The Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin Godmanchester 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
2024 Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of St. Mary the Virgin, Godmanchester Vicar's Introduction It is of course impossible to sum up adequately, or even fairly, all that goes on in the life of the church over the course of a year. What follows are a few brief reflections on some parts of that life Ihat strike me as particularly worth mentioning, but l am aware that my list is not so much incomplele as limited lo the point of doing an injustice to everything I have left out. There is no aspect of church life that is not worthy of mention., I thank God, and everyone involved, equally for what I have not found room for here. The worship of any church is sometimes called its shop window, as it can provide the most attractive introduction to the life of faith, and at St Mary's we are blessed with a rich pattern of worship. The Christmas Carol Service, always a highlight, was of an exceptional quality this year, with many people expressing their gratitude for it. In a very different vein, Worship in Park on the Gala Weekend, shared with the Baptist Church and the Quakers, had a special quality of stillness and beauty that again many appreciated. A particular joy to me. and I know to many others, has been the birth of Music Group- something I have long wanted to see at St Mary's - under the direction of Jacky Kirby. We also enjoyed a particularly lively Civic Service, with the enthusiastic participation of St Anne's School Choir. Leading an action song in front of civic dignitaries while wearing a very heavy embroidered cope was never something l expected to find myself doing. Our annual Christmas bazaar was particularly busy, and we have as usual enjoyed a great variety of concerts and other events, many promoted and supported by the tireless Friends of St Mary's. The Christmas Tree Festival was a roaring success and brought many into the church. It was a great joy that many from St Mary's were able to attend the ordination of Kevin Parks in Ely Cathedral, but a sadness to us that it meant saying farewell to him as he moved on to his curacy at Girton and Madingley. Less prominent to the wider congregation, but equally a source of blessing, was Ihe Confirmation of Garry Sibley- Gough, also in Ely Cathedral, and the wedding of Paul Sibley and Karen Greenaway. As in every year, we had to entrust to the Lord, among others from the wider community, members of the church.. Sandra Ferrelly, Revd Christopher Leffler, and most tragically Kate Robinson. May they rest in peace and rise in glory, and may God grant strength and hope to those who mourn for them. My sincere thanks to everyone who contribules in any way to the life of St Mary's. My deepest thanks go to Anja for all her love and support- without her I would be a shadow of myself. And to God be all thanks and praise, now and for ever. David Busk Aims and Purposes St. Mary the Virgin's Parochial Church Council IPCC) has the responsibility of co- operating with the incumbent, the Fleverend David Busk, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral - to look after individual people,. evangelistic - to tell the people the Good News and to invite them to accept it,. social - to help the poorer members of society, and those suffering from racial, economic and other fonT7s of injustice,. and ecumenical - to encourage good relations with other Christian denominations. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church Hall in Chadley Lane.
Objectives and Activities The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at St. Mary the Virgin. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our seNices can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, we try to 8nable ordinary people to liv8 Out their faith as part of our parish community through: Worship and prayer- learning about the Gospel. and developing their knowledg8 and trust in Jesus. Provision of pastoral care for p80ple living in the parish. Missionary and outreach work. To facilitate this work, it is importanl that we maintain the fabric of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin and the adjacent Church Hall. Achlevements and Perfonnance Worshlp and Prayer The PCC iscommitted to providing awide and varied range of services throughout the year lo engage wilh as many in the community as possible. Our regular Sunday services are 8.arn Holy Communion, 9.30 am Sung Eucharist {with healing oncea monthl and m(thFy ParFh c0nr7xnh iivohu the Chthjren's Chuth Ir fr11, SurvJ Evensong Evening Prayer on other Sundays} and an oJ2scndTaizéservice. There is also a Holy Communion on a Thursday moming. The popularity of Zoom services (especially amongst those who find it diff icult to attend church) meant that we continued with a Holy Communion via Zoom at 2.00pm on a Wednesday and a regular 6.30pm Evening Prayer every day except Saturday and Sunday. We also held a Bible Study Group on Zoom each Friday throughout the year. We welcome everyone to our services and normally enjoy a well-attended Children's Church. There are currently 112 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll and our Sunday attendance figures average aboul 65. Th8 church remained open each day for private prayer and visrtors. Our church affords the community a chance to give thanks to God for those special moments throughout life when we gather to celebrate baptism, marriage or the life of a departed loved one. This year we were able to celebrate two weddings and five baptisms in the church. There were 12 funerals and 7 burials of ashes. Financial Review The income for 2024 for General funds was £91,471 against expenditure of £99,610 giving a shortfall of £8,139. Our'Trading Activities, income1£30,643) comprising the hall and Church rental, the churchyard grass cutting contract and the sales and advertising in our Parish News go a long way to support our aclivities and we are grateful lo those volunteers who give their time and support. In tems of receipts, planned giving was down very slightly1£41.490 from £41,629). We are extremely grateful to those who
donate regularly, particularly those who donale through Parish Giving, allowing us to plan at least some of our income and expenditure for the year. Collections at all seNices were down slightly (£7,645 from £7,923) 'other donations, for General Funds were up on the 2023 totals (from £5,690 to £8,142). Our investment income was up slightly (£4,587 from £3,810) reflecting the slight rise in interest rates over the year. Once again, we are indebted to the Friends of St Mary's fortheir support in the form of grants totalling £8,778 towards the cost of maintaining the fabric of our church. We are still suffering from the massive increase in utility costs which remain at around £8,380 for 2024, an increase in general running costs and our Parish Share which has increased from £70,186 in 2023 to £72,992 in 2024. Overall, we are still reasonably secure, but at a cost to the resources available to the various funds that constitute the life of our church. Reserves Policy It is PCC policy to maintain reseNes vthich equate to at least three months general expenditure. It is held to smooth out cash flow and meet emergency payments. For St Mary's Church this is around £25,000. On 31 December 2024, our reserves totalled £43,794. Colin Thidwall (Hon. Treasurer) Deanery Synod Our church is represented on the Deanery Synod by three members of the congregation who also sit on the PCC. This provides the PCC with an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the church. The Church and Church Hall We envision our church building becoming the focal point for a greater number of community activities in the future and have a TransforTnation Project in progress that will see the removal of the fixed pews to create space and the introduction of kitchen and toilet facilities as well as a mezzanine floor with room to house the local museum securely. The south doortothe church is openedeverydayforvisrtorsand privateprayer. Ourvisitors Book recorded 165 entries from individuals, families and groups over the year, including overseas visitors from Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt. Genmany, Ireland, Italy. Malasia, The Netherlands, New Zealand. Norway, Poland. Portugal, South Africa, Spain, USA, and of course from all over the UK. Disabled access is currently available via the north door only for seniices and other major events. The building is already a venue for talks, concerts, the Summer Fete (when the weather is inclement), the Christmas Bazaar and Flower and other church festivals. The church is used for music concerts, displays, film shows and historical presentations to the community. There are also regular educational visits from the local schools. The church hall, a wooden building purchased by the PCC, in 1938 is in reasonably good structural order, adequately maintained and well equipped. The cost of running and maintaining the hall is met by the income from a contract with a day nursery which uses the facilities every weekday from 8am to 6.30pm and several extemal organisations that hire the building in evenings and at the weekend. The rental income provides a welcome addition to church funds.
