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2021-12-31-accounts

St Mary the Virgin, East Bergholt Annual Report for 2021

Annual Meeting to be held on Sunday 20[th] March 2022 immediately after Morning Service

Annual Parochial Church Meeting of St Mary the Virgin, East Bergholt

(Benefice of East Bergholt and Brantham)

St Mary the Virgin, East Bergholt

Incumbent:

Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn (assisted by Guide Dog (Canon) Coco The Rectory Rectory Lane Brantham Manningtree CO11 1PZ 01206 392646 revstephvdt@googlemail.com

Bank:

Barclays Bank 4 High Street Manningtree CO11 1AF

Register of Charities with the Registered Charity Number 1190273

Independent Examiner

Mrs B Evans Rookery Cottage Gaston Street East Bergholt Colchester CO7 6SF

Website: via A Church near You: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/2067/

Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/stmaryseastbergholt Constable Country Churches YouTube: select the video tab and/or select channel for services particular to St. Mary’s

THE DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION PRIVACY NOTICE

The information we hold about you in our Church records is only disclosed to those who need to see it for Church purposes. We will send you information related to the Benefice, the Church, the ministry and activities. If you wish to

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Contents

St Mary the Virgin - East Bergholt PCC 2021-2022..............................................4 Agenda for APCM.................................................................................................5 Rector’s Report:...................................................................................................6 Curate’s Report...................................................................................................8 Electoral Roll.......................................................................................................8 Proceedings of the East Bergholt PCC.................................................................9 Safeguarding.......................................................................................................9 Treasurer’s Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2021...............................10 Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts.............................................12 East Bergholt PCC Accounts Year Ending 31/12/2021.......................................13 Samford Deanery Synod & Group Council.........................................................18 Churchwardens.................................................................................................19 Bell Ringers.......................................................................................................21 Flower Arrangers...............................................................................................22 Foundation Governors’ Report..........................................................................23 East Bergholt Parish Magazine..........................................................................24 Toddlers Group..................................................................................................24 Family@church..................................................................................................25 Mothers’ Union..................................................................................................25 Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2021.....................................26 St. Mary’s Church East Bergholt Preservation Society Review of 2021.............28

Due to Covid there are less reports than previous years. We are very hopeful that next year we’ll be back to full activity reporting.

St Mary the Virgin - East Bergholt PCC 2021-2022

----- Start of picture text -----
Canon Stephne van der
Rector 392646
Toorn
01473
Liz Digby Churchwarden 312281
EX-OFFICIO Fiona Trott Churchwarden 298205
Roy Stephenson resigned 07910
June 21 Deanery Synod Rep 509715
Chris Jacob Deanery Synod Rep 298552
Sarah Southgate Deanery Synod Rep 299729
Brantham PCC
CO-OPTED Lauraine Johnson 299005
Representative
ELECTED
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
TO SEEK RE-ELECTION IN TO SEEK RE-ELECTION IN TO SEEK RE-ELECTION IN
2022 2023 2024
Jackie 39350 Barry Blomfield 298449
298323 Lesley Cherry
Reeves 0
Glen 29930 Howard 079704162
299109 Ruben Rushen
Rowson 3 Holdsworth 49
29998 Vacancy
Geoff Potter 298595 Victoria Rothwell
0
Ruth Hamilton Vacancy
Shirley 01473 29988
Bryant resigned
Bruce 780084 1
October 21
PCC Vice Chairman Fiona Trott 298205
07850
Minutes Secretary Steve Newman 505713
PCC Secretary Michelle Jowers 390332
Brantham representative Lauraine Johnson 299005
Hon Treasurer Lesley Cherry 393500
Deputy Churchwardens Barry Blomfield 298449
Lesley Cherry 393500
Chris Jacob 298552
Ruben Rushen 299303
Geoff Potter 298595
Glen Rowson 299109
01473
Shirley Bruce 780084
Electoral Roll Officer Fiona Trott 298205
Benefice Safeguarding Officer Glen Rowson 299109
Rev Canon Stephne van der 392646
Standing Committee (Chair) Toorn
Standing Committee (Minutes 07850
Secretary) Steve Newman 505713
Standing Committee (Treasurer) Lesley Cherry 393500
Standing Committee (Health & 298449/2991
Safety) Barry Blomfield/Glen Rowson 09
Standing Committee (Wardens) Fiona Trott 298205
01473
Liz Digby 312281
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Rev Canon Stephne van der 392646
Lettice Dykes Toorn
Ruben Rushen 299303
Ted Wheatley 298102
Gill Rattray 298380
Rev Canon Stephne van der 392646
Preservation Society Toorn
01473
Liz Digby 312281
Lesley Cherry 393500
Rev Canon Stephne van der 392646
Foundation Governors Toorn
Simon Rothwell 299980
Rev Canon Stephne van der 392646
Magazine Committee Toorn
Lesley Cherry 393500
Ecumenical Committee Barry Blomfield 298449
Chris Jacob 298552
07578
Captain of Bells Terry Eagle 002974
----- End of picture text -----

Agenda for APCM

20 March 2022 at St. Mary the Virgin, East Bergholt In the light of Covid, meeting to be as short as possible.

  1. Welcome and Prayers

  2. Minutes of the APCM 25[th] April 2021

  3. Receive the Rector’s report

  4. Electoral Roll report

  5. Report on the proceedings of the PCC

  6. Approve the Treasurer’s report and accounts

  7. Report on the proceedings of Deanery Synod

  8. Safeguarding report

  9. Elections:

  10. Churchwardens

  11. Deanery Synod: 1 Vacancy. (Roy Stepheson, Sarah Southgate and Chris Jacob were elected for 3 years from November 2020. Roy Stephenson resigned in June when he moved to the USA.)

  12. PCC: 4 representatives for 3 years, and 2 for two years and 1 for 1 year

  13. Appoint an Independent Examiner – Mrs Britt Evans has indicated her willingness to continue

  14. Receive all other reports

The PCC will convene at the close of the APCM to elect Officers and deal with any urgent business.

AGENDA FOR PCC MEETING TO FOLLOW THE APCM

Election of PCC Officers

Dates of Further meetings:

26[th] May, 7[th] July, 22[nd] September, 17[th] November Archdeacon visitation on 9[th] June, 19:30 at Holbrook

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Rector’s Report:

2021 – another year with God, doing our best to faithfully share his love in a world dealing with pandemic, fear, death, isolation, loneliness and despair.

Our churches were in lockdown until Palm Sunday, so we filmed our morning services and the ancient service of Compline which Rev Eric faithfully posted to YouTube and other platforms. We heard from people all around the country and indeed abroad who shared in worship with us. Funerals were filmed in the church, the cemetery and churchyard to help folk, unable to be present for whatever reason, to participate and feel included.

Those involved in the filming and work on the internet platforms (Rev Eric, Joop, Fiona, Nick and Len) spent hours trouble shooting, wrestling with computers and learning new skills, and we are most grateful to them all. I learnt that I do not have “a best side” to show to the camera, that I look alarmingly like Professor Snape on a bad day when my cloak billows in the wind, and that the telephone will inevitably ring or the dogs/Kabouter the parrot become vocal just as I begin recording. Coco would also rise to report for duty when I pronounced the blessing just as she does in church. A very astute dog with sound liturgical instincts.

