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2024-12-31-accounts

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary the Virgin Bletchingley

Charity Commission Registration Number 1189453

Annual Report

&

Financial Statements

Year ending 31[st] December 2024

Contents

CHARITY PARTICULARS ......................................................................................................................... 3 Governance and Structure 4 Aims and Purposes ........................................................................................................................... 4 Objectives and Activities .................................................................................................................. 4 Public Benefit ................................................................................................................................... 4 Worship ........................................................................................................................................... 4 Occasional Offices ............................................................................................................................ 4 Education through courses and study groups .................................................................................... 5 Pastoral Care .................................................................................................................................... 5 Missons and Charities ....................................................................................................................... 5 Mission Statement ........................................................................................................................... 5 Vision Statement .............................................................................................................................. 5 Minutes of Parishioners Meeting 2024 .............................................................................................. 6 Minutes of APCM 2024 ..................................................................................................................... 7 Priest-In-Charge’s Report To The APCM 2025 .................................................................................... 9

REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2024

Safeguarding ..................................................................................................................................12 Churchwardens Report .................................................................................................................. 12 PCC Secretary’s Report ................................................................................................................... 13 Finance Report .............................................................................................................................. 14 The Blessed Breakfast Club ............................................................................................................. 14 Our Young People .......................................................................................................................... 15 The Ark .......................................................................................................................................... 15 Church Choir .................................................................................................................................. 16 Church Bellringers .......................................................................................................................... 16 Flower Arrangers ............................................................................................................................ 17 Churches Together ......................................................................................................................... 17 Hungry Hermit ............................................................................................................................... 17 Discussion Groups .......................................................................................................................... 17 Social Committee ........................................................................................................................... 18 Deanery Synod Report .................................................................................................................... 18

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Charity Particulars

Charity Name: The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary The Virgin, Bletchingley. The PCC is a body Corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956), Church Representation Rules 2020) and is a charity registered with the Charity Commission under the Charities Act 2011.

Charity Registration Number: 1189453

Registered Address: Church House, Church Walk, Bletchingley, Redhill RH1 4PD (for correspondence)

Officers :

Chair: The Reverend Captain Paul Fitzpatrick C.A. SCP

Lay Vice-Chairman:

PCC Secretary: Valerie Muller

Treasurer : William Alexander

Electoral Roll Officer: Clare Sturgeon

Church Safeguarding Officer: Jeffery Marks

Trustees and PCC Members

Priest-In-Charge: The Reverend Captain Paul Fitzpatrick C.A. SCP (Clergy ex-officio)

Churchwarden: Jeffery Marks, Victoria Gillespie

Deputy Churchwarden: Trevor Dawson

April Alexander Robin Idle William Alexander Cyril Mighall (Verger) Gillian Black Valerie Muller Trevor Dawson Ann Pressey Kate Doody (Children’s Representative) Clemmie Sellick Jennifer Hyde

Deanery Synod Representative:

Richard Fowler (ex officio)

Jennifer Hyde (ex officio)

April Alexander (ex officio)

Bankers: NatWest

Independent Examiner: Mr. Anthony Cock

Name of Insurers: Ecclesiastical Insurance Group

Website: www.bletchingleyparishchurch.org.uk

Name of Architect: Russell Hanslip, Hanslip and Co Unit 401 Bon Marche Centre, 241-251 Ferndale Road, London SW9 8BJ

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Governance and Structure

Aims and Purposes

Bletchingley Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the Priest-InCharge, the Reverend Captain Paul Fitzpatrick, in promoting in the Ecclesiastical Parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also spiritually responsible for the maintenance of the Church complex of St Mary the Virgin, Church in the Parish of Bletchingley.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our Services and Worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.

Public Benefit

The trustees of the Charity are aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit and have had regard to it in their administration of the Charity. The trustees believe that, by promoting the work of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Mary the Virgin Bletchingley it helps to promote the whole mission of the Church (pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical) more effectively, within the Ecclesiastical Parish, and that in doing so it provides a benefit to the public by:

• Providing facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its members and for anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers; and

• Promoting Christian values and service by members of the Church in and to their communities, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.

Worship

During 2024 Sunday services we offered an 8 am and 9:30 am service.

We celebrated festivals on relevant days as they fell, in practice deferred to the nearest Sunday.

Daily Offices Tuesday – Friday (morning and evening)

St Mary the Virgin Church is open each day to enable visitors to enjoy the peace and prayerful space.

Occasional offices

Those who live in the parish are entitled to be baptised in the benefice churches, and those who either live in the parish or who are on the electoral roll are entitled to have a funeral service conducted by a member of the parish clergy. Those who live in the parish or who have a qualifying connection and/or who are on the electoral roll are entitled to have a marriage service conducted by the parish clergy, although in the event of a divorced person, there is no automatic right to have a marriage service in church and the decision is at the Priest-In-Charge or the officiating minister’s discretion. During 2024, we had 4 baptisms and 2 weddings. The clergy took 13 funerals, some in church and some at the crematorium and 4 burials of ashes.

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Education through courses, study groups etc

Lent discussion groups, Basic Theology courses, bible discussion groups - regularly and in season. Baptism preparation classes, marriage preparation courses. Learning about the Christian faith is fostered by sermons, quiet days and services.

Contacts have been made with some local schools and building links. In normal years parties of local school children visit the church as part of their curriculum and are introduced to the building and the activities that go on in it. This work takes place in the context of our ministry for Children and Young People. St Mary the Virgin also has a longstanding connection with The Hawthorns School and The Bletchingley Village School.

Pastoral Care

A team of volunteers and clergy visit people in the parish who are ill or have been bereaved. The clergy visit and minister to those in hospital or hospice.

