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2024-12-31-accounts

THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST LAURENCE IN THE ISLE OF THANET, RAMSGATE

ST CATHERINE MANSTON

ST CHRISTOPHER NEWINGTON ST LAURENCE-IN-THANET ST MARK NORTHWOOD ST MARY CLIFFSEND

ANNUAL TRUSTEES REPORT

For the year ending 31[st] December 2024

PARISH OF ST LAURENCE IN THE ISLE OF THANET ANNUAL TRUSTEES REPORT 2024

Contents

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 2 AIM AND PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 3 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3 4 THE PRIEST-IN-CHARGE’S ANNUAL REVIEW 2024 .................................................................................................................................. 3 4.1 REVIEW OF PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2024 ....................................................................................................................... 5 4.2 ST CATHERINE MANSTON ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6 4.3 ST CHRISTOPHER NEWINGTON .............................................................................................................................................................. 6 4.4 ST LAURENCE ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 7 4.5 ST MARK NORTHWOOD ......................................................................................................................................................................... 10 4.6 ST MARY CLIFFSEND - REV KEN COX ............................................................................................................................................... 13 4.7 THE BARBER SHOP ................................................................................................................................................................................. 14 4.8 ST LAURENCE JUNIOR ACADEMY.......................................................................................................................................................... 14 4.9 SAFEGUARDING REPORT ................................................................................................................................................................... 15 5 ELECTORAL ROLL FIGURES AND USUAL SUNDAY ATTENDANCE ........................................................................................................ 16 6 FINANCIAL INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................................................................... 17 6.1 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ................................................................................................................................................... 17 6.2 FINANCIAL REVIEW ................................................................................................................................................................................ 18 6.3 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 19 6.4 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ........................................................................................................................................... 20 6.5 FINANCIAL NOTES .................................................................................................................................................................................. 20 7 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS ........................................................................................................................................ 22 7.1 CHARITY NAME AND LOCATION ............................................................................................................................................................ 22 7.2 PCC MEMBERS AND OFFICERS .............................................................................................................................................................. 22 7.3 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER ..................................................................................................................................................................... 23 8 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................................................... 23

Parish of St Laurence in the Isle of Thanet Trustees Report for 2024

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PARISH OF ST LAURENCE IN THE ISLE OF THANET ANNUAL TRUSTEES REPORT 2024

1 INTRODUCTION

The aim of the report is to review the life of the parish during 2024, as well as relating the financial statements to the work and vision of the five churches in the team. Since April 2017, St Laurence-in-Thanet Team Ministry (The Ecclesiastical Parish of St Laurence in the Isle of Thanet, Ramsgate) has been a five church benefice which includes St Catherine Manston, St Christopher Newington, St Laurence, St Mark Northwood and St Mary Cliffsend.

2 AIM AND PURPOSE

The aim of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) is to co-operate with the Admin Team (formerly the Shared Leadership Team, (SLT) until November 2022 when our Team Rector Rev. Andrew Jacobson retired). From December 2022 until July 2024 the Admin Team has been led by Rev Ken Cox (Honorary Assistant Curate and Chair) and includes Rev Brian Griffiths and Rev Phil Barnes who are retired priests who have permission to officiate, Judith Andrews, Sue Cox, Amanda Madgwick, and Frances Barnes (lay readers), Sharon Cutler and Kevin Spain (Parochial wardens.). In July 2024 we welcomed our new incumbent Rev Catherine Tucker to the parish.

We seek to assist in promoting within the parish the whole mission of the Church, spiritual, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical (PCC measure 1956). The mission of the Church is assisted by those named in the Admin Team. The PCC has delegated maintenance responsibilities, to the relevant Local Leadership Teams (LLTs) for all five churches, and for the St Laurence Parish Hall and St Mark‘s Hall.

3 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

4 THE PRIEST-IN-CHARGE’S ANNUAL REVIEW 2024

I write this with the Risen Christ in my heart and having been with the whole parish since 10 July 2024 - for nine months. I do feel very settled and welcome here and thank everyone for their warm welcome. May I especially thank Parochial Wardens Sharon Cutler and Kevin Spain both of whom have been extra supportive. I also thank the whole Ministry Team who, whilst some have sadly had health issues, are a wonderful team, as well as Treasurer Alison who does a huge job including the hall hire and Julia Penn who tirelessly produces the Pew News on a weekly basis.

May we pray for LLM Sue Cox and thank her for all her input up until her accident and we all hold her in our prayers. She will have a future ministry with us, and we look forward to working out what that will be in the coming months.

I have attended the monthly Ministry Team Meetings and asked Revd Ken Cox to continue chairing these. We hear and discuss what is happening within each church and plan together for the future as well as discussing safeguarding and pastoral issues. I have introduced an Annual Calendar of dates which means we can plan ahead and gives a balanced view of what is happening across the Parish. With Sharon Cutler we have introduced the Parishwide magazine which will come out three times a year. A Parishwide leaflet is in production. Questions about being able to have Sunday morning services at St Christopher’s and having more time options to lead across the churches are in discussion for the future.

I have been chairing PCC since my arrival and thank the PCC for all their input. We of course much miss Zoe Story our brilliant PCC Secretary who so sadly passed away in February. I thank Revd Ken Cox for leading her memorial service here in March.

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The Altogether Services across the parish have been very good especially the Creationtide Service at St Christopher’s and Mothering Sunday at St Catherine’s. We look forward to the service at St Augustine’s Cross this June, St Laurence Patronal in August and at St Mark’s in November.

I have attended the St Mary’s and St Catherine’s LLT’s on a regular basis and been at one of St Mark’s LLT’s. At St Mary’s I instigated a visit to the Parish Council which has had a good knock-on effect and links with a new Youth group at the Village Hall are in development. Revd Ken has developed the new monthly midweek service. I attended the Dawn Service on Easter morning! At St Catherine’s I am introducing a Walking Project aimed at community and families with Julia Penn and LLM Amanda. LLM Judith now ministers more at St Mark’s as well as St Christopher’s being more suited to her churchmanship. Her Anna Chaplaincy work continues at Chartwell House with Revd Phil Barnes and is a great asset. I have attended Knit & Natter, The Friday Prayer Group and the Thursday Fellowship and the new evening Communion Service at St Mark’s. Their Spring Fair and the recent Agape Meal were excellent. I have done much work at St Christopher’s and St Laurence.

