2024-12-31-accounts - Dersingham Parochial Church Council

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

DERSINGHAM PARISH CHURCH OF ST NICHOLAS - ANNUAL REPORT FOR JANUARY DECEMBER 2024

DERSINGHAM CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT

The Church of St Nicholas in the parish of Dersingham is part of the Church of England, whose mission is to:

Grow deeper roots of faith
Reach out with the love of Jesus
Be attentive to the Spirit’s prompting
Develop children and youth ministry
Nurture an improved care of God’s creation

VISION “ Helping one another to follow Jesus through the GRACE of God ”

MARKS OF MISSION

G lory to G od
R espond and R elate
A bility to A ccess
C ommitted to C ommunity
E nvironmental E xcellence

BACKGROUND

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish of the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has responsibilities for the maintenance of the Parish Church and Churchyard.

CHARITABLE STATUS

The PCC has charitable status and was is with the Charity Commission under the title: "Dersingham PPC " – Charity No. 250450.

PCC MEMBERSHIP

Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. At the APCM in April the following were on the church council.

council.
Incumbent:	Reverend Mark Capron
Curate:	N/A
Churchwardens:	Neil Adams	Elected Members:	2024[all serve for one yr]
	Thomas Wheeler		Pat Oughtibridge
Deanery Synod Representatives: Jane Woods (stood down Midyear)			Maggie Anderson Katrina Mundy Jill Kirbyshire Clive Brown
	Thomas Wheeler		Anne Hynde
			Emma Dinmore
			Susan Asbridge
			Jane Churchill
			Ron Cossou

COMMITTEES

The PCC operates a number of committees, which meet between full meetings of the PCC.

Standing Committee: Has the power to transact business of the PCC between the meetings, subject to any directions given by the council.
Church Reorganisation Sub-Committee: Liaises and works with Architect & Project Lead (Rosemary Bell) to produce plans, costings etc.
Fundraising Events Sub-Committee: Ad-hoc group which meets as required to organise events for the purposes of fundraising for the Church Reorganisation.

CHURCH STATISTICS

Electoral Roll: 126

Average Adult Attendance at Sunday Services:

Average Adult Attendance at Sunday Services: 9.30 a.m. 11.00 a.m. 10.00 a.m. Regular Combined Services_including_ August: 10.00 a.m. in August alone, totals Special Combined Services: Mothering Sunday Palm Sunday Easter(notcombined) Harvest Festival Remembrance Sunday Christmas (Tea & Carols) Christmas (Lessons & Carols) Christmas (Crib Service – Christmas Eve) Christmas (Midnight) Christmas (Day) Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals Baptisms Confirmations Renewal of Baptismal Vows Weddings Thanksgiving for a Child Thanksgiving/Blessing after Marriage/Anniversary Funerals Memorial/Thanksgiving Service after a Funeral	2024 39 42 63 52 95(18 under 16's) 89(28 under 16'6) 130(24 under 16s) 73(3 under 16's) 181(92 under 16's) 105(7 under 16's) 103(6 under 16's) 71(56 under 16's) 105(1 under 16's) 45(7 under 16's) 2024 3 see below see below 2 - - 12(Church) 8 Burials, 4 Cremations) 4(Crematorium only) 1	2023 39 47 64 58 84(13 under 16s) 81(36 under 16's) – 65(9 under 16s) 192(85 under 16s) 67(3 under 16s) 85(2 under 16s) 80(84 under 16s) 80(5 under 16s) 66(17 under 16's) 2023 6 - - 1 - 1 5(Church) 4(Crematorium only) –

Memorial/Thanksgiving Service after a Funeral

*Note about Confirmations

There were two confirmed from our benefice at Hillington Parish Church on 1 5 December

* Note about Renewal of Baptismal Vows

The was one member of our benefice who renewed their Baptismal vows at Hillington Parish Church on 15th December.

Finance Report

From April this year Jill Kirkbyshire joined the Finance Team initially to take over as Treasurer, however as we had a very busy financial year with more income and expenditure than normal due to the long-awaited new building work, I decided to stay on and work with Jill and we agreed to share the role.

Happily, we were in receipt of several large grants, some of which were only available if we had match funding, ie we had enough of our savings to match. Thanks to a huge effort in fundraising and generous donations, we were able to claim these grants this year. The grants appear under the ‘Grants’ heading on page 3 in the accounts and are listed separately in the Notes. A special thankyou is due to the generous grant from the Friends of St Nicholas. The larger than usual deposit account has benefitted from earning interest which was re-invested, giving us an extra £3,000 in 2024. This year we have seen a very satisfactory outcome from years of planning, fundraising and praying and now have our new facilities, something to celebrate!

The introduction of the Parish Giving Scheme in June has proved very successful, as we are now receiving Gift Aid from the contributions every month instead of having to claim it back ourselves. This is providing additional income to meet our monthly commitments Please consider swapping from standing orders, particularly if you Gift Aid your donations, we can help explain the scheme and help set it up for you if necessary. If you have not yet joined or would like to know more then please speak to one of us. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our church costs this year.

As an employer, we are now responsible for implementing a PAYE scheme and ensuring that we follow the latest guidance from HMRC. This has meant extra responsibilities and work. It has also added to our running costs which have risen again from 2023. The receipts for general church business and running costs, shown in Unrestricted Fund, show a small increase from last year, however we were unable to pay the full Parish Share. Fortunately, we were able to pay the remainder in early January 2025, thanks to contributions from some church members and a kind donation of £2,500 from Ingoldisthorpe PCC. Thank you.

In October we set a budget for 2025 and forecast a deficit of £12,000, so we have a challenging year ahead.

Further explanation of the accounts can be seen under Notes at the end of the Financial Statement.