Missions and charities

The PCC gives to missions and charities from voluntary income. Missions and charities also benefit from funds raised by special collections and fund-raising activities. The congregation of the parish are kept informed about the charities and raising funds to support them.

M ission activities through community events

Weekly Foodbank collections

Ark – a provision for early years children and their parents

Hungry Hermit Blessed Breakfast Club Women Who Wine

Mission Statement

Come and discover God Maintaining a welcoming church to all. We do this by sharing the gospel of God’s love by living and exploring faith together through worship, reading and hearing scripture. We achieve this through prayer, loving service and support for all in our village.

Vision Statement

We want to discover and rediscover God by:

This is summarised on our website as: We believe in an inclusive church - a church which celebrates and affirms every person and does not discriminate on the grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, sexuality or any other grounds. Everyone is welcome.

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Minutes of the ANNUAL PARISHIONERS MEETING held on Wednesday 8[th] May 2024

The meeting opened in prayer led by Fr. Paul, who also welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Minutes of the 2023 Parishioners Meeting, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, in the Annual Report of 2023, were taken as read. The Meeting agreed them as being a true account of that meeting and they were signed by Father Paul Fitzpatrick, Interim Priest-in-charge.

Election of Churchwardens

Fr Paul thanked Richard Fowler for his enormous contribution to the life of St Mary’s and in particular to the care of the building.

Jeff Marks was proposed by Ann Pressey and seconded by Beverley Green to be elected for a fourth term in office.

Victoria Gillespie was proposed by Valerie Muller and seconded by Pamela Cock to be elected for a first term in office.

Trevor Dawson was proposed by Ed Muller and seconded by Jean Price to become deputy church warden

There were no other nominations, so they were duly elected.

The meeting was closed.

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Minutes of the ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH meeting held on Wednesday 8[th] May 2024

St Mary’s Bletchingley

Apologies for absence: Kate and Patrick Wills , Richard Fowler, John Buck, Annabel Smith, Geoff Stone, Kate Doody, Clare Sturgeon, Robert Tucker, Angela and Nigel Price There were 33 people in attendance at this meeting.

Minutes of the 2023 APCM were taken as read as they had been circulated in the Annual Report prior to the meeting. The Meeting agreed them as being a true account of the 2023 meeting and they were signed by Father Paul, Interim Priest-in-charge.

Matters Arising. There were no matters arising

Reports.

The Electoral Roll. There are now 122 names on the Electoral Roll, sadly 1 member has died during the year, 1 member has moved away, 1 member has joined the Nutfield electoral roll and 7 new people have joined. 95 are resident within the village and 27 are non-resident.

Other Reports. All the other reports are in the Annual Report for 2023 which has been widely circulated before this meeting.

Financial Statement 2023. The treasurer presented Financial Statement for 2023

The treasurer pointed that the deficit, although less than last year, is still £5524. This reduces the reserves by over £5000 to £14905 well below the aims of the financial policy.

The Friends of St Mary’s (now closed) made a large donation which enabled the new heating to be installed.

He explained that restricted and unrestricted funds are itemised in order to show the Diocese that funds are being used correctly!

He also commented on the Hungry Hermit on the wonderful job they do and how the funds raised are distributed to various charities.

The treasurer mentioned the recent Stewardship Campaign which had seen a significant increase in funding although sadly still not enough.

The treasurer has signed St Mary’s up to The Parish Giving Scheme operated by the Diocese. The meeting officially received these accounts.

The treasurer was thanked for his enormous hard work.

The hunt is still on for an assistant treasurer to help.

The treasurer thanked Anthony Cock for his work and assistance as our Independent financial Examiner and Lisa Swan for looking after wages.

Elections

To PCC For 3 years

Richard Fowler nominated by Cyril, seconded by Vicki Williams Jennifer Hyde nominated by John Buck, seconded Janine Marks Robin Idle nominated by Lisa Thurston, seconded by Owen Thurston Clementine Sellick nominated by Louise Tantum, seconded by Sue Morris

Electoral Roll Officer

Electoral Roll Officer Clare Sturgeon Appointment of Independent Financial Advisor Anthony Cock

As there were no other nominations for these posts the meeting elected everyone en bloc.

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A.O.B

Fr Paul invited comments from those present.

Jeff Marks thanked Fr Paul for his work amongst us saying he was the most efficient incumbent he has worked with.

Fr Paul commented that Bishop Rosemarie, on her recent visit to the parish, remarked on how good it was to see so many wanting to be involved.

Closing remarks.

Please read the Annual Report for a fuller reflection on the year.

For tonight, I want us to focus upon this: The Royal Navy’s Church Pennant: It is hoisted as a signal indicating that the ship’s company is engaged in divine service.

It may also be flown by a vessel or craft when carrying a body or ashes from shore to a ship for committal at sea or by a vessel or craft carrying out a funeral.

It is also flown by Shore Establishments when church services are being conducted.

It is an accepted routine that when the Church Pennant is flown that;

· other vessels should reduce speed and pass with caution.

· other warships do not send signals except in an emergency. This applies to marks of respect and saluting other warships.

So, what is the origin of the Church Pennant?

There is an oft-repeated version that attributes it to the Dutch Wars of 1652 to 1674. Both opposing Admirals, Tromp and Blake, were devoutly religious and agreed that, when it became necessary to carry out the burial of the dead or to conduct divine service, the ship concerned would hoist the national flags of both countries during which operation no action would take place.

This combined hoist was reputedly the red cross of St. George to which was attached the red, white and blue horizontal tricolour bands of the Netherlands flag.

One of my strategic interim goals is to work towards reconciliation. When I began in June 2023 I set about to build trust between individuals.

Some work has begun, but this is a slow process and one I deem we should not rush.