We said a sad farewell to Rev Eric Falla on Palm Sunday and presented him with a beautiful bespoke silk stole and a cheque which helped him to buy a lawnmower for his new garden. Our benefice benefited enormously from his faithful ministry amongst us.

Once we were back in our beautiful buildings, we alternated services between our churches, and the 8.00 BCP communion at East Bergholt resumed later in the year. Communion continued to be in one kind only and we observed the Covid protocols, strictly mindful that we are responsible for each other’s welfare. I had nightmares about being a super spreader.

Both PCCs agreed that at Christmas without a Curate we could no longer staff the level of services we have offered in previous years. (This had been decided before Rev Eric came to us.) When he arrived we were able to delay implementation, but it came into force in 2021. Christmas Midnight was at East Bergholt and Christmas Day in Brantham. Safety concerns caused the St Michael’s Christingle to be cancelled as we could not socially distance the huge numbers that attend and enforcing booking was not an option. Turning away an excited child arriving without having booked was too awful to contemplate. This inevitably led to unhappiness and the feeling that St Michael’s was being short- changed at Christmas because both Christmas Eve family services at St Mary’s went ahead as usual. I am sorry if you were disappointed. I did the best I could under the circumstances officiating at 4 services on Christmas Eve day. Without extra help in 2022 the Midnight service will be at St Michael’s and the Christmas day service at St Mary’s. We can but hope that the pandemic will have vanished, and Christingle will be able to take place again.

During the year I have continued as a Training Incumbent and supervising Rev Sally Letman who is the Curate in Charge at Capel St Mary and Great Wenham. It was a joy to be worshipping with them once a month-something made possible by the alternating pattern of services and our hard-working ministry team. We are indebted to our retired priests Rev Peter Ball and Rev Roy Seden who was granted permission to officiate during the latter part of the year. Both

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wonderfully assist us at Eucharistic services. I am mindful that they are retired and do my best not to abuse their generosity.

I kept doing assemblies at East Bergholt Primary School-either on YouTube, or via Zoom from the head teacher’s office depending on the circumstances. Joop and I did a few Open the Book assemblies, but the teams have not been able to go in for far too long. Such a shame.

Brooklands School Years 5 and 6 came into St Michael’s for their annual Christmas Church assembly – we were not able to have the whole school as the church is not big enough to maintain the social distancing that was required at that point. East Bergholt Primary divided their assemblies into two sessions and were able to come. I have been in regular contact with our local head teachers assuring them of our prayers at all times in what has been for them another horrendous year. They have been immensely appreciative of our prayers.

The church newsletter was either emailed or hand delivered, to parishioners without internet access, as we made a great effort to help everyone feel included and loved. This was very labour intensive and it became a weekly newsletter rather than twice a week from the middle of the year. Into each envelope went a copy of the seasonal order of service and the pew sheet. We did our best to provide useful information against scams which were rife, suppliers prepared to deliver to the home and uplifting stories to encourage and produce a smile. I hope we succeeded.

During the year I conducted 35 funerals, 7 weddings and 5 baptisms. The funerals seemed to come in groups which was emotionally draining, especially as we lost dearly loved members of our congregations. At one point I found myself weeping into my keyboard when someone sent me a kind email. Mentioned this to a very senior colleague, and quite by chance I am sure, had a call from the archdeacon asking how I am and was instructed to take a week off. Some wedding couples had postponed their big day from the previous year, and when more restrictions came in, postponed yet again to 2022. The wedding preparation day was held via Zoom and will be again in 2022. I have successfully with a sense of relief, handed organisation of the day over to my Deanery Colleagues. Michelle my administrator still does the production of the wedding packs and co-ordinates the logistics.

Attendance at church services was down when we were able to meet together again as folk were being very careful. Groups met online via Zoom which meant that those without the technology were excluded from the discussions and fellowship. Family@church and Toddlers continued to flourish within the parameters imposed on us by Covid and were a lifeline to many families especially young mums. Church lunches and coffee mornings were not possible.

Fundraising was severely affected, and we missed the weekly collections and income from special events. Both churches took a good look at their expenses and cut down as much as possible. Thank you to so much for continuing to give regularly. The church still needs to pay its bills! The East Bergholt Wardens will cover the roofing project in their report.

9

Remembrance Sunday at East Bergholt was held inside the church, and in the fresh air at Brantham. After the limited attendance of the precious year it was very good to be able to come together to remember.

The ecumenical fraternal met regularly throughout the year and is a very supportive group. Thank you very much indeed to everyone who helps in any way at church. You know who you are!

I am now in my final year with you and beginning to think about retirement. What a prospect! We continue to trust God as we journey together on our life of faith. May you know his peace, no matter what.

The Lord be with

you.

Rev Steph and Coco

Curate’s Report

I continued my Deacon’s year during the season of Covid, guided and supported by Rev Steph with her usual, calm, compassionate and caring tutelage. It is so much easier to learn through not feeling intimidated. I know so little and we have roared with laughter at many of my mistakes. Usually these are covered with a smile, so don’t watch out for them!

We continued to record many services and reflections for the YouTube channel and my first experiences of funerals were with very small and intimate gatherings. It was a joy to finally open our churches on Palm Sunday and have small but more normal Easter services, singing Thine Be the Glory in the church yard.

I have many training days and a regular meeting day with other curates, they were on Zoom but we did manage a walk together when the rules allowed.

I have felt worried at times at the amount of time Rev Stephne has to give to me as my supervisor but as the year went on as a Curate in charge at Capel St Mary and the Wenhams she has enabled me to learn and then do myself.

In July I was Ordained a Priest in a wonderful service at the Cathedral; Rev Steph accompanied me to the Bishop’s chair and it was a remarkable and wonderful day. Gradually my supervision had a lighter touch, although we do meet weekly for reflection and for her to listen to my worries.

It is a strange land of curacy; a land of learning and of formation into the priest God wants me to be. It has been a time of learning and reflection and I feel sad that I have not met many of you in person.

I continue to work at being the best I can be, although so often we don’t manage it but we keep on trying; with prayer, companionship and by being steered by the best training incumbent a girl can have!

Thank you Steph, and thank you all for allowing her to steer and guide me with the grace of God.

10

Rev Sally - Curate in charge of Capel St Mary with little and Great Wenham.

Electoral Roll

At the time of writing, there are 127 people on the Roll.

Fiona Trott Electoral Roll Officer

11

Proceedings of the East Bergholt PCC

Once again 2021 has not been as good a year as it could have been with the Omicron variant of Covid causing a number of difficulties and not enabling us to have the freedoms we would have wished for. But, with the use of technology and the commitment and good will of all PCC members we have been able to continue our business. The majority of meeting in 2021 have been in the “ZOOM room” but we were able to carry out a number of “physical” meetings as long as we observed social distancing and masks were used, which does not make taking the minutes very easy.

During 2021 the EB PCC held at total of 10 meetings, including a number of emergency meetings, and on average, there were 12 members present at each of the meetings. The items discussed at the meetings covered a wide variety of areas which included: updating the Bellringers Handbook; carrying out Health and Safety and Covid risk assessments; managing the workload without Rev Eric; repairs carried out by Cumbria Clocks; roof repairs and fundraising activities; filming of services and Wi-Fi in the church; a change of Safeguarding Officer for the Benefice - Glen Rowson has now taken over this position; the form/format/pattern of Services during lockdown and restrictions; the new marriage registration process; the Bat Survey; the progress of the Family@Church initiative and the Toddler Group; the Church Insurance; the Alpha course; the Christmas parade; and not least, regular financial reports and updates from the Treasurer in these difficult times;

Despite the need for social distancing and the wearing of face masks, the discussions at the meetings were very friendly, constructive, and supportive and there was a genuine spirit of cooperation and the wish to do the best for the benefice.

