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2021-12-31-accounts

PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

A N N U A L M E E T I N G 2 0 2 2

A meeting of the parishioners for the purpose of Electing Two Churchwardens and

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting

to be held in the Nave of St Mary & St Eanswythe’s Church on Sunday 24[th] April 2022 at 11.30 a.m.

A G E N D A

Annual Meeting of Parishioners

[Anyone on the civil electoral roll or on the electoral roll of the parish may attend the meeting and vote]

  1. Opening Prayer.

  2. Appointment of Secretary.

  3. Minutes of the 2020 Meeting and Matters Arising.

  4. To receive the Churchwardens’ Charities Account.

  5. Election of two Churchwardens.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

[Anyone on the electoral roll of the parish may attend the meeting and vote.]

  1. Apologies for Absence.

  2. Minutes of the 2021 Meeting and Matters Arising.

  3. To receive:

  4. a. A Report on changes in the electoral roll since the last APCM.

  5. b. The Annual Report on the proceedings of the Parochial Church Council of St Mary & St Eanswythe Folkestone and the activities of the parish generally.

  6. c. Examined financial statement of the PCC for the year ending 31 December 2021.

  7. d. Report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the church.

  8. e. Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod.

  9. f. The Chair’s Report

  10. ELECTIONS

  11. a. 2 Persons to serve on the Parochial Church Council.

  12. To consider appointments as:

  13. a. Sidespersons.

  14. b. Appointment of Independent Examiner.

  15. Any other matters of parochial or general Church interest (to be referred to P.C.C.).

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held in Church on Sunday 30[th] May 2021 at 11.30am

Annual Meeting of Parishioners

  1. Fr John Walker opened the meeting with prayer. A presentation was made to Pam Mullett and Angela Flisher as they were retiring as Churchwarden and Parish Secretary respectively.

  2. Fr John Walker proposed Angela Flisher be appointed secretary for the meeting. All agreed.

  3. The minutes of the 2020 meeting were accepted as a true record. All agreed.

  4. The Churchwardens’ Charities Accounts were received and accepted. All agreed.

  5. The following were elected as Churchwardens for the coming year:

Andrew Plested: Proposed: Angela Flisher. Seconded: Catriona Hunter. Tom Bertram: Proposed: Ian Gordon. Seconded: David Wright. Signed Dated

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

  1. Apologies: Paul and Elaine Furminger, Ian Gordon, Steve Friedrich, George and Iris Woods.

  2. The minutes of the 2020 meeting were accepted and signed as a true record. There were no matters arising.

  3. The following reports were received by the meeting:

  4. a. A report on the changes in the Electoral Roll since the last APCM.

  5. b. The Annual Report on the proceedings of the Parochial Church Council of St Mary & St Eanswythe, Folkestone, and the activities of the parish generally.

  6. c. Examined Financial Statement of the PCC for the year ending 31[st] December 2020.

  7. d. Report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the church.

  8. e. Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod.

  9. f. The Chair’s Report.

  10. Elected to serve on the Parochial Church Council:

Marilyn Edey. Proposed: Paul Furminger. Seconded: Tom Bertram. Maurice Bauhahn. Proposed: Jan Clarke. Seconded: Jennifer Coleman.

  1. Appointments

  2. a. The following were appointed as sidespersons: Sue Bauhahn, Jan Clarke, Jenny Coleman, Judy Cooper, Marilyn Edey, Angela Flisher, Pam Keeling, Gette Thomason, Clare Tomlinson, Diane Wright, David Wright.

  3. b. Appointment of Independent Examiner: The Treasurers proposed that Nicki’s Accountancy Services be appointed as Independent Examiner. Fr John seconded the motion. All agreed.

  4. Any other matters of parochial or general Church interest: Parish Secretary: Megan Marwood begins as the Parish Secretary on Tuesday 1[st] June 2021 and Angela Flisher will show her the office routine. Fr John will complete her induction on the following days. The office hours may change or remain as they are at present. Fr John will advise the congregation as soon as this is resolved. Megan is a member of the congregation at Holy Trinity Church.

Fr John thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. The meeting closed with prayer.

Signed

Dated

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

ANNUAL REPORT

and

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

of the

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

for the year ended 31 December 2021

Incumbent

The Revd Dr John Walker

Bank

National Westminster Bank PLC

Europa House Sandgate Road Folkestone Kent

Independent Examiner

Nicola Cahill M.A.A.T. Nicki’s Accountancy Services 122 Foord Road Folkestone Kent CT19 5AB

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2020

Administrative Information

The Parish of Folkestone, St Mary and St Eanswythe with St Saviour is in the Elham Deanery, in the Diocese of Canterbury with the Church of England. There are two places of worship, the Parish Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe in the town centre of Folkestone and the Chapel of St Augustine, 39/41 Dover Road, Folkestone which is a Local Ecumenical Project shared with the Greek Orthodox Church of St Mark and St Fotini. The former Parish Church of St Saviour, Canterbury Road, is now occupied by Harbour Church.