In the autumn I organised a ‘Let’s Get Ready for Children’s and Young People’s Ministry’ event with guest speakers. This has had gentle ramifications across the parish. St Catherine’s have developed children’s bags, St Christopher’s Café Church is intergenerational with regular two teenagers, St Laurence have a redeveloped children’s corner and 2 or 3 children most weeks, St Mary’s have two families, St Mark’s continue with their children’s table and monthly Sunday School. l am encouraging all the churches to introduce parent & toddler groups, this is a work in progress. Young people’s work will be launched at St Laurence on 2 June backed by a Diocesan course. St Christopher’s IPF community group are setting up an after-school club and a group called LOVE made our Easter Day celebrations with over 50 children.

Baptisms at St Laurence and St Mark’s are markedly rising. Funerals and Interments of Ashes remain high and I give thanks for the prolific ministry of Revd’s Ken Cox, Brian Griffiths and Phil Barnes in this regard.

The Healing Advent course saw people from the across the Parish attend and healing ministry will be a priority for the year ahead. The Parishwide Confirmation Course was beautifully led by the Ministry Team and I particularly thank Revd Phil Barnes and LLM Frances Barnes for their inspired input. We had six candidates and one for Affirmation. Friday evenings have seen the development of an Ecumenical Bible Fellowship which meets either in my rectory or in Ellington Park. Remembrance Services will be building up across the Parish.

I have been asked to be Honorary Chaplain to the Sea Cadets and asked Revd Brian Griffiths and Revd Phil Barnes to be Honorary Chaplain to the Spitfire Museum. I have joined the Heritage and Tourism Committee for the Ramsgate Town Council.

A major development is my introduction of the Quarterly Leadership team meetings which are held at the rectory. These are not legal meetings but workshop style events that encourage developmental ideas and leadership skills. The first one was held in March and saw 23 people attend. Discussions around including chaplaincy within our vision, Open Church, children’s & young people’s work, media development are all key as well as with the new housing are all themes for the future.

I thank God for sending me to this lovely and exciting parish. At the moment we are thinking of calling it Outer or Greater Ramsgate!!

In Christ’s name.

Rev Catherine Tucker

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PARISH OF ST LAURENCE IN THE ISLE OF THANET ANNUAL TRUSTEES REPORT 2024

4.1 REVIEW OF PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2024

ANNA MINISTRY - Judith Andrews

2024 has been another year of growth for Anna Ministry within the Parish.

We continue to have a strong relationship with Chartwell House holding monthly communion services on the memory floor. These services are led by Revd Phil and me, and supported by Anna Friends, Frances, David and Chris. In addition, we have started a monthly activity group led by Frances and myself, with craft, hymns and lots of laughter. Separately we visit residents when called. Another wonderful moment for me in 2024 was leading a celebration of marriage between the House Manager and her husband. It was a real honour to hold a blessing of marriage within Chartwell House attended by many residents, families, friends, staff, and the leadership team of Boutique Care Homes. This was definitely the highlight of my year. In addition, we held a second special service of Remembrance at St Catherines, led by Revd Brian and supported by the church family, and also had Christingle making with the residents and children from the local school in December.

Further care home visits included Keele House in Ramsgate taking communion to a resident.

We expanded our Anna Ministry team within the Parish in June, with 2 additional Anna Friends, Christine Owen and David Holton.

Outside of Parish activities, I still attend Thanet Dementia Action Alliance meetings where we connect with the business community with the aim to make Thanet businesses more aware of dementia and how to support those who live with the condition. I also represented Anna Chaplaincy at the Kent Dementia Show in October with Julia Burton-Jones of BRF. Within the Diocese, I attend the Diocesan Anna Chaplaincy Working Group with Nigel Collins, Revd Jean Kerr and Julia Burton-Jones.

Finally, together with Chartwell House, we held the 3[rd] Festive Food Pantry at St Christopher's Church supporting Newington Primary School and residents in the Newington area with basic food items as well as Christmas treats – this is a fantastic outreach event and a wonderful benefit of our relationship with Chartwell House.

Anna Ministry is a way of responding to the needs of older people and people living with dementia and their families by keeping them at the forefront of church life. The plan remains to build a team of Anna Friends, who will focus on delivering spiritual care support to older people, people living with dementia and their carers, whether in care homes, private homes, churches or community settings.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH TEAM

There is a fledgeling Sunday school at St Marks. In 2025, we will look to reestablish children’s ministry at St Laurence.

PARISH BEREAVEMENT & PASTORAL MINISTRY – MARCIA NEVE

The BV and Pastoral team includes both lay and ordained members.

Sadly, three of the Pastoral team have passed away, they are greatly missed. We contact the bereaved mainly now by telephone, they are always given an invitation to join us at the Footprints coffee club.

Rev Ken Cox conducted the All Souls Service, although numbers attending were low it was agreed that the service was a very moving one. Candles were lit to remember the departed.

The Team usually meet up every two months to discuss any concerns. Thanks go to the small but dedicated team.

Footprints Coffee Club

The club meets on the 1st Tuesday of every month in St Laurence Church 10am until 11 30am.

We have enjoyed as a group two fish and chip lunches this year. In the summer we had a coach outing to Maidstone visiting Notcutts shopping village.

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Although we meet with the newly bereaved in the past months, people who have been bereaved for a longer time still need that listening ear. We are here for all with a need of support. Into our eighteenth year now the faithful team are always around.

I give them my heartfelt thanks. Marcia Neve.

4.2 ST CATHERINE MANSTON

Annual Report 2024 - Julia Penn, churchwarden

Five LLT meetings have been held this year: Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct, Dec.

The clock has been fully fitted with electric and radio-controlled mechanism, with expert assistance from Barry Parker (horologist) and Simon Chandler (electrician).

2 plaques have been purchased: one for acknowledgement to Mr and Mrs R Goodban for their donation towards the repair of the organ in 2021 and the other in acknowledgement to Miss Pam Hartley for her legacy which paid for the TV screen and installation and the clock electrification.