I do not intend to expand upon those conversations unless people agree to talk publicly.

I believe we are on a journey towards reconciliation.

The Church Pennant symbolizes our church's ability to hold the tension between people who disagree and walk towards a more peaceful understanding. When we are together, we must work at building trust again.

We have seen our numbers grow across all our services, which I am delighted with. It is a great encouragement that our occasional services, such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals, are being sought. Hopefully, by the end of the summer, I will be able set out a clear mission plan. But first, I am looking forward to Reverend Gary Jenkins coming and seeing what we have before us.

Thank you, each one of you; you have welcomed me and given me beer, cake, and Bolognese sauce. Above all, you have extended the hand of Christian friendship, and this is a sign of a healthy church—a church that has everything to gain for the future.

It is a perfect recipe for feeling settled and at home. Let us continue to pray that His kingdom comes. Amen.

Addendum

Dear Chrissie, Rosa and Trevor

Firstly, can I apologise for not saying thank you publicly last night. I just plain forgot.

Thank you for your service on the PCC. Your contributions have made a significant impact on our church community. It is always a privilege to share in leadership with you, as it keeps us all grounded and

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focused.

Now is your time to rest or take on another task.

Thank you, Trevor, for your willingness to join us in the Churchwarden's area of leadership.

Every blessing

Father Paul

PRIEST-in-CHARGE REPORT To APCM 2025

Review of the year from May 2024 to April 2025

In 2024, as a worshipping community, we experienced some unique undulations. We said farewell to cherished members while embracing new relationships. Change impacts us all in all its realities. What is important is that we carry each other through joys and sadnesses.

As I reach the end of my second year, I am reminded that my licence as Interim Priest-In-Charge is for three years. An “interim” role within the church indicates that changes must be implemented to create long-term stability. It was judged that three years was long enough to address matters. Although I hold “interim status”, I agree with Bishop Rosemarie that I want to become Rector. This is a process outside my control and requires us all to be patient; in the meantime, we crack on with the task.

All of us must engage in mission. I lead this task by serving the whole parish with an open mind and a loving heart. These qualities are essential as we continue on the journey of reconciliation, growth, and stability. I am encouraged that, at minimum, these two qualities have enabled me to connect with a good number of those connected with our church and the wider community.

STRATEGIC INTERIM PERIOD GOALS

I met with the PCC on several occasions during 2024, and we renewed our commitment to our strategic interim period goals. As I said last year, these goals will help us engage in and measure the needed change. Some changes can be achieved quickly, while others can take a lifetime. Therefore, being grounded and realistic, we can all move forward positively.

We agreed that our core purpose was to allow anyone to Come and discover God.

This core purpose can be achieved through committing ourselves to be led by God and engaging, with the leading of the Holy Spirit, in activities that strengthen our mission and vision statement, set out earlier in this annual report.

We will engage in this task by continuing in the four priority areas over the next 12 months and reviewing and building upon it in subsequent years.

1 - A joyful and worshipping church

When people feel safe and happy in church, we can be joyful and truly worship God. We are in a different place from where I started in 2023, but we still have work to do.

The 8:00 a.m. congregation is growing and stable and is a place where, through the quietness, those who are troubled or bereaved seek solace. The 9:30 a.m. congregation is offered a variety of service types each month. I am encouraged that numbers are growing, with many returning to church. This is a great indicator that we are developing in the right direction.

I have been encouraged by the uptake of new recipients to my weekly email message (repeated on the website in Thought For The Week). We now have approximately 300 people signed up across the benefice.

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2 - Activities towards growth

This area takes much of my time and energy yet goes unseen from Sunday to Sunday. The mission is exciting because if we engage in it smartly, we can undoubtedly build upon what has been achieved over the last three or four generations. Connected with this is my work in Bletchingley Village School every month, and termly services in the church have been very encouraging.

I found great pleasure in working with my fellow trustees of the Bletchingley United Charities, engaging with those in our community who need help and encouragement .

Kate Doody's leadership in our work with the children and families has been encouraging. A special thanks to Kate and her team. We were able to access a grant to support our work. Our work with Hawthorns School has been good, and it was great to be in school and lead services in church at Christmas .

I am encouraged that ARK has a place in the church's life, It was a huge loss when Sue Morris died in June; the team has continued to develop under Chrissie Markham’s leadership. This is exciting as we engage with young families as part of our mission.

Blessed Breakfast Club is thriving under Rob Tucker's leadership. We hold him in our prayers. This ministry amongst men, who are generally on the edge of church life, is a core part of people getting to know God.

We have taken some tentative steps regarding women's spiritual needs. As I write in I am encouraged that Liz Windridge will formally join the ministry team across the benefice. Liz will add some value to Women Who Wine and develop that further.

It is exciting to observe God call men and women from our worshipping community to serve and lead in this mission.

3 - Strengthening reconciliation

Over the past 12 months, much work has been undertaken with individuals and groups to work closer towards reconciliation. As I said before, the effects of the division before my arrival are for some deep, others are mildly affected, and some are not affected at all. Reconciliation can only be achieved when those contributing to and affected by division have a renewed confidence in the process they are invited to engage in. The strength of private conversations means a new level of trust has been established and maintained. Trust leads us to truth and understanding. This enables healing and wholeness to be embedded again in those who want to receive it.

However, it is understandable that things may not change for those who live with anger and hurt. This is not a criticism of their position; rather, it is an acknowledgement of their lived experience. I pray for changed hearts and minds and a sense of peace. I’m always open to facilitating conversations. I am also content to hold this space and listen to those who desire peace for themselves.

Please pray for all involved in this area of our mission in your daily prayers. If people are open to engagement and resolution, there is work to be done.