Pastoral Care Reaching out to those housebound, in hospital or care homes and ensuring them that their St. Mary's family cares forthem, and is praying for them, has been an important part of our pastoral care. We are blessed to have a number of people in the congregation who like carrying out visiting. Attha sam8 tim8, Jonathan Young works tirelessly to ensure that anyone at home may receive the sacraments. Members of the team do shopping, give lifts to church and help the housebound as necessary. We find that people are most appreciative of visits, and it is frequently a joyous experience, as much for the visitor as for the visited. If any members of the congregalion are aware of anyone in need of help, please do not be afraid lo ask. Altematively, if you would like to join us on the team that would be wonderful too. We have a Prayer Circle, administ8red by Jim Heeley, which consists of a group of people who have undertaken to pray daily for anyone who asks for it. Those requesting pray8r can giv8 as much or as little information as they wish or remain anonymous to all except the first point of contact, who can pass the inforTnation on to Jim Heeley. Jim can, of course, be contacted directly on 01480 412264 or iskc@btinternet.com. For all pastoral matt8rs, please contacl David Busk on 01480 436400 ordwbusk @ hotmail.com in the first instance. Mission and Evangelism We believe that the Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Godmanch8Ster, exists to build up the individual and corporate spiritual life of our Church and to spread the love of Christ through word and deed, by enabling those who liv8 and work within ourlown to come into contact with God's lov8 and come to faith in Christ. Group for Evangelism & Outreach IGEOI is responsible for reviewing and recommending thedevelopment ofevangelism and outreach in the mission ofthechurch, including changes to the Mission Action Plan to incorporate the new Diocesan Vision. Members have also visited some of the newest housing on the Romans Edge estate. Safeguarding This year there have been no significant safeguarding issu8S to report in the life of our church. The PCC has been busy through the year keeping track of all those who are active in our church who need renewals of Iheir DBS Check certificales and training, ensuring that these are done. This is a never-ending task as we are blessed to have so many people giving their time and effort in so many ways to our church. Thank you all. Given the high profile failures in safeguarding in the news recently, it is more important than ever that we all properly engage in, and are seen to engage in, the safeguarding process. After all, what is more important than the safety of our children and vulnerable brothers and sisters? As Parish Safeguarding Off icer, I therefore thank everyone for helping ensure another safe year in our church. Simon Prince {Parish Safeguarding Officer) Ecumenical Relationships The incumbent priest is also responsible forst. Mary's Church, Hilton and we nornally join them twice a year in a shared seNice. Members from the Hilton congregation often join those in Godmanchester for weekly worship and special services.
We have joined for events and services each year with Godmanchester Baptist Church and the Quakers, such as the churches, tea tent and Worship in the Park during Gala Weekend, the Civic Service, and the Act of Remembrance in November. St Anne's School and other schools The link between St Mary's Church and St Anne's School is very strong, dating from the foundation of the school in 1999. A majorily of the Govemors are appointed through the church. ensuring the Christian ethos of the school, and the position of Chair of Govemors is currently shared jointly between Vicki Wienand from St Mary's and Jo Gilbert, a St Anne's parent. There are regular visits to the church from various classes, as well as the annual HaNest Feslival in church for the whole school, and a termly whole-school Eucharist. which altemates belween the church and the school. In addition, the Vicar takes Colleclive Worship in Sl Anne's nearly every Wednesday in term time, with two being taken by Daniel Beckett, the Lead Pastor of Godmanchester Baptist Church. The Vicar also occasionally visits classes to take part in RE lessons, and joins in occasional Prayer Space activities and the leavers, workshops (for all three Godmanchester schools) with the Baptist Church. This year we said farewell to Ms Ruth Moor as Headteacher after 6 years, who moved on with our gratitude for her dedication and hard wor*. It has been a joy to welcome Mr Mark Farell as the new Headteacher, and to witness the energy and positive impact he has brought to the school. The two other Godmanchester schools, Godmanchest8r Community Academy and the Bridge Academy, also occasionally visit Ihe church and invite the Vicar to hold Christingle events in the schools. Church Groups and Actlvltles Bellringers There is now a total of ten ringers who ring whenever they can so that we have had enough (four or more) to ring for the Sunday moming service (including the Civic SeNice) on 42 occasions in the last year. On nine of Ihes8 occasions, we had eight or more ringers, eight being the number of bells available to ring. We also had these numbers for the three Chrislmas services for which we rang Carol SeNice, Midnight Mass and Christmas Morning. We also rang for the All Souls Service, the evening service on Remembrance Day, the Advent Carol Service and one wedding. A quarter peal has been rung for evensong once a month, excluding December. These occasions attract ringers from a wid8r ar8a, allowing some regular service ringing of a high qualily. This year we revived the practice of ringing out the old year and ringing in the new, but we have been unable to ring the curfew on any occasion. The Tower Captain and the Steeple Keeper have shared the work of raising and lowering the flag on the tower on specified days of national and ecclesiastical significance. Every Tuesday (excepting over Christmas and during Holy Week) is now a practice night, so long as there are sufficient ringers, and we have had 42 practlC8s over the past year. We are relying heavily on the expertise of two ringers from other churches to run these practices. The practices have been well supported by ringers from a wide area which gives our own ringers the opportunity to develop their ringing within a more able team. Numbers at practices have often been close to, and on one occasion reached, twenty.