Reserves Policy 2024 – 2025

It is the policy of the PCC to keep 2 months of running costs in unrestricted reserves, this may also be used for unseen emergencies. The PCC is building up reserves in a restricted fund to finance the planned reordering of the interior of the church building.

Jill Kirkbyshire and Pat Oughtibridge - Joint Treasurers

Dersingham PCC

Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Receipts and Payments Accounts

Receipts Voluntary receipts: Collections at Services 3 Planned giving 3 All other giving/voluntary receipts 3 Grant Income 3 Legacies Received (Capital Value) Gift Aid recovered Activities for generating funds 3 Investment income Church activities 3 Other income 3 Total receipts Payments Church activities: Parish share Clergy and Staffing costs 4 Church running expenses 4 Mission giving and donations 4 Building work and repairs 4 Administration Costs 4 Other expenditure 4 Costs of generating funds 4 Total Payments Excess of payments over receipts Transfers between funds Cash at bank and in hand at 1 Jan Cash at bank and in hand at 31 Dec Note	Total Total 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 6,027.48 - - - 6,027.48 6,506.73 47,822.60 - - - 47,822.60 44,931.00 16,764.42 1,125.00 41,328.39 - 59,217.81 28,264.27 9,900.00 49,195.00 - - 59,095.00 40,200.00 - - - - - - 17,222.98 1,927.25 - - 19,150.23 11,285.50 Endowment Fund Restricted Fund Unrestricted Fund Designated Fund
	97,737.48 52,247.25 41,328.39 - 191,313.12 131,187.50 9,347.36 - 15,763.04 - 25,110.40 13,081.58 - - 3,147.84 - 3,147.84 2,101.83 9,145.10 - 713.55 - 9,858.65 8,874.73 0.63 - - - 0.63 0.28
	116,230.57 52,247.25 60,952.82 - 229,430.64 155,245.92 55,007.00 - - - 55,007.00 54,400.00 15,136.64 - - - 15,136.64 11,987.89 15,709.52 50.00 150.00 - 15,909.52 16,602.04 2,844.37 - 31,285.19 - 34,129.56 2,244.88 3,267.15 104,734.24 495.00 - 108,496.39 6,229.59 8,756.36 - 49.18 - 8,805.54 5,331.28 5,706.52 - 8,263.34 - 13,969.86 7,307.77
	106,427.56 104,784.24 40,242.71 - 251,454.51 104,103.45 3,029.24 - 600.00 - 3,629.24 6,614.80
	109,456.80 104,784.24 40,842.71 - 255,083.75 110,718.25 6,773.77- 52,536.99 20,110.11 -- 25,653.11 44,527.67 - 5,350.9853,699.02- 48,348.04- 0.00 -
	1,422.79 1,162.03- 28,237.93-- 25,653.1144,527.67 5,253.84 3,439.40 118,229.37 - 126,922.61 107,130.22
	6,676.63 4,601.43 89,991.44 - 101,269.50 126,922.61

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Cash Funds Bank Current Account 5 Bank Savings Account Deposit Account 6 Note	Total Total 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 6,586.63 4,601.43 64,179.61 - 75,367.67 71,068.62 - - - - - - - - 25,811.83 - 25,811.83 55,763.99 Endowment Fund Unrestricted Fund Designated Fund Restricted Fund
	6,586.63 4,601.43 89,991.44 - 101,179.50 126,832.61

Notes

1. The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts & Payments basis.

2. The movement in designated and restricted funds during the year were:

Restricted Friendship Group Tower Bellringers Little Nippers Dersingham Descanters Conservation Mission PCC Building Reordering VCW Account VCW Deposit Baby Basics Fundraiser Abseil Designated South Aisle Project (Reordering Easy Access Funds)	Bal b/fwd Receipts Payments Transfers Bal c/fwd 1,108.25 1,395.00 1,392.50 - 1,110.75 526.00 - - - 526.00 561.18 713.55 835.60- 235.00204.13 1,171.74 100.00 212.60 - 1,059.14 1,046.80 1,981.20 2,028.00 - 1,000.00 312.79 1,630.00 1,680.81 - 261.98 52,163.67 2,956.75 -- 33,100.0022,020.42 4,142.92 - 3,733.01 150.00 559.91 3,600.32 191.09 - - 3,791.41 52,058.70 36,222.19 29,865.19 - 58,415.70 1,537.00 - 495.00 - 1,042.00 - 15,763.04 600.00- 15,163.04-
	118,229.37 60,952.82 40,842.71- 48,348.04 89,991.44
	Bal b/fwd Receipts Payments Transfers Bal c/fwd 3,439.40 52,247.25 104,784.24 53,699.02 4,601.43
	3,439.40 52,247.25 104,784.24 53,699.02 4,601.43

Friendship Group - Group activities and meetings to foster friendship Tower Bellringers - Funds raised and donated by tower bellringers to help maintain the bells. South Aisle Project (Reordering Easy Access Funds) - Easy access fund for buiding improvements Little Nippers - Church early years group Dersingham Descanters - Funds raised by handbell ringers Conservation - Restoration of the painting attributed to Bassano Mission - Funds donated to help spread the gospel

PCC Building Reordering - Funds held to improve the accessibility of the church toilets and provide better kitchen facilities. VCW Account - The vicar and churchwardens account to be used at their discretion

VCW Deposit - The vicar and churchwardens account to be used at their discretion Baby Basics - Baby Basics West Norfolk - a Christian charityhelping new mothers and their babies, vulnerable families Fundraiser - Donation for the provision of a professional fundraiser to help apply for grants for church re-ordering Abseil - Fundraising activity

