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Trustees Annual Report and

Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2024

of The Parochial Church Council of

St. Mary Magdalene & St. Denys Church Church Hill, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9PB Registered Charity No.1194217

OUR AIMS AND PURPOSES AS A CHARITY

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in:

●The promotion of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England.
●Promoting in the parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, social, evangelistic and, ecumenical.
●Knowing Jesus better and making Him better known.
●Practical support and care for people in the parish, from the youngest to the oldest, irrespective of level of need or, ability to pay.
●Providing support to those in need and by giving financial support to other organisations with similar objectives.

The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of St Mary Magdalene & St Denys Church, Church Hill, Midhurst as well as the interior of St Ann’s Hall, the parish room which is rented from the Cowdray Estate.

WHAT WE PLANNED TO DO TO ACHIEVE OUR CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES

When planning our activities for the year, our incumbent and the PCC have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on ‘charities for the advancement of religion’.

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

For this year we discussed and planned the following objectives and activities to fulfil our aims:

●Enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church.
●Enabling as many people as possible to become part of our parish community.
●Teaching, baptising and nurturing new and existing believers.

●Diversifying our programme of worship to enable more people to attend services in the parish.
●Putting faith into practice, through prayer and worship, and by acts of kindness in our community.
●Offering prayer, learning about scripture, and fellowship in small group situations.
●Assisting people from all walks of life to develop their knowledge of Christianity and their trust in Jesus.
●Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish.
●Raising money and food for other charities.
●Reaching out to young people and families through groups and regular services and activities aimed at them.
●Maintaining the fabric of the church building as a historic centre and focus of life in the town.
●Keeping the church building open to receive those who come in to find quiet and prayer and provide resources for them.

ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE

When we read the various reports that follow in this Annual Report it is remarkable how much is given by so many to our shared life within our church.

I think that is one of the marks of what our church is all about – people giving of themselves for the benefit of a shared vision as to what it means to be a disciple of Christ in this place at this time.

As with every year, there have been notable achievements, and events we should rightly recognise – and some of these are not ‘high-profile’ – there are many amongst us who quietly give of themselves and who might otherwise be overlooked.

For example, I would like to extend my personal thanks to one of the quiet heroes of our parish, Lorraine Graham, who has served as our assistant treasurer for a long time: supporting Ted (our treasurer) in

overseeing our bank accounts, managing payments, receipts, invoices for payment as well as managing our bills payable, contracts with our suppliers, processing our gift-aid claims and keeping a keen eye on our regular giving. Lorraine stepped down from this role over the past year, which created the space for another quiet hero to step into this role.

I would like to thank Heather Dummer for volunteering to pick up where Lorraine has left off: with a fresh pair of eyes Heather has worked tirelessly in the background to streamline the assistant treasurer role and done so so seamlessly that I suspect many of us will not even have noticed the change in personnel.

Early in the year we enjoyed the first of many new events in our church calendar – Quiz and Fizz! As is detailed in the social events report below, a new committee was formed this year with the mandate to host a number of events that, whilst intended as fundraising events, have the primary intention of bringing us together for evenings that are fun! – it being important for a community of love to spend time with each other in companionship and fellowship. Glynis and her team of willing volunteers have successfully hosted a number of events – and I

would like to thank them all for giving us so many opportunities to enjoy each other’s company. And – well done to the first winners of Quiz and Fizz!

The Christian calendar gives us a shape which moulds our year – and 2024 was no different – we travelled together through Holy Week and through

to Easter. This year also heralded a significant change in our community of faith as our long-standing director of music, Paul Legrave, stood down having shared his gifts of music and leadership as our organist and choirmaster for many years. Paul has also supported

the parish in a number of other roles over the time, and I thank him for this on behalf of our church. As this is Midhurst – we celebrated this in our typical fashion…with cake and Prosecco!

We were able to invite our area Bishop, Ruth Bushyager, to visit our parish three times during the year – to celebrate our ongoing work with our local primary school in blessing a new worship candle the school uses when

they gather for collective worship, to a service of Confirmation and to consecrate our new altar. Our bishop is a great supporter of our parish, and the work we do here: we look forward to welcoming her again to future celebrations of our shared mission and ministry.

One of the staples of parish ministry are what are called the ‘occasional offices’: baptisms, weddings and funerals. In the past year we supported 33 families through one of these significant life events – and I extend my thanks to Revd Jane Roberts and Revd Chris Lavender for supporting many of these parishioners with all three ministries during the year. This has been a significant area of ‘growth’ in our parish – we married 4 couples in 2024, and helped 27 different families cope with the death of a loved one.

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Remembering those who have gone before us is an important expression of love: love for those whom we have lost, love for those who have sacrificed for us and love for those who remain. Our shared witness alongside the Royal British Legion is a part of that. In the past year, in addition to the regular support of the Legion on Remembrance Sunday we have also been privileged to host the rededication of the Royal British Legion standards – the old one now being ‘laid up’ in the church. This was a once-in-a-lifetime event – and particularly poignant as a result.

Our work with children and young people has continued – and we have thoroughly enjoyed ministering alongside those who are developing in faith. This year we have been able to incorporate the spiritual expressions of our young people into the sacramental

life of the church: each Messy Church session includes a shared meal and the opportunity to contribute the children’s gifts to the wider ministry of the church.

