The Church of St James the Apostle Birstwith Part 2 Part 3 pdf file of full reports
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
For the year ended 31st December 2004
Vicar and Assistant Area Dean: Rev Garry A.F. Hinchcliffe The Vicarage, Church Lane, Hampsthwaite HG3 2HB
House-for-duty priest: The Revd George Mackey
Deacon: The Revd Judy Mackey The Vicarage, Wreaks Road, Birstwith Harrogate, N.Yorkshire HG3 2NJ
Banks: National Westminster Bank PLC 3, Cambridge Crescent Harrogate & National Giro Bank Liverpool
Independent Examiner: Mr Jim Clough 26 Florence Road Harrogate HG1 2JJ
THE CHURCH OF ST JAMES THE APOSTLE, BIRSTWITH ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2004
The parish mission statement is:
ST JAMES'S CHURCH IS A WELCOMING FAMILY, WORSHIPPING GOD AND EXTENDING CHRIST'S WORK IN THE WORLD, JOYFULLY SERVING AND CARING FOR ALL IN THE VILLAGE COMMUNITY
BACKGROUND
St James's Parochial Church Council has the responsibility of co-operating with the house-for-duty priest and deacon, the Revd George Mackey and the Revd Judy Mackey respectively, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also assists the Church Wardens in maintaining all church property. The PCC is a charity excepted from registration with the Charity Commission and is accountable for the administration of the finances of the church. This special excepted status is scheduled to expire in a few years, after which strict compliance with the Rules imposed by the Charity Commission will become essential.
MEMBERSHIP
Members of the PCC either serve ex officio or are elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. It was agreed at the last APCM that up to 9 members of the laity would be elected to serve (without re-election) for up to three years, ensuring as far as is possible that a third of elected members are elected each year.
During the year the following served as members of the PCC:
HOUSE-FOR-DUTY PRIEST: The Revd George Mackey
DEACON: The Revd Judy Mackey
READERS: Mr Ian Paxton
Mrs Barbara Blinston (to February 2005)
WARDENS: Mr Norman Castle (from May 2004 & PCC Chair from March 2004)
Mrs Ann Taylor (from May 2003)
Mr Guy Wilson (to May 2004)
REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DEANERY SYNOD:
Mrs Sue Baugh (May 2004 - May 2005)
Mrs Barbara Blinston (May 2004 - May 2005)
Mrs Ann Taylor (to May 2004)
Mrs Elspeth Wright (May 2002-May 2005)
Mr Guy Wilson (June 2002-May 2004)
REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DIOCESAN SYNOD:
Mrs Elspeth Wright (until Sept 2006)
ELECTED MEMBERS: Mrs Janet Mitchell (from APCM 2003, Secretary from June 2003)
Mrs Fiona Aagaard (from APCM 2002)
Mrs Sue Baugh (until APCM 2004 then ex-officio)
Mr Darren Bush (from APCM 2004)
Mr Norman Castle (to APCM 2004 then ex-officio)
Mrs Louise Garnett (from APCM 2003)
Mr Clint Hodgson (co-opted from APCM 2004-5)
Mr John C. Hodgson (from APCM 2004)
Mrs Gillian Hovell (from APCM2004)
Mrs Trudi Pardoe (from APCM 2004)
Mr Maurice Worsnop (from APCM 2004)
TREASURER: Mrs Pamela Wilson (appointed and in attendance)
COMMITTEES:
The PCC operates through a number of committees, which meet between full meetings of the PCC. Details of activities appear later in this report. During 2004 the following committees operated.
Standing Committee (Chair: Norman W. Castle) - This is the only committee required by law. It sets the agendas for PCC meetings and has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council.
Finance Committee (Treasurer & Chair: Pam Wilson) - This committee oversees the general financial dimension of the work of St James's by advising the Treasurer, monitoring income and expenditure, budgeting and co-ordinating the annual review of the Christian Stewardship of money through planned giving. Currently it operates without a chair??
Fabric Committee (Chair: Harry Eastland to March 2004; Maurice Worsnop from June 2004) - This committee attends to matters relating to the stewardship of plant, such as the church buildings and the churchyard.
Church Hall Committee (Chair: Elaine Burge) - This committee attends to the needs of the church hall and its bookings.