3. Receipts COLLECTIONS AT SERVICES Sunday Collections Sunday Collections - Gift Aided Wedding and Funeral Collections Contactless Income PLANNED GIVING Standing Order Parish Giving Scheme Income Standing Orders Gift Aid GIFT AID RECOVERED Gift Aid Reclaim ALL OTHER GIVING/VOLUNTARY RECEIPTS Donations Donations - Gift Aided Wall Boxes Donations for Others Friendship Group Income Votice Candle stand Donations Conservation Donations - Mission Dersingham Descanters	Total Total 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 2,135.57 - - - 2,135.57 4,025.92 1,018.02 - - - 1,018.02 633.50 1,026.86 - - - 1,026.86 - 1,847.03 - - - 1,847.03 1,847.31 Endowment Fund Unrestricted Fund Designated Fund Restricted Fund
	6,027.48 - - - 6,027.48 6,506.73
	2,315.00 - - - 2,315.00 1,935.00 13,087.50 - - - 13,087.50 - 32,420.10 - - - 32,420.10 42,996.00
	47,822.60 - - - 47,822.60 44,931.00
	17,222.98 1,927.25 - - 19,150.23 11,285.50
	17,222.98 1,927.25 - - 19,150.23 11,285.50
	14,280.22 1,125.00 38,203.39 - 53,608.61 14,279.82 1,025.00 - - - 1,025.00 3,440.00 611.74 - - - 611.74 647.95 847.46 - 1,380.00 - 2,227.46 1,148.47 - - 1,395.00 - 1,395.00 2,105.00 - - - - - 57.95 - - - - - 5,511.50 - - 250.00 - 250.00 1,073.58 - - 100.00 - 100.00 -

ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS Magazine Summer / Flower Festival Christmas Tree Festival Coffee Mornings Abseil CHURCH ACTIVITIES Use of Church building Fees - Statutory Fees - Additional VAT Reclaim Little Nippers Donations - Holiday Club & Youth Work Memorial Flowers / Flower based Income Elevation Youth Group INVESTMENT INCOME Dividends and Interest GRANT INCOME Recurring Grants Non-Recurring Grants Churchyard Grant from Dersingham Parish Council OTHER INCOME Banking Loyalty Reward 4. Payments CLERGY AND STAFFING COSTS Administrator Parish/Benefice Clergy Expenses Organist Fees - Locum & Additional Services Rector's Secretary Costs DBS & Safeguarding Related Organist Fees - Regular Ministry Team Expenses Cleaner CHURCH RUNNING EXPENSES Gas and Electricity Bill Insurance Service Costs Maintenance Water Bill Cleaning Materials PCC Discretionary Expenses Flower Arrangers / Flower Costs Septic Tanks Church Youth Group 'Elevation' Church Youth Group 'Primary Age' The Gathering Children's Groups MISSION GIVING AND DONATIONS Charities - Home (UK) Charities - Overseas Charities - Secular Charities - Christian Relief BUILDING WORK AND REPAIRS Church - Major repairs and Redecorations New Building Work Church Maintenance & Repairs COSTS OF GENERATING FUNDS Bookstall 2023 Christmas Tree Festival Payments Open Gardens Payments	16,764.42 1,125.00 41,328.39 - 59,217.81 28,264.27
	1,944.40 - - - 1,944.40 2,153.20 - - - - - 4,191.54 5,049.46 - - - 5,049.46 4,349.59 2,353.50 - - - 2,353.50 2,387.25 - - 15,763.04 - 15,763.04 -
	9,347.36 - 15,763.04 - 25,110.40 13,081.58
	22.79 - - - 22.79 - 6,772.00 - - - 6,772.00 5,109.00 2,086.00 - - - 2,086.00 1,284.00 - - - - - 634.80 48.00 - 713.55 - 761.55 1,481.93 22.00 - - - 22.00 30.00 194.31 - - - 194.31 110.00 - - - - - 225.00
	9,145.10 - 713.55 - 9,858.65 8,874.73
	- - 3,147.84 - 3,147.84 2,101.83
	- - 3,147.84 - 3,147.84 2,101.83
	500.00 - - - 500.00 - 3,900.00 49,195.00 - - 53,095.00 35,200.00 5,500.00 - - - 5,500.00 5,000.00
	9,900.00 49,195.00 - - 59,095.00 40,200.00
	0.63 - - - 0.63 0.28
	0.63 - - - 0.63 0.28
	Total Total 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 7,997.50 - - - 7,997.50 4,831.55 582.22 - - - 582.22 1,301.51 780.00 - - - 780.00 470.00 - - - - - 23.98 65.30 - - - 65.30 235.10 3,625.00 - - - 3,625.00 2,490.00 196.80 - - - 196.80 27.00 1,889.82 - - - 1,889.82 2,608.75 Restricted Fund Endowment Fund Designated Fund Unrestricted Fund
	15,136.64 - - - 15,136.64 11,987.89
	7,631.32 - - - 7,631.32 10,941.30 5,511.34 - - - 5,511.34 3,643.85 82.74 - - - 82.74 347.17 - - - - - 30.00 488.72 - - - 488.72 150.27 121.32 - - - 121.32 194.41 394.94 - - - 394.94 40.00 105.68 - - - 105.68 124.50 1,350.00 - - - 1,350.00 900.00 - - - - - 198.70 - - - - - 18.94 23.46 - - - 23.46 12.90
	15,709.52 - - - 15,709.52 16,602.04
	879.75 - - - 879.75 486.78 1,530.00 - 1,420.00 - 2,950.00 1,006.10 - - - - - 752.00 434.62 - 29,865.19 - 30,299.81 -
	2,844.37 - 31,285.19 - 34,129.56 2,244.88
	- - - - - 3,808.80 - 104,734.24 495.00 - 105,229.24 - 3,267.15 - - - 3,267.15 2,420.79
	3,267.15 104,734.24 495.00 - 108,496.39 6,229.59
	18.40 - - - 18.40 300.67 - - - - - 2,768.75 - - - - - 1,225.96