4 - Striving towards financial stability

I am very proud that the Finance Committee and the PCC agreed on a budget for 2024 and then exceeded it! Having a budget is a legal requirement under the changes made in the Charities Act that came into effect in 2022. A budget allows us to put a cost to the mission and measure our progress. We have agreed on a budget for 2025, which is included in this report.

We have communicated our financial needs for 2025 to all who regularly worship with us. Soon, we should be able to compare the pledges people have made with our budgetary goals.

The PCC agreed to meet its obligations for its pledge to 2025 towards the Parish Support Fund, which amounts to £60,000. This is a necessary reduction I met with the PCC on several occasions during 2024, and we renewed our commitment to our strategic interim period goals. As I said last year, these goals will help us engage in and measure the needed change. Some changes can be achieved quickly, while others can take a lifetime. Therefore, being grounded and realistic, we can all move forward positively.

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The PCC agreed to meet its obligations for its pledge to 2025 towards the Parish Support Fund, which amounts to £60,000. This is a necessary reduction as we seek to biuld our reserves, which have dropped below our agreed level.

SAYING THANK YOU

The above was a quick review of our past year—much of the detail of what we have done and what has happened has rightly been set out by others in this Report. My report to the APCM should never simply be a list of “thank you” to those who keep the wheels turning, although of course, my thanks go to all who contribute to our common life together.

On behalf of you all, I want to thank a number of individuals, in no order of priority: Revd Penny Sherrington, Revd Kerry Tucker, John Buck, and Rob Tucker, who have exercised ministry within St. Mary’s. Thank you, for without you, we would not have achieved so much.

The Churchwardens and deputy Churchwarden have been central to managing the operation side of church life. I am grateful for their wisdom and encouragement; together, we began to set new “traditions” within our community life. We pray for God’s blessing on Jeff Marks as he comes to the end of his term of office.

One lifeblood of church management is the PCC and members of its subgroups; thank you for your commitment. I thank our Director of Music as he enhances our weekly worship for the choir and their efforts. It has been very helpful to have the guidance of Sacristan and his team as we have adapted our services. I want to acknowledge our thanks to those who take part in looking after the church fabric, the flowers team, cleaners and those who lock up, whose quiet and unobserved service enables the mission of the Church.

The benefice office is at the heart of our work, we express our sincere appreciation to Elaine Chalcraft, our administrator, for all her hard work.

THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION

I regularly work at Nutfield School. I have to turn up on time and finish on time. Otherwise, chaos ensues. School life demands routine and structure; this is how children thrive. Change can happen, but it should be planned and informed.

Church is the same. Often, we don’t like change. We like things to be familiar and predictable. We want to know what to expect when we approach a service. Yet, we experience that life is fragile and constantly changing. These undulations in our life and in the life of the world continuously change; God does not!

The Psalmist writes in Ps 145:8-9 “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” God and his Word are unchangeable; we can bet our faith on it. It is on this alone that I believe we can rebuild and extend this church. The compassion of God holds our souls through the challenges that change brings to us.

Mission brings change; this will continue to transform our lives and the world we engage with. But we do not need to be afraid or despair; we should seek love and hope. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” Matthew 24:35.

Let’s lean into God in this coming year and see our church grow. I ask for your prayers as I hold each of you in my prayers.

With my prayers and blessing,

Father Paul

Interim Priest-In-Charge

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REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2024

Safeguarding

The parish is committed to the safeguarding of young children, and adults.

Safeguarding Policies

We update our policies regularly; all our current polices are to be found on our website. You will find links to the policies and practices of this parish to ensure that we are a safe and welcoming place for all.

All PCC members are DBS checked. PCC members receive basic safeguarding training as and when the diocese provides courses. The aim is to give them an awareness of the subject.

All members of the church who have dealings with young people and vulnerable adults are DBS checked and also need to attend one of these courses.

Safeguarding Report

We have updated DBS checks for all members of the PCC through the year and we will continue to keep any new members to the PCC at the required level of DBS checks.

We have had no cause to refer any cases to the Diocesan Safeguarding team during the year.

We are still waiting for the Safeguarding team to agree on a benefice Basic Awareness course that we can hold locally.

Jeff Marks, Parish Safeguarding Officer

Churchwardens Annual Fabric Report

The tower roof was repaired in the Autumn.

The security light above the Church door was replaced.

Church Clock: Early in 2024, it was necessary to replace a steel cable. At the same time a survey was

carried out, and it was recommended that the clock be cleaned a major overhaul carried out of the whole clock mechanism. The main timing mechanism has been restored. Further work needs to be carried out, but it requires the hands to be removed and this can only be accessed from the outside, which will require scaffolding or abseiling. The exterior clock-dial needs repainting and gilding, and this work will be carried out at the same time.

Carpet moth larvae was discovered in the Holy Spirit chapel, so all the carpets have been treated, including those in the Vestry.

A small Silver Birch tree that had self-seeded in the Church yard was removed. At the same time a hedge along the boundary was reduced in height.

We are waiting for the diocese to approve the making good of the choir Vestry floor and the installation of cupboards.

The purchase of a new lectern has been approved, and a carpenter has been appointed to make it.

Jeff Marks Vicki Gillespie (Churchwardens)

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PCC Secretary’s Report

The PCC’s principal responsibilities are the maintenance of the church and other parish buildings, and management of the church’s finances. It also has three further general duties:

  1. To work together with the incumbent to promote mission within the parish

  2. To consult with the incumbent on matters of general concern and importance in the parish

  3. To comply with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults – and record at the APCM that we have done so.

The PCC, which met 6 times during 2024, had another busy year.