This would not be possible army of volunteers.

without a dedicated

Thank you to all who make this ministry possible: not least our Messy leadership team: Jenny Dennett, Kirstin Bosley, Lillian Zwarts, Sarah Lavender, Ruth Butler, Chrissie Abbott and Ellie Collie – thank you to you all!

Talking of Jenny….we were delighted to be able to celebrate alongside her as she was inducted into the Order of St Richard this year. This award is a diocesan initiative to celebrate the many and varied lay ministries that parishioners fulfil across our diocese. Jenny has been a stalwart of our pastoral care team, and is licensed as our Authorised Lay Minister for pastoral ministry, a role she leads with care and considerable love. Jenny also leads our Messy Church team, has served in the past as a churchwarden amongst many other roles she fulfils. The parish would not be the same without her and it was a joy to celebrate her induction to the Order of St Richard in recognition of her many gifts, talents and service amongst us.

The church hosted a number of concerts from a variety of choirs and other artists during the year – some as paid events, others as fundraisers and some just for the sheer joy of celebrating the gifts and talents of local community groups.

The Midhurst Community Choir, the Milton Glee Choir, Midhurst Primary School, Midhurst Rother College choir and orchestra, Sarah Jane Eveleigh and Westbourne House School have all joined us throughout the year. Our shared witness and mission to serve our community have been enriched by their being with us.

No reflection on 2024 would be complete without also mentioning the stunning outcome of the work of three of our congregants: Sarah Lavender, Alison Windle and Kirstin Bosley came up with the idea of a Christmas Tree Festival – the result was a magical and wonderful experience for the whole of Midhurst to enjoy. Engaging with local businesses, parishioners and community groups, we were delighted to host a Christmas Tree Extravaganza during Advent.

It was a delight to see many of our parishioners just enjoying the artistic talents of so many in the community. With the profile raised by way of newspaper articles, radio interviews and a warmth and joy from our team, this new event proved to be a success and a real highlight of the year.

I know the team is planning something a little different for 2025, but the popularity of this new event is likely to return in future years! There is much to celebrate – and there will be more to celebrate in 2025, of that I have no doubt!

There are, however, a few challenges visible in the path ahead. The collapse of our lychgate will be a difficult issue for us to manage – and it is likely that we will have insufficient financial capacity to fund its repair. This will be a key focus area for our PCC in the coming months.

There will be plenty of opportunities, with the ongoing development of our social events team, a desire to rejuvenate and develop our youth ministry, an aspiration to develop our prayer and pastoral ministries, an aspiration to relaunch home group ministries, and vacancies becoming available to join our leadership team(s) for you to offer your gifts this coming year, be they in time, talent or treasure.

Please do volunteer and help us continue to celebrate the joy of being Christ’s disciples here in Midhurst…as we strive to build a community that reflects the Kingdom of God to which we aspire.

God bless you all – thank you for all that you do – and I wish you a spiritfilled and fruitful 2025.

With love, Marcus

Revd. Marcus Collie, Vicar

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

The year has been led by the Rural Dean Revd Trish Bancroft and the Lay Chair Christina Heath. The representatives on the Diocesan Synod were elected in the early summer and are -

Revd Trish Bancroft (Rural dean) Chistina Heath (Lay Chair)

Revd Canon Derek Welsman Kevin Edgeley (Deanery Treasurer) Revd Marcus Collie Roger Bricknell (Deanery secretary)

Diocesan Finance PMC

The 2024 deficit for the Diocese was estimated at £1.5m, this had been reduced to £700,000 after a transfer of £800,000 from its reserves. It was emphasised at various meetings that this was likely to be the last available transfer from reserves.

The PMC for 2024 was set at –

PMC for 2024 after crediting Vacancy credit and Fees returned was £81,445 for a full time Priest.

Pledges were made in the normal way, and they have been complied with by the end of the year.

The Diocese passed a resolution about the financial status as follows:

Family Social Work

2024 has been a very successful year. All benefices managed to contribute the desired amount to the project which was £800. It was paid to the Deanery Treasurer who made the required payments to FSW at the end of the year. One Benefice was found to be considerably in advance with its payment and adjustment to account for this were made. Kirsty, the FSW Practitioner has been joined by a second Practitioner to assist with the ever-increasing workload in our Deanery.

The monthly newsletters are circulated to all members of the deanery and indicate the work that goes on. FSW is proving to be a great service for the Deanery. We would have struggled to cope with these problems without them.

Deanery Mission Action Plan

During the year, at all of the meetings the Deanery action plan has been substantially modified. We have taken advice from the Diocese and the 4 mores as headings have been removed. The monitoring document, showing the details is attached to this report.

The major activity in this area has been the development within the Deanery of our own safeguarding courses, to be given as training seminars to groups of people with-in the Deanery. This was prompted because there were a consider number of people who were not happy with the diocesan computer training package. The deanery at one of its meetings strongly advised all Parishes/Benefices to have their own Safeguarding Officer / Individual, and asked the members of the Deanery Synod to make sure it happens.

It is hoped that the clergy exchange on one Sunday, where Clergy will conduct services in other than their own Benefice will take place in the spring/summer of 2025.

Diocesan Net Carbon Zero by 2030 Project. (6-year project) ECO Church

The Deanery is now aware of what is entailed in this project. It has made a very strong recommendations on the subject.

All PCC’s should have NCZ as a permanent item on all their agenda’s. We have asked members of the Synod to make sure it happens.