The bells are checked on a weekly basis, but the only maintenance required has been the re-splicing of one rope and the replacement of the stay on the treble bell. Recently, lighting has been installed in the bell chamber which is essential when work is being done on the bells. The new lights are of an exterior standard, because they are exposed to wealher through the openings in the steeple. We have installed a rope wamer in the ringing chamber to prevent the ropes from becoming damp and stiff in cold weather. We held an Open Day at the Tower on the first day of the Godmanchester Open Gardens Weekend, with exhibits at the bottom of the Tower, lours of the ringing chamber and the bells, and the Diocese's Mobile Bell outside the West Door. On Godmanchester Gala Day. we again used the Mobile Bell at our stall. We participated in the Church's fundraising by providing a hamper for the grand draw at the Christmas Bazaar, and the ringers, fund provided sponsorship for the Knitted Bible Exhibition. Charles Looker (Tower Captain) Bible Study The weekly Bible Study, including people from both Hilton and Godmanchester, takes place most Fridays al 10.00 am, usually on Zoom, but on the first Friday of the month often at Andrew Fawcett's house, to whom we are all grateful for his generous hospitality. We normally look al the readings for the coming Sunday's Eucharist, which is a great help to the Vicar in his semon preparation but is nol the purpose of the meetingl We would always be delighted to welcome anyone who cares to join us. David Busk Chlldren's Church Children's Church has once again grown during the year and currently consists of approximately fourteen families who regularly attend, wilh olher children and adults who join us on occasions. The sessions, run dursng the 9.30am Communion Service, ar8 shared by a team of ten leaders and 2 young leaders. In the last year Children's Church has continued to become more involved during the Parish Communion Service, both with leading prayers, taking part in the collection, taking the elements up to the altar and reading or sometimes dramalizing the Gospel. The musi group run by Jacky Kirby has many adults and children from Children's Church taking part, and they are often accompanied with more of our children on the percussion parts as well! We were very busy once again on Christmas Eve running the Nativity at 4pm, wtth many of our families being able to take part - a high point of our year and one we all take great pride in. Thank you to Simon Williams for stepping in to lead the seNice. Children's Church have taken part in helping to raise money for the church by running stalls and games at both the Summer Fair and the Christmas Bazaar. We also made our mark on the Knitted Bible and Craft exhibition in March by making a banner where many of us are illustrated sitting alongside Jesus accompanying with the verse from Matthew
19'.14. We are hoping this banner will be pemianently on display in the new children's area in church we hope to develop in the coming months. A big thank you to all the parents, grandparents and family members who help out every week and make my job of organising Children's Church a pleasure. Paula Williams (Children's Church Co-ordinator) Fabric Committee Expenditure for the year 2024. Februarfy. P T S G Lightning Conduclor Test and Report. £170 .40 March Re-run electrical supply to Nave Platfom Column. £345.60 March Install Lightning Conductor Test Point. March Boiler Repair. May Electrical Surge Limiter. May Repair wiring ring cct July. Repair Parap8ts and Repointing. August. Boiler Repair. August. Painting Previously Painted Gutters& Pipes. September. Roof Alann Warranty. October. Roof Alarm Service. £586. 55 £108.00 £376.80 £84.00 £4023.60 £251.57 £1,962.00 £294. 00 £477.60 November . Roof AlarTn Subscription.. November Replace Socket St Anne's Pillar. December. Repair Boiler. £618.00 £1,150.80 £620.95 Total. £11,069.62 In addition we have regular weeding around the Church including using weed killer. When necessary, routine seNicing of boiler, fire extinguishers, roof alami and replacement of lamps adding up to£1801.13, making the total expenditure for the year £12,253.00. Wa are most grateful to the Friends of St. Mary's for contributing to the Fabric Committee's outgoings, without which our ability to fund the maintenance of the Church would be much restricted. Malcolm Harris Flower Guild Despite being fewer in numbers Flower Guild members have again maintained their ambition to provide arrangements to enhance the church throughout the year. During the auslere periods of Lent and Advent only greenery is used. Lent is then followed by Spring