Our meetings throughout the year regularly review the following subjects:

Safeguarding,

Over the year the PCC passed the following resolutions:

That organists at St Mary’s will be paid according to the Musician Union Rates

That the small silver birch which had self seeded itself, should be felled

We discussed:

Giving for God’s Purpose, a leaflet produced by Fr Paul and the treasurer

of Reference for the Standing Committee

At our Harvest Festival Service in October a presentation was made to Ed Muller as he retired as Tower Captain after 50 years service. During this time he changed an unringable peal of 8 bells into one of the best 10 bells towers in Surrey with a modern training centre to encourage new ringers to learn.

In November Archdeacon Moira Astin addressed the PCC about Pastoral Reorganisation.

We are very grateful to the many people who quietly do numerous jobs behind the scenes to maintain the life of our beautiful church and her community, the welcomers, the verger, readers, those who lead our prayers, money counters, coffee makers, flower arrangers, cleaners, grass cutters, choir and bellringers, those who run the Arc and Hungry Hermit, to say nothing of the wonderful people who lead our Sunday Club and so many more.

If, as a previous incumbent said, you measure the success of a parish by the number of members of the congregation involved in running the church, we are a very healthy parish.

We also owe a huge vote of thanks to our Churchwardens, Vicki Gillespie and Jeff Marks, and Trevor Dawson, the deputy warden who do so much for our church.

Valerie Muller

PCC Secretary

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Finance Report

I am delighted to report that we made a modest surplus of £1,700 rather than the deficit which we had budgeted. This was due to a number of factors, in particular the great generosity of a number of donors and the increased revenue from collections for services such as christenings and memorial services.

Overall our expenses were very similar to 2023 although we should note that we reduced our Parish Support Fund to the Diocese, even though they had asked for a 21/2% increase. This leaves our unrestricted reserves at £16,600, slightly higher that last year but still well short of the £25,000 prescribed in our Financial Policy .

This was the first full year of the new electric heating system which turned out to cost £2,500 for the year, roughly similar to our gas bills before and substantially less than the £4,000 we had budgeted for – another reason for our beneficial financial performance last year. There is still restoration work required in the vestry resulting from the removal of the old gas furnace.

The balance sheet shows a marked increase of £21,000 to £40,000 which reflects the very welcome donation of nearly £21,000 from the Friends of Bletchingley Church and which allowed us to increase the sum on deposit with the Central Board of Finance of the C of E from £3,800 to £33,000.

The next section shows the donations we have made to various charities amounting to nearly £3,000. The largest individual donation was £565 to the British Heart Foundation from funds raised at Sue Morris’ funeral.

There have been significant movements in the restricted funds over the year, which are explained in the Financial Statements. In particular we have separated the funds received from the Friends into the Fabric Fund which has to be spent on the fabric of the church, and the funds arising from Lydia Dawes’ legacy which were not restricted. Two funds were extinguished having achieved their purpose, the Tower Fund and the Vestments Fund.

The Hungry Hermit had another good year, raising a surplus after costs (which include rent to Church House) of £1,200. Combined with the money left over from last year it was able to make donations of £1,900 – our hats off to the people who make it possible! The movements in the restricted funds are explained in more detail in the Financial Statements.

Bill Alexander Treasurer

The Blessed Breakfast Club (BBC) Men’s Breakfast Group

Started in 2018, the men’s breakfast club meets about once a month. Our objective is to offer an “ informal breakfast club for men sympathetic to &/or slightly curious about faith &/or for those who struggle to

accept faith. “ We meet on a Saturday, bright and early, 08.30 at Bletchingley Golf club where we enjoy a fine breakfast. We have between 12-15 attendees of whom approx’ 40% don’t attend Church regularly or at all, and that brings a welcome contrast to our discussions. Consequently we practice the art of agreeing to disagree respectfully!

The group is comfortable discussing current issues and related faith viewpoints. Past topics have included –

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Discussions are chaired by different participants which helps to ensure that different perspectives are shared.

We have lively discussions and many friendships have been formed or strengthened through this initiative.

Details from Rob Tucker 07852 123628

Our Young People

2024 was another fun year for Sunday Club! We continued to meet twice a month, on the first and third Sundays of the month, and welcomed children aged three and upwards to join us. We start in Church in the main service before going out to Church House for games, crafts, activities, and fun, and then re-join the congregation for communion.

We continue to share our activities with the congregation after communion and try to keep the Sunday Club board updated at the back of the Church- do stop and look at our crafts and activities and ask the children about them, they really enjoy talking about what they have been doing and learning and they frequently surprise me with how much they take in and how insightful they are.

The more informal and shorter Family Service on the second Sunday of the month has continued as well.

We held a children’s service on Good Friday, changing plans at the last minute to run this in Church House due to the weather, and once again the Easter trail boards were set out around the churchyard for children to follow and learn more about the Easter story. We had several ‘new’ children join the Good Friday service which was really encouraging.

In June we ran a stall at the Village Fair, engaging children with crafts and a lucky dip- a great opportunity to share some of the sorts of activities we do at Sunday Club with a wider audience.

Everyone enjoyed our annual Christingle service on Christmas Eve,, with adults and children alike joining in the fun and dressing up as the nativity characters. We had a great turn out for, and lots of fun, making the Christingles with plenty of Christmas spirit!

We have big plans for 2025 including a trip to see Jospeh and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in Woking in June, and a revamped, bigger, and better Light Party on 1 November!

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Finally, a huge thank you once again to Max and Rosa and to Caroline, Severine and Immy without whom we wouldn’t be able to run Sunday Club.

Kate Doody

The Ark

Although we were all saddened by the loss of Sue Morris, who had led The Ark for so long, I am pleased to report that it continues to thrive. I am certain Sue would be pleased and proud.