Stewardship (Giving Officer: John Hindle) - This committee worked very closely with the PCC in launching the revised Stewardship Campaign.
Fundraising (Chair: Fiona Aagaard to Sept. 2004; Geoffrey Raspin from Sept. 2004) - This committee co-ordinates an annual fundraising campaign to meet income targets set by the PCC.
Music Committee (Chair: John Mitchell) - This committee exists to ensure that music plays a vital part in worship and the life of the church liaising with the Worship Committee and Sunday Club as well as co-ordinating the activities of orchestra and choir.
Worship (Co-Chairs: Rev George & Rev Judy Mackey) - This committee works with the incumbent and advises the PCC as necessary on matters relating to worship and liturgy.
Outreach Ministry Group (Chair: John Hindle) - in process of co-ordinating and implementing a comprehensive Outreach Programme for 2005 under specified headings/activities.
After full consultation with all concerned, recommendations from a small working party (which was tasked in 2003 with investigating the operation of all current committees) were agreed upon. This resulted in formalising the structure of each committee or group through agreed remits and a regular reporting system. The PCC wishes to place on record its thanks to the chairs and members of all these committees/groups. We acknowledge and appreciate the talents of so many committed people to the work of the church and parish which helps to keep the church functioning and alive.
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
At the end of the year 2004 there were 140 people on the Church Electoral Roll, 42 of whom were not resident within the parish. During the year 15 names were added and none were removed.
Average Sunday attendance of adults counted during Oct. 2004 = 76 (+ 19 children) (Oct.2003=90). Easter Day communicants 147 (155 attended) (2003= 108; 136 attended)
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass 66 (77 attended) : (2003=65; 82 attended).
There have been 10 Baptisms, 3 Funerals incl. Burial of Ashes and 3 Weddings.
REVIEW OF THE YEAR
The 1st April 2004 marked the Union of the Benefice of Birstwith:
with Hampsthwaite and Killinghall being confirmed by Order of Her Majesty's Privy Council.
An additional note to Clause 5 of the Order stated: "The intention of the diocese is that Birstwith Saint James the Apostle Vicarage should continue to be used for a house for duty priest".
THE PCC
The PCC met formally 10 times during the year with an average attendance of 14. In addition there was one extraordinary special meeting held in October with the Stewardship Committee. As a result of this meeting a new Stewardship Campaign was launched with the slogan "Here Today - Gone Tomorrow" (Ref St James's Church) in late November. The Appeal letter was sent to each house in the parish as well as Electoral Roll members who were non-resident.
The PCC wish to thank the Fundraising Committee for their excellent work in raising funds which helped to keep our deficit to a relative small one. A Purchase Order system was installed to enable tighter control of any expenditure.
As a result of a Disability Audit the PCC took the following actions:
· Applied to the Diocese for a Faculty to provide four spaces for wheelchairs and/or pushchairs within the back pews at the rear of the Church Nave (The Faculty was granted in December 2004 and alterations started early 2005);
· Signage provision - indicating emergency exits, toilets, disabled parking, etc. (This has been done);
· Continuous handrail provision - along fencing on left hand side of steps leading up to the car park (Quote in hand but still to be done);
· Fire Drill - a practice to comply with Health & Safety rules has been carried out once at Morning Service and succeeded in clearing the church in under one minute.
Churchyard:
· Triangular Area at North Side of Churchyard steps:
This has been cleared and planted with snowdrop bulbs to maintain as a memorial garden for young children (see press photo p.12);
· Attention to safety of headstones to graves completed subject to six monthly inspection by the wardens;
· General maintenance.
MAINTENANCE OF THE FABRIC
Due to the dire financial situation it was only possible to carry out work which was covered either by generous donations or grants from various organisations, or voluntary time. As a result the following projects were completed:
· New boiler installed;
· Church hall floor refurbished and hall decorated; new tables purchased;
· Church hall kitchen - new cooker installed; new cupboard doors and worktop fitted; worn lino replaced with wood effect flooring; and decorated;
· Choir Vestry - refurbishment programme commenced with tackling some damp problems and complete redecoration.
· Other minor works arising from the Quinquennial Review 2000; the next quinquennial inspection will take place in 2005.
The PCC are again most grateful for the generous gifts in money and time to enable the above items to be carried out.