A handrail has been fitted to the front-door steps. Gutters and down-pipes have been cleared.

Events planned for 2025: Spring Supper, May Music Extravaganza, VE Day 80 years afternoon tea, 4 Summer Church Walks aimed at local families, 4 Summer-month coffee mornings, Harvest Supper, Remembrance Service, Christmas Dinner. Leaflets to be distributed in village for Music Extravaganza, Church Walks (and at local schools) and Christmas Events.

4.3 ST CHRISTOPHER NEWINGTON

Kevin M Spain, Parochial Church Warden.

The Church of St Christopher is located at the end of Princess Margaret Avenue in Newington. Since 2019 there have been no members on the electoral roll.

Following on from the previous work done here, post Interregnum, it is most gratifying to note that

St Christopher’s is back!

Many thanks must go to all who have put in their time and skills to bring the Church and its grounds into a useable condition once more. We must also recognise the difference that it has made to the local community and the response to the efforts of all our combined work to achieve this have been rewarded daily by comments from residents and those using the footways. We now need to get them in, we have been noticed!

1] The current services have followed an initial pattern of Café Service at 16:00hrs on the first and third Sundays of the month. The most recent having a mixed group of over 20 people at the service. Following the parish initiative of holding the Fifth Sunday Service at one of the Five Churches, Saint Christopher’s hosted to a congregation in excess of 60 including the local Mayor and previous members of St Christopher’s.

2] Community usage is very much in evidence with regular events being advertised on social media. These range from Bingo evenings through to local food bank parcels, Uniform and clothing exchange, trampoline therapy with Foreland School and gardening events, a very successful one being held on 05/10/24 and even more is planned for the next months, including a Coffee Morning each Friday morning commencing on 01/11/2024 at 09:00hrs until 12:00hrs. Full details on Facebook. Watch this space.

3] Building security: The main doors and the East side fire doors are now fully operational, and the interior of the fire-exit doors have 2 large heavy duty sliding bolts fitted to secure against forced entry. These MUST be opened while the premises are in public use and re-secured after the event. The boiler house has a similar security system but fitted externally and locked via 2 heavy duty security padlocks. It is awaiting repairs to the covering on the boiler house window, the main security door lock and the balanced flue for the boiler.

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A vandal-proof vent cover will also be needed when the repair is finished. Clearing rubbish from this location and repairing the lighting in there is a priority. The West-side fire doors are the next priority inside and will be repaired to the same specification as the East-side pair.

CCTV stickers have been sited at strategic points within the building and appear to have had a temporary effect on the amount and type of damage being caused. There are now 2 viable cameras in Saint Christopher’s House, and these will be incorporated into the security system there shortly. Alison has also been applying for a KCC grant for the premises as it is now used for community purposes. Metal “Roller Spikes” for the lower roof elevations have been costed as well as a similar less expensive recycled polymer solution for the higher walls to the rear of the premises. Costings for a stand-alone CCTV solution are also ongoing.

4] Fabric: Both flat roofs to the rear require VERY URGENT REPAIR, the Western elevation being critical. New downpipes, gutter clearing, and exterior lighting repairs are also a priority. Parts of this will eventually be covered by insurance. Window grilles have also been re-affixed following attempts to gain access to the inside, and leaded lights temporarily repaired.

5] Grounds: Fencing and trees remain to be the most urgent subject. The “Tree Protection Order” is being investigated, but I think we may have a natural solution following the recent rains and strong winds. Several branches have snapped off one being significant and local wood-burner owners appear to be removing some for domestic usage. The grass is returning following 2 heavy cuts and the ivy is receding. Local wildlife is also coming in possibly as a result of the site management and displacement due to the intensive construction work that is taking place here. The fencing is holding its own but requires TLC as there is still an issue with some of the smaller vandals. The planting of the hedging over the winter should improve the situation and site security.

6] Minibus considerations. As requested, I have contacted the driver of the Newington Junior School minibus, and they suggested we contact the school to discuss the viability of this.

7] Sound system and organ. Colin Gammons has restored the sound system and re-configured the radio microphones. They are now working on a legal frequency, not AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLS, which they were occupying. He has also obtained the manufacturers service manual for the Church Organ, and estimates that repairs would cost in the region of £100 if undertaken by him, it is also a very good quality instrument, most of the issues stem from lack of usage. Colin has also ordered a number of St Mark’s style, “ORACAST” units for use with the loop system in both churches and the first batch of these are proving most valuable.

8] Finally, my thanks to the Members of the community, and others who ran such an inspiring “Funday “at the end of August raising our profile both locally and on social media, following up by keeping St Christopher’s open for the Ride & Stride this year, a real first for the church.

4.4 ST LAURENCE

Local Churchwarden’s report 2024 – Ann Gregson

In 2024 St Laurence church hosted: Five baptisms Two wedding blessings Seven funerals Two interments of ashes One memorial service

This year the 12[th] May was designated as a bellringers service, with our ringers choosing the readings and hymns. The service – which was led by Freda, our Tower Captain – was well-attended and enjoyed by all present as being something a little different.

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In the run-up to Christmas, the Nine Lessons & Carols service was reasonably well-attended (56 adults and 4 children, an increase on 2023) and the presence of Edward and members of his choir (backing up our own choir members) was again greatly appreciated.

The Parish Christingle, led by Marcia, also had a good attendance (95 adults and 54 under-sixteens). Thanks go to Marcia and her team for their work in putting together and leading this service – including making 143 Christingles the day before the service!

Chilton School held their Christmas celebrations in St. Laurence, with year 5 and 6 participating in the morning and years 3 and 4 in the afternoon. The weather (though rather damp) was decidedly better than it was in 2023. Parents and other relatives of the pupils attended and the two celebrations were very well-run by members of staff from the school. It was really good to see the church full, with standing room only. On each occasion, Revd. Catherine attended both services and enjoyed meeting the staff and pupils. Once again, the school organised a collection, which raised even more than the 2023 one did. Hopefully, they will want to come back to St. Laurence again for their Christmas celebration.

Attendance at Sunday services has slightly increased since the arrival of Revd. Catherine. The feeling among the congregation is that she's breathing new life into the church and the congregants are very happy with her style of service and her sermons. Unfortunately, there are still very few children attending the services but, if we can get a Sunday School up and running again, hopefully this will change.

