Annual Parochial Church Meeting
2010
Reports
PCC
Fabric
Deanery
Churchwarden
Treasurer
Stewardship
Mission Group
Worship & Music Group
Readers & Intercessors
Sacristans
Cleaning
Coffee Club
Sunday Drinks
Bells
Guides
Beavers
Cubs
Scouts
Salvation Army Band
Hospital Drinks
Plasma
Butterflies
Servers
Flowers
Church
Tote
Christian
Aid

Quinquennial
Report

BRF
Report
Creche
Music
Junior Church
 
DIOCESE OF COVENTRY – PARISH OF WALSGRAVE

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2010 – 21st March

At 11.15 am ST MARY’S CHURCH CENTRE


AGENDA


1. Apologies

2. Meeting of Parishioners for election of Churchwardens

3. Minutes of 2009 Annual Parochial Church Meeting

4. Matters arising

5. Annual Report and Accounts

6. Report on the Goods, Fabric and Ornaments of St Mary’s

7. Coventry East Deanery Synod Report

8. Presentation of Electoral Roll

9. Election of 8 Representatives to serve on PCC

10. Reports from Parish Groups

11. Election of Electoral Roll Officer

12. Appointment of Independent Examiner

13. Any Other Business

Parochial Church Council.

St Mary’s Walsgrave
Hall Lane
Coventry
CV2 2AW

Diocese of Coventry

Annual Report 2009

 

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Mary’s presents its annual report and accounts in respect of the year to 31st December 2009. The PCC is a charity exempted from registration with the Charity Commissioners.

Background

St Mary’s PCC has the responsibility with the incumbent, the Revd Malcolm Tyler, for promoting the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical in the ecclesiastical parish of Walsgrave-on-Sowe in the Diocese of Coventry. In addition they have maintenance responsibilities for the Church Hall situated in Athol Road, Walsgrave.

Membership

Members of PCC are elected by the APCM in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

During the year the following served as members of PCC.

Incumbent:
The Revd Malcolm Tyler Chair, ex officio

Other Ordained Staff:
The Revd Frances Tyler (until May 2009)
The Revd Stella Bailey (from July 2009)


Readers
Lorraine Baker ex officio
Sue Morton Deanery Synod member
Tony Thistlewood ex officio, Vice Chair
and Secretary(until APCM 009)

Wardens
Barbara Hancox
John Aspden


Representatives on the Deanery Synod
Stephen Baker
Sue Morton Secretary (from APCM 2009)
Sheila Wick

Elected Members
Betty Dakin
Mervyn Hancox Treasurer
Jean Hudson (until APCM 2009)
Keith Lashley
Carl Newman (from APCM 2009)
Eve Stuart
Mel Smith (from APCM 2009)
Kerry Tutchings (until APCM 2009)
Ann Walker


Committees

The PCC operates through a number of committees or groups which met between full meetings of the PCC.

The following committees operated during the year:

Standing Committee Mission Group Worship Group PLASMA

Church Attendance

The electoral roll was revised during February and March. Numbers reported to the APCM in March were 123, of whom 48 are not resident within the Parish boundaries.

The average Sunday adult attendance counted between February and April was 72. The average attendance of those under 18 counted over the same period was 17. Over the same period the average adult attendance on Wednesday morning was 14.

Review of the year

The full PCC met 10 times during the year (including an extra ordinary meeting in December) with an average level of attendance of 75%.

At the beginning of the PCC year some time was given over to the document Signposts to the Future which had been launched at the Bishop’s Visitation to admit Churchwardens. PCC sent its comments to the Bishop and received a reply from him thanking PCC for its contribution to the discussion. In the summer PCC also had to discuss issues surrounding the reception of the common cup because of Swine Flu. In line with other churches, the common cup was withdrawn at the bishop’s instruction and PCC discussed how and when it might be re-instated. The common cup was restored in October.

PCC also devoted some time to preparations for Stella’s arrival, principally discussing housing issues though arrangements for the party after her ordination were also discussed.

PCC discussed the Social programme at the Church on several occasions, inviting Gary Croshaw to attend one meeting to discuss the Salvation Army Band Concert. Several quiz evenings were held during the year and Mel Smith organised a Harvest Meal in October. Sadly it has not been possible to organise a social programme for 2010 as yet.