flowers at Easter including beautiful lilies donated in memory of loved ones. Harvest is a celebration of lovely Autumn colours and the solemnty of Advent gives way to the brightness of Christmas flowers and decorations. A highlight of 2024 was the Christmas wreath making workshop organised and expertly led by Debbie Watts. Debbie provided all the materials and delicious refreshments. This was a most enjoyable event thoroughly appreciated by all who took part so an enormous thank you to Debbie. As always we are extremely grateful to Sharon and Wendy and their team at Thelma's Flowers. They support Flower Guild with excellent advice, provision. and delivery of flowers and floral contributions. We appreciate their help very much. We would w81come new members lo join us. No flower arranging experience is necessary, just willing hands. If interested, please make contact. Baara Thirfwall (secretary) The Friends of St. Mary's Godmanchester We had a number of successful events: A wonderful Valentine's Day film night on February 10th, Ticket to Paradise taking a record £1,482. In addition to the tickel sal8S themselves there are 3 additional components that go into making these evenings so successful the abundance of home made hearty cooked food which Jan Tilden produces so brilliantly, the raffle which Sue and Brian Worthington run like a well-oiled machine and the bar which leads to another kind of well-oiled activity! So thanks to them all. We had another successful science talk by Rod Amold who is a member of the Antarctic mission on 18th May which took sales of nearly £1,000. This yearfs Jazz on the Island on 20th July was blessed with wonderful weather which explains the record bar takings of £485 bringing in a total revenue of £3,218. On 30th November we had a wonderful film night Hidden Figur8s which took £1,386. Donations- for which we are so grateful: a cheque for £1,270 from Club 800. Over the course of the year the Committee of the Friends met 9 times, had rev8nue of nearly £9,000, donated £9,309 towards the cost of the church roof, organ, audio visual equipmenl and various electric work and £10.000 of restricted funds earmarked for the Transfonmalion Fund. So I would like to end by thanking the Trustees of The Friends Colin Thirlwall, Joy Leney, Sue Worthington. Nick Leigh-smith, Anja Busk. and our esteemed treasurer and secretary David Bowers and Kate Sington for their work in keeping the show on the road with diligence and immense enthusiasm. Adrian Sington (Chair of the Friends) Lesson Readings Most Sundays, lessons from the Old and New Testaments are read by members of the congregation. A team of four people organises the readers, with each of us doing a 2- month 'tour of duty, before handing over lo the next team member.
At present there are about 40 readers on the readers list, and we thank each of them for their service. New readers are always welcome. If you would like to become a reader, please contact one of us: Anne Francis, Bill Templeton, David Bowers (07757 804747), or Lauren Hurst, who will gladly add your name to the list. David Bowers (Lead Organiserl Music Our organist and choir continue to support our worship with choral music at our weekly Sung Eucharist, Evensong on the fourth Sunday of each month and at special, services such as Easter and Christmas. We are delighted to see the development of the Music Group under the expert direction of Jacky Kirt)y and their increasing involvement in our Parish Communion seNice on the third Sunday of each month. Our choir consists of 16 regular members and a group of around 11 augmenlers who support the choir for special services. We welcomed one n8w member in 2024 but would be delighted to see more singers, either as regularchoristers or augmenters. Once again, l am particularly grateful for the continuing help of Ken Diffey in sharing the duties of organist and choirmastar. In May 2024 six members of our choir attended the Ely Choirs Festival in the Cathedral and on 15 June we provided a wide range of music with the aid of the Music Group to celebrate Music Sunday. Th8 Christmas and East8r services were highlights of 2024 and the augmented choir of around 25 singers led the large congregations in memorable acts of worship. The Children's Church once again provided an action account of the nativity story on Christmas Eve which was attended by an 8nthusiastic congregation, In addition lo our music at Ouf seNices, St Mary's continues to host a series of choral and instrumental concerts which attract significant number of visitors to our church and also helps to fund the maintenance of our Grade 1 building. The music events organised to support the 2024 Cambridge Historic Churches Trust Ride and Stride resulted in the magnificent sum of £590 being donated to our church from the evenl. Colin Thirlwall {Choirmaster and Head Organist) Music Group The Music Group was 'bom' lasl Spring from within Children's Church, in response to the call, who plays a musical instrument, or likes singing 4 recorders, 2 flutes, 2 clarinets, 1 double bass, 1 bass clarinet + several junior percussionists and singers later, we enthusiastically played for two hymns at the service on Music Sunday last June, and at Harvest Festival in the Autumn. Enhanced by visiting instrumentalists, and most recently joined by a viola, we have continued to rehearse before/after, and play during 8ach Parish Communion seNice to date. Open house, dust down that instrument and come and join in the fun! Jacky Kirby 10