The correspondence address is sainteanswythe@gmail.com.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission Reg.No.1192616 . PCC members who have served from 25[th] April 2021 until the date this report is approved are:

Churchwardens: Tom Bertram
Andrew Plested
Representatives on the Victoria Friedrich [Elected until 2023]
Deanery Synod: Clare Tomlinson [Elected until 2023]
Elected Members: Catriona Hunter [Elected until 2022]
Jan Clarke [Elected until 2023]
Jenny Coleman [Elected until 2023]
Pam Keeling [Elected until 2023]
Patricia Skelsted [Elected until 2023]
David Wright [Elected until 2023]
Marilyn Edey [Elected until 2024]
Maurice Bauhahn [Elected until 2024]
Advisors to the PCC Secretary: Megan Marwood
Worship: Dr Toby Huitson until 31.10.21
St Augustine’s Centre: Carol Godden
Architect: James Ford
Schools: Trevor North
Sarah Laws
Jean O’Callaghan

Structure, governance and management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

Our Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator and Parish Disclosure Officer have ensured that our parish procedures, organisation and pastoral practices comply with our 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.

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

Aim and purposes

St Mary and St Eanswythe with St Saviour PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the priest-incharge in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

Objectives and activities

The Church exists to make Jesus Christ known in Folkestone through worship, fellowship and mission. It looks to encourage its members and the people of the community of which it is a part, to realise their full potential as children of God. It also has the responsibility of maintaining the fabric of the Parish Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe, Folkestone a Grade 11[*] listed building.

Achievements and performance

There are 61 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll, 31 of whom are resident within the parish. 1 name was added during the year. There were four deaths. The average weekly attendance in the parish was 40 plus 2 children. Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic many services were held online. Ten children were baptised, but our Confirmation service was postponed to 2022 due to Covid 19. One wedding was held, and two Renewal of Marriage Vows. There were two funerals, both of which took place at Hawkinge Crematorium, and one interment of Ashes in the Garden of Remembrance..

The full PCC met six times during the year [two being by Zoom]. Members of the PCC are on the St Augustine’s Joint Council our LEP with the Greek Orthodox Church which manages the St Augustine’s Centre.

We are grateful to The Revd John Tomlinson for his continuing contribution to the worship of the parish. Vicky Friedrich was re-authorised as a Lay Minister and will help at services, weddings, baptisms and funerals. We are grateful to Pam Keeling and Jenny Coleman for their work as out joint-treasurers; to Tom Bertram and Andrew Plested for their roles as Churchwardens, and to Pam Mullett and Jenny Coleman for supporting them as Deputy Wardens

The PCC is active in pursuing the following aims:

1] To work with all those who value our church’s life and heritage to raise the money we need for it to continue to thrive and fulfil its calling.

2] To make our church a centre for pilgrimage for any who seek meaning in our unique story.

3] For our music to enhance present liturgical patterns and launch new initiatives to inspire within our faith community and beyond.

4] To launch an alternative service that uses symbolism, imagery, art, music and liturgy in a contemporary form in order to connect with non-churchgoers.

5] For our church building to become a centre for the arts.

6] To encourage all who come in their spiritual journey.

7] Partnership with our church schools

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

Finance Review

All follow on the Financial Statements pages, approved by the PCC on 22 March 2022.

Revd Dr John Walker (Chair)

NOTES ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2021

  1. The accounts are prepared on a receipts and payment basis in accordance with the requirements of the Church Accounting Regulations 2006.

  2. Planned giving is either by covenant or gift aid donations: By covenant or gift aid donation : number of contributors = 22 Otherwise: number of contributors = 10

  3. The General Account includes all voluntary, ordinary and extra ordinary receipts including those of the Finding Eanswythe Books and the Fabric Fund which are restricted, the latter is noted separately.

  4. The Fabric Fund is restricted to receipts and payments relating to the fabric of the church and Calvary.

  5. The Magazine Fund Account refers to the Rendezvous Magazine. The Flower Fund Account is for the church flowers. The Baptismal Bible Fund is for the presentation of Baptismal Bibles. These are also restricted funds.

  6. The Missionary Account is for the allocation of National and International Donations this was closed during the year and the funds, £2,627.88, were transferred into the General Account.

  7. Investments are held by the Canterbury Diocesan Board of Finance or the Church of England Central Board of Finance.

  8. The church insurers are the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1JZ.

TREASURERS REPORT

Attached are the accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2021. Notes to those accounts:

PAYMENTS

Postage, Stationery and Sundry Expenses £1,113.92 has included the cost of purchasing Christmas cards and notelets costing £978.

NB Donations received towards cost £350.

Computer Supplies £1459,94 is the cost of the Skinny Donations Box + quarterly payments to Good with Devices.

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

Planned Giving Expenses – the actual Planned Giving Expenses was £139.00 for Planned Giving Envelopes + £94.56 for Gift Aid Envelopes

The figure of £320 remaining was an accountancy error, adding the Planned Giving figure into both General Account and Planned Giving account. It was both added and deducted from the accounts.

Planned Giving Income total of £27,585 which included the tax refund on Gift Aid–some people choose to pay into directly the General Account. Withdrawals from the Planned Giving Account into the General Account are transferred in whole numbers.

The Gift Aid tax refund total for the year was £3,581.75.

NB the quarter September – December 2021 for Gift Aid tax relief has now been received and totals £1,601.97 but will of course be included in next year’s accounts.

Please note the St John’s College Grant of £20,000 for Three Days in January Project has been transferred in 2022 into the new Lloyds Bank Account to keep it separate.

The accountant employed is Nicki’s Accountancy Services at 122 Foord Road, Folkestone.

Below are general comments on the General Fund plus the various ringfenced funds.

GENERAL FUND

2021 has proved to be another very difficult year with various lockdowns and restrictions caused by the pandemic.