GIFTS TO THE CHURCH
To be recorded in the Church Inventory = This year we have received a new kneeler.
Ratified for publication on behalf of the PCC NORMAN CASTLE ANN TAYLOR Church Warden & Chairman Church Warden
17th February 2005 St James the Apostle, BirstwithAnnual Parochial Church Meeting March 2005
Reports from Church Sub-Committees and Groups for the year ended December 2004
MUSIC COMMITTEE
The Music Committee met approximately every two months throughout the year to keep an eye on musical affairs in the Parish. We were very pleased to welcome Sarah Warnes as Organist and Choir Leader who joined us at Easter. [Sarah has written below on the significant progress she has made with the choir so far}. We are extremely indebted to all organists who so willingly gave of their time to play following Roy Bradshaw's retirement in June 2003 until new Organist's appointment and to those who play instruments during Sunday morning Eucharist services.
Apart from events related to services, four concerts were held in 2004. The Easter Monday concert was given as part of the Harrogate International Youth Music Festival by the Ararat Band who had travelled 3000 miles by bus from Armenia! Concerts were also given by The Ashthorpe Quartet, now a firm summer favourite, David Darling's Verse and Chorus and the Nidd Chorale. These three concerts raised in total well over £1000 for Church Funds as well as making significant contributions to performers as well.
It is great that some young players are coming forward to take part in the Communion Music Rota and we hope to develop this further. Geoffrey Herbert's resignation represents a sad loss from the Committee - we appreciated his wisdom as well as his expertise on the piano and wish him well. My thanks to everyone on the Committee for their work during the year and also to the many unsung helpers without whom none of the events would happen. John Mitchell, Chairman
Orchestra
The orchestra has gone from strength to strength this year, not so much in numbers as in the standard of playing. All our players are making great strides in their music-making and, for those taking exams, many have gone up at least one grade. We played for 10 Family Services during the year and for Songs of Praise in April, no mean feat when you consider that the players have less than one hour and a half rehearsal time for each service. This is a great credit to their enthusiasm and a willingness to learn quickly! The one social event, a swimming trip, was a great success too. Plans for 2005 include developing our "secular" repertoire and the possibility of playing for a Family Service in another church as well. We are very pleased to have Nick Shaw from Henshaw's College playing his cello regularly with us - his impromptu piano recitals afterwards are much admired! Thanks to everyone involved in the orchestra - it is a great privilege to be able to make music with you all. John M
Choir
I am pleased to report that we now have a promising Junior Choir of eight girls all of whom are working towards their first RSCM light blue ribbon. Choir practice is on Wednesday evenings at 6.30 -7.30p.m. and most of them attend regularly. I am very grateful to Elaine Thomas for being present as a second adult and extra pair of hands. The girls are becoming more used to robing up after Sunday club and singing the last 3 hymns from the choir stalls. This regular participation in the morning service is of course a pre-requisite for attaining their RSCM ribbons. They sang very nicely at the joint Christingle service with Hampsthwaite.
The highlights of the past year were Harvest Choral Evensong and the Nine Lessons and Carols, for which our choir was joined by friends from the village and Hampsthwaite Methodist Church. Both were splendid occasions in which the choir, adults and children, sang well.
Having been organist/choir director for almost a year, I have reluctantly come to accept that, for the adults, regular attendance at Choir practice or in the Choir Stalls on Sundays is more than I can expect given the many other commitments in their lives. Nevertheless over the next few months I shall be encouraging a regular commitment from all choir members to provide anthems for Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, the Confirmation service in May and Pentecost. To this end I have drawn up a rehearsal schedule incorporating some Wednesdays and some Fridays in the hope that everyone will be able to attend some of the rehearsals.
The choir is short of four part music Hymn books and I am looking into the price of buying some more.
Sarah Warnes, Organist & Choir Mistress
CHURCH HALL
Almost all the Hall refurbishment is now complete.
The Beavers eventually moved to Hampsthwaite Memorial Hall when their leaders changed. The new leaders live in Hampsthwaite! The new Birstwith School Playgroup failed to materialize due to lack of funding. (Fortunately, Maureen Rush's art classes have returned in 2005. We hope very much hope they continue to be a success.)
The voluntary rotas for general cleaning and washing linen have kept working well which save further expense and we are very grateful to all involved.