Concert & One-Off Events Payments Other Events Coffee Morning Payments 2024 Christmas Tree Festival Payments Abseil related Expenses ADMINISTRATION COSTS Bank charges Printing Support Costs Licenses / Subscriptions Parish Website Photocopier, Postal Costs & Telephone OTHER EXPENDITURE Mission and Evangelism Costs Churchyard Expenses Benefice Shared Expenses Worship Hospitality Holiday Club & One-Off Youth Work Choir Expenses Little Nippers Alpha Course Expenditure 5. Bank Current Account Dersingham Parochial Church Council Independent Bank Accounts Dersingham Vicar & Churchwardens 6. Deposit Account Dersingham,St Nicholas-PCC Dersingham,StNicholas-RCW01/61	75.86 - - - 75.86 - 65.10 - - - 65.10 2,144.62 94.34 - - - 94.34 174.80 2,619.25 - - - 2,619.25 - 156.29 - - - 156.29 -
	3,029.24 - - - 3,029.24 6,614.80
	100.15 - - - 100.15 97.75 511.61 - 49.18 - 560.79 631.10 1,232.41 - - - 1,232.41 - 2,095.14 - - - 2,095.14 333.49 120.00 - - - 120.00 120.00 4,697.05 - - - 4,697.05 4,148.94
	8,756.36 - 49.18 - 8,805.54 5,331.28
	- - 3,745.65 - 3,745.65 - 5,180.00 - - - 5,180.00 656.49 - - - - - 4,970.00 416.37 - - - 416.37 414.05 81.30 - - - 81.30 - 28.85 - - - 28.85 - - - - - - 1,252.23 - - - - - 15.00
	5,706.52 - 3,745.65 - 9,452.17 7,307.77
	Total Total 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 6,586.63 4,601.43 3,034.11 - 14,222.17 12,587.01 - - 60,585.59 - 60,585.59 54,338.69 - - 559.91 - 559.91 4,142.92 Unrestricted Fund Designated Fund Restricted Fund Endowment Fund
	6,586.63 4,601.43 64,179.61 - 75,367.67 71,068.62
	Total Total 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ - - 22,020.42 - 22,020.42 52,163.67 - - 3,791.41 - 3,791.41 3,600.32 Restricted Fund Unrestricted Fund Designated Fund Endowment Fund
	- - 25,811.83 - 25,811.83 55,763.99

continue to run the charity independently and hold their funds separately.
Mission Giving includes £315.00 for Open Doors, £2,185.00 (includes individual giving) for MAF, and £450 for OMF
Norfolk Churches Trust Sponsored Bike and Walk raised £304.00 for our church.
Under the heading Mission Giving and Donations there is a new line ‘Charities – Christian Relief’ which includes donations to the Children’s Society and Baby Basics charity.
The large increase in Gift Aid reclaimed in 2024 was partly due to fundraising, particularly the church tower abseil, and also because we are now receiving some Gift Aid on a monthly basis if donors use the Parish Giving Scheme. In the past we claimed it retrospectively.

Other charitable giving in 2024

£392.00 to Christian Aid from a collection held at a coYee morning.

£25.00 to Heacham and Rising Synod.

£640.26 to the Royal British Legion from the collection at the Remembrance Day Service 2024.

£180 to Baby Basics UK membership

Grants received for church reordering 2024

£3,900 Benefact Trust
£500 Co-Op Community Dividend
£3,000 Beatrice Laing Trust
£21,695 Friends of St Nicholas
£4,000 GeoYrey Watling

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Dersingham Parochial Church Council On accounts for the year ended 2024 Charity no (if any) 250450 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the a¢counts of the above charity {tthe Trust ) for the year ended 202 4- Responsibilities and As the charTty trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the AGr). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts Caled OLrt under section 145 ofthe 2011 Act and in carying oul my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515}Ibl of the Aci. I have completed my examination. I confinn that no material matters have come to my attention {other than that disclosed below ") in connection with the examination vthich grves me Gause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordan with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord wtth the accounting records Independent examiner's statement I have no cOnmS and have Gome across no other matters in connection wrth the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: Date: 12 Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body lif any): Address: 2 r-tILLVIÉL.I IER October 2018

Safeguarding Update

The most important thing is to safeguard those around us.

Safeguarding within the church is essential to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, particularly vulnerable individuals. It is a commitment to protecting children and adults from harm, abuse, and neglect, while fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and care. Effective safeguarding measures strengthen trust within the community, uphold moral and ethical responsibilities, and reflect the church’s dedication to compassion and justice.

Safeguarding training requests are directly from the House of Bishops via the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. The Diocese puts Safeguarding at the top of all their agenda. In terms of DBS (Disclosure & Barring) our Benefice is up to date.

In each Benefice every volunteer now requires a ‘job description’. This has been time consuming, but essential to protect and safeguard each one. In our Benefice these are now complete. Each individual has a copy, and a file is stored for audit.

Face to face safeguarding training was held in the church hosted by Rev Mark, Helen Norris Diocesan trainer, and Maggie. Two people within our Benefice were candidates as they have limited IT to enable them to complete the required training online. It was a hugely successful morning with all 24 allocated training spaces (for those in the west of the Diocese) taken, and both our delegates passed both modules.

In 2025 a further face to face training session has been booked for September in church with Helen and Maggie hosting.

Cases in the Benefice have fluctuated throughout the last 12 months. Currently we have 5 Safeguarding needs.

Support by the Diocese is always at hand and has at times been needed.