Charities Our fundraising activities continued in 2024, and £6,500 was raised by the Church and the Charities Committee through various events and activities. During the y6ar w8 hav8 conlinuad to fundraise for Thrive, a charity established by the Diocese which provides support, counselling and mentoring of young people in the Hunlingdon area. £2,290 was raised via a Quiz Evening in April, a Frugal Lunch during Lent, Coffee & Croissants 6vents after the 9.30 service on Sundays, a Coffee Morning, and half of the proceeds from the Christmas Tree Festival in Decernb6r. The other half of the proceeds of the Christmas Tree Festival. £750, went to HCCN, Hunts Community Cancer Network. Our usual BBQ in July raised £1,000 for the Mashambanzou Care Trusl in Zimbabw8, which supports children orphaned as the result of HIVIAIDS. The Ride & Stride event in September raised £310 for Cambs Historic Churches Trust and £770 was raised for the Friends ol North Kigesi in Uganda via different events. Two other Coffee & Croissants events and a coffee morning raised over £300 lor Service Charities, which was topped up to £400 from church funds. To support our usual Christmas Charit18S, W8 S8nl the proceeds from our Christmas Servicè collections, with a contribution from church funds, lo Jimmy's Cambridg6 £350,. Crus8 Bereavement Care - £150. East Anglia Children's Hospice - £150, and The Children's Soci8ty- £100. We held our second Christmas Tree Festival which brought many n8w faces into the church, Over 30 local companies and organisations sponsored Christmas trees, and there were lively musical contiibutions from various childr8n's groups. The event raised £1,500 In addition to the members of the Charities Committee, many other people in the congregation helped with fundraising events during the yèar, and I would like to thank them, and all who supported us over the year. Flobert Francis (Chair ol Charities Committee) Churchyard Grass Cutters The maintenance of the churchyard is the responsibility of the Town Council, and St Mary's has a three-year contract from Ihe Council to cut the grass, which provides useful income to the church. l am pleased to report that our contract with the Council was renewed for another three years in April 2024. Our intrepid team of grass cutters kept the churchyard looking tidy throughout the year. The churchyard covers about two acres, which is divided into 15 plots, and we have 11 volunleers, including four ladies, who look after this area. The system is very flexible.. volunteers cut their patch at a time to suit themselves, and mowers. kept in tip-top condition by Gordon Peacock, and fuel are provided. Some of the team would like to retire, so we are very keen to r8cruit some more volunt8ers. If you are interested in helping please contact me. Flob8rt Francis (Organiser)
Parish News The Parish News continues as before with prices remaining after changes in recent years. It was reviewed before the PCC this year. The Bathurst-Hoiles have retired from the prayer insert, which is now completed by the editor. We extend our thanks to them for their contribution over the years. Anna Page {Editor) Sidespersons The eleven people who have been doing duty at the main Sunday moming seICeS in 2024 were Joan Adams, Lynn Batchelor, Liz Callaghan, Daphne Dobson, Malcolm & Rita Harris, Mariam Makin, Karen Molloy, John Newton, Jean Nicholls and Gordon Peacock. Our core team of Sidespersons has remain8d the same as in 2023., however, we would be keen to add another person to the team. They would normally be on duly once every six weeks so if interested please make contact with me, Peter Morgan (Lead Sidesperson) Transformation Project Having bsen forced to split the project into three phases by the massive increase in costs overthe COVID period, work has gone on over 2024 to complete the delailed assessment and design for each of the phases. This has included archa801ogical and geological surveys to provide detail for the structure design, work by our architect in refining the detail, mechanical and engineering assessment and design to provide a basis for the phases and overall design of the three phases. That should be completed early in 2025 with some additional work required for revised building regulalions requir8ments. We also received grants from Cambridgeshire County Council and the Friends of St Mary's to cover the cost of an Audio-visual display which will provide infomiation for our congregation and visilors on many aspects of our church life. This should be in place in 2025. During 2024, the Transformation Project received grants of £90,000 plus conditional pledges of £35,000 thanks to the efforts of our fundraisers Ichell Perkins). We did receive a few rejections with some suggestion that we try again with a different, community biased approach. We intend to re-apply to the H8ritage Lottery Fund for a major grant. Additional local fundraising by the Friends of St Mary's and members of our congregation, Gift Aid and reclaimed VAT tolalled £29,634.85. Income to date for the project is £240,861 with expenditure of £155,144. The cost of the design work is likely to be completely covered by local fundraising leaving the grants for the main construction worft. Colin Thirlwall 12