PCC also agreed to the repair of the Church clock in September. Sadly because of the death of the repairer’s son in November this work is yet to be completed though PCC is grateful to Barry Walker’s efforts in raising money for this project by undertaking the Historic Churches Cycle Ride in September and for other donations received.

PCC received and accepted a report from Mission Group in November which proposed levels of Charitable giving for the year. We acknowledged that Sue Morton had led this group for a number of years and wished to step down at the next APCM. We were grateful to her and her group for all the work they had given to this area of ministry over the years.

Following the theft of lead from the Church Roof in November, PCC gave considerable time to considering options available to them for the repair of the roof. It was decided to seek permission to replace the stolen lead with stainless steel, a metal with far less scrap value than lead and this was granted. Work began on the repairs in January 2010. It was also decided to launch a local appeal within the Parish for help towards the shortfall in costs given that the insurance pay out would be limited to £5,000 for repairs.

At its extraordinary meeting in December, PCC also agreed to appoint a heating consultant to help improve the heating in Church. It is hoped that by the end of 2010 a new heating system will be in place for the church which will be more efficient than the present one.

During the year Malcolm attended a deanery meeting to decide upon the levels of Parish Share each Parish should be expected to pay in 2010.

Because of the recession no progress has been made during the year on any proposed development of the Church Hall site.

Special events during the year included the Wedding Preparation Day in February (for those preparing to be married at St Mary’s), and the Bereavement Service in November. Both were well attended. After Stella’s ordination in July a party was held in the Church Centre for her guests and church members which was also well attended. Harvest gifts were donated to the organisation Kairos in Hillfields whilst toys from the Toy Service in December were donated to the Salvation Army. During Lent two groups met on Wednesday (one in the morning and one in the evening) to discuss a Lent book Lentwise by Paula Gooder. A group continued to meet on the first Wednesday of each month following the Evening Lent Course and this has been appreciated. Since Stella’s arrival another group has also met on the third Wednesday of each month to look at some Bible passages in greater depth than is possible on a Sunday.

Coventry City Salvation Army Band again held a concert in September which raised a significant amount for both the Church and the Salvation Army. PCC’s thanks again go to Gary Croshaw and his team for organising this.

Money collected through the Annual Christmas Card was donated to the Myton Hospice Butterfly Garden.

During the year the following number of occasional offices were conducted at St Mary’s

Weddings (including 1 Blessing of Marriage) 15
Funerals in Church 12
Funerals at the Crematorium 14
Burials of cremated remains 5
Baptisms 25

Members of the congregation and ordained staff have continued to take Holy Communion to members of the Parish at home during the year and the Beavers were able to sing Carols at St Martin’s Nursing Home once again.

Classes have visited the Church from Walsgrave Primary School, and Sir Frank Whittle School. Services have been held at Christmas, Harvest and Easter for Walsgrave School. Lorraine Baker, Alison Liggins, Gill Tompsett and Malcolm Tyler have continued to represent the Church as Foundation Governors at Walsgrave School, Lorraine and Alison having been re-elected to serve for another four years in the summer. Malcolm and Stella regularly lead collective worship in school assemblies at Walsgrave School and Stella was asked during the year to lead the Harvest assembly at Pearl Hyde School.

For and on behalf of PCC

Malcolm Tyler

Index
Fabric of the church

Report on the Goods,Fabric and Ornaments of St Mary's 2009
2009 had been a relatively good year until the night of 4th/5th November! We had suffered very little in the way of vandalism either at the Church or Church Hall. Unfortunately this all changed that night. Vandals were interrupted by the Police in the middle of the night whilst attempting to steal some lead from the Church Centre Roof. Although disturbed, the damage was done and for the rest of the year we suffered. The lead had been removed from the rain water gullies that surround the flat roof of the Church Centre and the lead flashing between the Church and Church Centre was also disturbed. As a consequence, despite some initial temporary repairs water came into the buildings with every rain shower. In December the task of keeping the Centre usable seemed very difficult and our thanks go to all who helped either with the mopping and tidying or with the moral encouragement. Fortunately, although work is not yet complete, the roof has been repaired (with stainless steel rather than lead) and the Centre is dry once more. Decorative work will begin after Easter when the woodwork is much drier. Unfortunately considerable cost has been incurred. In total the bill for the roof repairs have come to slightly over £14,000 though VAT should be reclaimable under the Listed Places of Worship Scheme. Of this only £5,000 can be reclaimed from the Insurance Company because of a limit to claims caused by the theft of lead. Consequential damage to the Centre is currently running at about £3,800 all of which should be reclaimed from the Insurance Company though PCC will have to decide what to do about the Centre carpet. As a consequence of all of this PCC launched an appeal to fund the shortfall and we are very grateful to the generosity of both members of the congregation and the Parish more generally who have supported this so magnificently.