Many thanks to our team of bell-ringers, led by Freda, for their sterling efforts up in the tower. Hearing the bells ring out on a Sunday morning is such a heartening sound. We are also grateful to Freda for stepping in to act as crucifer during John Paramor's absence on holiday. That said, we must also thank John for everything he does for the church.

Once again, thanks go to Barbara Byne for carrying out her church and churchyard tours and to her and her team of volunteers for their work in looking after the churchyard.

Although we only have a very small choir (3 men and 1 woman), we are grateful to them for leading the singing at the services. Although there are only four of them, they sound like a much larger choir – which I suppose is down to the acoustics in church.

The Summer Fair was held in the church and was reasonably well-attended but the weather wasn't that good and probably deterred some people from coming along. Nevertheless, a useful sum was raised for church funds and thanks are due to everyone who helped with the Fair.

The LLT held seven meetings – 29th January, 11th March, 13th May, 24th June, 12th August, 25 September and 7th November. Among other things, there were discussions about the ongoing problems with the parish hall and, after Revd. Catherine joined us, ways in which people could be encouraged to attend church. Thank you to the members of the LLT, who give up their time to attend meetings and provide valuable support in relation to everyday matters that affect St. Laurence.

I would also like to thank all the people who help to ensure that the Sunday services run smoothly and who are willing to step up and help with any additional services during the year.

The Christmas Fair was also held in the church and was reasonably well-attended – though, again, the weather wasn’t brilliant. We did have some superb raffle prizes, thanks to Freda's connections – for which, many thanks Freda. First prize was a session on the flight simulator at the Spitfire Museum and we also had a family ticket for the Ramsgate Tunnels and vouchers for two rounds of crazy golf. Sharon did a grand job of drawing the raffle and calling out the winning numbers – she certainly has a carrying voice! We had been approached by the Friends of Ellington Park to have a stall at the Fair, as well as two ladies from Cliffsend who also wanted to rent pitches. We charged £15.00 for each pitch and the consensus of opinions from the stallholders was that this was a fair price and they had done well. It will be interesting to see if any of them ask for stalls at this year's Fairs. Thank you to everyone who helped with setting up the Fair, manning stalls and clearing away afterwards – without that support the Fair simply couldn't happen,

Several Quiz Nights were held to raise money for the Clock Restoration Fund and always seemed to do well. Sharon is the question-setter and has an extraordinary ability to come up with some really devilish questions! On a lighter note, Kelly ran a Christmas Fun Quiz just before Christmas which was a lot of fun – particularly as Revd. Catherine had us singing Christmas carols between rounds! Thanks go to Kelly for putting that together and it raised a useful contribution to church funds.

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The peregrine falcon nest box was put up on the tower at the end of October and we now have to wait to see if any passing peregrines like the look of it and decide to set up home there. Watch this space!

Security lights have been added above the vestry and boiler room doors, to deter those with nefarious intent and give those who regularly meet during evenings (such as the bell-ringers) greater safety when entering or leaving the church via the vestry door. They are battery-powered so do not cost anything to run, apart from replacement batteries every now and then. Thanks go to Sharon for obtaining the lights and to Rob Gooding for installing them.

Unfortunately, Mission giving just isn't happening – possibly because no-one knows the procedure. I'm not sure if there's a solution to this problem, but perhaps the LLT could revisit this question this year.

We're now looking forward to whatever 2025 will bring – hopefully an increase in attendance numbers for the Sunday services and some children making regular attendances.

St Laurence in Thanet Change Ringers Tower Captains Report – Freda Parker

Looking back over 2024 I am pleased to see the improvement in the whole band. The standard of striking has increased along with and progression in method ringing. We have been able to ring the bells every Sunday during the year and every practice night has been well attended and filled with enthusiasm and fun.

There have been some notable highlights in 2024 which began by the ringing in of the New Year. Callum very successfully tolled out the old year, and on the stroke of midnight we burst forth in well struck rounds. Prior to this earlier in the evening of New Year’s Eve Mick rang his first quarter peal. January also saw the monthly district meeting held at Canterbury Cathedral, and almost every ringer from St Laurence attended and rang at least once on the Cathedral’s bells. February’s district meeting was in Ash, the only other ring of 10 in a parish church in the district.

In March we entered the Canterbury District Call Change Competition and came 8[th] . The team did incredibly well and Callum was congratulated for his first time competition conducting. The quarter peal band achieved Reverse Canterbury as a method and Good Friday saw Gill get her first quarter peal in Triples. By April the quarter peal band were in full swing and Callum achieved his first quarter on an inside bell. Practices continued to be well attended and the 4 beginners are progressing well.

Karen started to ring on Sundays and in May we had a Bell Sunday Service in place of the usual 10:00 morning service. The service was well attended by people from all the churches in the parish and was much appreciated by the congregation.

June saw the national event of D-Day 80, when we rang on 6[th] June along with churches all over the UK, this special ring included our beginners and Astrid started Sunday ringing as well. The quarter peal band rang for “Mother Freda’s” 106 birthday, a quarter of Plain Bob Doubles.

July saw practices begin at 6:30pm for beginners to give them an extra hour of intensive training and this has definitely shown in the improvements in bell handling and general ringing. Blue badges for progression and achievement were awarded to Karen, Astrid, Dave and Tiffany. The quarter peal band rang a quarter of Plain Bob Doubles before the Licensing and Installation Service of Rev Catherine.

August is a quiet month for practices with people away, we still manged out weekly practices, but the Saturday morning beginners practices have a holiday this month. September and back to school and all things bells. Unfortunately we were unable to put a team in for the striking competition this year. There was also the Thanet Outing, which was organised by All Saints Birchington. A great day out was had ringing at New Romney, Lydd, Brookland, Appledore and Tenterden, with a super lunch at the Woolpack Inn Brookland.

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October saw the ADM of the Canterbury District at St Dunstan’s Canterbury. There was a good turnout from the St Laurence ringers along with our fellow ringers from St Peters making good representation of Thanet ringers at the meeting.