We did receive a grant from the Diocese which enabled us to cover our Parish Share for another year.

During the year we received bequests on behalf of Patricia Kennet and Norman Cavell amounting to £7,002.07 for which we are extremely grateful.

Despite all the troubles we are very grateful to all our congregation who have continued making their donations and supporting our various ventures such as the sale of cards and notelets and the wonderful St Eanswythe Festival Day which raised £600. Many thanks to Jenny Coleman and everyone involved in making it such a success. There will be another event in 2022 which hopefully will prove to be even more popular.

Unfortunately, the lack of visitors has taken its toll on our donations and purchases.

The Donations Box brought in £1,749.97 as the cost of the box plus the quarterly payments for the year amounted to £1459.94, we are already in profit.

As ever we are indebted to Ian Gordon for his continued work with Bayle Music and its partnership with Canterbury Music Club. The concerts have resumed and the much-needed rental income has proved invaluable.

Ride and Stride took place and our thanks to Marilyn Edey, Patricia Skelsted and all those involved.

Indeed, our grateful thanks to all who have helped us to raise both funds and morale to keep our beautiful church afloat.

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

On a more personal note, Jenny and I would like to thank Fr John for his encouragement and leadership.

Also, my personal thanks to my joint Treasurer Jenny for all that she has done and for her incredible tenacity and good judgement in addressing some challenging times in the administration of the accounts.

FABRIC FUND

The balance at the end of last year was £951.92. Andrew Plested has been incredibly busy during the year obtaining grants and VAT rebates totalling £20,175.98 and at the end of the year the Fabric Fund account receipts including the balance from last year was £21,127.90. The expenditure has been £18,021.87 ending the year with a balance of £3106.03.

We know that Andrew has not completed his mission to bring the church back to its full beauty, but we do owe him a huge vote of thanks for all that he has achieved so far.

CALVARY

David Wright has been working tirelessly to get the Calvary repaired, a somewhat thankless task due to bureaucracy involved. He has so far raised a total of £1500 in donations but unfortunately architect’s fees have amounted to £1,383.32 leaving a balance of £116. 68

BAPTISMAL FUND

A PCC meeting agreed that we would like to present Baptismal Bibles and we were very grateful to David and Diane Wright for giving us £200 of which £89.90 has been spent leaving a balance of £110.10

FLOWER FUND

Our grateful thanks to both Jan Clarke and Jenny Coleman for all their work in keeping the church alive and fresh with flowers. We commenced the year with £860 and having spent £610.55 the balance was £249.45.

COMPANIONS OF EANSWYTHE

Including the funds from the St Eanswythe Festival Day the total income at the end of the year was £701.98 and there was no expenditure during the year.

FINDING EANSWYTHE LEGACY BOOKS

The balance from the previous year was £430 and a further £1130 was received during the year giving a total income of £1560. There was no expenditure during the year.

Jennifer Coleman and Pamela Keeling 24[th] March 2022

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PARISH OF ST. MARY AND ST. EANSWYTrIE WITH ST. SAVIOUR F¢XKESTONE GENERAL ACCOUNT (UNRESTRICTED) 2020 RECEIPTS 2021 2020 PAYMENTS 202L 4,276.95 Balance at Bank 1st January 2021 6,966.11 The Mlnlstry Clergy Expenses 952.78 1,418.17 Voluntsry Recelpts Planned Giving Contributlons Tax Refund on Gift Aid Collectlons Church Boxes and Histories 20,214.00 3,735.80 3,439.05 969.48 27,585.(M) The Church and Expenses Wages And Verger Expenses Muslc Fund, Choir. Salarle5 Bread, Wlne Candles Water and Sewer rates 011 and Heatln8 Electricity Postage, Statlonary 3nd Sundry Expenses CopSer SeNice Charge Planned Giving Expenses AccountanLy Fees DBF Fees Insurance In SeNlce 4,601.50 5,694.35 304.75 169.10 2,759.66 1,681.59 116.11 1,130.33 4,557.60 5,765.95 133.57 328.32 2.385.57 1,546.91 1,113.92 883.40 553.56 225.00 935.00 8,244.74 437.69 255.00 3,362.63 other Ordlnary Recelpts Investment Income Aston Boiler Interest Grants Three Days In January DCMS Scheme Historic England Grant Calvary Lloyds Mission Transfer Folkestone Town Councll 1,071.40 46.17 25,316.41 I,l(K).46 701.98 20,000. 1,425.98 18,750.00 1,500.00 2,627.88 3tX).(M) 1,148.60 741.C Payments Outslde the Parlsh DSocese Quota Chubb Fire Book5 Sacconi and Soclal Expenses Cleanlng and Hyglene Leaflets Flower Fund Manna collectlon Architect & Plannlng Fees offi￿ Supplles Telephone Extra Ordlnary Recelpts Insurance Payment Wedding and Baptlsm Collectlons Funeral Fees Refunds Colouring Books Coffee Sales Votive Candles Flower fund Concerts & Art Exlubition hire Various Donations 36,895.00 398.90 15.98 30,OLrJ.00 41D.47 1(6.88 115.90 651.33 316.43 610.55 1,520.¢Y) 747.OCI 438.00 1,531.66 1.145.00 853.00 102.54 180.09 244.02 291.93 860.00 3,081.45 4,611.68 201.40 371.27 146. 355.43 loo.00 3,105.74 31.13 1,796.52 3,3M.64 981.(N) 1,797.20 745.46

