Group continuing to grow. Eleen Lintill reminded new PCC members that they would need to do the Safeguarding Training; this can be achieved on line.

3. Father Mark again recorded his thanks to all those who work for and support the church. He thanked John Galvin Headteacher, Sara Bennie Chair of Governors, and Eileen Lintill and Judy Howard Foundation Governors. Di Parr was thanked for her work with the children, and providing the monthly breakfasts before Jubilate, also for the creation of the children’s corner and supporting the Childrens Pilgrimage to Walsingham, 6 went from our Parish. She and her family were also thanked for the church cleaning.

4. Alan Copus was appointed as the independent examiner.

5. There was no other business previously notified to the Secretary.

REPORTS

The Secretary’s PCC report

The PCC met five times during the last year.

It is with sadness that Father Richard Hoyal and his wife Muriel left Petworth in March to retire to the Clergy home in Hindhead. Father Richard will be very much missed by the congregation, and particularly by Father Mark whom he has supported for the last twelve years. St. Mary’s is greatly indebted to him. The monthly Cottage Hospital Services are now to be taken by Father Colin Datchler. The monthly services at Rotherlea, continue to be led by Father Mark.

In May 2024 a special meeting regarding the re-instatement of the Spire took place. Although discussions were continued our priorities were firstly to increase our congregation and be able to pay our quota. It was not felt that we could go ahead whilst other parishes are effectively supporting us. The Chair of the Spire Committee said that with sadness their Committee accepted that the project could not go ahead at this time.

Father Mark continues to lead Thursday Assemblies at Petworth Primary School, with the whole school walking up to the church for their Christmas and Easter Services. At the end of the summer term he leads the leavers’ service. This takes place on the School playing field where each Year 6 child is given a bible from the church.

The Quinquennial inspection took place this year with no major problems arising. In September a group from the congregation walked down to the Virgin Mary Spring and partook of the water. Also in September there was the annual Remembrance service at the

Boys’ grave in Horsham Cemetery. The pupils from Year 6 walked down from the school and the Headteacher read out the names of those lost, followed by the laying of a wreath by the two School Ambassadors.

Our ecumenical Petworth Festival Service once again opened the Music Festival, and was as ever was well supported. We also held an ecumenical service for the town, to commemorate VE Day, at which the Town Band joined us.

On Christmas Eve the Christingle and Nativity Service took place. The church was full and the children received their Christingles and processed with their candles as the lights were dimmed. A wonderful way to start the Christmas season.

The church was beautifully decorated with spring flowers as usual for Easter, and the two big crosses, one outside, and one inside, help us to focus on the meaning of Easter. Judy Howard

PCC Secretary

Fabric Report 2024- 2025

The emphasis for 2024 was to organise the quinquennial inspection.

This was completed in the autumn. The report highlighted some things that were required to be done immediately, some that needed to be addressed within the next eighteen months and finally some that were required to be considered by the end of the period (5 years).

The electrical inspection was organised and has been completed in 2025. The gully’s have been cleared.

There are a number of issues concerning vegetation growing in the churchyard and the state of the gates. I have had a meeting with CDC who will help control the vegetation and paint the gates.

A dripping tap in the flower vestry has been repaired.

In October the boiler kept failing. Fortunately a new piece was scourced and the boiler has been working efficiently.

I would like to record my thanks to Richard Andrews (architect) and Mark Temple and David Hurst for assisting the architect when inspecting the roofs.

Eileen Lintill Churchwarden

COFFEE MORNINGS

Monthly Coffee Mornings continue on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon with refreshments, a sales table and a raffle. They bring in a minimum of at least £150, sometimes far more and, although ‘a drop in the ocean’ add to Church funds. Apart from that, there is a good social aspect which brings the community together as many who come are not church goers.

As usual may grateful thanks go to those who come to help every month. Jackie Smith, Sue Thomas and Jill Easton keep us well supplied with coffee and biscuits, Marjorie Etherington and Derek Rudge do a great job looking after the raffle. With her knowledge of selling, Anne Simmons is indispensable on the sales table. Andrew Howard erects the banner outside the

church the previous week, and also helps by putting up and taking down the tables. The event wouldn’t function without any of them.

Thank you all for your continuing support, for donating items and for coming to buy.

