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2024-12-31-accounts

The Benefice of Staplegrove with Norton Fitzwarren

THE CHURCH OF

ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST

STAPLEGROVE

DIOCESE OF BATH & WELLS

ANNUAL REPORT – 2024/2025

The Rector’s Welcome

It is good to welcome you to our Annual Reports as we look back at the last year in our United Benefice of Staplegrove with Norton Fitzwarren. As usual, 2024 was a busy year and the various reports included in this document will provide a sense of the richness of our activities in many different areas of mission and ministry. I am very grateful to everyone who has written a report, as well as for the time and energy which will have been invested into the activities themselves. Thank you!

Unfortunately, we cannot avoid starting on a sad note. I write this welcome following the recent and unexpected loss of our Churchwarden at St John’s, Duncan Robertson, following a short period of illness in early 2025. Duncan was a much-loved friend appreciated as much for his human qualities of fun, bonhomie and unfailing warmth as for the boundless energy with which he threw himself into his church involvement. Duncan is sorely missed and we hold Sandy and the Robertson family in our thoughts and prayers. I am grateful to Paul Carter who writes the Churchwarden’s Report, and to everyone who has offered to cover tasks.

One of Duncan’s legacies to the church will be the Film Nights which he has pioneered and led a small team to organise. They have been a popular addition to our calendar during the winter months as we have watched a mixture of films and enjoyed anything up to sixty-five people in attendance, many of whom are not regular churchgoers but who nevertheless enjoy coming – and also enjoyed marmalade sandwiches for the recent showing of Paddington 3.

I have been ably supported in the benefice by our Curate, Cathryn Howse, and increasingly by our training Lay Reader, Esther Edwards. Cathryn has now finished her formal period of training with us and remains with us for the time being as she takes time to discern her calling for the next stage of her ministry beyond curacy. Esther is in the second year of her training and will be licensed as Lay Reader in October 2025, after which she will operate in the benefice.

We have been able to sustain our existing service pattern which allows worship at both churches every Sunday and thanks are due to all the many people who enable this to happen and without whom it would not be possible. It is sometimes tight for those of us leading services (and playing the organ) as we dash from one church to the next, but the advantage of having consistent weekly worship times means that it is worthwhile. St John’s choir has grown in number and continued to sing with relish at our services, and our bellringers are also very committed and much appreciated both by those in the church and the wider community.

Although we have sadly lost some members, we have also enjoyed welcoming some new faces at both churches in the last year or so. Our worshipping communities are as high as they have been for a few years and we pray for sustained growth as we move forward. We now enjoy more contemporary worship at both churches on the first Sunday (Café Church at St John’s) and second Sunday at All Saints’, adding to the longer-established traditional services. As ever, David Bridges, has played the organ to a very high standard and our music is ably provided by Andrew Ritchie and Daniel Gill at All Saints’ (technologically!).

The finances at both churches remain stable and we are fortunate in having two excellent treasurers in David Bridges and Graham Gibbs who steward our money carefully and wisely. We are grateful to them, as well as to the many people who support our churches financially. A new

system of Benefice Share was introduced by the Diocese of Bath and Wells in 2025 in which contributions are calculated according to ministry received. The resultant changes meant a slight decrease for St John’s and a significant increase for All Saints’ and, although this is manageable in the short time, it will present challenges going forward so we cannot be complacent. Stewardship campaigns at both churches were effective in raising the profile and understanding of Christian giving, as well as donations themselves.

Talking of money, St John’s will be marking the retirement of Marjorie Connell from the role of Fundraising Coordinator. Marjorie has worked tirelessly for many years, organising countless events and the regular summer Lychgate Stall. Her work has not only raised a huge amount of money but also enabled St John’s to engage positively with so many people over the years. Thank you, Marjorie! As yet, a successor has not emerged but the team continues to work hard to facilitate ongoing events.

In September 2024 we enjoyed a successful Benefice Celebration and Vision Day, facilitated by Rob Waldrond as Deanery and Parish Development Advisor. With a healthy attendance from both churches, we were able to reflect on our achievements in the previous three years since the Covid19 pandemic, as well as discern God’s will for the future. A small steering team emerged after the day itself and a separate report records the actions so far.

The Staplegrove Mothers’ Union branch was sorry to see Moira Read’s term as leader come to an end in 2024 after a number of years’ service for which they and we are grateful. She is succeeded by Di Ruff, a member at St Andrew’s Church. Moira’s ‘retirement’ has been somewhat short-lived, though, as she will soon be commissioned onto the diocesan MU committee by Bishop Michael!

Our Benefice Messy Church continues to be well attended by families from both Staplegrove and Norton Fitzwarren, and the Open the Book Team visits Staplegrove School on a termly basis, soon to be extended to include Norton Fitzwarren School too. Summer ‘Messy Mornings’ were also held in July and August to provide for local families needing support during the long holiday, and a Pet Service was also held at St John’s (although only dogs attended!). Pupils from both schools attended Easter Cracked, a dramatized version of Holy Week and Easter, with volunteers from our churches.

Our two church buildings continue to be well maintained and both are expected to see improvements in the near future. At All Saints’, proposals have been submitted for an ambitious plan to introduce toilets, improve access to the ringing floor and enhance servery facilities. St John’s will imminently submit plans to develop the tower door and landscaping outside the front of the church; plans have also begun to improve the vestry area. The work at St John’s has been supported by an extremely generous recent donation from the late Nigel Farrington, to whom we are very grateful and who is greatly missed.

As ever, much has happened behind the scenes to support our work. Our Benefice Safeguarding Officer, Sandy Robertson, has made tremendous progress in many ways in helping our churches to be safe and secure places. Equally, our Churchwardens have once again shown outstanding dedication and sheer hard work, without which our lives would be so much poorer. My own thanks, as well as those on behalf of everyone, are recorded to the late Duncan Robertson and to Andrew Ritchie.

There are too many people and groups to mention individually, but I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank everyone who has made a contribution to these Annual Reports and to the lives of our churches in the last year.

With best wishes in Christ,

The Rev’d Paul Irving

Church of St John the Evangelist, Staplegrove

Annual PAROCHIAL Church Meeting Wednesday 30 April 2025

AGENDA

Vestry Meeting

Annual Meeting

Church of St John the Evangelist, Staplegrove

ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025

List of Contents

Minutes of last Annual Meeting – Wednesday 24th April 2024

Vestry Meeting and Annual Meeting See pages 8 – 12

Reports
1. Electoral Roll page 13
2. Parochial Church Council
 pages 13 – 15
3. Churchwardens’ Report pages 15 – 16
4. Financial Review page 16 – 17
5. Stewardship pages 17 – 18
6. Safeguarding page 18
7. Worship pages 18 – 20
8. Benefice Vision Group pages 20 – 21
9. Taunton Deanery Synod pages 21 – 22
10. Choir pages 22
11. Church Flowers page 22 – 23
12. Church Mouse Report page 23
13. Eco Group page 23 – 24
14. Evergreen Group page 24
15. Fairtrade Church page 25
16. Fundraising Events page 25 – 26
17. Health and Safety page 26
18. Hospitality and Community Events pages 26 – 27
19. Mens’ Society page 28

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  1. Pastoral Report page 28 21. Staplegrove Mothers’ Union pages 28 – 30 22. Staplegrove Parish Journal pages 30 – 31 23. Staplegrove School page 31 – 32 24. Staplegrove Strollers page 32 – 33 25. Taunton Foodbank page 33 26. Tower Report page 33 – 34 27. Youth Mission Group page 34

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Parish Church of St John the Evangelist, Staplegrove

Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 24[th] April 2024

Chair: The Rev Paul Irving – Rector Present: The Rev Paul Irving and 26 parishioners The Rev Cathryn Howse, Joan Bird, Joyce Bond, Ann Bridges, David Bridges, Paul Carter, Lesley Clark, Michael Clark, Marjorie Connell, Alison Cursham, Elizabeth Hall, Jill Hansford, Mike Hansford, Graham Hobrough, Frances Markland, Felicity McGill, Duncan Robertson, Sandy Robertson, Pam Sharpe, Grahame Thompson, Pam Thorne, Angela Thow, Heather Williams, Iona Young, Chris Young.

Apologies: Suzi Allen, William Allen, Madeleine Armitage, Esther Edwards, David Greig, Gillie Greig, Jim Read, Moira Read.

VESTRY MEETING

1 Welcome by the Rector, the Rev Paul Irving

The Rector welcomed everyone to the meeting. He thanked Janet Darby for welcoming people and providing refreshments before the meeting.

2 Opening Prayers

The Rector read a passage from the book of the Acts of the Apostles, Acts Chapter 2, verses 42-47, the Fellowship of Believers; and followed this with an opening prayer.