Regular paying users of the Hall continue to be the W.I., Children's Society, and Allez Vins! It continues to be a popular venue for children's parties. In addition, it is used regularly for most Church events. Takings received during 2004 at £1,277, were down on 2003 but the future looks brighter! Hall meetings were held in February and April 2004 and liaison takes place each month with the PCC through reports; we were very sorry to lose Margaret Umpleby, our cleaning rota expert, from this committee. John Dawson,
Bookings co-ordinator
FABRIC COMMITTEE
Several major items remain outstanding from the 2000 quinquennial inspection and properly they should be done this year:
· The fence below the Car Park needs major repair or replacement (the latter is truly the only viable alternative), a replacement metal fence would cost in the order of £2,000, awaits decision on finance and need for faculty application.
· North outer doors need repair and repainting as does the Vicar's Vestry door.
· Oil tanks to be cleaned and painted.
· Longer term - re-point boundary walls in the region of the Western gate.
· Initial actions arising from the disability audit have been started, namely improved signage and positions for wheel chairs within the body of the church, other issues are under consideration.
· The church boiler has been replaced.
Harry Eastland (Chair to June 2004)
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
Events 2004
4 April BRUNCH 448.00
9th May JUMBLE SALE 483.00
12th June FAMILY TREASURE HUNT & CONCERT 430.00
(total of £860 shared with Friends of Birstwith School)
1st August SHOWFIELD LUNCH (170.00 paid Mar.2005)
12th November RACE NIGHT 3219.00
Sundry extra income 276.00
Total paid to Church account £4856.00
The Brunch (2004) was a well enjoyed event with many enthusiastic helpers of all ages.
The Jumble Sale organisers came up trumps yet again.
The Family Treasure Hunt with Treasure Trove Stall and Cream Teas proved to be a great (and challenging!) adventure for families and individuals alike, great fun being had by all. The day finished with a splendid concert in the Church.
The Sunday Showfield Service and Lunch were very popular and the good weather and committed volunteers made it another most enjoyable occasion.
The Race Night was an unqualified success with a magnificent total being raised during an evening of tremendous fun and excitement.
Many thanks to all who helped to make these events so successful by committing not only their time but sometimes their patience! Thanks also to Fiona for her unstinting work and unfailing support in the fundraising activities. Without so much hard work from so many people such a pleasing result would not have been achieved.
We ask all supporters of St James's and indeed all members of our Parish to join in the various activities planned for 2005. We feel able to guarantee that a great deal of fun is available for those of all ages whilst they, at the same time, help with the finances of the Church by taking part.
Geoffrey Raspin, Chairman
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Phase 1 and 2 of the three-phase approach reported in 2003 resulted in a limited response. Phase 3 was therefore amended to include all the residents of Birstwith Parish.
This phase resulted in 14 new regular givers and an increase in regular giving of some £3359 enabling a tax reclaim of some £947.
Total Gift Aid giving in 2004 amounted to £15,513 and Regular Gift Aid Giving in 2005 is expected to amount to some £15,000.
Regular committed giving can therefore be said to be rising, however this must be viewed against a PCC intention of meeting total regular expenditure of £42,000 in 2005 from this source. £30,900 of this total regular expenditure is payable to the Diocese in the form of Share.
Efforts to bridge this gap are continuing. In the meantime one off gifts and fundraising activities are keeping annual deficits and drawings on investment account capitals to a minimum.
John Hindle, Chairman & Giving Officer
BELL RINGERS
The Church Bells are regularly checked for any defects and are in good condition. Some of the ropes will need splicing at a later time this summer. There are six or seven ringers available some Sunday mornings and other ringers in addition that can be called upon for weddings special occasions from Harrogate Towers. Practice night is usually on a Tuesday from 8 - 8.45 p.m. approx. A young person is being trained, at the moment, to ring the bells. If there are any more dedicated teenagers who are interested in "learning the ropes" please contact me - we are quite relaxed about it and at times plenty of good humour takes place - so don't hesitate to join us if you wish to be a campanologist!! Maurice Worsnop, Tower Captain (Tel: 770654)
THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY
There are currently 88 collection boxes out in the Birstwith area which yielded £1,150 and this year's box opening and coffee morning raised £116.40.. Most of this money is made up of loose change and it is staggering how it mounts up. Many thanks to everybody who holds a box, as every donation, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated.