Jean Huggett

PARISH MAGAZINE

It doesn’t seem possible that it was a year ago when I wrote my last report. Since then my circumstances have changed as I had a fall before Christmas which has meant it has been difficult to carry out all aspects of the magazine. I’ve been very fortunate in the support I’ve had from all church members, but there are some I must mention by name. Firstly, Fr Mark, without him there wouldn’t be a magazine, at least not one produced by me! Having completed the magazine he prints a proof and brings it to me, I then send him the final copy, which he prints. During the print run Andrew Howard and Eileen Lintill, who unlock and lock the church, fill the copier with paper. The magazines are then put into bags by Andrew and Judy Howard ready for collection from church. They also send off the postal ones and leave others for sale at the post office. Thank you all so much, I do enjoy producing the magazine, and it’s only with your help and support I’m able to continue. I can’t thank you enough.

Carole Field looks after the advertisements and has managed to obtain several new ones this year. Those who deliver the magazines do a great job which is often challenging with the changeable and severe weather we’ve experienced recently! My grateful thanks to them all.

Do keep sending me your articles and, to all my regular contributors, many thanks. During the past year I’ve received some from new sources which I’m always pleased to have. If you know of anything of interest, please contact me so I can follow it up or, if you have an article, send it to me.

Jean Huggett Bellringers’ Report 2025

At present the bells are only being rung for occasional practices and a few special occasions, principally weddings. Pending a repair to the number 4 bell, we can only ring seven of the eight bells, but the main problem is not that we are one bell short, but that, with only three Petworth ringers, we are about eight ringers short. We rely on help from ringers from other towers, principally Tillington and Fittleworth. Whilst we would like to ring for service, especially at festivals such as Easter and Christmas, in practice we cannot “borrow” ringers from other parishes on Sundays as they have their own services to ring for.

During the year a proposal was put to the Archdeacon that one of the Fittleworth ringers should repair the number 4 bell, which he has offered to do without charge (other than for materials). The response from the Archdeacon has so far been to refuse permission for him to carry out the repair. This is disappointing, especially as 2024 was the centenary of the bells and we had hoped to arrange for the repair to be completed in time for all eight bells to be rung in a centenary peal. During the coming year we hope that a meeting can be arranged with the (new) Archdeacon to explain matters in more detail and persuade him that it is both safe and appropriate for him to grant the permission needed.

Whilst it is difficult to take an optimistic view of the prospects for more ringing in the years to come, the problems are not insuperable. It is hoped that if permission is once again refused for a volunteer to carry out the necessary repair, then grant funding may be available to cover some of the cost of having the repair dealt with professionally, though the ringers would prefer not to draw on charitable funds for the repair of bells unless absolutely necessary as the funds are limited and there are other calls on them. As for the shortage of ringers, this can be solved if sufficient recruits can be found. The experience of some other local parishes is that people are regularly coming forward and wishing to learn to ring, although the numbers are not great. I therefore continue to encourage anybody who is interested in learning, or who knows of anybody who might be interested in learning, to contact me so that lessons can be arranged. Teaching is free of charge. Initially the lessons might however need to be at another local tower where ringers qualified to teach basic bell-handling skills are available. Andrew Brooke

St Mary's Choir and Organ Report 2025

The Organ Appeal Fund is still quite healthy but further donations are always welcome - for contingency reserves above all. The St Mary’s pianos and harmonium are in good order.. The organ at Egdean has had a new blower (the lungs of the instrument), this being funded in part by an organ-othon where Matthew played the Bach 48 preludes and fugues in just under 6 hours. At Egdean a smaller scale congregational carol service was appreciated once again.

St Mary’s choir has continued loyally over the past year, an anthem being performed most weeks, as well as during the busier periods of Holy Week, Easter and Christmas, and occasionally at weddings and funerals. Whilst Jane Page now sings only occasionally we have been pleased to welcome Celia Lilly back into the fold. The choir for the festival service was augmented significantly by the Petworth Chorus, conducted by Tom Colwell, and we sang Locus Iste by Bruckner. St Mary’s carol service took place once again just before Christmas, and a choir of around 16 was mustered, a few more than last year. Sarah assisted at the organ, enabling Matthew to conduct. We had very robust alto, tenor and bass sections, but miss having Lucienne Suter (now in St Andrew’s) to bolster the sopranos.

We would, as ever, encourage others to join our small but friendly band (either as full time or occasional members). Aside from being a form of stewardship, there are many proven health benefits - physical, mental and social - to be gained by joining a choir. The ability to read music is not essential, just an enthusiasm for singing and an empathy for the purpose of music within the liturgy. Why not come along for a trial rehearsal on a Thursday evening? We rehearse at 6 30 for just under an hour so there is no need to rush your supper to get there.

My sincere thanks to Sarah for her invaluable assistance once again, to the choir for their loyalty, and to Fr Mark for his continued support and encouragement.

Matthew Cooke Director of Music

Safeguarding Report 2024-2025

There have been no safeguarding issues during the year.