Pam and Angela Retirement Festive Fair Coffee MorninÈ Grant from Rendezvous Magazine Finding Eanswythe Books Bequest Recipes Table Sales Baptismal Bible Fund Flrst Day Covers Sum Up Payments St Eanswythe Day Float AX8345283477 Misc 555.00 50. 3,456.94 230.99 5,508.00 29.394.00 693.00 Christmas Boxes Miscellaneous expenses Computer Supplles Anglian Tertonics Rye Roofing Building & Maintenan Pam and Angela Retirement AIBMS 190.00 1,309.69 1,459.94 505.24 1,135.1)0 7,002.07 125.00 1,833.21 200.(K) 335.00 I,OIS.31 50.00 2.95 25.00 430.(KI 27,839.50 780.00 407.70 13,200.IKJ 2,226.14 550.00 23.42 12,282.00 Transfer from Fabric Fund alc 6,966.11 Balance at Bank 31st December 2021 25,128.28 108,514.75 108,728.53 108.514.75 108,728.53 I hereby approve these Accounts based on the information and explanatlons provided Nicola Cahlll M.A.A.T 0410312022 io

PARISH OF ST. MARY AND ST. EANSWYTHE WITH ST. SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE BUSINESS RESERVE ACCOUNT 2020 RECEIPTS 2021 2020 PAYMENTS 202L 19.844.33 Balance at bank 1st January 2021 1,358.93 1,452.38 129.57 Income from investments CBF Deposlt Fund 7,797.03 EIG Insurance 1,526.97 11.68 Bank Interest 0.20 12,282.Cil Transfer to General alc 1,358.93 Balance at Bank 31st December 2021 2.886,10 21.437.96 2,886.10 21037.96 2,886,10 I hereby approve these Accounts based on the information and explanations provided Nicola Cahill M.A.A.T 0410312022 li

Pwlsh Church olst Mary and St Eanswythe ftENDEZ4lOUS WfjAZINE XCOVNTS 2D21. 2020 RECEIP15 balances It I l•n 202 1 Current Accouni oslt kcouni Cash Sn Hand 2021 2020 PAYMENT5 2021 72.37 2414.81 2.13 295.39 241693 2 13 532 loo 4334 Prinlin Don•tlon to PCC Posi eIrniKellan￿US Colourin 8ooks 834.75 350 22.44 291 2714.45 655 40.08 203.28 Advertisements Oon•tions Subs Ind S•les 865 136.88 201.88 B￿lfiCe5 at 31 Doc 2021 cUrr￿t kcount Deposlt kcount C•sh In H•nd 295.39 2416.93 2.13 291.96 2126 17 2.13 2.12 B•n& Inlefest 0.24 2420.26 3389.79 Tot 3918.45 3389 79 Toi 391845 12

PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

INVESTMENTS

Our treasurers have worked hard this year to untangle the mystery of our historic investments. Our previous treasurer only presented the original cost of the holdings. Pam and Jenny, however, have made some progress in discovering their present valuation in terms of current market value. As encouraging as this may seem, we are not yet able to access the capital value of these funds because we have not yet tracked down their original documents, which will govern whether and how the capital may be accessed. We are also unclear about the processes by which applications must be made to do so. We hope to make further progress in the coming year. With so many costs to cover, the existence of these presently inaccessible reserves is painfully tantalizing.

Revd Dr John Walker (Chair)

Investments held on 31[st] December 2021 and valuations as per statements.

Cost
Vicar and Churchwardens Trust Funds Fabric
Endowment
£18,117.45
PCC Trust Funds Fabric
Endowment
£ 4,884.60
General Fabric Fund
Restricted
£10,021.31
Dicks Bequest
Endowment
£ 1,283.62
Hammond Bequest
Endowment
£ 1,213.28
Crookes Bequest
Endowment
£ 1,516.60
Davies Trust
Restricted
£ 969.34		 Valuation
£17,573.26
£25,432.06
£ 3,705.23
£ 8,690.26
£15,732.70
£ 1,233.29
£ 1,800.78
£ 1,163.28
£ 1,570.86
£ 1,454.10
£ 2,104.80
£32,647.83		 A/C No
106001875D
106001094S
106001970D
106001087S
606139001S
106001972D
106001090S
106001973D
106001255S
106001974D
106001256S
106001089S

13

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

Aston Boiler
Restricted
Vera & Leslie Vale Fund
Pilcher Bible Fund
Restricted
(For St Eanswythe’s School)
Music & Choir Fund
Restricted
Pipe Organ Fund
Restricted
Ecclesiastical Charity
Endowment
(Interest allocated to Churchwardens Discretionary Fund)
Churchwardens Historic Charities
Endowment
Total		 Cost
£ 3,606.69
£ 40.64
£ 642.70
£ 1,781.55
£ 6,100.00
£10,182.56
£ 2,119.08
£62,479.42		 Valuation
£ 8,414.53
£ 4,420.91
£ 448.67
£ 950.44
£ 775.41
£ 1,812.4
£ 2,000.00
£31,956.52
£ 8,133.63
£172,020.39		 A/C No
606139003S
606139003F
606139003D
606139002S
606139004D
606139005D
606139002D
106001718S
106001012J

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 APPENDIX: SUPPLEMENTARY REPORTS

REPORT ON THE FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS OF THE CHURCH

1. Quinquennial Phase 2

Gutters and Downpipes - All gutters and downpipes have been removed, replaced where necessary, redecorated, re-fixed to the wall and eaves and sealed . All drains have been cleared as well. This work is now complete.