Training for the Safeguarding Officer is increasing but is as up to date as possible. More recently the YouTube livestreaming of the services has been modified to ensure consent is received from those taking part in a service, or who might be within the camera shot, and that the actual filming does not capture the whole congregation. Written consent has been sought from those taking part or who might be reading during the services .

Maggie Anderson PSO.

THANK YOU

The PCC would like to express their thanks to all those who contributed to the activities of the Church and to those who give of their time in the maintenance and administration of the Church.

This Report and Accounts have been approved by the PCC. The accounts were signed by the Reverend Mark Capron on behalf of the PCC at their meeting on Monday 17[th] March 2025.

……………………………………………………….. Date ……………………………..

Rector – Rev Mark Capron

LIFE OF THE CHURCH IN 2024

As last year these Reports have been gathered under the titles of our Mission Action Plan, as launched in January 2023 to show how we are working towards the different Marks of Mission.

GLORY TO GOD

Worship Summary

We continue to have the church open all year round during the daytime (except when setting up and running major festivals). The Visitors book records many encouraging comments. The live streaming of weekly services has been of great benefit to those who are unable to come to church and has brought new members into our Congregation – some in person following watching services online.

Looking wider, as a Church we continued to welcome and supporte the work of Missionaries (with links to Open Doors and Mission Aviation Fellowship from whom we have welcomed visiting speakers to Sunday services) to a range of different countries throughout the world; the Remembrance Sunday Service supported the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, and Church members also supported the Samaritans Purse via the Shoe Box Appeal.

Ministry Leadership Team

Friday Prayer Meeting

Each Friday at 4pm anyone is welcome to join us either weekly or just occasionally, as we read some scripture and prayer for the needs of the local people, communities, the church and the wider needs of the World. We also pray the prayer requests left on the prayer board (chancel). Do join us!

Rev Mark

Music in Church – The Choir

Psalm 147. V1 and 7

“How good it is to make music for our God, how joyful to honour him with praise. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving.”

And so it is right that we sing and make music on instruments in our worship in church. Many of the hymns and songs we sing are rich in theological text. From them we can learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Music has a way of piercing into the deep parts of our soul, that assists in our expression and response to God and to the church.

Having a choir in our church with our very capable organist Clive not only helps to support our worship but allows us to broaden the repertoire of music that we can use in our worship, whether that be in learning new hymns and songs or singing for the congregation with anthems and motets.

The choir meets regularly each week to rehearse and learn new music for our weekly worship and for Festival services which requires commitment but is also very enjoyable at the same time. If you have a desire to sing regularly in our worship do not be frightened to ask to join us. No audition is needed!

This year has seen quite a few changes regarding the practicalities of where the choir store music and robes and change attire for services. I thank the choir for their patience and tolerance whilst all the alterations were being carried out and we have now settled happily into our new routines.

Thank you also to Michael for playing the organ for funerals and other occasional services in Dersingham. Roger du Bois - Choir Director

Psalm 150. V4

Music in Church – Blaze Band

“Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe.”

Blaze Band help to lead the worship songs and music at some Gathering and Combined Services. We are singers and musicians of all ages who enjoy being able to praise God with songs and music. For each service we arrange individual music parts matched to the skills and attributes of each player so everyone can feel included.

Our aim is to support young people with developing their music skills through playing alongside more experienced players. We currently have 13 regular band members, singers and instrumentalists playing a variety of instruments: violin, concertina, piano, guitars, flute, drums and other percussion.

We were very pleased to welcome the Dersingham Primary School Choir who joined us at the Christingle Service, and it was such a joy to have them singing and playing bells with us.

Playing together allows us to worship God with our skills and gifts, leading the congregation in praise and thanksgiving.

Roger du Bois – Band Leader

Music in Church – Thank you

The PCC and Ministry Leadership Team would like to thank all of the musicians who contribute to our Worship at St. Nicholas – Clive our dedicated Organist and Michael, Adrian & Roger who cover when Clive is unable to play; our Choir who lead us so expertly in our Choral Worship and further glorify the Lord with Anthems and special pieces; Steve Davis for playing at Tea & Carols and numerous Gathering Services (and other occasions) throughout the year; the Blaze Band for working together to produce harmony every time you lead us in worship and Roger for co-ordinating all of the different musical talents in our Church. Thank you all.

Church Bellringers

Heard in background, occasionally mentioned and that’s it.

The Bells cannot ring themselves so if anyone really is interested please contact me.

We have a core of four learners with two visiting Ringers. My hope is to ring for V.E. Day 8[th] May. Bell ropes are costly so rely on Wedding fees to raise funds. So “Newly Weds’ to be” think of the Ringers.

We meet every Monday Evening at 7.00pm. So call in to see what we do Alan Polaine – Tower Captain 07715 565765

Dersingham Descanters

We nearly disbanded!!

It was only the dedication and love of playing handbells that the team has survived. Commitment. Yet again we have just enough members to play the range of music that the Bell Sets cover.

We are not young and require younger members to carry on.

The team meet on a Tuesday evening at 7.00pm come along and listen. You may be persuaded to join. Alan Polaine – Chairman, Dersingham Descanters 07715 565765

The Church Flowers

I would like to thank all the people who have helped in any way with the flowers in church. The fact that we have fresh flowers is often mentioned by visitors to the church. Our small team of flower arrangers aim to provide fresh altar flowers every two weeks throughout the year (except for the period of Lent). We are grateful for extra helpers on special occasions such as Easter, Harvest and Christmas. There is a rota in the church porch that has some vacant weeks on. We would welcome new members to our team. You don't need to be an expert flower arranger, as we are happy to help. Because of building work in the church during 2024, the flower festival was postponed, and so we look forward to a wonderful event on 11th to 14th September which not only shows our beautiful displays of flowers but is an opportunity to welcome many people into our church.