2 Minutes of Vestry meeting of 26th April 2023

The Minutes of the previous Vestry Meeting, of 26[th] April 2023, had been circulated in advance of the meeting. There were no questions of accuracy. David Bridges proposed that the minutes of the previous meeting be approved. Mike Hansford seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. The Rector signed the Minutes as a true record. There were no matters arising from the Minutes.

3 Election of Churchwardens

The Rector proposed a huge vote of thanks to Duncan Robertson and Felicity McGill, the two Church Wardens, and Paul Carter, Assistant Church Warden, for the enormous amount of work that they had completed during 2023. The Church was enormously grateful to them for all that they had done. Felicity McGill’s term of office would finish this evening, and a presentation was made to her with great gratitude from the Church.

One nomination had been received for the post of Church Warden:

Posts Nominees Proposed Seconded
Churchwarden Guy Duncan Mike Hansford Felicity McGill
Robertson

The Rector was delighted that Duncan was standing again, but sorry that no-one else had been proposed to be a colleague for him. He encouraged those present to make sure that they supported Duncan throughout the year. The nomination was carried unanimously.

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ANNUAL MEETING

1 Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting of 26th April 2023

The Minutes of the previous Annual Parochial ChurchMeeting, of 26[th] April 2023, had been circulated in advance of the meeting. There were no questions of accuracy. Janet Darby proposed the minutes be accepted. Graham Hobrough seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. The Rector signed the Minutes as a true record of the Meeting. There were no matters arising from the Minutes.

2 Reports

The following comments were made on the Reports:

The Rector thanked the many people who had put the reports together. They represented a huge amount of hard work and effort. He also thanked Jill Hansford for collating and producing the Annual Report both online and in print.

Rector’s Report

The Rector noted the following points from his report -

2023 was the first year since 2019 not to be seriously hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic. Sadly, we had lost a number of church members during the year, including Jim Booth and Sue Derham.

On a more positive note, we had celebrated King Charles III’s Coronation in early May. It was St John’s at its best, organising a picnic on the green, games and cream teas. Many thanks were due to the organising team for such a successful event.

On 24 June our Curate, Cathryn, was ordained as priest, and would remain with us until summer 2025. Her work was greatly appreciated.

Esther Edwards was continuing her training to be a Lay Reader. She would be licensed in Summer 2025.

We were pleased to have the church available as a Warm Space at times during the colder months.

Film Nights had been a huge success, and would resume again in the autumn.

Paul was extremely grateful to everyone who had contributed to the life of our church – far too many people to name.

Felicity McGill will step down as Churchwarden and Paul shared everyone’s thankfulness to her for her work.

Duncan Robertson would continue as lone Churchwarden. Everyone was deeply grateful to Duncan for everything he gives.

Paul also payed tribute to Elizabeth Hall, who was retiring this April from her role in charge of the Choir – a role she had held for over forty years! Elizabeth had invested a phenomenal amount of time and energy over these years, and St John’s has been considerably blessed because of her work.

Our new Safeguarding Officer, Sandy Robertson, had completed an enormous amount of work to bring us up to speed in this area. Sandy was also our Foundation School Governor, and a great deal of excellent work has gone on in school this year.

1. Electoral Roll

The final figure for the number on the Electoral Roll was 93.

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3. Churchwardens’ Report

Duncan Robertson noted the following points from the Churchwardens’ Report - Everyone was very sad to lose Felicity as Churchwarden, and was very grateful to her for her work.

The Churchwardens had been supported throughout the year by the other members of the Churchwardens’ Group – Paul Carter, David Bridges and Chris Young.

Leaking roofs – two blocks of work had been carried out recently to correct this situation. Biffa Bin – this had had to be emptied twice as many times this year as last. Please would people take waste home or compost it.

Sidespeople – there were just enough Sidespeople to cover the St John’s services. Some new people would be joining the team soon. Training would be held mid May, and anyone who was interested was welcome to attend.

Toilet Twinning – £243.50 had been raised from Christmas Card donations, and four Zambian toilets had been sponsored.

Duncan thanked everyone for their support throughout the year, and encouraged them to continue to support the group in the future.

4. Financial Review

David Bridges noted the following points - The accounts for 2023 had been approved.

He began by thanking all those who had given time and expertise to help with the Church finances throughout the year, especially Chris Young who did a great deal of work in this area.

He thanked everyone who regularly donated to the Church, as these contributions kept the Church running smoothly. The Parish Share would go up again next year. In 2015 our Parish Share was £37,802. In 2023 our Parish Share was £48,248. In 2024 it would be £55,652. St John’s continued to rely on income generated through Lychgate sales, coffee mornings, fundraising events, Gift Aid reclaim, hire of the Church, Parochial Fees and one-off donations. Very special thanks were due to Marjorie Connell and the Fundraising Team who had worked very hard throughout the year to organise events to raise money. The team always welcomed new ideas for fund-raising, especially if they were accompanied by the offer to help organise them.

The new tables for Café Church had been brought from the collection after Sue Derham’s funeral.

David was very grateful to the PCC, who worked hard to find ways to save money and not to spend it unnecessarily.

It was hoped that we might get broadband into the Church in 2024 so that we could increase our electronic giving. It would probably cost £35/£40 per month to do this. The QR Code had brought in £230 this year. Broadband would also make the Church safer. In the event of an accident in Church the emergency services could be contacted.

David had enrolled the Church into the ‘Parish Giving Scheme’, which did not cost anything, but eased the administrative work of the Church and Treasurer and increased the cash flow. St John’s was blessed with clergy and congregation dedicated to ensuring that our beautiful church was kept open, and therefore remained accessible to the Staplegrove community. So many of the people at St John’s were already working for the Church. Perhaps in 2024 a ‘Parish Giving Scheme’ could be started to encourage people from the local community to support the church in a variety of ways.

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It falls on all of us to encourage new people into Church, whether to attend Services, film nights, coffee mornings or other events, in order to enable our church to remain open and at the centre of our community.

David also noted that the way in which the Parish Share was calculated was going to change later in 2024. It was very important to pay our Parish Share as we received it back in many ways, including the stipend for our member of the clergy, curate training, clergy housing, pensions, etc.

Paul Carter noted that the WhatsApp Group started during the year was encouraging the sense of community in St John’s.

The Rector thanked the many people who supported the Church financially, the fund-raising team, and concluded with a huge vote of thanks to David Bridges for all his work, much unseen, throughout the year.

6. Safeguarding

Sandy Robertson noted that she had had a great deal of support and guidance, both from the Safeguarding Team at the Diocese and from the Rector, Paul Irving, since taking on this roll.

She reminded the PCC Members to look at, and complete, the training requirements for Safeguarding that were required in their roll. She would be happy to help anyone if needed. The Church would be audited next year re Safeguarding.

The aim of Safeguarding was to create a safer Church for everyone.

3 Elections

3.1 Members of the PCC

The Rector thanked members of the PCC for their support during the year. The following members had come to the end of their term of office – Stafford Coombes, Janet Darby, Mike Hansford and Duncan Robertson. Very sadly Stafford had died recently. The following nominations had been received for the role of PCC member.

Position Nominees Proposed Seconded
PCC Member Janet Darby Joan Bird David Bird
PCC Member Mike Hansford Felicity McGill Jim Read
PCC Member Frances Markland Moira Read Heather Williams

All nominees for the role of PCC member were elected unanimously by the meeting.

4 Accounts

4.1 Approval of the Accounts

The accounts had been circulated in advance to the meeting. They had been approved by the PCC at the PCC Meeting on 21[st] March 2024.

4.2 Independent Examiner of Accounts

David Bridges proposed that Anthony Yeo of St. Andrews should continue as the Independent Examiner of St John’s Accounts. This was seconded by Michael Hansford and carried unanimously.

5 Election of Sidespeople

The following people were all elected for the coming year -

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Joan Bird, Paul Carter, Alison Cursham, Martin Cursham, Janet Darby, Rona Graham, Gillian Greig, Gill Jowett, Richard Jowett, Danny Markland, Jenny Paull, Jim Read, Graham Thompson, Chris Young and Iona Young. Anton and Nelun Karunartatne and William Allen had all expressed a wish to be Sidespeople, and would take on this role during the coming year.

6 Any Other Business

6.1 Elizabeth Hall was retiring after running the choir for over forty years. Paul congratulated her on this amazing service and achievement. Undoubtedly appropriate responses would happen in due course.

6.2 Duncan Robertson proposed a huge vote of thanks to Paul Irving and Cathryn Howse for creating such a wonderful environment at St John’s and such a very special place to worship.

7 Closing Prayers

The Rector led the closing prayer, and the Grace.

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REPORTS for 2024/2025

1. ELECTORAL ROLL

The Electoral Roll is revised annually, but once every six years the preparation of a new Church Electoral Roll takes place. Everyone has to come off the Roll and reapply for a place. 2025 is one of these years and this revision is taking place at the present time. Once all the forms have been received it appears that the number on the Roll will increase from 92-98 this year, despite the fact that there have sadly been a number of deaths. It is very encouraging that the numbers have gone up again this year.