DBS checks are up to date.

The Safeguarding Officer has completed the level 3 Leadership training.

The PCC were asked to complete basic training.

All organisations hiring the church for festivals, concerts or such will be asked if they have safeguarding policies. The diocese require us to do this.

Eileen Lintill

Safeguarding Officer

Petworth Deanery Synod Report 2024/2025

The Deanery Synod met three times, in May and September 2024, and February 2025. At the first meeting held here in St. Mary’s Gerald Gresham Cooke spoke about the work of PACT and its need for funding by parishes through their annual voluntary levy. Traditionally the Deanery Treasurer approached each parish individually, suggesting 1% of their Parish Pledge or FSW, 0.1% for PACT, and 0.1% for Deanery funds if required. Upon recommendation by GG-C he would make direct approaches for PACT funding.

The new Diocesan Secretary, John Preston, was then invited to speak about his work. He had previously been the Diocesan Secretary of Worcester. He also spoke about the harmful impact of COVID’s lockdowns upon parish life across the whole church. Recruitment of volunteers was becoming ever harder, with consequent steadily increasing pressure on a dwindling band of aging volunteers. There were financial implications too, with the Diocese expecting a serious deficit this year. With a 35% reduction in church going since COVID there must be changes in the way we operate.

Interestingly, he said that a parish should be more proactive in appreciating the volunteers it did have!

The September meeting took place in Kirdford, hosted by the Reverend Clive Jenkins. The Venerable Luke Irvine-Capel, Archdeacon of Chichester, came to speak to us about his role as an Arch Deacon. (He has since been consecrated as Bishop of Dover.) An Archdeacon is responsible of overseeing various applications for Faculties for alterations in church buildings, and attends the DAC. Our care of our buildings and contents is an expression of our love to God. He saw the role as overseeing pastoral care, of being prayerful and judicial. He looks into disputes for parishes. He is a member of the College of Canons. Arch Deacon Luke said he never knew what’s around the next corner, and needs to be flexible! He felt that it is an enormous privilege to be an Archdeacon.

He most enjoyed Sundays where he covers for vacancies in parishes, of which there are many at present.

The final meeting, again held here in Petworth, was a special Celebration of the Year of Faith, involving not only two bishops but Synod representatives, members of all congregations from across the Deanery, their primary schools, and the choirs of Dorset House School and Seaford College. It ended with copious tea and cakes! It was a truly memorable and moving occasion. There are ongoing issues across the Deanery with currently more than 20 vacancies, and irregular attendance by a few of those elected by their parishes.

Andrew Howard Synod Representative and Treasurer May 2025

Electoral Roll

The Electoral Roll was renewed this year, which must be done every 6 years. There are now 76 names on the Roll. Sadly, some have died or have moved away. There are a few who failed

to respond even though letters and renewal forms were sent to them. Most of those who did not respond have not been to St Mary’s for a considerable length of time.

PACT

The Friday coffee mornings, which are now held in St Mary’s have had a good attendance, although there are some who were regulars at the URC found that the increase in distance is difficult for them, especially the walk-up Lombard Street. PACT will again sponsor the Kid’s Club, working in partnership with the Sylvia Beaufoy Youth Centre. This will take place at the Herbert Shiner Community Hall during the first week of the school summer holiday.

The next PACT Lecture will take place at St Mary’s on Friday 16[th] May, the speaker will be His Grace the Duke of Norfolk. It is likely to be very well attended.

Family support Work

The Monday morning “drop ins” continue to be successful with a number of regular parents and small children. Kirsty Hewitt our local FSW support practitioner attends together with her co-worker Michelle. They will also have activities at the Sylvia Beaufoy Youth Centre during the Kid’s Club week. FSW will always be pleased to accept contributions of food and household items, which can be passed on to local families.

Parents and Toddlers

Parent and Toddlers meet every Thursday morning throughout the year, including school holidays. Parents, grandparents and nannies come, many of whom are regulars. We have refreshments includes fresh fruit and healthy snacks designed for small people. We offer craft activities in which children and their adults can work on together, apart from the usual colouring and drawing. There is a good selection of toys and sit and ride vehicles which the children enjoy. The safety of the children is very important so setting up takes time to ensure that all hazards and dangers can be eliminated. I am grateful to Joan and Sue for their support, and when work commitments allow to my daughter Elizabeth for all their help in running the group

Junior Church

Junior Church continues to be a very small group who attend regularly at the Jubilate service. We take part in services throughout the year with the young people, being sidesman, prayers and readings. We hope to continue this with a bit more interactions with these services.

