S. GILES HOUGHTON IN THE DALE

S. PETER GREAT

S. MARY LITTLE WALSINGHAM

ACCOUNTS

AND Incumbent The Revd Andrew Mitcham SSC REPORTS The Vicarage Church Street 2015 Little Walsingham NR22 6BL

Independent Examiner Adam Bunkle BSc (Hons) ACA Folly House 9 Church Street North Creake NR21 9JN

Bank Barclays Branch

S. Mary and All Saints Little Walsingham

Parish Website: walsinghamparishes.org

Foreword

The publication of the Annual Report provides an opportunity to reflect on, and give thanks for, our life together as a parish. The presentation of the yearly accounts and reports from church officers and parish organisations illustrate how much goes on over the course of a year.

In 2015, in response to the diocesan initiative Committed to Growth, the PCC identified three areas where good things were happening in the parish in terms of mission and outreach:

i Church School : Daily Collective Worship in school include weekly Open the Book sessions led by Sister Carol SSM and the Year4God Team and an Assembly led by myself. In addition, I have regularly been given the opportunity to teach Religious Education in class. A pattern of termly Services has been established rotating between S. Peter’s, S. Mary’s and the Shrine. The numbers of parents and other family members attending these Services has grown steadily.

ii Benefice Website and News&Views : The launch of both these ini- tiatives in 2015 has greatly improved our communication with those who live, work and worship in the Benefice and also with pilgrims and visitors. As a magazine for the whole community News&Views not only promotes community cohesion but also gives us a platform to proclaim the Gospel through the Christian Comment section and through other articles written by members of our congregations.

iii Winter and Lent Lunches : As well as supporting the work of the Mothers’ Union and our Parish Lent Charity these lunches are a ser- vice to the community, providing opportunities for company and fellowship.

I would like to thank all those who already support these initiatives and urge others to get involved. The consistent lesson learnt from evangelistic campaigns such as Committed to Growth is that the greatest impact in terms of mission is made by parishes doing a few things well.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and encouragement over the past year and pray that we may con- tinue to respond with vision, energy and generosity of spirit in all that the Lord asks of us in the future.

Fr Andrew

THE PARISH OF GREAT & LITTLE WALSINGHAM with HOUGHTON ST GILES

S. Mary’s Church, Little Walsingham 13th MARCH 2016 – 12.30 pm

THE EASTER VESTRY AGENDA 1 Opening Prayer 2 Apologies 3 Minutes of previous Annual Vestry - 2015 page 2 4 Election of Churchwardens

THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING AGENDA 1 Apologies 2 Minutes of 2015 APCM page 3 3 Matters Arising 4 Vicar’s Remarks and Statistics page 4 5 Electoral Roll Report (New Roll 2019) page 5 6 Election of Representatives to the P.C.C. 7 Appointment of Sides persons 8 Deanery Synod Report page 5 9 P.C.C. Report page 6 10 Fabric Reports - Terriers pages 7-9 11 Other Reports Mothers’ Union page 9 Christian Aid page 10 B.R.F. page 10 S. Mary’s Bookstall page 10 Walsingham Church of Church V.A. Primary School page 11 Donations to Charity & Fund Raising page 12 Treasure's Report page 13 13 Safe Guarding Children and Adults page 14 15 Presentation of Accounts / Appointment of Independent Examiner pages 15-21 16 Any Other Business

FIRST MEETING OF NEWLY ELECTED PCC 1 Election of Officers – Vice-Chair Treasurer Secretary Electoral Roll Officer 2 Any Other Business 3 Date next meeting - 22 June 2016

20 1 THE PARISH OF WALSINGHAM & HOUGHTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

EASTER VESTRY 2015

Minutes of Meeting held in the Parish Hall on Sunday 6th April 2015 at 5.00 pm

There were 36 parishioners present.