Gillian Greig – Electoral Roll Officer

2. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Church members who served on the Council were:

Rector The Rev Paul Irving (Chair) Curate The Rev Cathryn Howse Churchwarden Mr Duncan Robertson Hon PCC Secretary Mrs Jill Hansford Hon Treasurer Mr David Bridges* Deanery Synod Representatives: Mrs Gillian Greig, Mr Paul Carter

Elected members: Mrs Gillian Greig[2] , Mr Paul Carter[2] , Mrs Moira Read[2] , Mrs Jill Hansford[2] , Mr David Bridges[2] , Mr Mike Hansford[3] ,Mrs Janet Darby[3] , Mrs Frances Markland[3] , Mrs Felicity McGill[1] , Mr Jim Read[1] .

Notes: 1– term of office ends 2025; 2- term of office ends 2026; 3- term of office ends 2027 Those marked * served on the Standing Committee during 2024/25

Objectives and Activities

The Primary Aims of St. John the Evangelist, Staplegrove, PCC are:

Further, the PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Reverend Paul Irving, in promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church and its Churchyard.

Review of the year

The Council met on the following 6 occasions during 2024/25: 24 April 2024, 4 July, 19 September, 21 November, 30 January 2025 and 20 March. Following its approval by the PCC, a signed copy of the minutes was posted on the noticeboard in the Church porch.

The Standing Committee of the Council met on 4 occasions during 2024/2025: 20 June 2024, 5 September, 7 November, and 23 January 2025.

The following appointments were made/roles confirmed at the first meeting of the PCC on 24 April 2024, and committees approved by the Council:

Mr David Bridges Mrs Jill Hansford

Mr Paul Carter

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• Eco Group Mrs Cathryn Howse, Mrs Felicity McGill and Mr Duncan Robertson

Mrs Gillian Greig Mrs Marjorie Connell Mr Jim Read Vacant Mr William Allen Mrs Ann Bridges Mrs Sandy Robertson

Mrs Alison Cursham Mrs Sandy Robertson Mrs Sandy Robertson Mr Chris Young

Mr Mike Hansford

Mr Richard Jowett Rev Paul Irving, Rev Cathryn Howse and

Mrs Iona Young

The following Sidespeople assisted with Services during 2024/2025:

William Allen, Joan Bird, Paul Carter, Alison Cursham, Martin Cursham, Janet Darby, Rona Graham, Gillian Greig, Alec James, Gill Jowett, Richard Jowett, Danny Markland, Felicity McGill, Jenny Paull, Jim Read, Duncan Robertson, Pam Sharp, Chris Young, Iona Young.

Council meetings included reviews of the following standing items:

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Thank you to our Church Wardens, Lay Deanery Synod representatives and PCC members, in particular those whose term of office comes to an end at the Annual Meeting.

Jill Hansford – PCC Secretary

3. CHURCHWARDEN’S REPORT

The role of Churchwarden is not only multi-faceted and all-encompassing but requires a level of organisational skills that few possess so as I write this the loss of Duncan is all too evident, not simply because it should have been him writing this but because I / we cannot begin to convey my / our appreciation for all that he achieved.

There were always myriad items on Duncan’s agenda, all of which were dealt with in the same pragmatic yet ordered way and with gentle self-deprecating humour at any obstacle.

One of the first items this past year was sorting out Sidespeople – encouraging our existing team and seeking new ones which resulted in a training event entitled ‘Find out about Sidespeople’ held in Church on Wednesday 29 May and which was attended by 12 people. Alec James provided instruction on How to set up the Communion Altar and Felicity McGill

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reminded us how to sort and log collection money. The Sunday Duty Rota for 8.00, 11.00 and the 10;45 Café Church could not work without the kind help of all and we are indebted to those who not only assist with the Services but also set out the chairs, organize refreshments and make sure the heating and sound systems are working.

Duncan left nothing to chance and would circulate weekly notices by email as well as chairing regular meetings for the Churchwardens team and Church Buildings Committee. If that didn’t receive a required response a WhatsApp message would!

The plans for both the Tower Doors (and associated improvements to the Ringing Chamber) and Landscape Project to sort out the uneven footpath and upgrade the external areas surrounding the Porch and South Doors has progressed with a number of revisions to sort out external lighting and generally improve access – these are shortly to be submitted to the Diocesan Advisory Committee to obtain the required Faculty. The contractor appointed to renew / repair the porch roof has completed the work and we are about to embark on revising the vestry to better utilise the space whilst upgrading the cupboards etc. used for the choir robes.

The Church Eco Policy was completed, and the digitalization of the Church Archive and records – a monumental task – was another of Duncan’s notable achievements with much help from Chris Young and many visits to the Somerset Records Office. Another notable achievement was getting the internet into the Church – the latter with much input from our Treasurer. The Christmas Card project raised £215 for the Ripple Effect.

Film nights also commenced this past year once evenings were dark enough and have been popular and well supported, as have a number of concerts all of which not only raised funds for the church but realize our aspirations to see the church at the heart of the community.

Following the loss of Stafford last year Duncan also oversaw the upkeep of the churchyard, dealing with our mowing contractor, organizing churchyard tidy-up mornings, and also attending to various issues with sunken graves and various trees – especially in the aftermath of the increasingly frequent storms. Additionally, the necessary work to properly register the 0.63 acre ‘Jungle’ is in hand.

When I last saw Duncan I had no inkling that I would not do so again, he was, as always, full of optimism and enthusiasm and whilst we subsequently communicated via WhatsApp, it was primarily to let him know we were all holding him and Sandy in our thoughts and prayers. I did however express my / our gratitude for everything he had done – and with such inspirational efficiency and kindness concluding – “Your star has shone incredibly brightly …”. My lasting memory is of the Union Jack waistcoat, his irrepressible bon homie and generosity of spirit towards his fellow man.

On behalf of the Churchwarden team – Felicity, David and myself it was not only an honor but a privilege and a joy to work and spend time with Duncan.

Paul Carter, Deputy Churchwarden

4. FINANCIAL REVIEW

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Our closing balances on 31[st] December

NatWest Current Account
CCLA Account – Legacies
CCLA Account – Bells
CCLA Account – Tower Door etc
CCLA Account – Parish Share
CCLA Account – Organ		 2024
7,119.96
119,640.30
2,201.20
3,185.75
4,572.53
5,480.00
142,199.74		 2023
8,284.36
46,982.74
1,727.20
3,379.66
2,117.00
0.00
62,490.96

Our 2024 Parish Share was £55,652.

We are blessed with clergy and congregation dedicated to ensuring that our beautiful church remains open and accessible to the Staplegrove community. It falls on us all to encourage attendance at Services, coffee mornings and other events to enable our church to remain open and at the centre of our community.

During 2024, we received extremely generous donations to the value of £80,000 from Nigel Farrington to enable completion of the Tower Door, Landscaping and Vestry projects. An Organ Fund has also been established through Nigel’s generosity.

A ‘restricted’ Legacy to the value of £1,007.56 was received during the year from Neville FARMER (£100 Choir, £50 Men’s Group, £857.56 Church)

If you are a regular ‘giver’ of cash at Services and are eligible for Gift Aid, please consider setting up a Standing Order. This will help in so many different ways – there are ‘regular giving’ cards which can be used when the collection plate comes round.

Signing up to EasyFundraising.org.uk and nominating St John’s Church, Staplegrove will raise extra money for the Church without costing you a penny.

We donated £2,166.59 to various worthy causes during the year.

David J Bridges – PCC Treasurer

5. STEWARDSHIP

Thanks to all who gave financial support to St John’s during the last year, we could not carry on without your generous donations.

Thanks also to all those who supported our Harvest Gift Day weekend, Saturday 28[th] – Sunday 29[th] September 2024, which raised an amazing £4,125, with an additional £995 collected in Gift Aid and Small Donations claims from HMRC.

Our stewardship campaign, launched in September last year, was very successful. This encouraged Church Members, and others, to consider ‘planned giving’, which means ensuring that their giving is regular and committed and not reliant on their Church

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attendance. Thanks to all who made that commitment last Autumn and to those who were already committed but increased their regular donation. If you wish to join those giving regularly just pick up one of the stewardship campaign leaflets that are still in the Porch – all the details are there.

The government’s Gift Aid scheme allows the Church to reclaim from HMRC 25p in every pound donated by those who have confirmed that they are UK taxpayers. When you donate by a bank standing order, please feel free to pick up one of the small cards available in the Porch to put in the collection plate for your regular giving to be blessed.

In addition, the ‘Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme’, (GASDS), allows the Church to claim a similar tax refund to the Gift Aid claim for cash in collections at services and on-line payments of up to £30 in a single donation. The rules are quite strict and some donations are not eligible, including cheque payments and any single donations over £30. Also, there is a maximum claim that can be made in any financial year which we are now getting very close to, so if you have now become a taxpayer, let me know so that the Church can reclaim tax paid on your donations rather than using the GASD process.