Christingle was well attended and was fun. We gave out 140 gift bags as they left. These bags included an activity book, crayons, a Christmas story and an invite to our Christmas services and when our jubilate services are during the year. We set up a craft table at the Christmas Cracker day which was enjoyed by all.

We had 3 children attend the children’s pilgrimage in March as well as 4 adults and we hope to build on this for next year. We are attending the family camp at Stedham in July this year. We will have more youth next year and hope to go to the youth pilgrimage as well as the children’s one. Thank you all who support us in this.

Over Easter we gave out 200 lollies and chocolate eggs to the children and the much older ones.

We are looking forward to the coming year coming and hopefully expanding the junior church with other activities within the year and seeking guidance on our children moving on to more youth orientated activities.

Andrew Brooke

Petworth Church of England School

We have a very good relationship with our School. Fr Mark goes into school every week. We have three Church School Governors. Her is one of school Eucharists

Junior Church

During the last year, we have changed our junior church. We now use the north aisle as a base, with the option to use the Marchant Room on non-Jubilate days. We use the notice board to display the children's work and crafts, as well as other display materials. We always have coloring available on the table for anyone who visits. On Sundays, we try to have activities and crafts

related to the gospel of that week.

Our Jubilate services, once a month, start with breakfast, which we supply free for all those who come. We hope to build on this with more advertising at toddlers, around the town, and on social media. We aim to continue making the Jubilate service more family-friendly to encourage more families to come.

This year in March, we were able to take six of us to the Children’s Pilgrimage at Walsingham. Those who went enjoyed all that the shrine offered, as well as lots of fun and games. We hope to build on this next year and maybe, as our young people get older, join in with the youth pilgrimage. We are very grateful for all the financial help which was given to us to allow us to go.

COMMUNITY USE OF THE CHURCH

Our Church continues to be very popular with people exploring Petworth and Petworth House. Petworth Music and Literary Festivals we have the Leconfield Singers, the Chantry Quire and the Fernhurst Choral Society, Petworth Town band amongst others.

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rJ(Co￿l￿ Balance Sheet St Marys Church Petworth As at 31 December 2024 31DEC2014 YADEC2023 Assets Bahk PetwththPCCStllarysChurch Stmèrys TX41 32,foB 14ffi9 28.947 ,917 33.f66 6&274 Curr4rtAssts £CL4CBFChur¢hofEn￿dthd Deposft Fund 3660IOIDI CCLAC8FChurcholEngtsTh4 Deposit Fund )661 ID2DI CCLACBFChurchof EngLI￿ Dep051t Fund 3662103DI CCL4COIFCharftks DepositFund 2881 362 4351 573 4&16 kl&Glnve$￿erts 36.glo 35MS klln0rcharite5F￿ds-c0￿)5l2o5lts4a2oo0Lr-La£kMa￿IL￿ltrnall 58Unlts InorChèritesFthds-CO>)51106I13482Dooin-DLÈè265Units klinorChèriiesFwds-co￿sl21211349lQO0l￿-sN￿th's8S Tot•lC¥riMtAs5•ts 1,177 5,378 SJ59 $5,633 ¥4,774 Totslknots 97￿90 CurrqntLIa￿lld*$ Atcounts payable Accruals T4xalCurMThtUabllM4s 1,047 250 lJ97 4303 4303 lJ97 NrtAsstts II7.¢A)5 96899 Curréntyear Earning5 RetsinÈd Edm￿￿8$ TotalEqufty 21,312 17.S371 96,293 LL7,605 L03WO 96J93 sIM￿￿è￿K￿sh￿ stwarytsthuKth￿trJ0rth

Parochial Church Council of the Eeelesiastical P*rish of SL Mary The Virgin, Pelworth Independent Examiner's R¢port lo the Tru$teeslMembers of the PCC Report to the Trusteeslmembers of the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of SL Mary The Virgin? Pehvorth, a charity registered with the Charity commi￿10￿ with the Registered Number 1188604 I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the alM)ve clwity ('Xhe TTr￿t,) for the year ended 31 December 2024. As the charity's Tn￿lee& you are resp)nsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the CTrwities Act 2011 {'kne Act"). I report in respect of My examination of the Tn￿t'S accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in caryying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(b} of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirni that no Materi￿ matters have come to my allention in connection with the cxamination thai gives me cause kn believe thai any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act. or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records" or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the forni and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Rewrts) Regulations 2008 othcr than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view whtch is not a matter considered as part of an independenl examination. I have no other concerns and havc come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this rew)rt in order to cnable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Alan Copus, Bsc (Hons.), ACMA, GCMA 36 Northend Closc Petwortb West Sussex GU28 9NS Date: 15 May. 2025