The deanery strongly recommends the use of the Roche system either direct or through the Diocesan Roche system.
A diocesan group exists to give advice and exchange ideas. It has conferences to assist everyone in this area.
A presentation on the ECO Church was given to the Deanery on their Awayday.

The Deanery Treasurers

A very productive meeting was held with the PCC treasurers and the members of the Standing committee. The Deanery Treasurer was able to provide substantial information on the way the Diocese was progressing, answer questions and give advice.

Roger Bricknell, Deanery Secretary

CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

After the 2023 completion of our major roofing and stonework project and with Marcus Collie serving his first full year as our vicar, 2024 has been a little quieter for us, though not without its challenges.

Disappointingly, the problem of damp returned to the north wall, as well as affecting our neighbour, whose kitchen abuts this wall. We contacted our architect who advised that water was probably entering through a damaged lead flashing then unable then to escape through impermeable cement pointing. We therefore contracted for the replacement of the flashing and repointing with (porous) lime mortar at a cost of £2,938. Hopefully this has resolved the situation though we may not know for certain until the wall has fully dried out which may take several months. At that point, we must expect further expenditure to make good the surface of the wall.

An ongoing challenge relates to the interior lighting of the church. A five year electrical inspection became due and this revealed a number of defects in the wiring which have now been rectified at a cost of £1,668.

Beyond that, we are aware that a number of our halogen light bulbs either do not work at all or only intermittently and that there is an opportunity to reduce ongoing costs as well as to be more environmentally conscious by replacing all of them with LED. The PCC has accordingly approved a design project which will also explore ways to enhance the worship experience and better support such community events as take place within our church. With the ongoing participation of Revd. Marcus we have commissioned CES Lighting (experts in church projects) to carry out the design; decisions on the way forward will be required in 2025.

The presence of a “new” incumbent relieved us of some work which would otherwise have fallen entirely to us. A logjam in the diocesan system for the approval of major changes in our churches was successfully removed so that we finally obtained approval for our nave altar which was consecrated by Bishop Ruth in October. We assisted our insurance company (Ecclesiastical) in their five year risk review as a result of which they mandated that the choir vestry be decluttered as a matter of urgency in view of the large amount of flammable material which was in close proximity to our two gas boilers. The removal of items which had not been in use for at least ten years required diocesan approval, which again was obtained on our behalf by Revd. Marcus. New shelving has now been installed to carry items that had previously lain on the floor.

As an indicator of how unpredictable life can be when caring for our churches, as the year drew to a close, the lychgate was found to be leaning out towards Market Square and pulling a part of the cemetery wall with it. It appears that the base of the lychgate has rotted over time due to its proximity to the underground water table. Our vicar has reported an exemplary response from our architect and from Chichester Council as a result of which temporary work has been undertaken to stop the structure from falling into the Square. Since the Council are responsible for our closed graveyard, its surrounding wall and the lychgate, we are confident that repair costs should be borne by them and have verbal, though not yet written, confirmation. It will probably be several months before permanent repairs can be completed.

During 2024 we commissioned all recurring annual maintenance works including the clearing of gutters, maintenance of fire extinguishers, boilers and alarm systems and testing of the lightning conductor.

As always, we wish to acknowledge and thank all members of the welcoming team who help to ensure that our services and events are conducted in a welcoming and safe environment.

Gerry Randall Barry Semark

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Sparks

The Sparks Group for Primary age children has met on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Sundays throughout the year. Following the first hymn and a prayer for the children and adults they are taken to St Ann’s Hall to explore one of the Bible readings for the day through story, craft, and activities, returning to the church for communion and the opportunity to share with the congregation what they have experienced and learnt. It is a privilege to explore the Christian faith together with the regular children and grandchildren when they are visiting.

Messy Church

Messy Church has taken place on four occasions through the year. It has provided an opportunity for informal family worship, activities and a shared meal. We have met on a Sunday afternoon to explore the themes of Lent, Spring, Jesus’s ministry around the Sea of Galilee and Our Wonderful World. Our June gathering was in the Methodist Church garden and included a BBQ. We start with a Bible based story or theme, followed by a song and prayer then move on to crafts and activities linked to the theme. We have shared some of the outcomes with others: an altar cloth and pictures for the display boards. The session ends with a shared meal.

Thank you to the families, planning team and all craft and refreshment volunteers.

We take seriously the desire and requirement to maintain a safe environment for children and families. Safe recruitment and safeguarding training for volunteers are part of this commitment.

Jenny Dennett

PASTORAL CARE REPORT

We are frequently told that we are a welcoming and caring church. We acknowledge and value all the care shown to people in the church and community by individuals and through church groups.

The Pastoral Care Team meets regularly, now incorporating a representative of All Hallows, Woolbeding. Pastoral visits with the possibility of Holy Communion have taken place on a regular basis as well as one off visits as appropriate.

Prayer has been a focus during the year with some reorganisation of the prayer area. The prayer board is used regularly by members of the community and also the opportunity to light a candle as an aid to prayer. The church and the prayer area have been used frequently as a calm, peaceful place for prayer and reflection.

Planning for a Prayer Link phone ministry was begun with a launch planned for 2025. This will enable prayers to be said at those times which arise unexpectedly whether for serious illness or a moment of celebration.

Care is taken to provide a safe place and safe contacts with all especially vulnerable people.