1 Opening Prayer – Fr Andrew Mitcham opened the meeting with Prayer.

2 Apologies - These were received from Mrs A Fletcher, Mrs W King, Mrs S Landale and Mr J Woodhouse.

3 Minutes of Previous Easter Vestry – These were accepted and signed.

4 Matters Arising – There were no matters arising.

Election of Churchwardens – The current Churchwardens for S. Peter’s and S. Giles

had been nominated.

S. Peter’s – Mr Brian Landale and Mr James Woodhouse.

S. Giles – Mrs Cara Ross and Mrs Ann Fletcher.

S. Mary’s – Mr Stephen Parkinson and Mrs Judith Gallagher.

In the absence of other nominations these were all duly elected to serve for 2015.

Fr Andrew thanked the Churchwardens for their dedication and service and for all that was done behind the scenes.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 5.04 pm.

………………………………………… Chairman

…………………………………. Date

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2015 – following the EASTER VESTRY 2015 Minutes of the meeting held in the Parish Hall on Sunday 22nd March 2015 at 5.04 pm.

1. Apologies – These were received from Mrs A Fletcher, Mrs W King, Mrs S Landale and Mr J Woodhouse. 2. Minutes – The minutes of the APCM 2014 were agreed to be accepted and they were signed and dated. 19 2 3. Matters Arising – There were no matters arising. 4. Statistics – Fr Andrew said that not all cremations were recorded. He also said that the Annual Returns showed the average Sunday attendance as S. Giles – 17, S. Peter’s – 28 and S. Mary’s – 143. 5. Electoral Roll Report – This now stands at 98. Fr Andrew there is no reason now not to be on this. The recent Stewardship Campaign letters were sent out to around 190 people who were regarded as members of our churches. 6. Deanery Synod Representatives – There was one nomination to fill the vacancy for S. Mary’s. Therefore Mr Derek Buten was elected to serve for the remaining two years. 7. Elections to PCC – There are two vacancies at S. Mary’s, two at S. Peter’s and one at S. Giles. Nominations were received from Mrs Marlene Keeling, Miss Rita Miell for S. Mary’s and Mr Bert Frew for S. Giles, and Mr Tom Marston and Mrs Ann Sayer for S. Peter’s were received. These were all duly elected. Thanks were re corded to Mr Graham Howard and Miss Eleanor Richards for their time on the PCC. 8. Election of Sidespersons – This was again left to the churchwardens. They were happy for this to continue. 9. Deanery Synod Report – This report is in the booklet, there were no questions asked. It was noted that a new Rural Dean has been appointed. Canon Patrick Fore- man a retired priest from Fakenham. Thanks and our best wishes were recorded to Canon Peter McCrory for his time as Rural Dean and that he has been unwell re- cently. A new Rector for Fakenham has been appointed and the vacancy at Wells is to be advertised very soon. 10. PCC Report – This is in the booklet, there were no questions asked. 11. Churchwardens Reports – These are in the booklet, no questions asked. 12. Reports from Parish Organisations Mothers’ Union – This report is in the booklet. Christian Aid – This report is in the booklet. Bible Reading Fellowship – This report is in the booklet. There are 19 members for this and new members are always welcome. S. Mary’s Bookstall – This report is in the booklet. Walsingham CofE Church VA Primary School – This is the first report to be in the booklet. The school will lead Stations of the Cross in S. Mary’s next Tuesday. All were encouraged to support this. Donations to Charity - This report is in the booklet. Treasurer’s Report – This report is in the booklet. 13. Review ‘Protection of Children & Young People’- Miss Sue Kimberly is the named person for this and any concerns are to be directed to her. 14. Review Vulnerable Adults Protection – Miss Sue Kimberly is the named person for this and any concerns are to be directed to her. 15. Presentation of Accounts – Mr Stephen Parkinson talked through these and said they were in a new format now. He urged everyone to review their giving. Some ques- tions were asked about the need to cover our expenses or risk going deeper into debt. The recent Stewardship Campaign had been successful, although not everyone re- plied. Everyone was encouraged to spread the message that to keep the churches available for all, all must give more. Also to use GA when applicable. The accounts were proposed to be accepted by Mr Stephen Parkinson and seconded by Mr Bert