Website 2024 VIEWS Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Nov Dec TOTAL 632 822 961 852 640 656 799 488 931 780 931 1,443 9,935 TOP 2024 POSTS 2023 VIEWS VISITORS 2019 10,633 3,055 In-person services Calendar 3,348 3,379 2020 6,445 2,162 1,622 1,666 2021 7,573 2,760 Contact 456 430 2022 8,715 2,953 Newsletter 287 631 2023 10,236 3,032 Buildings + Facilities Transfomation Project 347 300 2024 9,935 3,410 323 248 Church Matters 276 251 Vicar's Mailings 585 699 The most dynamic parts of the website are the Calendar and th8 Vicar's Mailings which change every week. The Calendar has details of all th8 services as well as other meetings about Church life. Any suggestions as to how the website can be improved are gratefully rec81V8d. And can all heads of department keep me inform8d as to any changes to th8ir regular m86tings etc. Adrian Sington Wives Group We continue to meet once a month in each other's homes, enjoying food, fun and friendship. We have finalised the closing of our bank account. and thanks to Colin Thirlwall, the money has been transferred to the Church Account until we send it to our two chosen charities, EACH and Riding for the Disabled. W8 also sponsored a tableau from The Knitted Bible (Abraham and Sarah) We manned the cake stall at the Christmas Bazaar and have visited a local garden centre for tea and cake (and we might have purchased a few sundries for our gardens.) We hope to visit a session of the RFTD and, although small in number, we value our meetings enormously and hope to continue for a long time. Olwyn Hurd 13
Worship Group The Worship Group meets every two months to review recent services, look ahead to forthcoming ones, and make recommendations to the PCC for any significant changes to the current pattem of worship. l am very grateful to those who give up their time for this important wo, and would be delighted to hear from anyone who feels they might like to join us. David Busk Structure, Governance and Management Themethod ofappointmentof PCC members isset out inthe Church Representation Rules 2020 (Revised Reprint 2021). The membership of the PCC for St. Mary the Virgin comprises the incumbent, churchwardens, the reader and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who attend our services I members of th8 congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC members ar8 responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concem and importance lo Ihe parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. New members receive initial Iraining inlo the workings of the PCC. The full PCC met in person nine times during the year, with an average level of attendance of 74°/•. Given its wide responsibilities the PCC has 10 sub-committees, each dealing with a particular aspect of parish life. These sub-committees, comprising worship, evangelism and outreach, pastoral care, finance, charities, fabric. church hall, transfomiation, magazine and Fete & Bazaar, are all responsible to the PCC and report back to Ft regularly with minutes of their decisions being received by the full PCC and discussed as necessary. Administrative Information St. Mary the Virgin is situated at the end of Chadley Lane, Godmanchester. It is part of the Diocese of Ely within the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Vicarage, 59 Post Street, Godmanchester, Hunlingdon, Cambridgeshire. PE29 2AQ. The PCC is a body corporate {PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and is register8d as a charity with the Charity Commission (Charity no 1194684). Members of the PCC are Trustees of the Charity. The PCC is required by law to prepare an annual report identitying the activities of the Church to further its charrtable purposes for the public benefit, including a statement of accounts verified by an Independent Examiner. PCC members who have seNed at any time from 1 January 2024 until the date of this report was approved are: Ex Officio mernbers: Incumbent: The Reverend David Busk (Chairman) Honorary Curate.. The Fleverend Canon Jonathan Young Church Warden: Bill Templeton Church Warden.. Fluth Ekblom (to February 2025) Representatives of the Laty on the Deanery Synod: Peter Morgan, Margaret Quaife 14
Elected members: Andrew Wright- PCC Secretary (from September 2024) Kate Robinson - PCC Secretary (to August 2024} Lucilia Azevedo Robert Francis (to April 2024) Nicholas Leigh Smith Simon Prince Adrian Sington Colin Thirlwall Mike Weslcott-Rudd Bob Hurd David Moger Kevin Parf(s (to June 2024) Approved bythe PCC on 22 April 2025 and signed on theirbehalf bylhe R8verend David Busk {PCC chainnan) 15
Church of St Mary the Virgin Godmanchester PCC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ending 31 ST December 2024
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examlner's report on the accounts Section A Inflependenl ExiL minoi s Report R•port to th• tru•t•• rn•mb•rn ol CHURCH OF ST MABY THE VIRGIN GODMANCHESTER On •c¢ounts lor th• y••r 31 DECEKIBER 2024 Chwlty no 111 •ny} 11948B4 I report to th8 trusta•$ on my Oxaminatlon ol the •¢¢ounts ol Ihe ai charfty Ilhe Trusfi tsr th yèar •nd•d R••pon•lbllllkn• ind As the charSty In1••$ ol the Trust, you are r88pcn86ble for the preparath •1• ol r•port ol the accounts in aco)rdgnc8 th the requiremen1$ of th• Chadtle8 Act 2011 llho Acn. I rert In re8PO¢t of my •K8mlnatlon of Ihe Tru$l'$ aceounts carried out nd•r $8ctth 145 of the 2011 Act In c4rylThJ out my oxaminalion, I have tollowed the applleablè Dlr8c¢k)n8 tyy th• Charfty COMMI under 88Ctlon 145lSllbl of th• A¢t. I hav8 comploled my exam1tIOn. I that no mat•rfal