Steve Newman Minutes Secretary

Safeguarding

We have had two potential safeguarding referrals across East Bergholt and Brantham in the last year. Both have been investigated and dealt with.

Safeguarding Training has been an issue and whilst some people have been able to do basic training online, there are a number of people who are not able to do so.

The Diocesan safeguarding team has been working on delivering the ability for face-to-face training and it is hoped to get trained up in order that we can do our own face-to-face training during the coming year.

Glen is stepping back from the role of parish safeguarding officer for a while and Fiona Trott has agreed to cover this in his absence. Please contact her with any concerns.

12

Glen Rowson Benefice Safeguarding Officer 13

Treasurer’s Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

General Fund

General Fund receipts have recovered a little on last year. Although some areas are continuing to fall, the church has been regularly open, with donations and collections at services improving on the previous year.

We prepare our accounts on a receipts and payments basis, which means that accruals and adjustments are not required. However this can result in timing differences and affects areas such as Utility bills, oil, printing costs, special collections etc

Magazine

The magazine account has turned a profit once again this year. This resulted in a total of £2,000 being transferred to the General Fund during this financial year. There is one month’s printing outstanding and one month of commission. After allowing for these costs the balance would be £6,675. We will be looking to transfer some more across shortly after allowing for outstanding and projected expenses. No monies are transferred to the Church General Fund without consulting the Magazine Committee.

Roof Fund

This fund was started in July 2019 and the first expenses were paid out in December 2019. Fundraising events this year included a concert, a music quiz and the Art Exhibition weekend, which all raised valuable funds. Charity Fundraising Ltd is the company providing the invaluable expertise and support for us to hopefully submit a successful Lottery application.

Bell Cage

14

Bell cage donations have increased a little due to more tourism taking place during the financial year and a generous donation. Thank you to the ringers for agreeing to pay their own Bell Ringers Guild Subscriptions for this and future years, thus helping the church with its dwindling income.

Parish Share

This is our largest single annual expense. This year, there continued to be little flexibility in our finances, partly due to no money being available from the Hetherington Fund, and partly the much-reduced income. Although after cutting costs once again, we were able to pay £38,600 (2020 : £22,500) of the full £51,786 due. The Diocese has continued to be kept informed and Liz Digby and I attended a meeting with an advisor during the year. The PCC also continue to look at reducing outgoings and making savings wherever possible.

Preservation Society

It would be extremely remiss of me not to mention the valuable part the Preservation Society has played this year in the roof project and also the organ repair. They have helped to pay for the bat surveys, lead repair and made a substantial contribution to the architects’ fees. It is clear from this report that without the help of this charity we would not have been able to undertake these works.

Various

The Jenny Lane fund is for work with children, and continues to be used whenever appropriate costs arise.

Investments are included at cost, but their market value remains in significant excess of cost. They provide a crucial regular income stream throughout the year.

Assets are stated as £156,618 (2020: £153,408) but would be higher if market value of investments was shown. After considering all designated and restricted funds, and known liabilities, the monies that are free for use stand at £14,000 (2020: £15,480). Slightly down, but around the target of £15,000.

Close

Once again, this year as treasurer, has not been without its challenges. I would like to offer my sincere and grateful thanks to Fiona Trott and Liz Digby, who have been unfailing in their help and support. Also to the PCC, who have taken difficult decisions and approved my recommendations during another extremely problematic year for church finances.

Lesley Cherry Hon Treasurer PCC East Bergholt

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INDEPENOENT ÉXAMINEYS REPORT TO Th£ Mf M8ERS OF ThÉ PAR¢XHIAL CMURCH COUNCII OF ST MARYS. EAST 8ERGH(XT I report on the financial statements for yeaf errfled 31 December 2021 as set out on y8es I to 6. This rewrt is made solety to Members of Parochial Church Council as a ibthi. in accordance 4th sett￿n 145 of the Charities Aci 2011. My y)rk has tten undertaken so that I m¥ht State to the Parochial Chufch Council those maiter51 am required lo stale to tI￿rn in th￿ rekvrt aTrl fof ￿ oiher purpose. To the fUl￿t extent ￿mIlIted by law. I do not accept or Jssun responsibility to anbrj ot￿r than the Churth al￿ the Churth's members as a i)dy. for my w)rk. for this ￿&#)￿ or for tt opinths I have lorn)ed. The Paroch￿1 Churth Cc¥uncil are re¥b)nsible fr>r t1￿ preparaiion of fina￿1•1 statements. The PariKhial Cthurch Council cons#er thai an audit ts r￿1 required for the year under sett￿n 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 2011 Artl and thal an irylepeThleni exami￿lI)n is reded. ft is my rewsibility to: e¥amir tt fir4ncial statements under sectThi 145 oftt 2011 lolk)w the proteduTÈS laKI dom in the G•ral Dirertion$ 8r¥n by Charity CcnmtSsion urKlef SeCt￿n 145lSllbl of the 2011 Art: and stste w￿t￿r particular matters ha￿ CO￿ to my attention. My enmiNtion VA5 carrxd out in •CCorda￿e with General Dirertw)rs tiNtn h tt c￿rity Comm1u￿n. An examinaiK)n includes a review of the accountin8 recofds kept by Church arNI a comparison of the financial statements presented whth those record& n a150 ifKlwJes conS￿erat￿)n of ary unusual items or dtsdOSu￿ in finèr￿101 statements aThJ seekiry exP￿n&t￿n5 from Council COrKerTh￿ any such matter& The procedures urnlertaken do not pro¥￿e all tP e¥Thlence that be required in an athtiL ar41 consequentty ￿ opinK)n is given as to whether the fina￿1•1 ststements present a'tnje arKI faif vie¥l and re￿rt is limited to tlM)se matttrs set out below: In c￿￿10n with my ewnnat#)n. no matter has coft ¢0 my attent￿￿. •) whth 8i¥es Ine reasonable uuse to belim t￿1 in •ry material re¥￿ the requirements: to keep •c£ountiry iectyds in with section 130 of 2011 Act: or to PTrPafe finanoal st•tements wtuch •ccord wilh the attoufttifrf re(ords and compfy with tl accowiife reqwements of tht 2011 Acl been nt: or b) to ¥knth. kn my op'n4￿ •ttent)n $fr￿Ul$ be drawn In onlei to w4ble • proper Ur￿￿tIre of fiNrfial st•ieffnts io be mdd. Britt E¥•ns AAT Ilookery Cotta8e. G•sIf￿ Siretl East Bef81)It. Cokt*stt¢ ie 16

East Bergholt PCC Accounts Year Ending 31/12/2021

17

Various fees are mentioned in the accounts. Statutory fees are fees to the PCC/Diocese for weddings and funerals etc. Non statutory fees are set by PCC and are invoiced/paid to have bells, heating, choir, organist and flowers at weddings/funerals.