18 3 Frew. All were happy with this. 16. Appointment of Independent Examiner – Mr Adam Bunkle was appointed as independent examiner again. 17. Any Other Business – Fr Andrew said Thank You to everyone who helped in the th production of the booklet. S. Giles mentioned their forthcoming lunch on 12 April at village hall. Tickets are available. Michael Lovatt thanked Stephen Parkinson for his work with the accounts saying it had been a difficult year with the change over of the system. A tentative suggestion of changing the time/ location of the APCM was offered. The PCC will decide whether to take this forward.

The meeting closed with the Grace at 5.40 pm.

………………………………………………. Chairman

……………………………………… Date

STATISTICS 2014 S. Giles S. Peter S. Mary Baptisms 0 0 3 Weddings 0 1 1 Funerals 0 1 4 Confirmations 0 1 2

Communicants Sundays 897 1,264 7,294 Weekdays 452 197 2,181

STATISTICS 2015

S. Giles S. Peter S. Mary Baptisms 3 0 0 Weddings 0 0 2 Funerals 0 3 3 Confirmations 0 0 0

Communicants Sundays 901 1,109 6,995 Weekdays 341 188 2,044

THE ELECTORAL ROLL FOR WALSINGHAM AND HOUGHTON 2015 The criteria for being on the roll are as follows:- I am Baptised and aged 16 years or over and A member of the Church of England or of a church in communion with the C of E and resident in the Parish or Not resident in the parish, but a member of the C of E and has habitually attended public worship within the parish during the period of 6 months prior to enrolment or 17 4 I am a member in good standing of a Church (not in communion with the C of E), which sub- scribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and also declare myself to be a member of the C of E and I have habitually attended public worship in the Parish during the period of 6 months prior to enrolment. The Roll in 2015 had 98 members. In 2016 the roll has 102 members Lynette Sutton Electoral Roll Officer

BURNHAM & WALSINGHAM DEANERY SYNOD 2015 The Burnham and Walsingham Deanery Synod met three times in 2015, April, June and No- vember. In April the Rev’d Sally Gaze ,Team Rector of Tas Valley Team Ministry spoke to us about ‘Reaching out through Fresh Expressions and in particular about the ‘cell church’ which was growing and very popular with those who did not necessarily attend church on a Sunday. They did some Bible study and talked, which has led to Baptism and some being Confirmed. One lady came as a result of damage to an interior door when some people from the church in- vestigated and replaced them. Sally discussed further ways to reach out to people, young and old. Reports from the Diocesan and General Synod can be found on the internet

In July the Rev’d Canon Peter Doll gave a fascinating talk “Edith Cavell and Remembrance” October 12th is the 100 anniversary of her death and he noted various ways in which the Cathe- dral were commemorating this. They commissioned the artist Brian Whelan to paint 14 pictures depicting “The passion of Edith Cavell: The Way of the Cross” to be hung in the ambulatory of the Cathedral. Edith was born in Swardeston 1865, the eldest child of the vicar, she was educated at home and trained at The and in 1907 was asked to become the founding director of the first profes- sional nurses training school in Belgium. She came home every summer and that is was in 1914 that she returned to be with her nurses. She became part of an underground network and helped around 200 allied soldiers to escape. Eventually all the underground group were arrested and imprisoned and after 10 weeks in solitary confinement Edith was tried and found guilty, On the night before her death as Christ had done she prayed for the forgiveness of those who would kill her. Her last words were “Standing as I do in of God and eternity, I realise that patriotism is not enough, I must have no hatred or bitterness for anyone. She died in front of the firing squads at 7am Tuesday 12th October 1915. Her body was brought back to England in 1919 and after a state funeral was buried in Life’s Green, the former monas- tic cemetery outside Cathedral. It was announced that Rev.E Bundock, Rev.A Mitcham, Miss A Prentis, Mr M Tapper and Mr F Schofield had been elected to the Diocesan Synod