Preparing the claim for a refund requires a complicated record system to be maintained. My sincere thanks go to all those who count cash and complete this tedious process, but it is all worthwhile, since over 90% of the sum donated in 2024 came into either the Gift Aid return of tax paid or the GASDS top-up grant category.

Chris Young – Stewardship Secretary – chris.e.young@btinternet.com

6. SAFEGUARDING

Over the past year, the PCC has complied with the duty under sec on 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). We have reviewed our Safeguarding Policy, Lone Working Policy and Policy for the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.

We are registered with ‘Thirtyone:eight’ for processing any DBS checks, which have been arranged through the year for those eligible. This is the organisation that the Diocese has commissioned to provide this service to all the parishes within the diocese of Bath and Wells. We are also set up with the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard and have made a lot of progress through this as a system to show we are compliant with the House of Bishops Safer Church Policy and guidance.

Sandy Robertson – Parish Safeguarding Officer

7. WORSHIP

We have now followed our new Sunday service pattern for two years and the times are now embedded at both churches. At St John’s, we continue to offer a broad range of worship styles to cater for different tastes. Our 8am Communion alternates between the 1662 Book of Common Prayer and 2000 Common Worship. 11am services include Communion twice a month, a worship service (sometimes including a baptism) and a monthly Café Church on the first Sunday.

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A service is held every Sunday at All Saints’, Norton Fitzwarren, again alternating between Communion (first and third) and Worship (second and fourth Sundays). The second Sunday service consciously incorporates more contemporary songs taken from our own booklet and has a more informal feel, with clergy/service leaders not robing. Having been without an organist since before Covid-19, all music is played through our speakers via phones by either Andrew Ritchie or Daniel Gill.

Our Café Church has been the best attended service in the benefice, offering more informal worship often with interactive activities and with a largely non-liturgical approach and more contemporary songs using our screen and projector. We have enjoyed many new faces at our Café Church and we hope that this will continue. I am particularly grateful to the people who work hard to move furniture, and also to the Tea/Coffee Team who serve before and afterwards.

It has been a joy to see our choir grow in number and sing with renewed vigour this year to support our worship, despite the loss of Connie Brake. Rehearsals have taken place twicemonthly led by Suzi Allen and the choir has contributed regularly during the distribution of communion and at special services, notably at Christmas and Easter. We are very fortunate in having David Bridges as our organist to play so ably and fit us in around his commitments with the Catholic Church.

Our Remembrance Service was enhanced by the attendance of local uniformed groups and the Memorial Service at All Souls’ was also popular, to which all our recent funeral families were invited and where tea and cake were served. Our Christmas services were very well attended, especially the Lessons and Carols which was packed and with some people sitting in the porch. This was the first time that we appear to be reaching pre-Covid-19 figures again.

Last year I reported that we had had very few baptisms in the benefice. Happily, we had a few more in 2024 with six people baptised at St John’s. Thanksgiving was also given for a set of twins at Café Church in September; this alternative to baptism is quite unusual. Guy Beale was confirmed in a memorable service at St George’s, Wilton, in November. We hosted two weddings at St John’s.

Staplegrove School love coming to the church for their seasonal services at Christmas, Easter, Harvest and at the end of the school year when Year 6 leavers are presented with a Bible to mark the end of their time at primary school. I also lead Collective Worship regularly in the school and our Open the Book Team visit once a term to share a dramatized Bible story – they are always received enthusiastically and the pupils love watching and taking part.

Our Messy Church has again flourished this year, led by the Youth Ministry Group who unfailingly show immense resourcefulness and ingenuity (myself excepted, of course!) in planning and providing the activities. The bi-monthly sessions at St John’s are attended by families from both Staplegrove and Norton Fitzwarren and a number of ‘Messy Mornings’ were also held through the summer holidays to support local families with activities and a short time of worship.

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Our Sidespeople deserve a particular tribute for their continual help and support at our services – which would not be possible without them as they make the practical arrangements beforehand, greet the congregation and pack away afterwards – all the time trying to work out what an unpredictable Rector is going to do next! We are also fortunate to have a strong squad of readers at services to whom we are thankful. Our wonderful Tea/Coffee Team is also hugely appreciated and enables us to offer hospitality to all who attend our services. If you might like to contribute in either way, please make yourself known!

Our services have increasingly been led by Esther Edwards as part of her training as Lay Reader which is expected to culminate in her licensing in October 2025. After this, she will be able to lead and preach at services at both churches in the benefice and she will also begin to lead funerals in due course. We are all invited to attend the Licensing Service in Wells on Saturday 4 October at 2pm.

The Rev’d Paul Irving

8. VISION REPORT

In September 2024, a Benefice Celebration and Vision Day was held at St John’s Church and attended by some thirty-six people from both churches. The day was facilitated by Rob Waldrond, Taunton Deanery Parish Development Adviser, who has a lot of experience working alongside benefices to help discern a strategic vision. The aim was twofold: to celebrate all that had been achieved in the last few years and consider where God may be leading us next.

Celebration

The last Vision Day in September 2021 identified a number of priorities:

  1. Better use of buildings

  2. Developing outreach and community links

  3. Exploring new forms of worship

  4. More communication, including online and social media

  5. More regular charitable giving

  6. Eco church

  7. Prayer and unity between churches: stronger together

  8. Use of the Benefice Office in Norton

A small steering group representing both churches had overseen progress and felt that a great deal had been achieved with developments having been made to greater or lesser degree in all areas. A detailed summary was published in both churches at Easter so that church members had the opportunity to understand the achievements and we were able to take time at the Celebration and Vision Day itself to recognise all that had been done.

Vision

During the summer months, our congregations were invited to offer prayer requests for our churches, sticking Post-It notes to model churches (one of which made expertly by Cathryn!). These prayers were incorporated into the day itself and we spent time in groups considering

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where God made lead us next. This was guided by a Biblical reflection on Jesus’ message to the seven churches in Revelation (what would his message be to our churches?) and by a local mapping exercise led by Rob.

Since the day itself, the steering group (mostly the same faces with a few additions!) have met regularly under Cathryn’s leadership to consider some actions both in the short and longer terms. A vision prayer has been formed and is now used regularly in services, with a mission statement and strap-line being worked on, based on the Benefice Profile. A new café at All Saints’ has been trialled and a new Grief Café is being considered to help offer bereavement support. A desire to support Pyrland School has emerged which is being pursued.

Longer term aims have also been discussed, including our potential engagement with new housing developments (notably in Staplegrove); a possible Food Hub at Staplegrove School, similar to that introduced successfully last year in Norton; improving our online presence through websites and social media; using the Staplegrove Scout Hut as a neutral venue. We would like to increase our outreach at Christmas by singing carols at the Bindon Road shops – watch this space!

The Rev’d Paul Irving

9. TAUNTON DEANERY SYNOD

The Deanery Synod meet three times each year ensuring links between the various Churches in the town and the relevant offices of the Bishops of Bath & Wells and Taunton.

The first meeting is a Eucharist and this took place on Tuesday 9 July at St Peter and St Paul, Bishop’s Hull, with Revd Munna Mitra presiding and music provided by the Quantock Benefice music group led by Revd Jim Cox – Area Dean.

The second meeting was on 15 October at St Michael’s, Galmington, and aside from the usual prayers and business, the meeting was devoted to the matter of

Working with Children and Young People

As such parishes had been asked to extend an invitation to those responsible for safeguarding to attend, Moira and Jim (Reed) joined Revd Paul and ourselves to listen to an address by Andy Levett from the Diocesan Go Team for the Taunton Archdeaconry.

His theme was “Growing Faith with Children, Young People and Families” which was delivered with tremendous enthusiasm.

Alison Vercoe, Chaplain at Pyrland School then explained her role there and how churches could develop closer links with their local schools. She encourages prayer, the taking in of small gifts, and building up relationships with the Headteachers, staff and children.

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In the past we have supported Pyrland School (formerly Taunton Academy) albeit with limited resources. Like Andy Levett, Alison Vercoe spoke eloquently and sensitively about the challenges that the school, and many of its pupils, face on a daily basis. It would certainly justify increasing whatever financial support we are able to provide going forward.

Revd Justine Richards then spoke about the “Launchpad Scheme” which works with children aged 11 and over. She gave details of the work being done at St Michaels and the joy of seeing children with no family church connections coming to the services and becoming part of the congregation.

The third meeting took place at St James’ on Tuesday 18 February and opened with prayers led by the Lay Dean, Richard Carpenter. He then introduced Revd Ann Fulton – Spiritual Care Co-ordinator St Margaret’s Hospice for the past ten years, to address the role we can play in

Spiritual Care at End of Life .

Ann welcomed Simon Helliar-Moore and Louise Tredwin, two local funeral directors who also contributed to the meeting as did our own Revd Cathryn.