18

Monetary assets 31/12/21

Barclays bank account
Sufolk Building Society*
new name
Malschinger at cost
CBF/Black Rock at cost
Magazine account
Total		 2021
£27,026
£13,447
£ 92,742
£ 15,528
£ 7,875
£156,618		 2020
£ 26,468
£ 13,367 *Ipswich Building Society
£ 92,742
£ 15,528
£ 5,303
£153,408

Approved by the Parochial Church Council

19

Investment
s Market Value
Number
of Cost per Total 2021 2020
Shares
Held Share cost £ £ £
Paskell Fund
CBF Investment Fund 6,60
(CCLA) 1010 6.54 6 23,620 20,549
7,66
Charishares BlackRock 3,665 2.09 0 25,789 23,657
Mission Hall Trust(DBF) 508 2.48 1262 11,880 10,386
Malschinger
Investments (DBF)
32,7
Account 133001323S 2,517 13.01 42 58,861 51,461
60,0
Account 133001002J 3,205 18.72 00 186,935 159,039
Miss Hetherington Legacy (Sufolk
Building Society
Account) 13,447 13,367
£320,53 £278,45
Total 2.00 9.00
Bell cage 2021 2020
Income
£
Donations box 120.00 £ 81.00
Preservation Society
Expenditure
£
Repairs £ 14.00 491.00
£ £
Insurance* 300.00 1,512.00
-£ -£
Total 194.00 1,922.00

20

Statement of Designated and Restricted Funds 2021

Statement of Designated and Restricted
Funds 2021
Restricte
d
Unrestricted
Funds
Endowm
ent		 Total
Name of Fund
Funds
Designat
ed
Undesignat
ed
Funds		 2021 2020
Hetherington
£13,447.00		 £13,447.0
0		 £13,367.0
0
Flower
£1,814.00		 £1,814.00 £2,026.00
Jenny Lane
£602.00		 £602.00 £789.00
Roof
£7,761.00		 £7,761.00 £8,672.00
Paskell
£23,620.
00		 £23,620.0
0		 £20,549.0
0
East End Mission
£1,262.00		 £1,262.00 £1,262.00
Malschinger
£245,796
.00		 £245,796.
00		 £210,500.
00
Altar
£10,000.0
0		 £10,000.0
0		 £10,000.0
0
Wif/Recording
£5,150.00		 £5,150.00 £0.00
£309,45
2.00		 £267,16
5.00
ROOF ACCOUNT SUMMARY
2021
Account ON-GOING
INCOME
From07/2019		 Expenditure
From 12/2019
Roof tile sales
£492.50		 Charity Fund Ltd
£5,832.9
6
Fundraising
£3,857.11		 Architect
£15,376.
92
Donations
£7,034.65		 Lead Repair
£1,008.0
0
Cake Sales
£130.50		 Bat Surveys
£1,980.0
0
Parish Giving
£70.54

21

Garden Tours £499.00
Grants £7,250.00
Preservation Society £5,578.66
Matt Sales £4,422.98
Funeral Collection £98.81
DCMS VAT reclaims £1,176.71
Gift Aid income £1,347.46
£31,958.9 £24,197.8
2 8
Balance as at £7,761.0
31/12/2021 4

22

Samford Deanery Synod & Group Council

There were three meetings this year:

March 2021 , via Zoom - Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood – National Giving Adviser

Jonathan has recently moved to Holbrook. Synod members were invited to question Jonathan and regarding his work. He was based in Westminster, was involved in the Parish buying scheme, with a recent focus on resources needed during the pandemic. He gave a brief summary of his background and experience which included working with Oxfam, Community and Youth Centres, Hospices and the Church Army. He has an MA in Applied Theology. In response to questions about which areas were experiencing greatest difficulty, Jonathan said that in general, the areas with high numbers of regular givers and suburban locations were the most successful, while the rural areas and those further east had the most difficulty. An established culture of giving such as through tithing, usually in larger Churches, is helpful.

Building confidence between Parishes and their respective Diocese was seen as important, together with making it easy for people to give – the Parish Giving Scheme has worked well alongside the review of regular giving and as part of a wider exploration. Other resources for Parishes include webinars and training, and, locally, a recent Diocesan appointment of someone to give support for grant applications to various funding bodies. Converting existing Standing Orders to inflation-linked Direct Debits is easy but needs to be handled with tact and sensitivity to ensure that the giver is comfortable, and the amount involved is at the right level. Although lotteries / One Hundred Clubs have worked well for Hospices and other charities, they might be less suited to Churches. Asking the wider community for a small annual donation to help ensure the Church remains able to function is an approach which has also been successful for retaining other community facilities such as a rural Post Office.

Wednesday 8 September, Brantham Church - A business meeting with opening worship led by the Rural Dean to mark the new Triennium.

Thursday 23 November, Bentley Church - Lightwave Community – Presentation by Archdeacon Sally Gaze

Sally referred to her role as Archdeacon for Rural Mission and the 5-year project, which runs until 2024 and is funded by the national church to develop sustainable investment in work which will help address the challenges of rural mission.

Sally distributed leaflets on the following aspects:-

23

Sally referred to the aim of making new disciples and reaching those who are in under-represented groups. She gave examples from Workstream 1 which included an Iona style group / partnership with local pub / 24-hour lifeline for farmers / pop up shops / hubs at Red Lodge, Bungay and Playford / Otley. Workstream 2 was about prayer – to support, discern and listen and was a crucial element. Small communities in particular could be helped through the ‘critical mass’ which could be achieved through hubs.

It was important to make steps on the pathway to God easy and realistic – for example, getting a number of people to take part in a project such as rewilding a Churchyard would not lead to everyone wanting to attend Church services but could be a starting point for some who might wish to find out more.

Wedding preparation day 6 February 2021 - A shortened programme via zoom attended by 25 couples. A successful even which was well received by the couples who attended although all missed the social aspect which is so important for the full day, it was not possible to cover some of the less serious subjects.

Archdeacon’s Visitation 2021 - Held on Thursday 1 July at 7.30pm via Zoom, for churchwardens, incumbents and lay chairs only.

Deanery Planning Document - The main purpose of the Planning Document was to bring together the aims of ‘Growing in God’ to develop a common approach across all Benefices. A standing group met via Zoom in November to consider the draft compiled by Liesbeth and was presented to Synod at the November meeting. The draft Plan will be taken forward to the Archdeaconary Mission and Pastoral Committee and the Bishop's Council.

Parish levy – no levy would be charged for 2021.

Diocesan Deanery Reps

Joop van der Toorn is one of three Samford Deanery Synod representatives on Diocesan Synod for the three-year period to 2024.

Liesbeth Oosterhof has resigned as Rural Dean with effect from January 2022. Assistant Rural Dean, Revd Canon Annette Shannon will hold the fort until Bishop Martin decides on a permanent new Rural Dean.

Julie Fermor on behalf of the other Deanery Reps

Churchwardens

We moved into 2021 with hope that life would once again return to normal after the horrors of the pandemic in 2020. Although we have continued to experience restrictions throughout 2021, it is fair to say that church life has been easier, and it has certainly been a very busy and fruitful year for St Mary’s.

The roof replacement project is firmly underway and as we approach the APCM, you will (hopefully) see that work on the South Chancel Roof has started. Our thanks to the Preservation Society (PS) for funding this project, along with

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some remedial work on the North Aisle parapets which were showing signs of corrosion.

