St George’s Church Altrincham

Annual Report for 2012-13

and

Financial Statement

for the year ended 31 December 2012

of the

Parochial Church Council

Presented to the Annual Parish Church Meeting on 14th April 2013

St George’s Church is the parish church of Altrincham and is part of the Diocese of Chester within the Church of England. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission [registration number 1131530]. It operates under the Parochial Church Council Measures.

Contents

Page

General Parish information 3

Section 1: Annual Reporting of the Parochial Church Council

1Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council 4

2Churchwardens’ Fabric Report 9

3Accounts for the year ended December 201212

4Report from the Parish Treasurer12

5Deanery Synod Report13

Section 2: Mission, Outreach, Pastoral Care and Maintenance

6Altrincham Christians Together15

7Choir15

8Church Cleaning15

9Flower Guild15

10Friends of Altrincham Parish Church, St George15

11Guild of St Raphael16

12Mothers’ Union16

13Parish Centre 17

14Reading Group18

15Serving Team18

16Sidespeople & Deputy Wardens18

17Social Committee19

18Wednesday Coffee Break19

19 Whist Club 19

Section 3: Young People

206th Altrincham Beavers20

2112th Altrincham Brownies20

226th Altrincham Cub Pack21

2312th Altrincham Guides21

24Junior Church22

25‘Rock Solid Core’ Youth Group22

26St George’s Toddlers23

27Tea and Tales23

The Annual Parish Activity Report is prepared on behalf of the Parochial Church Council

for the benefit of the congregation of St George’s Parish Church, Altrincham
General Information

St George’s Church

Church Street

Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4DB

Incumbent

The Revd Edmund Betts

The Vicarage

Townfield Road

Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4DS

Associate Vicar(to 19th November 2012)

The Revd Margaret Jones

12 Moorland Avenue

SaleM33 3FH

PCC Secretary

Mr Michael Littlewood

The Weald

69 Oldfield Road

Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4BH

Bank

National Westminster bank plc

23 Stamford New Road

Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1DB

Auditors

Percy Westhead and Company

Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors

Greg’s Buildings

1 Booth Street

Manchester M2 4AD

Church Membership [2012-13]

Electoral Roll / 235
Average Sunday attendance
Adults / 145
Children / 51
Holy Baptisms / 41
Holy Matrimony / 4
Funerals & Cremations
Funerals in church / 13
Cremations / 6

1. Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council

St George’s Church is the Parish Church of Altrincham and is part of the Diocese of Chester within the Church of England. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission [registration number 1131530]. It operates under the Parochial Church Council Measures.

Aims and objectives

St George’s PCC, Altrincham has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Revd. Edmund Betts, in promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has the responsibility for the maintenance of St George’s Church, Altrincham and related estate including the adjacent Bicentenary Parish Centre and the Old
School Building.

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at the church and to become part of St George ’s parish community. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish ands makes suggestions on how services can involve as the many groups within the parish. The services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.

In planning activities the vicar and PCC are aware of guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. We try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of the parish community through:

  • Worship and prayer
  • Provision of pastoral care
  • Mission and outreach

To facilitate this work it important that the fabric of the church and its estate are maintained properly.

Membership

Membership of the PCC for the calendar year from January 1st 2012 is set out below with annotations as appropriate.

Incumbent:Reverend Edmund Bettschairman

Associate Vicar:Reverend Margaret Jones(to November 19th 2012)

Curate:none

Wardens:Mr David Bensonvice chairman

Mrs Susan Carter

Representatives onMr Edward Burke

Bowdon DeaneryMr Michael Rowley

Synod:One vacancy from May 2009

Elected Members:Mr Richard Ballam

Mr Simon Balmetreasurer

Mr Kevin Davis

Mrs Joanna Denton

Mr Martin Granger Brownparish recorder

Mrs Debbie Lewis electoral roll officer

Mr Michael Littlewoodsecretary

Dr Robert Moscrop

Dr Matthew Walker

1A significant milestone in the spiritual life of St George’s was reached on May 20th 2012 when the new Nave Altar was a commissioned and dedicated. The PCC wishes to record its thanks to all those who have been instrumental in bringing about this major achievement. The total cost of the project was £28.5k.

2An appeal was launched for funds to purchase new altar frontals and new chasubles. Through the generosity of the congregation donations exceeding £2,500 were raised during the year alongside generous legacies to help with furnishings, altar frontals and new matching vestments.

3The PCC congratulated the Reverend Margaret Jones, Associate Vicar, on her appointment from December 1st 2012 as priest-in-charge of the parish of Whaley Bridge (Taxal, St James and Fernilee, Holy Trinity) in the Deanery of Chadkirk. A ‘bring and share’ lunch was held on Sunday November 18th 2012 to mark Margaret’s departure after eight years at St George’s, providing an opportunity for parishioners to express their thanks and good wishes to Margaret. £525 was raised for Margaret’s farewell gift.