During the summer months, when the weather allowed, we met in the newly refurbished Stychens Lane Playground, which now also houses a bench dedicated to Sue Morris's memory. Due to a very generous donation ,which was passed to us by Father Paul, a number of the group were able to enjoy a day out at Godstone Farm. The children really enjoyed seeing the animals and had lots of fun in the soft play barn.

During Advent, we met briefly in Church to light the Advent candle, admire the Christmas tree, and sing a carol. The Christmas party was a great success, and the children were excited to receive gifts from You Know Who!! This year, we continue to welcome up to 14 little ones each week together with either their

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parents or grandparents. The children have lots of fun playing with a great variety of toys, while the adults enjoy a hot drink and a chat. This is particularly helpful for new mothers, as being at home with a new baby can sometimes feel quite isolating. After an hour of play, the children gather around the tables for snack time ( always popular), and quite often, there is delicious leftover cake from the Hungry Hermit cafe for the adults. This is followed by a story and action songs, after which we all finish on our feet with some marching songs and, of course, the traditional Hokey Cokey! Finally, I am grateful to my three lovely assistants, Peta, Jill, and Barbara, who help keep the Ark afloat! Chrissie Markham.

The Church Choir

The choir remains the same loyal seven singers as last year.

We are a very supportive friendly group who enjoy singing together under the skilful direction of Tristan our conductor. We sing music from a wide repertoire, our most recent being music composed by our very own conductor. Thank you Tristan.

We are lucky to have Ellie M, a very able alto, to help us for special occasions.

As always we would so love to welcome some more singers. You don’t need to read music, just enjoy making music with others. We look forward to welcoming you.

Valerie Muller

Church Bellringers

The year started as usual with Ed Muller managing the ringing for services and a weekly practice night, ably assisted by Oli Thompson.

As I was serving for the 08:00 Communion Service I was available most weekends to make up the numbers if required. Part way through the year I joined Bletchingley’s practice night with a couple of Nutfield ringers to broaden their experience.

On 22nd of September at the main service the announcement was made, Ed Muller was retiring as Tower Captain after 50 years’ service and Vicky Williams was appointed as his replacement. Over the remainder of the year, we have made a soft transition.

The Surrey Association of church bell ringers held an event, with ringing followed by an old-fashioned Ringers’ Tea, at Bletchingley to recognise Eds achievement. It is hoped that this will become an annual tradition as a Captains Tea to promote the role within the organisation.

Our AGM was held towards the end of the year, which opened with Vicky taking the opportunity to explain her approach as Tower Captain. Below is an excerpt from the approved AGM minutes.

Although the Churchwardens, PCC and Priest-In-Charge appoint the Tower Captain, the band need a say in how we operate. Therefore, each AGM will commence with everyone, including the Tower Captain, standing down from their roles, indicating their willingness to re-stand or otherwise. Elections will be via a show of hands, acting as a vote of confidence.

Angela Price was thanked for her management of our accounts, and it was noted that she would like to find a successor to enable her to start a handover, ready for her to standdown. Jo Hoy kindly volunteered to take this on. The review of our accounts showed them to remain in a healthy condition with a slight increase over the year.

We have been blessed by a number of local ringers from Caterham, Godstone, Nutfield, and Outwood joining us on our practice nights and to augment our service ringing. Enabling all ten bells to be rung on most

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occasions.

Vicki Williams Tower Captain

Flower Arrangers

Our small dedicated team has continued much as before, always ensuring there are flowers in place each week for us all to enjoy. We then have others join us for festivals. It is always such a joy to see everyone coming together to fill our beautiful Church with flowers on these occasions.

There have been very few weddings this year, and all opted not to have any special flowers.

We have a small flower fund, which is mainly used to purchase any sundry items. We are very fortunate that the flower team buy their own flowers, which we consider as part of our giving. The sponsorship scheme has been slow, but a few people have asked for loved one to be remembered. Others have preferred to remember someone special, by giving a donation towards the Easter lilies. We appreciate all donations.

We continue to look for alternatives to floral foam, and I am pleased to report, we are virtually foam free. Using British, locally grown flowers has proved to be more of a challenge, both in terms of cost and availability, but I will continue to look.

Vicki Gillespie

Churches Together

We were delighted to invite Deacon Tim Murrill to share in leading with our Christmas Carol Service.

Hungry Hermit

In December 2018 Sue Morris and I completed an Application Form to the Croydon Episcopal Area for a Mission Grant to enable us to start a cafe in Church House for our village community. We opened in early 2019 and the cafe has continued to evolve each year. Sue is greatly missed by all of us of course but a small team of dedicated volunteers continue to bake and serve cakes and hot drinks every Tuesday morning from 10.30 to 12 noon. Many of these volunteers have helped from the start but this year we were grateful to have two , the Skills Centre and the Renewed Hope Trust - a total of £1,579. One of the aims on our original application for the grant was - to offer friendship, care in a welcoming venue to reduce isolation and loneliness and to generally increase the feeling of community within the village. This has not changed and we are grateful to a number of very regular, loyal customers who always encourage newcomers to join them if they so wish and generally create a warm, welcoming space.

Ann Pressey Hungry Hermit Team

Discussion Groups

It was great to have so many engage in discussing things. In Lent, we looked at climate change with Susan Sayers' book This. Then, in the autumn, John Buck designed a series of discussions to help us leap into the Gospel of Luke. In 2023, someone suggested that we "discuss" rather than "study"; it was a brilliant idea as people came to open their minds. the numbers attending are growing.

Father Paul Interim Priest-in-Charge

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Social Committee

We have had a reasonably easy year!

We had hoped to provide refreshment when Richard Miles opened his garden to view his snowdrops however, due to the weather, the snowdrops were not at their best so the event was cancelled. We provided the Easter Breakfast.