Re-pointing - Localised re-pointing of the stonework around the church has largely been completed. There remain a few areas where growth had to be killed off before the winter. These areas will be dealt with in due course. In the course of this work it was found that ten stones on the North Transept parapet were fractured and crumbling. These have been replaced. The scaffolding is due to be removed soon with a small scaffold tower being left in the corner between the Lady Chapel and North Transept for access to the Tower for weather vane access.

Weather Vane - Having erected the scaffolding on the top of the Tower to access the weather vane, it was found to be in much worse condition. We have one quote for the repair but need three. We are having difficulty in getting further quotes.

Nave Roof seals to stonework - For some unknown reason, when the church was re-roofed in 1988 the slate to Tower and Western Gable stonework for the central span of the Nave was made in mortar rather than the usual lead flashing used elsewhere. The mortar is well stuck to the slates but has pulled away from the stonework. This work requires scaffolding to the west end and against the Tower. The work has not been started yet as I need to see how he funding of the weathervane affects our grant funding.

Belfry Louvres mesh - This is to keep the pigeons from roosting/nesting on the louvres and causing blocking of gutters etc.. This has not been started yet due to funding.

2. Calvary - The Diocese has approved the plan for the restoration and we have Planning approval but the three quotes (£5,700 - £13,000) are excessive and we are trying to find more reasonable quotes before seeking funding.

3. Churchyard Walls - there are two areas of fractured walling, both revealed when the Council cut back the ivy. One is on the curve of the wall opposite the Calvary, the wall has been split by an ivy root and the top capping stones are loose. The other is the wall to the left of the steps which has moved due to ivy infestation. Both of these have been reported to the Council (FHDC) but no progress to date.

4. Alarms and CCTV - The Home Office has approved Places of Worship funding for a scheme to install nine external CCTV cameras and five internal cameras and an internal alarm system in the church due to six break-ins and one arson attack since 2006 together with various assaults and other antisocial incidents in the churchyard. I am finalising the Faculty application and liaising with FHDC with regards to Planning issues. Once approval has been given the installation company appointed by the Home Office will commence the work.

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

5. Adam and Eve (before the apple!) Window - Canterbury Cathedral Stained Glass Workshop have measured the stone setting for the window and made a template. The new window will have a Makrolon protective glazing but, unlike the present Makrolon it will be fitted into the window aperture and fixed with metal clips rather than surface applied with screws, making it far more difficult to remove. I am awaiting a quotation for the work to pass on to Ecclesiastical Insurance for their approval. Once approved, it will take around 3 months to repair and install the window.

6. Vestry Floor - The broken and lifting tiles by the double door have been replaced.

7. Lighting on pathway to the Tower - the lights behind the church were not working. This was attended to but we now have issues with some staying on too long. I am awaiting the electrician.

8. Additional electric sockets to the North Aisle - Three double sockets have been fitted along the north wall.

9. Toilet Door Locks - the bolts on the doors have been replaced by Vacant/Engaged locks, which can be opened from outside in emergency.

Andrew Plested

REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE DEANERY SYNOD

The Deanery Synod met three times throughout he year, with a fourth meeting cancelled at short notice. The meetings were in July, September and November 2021 and February 2022.

  1. February Meeting – a talk from Fr Mark from St Peter’s, Folkestone was followed by a brief meeting where preliminary information was shared about the Deanery Mission Grants. Kate McNiece was elected as Deanery Catalyst for Children and Families.

  2. September Meeting – the meeting began with a presentation about the Diocesan Budget, which asked parishes to commit to paying 90% of their Parish Share. The Parish Share has been calculated using the average attendance for 2017, 18 and 19 due to the closure of churches in 2020-21.

  3. November Meeting – this meeting was cancelled at short notice.

  4. February Meeting – A presentation was given by Neville Emslie, the Diocesan Director of Mission and Ministry. He encouraged parishes to focus on what they have rather than focussing on a list of needs and to create teams around people’s gifts and talents. He also stressed the need for the clergy to socialise with the people in their parishes in order to get to know them better. At this meeting the following were elected as representatives on the Diocesan Synod: House of Laity, Bill Mills; House of Clergy, Rev Barry Knott, Rector of Saltwood and Lympne. Also elected at this meeting was the new Area Dean, this is to be a shared role between Rev Barry Knott (Saltwood and Lympne) and Rev Bob Weldon (Trinity Benefice).

Vicky Friedrich

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

CHAIR’S REPORT

As I write this report, I’m suffering with Covid, as so many have these last two years. I thank God for vaccinations, but I also acknowledge the profound extent to which the virus has all our expectations and the pattern of our lives. But you know this. So I’m going to reflect on the way it has affected the life and mission of the church by reviewing its impact on the areas of mission detailed in the Parish Profile that was written for my post, which the PCC at the time contributed to and approved.

1] To work within the Liberal Catholic and musical traditions of the parish to explore new ways of expressing our faith and engaging with the entire parish community to attract new Christians.

Measures: new services and events, increasing congregation numbers.