4Margaret’s duties and responsibilities were re-allocated to various people and the PCC agreed to solicit via the weekly news-sheet volunteers to take on some of the roles including the production of
St George’s Link.

5The staffing position was the subject of a meeting between the vicar and Bishop Robert. The PCC was particularly concerned that Margaret’s translation to a new parish would put the vicar under increased strain as he tried to maintain the regular services at St George’s and St John’s. Inevitably in the short term some adjustments have been necessary in the pattern of services and worship.

6The Confirmation service was held on Sunday 16th September 2012 when the Bishop of Chester admitted nine candidates to full membership of the church.

7The number of people attending Sunday evening worship has been an issue over the last ten years and attendance has declined steadily in the last few years. As a consequence, the PCC agreed in July 2012 that a change in the pattern of worship was merited. Accordingly two Sunday evening services are held each month on the following pattern:
1Adoration and Healing

2Common Worship Evening Prayer

3Taizé style worship

4Book of Common Worship Evensong.

8On four Tuesday evenings in Lent 2012 a series of conversations were held with members of St George’s about their work and how they live their faith. The programme was:

  1. Susan Benbowold age psychiatrist
  2. Basil Issa endocrinology and diabetes consultant
  3. Isabel NashGeneral Practitioner
  4. Peter Birchactor and teacher

One Lent study group was also organised based on the Church Urban Fund course “Are we washing our hands of England’s poor?” The course leader was Ann Littlewood.

9The dramatic events of Holy Week were commemorated in 2012 by readings at the evening Eucharists / services under the banner title of “Nailing ourselves to the cross”. The readings focused on who was responsible for Jesus’ death. Was it:

  1. The Roman Centurion (Monday);
  2. Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor (Tuesday);
  3. Caiaphas, the High Priest (Wednesday);
  4. Judas Iscariot, one of the disciples (Maundy Thursday);
  5. Peter or Mary Magdalene or someone else (Good Friday)?

On Easter Sunday the reading was based on Pilate’s wife and whether it was all just a dream!

10A letter was received from Bishop Robert outlining his comments on
St George’s Growth Action Planning [GAP] proposals for year three of the enterprise.

11The Archdeacon’s visitation took place on May 2nd 2012 at St Margaret’s Dunham Massey when the Venerable Ian Bishop admitted sidespersons and wardens to office for 2012-13.

12Kevin Davis (a PCC member) was re-appointed as St George’s representative on the governing body of Altrincham C of E school. Debbie Lewis and Helen Stant have assumed responsibility for Child Protection issues.

13A Bring & Share Lunch marked St George’s Day on Sunday 22nd April 2012.

14Christian Aid week was held 13th – 19th May 2012. St George’s was responsible for the collection of £909.80 in 21 streets in the Altrincham area. The week of prayer for Christian unity was marked January 18th to 25th 2013.

15The PCC records its gratitude to John Gower-Jones for his work on its behalf in respect of the Land Registration for the area surrounding the church, Ashton Brookes and No 1 Townfield Road. This issue, first raised at the PCC in December 2008, had been the subject of
continued legal discussions with the Diocese. The registration of the site is now complete.

16In response to a suggestion from the Diocesan Registrar the PCC agreed to wind up the Laura Newton Trust, a sum of money bequeathed to the church by a parishioner for general purposes in 1941 which brought in an income of £86 in 2012. The residual capital sum was put towards the Nave Altar.

17Based on the formula releasing 10% of the parish’s commercially generated surplus a total of £5,520 was released for charitable and missionary giving. The allocation of funds is recorded in the annual accounts. The PCC also acknowledges that many parishioners donate privately to preferred charities including the Children’s Society through house collection boxes and the purchase of Christmas cards in the parish centre.

18The legal status and level of parochial fees changed with effect from
1 January 2013. The Archbishop’s Council issued the documents “parochial fees” and “a guide to parochial fees” to help explain the changes. These were to be found on the Chester Diocesan website. The fees have been set by Synod for a two year period.

19A blessing of pets took place at a special parish Eucharist on Sunday 30th September. This was a repeat of the popular venture introduced in 2010 to give thanks to God for his creation where people were invited to bring their pets or a picture of a favourite animal.

20Harvest and Stewardship Renewal took place on Sunday 7th October 2012. It is interesting to note that the average national giving in the Anglican Communion is £10 per week. Many on St George’s electoral roll contribute significantly less than this amount.

21A service for families who had suffered bereavement in the past year was organised for November 4th 2012.

22The Quinquennial Inspection, carried out by the church architect Ian Lucas, of Byrom Clark Roberts, took place on Thursday 27th September. The draft report indicated recommended maintenance and repairs to the fabric with actions ranging from urgent to long-term (over 5 years), and from small to major work. A major projects identified in the report was the nave roof which has been given a remaining life-span of around ten years but will require some more immediate attention, and the roofing of the side aisles which the Diocese has recommended should be re-surfaced within the current quinquennium

23The PCC received the Chester Diocesan Environment Policy as adopted by the Bishop’s Council. The policy statement avers: “We believe that we have a Christian responsibility to care for God’s creation. Therefore we believe that this ought to influence all our thinking, our actions and how we exercise our faithfulness in every function and activity, by every person; 24/7 – all day, every day.”