This year our Harvest Lunch was held in church and the general feeling was that this was a wonderful venue for such a lunch, a good place to say thank you to God for our wonderful gifts.

We completed the year by providing refreshments after the Carol Service at Christmas. This is always a wonderful opportunity to welcome into our church those from the village who only attend occasionally.

A very big thank you to all those who provided food, welcome and laughter.

Valerie Muller 2024

Tandridge Deanery Synod

Tuesday 20 February 2024

A short business meeting was held in St Lawrence’s, which included:

Treasurer’s Report - Joanna Brown (Lingfield) who was elected as Treasurer in June 2023 has been busy since then, getting access to the original account and working hard to transfer deanery funds to a new ethical bank account with the Co-op. Southwark Diocese has given approval to overlook the fact that it hasn’t been possible to approve the annual accounts for the past two years as everything appears to be in order. In future the financial year will, in accordance with the Diocese and other deaneries, begin on 1 January. There is about £5,300 in the account.

Diocesan Synod elections 2024 - Deanery Synod members can elect 4 lay and 3 clergy representatives, within their separate houses, lay and clergy. This is a reduction of one in each house from 2021. The term of office is 3 years from 1 August 2024. Current representatives, who may stand again, are: April Alexander, Catharina Hickson, Sue Mallinson and Geoff Izzard (laity) and Michelle Edmonds and Helen Cook (clergy). Elections will be timed to finish before the next Deanery Synod meeting. Further information, instructions and nomination forms will be sent in May. When you receive this, it is very important for all parishes to advertise the lay vacancies, as anyone on a parish electoral roll can stand, but they must be proposed and seconded by a lay Deanery Synod member.

The Lent Climate Pilgrimage walk - Revd Helen Burnett reported on the first of six Lent Climate Pilgrimage walks, on 17 February 2024 from Reigate to Chaldon which attracted 70 walkers. She encouraged everyone to take part in some of the other walks, the final one being from Battersea to Southwark Cathedral on 28 March 2024.

Next came a very welcome short time of worship, led by ‘Free Spirit. The band plays regularly at both St Mary’s and St Lawrence’s, and we thank them for this great opportunity for us to worship together as a deanery. Members then returned to St Mary’s, assisted across the road in both directions by stewards in high vis jackets.

How to be an effective Deanery Synod member

This section of the meeting began with a very informative introduction by Susan Gibbin (St John’s, Caterham Valley) on the history of the deanery synod, which dates from the 11th century, and its role within the governance structure of the CofE. Discussion in four groups followed, each table being provided with different questions to consider and a large sheet of paper to record some answers and suggestions. Groups are requested to send copies of the answers to April Alexander, as these will form the basis of the next meeting.

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Tandridge Deanery Synod - Thursday 4 July 2024

Business Meeting

Lay Chair: Susan Gibbin (St John’s, Caterham Valley) was elected as the new Lay Chair, replacing April Alexander who was standing down after 3 years.

Secretary: Janet Harman was standing down after 20 years as the Deanery Synod Secretary, with Godstone and then the newly formed Tandridge Deaneries. There was no replacement yet.

Deanery Synod Finances: Joanna Brown, Treasurer has made some progress in changing the signatories for the Lloyds bank account, with invaluable assistance from David Spruce (Horne) who has been working with the previous Treasurer, Barbara Verco. The matter is still ongoing.

Diocesan Synod elections 2024: The following four lay and three clergy representatives were elected to the Diocesan Synod, by the appropriate house, for the period from 1 August 2024 until 31 July 2027:

Laity April Alexander (Bletchingley) Sue Mallinson (Tandridge) Catharina Hickson (Oxted) Kim Wilkins (Chelsham) Clergy Helen Burnett (Chaldon) Helen Cook (Limpsfield & Tatsfield) Michelle Edmonds (Warlingham Team)

Lay Conference: Feedback from the Lay Conference on 2 March 2024 was very positive. Keynote speaker, Dr Elaine Storkey, was excellent and she also led one of the workshops on offer, on women and violence, a subject much in the news at the moment. It is hoped more people might be encouraged to attend the next Lay Conference, in March 2026.

Country Way Magazine: Previously available as a hard copy, this is now only online. You can sign up for the free monthly newsletter at https://arthurrankcentre.org.uk/newsletter-sign-up/

Deanery WhatsApp Group: Thank you to Mary Clair Kelly (St Mary’s Caterham) who is in the process of setting this up. All Deanery Synod members should have received an invitation to join.

Worship

Revd James Ashton led a short period of worship which included Bible readings, reflection, prayer and song, acknowledging that it was the day of the UK General Election.

Discussion in Groups - Deanery and Parish: finding a way to build connections

The topic followed on from discussions at the previous meeting on how the Deanery could be more effective. As an opener, people were asked to draw a small picture to answer the question ‘If Tandridge Deanery was a vehicle, what would it be?’

Questions grouped under the two diocesan headings of Christ-centred and outward-focused were then discussed in groups. Answers to both aspects were collected at the end and are recorded in full in the minutes.

Tandridge Deanery Synod - Wednesday 23rd October 2024

DISCUSSION FOCUS: PARISH, PLACE AND PRESENCE

Michelle Edmonds set the context for the discussions. She provided feedback from a recent clergy study day which focused on the priority being given to parishes as the starting place and focal point of the

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Diocesan Vision ‘Christ Centred, Outward Focused’.

With this in mind members were grouped at tables to consider the maps of their parishes as well as those of their neighbours and reflect on, what surprised them; where the church had limited connections and how this could inform their Mission action plans.

A number of observations were shared including the link between Tandridge parishes and routes of pilgrimage and how we can identify those members of our population who are missing from our church. It was suggested that the observations could be helpfully shared with individual PCCs.

WORSHIP

Revd Helen Burnett led the Synod in a time of Prayer and reflection focusing on Black History Month.