Routine maintenance has been carried out at the Church and Centre throughout the year. The organ has been tuned and maintained (£183), the fire extinguishers (£104) and burglar alarm (£321) serviced. Ad hoc repairs have been carried out as necessary by various members of the congregation for which PCC is grateful. Sadly although PCC decided to sanction the repair of the Tower Clock following gifts by members of the congregation and a successful fund raising bike ride by Barry Walker, the tragic death of the clock repairer has delayed this work. We had hoped that the work might be completed in January 2010 but the clock is still awaiting repair as we write.

We were fortunate to receive the gift of a new computer during the year for which PCC was particularly grateful.

The churchyard was regularly tidied by a group of Social Services trainees (at a total cost of £387 for the year) and other maintenance work was carried out by Coventry City Council.

The area of land adjacent to the Church Hall was maintained by Malcolm Tyler this year and PCC is grateful for his hard work during the Spring, Summer and Autumn. The Hall was also cleaned regularly for free by a member of the congregation for which PCC is extremely grateful.

Barbara Hancox and John Aspden

Index.

Coventry East Deanery

Coventry East Deanery Synod Report

The Synod met on four occasions during the year. In March John Hall, Diocesan Director of Social Responsibility, came to update us on the work he was doing in the diocese. Synod spent about ¾ hour looking at the problems represented in the deanery. Perhaps unsurprisingly at the time, the economic situation and the difficulties of finding employment with its associated problems featured highly in the discussion.

In June, Carole Clarke the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, came to St Peters’ in Hillfields and led a good evening on Child Protection issues. The synod, open to any PCC member on that occasion, split into several groups to look at specific case studies. This was very helpful.

In September at St Philip’s Potters Green, members of the Parish Share Consultation Group visited the Synod to explain the proposed new system for assessing Parish Share. This Synod open to all Treasurers was well attended with many questions being asked.

In December, Greg Bartlem, The Diocesan Youth Officer came to St Bartholomew’s to talk about Pioneer Ministry within the Diocese and Church of England generally. One of Greg’s responsibilities is to develop Pioneer Ministry within the diocese. If you are uncertain about the meaning of the term Pioneer Ministry, it came about following the debates on Mission within the Church and is specifically seen as a way of encouraging church association with those who have had little or no contact with formal church in the past.

Malcolm Tyler

Index.
Churchwarden

Churchwardens’ Report

We would like to thank all the members of our congregation who are on the various rotas and carry out the many and varied tasks necessary to ensure that the church functions efficiently, which includes the assorted repairs and maintenance jobs. Quite often people are asked to do things at short notice and the response is always a positive one.

As we can no longer afford a cleaner, a new rota has been drawn up which combines the cleaning of the Church and the Centre but on which people only appear four times a year. The duties and guidance on which coloured mops and cloths to use for what, are on the back of the cleaning cupboard door to ensure that we comply with current cleaning standards.

On the 5th July the congregation went to the Cathedral to support the ordination of Stella Bailey who was joining us as our new curate. She has brought her own style of worship and we would like to thank her and the rest of the team, Malcolm, Tony, Sue, Lorraine and Owen for their leadership.

The theft of the lead from the Centre roof is the event which dominated the end of the year and we would like to record how helpful, accommodating and understanding people were whilst we had wet carpets, buckets everywhere and the consequent disruption. Also there were those who again went the extra mile in the mopping up, emptying buckets and sorting out the loft - a big thank you to all.

