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.
Ba￿ara 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 se￿ICeS 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 In￿1••$ 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 re￿rt In re8PO¢t of my •K8mlnatlon of Ihe Tru$l'$ aceounts carried out
nd•r $8ctth 145 of the 2011 Act In c4rylThJ out my oxaminalion, I
have tollowed the applleablè Dlr8c¢k)n8 tyy th• Charfty COMMI￿
under 88Ctlon 145lSllbl of th• A¢t.
I hav8 comploled my exam1￿tIOn. I that no mat•rfal rnatter8 h8v•
eomo to my atten￿On lothei than thai d￿￿108￿d bekjw'l Sn connecth)n wllh
lh¥ oxamlnallon whkh g￿88 rne cau88 to belk8v8 that In, any matorfal
Indwnd•rt
•x•fflln•r'• •l•t•m•rt
a￿oUntIng rocorfl8 w•r• not k•pl In ac¢ord8nc8 wlth 8ecllon 130
A¢t gr
Iho ￿￿ounts do ntst a¢¢ord w*th tho ac¢uun￿￿ll r￿ord8
I hav8 no conc8ms And hav• tome acros$ no other matters In ccmnecUoTr
*lth tho 8xamlnaYon lo wh*h att8ntlon should ba drawn in ordgr to ena￿6
prcpgr und8r8t￿d1ng of Ihe acC￿nIS lo be reached.
' Please dekto lh8 bwrds in the brBckats 11 thoyi* not wty.
15/•)
N*m•:
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.. i*r•ctth8 and guldance for
8x8mine¥sl.
Q1¥• h•T• brf•f OD1￿1• of
•ny tt•m• th*t 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
C￿l￿R￿S at semces
l olhei 9Mn￿w￿ary
Gfft Aid r￿0Ver￿j
Lega¢iss
Grants {r￿thng 8Th1 r￿￿C4* Ir￿ VAn
Activtties lor generating fund
Church fUr￿r￿51n9 acti¥ibe5
Inv•atment Ineome
Inv8slm8nl income
Chur¢h •dI￿ti¢#
Fèes rthntd
Trading acliwties
Olher rereipWIn￿rn•
Flebates
￿￿e1p5 for ChU￿h ¢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 & H￿1 insurarte
Church utility t4118
Churth h￿4 eypens85
Cost of trading
Major cap￿al expendltur•
m4.or Repairs to Ihe church bU￿.￿g
or repwrs lo the church Wl
New ￿11￿1￿9 ￿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 CSW250944￿I
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 Trt￿l 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
Age￿Y payTn&nt fvnoralE
645
f259J
935AIO
231056
FIXED ASSETS R￿AINED FOR CHURCH USE
Churth hall aTrJ lith"rrfJs
Stfxage sh8d & Clwjrch Hall shad
Pkgr
Set of hanthells
LawnmwlNJ ewipmw
Video proieLlion •quyment
93,000
1,7￿j
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
v￿al 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
Oper￿1￿1 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 R￿eIpts 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 Pa￿entS 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 CA￿1￿d 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 pa￿entS 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 Pa￿entS 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 PAYMETr￿S 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 0x￿A$a9
Admin
Altar ￿QUireMents
Auditor lèe
Maintenance
Choir
o￿an
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