The cost of the replacement roofs for the two side aisles and nave roof requires the need to apply for a National Lottery grant. Unfortunately, the Lottery was closed to applications during the pandemic, so we have been unable to do this during 2021. As this grant will be in excess of £500,000, we have taken time this year to put in place everything we will need to ensure we have the best chance of a successful bid. With the help of a local consultancy firm (Charity Fundraising Ltd), we will be putting in our “expression of interest” application to the National Lottery in March 2022. If this is successful, we will then be submitting further applications that will hopefully secure most, if not all, the funding we need to proceed with the project. This has been a lengthy and time-consuming process for us, but we feel confident we have put St Mary’s in the best position to secure the grant we need. In the meantime, remedial lead work repairs have been undertaken on the worst areas and a roof committee has been set up to oversee the project, made up of the wardens, the architect and representatives of the PS, PCC and parishioners. Three ecology surveys also took place over the summer to study the bat activity.

As significant reordering of the church will be needed to secure Lottery funding as well as evidence of collaboration, we have held meetings with local tourist guides and preliminary discussions with the Parish Council, East Bergholt Society and the tourism sub-committee looking at the Neighbourhood Plan about the potential of a small Constable Museum within a dedicated area of the church. We feel that this would be a fantastic opportunity to keep St Mary’s at the heart of the village and make it a “must visit” on all visitor’s itineraries. We have also received a grant from the Area of Natural Beauty (Dedham) Sustainability Development Fund to purchase a dedicated interactive digital screen to provide 24/7 access for our visitors to watch a new documentary about our unique bells. This will replace the antiquated television and DVD!

Alongside preparations for the Lottery bid, we have also been fundraising. This year we have hosted a music quiz, a concert and a hugely successful Art Exhibition. We have received many compliments about all these events, but the Art Exhibition really did capture the hearts of many of our villagers, and it was extremely well supported. We hope, with more help, to be able to organise another one in the future! We have been overwhelmed by the amazing support and generosity given to us by local businesses and organisations, in addition to our own wonderful parishioners, of course!

We were also heavily involved with the extremely successful Christmas Parade & Market. After the success of last year’s Christmas Parade, there was much call from the village to do another one. The Parade Committee were also keen, and felt that a Christmas Market held on Constable Fields would be a wonderful addition to the parade this year. It proved a huge success, and was a great way for St Mary’s to be actively involved with the community. There are plans for this to become a regular event in the village, and we are both committed to continue our involvement on your behalf.

Cumbria Clocks came and dismantled our ailing clock to take back to the workshop for a good clean and repairs to the mechanism. We hope it will be back soon in fine working order! We have also had WiFi installed in the church in preparation for livestreaming services in the new year. We are very grateful

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to Joop (and Rev Eric when he was here) for the inordinate amount of time filming and editing services for our YouTube channel; a much-appreciated part of the church’s mission for those still not able to attend church in person. We have worked closely with the bellringers too to ensure the bell cage is kept in good shape both in terms of the structure and to keep the ringers safe.

In the midst of this, our feet are always kept firmly on the ground, as we are aware we have a busy church to keep in good working order, services to run, and pastoral commitments too. All of which are of paramount importance. We have a great team of Deputy Wardens, and we are very grateful for their support to help relieve us of some of the burden, especially Sunday Service warden duties. We have actively helped at all the many funerals, baptisms and weddings, and we thank all of our funeral and wedding helpers – you certainly make those occasions so much easier. We are always present (either both or one of us) at special services such as Remembrance, Christmas and Easter and special school and nursery services too. We are keen to remember that the “roof” is not our only commitment at the church, and we are mindful to ensure all other duties are fulfilled too.

Most importantly, we strive to be the best of support to Steph, and hope that she has felt loved and supported this year. We are aware that she has had an increasing workload with reduced ministry help this year, as we said goodbye to Rev Eric. Steph never ceases to amaze us with her ability to “get it done”, and always with a smile and with a service performed with love. If we ever wondered why we are wardens, this would be the reason. Steph has sustained us throughout these difficult times. Thank you, Steph, and thanks be to God for your ministry with us.

We look forward to being your wardens in the coming year. We hope 2022 will bring us good news as far as our lottery bid is concerned, and once secured we will at last be able to make progress with making our beautiful church watertight. Please continue to pray for St Mary’s as we progress with this enormous project.

Liz Digby and Fiona Trott

Bell Ringers

This report covers 12 months from January to December 2021.

It contains the information as specified in the Ringers’ handbook.

Named ringers

----- Start of picture text -----
Ringer Attendances Ringer Attendances
Terry Eagle 66 George Harris 9
(Captain)
Julia Smith (Vice 76 Paul Ireland 44
----- End of picture text -----*

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Captain) Thomas Bryant 35 Martin Digby 33

Hugh Smith 43

*Handbook states a minimum of 12 rings per year, but this has been achieved on average over the nine months we were able to ring.

Approved Learners

----- Start of picture text -----
Ringer Attendances
Steve Feeney 24
Rachel Lewis 40
----- End of picture text -----

Due to the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, ringing has been reduced again this year. Whilst the country was in full lockdown there was no ringing. When restrictions have been in place, a risk assessment has been done and amended as the restrictions changed to ensure the safety of both ringers and public bystanders. Ringing did not start until 28[th] March 2021 and practice sessions restarted 14[th] April 2021.

The following changes were made:

Our two learners from 2019 managed to restart their training in the spring and one was signed off as a “Named Ringer” on Christmas Day. We hope that the other will progress to the same stage in 2022 but would welcome any new, committed, ringers. We would like to acknowledge the ongoing commitment of ringers in helping with training learners though the pandemic, which was challenging for a number of reasons.

Despite the Covid restrictions, we have managed to ring for three funerals, one of which was a half-muffled ring for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh; four weddings; one demonstration; two sessions of filming for the new video in Church; a 10minute ring for the start of COP26; a half-muffled ring for Remembrance and the usual rings at Christmas and New Year.

Issues reported in 2020 that still need to be addressed

  1. Tiles have fallen from the roof and have been placed inside the bell cage – still to be replaced

Issues dealt with in 2021

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  1. Pigeons nested twice inside the roof. Nests were removed on both occasions. This requires ongoing monitoring.

Terry Eagle

Flower Arrangers

Having entered Tier 4 over the Christmas period, 2021 started with full Covid restrictions. To limit the number of people going into the Church clearing the festive arrangements was carried out by only two people. All activities at the Church were suspended until Easter when we gladly decorated the church, albeit without the usual refreshments and socialising. The inability to get together en masse over the course of the year has prevented us doing anything out of the ordinary. We therefore kept to providing arrangements on a fortnightly basis with all the flower ladies being involved for the occasions when we decorate the entire Church namely Easter, Patronal Festival, Remembrance Day, Harvest Festival and Christmas. We are particularly grateful to Laura Harris who has compiled some wonderful montages of the flower arrangements to post on social media. This has enabled people who are housebound/shielding to see how lovely the Church looks and serves to highlight the work that the flower arrangers put in.

We sadly said goodbye to five ladies who have stepped down over the course of the year and wish to thank them for all their time and hard work since they have all been involved for many years. In addition, two further flower arrangers have taken a break from arranging. We look forward to welcoming them back hopefully soon.