Jenny Dennett, Pastoral Care Co-ordinator, Authorised Lay Minister – Pastoral

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

A new Social Committee was formed in January 2024 whose sole responsibility is to raise much needed funds for the Church by hosting fun, social events held at various venues in the community. All the events are by ticket and are advertised via the Church website, Facebook and the Midhurst Local paper, as well as posters in various venues throughout the town.

A list of potential events was discussed with Marcus at the beginning of the year and it was decided that one event each quarter would be appropriate. We endeavour to give each event a catchy title to attract attention to our posters and in all our advertising.

The first event, Quiz & Fizz , took place on Saturday 16[th] March at The Old Library where teams of 6 people were given a glass of Prosecco on arrival and a Ploughman’s Supper, as well as enjoying a fun quiz with the winners receiving a mini bottle of Prosecco each as prizes. As this was very well received we decided to make this an annual event.

Our second offering was Bingo, Bangers & Beer held on Saturday 15[th] June at the South Downs Memorial Hall. As well as enjoying an evening of Bingo and a Sausage & Mash supper, we also held a raffle with various items being donated by either individuals or some of the local shops and restaurants. This raffle helped to raise extra money towards the evening and again, was well received by the guests who attended.

This was followed on Friday 16[th] August by a Jazz Night in the Parish Church itself, with a superb performance by The Sarah Jane Eveleigh Quintet, Sarah Jane being one of the most sought-after jazz singers on the circuit. Another successful evening and one which some of the guests have requested be repeated.

The last event of the year was Crime & Dine , an evening where guests had to guess who the murderer was as well as enjoying a two-course meal. A local theatrical group, The Lavant Players, performed a murder mystery play for us and a team of willing volunteers helped to produce all the

food. Tickets for this event sold out quite quickly and we will be looking to continue our relationship with The Lavant Players for future events, as this was particularly popular. The Players also enjoyed performing for us and are very willing to come back at a future date to take part in another play as they greatly appreciated the enthusiasm of our audience.

We obtained a temporary alcohol licence for all these events to enable us to sell alcohol, thus raising more funds for the Church.

After these fund-raising activities, we then decided to do something for the children on a break-even basis, so during half-term on 28[th] October, we hosted a Children’s Magic Show and Tea in The Old Library. The comedians, Nikki & Charlie, did a wonderful job entertaining the children who then delved into sandwiches, cake and sausages! Judging by the number of adults and children who warmly thanked us on leaving, this was really appreciated by both parents and children, who all had much enjoyment on a rainy afternoon.

In all, a very successful year for social events and I would particularly like to express my grateful thanks to the rest of the Committee and all the volunteers who helped to make it all work and especially to Kate Cox for all her enthusiasm and helpful advice

Glynis Masters

FRIENDSHIP TEAS

This is my final report as the Friendship Tea organiser, before handing over for 2025 onwards to the very capable hands of Barbara Moss, to whom I am most grateful for so doing.

We began hosting the Teas in 2017 to connect with Midhurst's community, offering a safe and welcoming space for newcomers and those seeking to meet others.

It was thought important that the occasion was secular, without any religious element, and that the hospitality was free and the atmosphere welcoming. We also wanted to be able to offer transport to those who

would like to come but had transport/mobility issues. We also wanted to "link the generations" by involving the children of Midhurst Primary School to bring an energy, animation and charm that some folk without children or grandchildren might never experience. Finally, we wanted to have a musical accompaniment of some sort to create a nice atmosphere.

I think we have achieved these aims as the attendance at the Teas is regularly over 20 guests, which with the volunteers involved brings the numbers to around the 36 mark. It has also always been a delight to welcome guests from Magdalene Court sheltered housing, and from Sussex Carers and Midhurst Mind.

Particular thanks are therefore extended to the bakers, the helpers, and drivers, the pianists and to Midhurst Primary School Year 6 who have always enlivened the occasion.

Mike Abbott, lately Friendship Tea organiser

MIDHURST COMMUNITY HUB

Midhurst Community Hub is an independent register charity(no.1199385) that was launched in November 2023. However, most of the Trustees and volunteers are members of churches in Midhurst and particularly from this Parish Church. The Hub operates on an April- March financial year that differs from that of the Church’s calendar year reporting.

The Hub has two strategic aims:

“Enabling Independence” – Advisory service : Our four teams of volunteer advisers are on duty at the Grange centre every week. We help clients and act as their advocates in relation to their often-multiple problems about debt, benefits, housing issues (damp/mould in social housing, relocation issues, neighbour disputes), financial issues, and assist with applications for bus passes, Blue Badge forms, PIP, Carers allowance, Universal credit etc. We do this in conjunction with many partner organisations.

The results have been:

In our first full year of 2023/24 we helped 75 clients
So far this year (2024/25) we have helped a further 81 clients with nearly 100 cases followed up.
The total client number since our launch in Nov 2022 stands at 181.

“Building community”: we do this by convening meetings of Midhurst Community Forum, usually twice a year. The first Forum in May 2023, identified Loneliness and Isolation as the key issue locally, and particular projects were subsequently developed:

Midhurst Community Lunches: A free cooked lunch at the Methodist Church Hall every Monday. A huge success, and attended by several members of this Church.

an average of 34 guests a week.
total of 130 guests participating from the start in January 2024 to Feb 2025.
From the start to date (early March) 2,439 meals have been served to guests, volunteer helpers and visitors.
New collaboration initiated with Sussex Community Transport (Hyde bus) to provide transport initially to Stedham guests and potentially further afield

In Touch: Telephone befriending service. Still in its infancy with just 14 clients for the team of volunteer callers thus far. This project needs more impetus.