There was discussion in groups using “Grave Talk” cards, and a presentation from Ann with opportunity for contributions from the floor. This was at times both cathartic and uncomfortable – particularly in light of Duncan’s illness.

Gillian Greig & Paul Carter(with thanks to Ruth Cook – Deanery Synod secretary)

10. CHOIR

It was with trepidation I stepped into Elizabeth's shoes just twelve months ago. Elizabeth has served the choir so well over the years, and I knew she would be missed in her role as leader and an extremely hard act to follow. However, she has been persuaded to stay on as a chorister and is also an invaluable help accompanying us on the piano for practices and services when David is unavailable. I would like to thank her for her continued help and support as I still have my “L” plates on! Also a big “Thank you” to David for his help and advice over the year.

I am pleased to report our numbers have increased, in fact there were seventeen of us robed for our Nine Lessons and Carols service at Christmas and we were able to include some descant work. We're a friendly group and always ready to meet new members. You don't need experience, we'll help you!

Suzi Allen

11. CHURCH FLOWERS

What another lovely year we have had decorating the church for various occasions. I personally always think that Easter is extra special, seeing the flowers in church after Lent is a real joy.

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It has been well over a year now since I took over from Janet who is a tough act to follow, but Janet is a huge help and very knowledgeable. When I started helping with the flowers I was a real novice and I mean that, I am still learning all the time but I love it, and the team of great helpers are so welcoming and supportive.

As with so many Church activities we are looking out for more volunteers to come and join the team. As I have proved, or are proving, no experience is necessary, plus a warm welcome awaits you, so why not give it a try?

Frances Markland

12. CHURCH MOUSE REPORT

It has been a dramatic year of change for the Church mouse community which saw the departure of Nibbles into a Diocesan role of ‘Cat Advisor’. Nibbles had a farewell gathering after Messy Church and we all enjoyed the chocolate biscuit crumbs and even some raisins. The departure of Nibbles means there is a vacancy on Mouse Synod for which enquiries are encouraged. Fluffy has stepped into a leadership role and we are very much enjoying his ministry and his recipe for tree bark and peanut butter cookies.

Our multi species worship policy is almost ready to be formalised although it is disappointing that Fluffy or Squeaker have not yet been invited to preach on a Sunday. It was also disappointing to see a cat at Messy Church. As a minority group we feel it is important to note these instances as part of our continuing quest for awareness and integration. And perhaps this is a good time to mention that we don’t agree the church floor should be swept quite as often as it is.

Earlier in the year there was concern over a possible rat invasion but it turned out to be Mr Tails’ grandfather visiting again. Thanks to all for being so vigilant and for Mr Tails senior’s understanding over the trap.

Our Cheese Share target has once again been met and grateful thanks to all who left out small morsels of cheese to help us pay this tax.

Overall, a great year for the mouse community and congratulations should be given to Mr and Mrs Nippy after the birth of their 14 children in January!

Squeaker and Whiskers

13. ECO GROUP

The group’s eco work has continued this year with achievements including:

  1. Environmental issues included in intercessions

  2. Creation as a theme in children’s work

  3. LED floodlight planned

  4. All church lighting is LED

  5. Toilet paper is recycled and Fairtrade brand

  6. Bat boxes and bird boxes now available ready to be installed

  7. Reduce energy stickers on light switches

  8. Lent prayer project for environmental project

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  1. Toilet twinning project completed and publicity as thank you

  2. Christmas fundraiser for the Ripple Effect charity with communal card

Thank you to everyone who supported the Christmas fundraiser with £215 raised for the Ripple Effect, as well as the practical waste saving on cards.

There is still work to do as an ongoing process, but the group has temporarily paused following the sad loss of Duncan. We are so grateful for everything Duncan brought to our group, for his enthusiasm and care, and he will be so missed. ☹

Cathryn Howse, Felicity McGill

14. EVERGREEN GROUP

The Group has had another successful year. We have maintained a varied programme of talks with good speakers, the usual garden party in August, and Christmas Lunch at Oake Manor Golf Club. Meeting in St John’s we have enjoyed the enhanced facilities of the permanent screen and projection.

We rounded off the programme with a talk in November by Jim Booth’s daughter, Vicky, who took us through his distinguished career and achievements, including clips he took on his mini submarine, which surfaced just before the D Day landings in 1944.

We have a membership of over 30. We have welcomed a couple of new members but sadly we have lost two really supportive members. Jonathan Meads was a great helper in his quiet, gentlemanly manner.

But we were truly saddened by the Passing of Connie Brake. A long-standing member, Connie was a real stalwart. A member of the Committee for many years, she also organised the monthly raffle. We miss her.

I am grateful to all for the support Members give to us. We get a great deal of help at the meetings and in the background. Many hands make light work, whether it be -

The excellent team who organise and serve the refreshments Pam, and now Hazel and Madeleine with her on the raffle Charles and others who help with lifts

David with expertise on IT matters, helping with the furniture and for playing for our Carols The Committee…… Pam, Ann, Margaret C, Madeleine and now Christine

And Elizabeth, Deputy Leader, who is always there to give guidance and advice and does so much, a lot unseen, to keep the wheels running smoothly and me in check!

On finance, we have maintained a very satisfactory position, paying our way without any strain on our budget. We are grateful to have St John’s as a comfortable venue for our meetings and are pleased to make a small donation for this. With a good membership level we have been able to keep the annual subscription at £10, a real snip. Importantly, we take in over £200 a year from the raffle. Many thanks to those who donate prizes and buy tickets. Finally, as ever we are grateful for Paul’s continuing support.

But there is always plenty of room for new Members……..so if anyone is interested do have a word with Elizabeth or me.

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Graham Hobrough

15. Your Fairtrade Church Report

In 2024 your benefice Fairtrade stall and Fairtrade Fortnight coffee morning raised £513.17 in profit and donations for the Transform Trade charity which supports the producers of the Fairtrade products in many parts of the world.

With many thanks for your support over the last year and please give us a call (01823 279686 or readjim@hotmail.com) if you need items between stalls which are normally on the second Sunday of the month, after the 11.00am service.

Moira and Jim Read

16. FUNDRAISING EVENTS

2024/25 – Another really successful year of fundraising. These are the events that have taken place since the last AGM.

27th April. A return visit by Gregory Stewart and his sister Ellen for another enjoyable evenings concert.

4th May. A Saturday morning Plant Sale kindly run by Adrian and William. An ideal opportunity for everyone to share their excess plants.

2nd June. Entertainment by our local Handbell Ringers. We also enjoyed a delicious Strawberry Tea and were given the opportunity to 'have a go' at ringing hand bells.

The Lychgate Stall. Saturday June 29th and ran until 7th September. As in previous years a really popular event with the local community and a fantastic fundraiser.

19th September. A really interesting evening with an illustrated talk by Mary Braddock LRPS. Wildlife Wanderings. A donation was given to the RSPB.

2nd November. Our Saturday morning Parish Breakfast and Fayre in the Village Hall. Everyone enjoyed a super breakfast or just coffee and also had the opportunity to find some bargains from the many interesting stalls.

31st January. A super evenings entertainment with a return visit by the young musicians from Taunton School. It was so good to hear such a lovely group of young and enthusiastic young players.

8th March. An 'add on' to the regular and popular Saturday morning Coffee Shop. Breakfast plus a Home Produce Stall, Fairtrade, Jigsaws and Books.

During the winter months we've also had the really popular Film Nights – such a great success with a bonus of nearly a full house for the final evening of the season with 'Conclave'.

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Thank you to everyone who has supported these events in any way, it really is appreciated. A big thank you as well to Marjorie Connell who organised so many successful events over the years.

Heather Williams

17. HEALTH AND SAFETY 2024 – Please don’t turn the page, this always involves you!

2024, our seventh full year of the re-ordered Church!

Unless I’ve missed something, 2024 has again been a quiet year on the health and safety front apart from some tree and shed issues. In last year’s report I wrote “It is also an

indicator that the “wheels” can grind rather slowly when trying to get the short slope from the tarmac path to the paved area flattened as far as possible. This is tied in to the tower door project so ‘non-parish groups’ get involved which tends to slow things down. Maybe 2024 will be the year it is done.” Hopefully 2025 will see it done?

If you ever have any health and safety concerns, please contact the Church Wardens, Rector or myself.

Jim Read – Safety Officer

18. HOSPITALITY AND COMMUNITY EVENTS

Thank you to the Sidespeople and others who welcome visitors and make them feel at home in our Church, both on a Sunday and at other events during the year.

In the absence of a designated Co-ordinator, hospitality and community events are coordinated by a few Church members. Reports on the various activities are set out below.

Saturday Coffee Shop – Chris and Iona Young

This has been running every Saturday since 2018 and has proved to be a welcome hospitality event for the whole community – a chance for a chat to neighbours over tea, coffee, and biscuits.