Val Coleby.

RESPOND AND RELATE

Ministry to Children – ‘Little Nippers’ Baby & Toddler Group

Little Nippers meets in church every Monday morning during Term time, between 09.30-11am. Age range is from birth to school age. There have been 3 new babies, one with a sibling, join since starting back after the church reimagining project was finished. The team arrive prior to that the set up and ensure everything is ready.

It has been slow to build back up following the building of the new kitchen and toilets to the maximum allowed of 30. It is gradually increasing, and some weeks there have been 27, but others down to 15, however, it has been winter, and lots of bugs and viruses are around. Messages have gone out vial the correct channels to say that there are spaces available again for new starters.

It is great to be back after such a long break, which couldn’t be avoided due to the building works, and despite looking at other venues, we simply couldn’t have hosted it safely anywhere else. Regular communication continued throughout the period of building to keep people updated.

It is s a huge success and enjoyed by everyone each week.

We offer craft activities, sensory play, a table with play doh and puzzles etc. out for the little ones to play if they just want to explore, access to soft play, and music. They have a Bible Story, snack time and organised games as well as Prayer time at the beginning and end.

Each helper is DBS cleared and has undergone Safeguarding Training.

Pastorally, Little Nippers has helped several families who have received support, advice and encouragement. Sometimes the best thing you can give to someone who is experiencing a problem is time, and we are able to provide this, and it appears it helps enormously.

Maggie Anderson.

Ministry to Young People – Youth Café at The Well

Last September we opened the doors at the Well in Ingoldisthorpe to young people as an after school chillout zone.

Every Tuesday from 3pm till 5.30pm (during term time) the hall is open for fun, relaxation, milkshakes and cake. Lots of cake in fact! And it's all free. We usually have 15-20 young people from around the area and even had 25 one week!

There's plenty to do as well - table tennis, indoor archery, card games, board games and even twister. Occasionally we'll have a themed evening - in early March we borrowed a candy floss machine for everyone to try - and it's all free of course.

But it's not all about activities and dashing around. There are plenty of quieter spaces where conversation is encouraged, relationships explored and some of life's bigger issues are open to debate.

As the weather continues to improve we hope to make more use of the outside space and also have plans to borrow a professional ice-cream maker.

Andy Jackman

Ministry to Young People – ‘Elevation’ Youth Group

The young people enjoy meeting together on Sunday evenings. We play a variety of games. We have a bible discussion around a Christian video and delve into themes from these. The age range is school year 7 up; we welcome new young people to the group.

The group is run by Rev Mark and Emma Dinmore.

Rev Mark Capron.

Bible & Fellowship Groups

We have 3 Mid-Week Groups who meet on different days and times during the week. Please speak to a member of the Ministry Team for more information about times and locations.

Mothers’ Union – Dersingham Branch

The Mothers’ Union was founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner, a rector’s wife from a village in Hampshire who set up a support group to help mothers of all kinds in bringing up their families. After speaking to other church-going women at a local congress in 1885 she encouraged them to start similar groups in their parishes. From this small start the Mothers’ Union has grown to encompass around 4 million members in 83 countries and has evolved with the times so today anyone, male or female can join.

The Dersingham branch has been in existence for over 50 years, supporting family life. We continue to be active within the church, providing age-appropriate books for children at baptism, the potted pansies and Simnel cake for the annual Mothering Sunday service as well as being involved in the service and helping at the monthly church coffee mornings. We decorated a tree for the 2024 Christmas Tree festival with the message “Loving Lord, we pray for families around the world”. We currently have 25 members, having had two new members join during the year. We also support Mothers’ Union projects including the “Away from it All” holidays for vulnerable families and “Angel Tree” where presents are sent to prisoners’ children as coming from the absent parent.

During 2024 we had some varied meetings, including an “Epiphany Party” where we shared readings of poetry and stories about the Epiphany as well as enjoying a lovely Epiphany cake made by one of our members. We had interesting and varied talks from a butcher whose family owned a shop over four generations; a local funeral director; our Rector, Mark on the “Biblical Mary;” a quiet, reflective afternoon and an illustrated talk from a member on her love for Canada.

We had a lovely afternoon tea at Norfolk Lavender and another in a member’s garden at which we discussed a fundraising event which became a coffee morning to raise funds for our branch. We attended a Members’ Meeting in Norwich; we celebrated Mary Sumner Day with other branches at Fakenham and attended the annual Festival MU service in Norwich cathedral where there was a procession of the branches’ Mothers’ Union banners.

Our meetings are generally on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the Community Room at Orchard Close between 2pm and 4pm and are a mixture of talks from external/internal speakers on varied subjects interspersed with more social meetings (and there’s always refreshments). Details of our meetings can be found in the Parish Magazine and we welcome anyone, men as well as women, who are interested in what we do and stand for.

Anthea Aubrey-Jones, Branch Leader

ABILITY TO ACCESS

The Church Building – Church Warden’s Report

We continue to have the church open all year round during the daytime (except when setting up and running major festivals). The Visitors book records many encouraging comments.

There is a regular on-going monitoring of all aspects of the building to ensure that it is maintained in a sound condition.

Fabric, Goods and Ornaments

The supervision and care of such items is an on-going task. Any changes are recorded ni the inventory, which is available for inspection by arrangement.

Church Building

Building work on the major re-ordering project for the New Kitchen and Toilets and Storage Cupboards commenced in the summer, with the successful completion and celebratory opening in the autumn. This is the fulfilment of a long-perceived need to improve our facilities for our congregation and for visitors. The Intruder Alarm, Fire Extinguishers, Roof Alarm, and Gas Boilers were serviced. Small repairs around the building have been undertaken, when required, often by one of the Church Wardens. Numerous small tasks of routine maintenance were attended to throughout the year.