Work Connections: Providing work readiness training for those at the edge of the labour market. Next session is fixed for Wed 14 May to provide practical advice on CVs, self-presentation/ interview skills, and employer expectations. In conjunction with Midhurst Business Partnership.

Hub Future Developments

● Midhurst Uniform Shop: New project initiated by a Volunteer adviser to gather up outgrown Primary School clothes, launder and repair them. Recycled clothing will then be made available to parents of children free of charge at the start of the August holidays and continuing in all the holidays thereafter. In partnership initially with Midhurst, Easebourne and Stedham Primary Schools.

Office base: we expect to move into new offices in the town centre soon by courtesy of Midhurst Town Council, whilst maintaining our presence at the Grange Centre on Saturday mornings and Monday afternoons.

Chrissie Abbott, Chair of Trustees

SAFEGUARDING REPORT

The safety and protection of children, young people, vulnerable adults and our congregation is a core concern and responsibility for the PCC with the topic of safeguarding on the agenda of every PCC meeting. The Safeguarding Officer, Kirstin Bosley, is responsible for keeping the safer recruitment process and safeguarding training flows on church suite up to date including collecting and checking the correct document evidence.

The principal tasks are firstly to keep the PCC up to date with updates, new policies and practices relating to safeguarding nationally and within the diocese. Secondly ensuring that the PCC members and all those working with children, young people and vulnerable adults in regular church activities including Sparks, Messy Church and Friendship Teas are DBS cleared and trained as necessary. Finally, to ensure a culture of awareness and vigilance, which is based around the right policies and procedures in place and is not based on assumptions. All PCC members are now able to access the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard to view all

relevant policies, documents and information related to all areas of safeguarding within the church.

Basic and Foundation Safeguarding face to face training is being offered locally facilitated by the Parish Safeguarding Officer with support of the diocese.

Kirstin Bosley - Parish Safeguarding Officer

CHURCH MUSIC REPORT

ORGAN: This was treated as a new Motherboard during the year. Noises emulating from the instrument were prevalent and Allen Organs came to repair it armed with a new internal board. All now seems well. PIANO: This is aging , like some of us, and is quite hard in tone even with the ‘soft’ pedal in use. It does need new castors to mount it on so it can be easily moved around. Those at present in place are collapsing and score the stone and floor if moved. I have an idea about this which I will explore in the next few weeks.

CHOIR: We are a small but very loyal group and have come up trumps on many occasions during the year when called upon. Most are semi-retired and of course family commitments, holidays etc impinge at various times of the year, leaving the numbers rather thin. Peta Davies, Alto, has joined us during the year and is enjoying being with us.

I have introduced new music to the choir, and gradually when voices allow we may be able to enter into 4 part harmony. A need for altos and basses is paramount. It is hoped that we can, in some way, enlarge the choir over the next year. Many people, since Covid, seem very reluctant to tie themselves down to regular attendances; this not only applies to church but to many societies in the town and elsewhere.

PRACTICES: Practices now take place twice a month. In the winter St Anne’s Hall will be used so that the church does not have to be heated for those occasions. We will return to the church after Easter when, hopefully, the need for heating will have passed by.

I have now been with the church for a year and I have found the job demanding but enjoyable.

Revd Marcus has been a tower of strength, innovation and encouragement and I thank him most sincerely.

Malcolm Brinson Director of Music

BELL RINGERS’ REPORT

The size of our team has remained reasonably stable over the last year – retiring ringers being replaced by new recruits. That said, of late, injuries (not related to ringing!), illness and care responsibilities have meant that we sometimes cannot ring all 6 bells for Sunday service, which is a pity. We can however usually muster enough to ring 4 or 5 of the bells.

We normally alternate both our practices and our Sunday ringing with Easebourne since we have insufficient ringers to ring both towers simultaneously. Normally, on 1[st] and 3[rd] Sundays are at Easebourne and on 2[nd] and 4[th] Sundays we are at Midhurst.

Maintenance of the bells has been attended to as necessary. The bells were inspected last year by professional bell engineers and no major problems found (although there is some wear in one of the bearings which will need attention shortly). No other problems have arisen, so maintenance has been largely limited to periodically checking over the fittings for soundness and adjusting the ropes when required.

Nigel Goodenough

CHURCH FLOWERS

Our funds are quite sound, thanks to last year’s generous Easter donations which covered Harvest and Christmas. This year’s Easter We are donation booklet will be available within the next few weeks. delighted to welcome Tricia to our team, her arrangements will be greatly appreciated. The decision was taken last autumn to cease arranging Wedding flowers ( although there maybe some exceptions) Apart from Lent and Advent there will be flowers in Church which can easily be moved to accommodate a florist if required for weddings etc.

Hazel Nadin

MOTHERS’ UNION REPORT – MIDHURST & EASEBOURNE

2024 was a very successful year for the group as membership rose to 32 members. During the year there were some very interesting speakers. Both of our vicars Marcus and Derek came to speak at different meetings. Sue Hyland led a meditation for Lent with Poetry and Music. A speaker came from ‘My Sister’s House’ charity and a considerable amount was raised for their funds. Scilla Page, Prison Liaison Officer, gave a talk on Mothers’ Union work at Ford Prison.