Through the last two winters our Church has become a designated ‘warm space’, somewhere to stay comfortable without the need to turn heating on at home, and during the summer, whenever possible, the opportunity is taken to enjoy the outside space of the churchyard.

Keep an eye out for the special events that are regularly added to the Coffee Shop; the book and jigsaw swap, breakfast, and the backdrop to the summer Lychgate Produce Stall. If you haven’t visited the Coffee Shop up to now come along next Saturday morning, 10am to midday, you won’t be disappointed!

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Thanks go to the helpers who turn out on Saturday to set up and run the event and if you would like to help as well just let us know, we are always looking for additional helpers.

Sunday Morning Coffee – Diana Toon

Coffee after the 11am services at St John’s continues to be very popular. It provides a welcome opportunity for those wishing to socialise and enjoy a friendly chat. Our Café Church service takes place on the first Sunday of each month which takes the hospitality at this service to a new level and on one occasion in the year included a Soup Lunch after the service.

Thanks to all the volunteers who bring milk, serve tea and coffee, and provide delicious cakes/biscuits for Café Church.

Community Events

Volunteers helped with the churchyard maintenance during the year on a Saturday in May and September in 2024 and April in 2025. Thank you for giving up your time to keep our Churchyard looking very special.

All Saints’ at Norton hosted the Benefice Harvest Supper in their Village Hall on 28[th] September 2024, and provided the main courses including cider and apple juice generously donated by Andrew Ritchie from All Saints'. This was followed by puddings provided by St John’s. Thanks go to the Church members who provided these.

The installation of a drop-down screen behind the Chancel arch and a fixed projector on the Nave wall has enabled a monthly Film Night to be held on the second Wednesday of the Month through the Autumn and Winter months. With no blackout on the windows in Church we are unable to show films through the summer months. Film Nights are hosted by a small group who sell tickets, welcome visitors, provide the refreshments and run the film show. It has been lovely to see so many people attending these events, both familiar faces from our congregation and other members of the community. Film Night will recommence in the Autumn and continue to run over the winter months of 2025 and into 2026.

Neighbourhood Coffee Morning – Jim and Moira Read

The Neighbourhood Coffee mornings take place on the third Tuesday of each month in the Church. The timing is designed to complement the Community Coffee morning in the Village Hall on the first Tuesday. Any surplus funds are given to one or more charities, the recipients being chosen by the attendees at the November coffee morning. In 2024 the surplus of £200 was donated to St. Margaret’s Hospice, Bishops Hull. Many thanks to everyone who came to these gatherings.

Chris Young

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19. MENS’ GROUP

The Group has continued to meet most months at Oake Manor Golf Club for lunch and chat. Although a small number, we enjoy the delicious food in comfortable surroundings. As you can imagine, we do spend some time reminiscing and putting the world to rights, without venturing into politics!

At the end of the year Peter Triggs stood down as our Convenor, a role he had undertaken for several years. We are very grateful to Peter for all his encouragement, and are very pleased he will continue to join us monthly whenever he can.

Needless to say, we would welcome any man who would like to join us for these monthly events. There is no subscription, we just pay individually for our food. Have a word with me, please, for any further information.

Graham Hobrough

20. PASTORAL

Another year of people enjoying each other’s company through the many church services or groups.

However there are those who are unable to get out and about without help, and so many of you go to visit people at home, in hospital or in a nursing home. Others check by giving a cheerful chat over the phone. Again there are those who are offered lifts to appointments or help with shopping.

All these acts of kindness give immeasurable support to those who need a helping hand. Thank you to you all.

Alison Cursham

21. STAPLEGROVE MOTHERS’ UNION

January

The Annual General Meeting was held on Thursday 10th January 2024. The Rector began the meeting with Communion. The minutes of the previous annual meeting were read and approved. Moria, as retiring leader, read her report to the meeting and the treasurer presented her report. Both were approved at the meeting.

The committee was elected for the coming year and Di Ruff was appointed the new leader of the branch.

February

The Annual Wave of Prayer service was held in February and the meeting focussed on the links between all our Dioceses across the world.

March

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The March meeting centred on a talk given by the Revd. Cathryn which reflected on the season of Lent. The talk focussed on Jesus’s time in the wilderness for 40 days and nights and encouraged us to contemplate, confess and connect.

April

The April meeting saw the return of Rev. Jeremy Hellier to give us an update of his work with The Mission to Seafarers.

May

The May meeting was postponed so the members could attend a meeting at Taunton Minster to discuss the future of the MU in the Diocese.

June

The annual garden trip did not take place as there were not enough members to make the trip worthwhile.

July

The July talk by the Hedgerow Chaplain had to be cancelled for family reasons. Instead, members shared their personal thoughts and prayers.

August

The Annual Garden Party took place with wonderful weather. Everyone enjoyed the cream tea and various stalls were well supported. The raffle was a great success with 10 prizes and the cake stall sold all its cakes and scones.

The final total was £336.42, a magnificent amount, and Di as Leader thanked everyone for making the day so successful.

September

On the 12th September we held our second evening meeting – to allow working ladies to attend. We welcomed the “Village Agent” manager. If you have not heard of the Village Agent before, the talk was very informative, and I am sure that these people will be a huge help to people caring for loved ones.

It is a national registered charity, making no profit, and works on a tight budget. In Somerset, the service is provided by The Community Council for Somerset and is funded by Somerset Council and Somerset Integrated Care System. The work covers diverse communities and team programmes.

There are 60 Village Agents in Somerset, 9 in Taunton, who all work from home. They are full-time workers, are self-employed and provide mental health support, home help, personal care, digital help, homeless and domestic abuse help, and organise events. Alongside the fulltime workers there are 8 unpaid workers, providing such help as respite care and talking groups. Taunton has been chosen, to allow Lancashire Village Agents, to shadow their work.

Referrals and grants can be arranged for white goods and carpets for people in crisis. Applications for grants can be made to Taunton Heritage Trust, Taunton Aid & Sickness and

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the Wilton Trust. Household items are available through The Besom Trust, via St. James Church.

Leaflets and literature are available at St. Johns Church, Norton Fitzwarren Church and St. Andrews Church.

Everybody enjoyed the talk, followed by conversations and refreshments with the Village Agent manager.

October

On the 10th October, we had a speaker from Charis – Refugee Support. Charis has been helping families arriving in the UK, since 2016. The talk was very thought provoking and began with this statement: If you had to flee from your home quickly, what would you take with you? Who would you take? Where would you go?

The sale and refreshments raised £40 for Charis.

November

On Thursday 14th November we held our annual dinner at The Quantock Restaurant. December

We celebrated our December meeting with a short carol service, followed by Rosemary speaking about Christmas. Alison also gave us a short history about RAFT. We finished the afternoon with mince pies and tea.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 9th January at 2pm, in St. John’s Church, Staplegrove. We will hold our AGM then, followed by refreshments. All people are welcome to join us.

Di Ruff

22. STAPLEGROVE PARISH JOURNAL

Firstly, thanks are due to Sandy Robertson, the recently retired Distribution Manager, for her sterling work over the last few years and welcome to Frances who has kindly agreed to take up the baton.

Thanks to the Journal team: Joan and, occasionally, Jim for proof-reading; Frances for collecting the printed Journals and doling it out to the distributors; David for collecting dues and Ann for doing sterling work as Advertising Manager by chasing up those who haven’t paid.

The printing cost of the Journal is now about £1.25 per copy because Character Graphics has now been given a full-page ad. This is against the cover price of 80p which I strongly believe should be maintained at about this level and certainly less than £1 so that it’s accessible to even the most impecunious parishioner. Thanks to the advertising, the Journal is still in surplus.

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I believe that the Journal should remain in its present printed and paid-for form. I suspect that most readers and, more particularly advertisers, would value the Journal less and would be less willing to pay for adverts if it were available only in electronic form.

The print run is charged at 280 copies although they start making 300 copies to allow for wastage and they deliver all that reach the quality standard. There are generally just a few copies of the old Journal left when the new arrives. Could Paul and Cathryn please encourage parishioners to take some of the surplus and use them for outreach by giving them to friends or neighbours?

Character Graphics is neither the most expensive nor the cheapest printer but we’ve always had good service and a good quality product. The few problems have been spotted by a sharpeyed Becky at CG before the print run starts. I should like to continue with Character Graphics.

I’m happy to continue as Editor.

William Allen – Journal Editor

23. STAPLEGROVE SCHOOL

The very positive links between St John’s Church and Staplegrove School have continued to grow this year. The children continue to attend Church Services for Christmas and Easter as well as the annual Leavers Service, where they are presented with Bibles. They also came to Church for a Christingle Service this year, and the school’s Harvest Festival was led by Rev Paul once again, but was held in the school this year to save the children carrying their harvest offerings to Church and then back to school again! Their Harvest gifts were donated to the Taunton Foodbank.