In November we decided we should learn the method, St Laurence Doubles to ring at the St Laurence Patronal Festival in 2025. This is definitely a work in progress. We half muffled the bells in November as we remember people for All Souls and Armentis Day. As these events are a week apart, we also have a half muffled practice night, which gives everyone the experience of ringing half muffled. We also had the clapper of the 8[th] fall out during practice night on 12[th] November, fortunately no damage in incurred to the bell, clapper, frame or anything else. John, Mick and Freda were able to refit the clapper the following day.

We were asked if we could ring a quarter peal in December for the 60[th] Wedding Anniversary of a couple in our congregation prior to the morning service when they renewed their wedding vows. This is probably the most anxious we had been as a band knowing there would be a definite audience listening to our performance. We were all very relieved when “That’s All” was called. We also rang for all our Christmas services this year, there is something very magical ringing for Midnight Mass.

St Laurence Clock Restoration - Freda Parker

This year we have really got going with fund raising events, we held 3 quizzes, an art show, 2 organ recitals and a Christmas concert. We have also had fund raising stalls at St Laurence church fairs, the Ramsgate Tunnels History Day and the local Girl Guide’s summer fair.

This year we have seen money come in via our Go Fund Me page and have received individual donations direct from the congregation and members of the public. We have joined Thanet Community Lotto, where members of the public can purchase a lottery ticket for a local charity of their choice (St Lawrence Clock Restoration Appeal) and every ticket purchased provides us with 50% of the ticket price, and the purchaser also has a chance to win the weekly £25,000 jackpot.

With all our different income streams by the end of 2024 we had raised £13,434.26.

We are continually amazed at the generosity of people towards the clock restoration and are hopeful that we will be able to look for matched funding awards and grants in the not too distant future.

Open Church

A Church nearly 1,000 years old, with an incredible history, deserves to be open to the public whenever possible, so it has been open from 10.00 am- 2.00 pm every Saturday and for once a month Church and Churchyard Tours.

4.5 ST MARK NORTHWOOD

Local Churchwardens’ report 2024 – Kevin Spain

1] The services have followed the regular pattern with a good attendance and on occasions are attracting new members.

The Sunday school has a small core group and meets on the second Sunday of each month.

2] An “Early Christmas Fair” was held on the 2[nd] of November. This attracted a good number of local residents and items donated included some pieces which were deemed to be worth auctioning. These were taken to the local auction rooms, realising a good price at the sales.

3] The LLT meeting was held in the lounge on the 4[th of] November, where the PCC agenda was discussed.

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4] After the announcement of Archbishop Welby’s resignation, a Safeguarding statement was read to the congregations of all the Parish. This had already been actioned prior to the announcement following Safeguarding Sunday. This was as a precursor to the “Face to Face” Basic Safeguarding Course held here at St Marks on 23[rd] November and open to the Deanery. It was well received, and 24 participants were in attendance.

5] December was very busy commencing with a very well attended Saturday morning session of singing practice led by members of Queens Rd and hosted by Phil. The next session will be in January on the 11[th] in the morning. Phil has also been leading a Bible study on the first Wednesday of the month at 11am in the church. However, due to clashes with other events the study will be on another Wednesday morning each month.

The Carol service was held on the 15[th] and a Christingle Service on the morning of the 22[nd] .

Midnight communion was held and some new faces seen. a Morning service followed on Christmas morning.

6] The trialling of industrial matting to contain the Hall roof leaks has been very successful, with no mopping up necessary. The floor will need to be refixed down where the boarding has expanded but is now slowly drying out.

The stage has been cleared of most rubbish and the under-croft is slowly receiving similar attention. The first use of the stage took place this Saturday (18[th] Jan) with a large crowd of Asian Postmasters and Shopkeepers attending a birthday party with a “Bangla Performance” No complaints received! This morning 21/01/2025 Ramsgate Croquet Club had an indoor Curling event and hopefully this may be the first of many in the hall.

7] The Hall heaters have been cleaned and are working well. The source of 2 of the Hall leaks were found to be due to the drain down taps for the radiators having been opened!

8] Scrap metal from the tidy up and the lighting refurbishment resulted in a payment to us of £97.44p

9] External lighting, pavement repairs and tree pruning are all expected in the early part of this year.

The lounge roof was repair by Eagleson roofing at the start of the year following an ingress of water before Christmas, from a previous badly undertaken repair. The main gulley has been totally replaced with a heavyduty butyl roofing system.

Mission at St Mark’s 2024 – Rev Phil Barnes

This year has not been a year of big outreach events, but it has been a year of continuing to share the good news of Jesus love, and his gift of salvation that is available to all.

Week by week we have been reminded of God’s love for us in our worship. Both in services of the Word and Communion, both regulars and visitors have heard the Good News.

But of course, mission is going on at other times during the week, when our groups (Thursday Fellowship; Knit, Craft and Natter and Belleplates) meet in the church and hall. Christians and non-Christians sharing time together, and our folk planting seeds as they become witnesses by sharing their faith to others.

At other times Church Fayres, Belleplate teas, MacMillan Coffee mornings, they all bring in folk from our local community, into the church complex, prompting yet another time of considering what faith is about, and why this building is here? This of course can happen whenever folk come into the buildings. Please pray with us that whoever comes in, and for whatever reason, that they will be reminded that they enter a place of faith, a place of God and that maybe the little faith that they have will be stirred within them.

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Belleplate Group – Janice Austin

The Belleplate group meets on Tuesday mornings from 10.30-11.30. We play a variety of music, including popular well-known tunes, songs from musicals and hymns and carols. We sometimes play in church and this year played at the Easter and Harvest Services and also at the Carol Service.

In January, June and December we held afternoons of music, with tea, in St Mark church hall. At these people attending were able to join in by singing along if they wished. We also play at other venues when invited. In May we played for the Ramsgate Active Retirement Association and in December we played carols for the Thanet Active Retirement Association. We always appreciate playing music we enjoy for other people.

We would always welcome people to join us on a Tuesday morning.

Homegroups – Christine Martin There are two homegroups which meet on Tuesday and Wednesday evening each week apart from a twoweek break at Easter and Christmas and no meeting in August.

In 2024 we did not meet during Lent as Rev Phil Barnes ran a Lent course on Wednesday evenings.

During the year we completed series on “Revelation” and “Women of the New Testament”.