It has been a challenging time in which to take over from Caryl Smith but made all the easier because she handed over a slick operation. We have collected the last of the flower arranging equipment that Caryl had stored at her home and a task for 2022 is to sort through everything and find somewhere suitable to keep what is required. We are also grateful to the flower ladies who have all been patient and very helpful whilst we get to grips with what is required.

We look forward to 2022 when we hope to be able to do more as a group, and plan to recruit more flower arrangers; hopefully this will be a bit easier with less stringent Covid restrictions.

Rachael Lewis

Foundation Governors’ Report

Report on East Bergholt Voluntary Controlled Church of England Primary School

At the beginning of the year the school entered the second national lockdown with a day’s notice to organise provision for key workers and vulnerable children, as well as home learning for all other year groups. Having done this before the school responded quickly and a smooth transition to the new arrangements went ahead. The senior leadership made sure vulnerable children still at home were visited at least once a week and food parcels were handed out. The church provided support to school leaders which was much appreciated, and I was able to lead assemblies remotely so kept in touch with the children that way.

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As we moved towards the end of the Spring term the children returned to school with new measures to mitigate the risk of Covid infection, however we were able to hold sport in school and held a Sports Day for the children on the field which was enjoyed by all. The school is lucky to have a talented music lead so we were able to put on a school production for year 6, this was Peter Pan. Parents had the opportunity to see it via a professional film taking on the day. The Leaver’s Service for year 6 on the field was a special occasion, I was able to attend and pray with children, parents and staff which was an essential part of the Service.

Autumn began with some measures still in place but it was gratifying to see children learning with their peers in a relatively normal environment. Harvest Festival and the Christmas Service took place in church with the children in key stage groups, parents also attended and it was fantastic to see everyone back in church again as we hadn’t been able to hold a Service in church for around 2 years.

Written by Gill Mitchell co-Headteacher

The Foundation Governors are delighted that the church has so much contact with the school and impressed by the dedication of the staff in difficult circumstances. As well as the services that took place in St Mary’s it was also heart-warming that key in-school Christmas activities such as the KS1 and YR nativity play, the Christingle service and end-of-term carols in the playground could take place and that parents could attend, albeit in a limited capacity. Rev Steph continued to go into school wherever possible to lead assemblies and we as governors have done our best to support the school as much as possible by attending governing body meetings, asking questions and making suggestions. The church is pleased to be supporting the iSingPOP project again in 2022. From a training and development perspective the Diocese kindly produced a bespoke SIAMS tutorial for all governors and, whilst the school is not due an inspection in the near future, it was an informative and useful update as regards changes to the inspection framework and tool to measure progress since our last inspection – as well as a great introduction to the process for new governors. Finally we bade farewell to the school’s lead for RE, Miss Liddle, at the end of the autumn term and thank her all her hard work in this role; in the interim responsibility for the subject has been taken on by Mrs Mitchell.

Simon Rothwell and Rev Steph

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East Bergholt Parish Magazine

January to June report

The first half of 2021 was all about getting folks vaccinated, getting out of lockdown, and avoiding a stricter one. The church reopened and we were allowed to attend services - that was huge! As far as distribution of the magazine was concerned, I was resolved the magazine would not suffer another “on-line” only period as it had for 2 months back in 2020. We only survived that because our advertisers were given a couple months of free advertising. Our “delivery folk” rose to the occasion and the magazine not only appeared to survive all the lockdowns, but was once again thriving - I believe it still is. So well done!! In short, first half of 2021 was all about keeping things going, keeping advertisers advertising, and helping support the groups trying to get back on their feet.

Sharon Stephenson, Editor until June 2021

Michelle Jowers took over the editing of the magazine from July onwards. The magazine continues to receive great reviews with readers saying how interesting and informative it is.

Rev. Steph, Marion and Peter Ralph (Distribution), John Gamlin, Barry Blomfield, Lesley Cherry, (Treasurer), Louise Kemp (Advertising Manager), and Alison Jones (Collator).

Toddlers Group

I am so pleased to report that despite a difficult year of varying rules and restrictions due to the pandemic, the St Mary’s Toddler Group has managed to meet for nearly all our planned group meetings. We have welcomed new families, and managed to remain safe throughout. Bookings were essential and my thanks to Gill Rattray for taking this on and organising the groups fairly so that everyone had a chance to come along at some point and enjoy the mornings.

During the summer we held our annual Teddy Bear’s picnic, and this year we combined it with a family@church style service in memory of our dear friend Carrie Hinton. We decided to make it a fundraising event for MSA Trust, the charity that helped Carrie during her illness. The Mother’s Union ran a magnificent cake stall for us – thank you MU. We also had a small raffle, and each person paid £5 for their picnic, which was enjoyed in the churchyard. We raised an amazing £500 for the charity. Anyone entering the church afterwards who looked upwards, would have seen the big, pink star balloon that we released in memory of Carrie. I am happy to say it remained in place for several weeks.

We were hoping that by September restrictions would have eased, but unfortunately, we needed to keep the booking system in place. However, we did manage to have our Christmas Party on Friday 10[th] December. We moved tables and chairs into the main church as this had better ventilation and the children really enjoyed having the freedom of St Mary’s. Fiona read them the traditional nativity story, whilst the children placed beautifully knitted nativity characters into the stable at the appropriate time – or not!!! They each had their Christmas box of food, and at the end Mother Christmas ( aka Chris Jacob ) had a parcel for them to take home. It was a wonderful morning and despite all

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adults having to wear face masks, it was clear we were all smiling with the children and enjoying ourselves. My thanks to Gill, Chris and Fiona for helping to make this happen.

Although we are constantly praying for things to return to “normal” very soon, we have proved that with determination and thoughtful planning, we are able to run a safe group, that has been a lifeline to many of the mums/carers during the pandemic. It must be so hard to have a baby or small child at a time when you are unable to socialise, and we feel proud that we have been able to offer at least a small window of normality once a fortnight to those people.

Finally, I am very grateful to Gill Rattray without whom many of the groups would not have taken place at all this year. Thank you Gill and I look forward to working with you again next year.

Liz Digby Leader, St Mary’s Toddler Group

Family@church

Unfortunately we started the year in lockdown so the first three services were emailed to our families to use at home. Thankfully we were able to start being physically together again to celebrate Easter although the activity parts of the service had to be curtailed and we were not able to have tea together. However, we did manage a few outdoor picnics and singing outside!

Service themes this year have included why we pray; saying thank you; Jesus being the Light of the World and the benefits of good teamwork.

I am very grateful to Ruth Bull, who has led several services for me during the year; my creative partner, Liz, without whose support I would be totally lost; Karen and Gill who have given invaluable help setting up for services and welcoming our families; our generous benefactor who enables us to give the children booklets at Easter and Christmas, plus eggs and advent calendars; and of course Rev Steph for her total support of this important mission and giving me a free hand!

Fiona Trott and Liz Digby

Mothers’ Union

During 2021 our branch supported Ipswich hospital with donations of wash bags, underwear, Fiddle muffs and catheter bags. Our Bags of Love were handed out round the benefice comforting the sick or bereaved and sustaining those who had a caring role. Our branch meeting in February “For Better, for Worse” evolved into a paperback and eBook publication, which we hope will be used as a resource for marriage preparation sessions across the diocese.