Review: this was done, and radically, during the pandemic with multi-media, online services that attracted a wide viewing from non-churchgoers. But it took an immense investment of time. Once the lockdowns lifted I could not sustain them and return to fact-to-face ministry. We had no-one with the skills and time to develop online services as a parallel ministry – all we could do was livestream our in-person services, which has a small following. And the creativity has been lost. The appointment of a new Choir Director has brought some new energy into the development of our musical tradition however both on Sunday mornings, and with the introduction of some services of Evensong, in which we may be able to support and be supported by, other churches in the Deanery with a similar choral tradition.

2] To build up the congregation of St Mary and St Eanswythe’s numerically and in discipleship, to better enable local mission by the whole church.

Measures: vocations to varieties of ministry, lay engagement in mission initiatives, increasing congregation numbers, increasing ability to meet financial responsibilities.

Review: I have focused consistently on discipleship, and encouraged many folk to take responsibility in the life of our faith-community. New people have tries us out since we resumed in-persons services, but only some of them have stayed. Past members have died, or not returned after the lockdowns ended. A missional focus is strongly there, but very much mediated by the building.

3] To engage with local schools, especially the two Church Schools, in order to provide pastoral support, to lead in worship and be a resource for the Christian faith. With the Church Schools, to deepen the existing partnerships in the Gospel.

Measures: number of engagements in local schools and school services/visits in church. Possibly: confirmations or admission to communion before confirmation.

Review: this has been a high priority and is developing extremely well after building a good cyberrelationship during the lockdown.

4] To engage with the civic life of Folkestone, enabling St Mary and St Eanswythe’s to play a full part in the life of the town.

Measures: partnerships with civic and other bodies, use of church for civic and town events, use of church and churchyard as amenity – and opportunity to tell the Christian story.

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

Review: There’s not been much possibility here so far. We hosted Town Sunday last year, but most councillors stayed away. I may get to be Chaplain to the Mayor/Council this year. Most of my connections with the town have been to do with Eanswythe or the Arts.

5] To engage with the redevelopment and renewal schemes in Folkestone and the Creative Quarter to ensure the Church plays its part. With respect to the Creative Quarter, St Mary and St Eanswythe’s is placed well to take a prominent role in the creative life of Folkestone, building on the current cultural life of the church.

Measures: use of church for events, opportunities for clergy and the wider church to participate in events in the town, engagement with developers (voice into provision, understanding of wellbeing), welcome packs into new properties.

Review: This focus has not been developed. I’d made a good start in my first six weeks, but Covid changed the landscape with regard to capacity for these schemes and the Creative Foundation, as well as for us. One exception, possibly, is an excellent relationship between us and the Bayle Residents Association, and with the Folkestone Museum. However, there’s been some great co-operation around the arts with the Creative Foundation, Bayle Music, Folkestone Fringe and a number of private arts events that are establishing the church as a desirable arts venue.

6] To develop the spiritual and evangelistic role of St Eanswythe as a unique feature of the parish, building on the resurgence of pilgrimage in the nation and exploring ways of best presenting Eanswythe and her faith to today’s society.

Measures: provision of explanation of St Eanswythe and facilities for prayer, numbers of visitors/pilgrims, engagement with other pilgrimage parties, continuing work with Finding Eanswythe project.

Review: This has been desperately affected by the pandemic. And, since lockdowns have ended, progress has been too slow. I’m hoping we’ll find funding for a Project Manager to move this on significantly over the next three years. The ‘Companions of Eanswythe’ has been launched with a profound impact on a limited range of people.

7] To work collaboratively with colleagues in the wider mission to East Folkestone, especially with the parishes of St John and St Peter.

Measures: projects or services crossing parish boundaries, joint services, exploring joint social Gospel opportunities.

Review: This hasn’t happened, and I’m not sure it will. I get on quite well with one incumbent whose theology and church tradition and practice is utterly different from ours – I’m not sure either of us can yet imagine a common event that would express both approaches. My relationship with the the incumbent whose tradition is similar is patchy. Two forms of collaboration seem much more promising: with other churches of similar choral tradition in the Deanery, and with other denominations within Churches Together in Folkestone, particularly with the two other major churches in our parish boundaries; Harbour Church and Folkestone Baptist Church.

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

In the light of this review, I am in conversation with our Archdeacon about revising our mission focus along these lines over the next three years. I wonder if you think they’re desirable, or achievable?

1] To work with all those who value our church’s life and heritage to raise the money we need for it to continue to thrive and fulfil its calling.

Measures: Money raised for repairs, the organ, the shrine, the heritage area, hospitality, heating. Increased income for running costs.

2] To make our church a centre for pilgrimage for any who seek meaning in our unique story.

Measures: Developing the shrine; new toilets and refreshment area; displays telling our story; festivals of celebration; lectures and seminars; hosting pilgrimages; membership of the Companions of Eanswythe; completion and use of our quiet garden.

3] For our music to enhance present liturgical patterns and launch new initiatives to inspire within our faith community and beyond.

Measures: new settings; a growing choir; sung Evensong; community choral events; classical mass settings in live worship; children’s masses; increasing congregation numbers.

4] To launch an alternative service that uses symbolism, imagery, art, music and liturgy in a contemporary form in order to connect with non-churchgoers.

Measures: a new service; increasing congregation numbers.

5] For our church building to become a centre for the arts.

Measures: hosting concerts, performances and exhibitions; creating space for temporary exhibitions.

6] To encourage all who come in their spiritual journey.

Measures: children’s church; family masses; courses of study; prayer and meditation; pastoral care team; social events; increase in giving.