BUSINESS MEETING

Presentation: Janet Harman and April Alexander were presented with a small token of thanks from all in Deanery Synod for their significant support and past roles in Deanery Synod.

Treasurer’s report: Joanna Brown was thanked by Michelle for all her hard work, in arranging for a change in signatories and establishing online banking arrangements.

Secretary Vacancy : No appointment has yet been made. Copies of the job description for Deanery Secretary will be circulated amongst members. Expressions of interest should be brought to the attention of the Area Dean and or Lay Chair.

Leadership Team: Members were asked to consider joining the Leadership team. Further details are available from the Area Dean and or Lay Chair.

Report from Diocesan Synod: The report was circulated with the minutes and agenda. There were no questions.

Climate Pilgrimage: Helen Burnett highlighted the dates for a Climate pilgrimage across the Diocese starting at Pentecost. All are welcomed to attend one or more of the days walks. More details to follow.

General Notices: April Alexander reported back on the service at St Pauls to celebrate 30 years of women in ordained ministry. She also updated everyone on the health of Bishop Christopher.

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lncome Notes 2424 2423
Stewardship 54,105 64,155
Gift Aid(TaxrebatefromHMRC) L9,244 17,400
Stewardship(nongiftaid) 5,000 3,135
Collections 9,026 5,150
Fees(WeddingsandFunerals) 3,378 3,0!6
Donations 457 400
BookofRemembrance 111 175
Appealsseebelow 2,410 3,018
Diocesan Grants 540
Miscellaneous lncome 400 100
Thomas ChapmanCharity(Clerks Hous,2
lnterestReceived L,33L L,L43
Total L05,450 98,232
Expenditure
Donationspaid		 seebelow 2,869 3,075
ParishSupportFund 55,040 67,440
AltarRequisites 584 621
BookofRemembrance L64 189
ClergyExpenses 2,688 L,762
Organist 7,338 7,238
Computing&Electronics 1,087 477
Choir Organ andMusic 1,OL4 530
MinistrytoChildren and Families 531 501
lnsurance 5,650 5,564
Electricity &Water 2,587 2,544
ParishAdministrator-shareofcosts 6,800 6,8CI0
RentforuseofChurchHouse 3,500 3,600
Printing &Office Supplies 7L6
RepairsandMaintenance 3,125 1,831
Miscellaneous Expenditure 685 772
LO3,762 103,756
Surplus/(Deficit) fortheyear 1,589 (5,5241
Accumulated Fundatyear beginning 14,905 20,429
BalancecarriedtoBalance Sheet f16,593 f14,905
Balance Sheet as at31st Decemb er,2024
Notes 2024 2023
Current Assets
CentralBoardofFinance 3 33,L47 3,816
BalanceatBank 6,931- L7,368
HungryHermitPettyCash 45 92
Debtors 863
44,123 22,140
Less:Creditors (1,413)
f40,t23 fza,726
Represented by:
UnrestrictedReserves 16,593 14,905
RestrictedFunds 23,530 5,821
t40,723 f20,726

Lent appealviaCharitiesAir 2s0
Aid Foundation
SueMorris memorial 405
DonationforSue'sbench 50
Pimms eveningcollection 810
Separatedonations 150
Remembrance SundayCollr 364
Good box Remembrance 19
Christingle 351
f2,410
Childrens Society 86
Renewed Hope 58
Bishops Lent 250
British Heart Foundation 565
ContributiontoSue'sbench 50
ChurchHouse 500
Caterhamfoodbank 500
BritishLegion 440
Childrenssociety 420
f2,869

Opening
Balance lncorne Outgoings Balance
FabricFund 7,377 25,505 {21,297!. 5,585
LydiaLegacy(Designated) 79,143 (4,280) 14,864
HungryHermit 765 2,278 (2,955) 88
TowerFund 7,203 7,725 (2,9281
Flowers 597 245 (3s2) 551
ChildrensFund 400 {24s1- 155
Seatfund 559 559
RTrotmanllectern 1,679 50 L,729
Vestments 100
f5,822		 5,670
f55,534		 {5,77A1
f(37,8261		 f23,530

Hungry Hermit lncomeandOutgoings
2424 2023
lncome
Donations 2,279 2,41L
Expenditure
Roomrent 820 750
Costof operations 23s 415
Surplus before donations L,223 \,246
Donationsout
Chrlstian Aid 488
ChurchHouse 800
Renewed Hope 650
Bletchingley Skills centre zso
Sue's Bench 240
Accumulated fundasat1stJanuary2O24 765 7
Net (Deficit)/Surplusforyear,afterdonationsout (677) 758
Accumulatedfundasat 31st December 2024 f88 f765

Unrestricted Restricted TOTALFUNDS TOTALFUNDS
Funds Funds 2024 2023
lncoming Resources
lncomingResourcesfromdonors 101,,709 55,534 757,244 107,194
ChurchActivities 2,43.0 2,41,0 3,019
Othersourcesofincome
lncomefrominvestments L,33L L,33L 1,L43
Total lncomingResources 105,450 55,534 160,995 111,356
ResourcesUsed
Donationsout 2,869 1,900 4,769 4,489
TheWork oftheChurch 97,767 97,767 99,74L
HungryHermitCafr6 1,055 1,055 1,155
Property Managementand 3,125 34,871 37,996 28,269
Administration
Total ResourcesUsed L03,762 37,826 141,599 1^33,653
Netlncoming/(Outgoing)Resources 1,699 17,709 L9,397 (22,308)
Balancesat1stJanuary,2A24
Balances at3tstDecember,2024		 1.4,9O4
f16,593		 5,822

f23,530		 20,726
f40,123		 43,O34
f24,726