Once again the junior discos have proved a welcome source of income, raising approximately £355 over the year. The children also took part in the Christingle Service, when the collection was £105.47.
We again sold Christmas cards at the coffee morning this year, raising a further £105 and John Mitchell kindly organised an evening of carol singing around the village when £105.15 was collected.
In summary, we have raised nearly £2,000 over the year in the village for the Children's Society. Sincere thanks to the Support Group and all who have helped, in whatever way, with this fund raising. Penny Louden
CHURCH MISSION SOCIETY
We have once again been in regular contact with Rev Roger & Diana Wild through our Reader, Ian Paxton, but we were also able to meet up with Diana in July at Holy Trinity, Ripon which was a great experience. Di was over for the expected birth of their third grandchild so, through her connections with Holy Trinity, preached at evensong to an invited congregation of friends, past parishioners and other link churches. Once again, I am putting all e-mails on the church hall notice board for everyone to read. Their work load is ever increasing and, after the recent horror in Asia of the Tsunami, their support to all Church Mission Society Personnel in Asia is proving invaluable. Money sent towards their support is ongoing with the PCC annual pledge; in addition tea and coffee donations amounted to £280 and the Webb Ivory commission £170. Also the Harvest Supper was so successful this year that the amount raised, after all expenses were paid, was split 50/50 with the Church Boiler fund. So a big thank you to everyone involved. Please continue to remember Roger and Di in all your prayers. Thank you to everyone for their hard work in raising this money and also contributions from floodlighting celebrations . Thelma March, Local Representative
CHURCHYARD
I would like to thank all the volunteers who have assisted with the maintenance of the churchyard this year. I am sure you will all agree with me, when the grass is cut and the car park and paths are clean, it does make the church more welcoming. This year has seen the car park wall and fence repaired, trees have been lopped and some small bushes and ivy removed from the small triangular garden by the North front steps. Further work has still to be done. The long grass around the churchyard has been killed off to assist with the grass cutting. Finally, I still need grass cutters and sweepers, so if you have half an hour to spare at your convenience - Please contact me…. Edward March Tel: 770891
CREATIVE CRAFTS
Birstwith Creative Crafts Group has not had a meeting this year, as our intended project (repairing the green altar frontal) has been thwarted due to lack of information. The necessary knowledge, after taking almost a year to obtain, fills us with dismay as the braid we need would have to be specially made at a cost of about £350 per metre! Apart from the cost there may be restrictions on the work we can do, which will have to be looked at before anything is started.
A few kneelers are still being worked, and only one has been completed this year.We now await the PCC's decision on the green altar frontal and then decide what has to be done. Brenda Eastland Tel: 772481
GOOD NEIGHBOURS
During 2004, 15 "Welcome Packs" giving detailed information useful to new residents have been handed. Details are as follows:-
3 packs to the Nidds Area; 3 to Birstwith Grange; 2 to the Allotments; 2 to Clapham Green; 2 to Belmont Grosvenor School area; and 3 to High Birstwith.
Unusually, some changes in the Good Neighbours' Team have taken place during the year. After many years of service Irene Kelly, who has looked after the Village Shop area, has recently been replaced by Rosie Bird; Carol Packer, Good Neighbour for the Tang area, has been replaced by Pam Wilson; and Gaye Cruse, responsible for Reynard Crag Lane area, replaced by Clare Granger. Our grateful thanks go to Irene, Carol & Gaye for all the support they have given to the community over the years, and also to Rosie, Pam and Clare for stepping in and joining the team.
The Annual Meeting took place on 13th October, after which the lists of areas and residents were duly amended and the information pack brought up to date from pooled information.
Could everyone join in the work of the "official" Good Neighbours by making sure that George and Judy are made aware of anyone in the Parish who is sick or in Hospital, preferably with the name of the Ward.
Brenda Dawson, Co-ordinator
LUNCHEON CLUB
2004 was our 3rd year back in the Hall. We continue to have forty four people on the books with an average attendance of 38, but 53 at Christmas. We have the same team of helpers and have not increased the charges. As we did not give any money to charity during 2003, we were able to hand over £600. in 2004, mainly to local charities, as well as £400. to the Church Hall funds. The new cooker has made meal preparation much easier and safer. Elaine Burge, Organiser