rnatter8 h8v• eomo to my attenOn lothei than thai d108d bekjw'l Sn connecth)n wllh lh¥ oxamlnallon whkh g88 rne cau88 to belk8v8 that In, any matorfal Indwnd•rt •x•fflln•r'• •l•t•m•rt aoUntIng rocorfl8 w•r• not k•pl In ac¢ord8nc8 wlth 8ecllon 130 A¢t gr Iho ounts do ntst a¢¢ord wth tho ac¢uunll rord8 I hav8 no conc8ms And hav• tome acros$ no other matters In ccmnecUoTr lth tho 8xamlnaYon lo whh att8ntlon should ba drawn in ordgr to ena6 prcpgr und8r8td1ng of Ihe acCnIS lo be reached. ' Please dekto lh8 bwrds in the brBckats 11 thoyi not wty. 15/•) Nm•: GARY JOHN FORDHAM R•l•v•nt wof•••lon•l qu•llfl¢*lanl•) ar body (11 •ny): INSTITUTE OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTAMTSI.FEDEFIATION OF TAX ADVISERS MEMBERSHIP NUMBER 11621 7 TITHE CLOSE HILTON HUNTINGDON. PE28 9NR IER OctobDr 2018
Disclosuro Only complete il th8 examiner n8eds to highlight rnatt8rs ot concem18e8 CC32, Iwendent examlnation of charfty accxxmls.. ir•ctth8 and guldance for 8x8mine¥sl. Q1¥• h•T• brf•f OD11• of •ny tt•m• tht th• •xamln•r wl•h•• to dlKI¢x•. IER October 2018
ST MARY THE VIRGIN GODMANCPIESTER PCC RECEIPTS AND PAYMÈNTS ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DEC 2024 2024 Totsl 2023 Total RÈCÈIPTS Volurrtary recoipts Flanned GM ClRS at semces l olhei 9Mnwary Gfft Aid r0Verj Lega¢iss Grants {rthng 8Th1 rC4* Ir VAn Activtties lor generating fund Church fUrr51n9 acti¥ibe5 Inv•atment Ineome Inv8slm8nl income Chur¢h •dIti¢# Fèes rthntd Trading acliwties Olher rereipWInrn• Flebates e1p5 for ChUh ¢xg8nisabms TOTAL RECEIPTS Unrestr[ Restriclwj Entk>%trmenl 41.4 7.645 41.4} 41,629 7,923 8,077 12,049 1.K17 .857 14.3( 12.252 9.472 20.641 75.( 105,750 5.524 5.524 4.939 1472 2.115 4.587 3,801 2.75 2,732 28.932 1.173 1.839 124,058 1.759 39.601 1.759 237,293 PAYMENTS Cost ol goneratlng lund8 C05t of lundrw5iry activibe5 Church acllvOtie8 Missicn & Charity GiwThJ Parish Share Staff EynsÈs Church expenses Misson and Evarydisrn Church Running Eypen585 Church & H1 insurarte Church utility t4118 Churth h4 eypens85 Cost of trading Major capal expendltur• m4.or Repairs to Ihe church bU.g or repwrs lo the church Wl New 1119 rk to chutch Oilw p•yixèntsieApendlture Payments lor church org8Thsats"cfis TOTAL PAYMEPITS 491 441 441 1,337 70.186 370 254 662 23.140 24.010 9.120 24.010 9.120 ,276 10,587 765 12.WJ5 12.935 3,054 .138 60,138 13. 1.8TI 139,372 119W2 12,935 193.tJ4 NET FIECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS (35.0281 121,3061 75,LKiJ 44,059 115,3141 REVALUATIONS Unrwlixd 90in Ill¢)ssl GBF Fix&1 Inieresl Acc Dorothy Alen Trust CBF SurKJay SCIKKA k¢ixJnt TOTALREVALUATIONS 11 2.186 301 2.186 527 7.567 NET AECEIPTSIPAYMENTSIREVALUATIONS 132.5411 25393 75.0fy) 48,547 (7,2201
ST MARY THE VIRGIN GOI)MANCHESTER PCC STATEMENf OF ASSETS AND UABILrriES AT 31 DÉCEMBER 2trI4 31 DEC 2024 31 OEC 2tr23 * In 2024 213 (127) 8•nt•nd•rBaftk (thrroniAtx(Nyrf) Phjs ehe(ws d8kD5ited bul nol claarod Le88 cheques btuod bul not pr8s8nt8d 27.498 181 1,726 28.168 1.3 181 24.238 1.715 81,186 22,514 58,673 CBF Contlngenty ¥e CSW250944I 7,679 11,56B 22,475 10.985 (14,797) 19.247 33.481 (14.214) Tol•1 Bank xMuntslca•h 126.473 ,426 4404T Trnst Fund• DofothyAlkn Trtl Fund 92,114 2, 186 CBFI 14001r/020 C8FI14iX11/103D 940 2,Q)O 10,277 9,976 107.511 105,OJO TAL ASSETS LIA8ILrriES Fees to Ety D8F AgeY payTn&nt fvnoralE 645 f259J 935AIO 231056 FIXED ASSETS RAINED FOR CHURCH USE Churth hall aTrJ lith"rrfJs Stfxage sh8d & Clwjrch Hall shad Pkgr Set of hanthells LawnmwlNJ ewipmw Video proieLlion •quyment 93,000 1,7j 5,orKJ (576) 1,2T5 475 1.898 108.196 105J72 Approved by Ihe PaNxf*Lql Churth on 22 April 2ty25 arKI signed on ils behall by.. R•KI DW Bwk val and PCC Chthrman gnalure D&¢0 Th• Mtes on pagg 3 to 6 form part al slatement
ST MARY THE VIRGIN GODMANCHESTER PCC OPERATING FUNDS 2024 blf from 2023 Ass•t8 av&llbl• (From A88et8 & Liabilitesl Petty cash 213 Sant8nd8r Inètl 24,238 CBF Devglopm$nl Acc 10,985 CAF Transformation A¢e 22,514 CBF Contingency Acc 22,475 80.426 R•e•lpt• PayTnent8 M to 2025 * In 2024 2.686 163.093 583 118,811 1,203 286,376 2,813 161,378 85 25,953 11,568 81,188 7,679 126,473 11271 1,715 583 58,673 14,797 46,047 60,138 16,000 240,329 TOTAL Operntlng fund8 General Fund Bellringers Childrgn'8 Church Church Fabri¢ Church H811 Organ Fund Churchyard & Mowers Docor&ting Fund Flower Guild Friday al 5.15 Transformation Proj8Ct Aaencv Funds 25.382 2.199 38 7,253 1,245 91,471 479 153 13,245 22,050 3.750 s,0 99,610 18,1391 160 319 177 1241 12.253 993 20,735 1,315 5,064 11.3141 5,204 12041 9,000 19,0001 562 608 575 1471 225 109 117 116 34,637 138,778 78,697 94.717 60.080 892 10,664 8,711 1,062 1.953 80,426 286,376 240,329 126,473 46,047 Oper11 Funds have both Income and expenditure durin8 the year and Indlvldual balances are carried forward to the start ol the ne¥t year. When necessary, transfers are rnade between operatln8 funds durln8 the year. 17,243 2,518 14 8.246 2.560 11.3141 725 929 9,011 622 TOTAL Note111 Agency Fund5 are fund5 that art handled by the church bvt are not part of tht church Income and expendlture and are not Included In the church annual account5. Examples are dlocesan fees. fee5 lor organlsts, verger or cholr at wedldng5 and funerals and collection5 at funera15 for a nornlnated tharlty.