We walked 145 kilometres as a group effort to raise funds for the Summer of Hope appeal and prayed for couples whose weddings had been postponed, children coming to baptism and for the Ipswich Night Shelter. Our members who sew or knit, made over 400 Christmas tree star decorations which were given to the 400 pupils at East Bergholt CFVC primary school and Brooklands

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Primary school in Brantham during the last week of term. At the service in Brantham the preceding Sunday the stars were blessed and we prayed that this symbol of God’s love would take the true message of Christmas into the homes of all the children who had received them. A thank you letter from one head teacher spoke of the joy our small gift had given to the children.

We have welcomed many guests to our monthly branch meetings which have focused on providing fellowship and support. The theme for 2022 is Transformation now! as Mothers’ Union adapts to new challenges with new ideas, new ways of being, and a renewed commitment to promote marriage and support families.

Jeanette Appleton, Janet Ball, Jean Camp Jenny Chapman. East Bergholt and Brantham Mothers’ Union

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Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2021 St Mary the Virgin, East Bergholt Sunday, 25[th] April 2021 immediately after the 10.30am Service

----- Start of picture text -----
In attendance :
Rev Stephne van Der Toorn (Chair); John Gamlin; Shirley Bruce; Lauraine Johnson;
Barry Blomfield;
Courtney and Dianne Willett; Chris Jacob; Koshy Jacob; Gill Rattray; Archie Rattray;
Rube Rushen; Hazel Sinclair; Jean Camp; Margaret Wheatley; Glen Rowson; Dorothy
Brundell; Marian Godwin; Lesley Cherry; Janet Ball; Jeanette Appleton; Simon
Rothwell; Victoria Rothwell; Fiona Cranston; Sharon Stephenson; Roy Seden; Jackie
Reeves; Roy Stephenson; Richard Appleton; Tricia Fitzpatrick; Michael Fitzpatrick;
Howard Holdsworth; Fiona Trott; Liz Digby; Michelle Jowers (Minutes)
Apologies were received from: Don and Pam Robinson; Rodney Brundell; June
Firmin; Stuart Stone; Joop van der Toorn; Steve Newman; Peter Ball; Derek and Joyce
Fox, Mary Nottingham.
1. Welcome and prayers - Steph opened the meeting
2. Minutes of APCM 27 [th] September 2020 - These were approved by all.
3. Receive the Rector’s Report – This report was approved by all.
4. Electoral Roll Report - Fiona Trott reported that since October changes to
the ER are seven deaths; one person moved out and one moved in, making a
total of 134 currently on the roll. The report was approved by all.
5. Report on the proceedings of the PCC – This report was approved by all.
6. Approve the Treasurer’s report and accounts – A big thanks goes to
Lesley Cherry for working so hard and getting accounts in such a good
shape. We greatly appreciate all that Lesley does for us. There were no
questions in relation to the accounts report. Approval was proposed by Roy
Stevenson, Dorothy Brundell seconded and the accounts were approved by
all.
John Gamlin asked if any money had gone to charity this year? Lesley
responded that we have given small amount to the night shelter but that is it
this year. In previous years we collected through funeral donations but now
this happens directly through the funeral directors. We haven’t been able to
donate to charity this year due to only just being able to pay our way. John
and Lesley to discuss further after meeting.
7. Report on the proceedings of Deanery Synod - This report was approved by
all.
8. Safeguarding report - Fiona Trott resigned from this role and Glen Rowson
has taken on the position as Benefice Safeguarding Officer. Our thanks go to
Fiona for her previous hard work in this position and to Glen for taking on the
role . This report was approved by all. Glen mentioned that training will be
required throughout the year and he will be reaching out as necessary. The
Rural Dean has reported that there is a general feeling that the amount of
training demanded of people within the church is unrealistic (eg flower
ladies)
Elections –
9. Churchwardens – Liz Digby and Fiona Trott were elected unanimously. Rev
ST thanked them all for the incredibly hard work they undertake, especially
with the ongoing roof project. They do amazingly well with always with
smiles! They will need all our support on the coming year.
----- End of picture text -----

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  1. Deanery Synod elections - Roy Stepheson, Sarah Southgate and Chris Jacob were elected for 3 years from November 2020

  2. PCC - 4 representatives for 3 years, and 2 for two years - Geoff Potter has withdrawn his resignation ash his circumstances have changed. Barry Blomfield and Howard Holdsworth are standing for two years. Shirley is staying on for one year. One vacancy still remains and volunteers were asked for. All were in favour of the re-election of the three existing representatives.

  3. Appoint an Independent Examiner – Britt Evans has indicated her willingness to continue. We are very grateful to her.

  4. Receive all other reports – All other reports were approved unanimously.

  5. Roof Project - All members would have received the report from Fiona and Liz. Only a few responses had been received and pleased to say that no negative responses so far. The roofs have about 5 years left and all three do need replacing. If we don’t do something now more water will be getting in. We need a lottery grant as well as some other source of income. A feasibility study has been done with architect and all very positive.

  6. MINUTES OF THE PCC MEETING FOLLOWING THE APCM

Confirmation of Officers PCC Vice Chairman - Fiona Trott Minutes Secretary - Steve Newman PCC Secretary - Michelle Jowers Brantham representative – Lauraine Johnson Hon Treasurer - Lesley Cherry

Deputy Churchwardens - Barry Blomfield, Lesley Cherry, Chris Jacob, Ruben Rushen; Geoff Potter, Roy Stephenson, Glen Rowson, Shirley Bruce Electoral Roll Officer - Fiona Trott

Benefice Safeguarding Officer – Glen Rowson Standing Committee (Chair) - Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn Standing Committee (Minutes Secretary) - Steve Newman Standing Committee (Treasurer) - Lesley Cherry Standing Committee (Health & Safety) - Barry Blomfield/Glen Rowson Standing Committee (Wardens) - Fiona Trott, Liz Digby

Lettice Dykes - Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn, Ruben Rushen, Ted Wheatley, Gill Rattray

Preservation Society - Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn, Liz Digby, Lesley Cherry

Foundation Governors - Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn, Simon Rothwell

Magazine Committee - Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn, Lesley Cherry Ecumenical Committee - Barry Blomfield, Chris Jacob Captain of Bells - Terry Eagle

  1. A.O.B

Our grateful thanks go to Barry Blomfield for his many years of service on the Magazine Committee.

Fiona mentioned that the PCC resolutions may need to be reviewed in relation to filming and livestreaming of services. The cost would be in the region of £6,000 which one of the legacies we have received could be applied. After a meeting with our sound engineer, a quote has been received and we are consulting the Diocese on what permissions are required. An additional PCC meeting may be needed to pass this resolution before the June meeting. Fiona to send through details.

Volunteers were called for to assist the Wardens at the pop-up-shop this Saturday outside the Lion. Steph closed the meeting.

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17. Date of Next Meeting:

Rev Steph away: 2 weeks: 10[th] – 21[st] May;

August retreat and holiday 23[rd] August – 4[th] September Dates of East Bergholt PCC meetings: 3[rd] June; 23[rd] September and 18[th] November

Famous for its bell cage and unfinished tower, St. Mary’s present building dates from about 1350. Built of brick, flint and stone (probably from an earlier building), it houses a Font inscribed to the memory of Abram Constable (1783-1862) the artist’s younger brother. The church chest, possibly as old as any part of the church fabric, has triple locks added by Elizabethan injunction. A three leaved lily emblem of St. Mary’s adorns the north side brick-work. The five-pointed star or

mullet emblem of the De Veres, Earl of Oxford and Lords of the Manor of Old Hall decorates the north turret.