We looked at the few chapters of “Proverbs” we had not covered on a previous series.

An occasional series called “Songs of the Word” covered some Psalms and we did full studies on the books 1Peter and Galatians. Finally, we studied the themes of “We Believe …” and “Christian Progress”.

Thanks are due to the members who kindly host the sessions in their homes, and also for the teas/coffees and chocolate biscuits they provide!

Our main purpose is to study God’s word together, pray together and develop support and friendship within the group. Requests for prayer are frequently texted to members of both groups when the need arises.

There is always room for new members.

Thursday Fellowship – Prim Williamson, Angela Kneller Firstly, we would like to express our condolences for the sad loses of Doreen Hawkins (an active member of the group) and Eileen Boast who attended some afternoons.

We currently have 24 regular members attending on a regular basis plus two others who attend but not regularly. There are some who cannot attend any more.

During 2024 our Christian speakers have been Pastor Rita Brown URC Dartford, Curate Claire Coleman from St. Lukes/St. Georges (now at Dover), Pastor Ruth Armstrong Hardress Street, Frances Barnes and Catherine Tucker our new Priest in Charge.

Talks throughout the year included Community Meal, Community Pastors (Charlotte Harley, History of St. Catherines, Nordic Walking, Thanet Coastal Project, interactive Ramsgate costumed walks and Karl form the Salvation Army giving a talk on ice cream – with samples.

Our charity last year was RNLI who also gave us a talk and we raised £319. This year our charity is Operation Smile.

We have four committee members Prim Williamson, Angela Kneller, Ruth Lawlor and Viki Kemp.

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Pastoral Team - Prim Williamson

This has met bi-monthly with 5 members who try to keep in touch and give support where needed, with members of the congregation who are not well, bereaved or struggling in other ways, through telephone calls, notelets, etc. The group also follows up people who have not been to church recently.

Knit, Craft and Natter – Frances Barnes

Throughout 2024 the group continued to meet in the lounge at St Mark’s. Those that come bring their projects, sharing their successes and also seeking help with their craft challenges. However, as a group it is much more than a knitting and craft group, it is a group in which people share life’s problems and find listening ears and support. They also find friendship. A number have said they attend another group, but if they had to give one up, it definitely wouldn’t be the one at St Mark’s!

It is not a large group, there is a solid core, but there are also those who come and go for various reasons. Friendships are formed and above all the most important thing is that non-church attenders mix with those of faith. Not only do they get to know people in the group, but also those who come along from church on Wednesday mornings to do some gardening, as well as those who come to do some church DIY.

The year was finished with a marvellous lunch at The Racing Greyhound and the projects and friendships carried on into 2025.

New Music Sessions

At last, after a lot of good intentions the New Music Sessions actually started. Once a month on a Saturday morning those who like to sing, and who also like to explore some new music, get together, and we do just that. After replacing our aging song books we realised that the new ones had a lot of material that we did not know, they were new compositions. Not just new words of worship, but also new musical arrangements that reflect a more contemporary style. St Mark’s being a church that seeks to connect with the community around us, realises that some of the traditional music in church can be a barrier to newcomers. So, as we learn the new items, we are seeking not just to make the most of our new books, but also to connect with people.

Since starting the sessions, we have discovered that God is working through folk today, inspiring and enabling them to help others to sing God’s praise. To help us on two occasions we had Samuel from Queen’s Road Baptist church, fully equipped with guitar and music, to lead us in song and to give us encouragement. We are indeed finding the benefit of obeying the word of the Lord for in Psalm 96:1 it says “Sing unto the Lord a new song”, and so we are, and we are lifted up in Spirit as we do.

4.6 ST MARY CLIFFSEND - REV KEN COX

Services at St Mary are being conducted in a normal pattern, with an average Sunday attendance of 13 Adults and 2 children. We held our traditional Christingle services which were very well attended. For the first time I know of we did not have a Christmas Morning service, due to lack of persons attending in previous years.

We have held the required 4 LLT meetings during the year discussing problems and items we need to keep the church up and running. Acting upon the recent Quinquennial report which pointed out that the front Gable end was moving, an insurance claim was put in and a structural engineer came to look at the building. Action was taken by the insurance company and a survey of the drainage was undertaken, which found leaks which could have been causing the subsidence. The Insurance company has agreed to pay for any rectification works and we await further action to strengthen the walls to prevent further cracking and movement.

During the winter the church was very cold due to the failure of the heating boiler, looking forward we will soon have a new heater fitted, due to the kindness of Ann Rowland-Hill’s family, who gave us the donations made in memory of Ann. We hope that next winter there will be a marked temperature change on Sunday Mornings. At this point I thank Kevin Spain, one of our parochial wardens for the long term use of two space heaters which took the chill off the church. To conclude the congregation is a faithful one and we look forward to people in the new houses that have been and are being built around the village, finding us and becoming members of the church family.

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4.7 THE BARBER SHOP

This is located adjacent to the St Laurence Parish Hall and continues to be leased to Mr Simon Wiseman, who is a very good tenant. The contractual term for the lease is 7 years from 8/06/22.

4.8 ST LAURENCE JUNIOR ACADEMY

St. Laurence School and Church: A Flourishing Partnership - As the seasons change and we look forward to the year ahead, we want to celebrate the growing and cherished relationship between St. Laurence School and St. Laurence Church. This bond enriches our community, bringing together children, families, and parishioners in faith, learning, and fellowship.

This year has been marked by several wonderful moments of worship in our historic church. The school’s Harvest Festival was a heart-warming occasion, with pupils offering prayers, songs, and generous food donations for those in need. We are now looking forward to our upcoming Easter Celebration Service and a Year 6 Leavers' Service, where we will pray for our students as they prepare for the next exciting chapter of their education. These gatherings remind us of the beauty of coming together as one family under God.

We have been delighted to welcome our new Vicar, Reverend Catherine, who has already made a big impression on the children and staff at the school. She has very quickly become an integral part of our school community and is part of the school governing body along with Mrs. Sharon Cutler – another member of the church community. Each week, Reverend Catherine leads Collective Worships that inspire, engage, and help our pupils explore our Christian values: kindness, resilience, forgiveness, joy and hope. We use the Diocesan Fresh Approach resources for planning and delivering Collective Worship. The focus on character education, seamlessly integrated into the PSHE and SMSC curriculum, ensures that students actively engage in relevant, interesting, and enjoyable daily acts of worship supported by Reverend Catherine. Through stories, hymns, and reflections, these assemblies bring faith to life and offer a meaningful pause in our busy school week.