7] Partnership with our church schools

Measures: leading Collective Worship; visits to the church; participation in school governance; special services on church; confirmations or admission to communion before confirmation.

Fr John

BAYLE MUSIC AND ASSOCIATED EVENTS

The 2021-22 season marked a turning point for Bayle Music. The partnership with Canterbury Music Club and the change of performance to Saturday afternoons has resulted in an increase in audience numbers and a wider range of performances. The genius behind this is Grenville Hancox, whose tireless work on behalf of live music performance both here and in the wider area is much appreciated. Mere words of thanks cannot properly express our gratitude.

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

Two concerts stand out – that by Freddy Kempf and the Sacconi Quartet in September and the postponed performance of ‘Messiah’ in March both attracting audiences of over 80. That is not to say that the other concerts in the series were any the less impressive. Indeed Rachel Podger’s November solo violin recital and master class was extremely well-supported and led to the hire of the church for a commercial recording earlier this year as she had found the acoustics so special.

Several other concerts and events have grown from the Bayle Music series including those organised by John Woolrich, one of Britain’s leading composers, who has made his home in Folkestone and a wellattended evening concert as part of the Folkestone Folk Music Festival.

The 15[th] Sacconi Festival in May 2022 promises to be as exciting and attractive as ever. The festival continues to attract large audiences and guest performers of world renown.

Bayle Music is grateful for the support of Fr John, who generously accepted our invitation to be our President, and the Churchwardens. These concerts continue to provide a steady income for the church and help to keep it at the centre of the town’s artistic life.

Full details of all Bayle Music concerts and other musical events in the Folkestone area can be found on the Sounds Folkestone website where you can also book tickets in advance – www.soundsfolkestone.co.uk

Ian Gordon

THE CHOIR AND APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW CHOIR DIRECTOR AND ORGANIST

The prohibition on singing by church choirs was lifted in time for Palm Sunday and our return to holding services in church on 28 March 2021. Covid has a lot to answer for, but for once the small size of our church choir was in our favour and we were able to comply with the ‘rule of six’ with no trouble at all. Congregational singing was not permitted again until 25 July, and even then only with masks firmly in place, so until then the choir sang only the mass setting plus an anthem and communion hymn. Knowing how frustrating some members of the congregation found it not being allowed to sing, it is surprising that people were not queuing up to join the choir. It has certainly been an extra privilege and pleasure to be a member of the church choir over the past year, and the throughout the pandemic as a whole.

The recruitment process to appoint a new Choir Director and Organist was already well underway when Toby Huitson left us, after five years in post, on 31 October 2021. The whole choir was involved in the selection process and the interviews and auditions took place at the end of November, resulting in the appointment of Malcolm Munro who joined us on 13 March 2022. He was welcomed with a parish lunch – a magnificent spread in the Woodward Hall.

Malcolm comes to us from St Mary’s Church, Dover and is both an experienced organist and singer. He has already made a huge difference to the musical side of our worship with the reintroduction of psalms and anthems, and he is working with the choir to recruit additional singers – any closet singers out there, beware! He is also doing much to raise the profile of the music at St Mary and St Eanswythe and we expect more positive changes in future.

Catriona Hunter

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

ENJOYING OUR HERITAGE

Flowers and Garden

We have had a very interesting year creating and producing flower displays for the church. Thanks to Jan’s green fingers we have been using plants, flowers and greenery from her garden throughout the year. We have augmented these with some bought flowers and plants managing to keep the costs to a minimum.

Thanks to past Flower arranging groups we have a beautiful collection of silk flowers which we use very happily throughout the seasons.

For Easter 2021 we enjoyed making a beautiful Easter Garden and decorating the church with lilies (for peoples’ memories of loved ones), spring flowers and shrubs - especially uplifting after the bareness of Lent.

For the first time we made special arrangements for Remembrance Sunday.

At Christmas we filled the church with traditional greenery with bright red touches to be lit by candles and warmed by lots of wonderful Christmas singing.

Many visitors remarked on how beautiful the church and flowers looked for the Memorial Service for Sarah Laws, much missed Head of St Eanswythe’s School.

We love planning and executing our weekly arrangements and look forward to another year of creativity.

We also decided last year to sort out the Vicarage Garden. We arranged for weeding and disposal of everything that had taken over the entire space. Thanks to some very generous parishioners we had the funds to prepare the ground, have a membrane fitted and then gravel to cover the space. We spent a long time looking at gravel gardens, measuring, visiting Young’s to discuss the requirements and supplies and then working with Peter the gardener and his grandsons and Paul, Jan’s husband to fill the garden one Saturday morning.

Jan has organised the pots and plants and kept an eye on them during the winter.

We now have a beautiful space called The Quiet Garden available to all who would like to sit and contemplate.

Cleaning

Over the year we have had a small and dedicated team who have gradually made an enormous difference to the appearance of the church. At last it looks loved once more with warm reflections bouncing off the wood and brass. Some of our church Welcomers also enjoy cleaning and tidying tasks each week. This all helps to keep the church sparkling and welcoming for our visitors and congregation.

But there are unseen places which are also cleaned on a weekly basis for which we are very grateful.

Thank you to our team for your dedication and the enjoyment that we have working together. And also, to our two tallest members who are brave enough to stand on the ladder and attempt to reach the cobwebs which we spot during quiet moments during services!