24PCC noted that HMRC introduced new guidance which required charities to use new wording for all Gift Aid declarations signed after 31 December 2012. It was important that the new wording was adopted as, if not, the declaration would be invalid and Gift Aid would not be due on the donation. The Parish recorder put in place steps to make the necessary amendments.

25A new venture in 2012 was the production of St George’s cards based on the nativity scene in the Mary Lowndes window behind the high altar. The cards doubled as notelets or Christmas cards with proceeds directed to The Friends of St George’s.

26A revised website was created in 2012 with the help of Tracey Edwards of dotsndashes.

27The PCC wishes to record its thanks to all those who prepare the church for and help with the services: the organist, the choir, the servers, the wardens and deputy wardens, the treasurer and his assistant, the collection counters, the sidespersons, the leaders of all parish organisations including junior church, uniformed organisations and the crèche, the lesson readers, the cleaners, the flower arrangers, those who prepare, print and collate the weekly service sheet, the refreshment servers, cake makers and sellers - and everyone else who makes a quiet but meaningful contribution to the church’s daily well-being. Mention is also made of those who bring necessary income into the church by making donations in using the parish centre and also the generosity of the town.

Michael Littlewood

PCC Secretary

2Churchwarden’s Fabric Report

St. George’s Church is a Grade II listed building, and the Churchyard is wholly within the Altrincham Old Market Place Conservation Area, so that the Church building and the Churchyard are formally recognised as heritage sites.

The Year 2012 was a busy year.

Re-Ordering For A Nave Altar

The Faculty giving approval for the reordering of the Nave and the installation of a Nave Altar was finally granted in mid-December 2011.
7 rows of pews were taken out from the nave and aisles in January, to so that the wood could be used for making the kneeling benches and reading desks. The final installation work took place in the first half of May, and was completed in time for the Nave Altar to be used for the Parish Eucharist on Sunday May 19th. The architect for this project was Graham Holland, of Graham Holland Associates of Knutsford, and the joinery work was carried out by Andy Morgan, of Ruthin. Other works included the work to move the organ console, additional Lighting, and a new carpet, to match the existing carpet, for the Sacred Space. The vision for this re-ordering came from Father Edmund Betts (Vicar) and Revd. Margaret Jones (Associate Vicar), who were fully supported by the Churchwardens and PCC. This needs to be seen as a “work in progress”, in that additional furnishings will be needed to be added to complete the vision. The costs of the work to date have been met by bequests and donations.

Upgrading Of The Sound System

This was really a follow-on from the Nave Altar work, to improve the quality of the sound within the church. The two speakers fitted to the Chancel arch were removed, and a number of smaller speakers were fitted on the pillars for the nave and aisles, and two speakers were fitted in the chancel. Following the granting of a Faculty, this work was carried out in October by Communiqué Audio Systems.

Fire Inspection

Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service asked to carry out an inspection of the church as part of their objective to inspect all listed churches. In their report they made a number of recommendations, which we have been carrying out. In particular, the report recommended that an Asbestos inspection was carried out on the Boiler room.

Asbestos Removal From Boiler Room

Asbestos inspection was carried out on the Boiler room.

The Asbestos inspection of the boiler room showed that there was asbestos debris, presumably left after the removal of asbestos from the Boiler room in the mid nineties. It was decided to do the job thoroughly, leaving the boiler-room clear for the future, and this involved removing an old oil tank also. The inspection and subsequent work were carried out by Malrod Insulations on Bolton.

Further Asbestos Matters

It was decided to have a full asbestos inspection of the rest of the church, and also of the Old School Building. No further asbestos was found in the church. The asbestos in the Old school building has been encapsulated to ensure that it is harmless.

Quinquennial Inspection

The time had come for a Quinquennial (Five-yearly) inspection of the church, by the church architect, Ian Lucas of Byrom Clark Roberts.
This was carried out in September. The draft report makes a number of recommendations for the maintenance of the church building and churchyard.

  • A number of the smaller and more urgent items have already been attended to, or are being put in hand. This has included clearing out the drains.
  • Some repairs are need to the Nave roof, but it is likely to need re-tiling within about 10 years.
  • More urgently, the aisle roofs need restoring, as the felt covering is reaching the end of its life. The process of applying for a faculty has already started, the aim being to have a sheet metal covering.
  • Part of the north wall of the churchyard needs re-building. As it is an old wall, on the boundary of a Conservation Area, it is not a simple matter to have it re-built, but all sorts of permissions will be required, with an approved specification. This work is also being put in hand.
  • We are looking to have the flagstones at the front of church restored, with the broken ones replaced, and some relayed to create a level area.

In the longer term, a considerable amount of re-pointing is required, together with the restoration of some of the stonework.