Barbara Hancox and John Aspden

Index.
Treasurer

Treasurer’s Report

It is satisfying to be able to report an improvement in our overall financial situation in that our accounts for 2009 show an increased surplus over the marginal one for the previous year. There is unfortunately however no room for complacency as we are facing higher costs and reduced income from the funds that we hold.

As an example, Parish Share which is the contribution we are required to make annually to the Diocese, has increased from £36,513 to £38,406. The congregation’s giving is the main source of income to pay this and our other running costs so it would be much appreciated if you are able to review what you give.

In addition to our routine costs, PCC is planning to install a new central heating system in church this year and we are due our Quinquennial Inspection. This is an inspection of the church buildings carried out by an architect approved by the Diocese, which will provide a report on all the repairs and maintenance needed.

Regular giving via a standing order or the envelope scheme and signing up for Gift Aid if you are a taxpayer, which enables the church to reclaim your tax, is beneficial in that it makes our budgeting more straightforward and will help towards achieving a positive outcome to this year.

Mervyn Hancox

Index.
Quinquennial Report

 

Index.
Stewardship

Stewardship Report

My grateful thanks to Alison for her help with the counting and chauffeuring services during the year.

The figures for the year from 1 January to 31 December 2009 are as follows:

Non Gift Aided Donations £6,578

Gift Aided Donations £25,246
(this figure includes gift aided donations at Baptisms and Weddings)

Tax Refunds £7,072


Jean Hudson

Index.
Mission Group

Members

Margaret Davoll - Karen French - Sue Morton - Carole Osselton - Freda Richards

St Mary’s annual charitable giving averages around £2,000, based on 5% of our income, calculated from the budgets of the 2 previous years. £2,682 was budgeted for 2009. In 2009 Mission Group received 14 requests for help from various organisations and individuals and we reported this to PCC on 17 November 2009. PCC approved our recommendations for 2009 giving as follows:

1) Vio - Home of Hope, Romania [Global Care’s Sponsor a Child project] £224
2) USPG Anglicans in World Mission – Revd Nicholas Wheeler in Brazil £372
3) Coventry Myton Hospice £600
4) Gilead Health Development, Luweero, Uganda –
continued support of Nobby Clarke’s ministry [St James’ Church, Fletchamstead] £372
5) Yeldall Christian Centres –
supporting their work to help people overcome alcohol and drug addiction £372
6) Church Army’s UK projects £372
7) Gurkha Welfare Trust £370
TOTAL £2,682

We regularly update the Mission notice board in the foyer so that everyone at St Mary’s has the latest information about the people and organisations supported. Information is also included in the weekly newsletter.

Future Direction of Mission Group, including membership

I have led Mission Group since 1998. I informed PCC in November 2009 that I feel now is the time for me to resign. I remain supportive of the underlying principles of St Mary’s charitable giving and hope this will continue. The Franciscan mission to St Mary’s this September should consider how St Mary’s charitable giving reconciles with the wider mission of the church. As the work of Mission Group is reviewed and maybe changes direction, it needs the vision and enthusiasm of new leadership. In the interim period, Stella has offered to chair the group until a new leader comes forward to serve.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank PCC and St Mary’s congregation for their support of Mission Group over many years. I would especially like to thank my fellow Mission Group “conspirators”; we have enjoyed much fun and friendship and prayerful support within our small group.

Before I finally hand over the reins, Mission Group will be leading a Worship for All Service on Sunday 2 May 2010. We will be telling you much more about the people and groups we are presently supporting. So please keep that date free and come along and hear all about the Vio and the Home of Hope; Coventry Myton Hospice; Nobby’s work with Gilead Health; Nicholas’ ministry in Brazil; the Gurkha Welfare Trust; Yeldall’s work with addicts and the Church Army in the UK.

And if you feel called to become involved in this work; don’t be shy, come forward and offer yourself in service. Join the good news of the Mission Group. We need new ideas and a fresh perspective for this important work.

Sue Morton, for Mission Group

Index.
Worship Group and Music

This group consisting of myself, Stella, Colin Gardner, Sheila Wick and Margaret Davoll meet regularly to choose hymns for our 10am Sunday Service. We use the Royal School of Church Music hymn suggestions and have a happy time as we conduct our business. Choosing hymns is not an easy task; we always find that according to someone we have made a mistake – the wrong hymn or the wrong tune! We try to do this as carefully as we can and like any group appreciate praise rather than criticism. However reasonable criticism passed with generosity is always helpful.