The purpose of our society is to raise funds to help preserve this vital part of village heritage for the benefit of future generations. Since the inauguration on 17th June 1997, with the considerable support of many local residents, the Society has raised more than £200,000. It has established the biannual East Bergholt Gardens Open Day, an event enjoyed by many which attracts visitors from far afield.

Currently, we have many problems with the church roof and desperately need to raise funds to assist with repairs. Help us to assist with the preservation of this unique structure and become a member of the Preservation Society. Your support and donations, large of small will go to achieve this aim.

St. Mary’s Church East Bergholt Preservation Society Review of 2021

In November 2021, the Annual General Meeting of St. Mary’s Church East Bergholt Preservation Society was held. 2021 had seen much time spent in lockdown with activities restricted but in the spring our Trustees had met to consider whether our biennial event, Gardens Open Day could safely be held within the current regulations. Happily, 6[th] June 2021 saw a beautiful, sunny day. With wonderful support and enthusiasm from all our stakeholders, a very successful Gardens Open Day was held. Social media was used by many to express their thanks for an enjoyable day which raised much needed funds.

It has been decided that the next East Bergholt Gardens Open Day will be 4[th] June 2023 – save the date! In the meantime, there will be a Summer’s Evening Garden party on Thursday 9[th] June 2022. Further information available from ebchurchpres@gmail.com.

Regrettably the remedial work to be funded by the Society for the Chancel roof and the Northern Parapet had not happened despite the best efforts of the PCC and the roof committee. All being well, this work should finally commence in Spring 2022.Happily, we were able to finance lead repairs to critical areas of the roof as well as much needed repairs to the organ.

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At the time of writing, plans are in hand for a new Preservation Society noticeboard to be housed in St. Mary’s, in memory of our founding patron, Oliver John Maxwell Eley 6[th] April 1933 -10[th] November 2020 including a tribute to our founding Chair Dr Walter (Terry) Marshall 4[th] April 1930 - 23[rd] November 2020. Much work has been possible as a result of all their efforts.

Sadly, the annual members’ Carols & Mince Pies December event 2021 was once again cancelled. With the loss of yet another fundraising event, we are very grateful that our financial position has been supported of late through legacy giving. After loved ones are cared for, such gifts are a memorable way for a person to help preserve the fabric of our historic village landmark together with the associated specialist skills involved.

As we look forward to the commencement of work on the Chancel roof and northern parapet in 2022, we wish to thank all our members and supporters for their terrific efforts. It is very much appreciated and truly makes a difference to the wellbeing of our beautiful church building.

Debbie Tuppen

On behalf of the Society, Debbie Tuppen, Chairperson

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ST MARY’S CHURCH EAST BERGHOLT PRESERVATION SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP/DONATION FORM

The aim of the Society is to preserve this historic building for future generations by attracting support from anyone who cares about our heritage. Your donations, large or small, will be gratefully received. All funds raised will be used solely for the preservation of St. Mary’s Church and its Bell Cage.

Title: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other

Forenames Surname Address

Post code Telephone Mobile Email Annual membership Donation

I enclose cash / Cheque (payable to St Mary’s Church EBPS)

£ 10.00 £ . £ .

In order to maintain your membership of the society, we would recommend that you complete a Banker’s Standing Order, a pro forma of which is attached.

To make the most of your membership subscription and donation we would ask you to complete a Gift Aid declaration, which will give the Society the benefit of the income tax that you have paid on your income.

Debbie Tuppen Delvyns Gaston Street East Bergholt CO7 6SD email : debbie.tuppen@gmail.com Tel: 078 21141473

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BANKERS STANDING ORDER FORM

To the Manager (insert Bank name) Bank address

Post code

Please pay Barclays Bank PLC, 9 High Street, Colchester CO1 1DD, Sort Code 20-22-67, for the credit of St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt Preservation Society, Account number 30604151, on receipt of this instruction and then on 1 September 2019, and then on the same date each year thereafter, until further notice,

The amount of £ ……………………………………… ……………………………………..pounds (amount in numbers) (amount in words)

From my Account Number Sort Code

Signed

Address

Post code

Date

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GIFT AID DECLARATION For past, present & future donations St. Mary’s Church, East Bergholt, Preservation Society

Please return completed form to:

Debbie Tuppen email : debbie.tuppen@gmail.com Tel: 078 21141473 Delvyns Gaston Street East Bergholt CO7 6SD

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINEWS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PARIXHIAi CHURCH COUNOI OF ST MARYS, EAST 8ERGHCXT I report on fin•nciil statements for the year ended 31 De(ernber 2021 a5 set out on pages I to 6. This rewrt is made solefy to rnember5 of Parochial Church Council as a tx)dy. in accordance with settion 145 of the Charilies Act 2011. My has been undertaken so that l rnt8ht state to the Parochial Chufch Counol tlK)st matters l am required io stale to t￿rn in th￿ rewrt and fol ￿ other wrpose. To tht fullest extent pemiilted by law, I do not èctepl or a55Un teswn￿b1llty to anwr other than the Church afid Church's members as a kJy. lor My work. for this repofl Of for the opinw)ns I have fomed. The P4r¢)chwl Churth Council are responsi￿ for preparat￿n of finarfi•l statementk The Parochial Churth Council con5Kler that an •￿Irt is required for year sertion 144121 of the Charil•e5 Art 2011 (the 2011 Artl and that an indewndent examination 15 needed. It is rny resF)nsibility to: examir tl finarKial staternents urKler section 145 of tr 2011 Art: follow procedures lavj down in t1￿ Gefral th"rections 8i¥tn by Chèrity Comffliss￿n urmlef sett￿n 145(51(bl of the 2011 Act. and state whet￿r paitular matters have come to My attention. My examirtati￿ carried out in xcordaKe with ￿ Gerral thrertN)n$ 8iven by tr C￿rity cornm￿5￿n. An examination Ind￿e$ a review of the accounti￿ ￿(0￿15 kept Church and cornpari￿n of the fw4ncial statements presented with tlw re(ord5. tt also Ind￿leS cons￿erat￿In of any vnusual items or d￿lOSure$ in financial Statements seeki￿ exptsnatKins from the Counol con¢ernipy any such matter& Tl procedures uThlertaken do prowde •ll vrfKlence th•t woukl be Ttquired in an at#diL ar￿ Consequent￿ 0￿.1￿)n is given as to whether fir4nci•l ststernents preseni a'true fair vie¥< and the rep)rt Is limited to t￿A)Se rnalte(s set out below: In conrertM>n with my examinatk)n. M m•tteT has come to rny •ttentw)n: al which 8i¥es me reasonable cause to bel*¥e th•1 in •ny matefiil rnSFert the requirements: to keep au4yJntl￿ records in accordance with se(tK)n 130 of ttre 2011 Act: Of to P￿pare financ￿1 staiernenls whKh accord wilh the accountirq records and comply with KcOUnti￿ req￿rtMents of the 2011 Art b) to whith. In my opinion. attentw)n str#)ukJ ￿ drawn in order to en1￿ • wopet ur￿f$t1￿y1￿ of financial staltments (o be Trxhed. Brltt Ev4ns AAT Aookery Coll•8e. Gastrffi Strert. East 8ergh)It. Cokhesier Date