ST MARYTHE VIRGIN GODMANCHESTER PCC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT YEAR ENDED 31 DEC 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Financial Statements have been prepa¥ed in accordance with both the Charities Act 2011. on the ReIpts and Payments B851s, and thè Church ol En land accounling r ulations ANALYSIS OF FUNO MOVEMENT FOR THE YEAR UNFIESTRICTED FUNDS may be used by the PCC lor any ol its ordinary purposès. The movements in the lund are shown in the Recei tsandPa ments Aecount FUND NAME General lunds FUND PURPOSE Gereal use by PCC B811 Jan 25,382 Aecei ts 91,471 Pa ents Bal 31 Dec 99.610 17.243 DESIGNATED FUNDS represent funds sel aside. out ol ordinary unrestricted lun(ts. lor specific designated purposes, but they can bg transf8rr8d backinto eneral funds al any time FUND NAME Church Hall Fabric Fund Decorating fund Churchyard & Mowers Organ Fund Friday at 5.15 FUND PURPOSE Maintain hall Church Fabric Church redecoration Maintain church surrounds Maintain the pipe organ Mission and Evangelism Bal 1 Jan 1,245 7,253 9,011 929 Recelptg PaentS B•1 31 D•c 22,050 20.735 2,560 13,245 12,253 8,246 9,000 5,204 5,064 109 52,364 5.000 3.750 225 44,270 725 11,3141 117 10,345 18.440 RESTRICTED FUNDS r8pr8sent 8ith8r income from trusts or endowments which may b8 expended only on those retricted objectives provided in the terrns of the trust or b8qU8St, or donations or grants received or invrted lor specific purpose. The funds may only be spent on the specific purpos8 tor which they were given. Any balancè ramaining unspènt must bè CA1d forward as a balance on that fund and cannot bg absO&d into general funds. FUND NAME Translormation Fund Sunday School FUND PURPOSE Church Transformation Project Fund Children's Church Bal 1 J•n 34.637 38 34.675 R•e•lpts paentS Bal 31 D•e 138,T78 78.697 94.717 153 177 14 138,930 78,874 94,731 ENDOWMENT FUNDS are funds wh058 capital must be maintained.. only income arising from the investment rnay be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depgnding on thè purpose lor which the endob*Tr8nt was established FUND NAME Dorothy Allen Twst Sunday School Invest FUND PUAPOSE 50Y# fabric, rna1nder unrestricted Religious education Bal 1 Jan R•e•ipts 2,536 152 2,689 PayThents Ba131 Dec 2.536 152 2.688 Iv) FUNDS LODGED IN THE CHURCH ACCOUNTS are funds belonging to church organisations that are lodgad in the church accounts. FUND NAME Bell Ringers Fund Flower Guild Fund FUND PURPOSE Bal 1 Jan 2,199 622 2,821 Receipts PaentS Bal 31 Oec 479 2,518 562 575 3,093 Tower maintenance Church flowers TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS From To Church Hall Gen Funds Churchyard & Mowèrs Fabric Fund Decorating Fund Translormation Fund NB.. Decorating Fund transferred to Transfomiation Fund as redecoratson is included in the project. Amount 7,8(X)
ST MARY THE VIRGIN GODMANCHESTER PCC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT YEAR ENOED 31 DEC 2023 4. ANALYSIS OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMETrS ITEMS 2024 Total 2023 Total RECEIPTS Notes Unrestrict Desi nated Restricted Endovment Planned glvlng BACS donAtions Iregularl Free-will ènvelopes Parish givlng Standing ord&rslDDs 1,740 2,324 27,296 10,130 41.490 1,740 2,324 27,296 10,130 41,490 1.820 2.894 26.955 10,160 41,629 bl Collectlon• tht urvScfr• Baptlsms Funerals House communion Regular Sunday se*vic88 Special S$rvi¢8s Wedding¥ 206 62 218 5.097 1.850 214 7,645 352 334 147 4.968 1,878 244 7.923 82 218 5,097 1,850 214 7.645 All oth•r glvlnwvoluntary r•¢•lpt• Donations Goodbox Read¥r Gfft day 1.807 13.030 21.142 53 1,662 22,857 S,890 1.662 8.020 2,387 .077 1,807 13,030 dl Grnnt• Ir•cufflng •nd ontroffj VAT Aecovered Exlernal Grants Friends ol Sl Mary's 637 694 5.641 8,972 77,500 21,278 105,750 3,662 75.OTrJ 8,778 9,472 12,500 20,641 5.000 8.662 637 75,OCQ FundT•l•lng aetlvltl•• Sumrner l$te Concert8 Chrislmas ty8zaar 2,130 704 2.690 5.524 2,130 704 2,690 5,524 2,117 360 2,463 4,939 Inv•8tmen¢ In¢om• CBF Contingency acc C8F Fixed inlere$l g¢c C8F Development acc CAF Bank Interest Dorothy Allen Trust Sunday School Investrnents 719 719 484 583 112 2,S36 619 215 341 58 2.456 112 3.801 112 1,288 153 3,319 1,268 1,268 4.587 gl Tradlng •¢tlvltl•• Church hirg Hall letting Liter8tur& sales Magazin& sales & advertising Sunday Colfae Book Sales Grassculting Contract 1,165 1.165 21,324 21.324 19,930 20 2,778 729 191 4.644 28.932 2,394 2.394 726 726 5,IXJO 27.050 5,000 3.593 Oth•r r•c¢lptwlncom• Utility rebate Data Dev Online account$ rgbate 8ellring8rs Wive's Group Flowar Guild 1,143 30 1,480 473 725 562 1.759 473 725 562 1,759 359 3.012
ST MARY THE VIRGIN GODMANCHESTER PCC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEME YEAR ENDED 31 DEC 2023 ANALYSIS OF AECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ITEMS 2024 Total 2023 Total PAYMENTS Cost ot fundrnlslng actlvltles Fete & bazaar Donation envelopes Unrestricted D8SI natgd Restricted Endowment 350 350 420 71 491 350 350 Il Mlssion & ehadty glvSng (Gen funds) Christmas eharrties Setvice charities Mayor ol Godmancheslerfs Charity Other charities 900 77 15 360 1,337 199 199 NB Christmas charities paid in 2025 111 Charities funded by specific events IAgency Fundsl 5,821 5,621 4,459 kl Mi8¥ion & evangeli8rn Children's church Friday @ 5.15 Othe dtsnatitsns 177 177 109 49 335 272 389 109 49 49 109 177 662 Church runnln9 0xA$a9 Admin Altar QUireMents Auditor lèe Maintenance Choir oan Misc 5,074 651 255 12,253 270 5,064 5,074 651 255 12,253 270 4,649 380 255 16,903 559 444 24,010 394 23.140 24.010 ml Cost of trading Mower expenses Cost ol goods 2,704 2,704 765 2,704 2,704 765 n) Malor r•palr8 to ehureh buildlng Church fabric ol Major repairs to church h811 pl New building work to chur¢h propèrty Translormation project 60,138 60,138 13,234 ql Other pawnent8 and expenditurè Bellringers Flower Guild 160 608 768 160 608 768 1,260 617 1,877