Malcolm Tyler

Index.
Readers and Intercessors Rota

My thanks to all readers and intercessors for their generous help.

I am very pleased to report that during the year, we welcomed Yuhang Xia and Barbara Gardner to our team of readers. If you would like to read, lead prayers or both and would like your name added to the list, please let me know. However, if you are unsure and would like more information please speak to Malcolm, Barbara Hancox or me. We will be delighted to help.

Jean Hudson

Index.
Sacristans

Sally Vigeon, Betty Dakin and myself continue to carry out the sacristan duties, preparing for the communion services.

Preparation of vessels and linen usually takes place on a Wednesday (ready for the service that day) and also on the same day in readiness for Sunday. Linen is laundered regularly, silver polished before major festivals and hymn boards are prepared for Sundays.

Sheila Thistlewood

Index.
Church Cleaning

This year PCC decided to ask the church cleaners to take on more work by cleaning the Church Centre, but to do it all less often. A new rota is available with space for 13 pairs of volunteer cleaners. When the rota was originally draft we had 13 pairs of volunteers. Sadly a couple of people have dropped out since then and a few spaces need to be filled. If anyone can help, please speak to myself or the wardens. I should also be grateful if someone could take on organising the rota, though no work is needed until about November/December time.

As ever thanks to Gill Giles and Alan Robinson who clean the brass work so well.

Malcolm Tyler

Index.
St Mary’s Coffee Club

Set out below are details of the amounts donated to the Church and various charities during 2009.
Letters of thanks are available for anyone who wishes to see them.

Name of Charity & Amount
Emmaus-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------£50.00
MS Therapy Centre---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------£50.00
Warwickshire & Northants Air Ambulance-----------------------------------------------------------£50.00
Childrens Society------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------£50.00
Total £200.00
St.Mary's Church (Rerurbishment Fund)
Clock repairs
Roof repairs
Carried forward to 2009
 £350.00
£50.00
£100.00
£0.05
Total £700.05

In addition, the sum of £352.50 was raised at a special coffee morning in aid of Myton Hamlet Hospices organised by the Friends of Cloister Croft.

This was a wonderful achievement and my thanks, together with those of St Mary’s and the Charities go to Audrey, Gwen, and all the members of the coffee club for their generosity.

Alan Robinson.

Index.
Sunday Drinks Rota

Thank you to all who help serve coffee on a Sunday morning and to those who step in at short notice. Please may I remind people to check the rota regularly and if you know that you cannot serve on your allotted day to let me or the Churchwardens know in advance.

If you are able to join the coffee rota which means helping about every 6 weeks, please let me know.

Alistair Addie

Index.
Bells

 

Index.
2nd Coventry North Guides

The last twelve months we have been very busy preparing for our Centenary that we are now celebrating, taking part in many challenges and activities based around the theme of ”100”. October 2009 seen the launch of 100 years of Guiding at the Butts Arena, we joined other Guides from Coventry in an afternoon of fun, celebration and remembering the last 99 years. We have been on several camps, indoor and outside and even managed to squeeze in a weekend trip to London to celebrate Thinking Day (our day to remember our founders, and Guides and Scouts around the world). Some of our Guides took part the County “Water Dabble Day”, they learned how to canoe and build rafts that they had to use to get across the river…. there were one or two wet Guides!!! Hannah Tyler our unit Young Leader took part in the National Scout and Guide Orchestra, and she has cause to celebrate as she has been selected to be part of the orchestra in 2010 too.

Hazel Turner, Guider

Index.
Beavers

 

Index.
Cubs

Index.
Scout Troop Report

 

Index.
Salvation Army Band

 

Index.
Hospital Drinks Rota

A number of members of St. Mary’s serve drinks on Ward 30 at the University Hospital on Saturday nights. Unfortunately our numbers have depleted during the year. If you feel you would like to join us please have a word with me.

The time spent is usually about an hour and is very much appreciated by the patients and staff.