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

St Eanswythe’s Festival

We held our first St Eanswythe’s Festival for a while. This was a joint project with the Folkestone Museum. The day dawned sunny and we opened the church at 10.00 to receive visitors including the Mayor who opened the Day for us. We had very pretty stalls selling beautiful handmade products, a raffle (one of Catriona’s delicious Christmas cakes) and homemade cakes and coffee throughout the day. The Ride & Stride cyclists were checking their progress in the porch and there were lots of activities at the Museum for children so it was a busy and happy day for all finished off with a session with the fascinating Lunatraktors. We made £600 and we hope to improve on that this September. We held a special service on the Sunday morning attended by Archdeacon Darren.

Watch out for plans for September 2022!

Jenny Coleman & Jan Clarke

CHILDREN’S CHURCH

St Mary and St Eanswythe’s Children’s Church was launched in December 2021 with a great deal of prayer, a small group of volunteers and about 8 children. Our plan is for one meeting every month in the Upper Room. All children are welcome (pre-school age with an adult) and there are flyers in church for you to pass on to younger members of your family or to neighbours with children.

We are also providing weekly puzzle, activity and colouring sheets, usually based on the Gospel for the day, and these can be completed by children during the service or at home. The new position of the family area in church means that children and families have a great view of the nave altar and so can feel really engaged in the service.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Clare Tomlinson

FRIENDS OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE

It is very hard to believe that we formed the Friends in 2014 and since that time we have been incredibly fortunate with our projects. The Women’s Role in World War 1 came first and then the extraordinary Art and Antique Auction organised by Mark Punton with the latest major event being the Reverend Railton project.

Like many organisations 2021 has proved to be a challenging year for the Friends.

We have sadly lost members who have died or moved out of the area during the year, and we do miss them and their support of all that we do.

On the bright side we have recruited a few more people.

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

During the year the Reverend Railton Exhibition continued at the Folkestone Museum but by the end of 2021, by mutual agreement, the exhibition was in part moved into the church as a temporary fixture. Our thanks to both

Fr John and Jenny Coleman for organising the move and to Alistair Coney who was the talented person who created the replica. I can tell you that the exhibition is certainly creating a lot of interest amongst the visitors, the comment we most hear is that people had no idea that there was a link between the church, Folkestone, and the Unknown Warrior.

The Friends commissioned Alistair to make a cupboard/ bar to serve refreshments. This was to replace the storage cupboard/ wardrobe that was in a dangerous condition. The bar was installed in December, and everyone involved in serving refreshments or indeed being served agrees that this has been a very welcome addition to the church.

The other thing Alistair was commissioned to do was to bring the list of Vicars up to date and once again Alistair proved his worth.

The Friends committee have also agreed to purchase new tables and chairs for the refreshment area, and this will be done as soon as possible.

We do hope that more people will join the Friends and we do hope that some of you will be able to join us for the Quiz at the Woodward Hall on Thursday 28[th] April. Please let Pam know if you are interested.

My grateful thanks and very best wishes to all our Friends.

Daniel Keeling, Chairman

HEATING SYSTEM

Apart from the continued building works , the general situation concerning the church is the future of the heating system. We are looking at our options in this regard and we have two contact names who will come and give us an indication as to how their system might work for us. These are early stages and at some point in the future we will have to consider how we are going to raise the funds. The diocese has made it quite plain that they will not sanction a like for like renewal of the oil boilers.

With regard to the current situation we are only using the boiler with the baffle ,so we have a little more control over the oil usage.

Tom Bertram

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PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

First meeting of St Mary & St Eanswythe’s newly elected Parochial Church Council 24[th] April 2022

A G E N D A

(Minutes of the last meeting will be received at the May PCC meeting)

A. Appointment of Deputy Wardens

B. Election of PCC Officers

  1. Vice Chairs

  2. Secretary

  3. Treasurers

  4. Electoral Roll

  5. Safeguarding:

  6. a. Parish Safeguarding Coordinator

  7. b. Parish Disclosures Officer

  8. c. Safeguarding Policy Statement

C. Future Meeting dates

  1. PCC Meetings will take place in the Upper Room on Tuesdays 10.00-12.00: 2022: 17 May, 12 Jul, 13 Sep, 15 Nov 2023: 17 Jan, 21 March

  2. The Standing Committee comprises the Chair, Churchwardens, Treasurers and Secretary. Meetings will take place in the Upper Room on Tuesdays 10.00-11.00: 2022: 14 Jun, 18 Oct, 13 Dec (if needed)

  3. 2023: 14 Feb

The Standing Committee may meet at other times as need demands.

  1. The 2023 APCM will take place after the Eucharist on Sunday 30[th] April

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Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement

Parish of ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE WITH ST SAVIOUR FOLKESTONE

This parochial church council has adopted the safeguarding policies and procedures of the Church of England. In particular we are committed to:

We have appointed ……………………………………………………………………

Tel: ……………………………………………………………………

as the Parish Safeguarding Coordinator

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on ………………………………………..... Signed ………………………………………………. Date ………………………...

(Parish Priest)

Signed ………………………………………………. Date ………………………... Signed ………………………………………………. Date ………………………... (Church Wardens)

Any child wishing to talk about a problem can contact Childline on 0800 1111

Any parent or carer wishing to talk about parenting problems can contact Family Lives on 0808 800 2222

The Parish Safeguarding Coordinator is available to speak with adults or children.

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