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A meeting for the election of Churchwardens followed by the APCM to be held in the Parish Hall of St Wilfrid’s Church on Sunday 29th April 2012 immediately following the Eucharist.

Opening prayer and address – Fr Andrew Wadsworth

VESTRY MEETING Election of Churchwardens

1. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of the APCM held on 10th April 2011 3. Matters arising 4. Annual Report and Accounts for 2011 5. Appointment of Independent Examiner 6. Adoption of Electoral Roll 7. Vicar's report - page 15 8. Fabric report - page 19 9. Deanery Synod Report - page 19 10. Child Safeguarding Report - page 20 11. Sunday School Report - page 21 12. Home Groups - page 21 13. Choir Report - page 22 14. Nyewood Infant School Report - page 23 15. Nyewood Junior School Report - page 23 16. Social and Fundraising Committee Report - page 24 17. Family Support Work - page 24 18. Election of PCC Representatives 19. Election of Sidesmen

End of meeting

APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 1 Minutes of the meeting for the election of churchwardens followed by the APCM, held in St.Wilfrid’s church on Sunday April 10th 2011. Chaired by Fr Andrew Wadsworth. Opening prayer and address – Fr Andrew Wadsworth The meeting opened at 12.05pm VESTRY MEETING Election of Churchwardens. Nominated: Neil Macdonald. Proposed by Jean Rose. Seconded by John Wood. Nominated: Peter Green. Proposed by Jean Rose. Seconded by Julie Starmer. Both were duly elected. APCM 1. Apologies for absence: Joyce Wastell, Alison Macaffery, Alan Mowat, Brenda Richards, Keith Richards, Natalie Miller, Stuart Hutchinson, Gillian Hutchinson, Peter Jessop, Chris and Dennis Sheppard. 2. Minutes of the APCM held on 18th April, 2010. Jean Rose proposed that the minutes should be taken as read. This was seconded by Rosemary Hawkes and agreed unanimously. 3. Matters arising. There were no matters arising. 4. Annual Report and Accounts for 2010. Neil Macdonald asked for questions or comments. There were no questions. Ben Reeder referred to page 6. He said that the increase in resources was due to legacies and to savings in expenditure. He thanked Peter Green, Angela Triggs and Neil Macdonald for their hard work. He said that the present balance was quite healthy compared with 2009/2010. There were no questions. Ben Reeder proposed that the statement should be accepted. This was seconded by Jean Rose and agreed unanimously. Ben Reeder said that the Gift Aid has been reduced since there was a change in the tax system. He asked those who had not Gift Aided their contributions to get in touch with John Wood. 5. Appointment of Independent Examiner. Neil Macdonald suggested that Ian Burrows should continue as Independent Examiner. He said that Ian Burrows had done a lot of work last year and hoped that the current year would be easier. Neil Macdonald proposed that Ian Burrows should continue as Independent Examiner. This was seconded by Rosemary Hawkes and agreed unanimously. 6. Adoption of Electoral Roll. Anne Latter said that the Roll had been revised according to Church Book Rules. The total was now 232. Mary Gough proposed that the electoral roll should be adopted. This was seconded by Margaret Richards and agreed unanimously. 7. Vicar’s report 8 Fabric report. 9 Deanery Synod report. 10. Child Protection report. 11. Junior Church report. 12. Home Groups.

APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 2 13. Choir report. 14. Nyewood Infant School report. 15. Nyewood Junior School report. 16. Social and Fundraising Committee report. 17. Family Support Work. Jean Rose said that the Deanery Elections were missing. Neil Macdonald said that these would be dealt with in item 18. Mary Gough referred to the Vicar’s report and thanked Fr. Andrew for his hard work. The Centenary Year had added to his work load. Fr Andrew said that the reports should be kept as a record of the Centenary Year. Lois Brown also thanked Fr Andrew for his hard work. Fr Andrew thanked Peter Green and Neil Macdonald for their efforts during the Centenary Year. Rachel Ison proposed that the reports should be taken as read. This was seconded by Linda Beckley and agreed unanimously. 18.Election of PCC representatives. There were two vacancies on the PCC. Nominated: Julie Starmer: Proposed by Neil Macdonald. Seconded by Elaine Green.. Julie Starmer was duly elected. On the Deanery Synod there were 4 vacencies. Nominated: Neil Macdonald. Proposed by Jean Rose. Seconded by Peter Green Nominated: Jean Rose. Proposed by Neil Macdonald. Seconded by Rachel Ison. Nominated: Rachel Ison. Proposed by Fr Ray Thomas. Seconded by Keith Richards. All were duly elected. There is one vacancy remaining. Any interested person should see Neil Macdonald. 19.Election of Sidesmen. Rosemary Hawkes was not able to continue as a sidesman. All the other sidesmen were willing to continue. AOB. Anne Latter said that for the benefit of visitors it was important to leave the service sheet easily visible when the service books were being given out. Rosemary Hawkes asked for an update on the purchase of new chairs. Neil Macdonald referred to the report and said that a Faculty had been applied for. The DAC will meet to give their formal advice. Neil Macdonald said that the design and style of the chairs had been tried and discussed at PCC. Peter Green said that colour swatches had been sent to DAC. He reported that the chairs had been tried for comfort and size, that they were single chairs with a book rack. There would be three different colours, matching the stone and brick work of the church building, as advised by the architect. Fr Andrew closed the meeting at 12.30pm

APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 3 APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 4 APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 5 APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 6 APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 7 APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 8 APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 9 APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 10 APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 11 APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 12 APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 13 APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 14 7 - VICAR’S REPORT Introduction This Vicar’s report provides an overview of the many activities which have happened in 2011 at St Wilfrid’s Church. It also is an opportunity to thank the many people who have worked so hard to enable St Wilfrid’s to function as a Church Community of faith. It is not exhaustive but I hope it conveys a Church which is trying hard to witness to the love of God to the people of Bognor and beyond. The main event of the last year was the ordination of Trevor Marshall to the diaconate. Trevor has been involved in our Sunday worship where we have seen him performing the role of a deacon in the Eucharist. but he has also worked with the Sunday School and been involved on Wednesday Evenings at the weekday Eucharist. He has led a Lent Group as part of his training and has been involved the Mission Action Group and the PCC. This has been a demanding year for him as he has continued his work in Brighton. I have attended regular training sessions for training incumbents at Church House. We have also welcomed Christopher Davies as a Parish Assistant as part of the diocesan Year for God scheme. Christopher has done a lot of work with the choir and organizing a series of concerts for 2012. He has linked up with the Walsingham Year for God Team who visited us in January 2012. This came about because of our yearly parish pilgrimage to Walsingham in October, which goes from strength to strength. Father Mark celebrated a thanksgiving Eucharist on 28th May for 50 years in the Priesthood. It was a very special and moving service. I am sure we value Father Mark’s experience as a priest greatly. Thank you Father Mark I value and appreciate the ministry of Father Ray Whelan in Liturgy and Father Ray Thomas in healing. Both clergy, although ‘retired’, continue to exercise a very active ministry in our Church and in the Deanery. Thank you Father Ray and Father Ray. Worship The main development in this vital area of Church life has been the healing ministry on the second Sunday of the month during the 10.30am Parish Eucharist. There are now two stations for this prayer one at the Lady Chapel and one at the St Francis Chapel. The ministry is confidential but given the increased numbers of people going up for healing it is meeting a need. In Advent we had prayers before the Blessed Sacrament. This was an opportunity for silent prayers of adoration and intercession in the Lady Chapel. The Stations of the Cross were lay led and were both a good devotion for Lent and an effective preparation for Holy Week. Lent 2011 saw a series of sermons on the 400th Annivesary of the King James version of the Bible at Evening Prayer on a Sunday Evening. Baptisms: There have been 41 baptisms in 2011 Progress has been made in baptism families coming to Eucharists before and after the Baptism. The connection with Nyewood Infant and Junior Schools has led to some parents seeking baptism for their children. It remains the case that many of the congregation who come with the families it is their first exposure to Church. We are also seeing baptism of adults who were not christened as babies or children. I am grateful to Anne Latter, Paul Kottaun and the team who are there to assist at the afternoon baptisms. Keeping contact and nurturing the faith for these families remains a challenge to us all. Confirmations: There were 7 people confirmed in 2011. These took place at Arundel Cathedral with Bishop Mark and in the Lady Chapel at St Wilfrid’s with Bishop David Farrer House Groups These have become an established part of life at St Wilfrid’s with each group having a distinctive character of its own.

APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 15 One group has a regular Quiet Day. The young adults group has rigorous discussions. They are a key way of providing fellowship and promoting study of the Bible. Weddings: These are more popular. There have been 5 weddings and 10 banns read for weddings held elsewhere. There were three blessings of Civil Marriage. The impact of Special Connection marriages means that couples have the opportunity to be married where they want to. Home Communions and Visits: The monthly celebrations at Sandmartin House, Abbeyfield and Aldwick House continue on the third Thursday of the month. The relationship with Sandmartin is strong one. I have given the Last Rites to many residents. The monthly celebration of the Eucharist at Homebeech and Cherington Nursing Homes continues along with a visit to Royal Bay Nursing Home. This on the third Friday of the month and I am assisted by Stuart Hutchison and Brenda Richards between 9 and 16 attend. The Manager of Cherrington appreciates greatly the availability of the clergy to come when required as soon as maybe. Paul Kottaun takes the sacrament every month to Normanton Lodge. Joy Thomas goes regularly to Aldwick House and to Autumn Lodge. Lois Brown also takes the sacrament to Tudor House. It is important not to underestimate the visit of the Choir and the Wives Group Choir at Christmas to various nursing homes. It is hoped to have an Easter service at Aldwick House. We have important links with Ashby Lodge, one of the residents, Colin is a regular attender at the weekday Communions. I am grateful to everyone who helps in this ministry. This is a key ministry of service and mission within the Community and we are looking at ways of developing it further. A survey of homes is being undertaken to assess needs. Funerals: There have been some significant funerals this year at St Wilfrid’s of regular members of our congregation, Margaret Blaker, who served this parish with great faithfulness, Edna Moody from Abbeyfield, Alan Treagus and Janet Frost from L’Arche , Heather Swift, Gwen Pye who worshipped regularly at 10.30am on a Sunday. All of whom are missed and greatly loved. We give thanks for their lives and commend them to God. Schools: I have continued to take assemblies every week at Nyewood Infant and Junior Schools. The theme of the assemblies has been the stories from the Old and New Testaments with reference to the festivals of the Christian year. An interactive approach has been employed with the children taking an active and enthusiastic role. Both schools have visited St Wilfrid’s in the course of the year, taking prayers and sharing assembly material with us. 2011 saw the start of termly Eucharists at the Junior School with the support of John Williams, the Head teacher and his staff. This has worked well. Children and Young People: The Family Eucharist has been well supported in 2010 and it has been good to have the connection with both Schools in this service.The Sunday School and Junior Choir have also participated with energy and we look forward every week to their contributions at the 10.30am Eucharist before the Peace. Thanks must go to Zena Wood and Sarah Bennet for their enthusiasm and hard work in this vital area of Church life. The Choir and Music at St Wilfrid’s The Church is very grateful to Rex Latter for his beautiful playing of the Church organ. In addition he and Helen organized another wonderful series of lunchtime concerts in the Spring and Summer of 2011. At Easter James Kirkpatrick stepped down as Director of music and Jamie Gater became Choir Master and he has continued the excellent choral tradition of St Wilfrid’s. Visitors have commented on the wonderful singing of the Choir and the great sound the organ makes. Fabric Matters:- The installation of the new chairs, an outcome of the Centenary Year celebrations has had a major impact on the interior of the Church building, improving the seating in the Church and the acoustics. I am particularly grateful to Peter Jessop for all his hard work in this area. In addition the sanding of

APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 16 the Church floor has made a huge difference to the interior of the Church. It is a really pleasant place to come to, a fact that has been commented upon by many visitors. It adds to the accessibility of the Church as a place of prayer and worship. The Website and the Bulletin The St Wilfrid’s Website is one of the best parish websites in the country providing, information about services, a detailed record of Church life, podcasts of sermons and a resource for those engaged in historical research. The website has an influence beyond Bognor, as the record of the large number of “Hits” have shown. The Pet service is particularly popular. The bulletin has undergone a major overhaul (now renamed Magazine). It has been placed on a proper financial footing with advertisements and a subscription. The contents are varied and informative. It is a major means of communicating life at St Wilfrid’s. Both the website and the magazine are the result of the hard work and industry of Peter Green with the invaluable help each week of Helen Woods on the Magazine. Thank you. Social Events: The two main events in the social calendar for St Wilfrid’s are the Autumn Fayre in the Church Hall and the Summer Garden Party in the Vicarage Garden. The social committee work very hard to make these events happen. Diocesan Events: Deanery and Diocesan Synods. These have been attended have myself and our representatives keeping us in touch with the issues of the wider Church. Rural Deanery of Arundel and Bognor This year has seen your Vicar appointed as Assistant Rural Dean. This means keeping an eye on the local parishes in the Bogor Area and attending twice yearly meetings with the . I have been to clergy chapter meetings and have gone to the Clergy Quiet Day led by Bishop Mark External Events - Local: There have been regular visits to shops and businesses in the area to take the bulletin. This has led to some important pastoral encounters in terms of the hospital Chaplaincy and some prayer requests. L’Arche Community: There continues to be extensive involvement with the L’Arche Community of Bognor. I have attended the regular meetings of the pastoral leadership team involving the Roman Catholic, and Baptist Churches. I led a morning’s reflection on the meaning of Advent in December. Our links with L’Arche are significant Arun Angels: I have been elected as Chairman of Trustees of Arun Angels and there have been numerous meetings to do with the Trustees and the Management Committee. The operation of this charity goes from strength to strength in terms of helping people late at night on the streets of Bognor and bringing the different Churches together in a common activity of mission and service to the community. The way Arun Angels works has been used the pattern and inspiration for the ROC INITIATIVE: Redeeming Our Communities, a nationwide programme of volunteers from the Christian Churches working with the police for the welfare of the community. Neil Macdonald, Church Warden and Chairman of Churches Together has worked very hard to promote ROC in the locality. Diocesan Family Support Charity We support and pray for Rebecca Carter our link local worker for this Charity which assists families in need in Bognor. The family nurture project involving Nyewood Infant School has developed further this year involving volunteers from parishes in Bognor including a team from St Wilfrid’s led by Gill Hutchison

APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 17 Royal British Legion Bognor Branch: I was asked in November to be padre to the Royal British Legion Bognor and I officiated and preached at the service at the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday, 13th November 2011. It was really good to have St Wilfrid’s Choir leading the singing at this important service for the town. I attended the AGM of the Legion in November. Chaplain to the Mayor of Bognor: I was asked again to be Chaplain to the new Mayor of Bognor, Councillor Jim Brookes and I have continued to take prayers at the Council Meetings assisted by Father Ramon when I could not attend. The Civic Service this year in September had a focus on children and the combined choirs of Bognor Primary Schools under the baton of Jamie Gater gave us some beautiful singing. The Mayor and the Vicar informed us of their respective responsibilities in short addresses. The University of Chichester: It was good to have the University of Chichester Bognor site have their yearly carol service at St Wilfrid’s. This will be repeated in December. A series of events involving the University of Chichester and its music faculty have been planned for 2012. External Events - National and International I have maintained my links with the monastic community of monks and nuns at Valle Chiara in Italy, although the future existence of the community is in doubt. I have also paid regular visits to the Monastery at Crawley Down where I am an Associate. I have attended the annual meeting of the holders of the Lambeth Degree at Lambeth Palace and I have been to the annual lecture for the Friends of St Georges House Windsor I have continued to attend various seminars at the Institute of Business Ethics in London mainly on a Monday so that the work of the parish is not interrupted. I have written an article on my ’s Lambeth Diploma on Business Ethics 10 years on for the Lambeth Diploma Chronicle which was reproduced in the St Wilfrid’s Bulletin January 2011 saw my attendance at a key seminar in London on the issue of the homeless at the Royal Society of Arts, Commerce and Manufacturers in London. I have also attended lectures on Church History and Christian Spirituality at the Centre in the Cathedral Precincts Chichester. In October I was at a major conference on Euthanasia at Ridley Hall Theological College Cambridge. Clergy have as part of their Continuous Assesment to maintain their own training and external connections hence this account of what I have been doing outside the Parish. Miscellaneous: During the year I have done talks for various Ladies groups on the Day in the Life of a Vicar, which has focused on the more amusing side of being a parish Priest over the last 24 years. Mainly Thank Yous! The serving team led by Alan Baker have enabled us to have dignified worship throughout our Centenary year but especially during Holy Week. Stuart Hutchison and Paul Kottaun work very hard during the year to keep the Vicar and the Sacristy in order. Thank The day to day running of the parish owes a lot to those who work in the office, Elaine Green, Helen Wood, Julie Starmer and Angela Triggs and their efforts for which I am sure we are all grateful. A big thank you needs to be given to our Flower ladies who produce wonderful displays of flowers for the major festivals. St Wilfrid’s is a large Church to put flowers and the Ladies do a magnificent job. They always need more volunteers. I am also grateful to our sidespersons and in particular to John Wood who do a very important job of welcoming people to St Wilfrid’s. It is commented by visitors to the Church how friendly and warm people are. This is in part due to the efforts of the sidespersons who are often the first people visitors meet. This is significant and vital ministry

APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 18 A huge thank you needs to be given to the Church Wardens, Peter Green and Neil Macdonald for all their hard work in the last year. The redevelopment of Shelley Road and the Hall Kitchen have been major achievements which they have undertaken with great energy and commitment. 8- FABRIC REPORT New Chairs & Refurbishment of the Church Nave Floor By October 2011 the original wooden chairs in the church were disposed of and new fabric covered chairs installed after nearly a year of discussions on the most appropriate design and colours with the PCC, the Church Architect and the Diocesan Advisory Committee. The new chairs were supplied by Rosehill at a cost of £17,995 in the colours recommended by the Architect (Rustic, Corona and Copper Beech) and approved with a faculty by the DAC. When the church had been cleared of the old chairs and before the new chairs arrived, the church floor was refurbished by Forestall Flooring involving sanding the existing pine floor and the application of 1 coat of base prime lacquer and 2 coats of Junkers high performance lacquer at a cost of £6,120. Hall Floor To address safety issues with loose tiles the wooden floor was replaced with a new hardwood floor at a cost of £12,642. Hall Kitchen A design by Howdens to be installed by Quality Developments was approved by the PCC and the kitchen units ordered and paid for ready for installation in 2012 (work now completed). 2 Shelley Road In the absence of a curate the property had been rented prior to 2011 and the keys were handed back by the Letting Agents Martins and Co in February 2011. The 1950s property on inspection was in very poor condition and needed a great deal of refurbishment work to bring it up to current letting standards and to make it suitable for the new curate. During the year the property was completely redecorated internally with new UPVC double glazed windows and external doors, a completely gutted and refurbished kitchen and bathroom, new central heating involving replacement of all pipework, new radiators all with thermostatic radiator valves and a new high efficiency combi condensing boiler and new carpeting in the lounge. The total cost of the refurbishment was kept within the budget of £25,000 to £24,366. The property has now been re-let for 2012 up to July 2012 ready for the new curate. Stonework As part of the Church Architect’s Quinquennial Report recommendations, the cracking of the stone mullions in the leaded windows in the organ loft were repaired with stainless bolts. It had also been noted in April 2011 that the South facing vestry door stonework around lintel was crumbling and the remedial work including the replacement of a large stone corner stone was carried at the same time as the mullion work by Gothic Stone, a company recommended by the Church Architect. The Churchwardens would like to record their appreciation for the guidance and support given by Richard Andrews, Church Architect on all the projects above and projects under consideration.

Peter Green Churchwarden 9- DEANERY SYNOD REPORT The June meeting of the new Synod, held at St Mary’s Felpham, was given a presentation on “Women in The Episcopacy” which focussed on the reasons both for retaining the current stance of the on this matter and for introducing women bishops into the church. These included arguments from the Bible and from Tradition as well as others relating in particular to Episcopacy. At the end of the presentation, members of Synod were invited to divide into small groups and to consider which of the arguments, both for and against change, were the strongest. There followed an opportunity for further questions, after which a formal vote was taken on three questions. Are you in favour of women bishops in the Church of England? – on which the House of Laity voted “yes” and House of Clergy “no”. Do you think that provision should be made for those who cannot on theological grounds to accept this development? – on which both Houses voted “yes”. Do you think that the provisions in the draft measure are appropriate for this purpose? – on which both APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 19 house voted “no”. As the votes were divided on the first question, the result was that the Synod did not make any recommendation. The November meeting, which was held at All Saints Wick Littlehampton, first considered Finance, and it was agreed that the Deanery Contribution to Diocesan costs should be fixed at an increase of 2% on the previous year, rather than the 5% requested by the Diocese. Following this discussion there was a talk by Steve Tennant (Diocesan Youth Officer for and the Encounter Scheme Officer) entitled “Integrating Young People into the Life of the Church. Mr Tennant considered a number of points, including the need to rethink our definition of Church, and how to creatively integrate young people into its life. To achieve this it was important to form good relationships with young people, following which a leader might be able to “move up” with them and maintain and expand these relationships. He noted that young people can – and do – appreciate both “happy clappy” and “cathedral” type worship when given the opportunity. The February 2012 meeting was held at St Margaret’s Angmering, and was mainly concerned with the work of Redeeming Our Communities (ROC), which is an initiative aimed at crime reduction and similar projects within the community. The presentation was opened by Roger Purdom, a pastor based in Littlehampton, with an outline of what was proposed in the Littlehampton area. This was followed by a talk by Neil Macdonald about the experiences of the ROC schemes in Bognor Regis, and by another from Police Sergeant Carolyn Kendall about the hopes and needs of the local police. It was clear that ROC’s work in Bognor had met with limited success: there had been some increase in volunteering, but it had not so far been possible to do more than to develop existing projects, such as Arun Angels and Big Love (Homelessness). It was however felt by all the presenters that a slow but persistent approach to these issues – the continuous sowing of seed – would eventually produce some more substantial gains. Neil Macdonald 10 CHILD SAFEGUARDING (formerly known as Child Protection) In my last Report, I spoke of the Working Group set up by the PCC in an endeavour to give Child Safeguarding a higher profile and to ensure we were keeping appraised of National developments and were carrying out proper recruitment processes in respect of references, application forms, Confidential Checks, record keeping and training. This Group, [comprising, a Churchwarden, a PCC member; 2 Junior Church Leaders; a Choir and lead Safeguarding contact for the younger Choir members);and the Chief Server as the link for Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Servers], has met at my house on five occasions and we have been joined at the last two meetings by Christopher Davies. I report back regularly to the PCC and, in February this year, I reiterated how helpful it is to have a group of people who really care about safeguarding our children and young people and who are also aware of the damage that can be done to the Church if we fail. Notices are now displayed in the Choir vestry, the Sacristy, the Entrance Hall and the Hall of the key contacts. The PCC at their last meeting also again approved the Policy Statement and a signed copy is on display on the Notice Board in the Entrance Hall. CRB CHECKS We have reached a stage where a number of five-year renewals are due and work is continuing on this. We have just been informed that the Diocese has decided to move the countersigning of Volunteer checks from Church House to the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) and we are currently considering the implications of this. More information will be shared when the situation is clearer and decisions have been made by the PCC. COLIN PERKINS was appointed as the new Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and commenced duty on 3 May, 2011. He had previously spent ten years with the Probation Service, his last appointment being Senior Probation Officer in the Surrey and Sussex area. In his first letter to us in July, he confirmed that it was not an easy time for this Diocese in terms of Safeguarding with the recent publication of the report by Baroness Butler Sloss into the way the Diocese dealt with two priests who abused children in the 70’s and 80’s, and he said how much of his time was being spent on issues arising from this Report. Many of you will be aware from articles and

APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 20 correspondence in the national press and from Bishop John’s statement on 7 January, 2012, that the Archbishop of Canterbury ordered an Archiepiscopal Visitation of the operation of child protection policies in the . Bishop John Gladwin and Chancellor Rupert Bursell, Q.C. have been carrying out the enquiry and were to make a preliminary report to the Archbishop by the end of February 2012. We will, no doubt, be informed of the outcome in due course and of any additional measures we need to put in place. To increase the shock and sadness of many people and to emphasize the need for rigorous procedures, there were more media announcements in the Press and on television earlier this month and most of you heard the letter read out in all churches from the Bishop of Horsham (Acting Bishop of Chichester) about this sorry state of affairs and giving details of a special helpline set up and available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. He concluded that “We are absolutely committed to giving the highest priority to statutory safeguarding practice and Church of England policies on safeguarding” and it is a salutary reminder to us to do all in our power to make sure that our churches are safe communities for children and vulnerable adults. In spite of all this, Colin Perkins has developed a Training Matrix showing courses to be arranged over the next three years and showing who should attend. Mary Gough and Linda Beckley were able to go to the first Foundation Training Course in September and gave feedback to our Working Group. As more dates are released, we will do our utmost to ensure that we are well represented. Finally, I ask once again for your prayers for all who are suffering abuse and for those who bear scars from the past; for those directly involved in Safeguarding in our church and in the Diocese; and especially for our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Colin Perkins. Ruth Wood, Safeguarding Officer. 11 SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORT The Sunday School has continued to grow over the last year. We have over 25 children now on the register with between 15 and 20 regularly attending each week. In the summer and autumn we looked at the story of Moses and the story of Joseph from the Old Testament in a lot of detail and the children really enjoyed creating some great displays for the Sunday School board around these two themes. The Sunday School also took part in Father Trevor’s Advent workshop, which was a great success and enjoyed by all those who attended. During the spring we have been looking at the stories of the young Jesus and some of the miracles he performed. In the build-up to Easter, we have been looking at the Ten Commandments, and how God wants us all to love him and each other. We also had a very special children’s service for Good Friday led by Father Trevor, where the children actively participated in the Easter story, by helping to build the cross and hammer the nails in! Linda Beckley has created fantastic resources for each of the Sunday School sessions and the children love all the creative activities. Their confidence has also grown tremendously when they present the stories they have learnt about that morning, in church to the congregation. We plan to introduce more singing into the Sunday School next year as the children love to take part in this, and I am sure the Mum’s do too! All that remains is to thank all those who support the Sunday school and make it such a special place to be each Sunday morning. Thank you Zina, Sarah and Linda 12 - HOME GROUP REPORTS Monday Home Group – Fortnightly – 2-4 pm – Contact Gillian Hutchison Looking Back

APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 21 We used the York Courses for Lenten study, “Growing in Love” in 2011 and “Handing on the Torch” for 2012, both generating much discussion. From May to July we enjoyed studying the first third of the Gospel of Matthew including the Sermon on the Mount and discussing the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus. A Quiet Day away was held at St Thomas a Becket church in July, led by the Rev. Canon Jillian Cossar, which completed the course of study. Those who attended appreciated the peace and serenity of the day with time to read and reflect and pray together. From September to December we continued with the Acts of the Apostles, covering St. Paul’s second Missionary journey, reflecting on Paul’s ministry of training, teaching and team-working in taking Christianity to the Gentiles in Asia Minor and on to Greece, full of the power of the Holy Spirit. Each House Group joined in the Sunday Service for House Groups in November. After Christmas we had four sessions, pre- Lent, when we read through the Prophet Micah in the Old Testament- with so many parallels for our life today, especially on Mission, which we found very thought provoking. Looking Forward This next term we are returning to Matthew’s Gospel, to study more of Jesus’s teaching, healing and His work with the Disciples and onto the challenges in Jerusalem. A Quiet Day will be held again on Saturday July 14th to be led by Neil Macdonald. All will be welcome to attend this day away for prayer, peace and reflection (more information to follow). The Monday group meet fortnightly, from 2-4pm in each other’s homes, all taking a turn to read, lead the prayers and make the tea! Newcomers are always welcome. Tuesday Evening Group – Weekly – 7:30 – 9:30 pm – Contact Jamie Gater No report yet submitted Thursday Evening Group – Fortnightly – 7:30 pm – Contact Linda and Peter Beckley Looking Back During the past year the home group has grown and we continue to enjoy fellowship together, studying a variety of books from the Bible – Acts, Isaiah, Corinthians and most recently, the York Course ‘Handing On The Torch’. All have created challenges and generated good discussions. As a group we continue to pray for St Wilfrid’s clergy, Family Support Work, Arun Angels, Big Love and Clockwork Projects. Looking Forward We are looking forward to further interesting studies during this year. As always, we welcome new members and encourage them to join us. 13 - CHOIR REPORT As usual the choir has been busy and hard working and has maintained a good, and improving, standard of singing - leading the congregation, and joining with them, in worship of Almighty God. Numbers have stayed fairly stable, and we hope to welcome new trebles to the choir, when local primary school children will be invited to come for voice trials. Over the past year the choir has been privileged and proud to take an important part in civic life. The invitation of the Mayor to sing at the town’s war memorial was a huge compliment, and the service was moving and inspirational. Civic links were fostered more at the Mayors annual service, held once again at St Wilfrid’s. We were blessed to be able to welcome children from four local primary schools who joined together to sing. We in return sang them a glorious anthem and we hope that many will have been inspired to sing in the future. Both of these events gave rise to great compliments from no less than the mayor and our local M.P. Singing Choral Evensong on most second Sundays in the month is something we enjoy and congregations seem to have grown as we have attempted to sing a variety of music in a range of styles. We have also been able to give different clergy and members of the choir the opportunity to sing the office. We have also been pleased to welcome the University’s ‘Otter consort’ who sang a beautiful evensong for us, hopefully not a one off, but the first of many in a growing link with the university .They will sing in an upcoming concert along with our own choir

APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 22 We have not entered the Chichester festival this year owing to poor number and lack of rehearsal time, but this has meant that we have been able to invest more rehearsal time on music for services and Easter Sunday stands out as a particularly fine occasion. Chris, our parish assistant has been a great help in taking preparatory lessons for those wishing to take awards, and we have a number in the choir preparing for various levels of award, including some adults. This will all help to improve the quality of our sung worship. It has been an exciting year, and we look forward to the next twelve months being equally as exciting as the choir moves forward and explores new repertoire and gains some fresh voices Jamie Gater 14 - NYEWOOD INFANT SCHOOL The issue of falling rolls has changed for the next academic year as the roll for the reception year group is full. However, it is still important for us, as a church community, to promote both our church schools. There is a good atmosphere and it is a joy to visit the school. There is an Open Evening for new parents at Nyewood Infants’ School at the beginning of May which I hope to attend. I have been involved with the school in a variety of ways from hearing readers in my link class to reading at the Easter service at St Wilfrid’s and judging the childrens’ Easter gardens. I am now involved with the annual LEA review of progress meeting each year. This is a meeting of the LEA school improvement partner with the Headteacher regarding the progress of the school. I shall be attending a further meeting in May as well as working with the Headteacher with the files of evidence. The school continues to be a welcoming place of learning for parents and children alike. Julie Starmer 15 - NYEWOOD JUNIOR SCHOOL This is my second report as I am now coming up to 2 years as a Governor of the Junior School. I have visited my class once this year, I would have liked to visit them in the spring term, to see how they are progressing, but unfortunately this has not materialised. The one visit this year has given me a very good insight into the challenges the teachers are facing, my class were doing projects in the Autumn term on the Second World War. One of the pupils came up as I was introduced by the headmaster to the class as Mr Richards, stating he did not know me as Mr Richards, only as Keith from Church. The children are very polite, this can also be seen by their behaviour at Family Services where they participate. It is good that the school is making a connection with the church. John Williams and all the staff at Nyewood are doing a very good job in maintaining the very good standard of education, that the children are receiving and this I am sure will be enhanced in the future by improvements to the computer system. I attended the year 3 York class Christmas production of Witness, and also attended the Carol Service where Father Andrew, Lawrence Wood and I to do a solo, as one of the wise men(I don't think we will be appearing at the Royal Albert Hall!). In my capacity as a School Governor I hope to attend the Summer Eucharist at the Junior school which has proved very popular. I must also mention that Stuart Hutchinson is doing a very good job as he goes in to the school regularly and helps by listening to the children reading. I would also like to thank those parishioners who again are giving me Tesco and Sainsbury's vouchers for schools. These are very worthwhile in getting the school extra resources in this difficult financial situation. Keith Richards

APCM REPORT 29th April 2012 Page 23 16 - SOCIAL AND FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE REPORT A Quiz Evening, including a jacket potato supper and a raffle was held in April. .A Barbeque and Gift Day was held on Sunday June 26th and this was also an opportunity to welcome Fr Trevor and his family. This raised a total of £945. . Peter Jessop organised an International Dinner on Saturday 17th September, with help from Shelly Burford. This raised £745. The Church Fair was held on Saturday 12th November; it included a raffle draw and all the usual stalls and refreshments and raised £2,022. A Bingo Evening was held on February 4th 2012, with Fr Andrew as caller, which raised £409. A Diamond Jubilee Garden Party is planned for Saturday 9th June, to be held in the Vicarage Garden. We were pleased to welcome Louise Smith as a member of the group. However, we were very sorry that both Chris Sheppard and Val Johnson have resigned from the Committee during the year. Their considerable contributions will be greatly missed. Neil Macdonald 17 - FAMILY SUPPORT WORK, THE DIOCESAN CHARITY After her first two years in post, Rebecca Carter, our local Family Support worker has now developed a new venture working in Nyewood Infants school . The idea is to try and be more pro- active in identifying potential needs or behavioural problems of children to help families when starting school. Also for Rebecca to become known and available as a trusted and experienced support for staff as well, if situations develop when children may be at risk. To this end , with the recruitment of suitable volunteers and close co-operation with Head Teacher and staff, there have been 12 twice monthly events in the school since June 2011, which have attracted and involved children of Year One and their parents .Creative craft work, stories and collage and painting with tea and cakes have all been very popular and enable us to get to know the children. Reception Class will be included in future. Rebecca makes herself known to all who attend giving time to parents during the activities for informal assessment and offering visiting or appropriate follow up if necessary. She has now opened a Drop-in group each Wednesday lunchtime, when parents may come and chat over coffee in confidence. The Mission statement for the Project is: To provide the necessary support to enable families to be resilient and self- sufficient. In May 2011, a very successful Coffee morning was held in my garden with a great deal of help and support from St Wilfrids’ congregation but also involving help from representatives from many other churches in Bognor. The sun shone, we all seemed to have a very pleasant time and the magnificent sum of £550 was raised for Family Support Work, all to be used by Rebecca for the needs of our local families. Letters to Hotham Rotary Club over the year have brought regular financial support enabling local families to benefit from a respite holiday week in the comfortable FSW house , Knowles Tooth, where the caring and supportive atmosphere is so beneficial to parents and children under stress. Fundraising is an on going activity for Family Support Work. St. Wilfrids congregation have responded generously for so many events in the last year, such as cake baking, food donations, harvest parcels, childrens clothes, books etc.for which many thanks. Also thanks to all the volunteers who offer so much of their time, ideas and talents as well as hospitality for the meetings. Rebecca is aware and appreciative of our regular prayers for her work for Family Support. We offer her our continued support in all the demanding work she undertakes. Gillian Hutchison, FSW representative

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