Sheila Wick

Index.
PLASMA (Prayer Life at St Mary’s)

Plasma group has continued to support the ministry of our intercessors and readers and there was a well attended Quiet Day at St John’s, Wolvey in June last year.

In the past year (March 2009 to February 2010), 21 wedding couples have been prayed for, 27 bereaved families, 31 baptisms, and 6 other occasions, e.g. illness, exams have featured in the prayers of our Family of Prayer members.

Planning for a mission to the parish has continued. It will be supported by the Franciscan Order and will last from September 16th to September 26th.

Tony Thistlewood

Index.
Christian Aid

 

Index.
Church Tote

Thank you to all who have supported the Tote over the years.

To date £2411.55 has been raised for the Church Refurbishment Fund. When the ‘Charity’ share of the Tote reaches £100 this is donated to a local need.

A Tote number is only £1 a month.
I am always looking for new members to join this worthwhile endeavour !!

Sheila Wick

Index.
BRF Report

I am currently St Mary’s representative for The Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF).

BRF produce books three times a year on two levels, firstly New Daylight which gives a good starting point by providing daily readings from the Bible and secondly Guidelines which is more advanced with in-depth study and commentary of themes alongside its daily readings. We currently have 9 people who receive copies of either New Daylight or Guidelines. The cost is currently just under £12 a year.

I am always willing to chat to anyone who is interested in learning a little bit more, and can provide examples for you to try.

Lorraine Baker

Index.
Creche

 

Index.
St Mary's Butterflies Carer, Baby and Toddler Group

Alison Liggins and myself continue to run Butterflies (thanks Alison) with the invaluable assistance of Gill Giles and Eve Stuart in the Kitchen, Malcolm singing and John Aspden, Tony Thistlewood and John Todd helping with tables and chairs and putting toys away. Also thanks to Jean Hudson who will always help if necessary.

Unfortunately we lost a few weeks before and after Christmas due to the centre being unusable owing to the roof lead theft. Alternative venues were considered but were for various reasons impractical. Health and safety considerations could not be ignored where little children were concerned. Sadly this mean we missed the usual Christmas party. All being well we will have an Easter party with an Easter Bunny – thanks to Mr Tebbutt (Terry of course).

Sheila Thistlewood

Index.
Junior Church

 

Index.
Flowers

It is symbolic that the story of the Bible begins and ends in a garden.

A flowers life is delicately beautiful and they produce colours which match any rainbow. Their loveliness is always astonishing – with fragrancies unrivaled, and all created by GOD.

Although some flowers are always readily available throughout the year, spring is the time when we look forward to an abundance of blooms which begin to flourish in this beautiful new season, usually beginning at Easter time when the team is ready and waiting to prepare our church for the glorious celebrations of the Easter Services. Though certain flowers can be expensive to provide, we are always extremely grateful for the very generous donations which are frequently made, and as a team we hope that everyone who visits
St Mary’s gets as much pleasure from looking at the displays, as we do in preparing them.

Valerie Ekin

Index.
Servers

Every year in this report I advertise for more people, children and adults alike to consider becoming a server. Well this year is no exception, so if you are over 10 years of age and feel like giving it a try please come and speak to me. I’m very approachable and am usually seen floating around the octagon after the Sunday service.

It’s not a difficult thing to do, you just have to be dedicated, like the team we have already. Of course the team changes from time to time, people move away, youngsters go off to university etc, so I’m always on the lookout for replacements.

Valerie Ekin

Index.
Music

The Hymns for the Eucharist Service have been chosen by the Worship Committee, from the suggestions issued by the Royal School of Church Music. The hymns for the All Age Services have been selected by whoever is leading that particular service.

One or two blips have occurred where as the “new boy on the block”, I have used a set tune, but unfortunately not known to St Mary’s congregation. I trust that you will forgive me and hope that any such problems have now been ironed out as in the main the singing has been good considering that we have no choir to lead.

Within the limitations of the organ, I have tried to play music before the service so as to prepare us for the worship ahead. I am also happy to report that the organ has been tuned twice during the year.

May I close by recording my thanks to both our Organist Emeritus, Mr Reg Amos and to Mrs Margaret Davoll for being ready to deputise for me when I have been on holiday. This has meant continuity in the music and is very much appreciated.

Colin Gardner

Index.