As in previous years, Year 6 pupils attended Easter Cracked at Rowbarton and St Andrew’s Churches, a dramatized version of Holy Week and Easter which is organised by MINT (Mission in North Taunton), an ecumenical group including representatives from our church and which we support financially. The pupils invariably find it hugely enjoyable and informative.

The Worship Champions from the Year 6 class continue to be much valued and contribute to Pupil Voice discussions as well as reviewing and planning some Collective Worship (CW) sessions. Rev Paul goes in regularly to lead CW in the School, often based around events within the Christian year. The very popular Open the Book Team have also been into school regularly during the year – they are always received enthusiastically!

Church links with the school continue to grow and Church members were able to help at the School’s Christmas Fair once again (and William was, by all reports, a fantastic Father Christmas!). A group of volunteers linked to St Johns continue to go into school regularly to hear children read. The school values highly this support as it provides much needed additional opportunities for children to practise their reading and see it as a very positive community link with St Johns.

The school held a community week during the summer term, linked to their six Christian Values. Each class chose an activity such as litter picking in the park near to School, voluntary

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work in Long Run Meadow and providing a tea for School Volunteers. In addition, two classes came over to the Church for an afternoon. One class helped in the churchyard, and another made decorations for the Tree of Life linked to the School’s six Christian Values. One of the aims of the two classes coming over was to link with members of the congregation.

The school held an Ethos Day during the summer term and each class had activities based around a specific value. Feedback from the day was very positive about how it helped both staff and children cement their understanding of the School’s Christian Values. Rev Paul and Sandy went into school in December and had a walk round the classes. Each class has a reflection area with a cross, Bibles and a candle. The school’s Christian Values are also displayed. Children are able to name the Six Values and can give examples of how they are part of their lives at school in terms of helping friends, being courageous and showing perseverance in their learning.

Sandy continues to attend Governors Meetings each half term. Rev Paul and Sandy both attend the Ethos Committee meetings where we are able to monitor the progress being made with how the school is developing as a Church school and living out its vision and values.

Rev Paul and Sandy have been in to meet with the new staff this year and to talk through how they have found their first half term there. All speak of how welcoming the school is and speak highly of the support available to them from the Senior Leadership Team, as well as the wider staff team.

With regards to the role of Governors, the School is in the first group of schools within the Multi – Academy Trust to be taking part in the new approach of only having five Governors and reducing the number of separate committees and specific roles. It is early days, so I will probably have more information about this next year, but the school is committed to having an Ethos Group and it has been heartening to see the value that the Headteacher has given to this.

So, another positive year of growing links with the School and Church which has been really good to be a part of and may these links continue to flourish and thrive over the coming year.

Sandy Robertson, Foundation Governor

24. THE STAPLEGROVE STROLLERS

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Thanks to all who support our monthly walks, and to those who plan and lead them. There can be as many as 20 people walking and the walks themselves are only a part of the story of the Strollers; the camaraderie between those walking is just as important, as well as the tea and cakes at the end of afternoon walks, or the lunches after morning walks, that form such a key part. And thanks to the weather which was reasonably kind to us over the last year – although in recent months we did have to avoid most ‘off-road’ routes which were too boggy even for the Strollers.

Our walks are open to all and are usually around 4 to 5 miles. Let us know if you would like to join us, information can always be found in the Staplegrove Journal, but be prepared; our walks are sometimes muddy, and we keep walking in all but the very worst of weather.

Our picture shows the Strollers on our walk around the North Newton area last November.

Chris and Iona Young

25. TAUNTON FOODBANK

Thank you all for your continued support for Taunton Foodbank during the last year. The Foodbank has again maintained its service throughout the year thanks to the hard work of Sue Weightman, the project manager and all the volunteers. 2024 has been again a busy year, but fortunately supplies of goods have been plentiful and so far, supplies and donations have continued to meet demand.

There are pick up points in Taunton at Unit 4 Belvedere Estate, Albemarle Road, Wellington Fore Street, Wiveliscombe Silver Street.

The Foodbank website gives up-to-date information about; times of opening; distribution and collection points; the supplies that are needed and those that are there in plenty. Supplies are collected on Wednesdays from the box in St Johns’s Church, Staplegrove. Please keep giving locally as your contributions are much appreciated. URGENT NEEDS at the moment Tinned cold meat Tinned ready-meals: macaroni cheese, spaghetti bolognaise, ravioli Longlife fruit juice, Instant mashed potato, Pot noodles Tinned fruit, Pet food Strong carrier bags

Again many thanks for all your continuing support. If you want any more information, please see the Foodbank website, or contact me.

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Margaret Senior - margaretsenior2@hotmail.com

26. TOWER REPORT

Well, here we are again, another year passed and we still have not won the striking competition. We did try really hard last year but we had two of our ringers ill that day and so had to field replacements, which was fine and they rang well, but they hadn’t practiced with us so were not used to our ringing style. Never fear there is always this year.

The bells have performed well this year. There has been a small issue with the tenor bearing pin on the clapper. For some unknown reason it decided to break a split pin, and the locking nut which the split pin was designed to stop un-doing, started to undo. Luckily, I caught it just in time. I was putting the muffles on for Remembrance Sunday and spotted it, just before it fell off. The trouble with clapper pins coming off is that they can do an enormous amount of damage when the clapper flies out of the bell.

This year has been one of consolidation for our ringers. As I said last year, following Covid, ringing had to re-adjust itself and we were no exception. I have been pleased with the way our ringers have got back into normal ringing. Our Call Change ringing has improved remarkably, but our Change Ringing still leaves a bit to be desired. We have chatted about this in the tower and comments have been made which I have taken on board. None of us are getting any younger, me included. It takes longer for us to learn new skills, but we are making progress. To be fair we are hampered a bit by not having many ringers who can handle the heavier bells. Not an excuse but it is true.

There is one area of which this Church can be proud, and that is the dedication of our ringers. I ask them to come to ring for a service and there they are, ready and willing, and not many towers or Churches can boast that. So a massive thank you for all the efforts you put into your service ringing, not only for this Church but also in the Benefice as a whole.

Christmas 2024 again saw lots of services to ring for. Christmas Eve, for instance, we rang for 5 services over the Benefice, ending up with the 11.30 service at St Johns. So thank you all, as ever, for your dedication to our art.

As always, I look forward to your company in 2025, and being your Tower Captain is an honour I do not take lightly, so I thank you once again for your support. Mike Hansford Tower Captain

Mike Hansford – Tower Captain

27. YOUTH MISSION GROUP

The Youth Mission Group continues to work actively with our families and young people. The pattern of bimonthly Messy Church sessions is well established, and we have added additional sessions at Easter and Christmas. We regularly welcome 25 plus children and their families to these sessions, and it is good to see the numbers grow with a solid core of regular attendees joining us each time. We have also welcomed some of these families to Sunday Worship. We are very grateful to all who help at these events and really need some extra help on the day to cover the activities. If you feel you could offer your help, if only occasionally, we would love to hear from you. The group plans the activities and provides the resources, but the popularity of these events is such that we are sometimes stretched and if you would like to join the team of helpers you would be very welcome.

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In the school summer holidays we again ran a weekly toddler group. This was organised by Cathryn with help from others and proved very popular, and many of these families now join us at other events. Following the success of these sessions a similar event was also held in the October half term. For the future we are considering running a holiday club, but this is still very much at the planning stage. We are very grateful to everyone who has helped move chairs etc and assisted in so many other ways. We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you.

Open the Book continues at school with sessions taking place twice a term. We recently had an Open the Book training session given by a Bible Group trainer who updated us on the various aspects of the scheme. We currently have opportunities for volunteers to join the group, you do not need to learn lines, the scripts are straight forward, and the children and school staff really appreciate us going in to join with their worship. If performing is not your style we also need help with costumes and props so if you would like to help, please let us know, we look forward to hearing from you.