The Branch hosted the annual Chichester District Festival on a glorious summer evening in June at St. Mary’s Church, Easebourne led by the Rev. Derek Welsman assisted by Rev. Liz Young with Rev. Marcus Collie preaching the sermon. Refreshments were served afterwards and the collection was given to Away from it all Holidays (AFIA) which provides

holidays at the two caravans run by Mothers’ Union Chichester Diocese at Selsey and Winchelsea for families in need. A report of this was put in Mothers’ Union ‘The Link’ Magazine as well as an article by Rev. Marcus Collie on the large part the Mothers’ Union played in his decision to become a vicar.

In November a vigil was held outside Midhurst Parish Church to support the Global Day of Action for violence against women. Nel de Jong Smith led a Workshop to make a Christmas Decoration.

Mothers’ Union Corporate Communion was celebrated in February and September followed by coffee and Bring and Buy Stalls which raised money for Mothers’ Union projects in this country and Worldwide. Raffles were held at several meetings to raise funds.

Social events were held - a Garden Party in Chrissie and Mike’s beautiful garden, a coffee morning in Jane’s garden to celebrate Mary Sumner Day also a cream tea at the Spread Eagle. In December an enjoyable Christmas lunch was held at The Unicorn, Heyshott. Two evening meetings have been introduced this year.

Members made posies for the Mothering Sunday Service. Thank you to the Church congregation for allowing the collection on Mothering Sunday to go Mothers’ Union Funds for worthwhile causes.

The group plays an active part in the District and Diocesan Meetings. Two members sit on the Chichester District Committee. Members take an active part in M.U. Diocesan Prayer Chain. We hold a Wave of Prayer each year for the link countries we are connected with worldwide. Every day of the year somewhere in the world a Mothers’ Union group is offering up prayers.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make the year so rewarding. A special thank you to our vicar Marcus for being such a support throughout the year and may our prayers help us to journey forward into 2025 and for the group to grow in commitment and service to the work of the Mothers’ Union and its 4 million members worldwide.

Jane Simpson

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

At Midhurst Parish Church the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (the vicar), churchwardens, the reader and members elected by those of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who attend our services / members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. The full PCC met five times during the year, with an average level of attendance of 80%. Given its wide responsibilities the PCC has a number of committees (teams) each dealing with a particular aspect of parish life.

During 2024 these teams were:

Finance and Fabric
Pastoral
Friends of Midhurst Parish Church

Teams meet as necessary and report back to the PCC with minutes of their decisions being received by the full PCC and discussed as necessary.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Midhurst Parish Church is situated in Church Hill, Midhurst. It is part of the Diocese of Chichester within the Church of England.

The correspondence address is:

The Parish Office, St Ann’s Hall, St Ann’s Hill, Midhurst, GU29 9NN.

The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and has the charity number 1194217. PCC members who have served at any time from 1st January 2024:

Ex Officio members:

Incumbent The Revd. Marcus Collie (Chair) Mr Mike Abbott (Lay Reader)
Churchwardens Mr Gerry Randall (Vice Chair) Mr Barry Semark

Elected members:

Mrs Lorraine Graham
Mrs Kirstin Bosley (Safeguarding Officer)
Mrs Jenny Dennett (Deanery Synod Rep. & ALM)
Mr Kevin Jones
Mr Martin Roberts (PCC Secretary & Deanery Synod Rep.)
Mr Dominic Singleton
Mr Edward Symonds (Treasurer)
Ms Lillian Zwarts
Mrs Alison Windle
Mrs Nikki Myles (Deanery Synod Rep.)
Mr George Myles
Mr David Masters
Mrs Glynis Masters
Mrs Kate Cox
Mrs Sarah Lavender
Mr Malcolm Brinson
Ms Heather Dummer

FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ACCOUNTS

The Financial Review and Accounts are provided in a separate document available alongside this report. Approved by the PCC on 13[th] March 2025, and signed on their behalf by Revd. Marcus Collie (Chair)

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 CONTENTS Page General Iunrestrfcted) Fund Receipts and Payments Account Other (Restricted and Designated) Funds 415 statement of Assets and Llabilities Notes to the Financial Stat8ments Report of the Independent Examiner Financial Review SL Mary Magdalene & St Denys Church, Church Hill, Midhurst IncumbenL' Rev. M Collie Hon Treasurer. Assistant Treasurer. Mr E J Symonds Mrs H Dummer Independent Examiner: Mr A Mardle, Goodale Mardle Ltd Midhurst GU29 9NQ Bankers: National Westminster Bank PIC 4 High Street, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3JF Lloyds Bank PIC 7 Carter Street, Uttoxeter, Stsffordshire, ST14 8HD Lloyds Bank PIC 33 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1 HZ

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST General {Unrestrictsd) Fund Receipts and Payments Account Year Ended 31 Dernber 2024 2023 Note Receipts Voluntary Reipts Planned Giving Collections and Other Giving Total Giving Gift Aid Received Sundry Income Legacies & Large Donations 43,679 9,169 52.848 11.648 259 1,475 66.230 40,351 9,186 49,537 11,523 20 2,500 63,580 Receipts from activities forgenerating funds Fundraising Income (Gross) Less.. Fundraising Expenses 7,633 2,234 1.131 230 5,399 5,399 901 901 Receipts fiDm church actlvfties Fees Hire of chUh Receipts from investments Interest & Dividends 2.927 250 1,768 250 3,177 2,018 3,203 3,039 TOTAL INCOME 78,009 69,538