Finally, thanks from the Wardens

Again we extend our sincere thanks to all the people who give so much time and energy, often working quietly and anonymously to maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of our church. Thanks are also due to our cleaner, Susan, whose work is so much appreciated. We also appreciate those who assist her in this huge task.

Neil Adams and Thomas Wheeler.

The Church Building – Reordering Project to provide a new kitchen and accessible toilets. There were 3 elements required in the preparatory stage of this project –

Being granted a Faculty by the Diocese.
Agreeing the details of the work and an estimate with the selected Building Company.
Raising the funds required to fully carry out the work.

The Reordering committee worked very hard in the first half of 2024 and were able to achieve all these requirements so that the physical work could begin in July, to correspond with a quieter period in Church activities during the summer months.

There were no major issues discovered during the course of the works and the Archaeologists who were present to inspect the lowered floor of the Tower did not find anything requiring further investigation. (Their full report is available and archived with NCC). The building work was completed at the beginning of November and an Opening Celebration held. The final meeting to discuss any snagging issues with the Builder will be held in early May.

£125,000 had been raised prior to the start of the work from a combination of donations, grants and fund raising activities – particularly the community abseil event in May 2024.

To date £106,000 has been spent (including the new tables and chairs) and £7,044 of VAT has been reclaimed. There are some amounts to be paid at the end of the 6 month period to the Builder and Architect and also for the choir robe hanging rail, but the expectation is that there will be in excess of £25,000 remaining in the Reordering fund.

The facilities we are now enjoying is testimony to the hard work of many people within the Church, not just the Reordering Committee, the support and generosity of many, within and outside the Church, and to God’s perfect timing and provision.

Catering Team

For the duration of the building work in Church we held our monthly Coffee mornings at the Scout and Guide hut and a big thank you to Lyn Wheeler for arranging this. We were well supported during this time but couldn’t wait to get back to the Church.

The new Kitchen and toilets were officially opened in November 2024 and we were able to serve tea and cake to all who came to join in with this.

The completion of the new kitchen facilities in Church greatly helped towards a successful Christmas Tree Festival in 2024. It meant that we could offer more hot dishes such as soup, sausages and bacon sandwiches. Not to mention a few hot desserts.

We have also helped serve refreshments at various special Church services including Mothering Sunday, Mothers Union service and The Flowers of Hope service during 2024.

We have continued in 2025 with our monthly Coffee mornings in Church and have now moved on to using China cups and saucers plus tea pots for the drinks. This has made it easier for our ladies to serve although we have increased the washing up which is now easier with the dishwasher.

The tables look most attractive with their gingham tablecloths, flowers and cups and saucers.

Earlier this year we also took delivery of new tables, and new easier stacking chairs.

A big thank you goes to all our volunteer bakers without whom we would have to buy cakes which I know many people would still enjoy but we all do love homemade cakes.

This year we introduced Lent Lunches for the 6 Friday's up to Easter including a Deanery Service and these were attended every week by about 15 - 20 people. Thanks to Lynne Wheeler, Carol Prior and Anne Hyde who provided homemade soup and quiches.

Another big thank you must go to all our volunteers who help to serve on the Coffee morning or greet visitors at the door or load up the dishwasher and tidy up afterwards. They are Jackie Scott, Carol, Jean, Jackie Mehr, Rose, Maggie A and Shirley. Big thanks to Alan and Les who help set up on Thursday and then break down afterwards although Emma and her family will now be back to putting tables and chairs away for us.

It is still a huge undertaking setting up all the tables and chairs the day before a Coffee morning and ensuring it is all cleared away afterwards. Any offers to help to do this would be appreciated.

We are supported on the Coffee morning by a few stalls, our longstanding bookstall plus the lovely cards on the Card Stall – thank you to all who help on these and all those who donate jigsaws – this is always a popular stall. We also invite other charities to have occasional stalls.

For the rest of 2025 we now look forward to our 2 large occasions - the ‘Flower Festival’ in September and then the ‘Christmas tree’ festival in December.

We rely on volunteers and unfortunately this number decreases as we get older, it would be lovely if we could encourage more of the younger members of the congregation to help. If you would like to get involved, please do speak to any of the Catering Team.

The Catering team consists of Katrina, Lyn, Avril and Dot.

Katrina Mundy - Chair Catering Team.

Communications – Parish Church News (Monthly Magazine)

Janice started printing the magazine under Tom`s guidance and help in January 2023. Ron joined Janice in March 2023 – at that time we still needed a lot of help from Tom to print off the originals which we receive on a memory stick from Jackie the editor who puts the whole thing together.

Since then Ron has learnt (from Tom)! how to connect his laptop to the church internet and activate the photocopier. Initially Tom had to regularly rescue us as we hit various situations with the photocopier that we didn`t know how to resolve.

Although we understand it better now it can still surprise us with something new! The monthly magazine of 36 pages is printed on 9 A3 sheets for each magazine. One sheet prints pages 1, 2,35 and 36 in colour. These are the covers which have to be printed first and are on one flat sheet at that stage. The rest of the magazine is printed in black and white and uses the other 8 sheets of A3.

Tom had very helpfully put a programme on the photocopier which means we only have a few buttons to press to start the printing. The printed covers are fed in by a feeder at one side of the machine and as the insides are printed the covers are wrapped round them, folded and stapled from where we count and bundle and label them. Each magazine takes approx. one minute to print, so we usually print them in sessions over a three day period.

A group of volunteer distributors deliver them around this village and also Ingoldisthorpe, Shernbourne and Anmer. A few magazines are posted out to people with local connections and a copy is also delivered to each of the local camp sites.