Iona Young

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C h a r i t y N[o] : 1 2 0 8 2 7 4

ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST STAPLEGROVE

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

For the year ending 31[st] December 2024

Diocese of BATH and WELLS

Treasurer:

David Bridges

Independent Examiner:

Antony Yeo Treasurer, St Andrew’s Church, Taunton

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Independent Examinerfs Certificate forthe PCC Accounts Report to Inj5te￿ of.. SI TOHN TrE CVANPEU Parochlal Church Councll On ￿uniS forthB Y￿ar &ided.. 31)1 Oe¢4￿￿￿1 Charity Number lif applic)ley. SAt out on p•908 rogpomlblllll•s Of Irustaes charity's Irusttes are rgsponsible forth? preparation of accounts. The chadty's Irusiee5 Gonsider that an audit Ss not Nu1￿j forthis year u￿ler secllon 144 of the c￿lIeS Act ¥)11 (the Wits Acti KI that an independent exarllirHtion is needed. is my respor￿1b1Ifty 10-. 8xamSn& aGGounts under s￿￿0￿ 145 of Charities Act, to follow proceduB5 lo￿ In the gÉra Direction5 given by tho Charity Commission lund8r secliort 14515Mbl of the Chamtbs Act, arvj to stfjte ¥Mh8r pa￿¢(18r matters hwe come to my 8tt)tlon. Basis of indepMd•nt My examination wa5 carri&J out in accordance YAth genw81 Oireclions giv￿ by the &xarnln¢rf¥ statemant ckn￿ty Commiss￿n. An examination i￿ludeS a revw of It accDunlirvJ ￿ordS kepl by the ch8nly and a compari50n of tho accounts preSent￿j wlh those rBcords. ft also Iwludes cortsideralion of any unusual items ordisGlosures In the accounts, and seeklrvJ explanations from the Iruslees ￿nCerN1r￿ any such mallers. proc•Sur88 undertaken do not provide all th8 evidence that would be required in gn audit, arKJ Bonsequently no Op1r￿0Th is giv￿ 85 to ￿l￿￿rthe accounts present ¥ 'In arKI fairf view ￿ th8 report is limited to tho$8 m8tt8ts sel out in the slalem8nl bek>w. IndoP•t)d•nt •xamlnorf$ In ¢onwiion with my exeminallon. rK mattwhas como to my 811ontion (•iksd tatwnent whSch 9iv88 me reason8bl? C8iA88 ie bdieve that In. any material fespeGI. accountSrKJ recorrfs y￿re not kspt In ￿¢0￿ance ￿1th sKtion 130 of th& Charit Act or the &counts do not ilh th8 accounting I h8v8 come arross no other matter5 in conn8Ctknn vAlh thè examin8lion to aitention should be dthdn in onjerto enable a pmpér urKler51andirvJ of It* accounts 10 be regched. ' Pleas8 delete Ihe in Ihtr bTrGkels if they do nol 8ppIy. Slgned= ai R￿a¥a￿t profosqlon¥l quallffieaiionlsl or body Ilf any).. OtyIE sy. APCM- Report 202412025 37

The financial statements have been produced using the Receipts & Payments method

which states what is actually received into the accounts during the Calendar year, without stating what was outstanding from the previous year or still owing/uncleared, after 31[st] December in the current year.

ASSETS and LIABILITIES

Account Opening Balance
01/01/2024		 Monies IN Monies OUT Closing Balance
31/12/2024
63,186.30 269,442.86 (190,429.42) 142,199.74
NatWest Current
60-80-06 70811393		 8,284.36 181,551.88 (182,716.28) 7,119.96
CCLALegacies
CB3019591		 46,982.74 76,007.56 (3,350.00) 119,640.30
CCLABells
CB3019592		 1,727.20 474.00 (0.00) 2,201.20
CCLATower Door
CB1006637		 4,075.00 473.89 (1,363.14) 3,185.75
CCLAParish Share
CB1006640		 2,117.00 5,455.53 (3,000.00) 4,572.53
CCLAOrgan
CB1008337		 0.00 5,480.00 (0.00) 5,480.00

Our CCLA Accounts ‘ring-fence’ Legacies, donations for Bell Maintenance, the Tower Door and Landscaping Projects, the Organ and General Reserve (Parish Share). Most of our legacies come with specific restrictions. Our preferred wording would be ‘ solely for the general use of St John the Evangelist Church, Staplegrove.’

ASSETS

RESTRICTED FUNDS

LIABILITIES

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RECEIPTS RECEIPTS 2024 2023 2023
Donations & Legacies
Planned giving 34,889.66 30,289.40
Collections, donations & other giving 96,048.21 10,552.55
Income Tax recovered 10,298.63 12,452.07
Legacies 1,007.56 19,704.87
Other trading activities
Magazine, Lettings etc 5,269.20 4,775.25
Fundraising & Events 7,861.94 16,145.28
Receipt from Investments
Interest & Dividends 3,190.22
1,758.95
Receipts from Charitable activities
Parochial Fees 10,157.00 12,197.00
Other Receipts
Other 5,408.68 673.89
Total Receipts
 174,131.10 108,549.26
PAYMENTS 2024 2023
Charitable activities
Donations to Charities 1,906.59 1,398.72
Youth Work (Messy Church, MINT, Academy) 852.06 1,057.87
Parish Share 55,652.00 48,247.80
Clergy Expenses 1,200.87 1,322.87
Church Running Expenses 12,580.27
9,458.28
Churchyard Maintenance 5,262.82 3,561.80
Cost of trading (Magazine printing etc) 4,001.23 3,792.22
Administration costs 120.00
143.69
Other 11,089.10 12,212.05
Major Expenditure
Repairs to Church, grounds, fees etc 2,453.72 29,552.84
Total Payments
 95,118.66 110,746.14

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DETAILED RECEIPTS ANALYSIS 2024 2024 2023 2023
Tax Efficient Planned giving
 33,791.66 28,180.40
Other Planned giving
 1,098.00 2,109.00
Other Collections at Services 4,971.46 2,861.49
Other Donations (non-recurring)
 86,951.75 8,199.76
Special Appeals: Gift Day 2024 4,125.00
3,277.00
Gift Aid Recovered (Q4,Q1,Q2,Q3)
 10,298.63 12,452.07
Legacies
 1,007.56 19,704.87
Recurring Grants 0.00 0.00
Non-recurring Grants
 1,710.00 160.00
Fundraising: Tower Door Project
 473.89 3,930.00
Film Nights
 2,081.20 0.00
Coffee shop, Lychgate, events
 5,780.74
 8,429.58
Parochial Fees
 10,157.00
 12,197.00
Journal:
Subs		 1,770.20
 1,648.75
Adverts 2,974.00
 2,750.00
Church Hire 525.00
 376.50
Norton Contribution to Benefice Office 355.77
 286.39
Dividends & Interest 3,190.22
1,758.95
Other Income
 3,342.91
 227.50
Total Receipts

 174,131.10 108,549.26
DETAILED PAYMENTS ANALYSIS 2024 2023
Donations to Charity
 1,906.59 1,396.72
Parish Share
 55,652.00 48,247.80
Parochial Fees to DBF 3,502.00
 3,538.00
Payments to visiting Ministers 47.85 14.85
Church Youth Work 852.06 1,057.87
Insurance 1,428.26
 1,429.11
Gas 3,372.00 3,807.00
Electricity 2,064.00
 2,217.00
Church Cleaning 2,177.00 2,005.17
Minor Repairs 734.00 3,120.20
Major Repairs 1,718.64 26,432.64
Administration 120.00 143.69
Benefice Office: BT 334.51 301.84
Benefice Office Rental
 1,095,98
 1,008.90
Other Expenses / Provision of Services
 10,179.50
 6,559.63
Governance Costs 0.00
 0.00
Churchyard: Viridor/Biffa
 427.85 363.80
General maintenance
 3,780.97
 2,748.00
Tree work
 1,054.00 450.00
Church Flowers 56.10 78.56
Music / Organ 270.00
 1.705.76
Journal 4,001.23
 3,792.22
CCLI Licences 343.72
327.30
Total Payments
 95,118.66
 110,746.14

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Thank you to all who give of their time and talent (both practical and financial) to the Church. Thank you to those who have increased their financial giving and a warm ‘welcome’ to those who have joined the ‘regular Standing Order donors’ this year. We continue to rely on Lychgate sales, coffee mornings, events and generosity of many parishioners to help keep the church open.

During 2024, we received the following Grants: During 2024, we received the following Grants:
Commonwealth Graves Commission £10
Taunton Somerset & West £1,700 Churchyard
During 2024, we donated to the following causes:
Pyrland School Chaplaincy £500
Somerset Churches Trust £60
Bath & Wells Association of Change Ringers £20
MissionInNorthTaunton £100_(An ecumenical group sharing the_
Good News to schools & local
community)
Mother’s Union £81.95
Taunton Foodbank £201.00
Royal British Legion £216.30
Church of England Children’s Society £572.34
The Ripple Effect £215.00_(Communal Christmas Card)_
St Margaret’s Hospice £200.00_(Community Coffee mornings)_

A Restricted Legacy to the value of £1,007.56 was received from:

Restricted and un-restricted Gifts to the value of £82,467.10 were received from:

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Looking ahead to 2025, the Parish Share system has changed, and we are now

assessed as a Benefice . Whilst the Bath and Wells ‘suggested contribution’ reduced the Staplegrove share by 2.5% it raised the Norton Share by share by 26.8%. The Staplegrove PCC agreed to pay £55,652 (the same as 2024) to help Norton in 2025.

If you are a regular financial donor to the Church, and are eligible for Gift Aid, please consider setting up a monthly/weekly Standing Order.

We are extremely grateful to Marjorie Connell who has been the ‘leading light’ of our fundraising team. Marjorie, along with her team, has meticulously organised many events for the church, raising thousands of pounds in the process. Thank you, Marjorie. The Churchwardens would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in joining the fundraising team.

During 2024

During 2025

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PCC Treasurer
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