We have a thriving group of Collective Worship child leaders within school who lead class assemblies fully prepared by themselves

Our connection with the church extends beyond services and assemblies. Students have enjoyed participating in churchyard surveys, learning about the rich history of their local area. The church has also hosted ‘experience’ days such as ‘Christmas Unwrapped’ which took part in collaboration with ACTS (Active Christianity in Thanet Schools) where children explored the themes of Christmas through interactive stations. The school has further forged links with the church community through a visit to the Acorn Club Christmas meal where our choir and guitar clubs performed. These events provide a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and hands-on learning.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the St. Laurence Church community for your unwavering support. Whether you’ve volunteered, attended a service, or prayed for our students and staff, your contributions make a difference. Together, we are nurturing the faith and futures of our children, building a community rooted in love and hope.

With blessings and thanks,

Ms Sarah Graham

Headteacher, St. Laurence School

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The St. Laurence School Prayer:

God

Make my life a little light

within the world to glow.

A little flame burning bright

wherever I may go.

Amen

4.9 SAFEGUARDING REPORT

A very busy year in safeguarding involving multi agency contact and a lot ongoing behind the scenes.

1] Face to face basic Safeguarding training was introduced, initially at Parish level, and a number of well attended events were undertaken with it becoming Deanery wide training.

As a result we have been asked to trial a new “Quiz" module, which if successful may be incorporated into the main C of E courses

2] There were a number of safeguarding issues that required action and we have received very good feedback on our responses. These covered the whole spectrum of Safeguarding and we were again thanked for our prompt responses.

3] Safeguarding Sunday was undertaken by updating and relocating all our churches information boards and short presentations made in each of them. This was to bring us up to a suitable level for the Safeguarding Audit scheduled for the Autumn.

4] All of the above was headlined in the press and locally following the resignation of the Archbishop due to the Makin report.

5] Looking into the next 12 months, the aspiration is to get everyone who attends our churches to become aware and to respond in the same manner as we have this year and to realise that Safeguarding is NOT somebody else's problem and be able to spot it when it DOES happen in our parishes.

Kevin M Spain: Parish Safeguarding Officer

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PARISH OF ST LAURENCE IN THE ISLE OF THANET ANNUAL TRUSTEES REPORT 2024

5 ELECTORAL ROLL FIGURES AND USUAL SUNDAY ATTENDANCE

Electoral Roll Report

The Electoral Roll information for all five district churches is given below

St Catherine 29 Resident 21 Non-resident 8
St Christopher
0		 Resident 0 Non-resident 0
St Laurence
46		 Resident 31 Non-resident 15
St Mark 50 Resident 37 Non-resident 13
St Mary
17		 Resident 17 Non-resident 0
Totals 142 Resident 106 Non-resident 36

Church Attendance 2024

St Catherine 16
St Christopher 0
St Laurence 36
St Mark 34
St Mary 14

The average Sunday attendance figure total across the Parish for 2024 was 100

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6 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

6.1 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the Parish of St Laurence-in-Thanet

I report on the accounts of the parish for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 which are set out on the following pages.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the benefice and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or

  4. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Ms Judith Rowland-Hill FCA, April 2025

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6.2 FINANCIAL REVIEW

Total receipts on unrestricted funds were £114,958 of which £55,219 was unrestricted voluntary donations, and a further £20,050 was from Gift Aid. Bank interest totalled £1,033. Restricted voluntary receipts of £3,755 were also received and are detailed in the Financial Statements. Leasing of the Barber Shop provided a net income of £6,651.

This year, our donors were asked to join the Planned Giving Scheme; the majority of those paying by standing order switched to this efficient, time-saving scheme which results in monthly Gift Aid payments to the Parish. Planned Giving this year decreased by 12.05% when compared with 2023, however, collections at services increased by 9.15%. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of our parishioners – whether financially or their time – Fundraising activities generated £6,133. We received donations in memory of Peter Williams, Margaret Packer, and Ann Rowland-Hill (£959) which will go towards purchasing a new boiler for St Mary. Hall rental income decreased by almost 19%.

A wedding blessing, two weddings and twenty-nine funeral services were carried out this year.

£113,903 was spent from unrestricted funds, including the contribution to the Diocesan Parish Share. The sum that the churches of our Parish have to find is apportioned according to a formula that is based on unrestricted voluntary receipts of each church. £75,064.40 was paid; a grant of £15,000 from the Lower Income Communities (LinC) Fund (provided by the Church Commissioners) enabled us to reach the target of £90,064.40. Utility costs continue to be a burden, along with the companies providing the services. Church repairs and maintenance expenses were significantly lower than in 2023.

The net result for the year was an excess of payments over receipts of £1,426. However, this was due to expenditure from restricted funds received in previous years.

The 2025 Parish Share is £95,520.47.

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6.3 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Receipts and Payments Account
1
Note
RECEIPTS
Voluntary Receipts:
Planned Giving
Collections at services
All other giving / voluntary
receipts
5a
Gift Aid recovered
Activities for generating funds
5b
Investment income
5c
Church Activities
5d
Total Receipts
PAYMENTS
Church Activities
Parish Share
Clergy and staffing costs
Church running expenses
5e
Hall running costs
Mission giving and donations
Costs of generating funds
5f
Total Payments
Excess of Receipts over Payments
Transfer between funds
4
Cash at bank and in hand at 1 January
Cash at bank and in hand at 31 December		 TOTAL FUNDS
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
2024
2023
28,927
2,295
31,222
35,498
20,498
20,498
18,623
5,794
1,460
7,254
17,693
20,050
0
20,050
2,391
75,269
3,755
0
79,024
74,205
6,133
6,133
7,915
20,497
1,591
22,088
21,762
13,059
13,059
15,241
114,958
5,346
0
120,304
119,123
75,064
75,064
72,000
3,725
3,725
3,597
27,669
1,093
28,762
59,013
4,327
4,327
6,079
2,534
6,733
9,267
3,877
113,320
7,826
0
121,146
144,566
583
0
583
672
113,903
7,826
0
121,729
145,238
1,054
-2,480
0
-1,426
-26,115
0
0
0
0
1,054
-2,480
0
-1,426
-26,115
27,143
16,913
44,055
70,171
28,197
14,433
42,630
44,055