Janice and Ron Cossou

Communications – The Weekly Newsletter

Our two sided weekly newssheet has continued this year, managed by our Benefice Administrator, Debbie. It is emailed out mid-week to all those who have asked for a copy, and paper versions are available throughout the week on the desk at the back of Church. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please speak to a Church Warden, or email the address printed on the paper copies.

COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY

Pastoral Oversight Team

The Team meets every 6 weeks, they discuss and talk about the welfare and care of those who need it, especially those who are bereaved, poorly, and lonely, in need of prayer.

The Pastoral Oversight Team also do home visits where required, telephone calls, home Holy Communion by Rev Mark & Adrian, and hospital visits.

They are very aware that not everyone wishes to have visits but would prefer to have a telephone call, or perhaps an email, or note put through the door. If the need is there, privacy is respected and we hold all up in prayer.

The meetings are confidential and notes are taken. All the team are DBS cleared and have completed Safeguarding Training.

Maggie Anderson.

Babybasics West Norfolk

During the year from the APCM in 2024 to now we have seen another busy year with 375 referrals being completed, with another 18 being completed but not required, for a number of reasons, some of which are as a result of a sad situation. So far as of now in 2025 we have completed over 100 referrals.

The trend looks set to continue, as families cope with the rising cost of just about everything they buy, as well as energy costs.

A safe sleeping space protects a baby from risks like suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, ensuring their health and well-being.

As we said last year, and as we always say, but sincerely mean, it is due to the continual support of local people, local businesses, larger organisations and those who provide us with items and financial donations and ‘grants’, that we are able to provide these and respond to each and of the referrals that are sent to us by those responsible for their care, otherwise we simply could not do what we do, and it is a privilege to volunteer to meet these needs.

It must be very hard to ask for help, some of the families we support have not previously needed help, but through no fault of their own now find themselves in situations out of their control. One of the reasons we do not meet our mums or families is to afford them the dignity and respect they deserve, as well as anonymity.

Two mums have visited us to donate, only for us to find that they had been recipients of our support when going through a difficult time and found themselves unable to provide. To say that they were emotional meetings is an understatement.

During the last 12 months we have had lots of local groups and businesses, as well as the Communications Team from the Diocese, visit us to see what we do and witness a Tuesday morning in church and we have had a variety of welcome invitations to speak at local groups.

A comment from a visitor who is a retired clergyman was made after a visit one Tuesday… ’I have witnessed more ministry in here this morning than in some church services over the last 50 years’. Tuesday has become an outreach in the church, one of welcome and witness. What a privilege.

As we head very quickly through this year, we are planning another fundraising event at the Royal Wolferton Station, on June 14[th] , and it will be lovely to welcome many of you again to enjoy the fun and beautiful location and refreshments.

More locally may we say again, a big thank you to our Church Family, our knitters, our ladies who sew for us, and those who volunteer to wash and iron our pre loved clothing donations, and for those who perhaps cannot support us but do so in Prayer. Thank you.

Maggie Anderson.

St. Nicholas Friendship Group

The Friendship Group continues to thrive and attendance at our monthly meetings is good thanks to the variety of interesting, informative and entertaining talks which continued to be on offer throughout 2024. Inclement weather does not seem to put anyone off attending. Advertising future events in the Church Magazine has been a considerable help as well. Once again, I am grateful to Ron for continuing to undertake the hard task of finding new speakers.

Our annual New Year Lunch took place at La Strange Arms Hotel, Old Hunstanton and was a great success with thirty attending. The quality of the food and service was excellent. Many members were happy to book the same venue for 2025.

I really appreciate the work and support of our small committee. Erich has decided to step down as secretary after many years of service in what was originally the Men’s Group. Thank you for your valued contributions to our Group. Janice has stepped in to fill the gap.

Many thanks to Helen and Betty for keeping us well refreshed with teas and coffees.

John Oughtibridge

Knit & Natter

Our group was started in 2007 when a small group of ladies got together to share a common interest. Over tea and biscuits or cake for special occasions we talk about our current projects swap patterns and tips for knitting and other crafts.

For more details contact June Crawshaw on 01485 543836 or Lindsey Davis on 01485 522363 or email lindsey@davista.co.uk.

June Crawshaw

ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE

The Churchyard – Church Warden’s Report

A considerable amount of time and attention has been given to the shortage of burial spaces, as the existing churchyard is almost full. We are pleased to confirm that progress to resolve this issue is being made.

Our volunteer Mole-Catcher has been busy and successful in reducing the amount of soil disturbance caused by these invasive creatures. West Norfolk Pests control have been given the task of limiting the destructive effects of the rabbits in the churchyard.

The Yew trees have had their annual trim and our tree surgeon has attended to other tasks as requested. A dead tree - a mature Norway Maple was removed from the Ashes Memorial Area. As we are in a conservation area approval for its felling had to be given by the Borough Council's arboricultural officer. We are obliged to replace it, although not necessarily with the same type of tree and not necessarily in the same area. An alternative Maple is due to be planted in the "old" churchyard in 2025.

Alan Cross of (Dersingham Building and Construction Co.) has repaired the outer part of the wall that runs behind the Ashes area. We are very grateful for the skill and care that he has taken over this. Further work will be required.

The work of our groundsman has been very satisfactory, but unfortunately, he is unable to continue beyond 2024. An alternative contractor has been appointed for 2025.

The ECO group have been active in various tidying and maintenance jobs around the churchyard. There has also been a small group of volunteers who have worked during some summer evenings, whose main focus has been on the Ashes Memorial area, particularly the N. end of this area. The first (almost) half of this area is very well tended on regular basis by the sister of our Church Secretary, for which we are very grateful.

Neil Adams & Thomas Wheeler