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST Genoral {Unrestrlcted) Fund Receipts & Payments Aecount (eontd.) Year Ended 31 December 2024 2023 Note Payments Church Activities Diocesan Contribution ("Parish Share.) Honoraria Ut-lities Les .' Transfer from Reserve Clergy Costs Se1 Expenses Maintenance Printing and Stationery offi Equlpment Telephone & Broadband Website Insurances Professional Fees All other expenses Hall Fund Deficit 51,000 14,248 51.000 11,148 SN12 2,000 3,412 5.817 2.313 5,572 4,391 1.604 6,527 1,129 4,493 2.345 450 744 1,113 3,009 1,530 1,132 2,891 2,412 1,063 3,354 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 95,780 87.300 SurplU(Der[Glt> of Income over Expendllure (17.771) 117,762) Fund brought forward Transfers to Vicarage Repalr Fund Fund carriod forward 103,273 {1,000) 84.502 121,035 103,273

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST Reslricted and Designated Fund Receipts and Payments Accounts Year Ended 31 Dember 2024 2023 Note Buildlng Fund Designated Bank Account at 1 January Restiicted Donations Friends Grant Major Expenditure (Net of VAT ReGlaimJ Designated Bank Account 31 December 8.018 30,265 2,500 12,000 (36,7471 8,018 3,838 (5,551) 6,305 Youth and Children Funds RestrictedlDesignated Bank Account at 1 January Expenses RestrlctedlDesignated Bank Account 31 Decembor 7,173 (337 6,836 31,608 {24,435) 7,173 Bell Tower Fund Restricted Bank Account at 1 January Restricted Bank Account 31 Docember 1,594 1,594 1.594 1,594 Friends of Mldhurst Parfsh Church Restricted Bank Account 1 January Restricted Donations Gift Aid Received Interest Received Contributions towards major repairs Restricted Bank Account 31 December 6,146 2,790 518 129 (3,838 5.744 15,486 2.525 134 (12,000) 6,145

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & 8T DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST Restricted and D•signat8d Fund Reeeipts and Payments Accounts - continued 2024 2023 Note Charitablo Giving Restricted Bank A¢wunt 1 January ReIpts - Appeals and collections Payments - Appeals and collections Reslricted Bank Account 31 December Parish Hall Fund Designated Bank Account l January Income - Hire of Hall 2,248 2,248 3,120 (3.120) 4,446 814 5,260 (1,222} (1631 1,599 3,839 (1,408) (378) {1,110) (2,006) (1.063 Expènses Utilities Insurance Repairs Rent and Ratss Transfer to General Fund (1,635) 2,240 Restricted Energy Grant Fund at 1 January Transfer to Unrestricted Reserve 6,350 12.000 9,550 3,200 Designated Bank Account 31 December 4,350 6,350 Designated Equlpment Funds at 1 January Balance of Altar Table Paid AV Equipment Purchased Designated Bank Account 31 December 5,511 11,000 6,500 (500) 1489) 5,511 4,511 Deslgnated Vicarage Repair Fund Transfer from Unrestricted Reserve 1,000

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST statement of Assets and Llabllltles at 31 December 2024 2023 Bank Balances National Westminster (Ac. No. 69055378) National Westminster {Ac. No. 55011403) Lloyds Bank (Ac. No. 17819460) Lloyds Bank (Ac. MIPSCCMGB) Sundry Debtors Current Assets Current Liabilities - Creditors Net Current Assets Relating to.. Unrestricted General Fund Restricted Building Fund Restricted Energy Grant Designated Equipment Funds Restricted Youth and Children Funds Restricted Bell Tower Fund Designated Vicarage Repair Fund Designated Parish Hall Fund Restricted Friends of Midhurst Church 7,243 627 25.853 86,189 7,645 16,246 22,865 94,033 2,737 143,526 3,221 140,305 119,912 5.070 114,842 84,502 6,305 4,350 4,511 6,836 1,594 1.000 103,273 8,018 6,350 5,511 7,174 1,594 2,240 6.145 140,305 5,744 114.843

Note5 to the Financlal Statoments 1. The Financial Statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordan with the Charities Act 2011 and the Church Accounb'ng Regulations 2006 using the Income and Expenditure basis. 2. No payments to members of the PCC or connected persons have been made, other than honorariums to the Direclor of Music and part-time administrators. There Vre no other disclosable transactions in respect of PCC members or persons closely connected to them. 3.Restricted and Designated ReseNes as at 31 December 2024 are detailed on pages 4 and 5. The PCC believes it necessary to hold this level of unrestricted reserves in order to cover expected deficits on income and expenditure account over the next years. 4. Certain restricted (legacy) funds are held by Chichester DI0Se on behalf of Midhurst parish but {as the capital is not available to the PCC expt for the restrictsd purposes) these have been excluded from these accounts. They are {1) CBF Investment Fund shares with a market value of£30,013 at 31 December 2024 for the houslng of a curate and (li) CBF Fixed Income Security shares wth a market value of £8,348 for the provision of a new parish room. 5. Legacy arKI exceptional income in 2024 was from the estate of the late Mrs Joyce Smith and a donat'on from the Cowdray Livings Trust. 6. This is the net cost to the PCC. The sum of £993 vms recovered from Woolbeding during the year. 7. During the year Charitable appeals raised £2,248.29, including Gift Aid where applicable. These were disbursed forward, a5 follows.. Bishop of ChiGhestels Charity Chichester Food Bank (for Midhurst) Family Support Work Macmillan Cancer Relief Midhurst Community Choir Midhurst Community Hub Mothers, Union Royal British Legion Sussex Histori¢ Churche$ Trust The Children's Society 157.45 123.65 275.00 203.95 225.24 270.00 132.00 197.00 376.00 288.00 £2,248.29 Approved by the Parochial Church Council and signed on its behalf M Collie Chairman, Date: ¢4L I.[ •92