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6.4 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Note
Cash Funds
Bank Current Account
Deposit Account
Cash
Other Monetary Assets
Gift Aid recoverable
Investment Assets
Investment Fund
2
Fixed Assets retained for Church use
3
Liabilities		 TOTAL FUNDS
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
2024
2023
3,507
102
3,609
3,046
24,690
14,331
39,021
41,010
0
0
0
28,197
14,433
0
42,630
44,055
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
431,085
431,085
464,452
0
0
431,085
431,085
464,452
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

6.5 FINANCIAL NOTES

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Receipts
a
Donations
Grants
Legacies
Utilities
Mission and Charity
Miscellaneous
Insurance Claim
b
Fund Raising
c
Dividends on Investment Funds
Salon Rental Income
Bank Interest
d
Fees for Weddings and Funerals
Photocopying
Hall Income
Payments
e
Music including CCLI and Organ
Maintenance and Tuning
Cost of Services
Parish Office Costs; Printing, Stationery,
Broadband/Telephone
Church Building Running Expenses - Water,
Utilities and Insurance
Churchyard Expenses
Salon Costs (Insurance)
Church Repairs and Maintenance
Discretionary Fund Expenses
Miscellaneous
f
Fundraising		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
2,847
-
-
315
-
762
1,870
5,794
6,133
6,133
12,408
7,056
1,033
20,497
4,373
51
8,635
13,059
1,562
392
1,874
18,716
-
405
3,183
-
1,536
27,669
583
583		 Restricted
Endowm't
Funds
Funds
£
£
887
-
-
-
573
-
-
1,460
-
-
1,591
-
-
1,591
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,093
-
-
1,093

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7 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS

7.1 CHARITY NAME AND LOCATION

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Laurence in the Isle of Thanet, Ramsgate (St Laurence-in-Thanet Team Ministry) is part of the Diocese of Canterbury within the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Parish Office, 2 Newington Road, Ramsgate CT11 0QT

7.2 PCC MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

The members of the PCC, excepting Clergy, Readers and Parochial Churchwardens, were elected at the Annual Church Meeting for each member church. All clergy in the team were members ex-officio, as were such of the Readers as the Annual Parochial Church Meeting determined. The Parochial Churchwardens were elected at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners (Vestry). The Assistant Churchwardens and/or PCC representatives were elected at the Annual Meeting of parishioners for each member church as were the Deanery Synod representatives. Kevin Spain is the Parish Safeguarding Officer and Parish Disclosure Officer.

PCC MEMBERS April 2024 – May 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
Priest in Charge Rev Catherine Tucker (July 2024)
Clergy Team
Acting team leader Rev Ken Cox (until July 2024)
Priests with permission to officiate Rev Phil Barnes
Rev Brian Griffiths
Parochial Churchwardens appointed at the Annual Kevin Spain
Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) Sharon Cutler
Parish Reader Judith Andrews
Local Church Wardens and PCC representatives appointed
at the Annual Church Meetings (ACM):
St Catherine
PCC reps Graham Robinson, Penny Robinson
St Christopher
Local Church Wardens Vacancies
PCC representatives Vacancies
St Laurence
PCC representatives Barbara Byne, Sharon Cutler
St Mark
Local Church Wardens and PCC representatives Kevin Spain, Zena Barron
St Mary
Local Church Wardens 2 vacancies
PCC Representatives 2 vacancies
All the above were approved at the APCM in April 2024
Deanery Synod Representatives are also members of Judith Andrews (St Laurence)
the PCC :- Dave Newman (St Mark)
Penny Robinson (St Catherine)
St Christopher and St Mary have no
Deanery Synod Representative
Secretary (non-voting) Zoë Story
Treasurer (non-voting) Alison Willoughby-Browne
----- End of picture text -----

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In 2024, the PCC held five meetings, in March, May, July, September and November. A Standing Committee meeting was held in June to discuss community use of St Christopher Church. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting was held on Sunday 14[th] April after which there was a brief PCC meeting to appoint the Standing Committee. The March and May meetings were chaired by Rev Ken, Rev Catherine chaired from July onwards.

Some issues that needed PCC approval, were dealt with by email, recorded and brought to the next PCC meeting.

Committees

The PCC has a Standing Committee which can meet between scheduled meetings to discuss any outstanding business, and to make recommendations to the PCC, or to take decisions on urgent matters on behalf of the PCC. Its members are the parish clergy, the two parochial churchwardens and 2 PCC representatives who were Zena Barron and David Newman. (The treasurer and secretary are non- voting and there needs to be 5 members on the Standing Committee).

Each of the five churches has a Local Leadership Team (LLT), elected from parishioners who are usual attenders of that church; the composition of each LLT is formally approved at the Annual Parochial Church meeting. The LLT of each church meets at least 4 times a year and reports to the PCC.

7.3 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Ms Judith Rowland-Hill

8 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. It has delegated to five committees (one in each of the five churches) known as Local Leadership Teams (LLTs) all its functions in respect of the Parish Church of St Laurence-in-Thanet, St Laurence Parish Hall, and the other churches in the Parish. LLTs have more flexibility than District Church Councils (DCCs), and delegated responsibilities differ in each church depending on local circumstances.

The PCC has retained the right to be consulted and to make decisions on any expenditure proposed by the LLTs for which borrowing is required, and to decide on any application for a Faculty or Archdeacon’s certificate, or planning permission for any development and its rights as an interested party under the Pastoral Measure 1983. The PCC has responsibility for the oversight of the maintenance, repair and insurance of the churches in the Parish, namely St Catherine in Manston, St Christopher in Newington, St Laurence in Ramsgate, St Mark in Northwood and St Mary in Cliffsend, the grounds and churchyards of those churches (in the case of St Laurence only the Memorial Garden is the responsibility of the church).

Parish Website - http://www.stlaurenceparish-ramsgate.org.uk

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