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT To tha Paro¢hlal Church Councll ofst Mary Magdal•ng & 81 Dgnys Church. hlldhur8L I report on the accounts for theya8r ended 3181 December 2024, vknich are Set oul on pag&3 1.7 Respectlve re$ponslbllltles of tho Parothlal Church CounEII and th• Ind•pendent Examlner A£ memtyors of the P0ToGhial ChurGh cour1 S¥)u ure responsSble for th praratIOn of the accounts. You ¢onsid¢r that an audlt 1$ not wuired for thi year tjnder sectlon 14412101 th& Charltie$AE 20111ts2Q11 •irtJ •KI Ihat on indèpendgnt examinatlon Is . ne6ded. It k¥ myrèswnsibility to: examine th8 a¢¢ount&under $9cUon 145 of the 2011 Act follow the procedures laid down In Ihe General Directions givott by tho Charity Commlssl(M8r8 In Sect 145151(bl of th8 2011 Actr, and • state whether parJcular matter8 have ctxne to my atttIon. Ba$l$ of Indepondent Fx•min•Vs Statement My examinion carried out in accoTdanc0 vKMh ts GBneral Direcffon8 ghèn bythè Charlty knmission {CC32 updated 4 Sgptsmber 20181 An examinalion 4nclude5 a revlew, of tho atIng reCrdS kept by the P8rochial Church Coundl 8nd a ¢Dmpadson of thè accounts presented wth those re¢or(Is. It 41¥0 Includès Cons1deROn pf ony unusual kems or disdosuras in Ihq eunts, and seeking explanaticffis from the Parochial Chur¢h Couneil conceming any suth m4ttets. The pro(8dur8s undertaken (k) not providè all the Owdance that would b8 requlred In on audit rxJnsequenUy no opinion Is glven as to vthether tho accounts prèsent a 'tNo arKI fail" view and the report 1$ limlted to those matters set out In the 6tatemontbeJow. Independent Examinorf Statement Irt ¢oMedon my 9x4nati0n. no m8t8rlal matters have eometo myattgntlon whith ylves me ¢ausp lo bgliev8 that In any matsrÉal respect: . ac¢ounltng r?rdS wer¢ noi koptkn g(x(irtlan¢e w5#rBeGtion 130 01 the 2011 A6t . Ihe aecounls do.not aco)rd Mth ihe accountlng reGord3 I havg comè a•>O68 nu Dth9rmattWg In ¢20nnadon wqth thè oxaminatfon to Wtth qttgnlÈoh $hould bo drawn in order to onablo a propèr understaThllng of Ih¢Gtsunts to b? reach8d. Thi$ report Is m18 s¥Aety to the mwnbors"ofthe PCG as a body. In aGcotdan¢8 wlth Part 4 of the Charities (Acwunts and Reports) Regulations 2008. myvrk ha8 been underfaken so thal I mlohl slate to the mèmbBrs of the PCC those matters l am required lo slate to them in an Independent Examiner's report and for no other purpostt. To the fullest exlent pemiltt&d by law, I do not acc8Pt or as3ume r&sp0n8illlty to anyone olherthari the PCC and the m9mberg of the PCC, as a body. for my wt¥k for this roport. ohed A Mard

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST. FINANCIAL REVIEW l am pleased io present the accounts forthe year ended 31 December 2024. Total reipts on urÉrestricted funds were £?8,(9, of which £11.648 was from Gift Aid and magnificent contributon of £5,399. after expenses.from the Fund Raising Team. Restricted donation5 were also received and are detailed in the Financial Statements. The CBF investments yielded £1.023 and £2,178 was received in illterest on the deposits with Lloyds Bank. The planned glvlng through envelopes and bankerfs orders increased by £3,328. Irregular giving remained almost constant. The contribution to the dioce$8n parish Share was again restricted to £S1.000. The PCC felt that we could not meet the full amount suggested. This largely provides the stipend5 and housing for the clergy. The sum that the churches in the deanery have to find is shared between the churches according to a formula that is baselmainly on the duties and stipends of each cler8y person employed in thè indivldual parishes. Our everyday expendiwre contlnues to outst¥ip income and the Unrestricted fund will continue to be depleied. Major costs w maintain the Church Building were met during the year. However there are still sorne major items that will need io be addressed in the near future. The statemEnt of assets and liabilitie5 details the cash balances and where they are allocated to the various Lknrestricted and restricted funds. Finally, I would like to add my thanks to Heather Durnmer and Lorraine Graham for their contlnulng unstintin8 a5sistsnee in runnin8 the day to day management of the PCC finances. Symo s- Treasurei to the Parochial Church Council

2024-12-31-accounts