In November Julian Bryant- Norfolk Co-ordinator for Christian Aid told us the when he was travelling in Cambodia to help with a drug problem he was struck down with food poisoning and the people of Cambodia, who had next to nothing gave him what little they had and really helped him. He said that 9/11 was a significant point in changing world history as over 2000peo- ple died in that tragedy. He said that many more children than that die every year from malaria, diarrhoea, lack of clean water, natural disasters but these deaths go relatively unnoticed. He spoke of how a cheap mosquito net, how providing sheep so that these can be bred and passed on can save lives and lead to better conditions. He said The Charity does not tolerate corruption and strives to use as little as possible in admin costs.

Frank Schofield stood down as treasurer and Lynette Sutton has taken on this role 16 5 Following recent elections Robin Back was re-elected to the General Synod and he outlined what the Synod hoped to do in the future

Cathedral Quiet Afternoon on Saturday 13th June Anything but quiet! We received a very warm welcome by the Dean, who had introduced a prayer trail around the Cathedral, but first we had our picnic in the Deanery and then indi- vidually followed the trail or had quiet time on our own. We ended with Evening Prayer in the Cathedral Pam Miller Report of the PCC - 2015 The PCC is made up of the following members – Chairman Fr Andrew Mitcham Churchwarden & Vice-Chairman Mr Brian Landale Churchwarden & Treasurer Mr Stephen Parkinson Churchwarden Mrs Judith Gallagher “ Mr James Woodhouse “ Mrs Ann Fletcher “ & Deanery Synod Rep Mrs Cara Ross Deanery Synod Rep Mrs Pam Miller “ Mr Derek Buten Elected member S. Mary Mr Michael Lovatt “ “ Mr Garry Getley “ “ Mrs Marlene Keeling “ “ Miss Rita Miell “ “ Miss Sue Kimbley “ “ Mr Stuart Grout “ S. Peter H.H Timothy Lawrence “ “ Mr Tom Marston “ Mrs Ann Sayer “ S. Giles Mr Bert Frew “ “ Mrs Dianne Green Ex Officio member Sister Teresa SSM Secretary Mrs Lynette Sutton

The PCC met six times during 2014: 17th February, 22nd March, 24th June, 14th October, and 25th November. At the APCM and Annual Vestry all the Churchwardens were re- elected. Mrs Marlene Keeling and Miss Rita Miell were re-elected to the PCC for S. Mary’s and Mr Bert Frew for S. Giles with Mr Tom Marston and Mrs Ann Sayer being elected to the PCC for S. Peter’s. Thanks were recorded to Mr Graham Howard and Miss Eleanor Richards for their time given to the PCC. It was recorded that a new Rural Dean had been appointed: Canon Patrick Foreman, a retired priest from Fakenham. Also that Fr McCrory had been unwell and our gratitude and thanks to him for all he has done for us was sent to him. A plan to possibly relocate the APCM to S. Mary’s was to be trialled for one year.

On 25th November 2015 the PCC passed the following resolution “For the sake of the unity of our parish This PCC requests, on grounds of theological conviction set out in the state- ment appended to this Resolution, that arrangement be made for it in accordance with the House of Bishops’ Declaration on the Ministry of Bishops and Priests.” The result of the 15 6 vote was 15 in favour, none against with 3 abstentions.

Finance included that we paid the Parish Share in full and help was given again to the Bar- shams who hope to pay their way next year. The Lent Appeal this year was for Breadline Africa. The PCC was asked to contribute to the new set of Crib figures at the Pump, Walsingham. We sent £425. Fabric S. Giles – Funds are in place for the roof repairs and work is hoped to start soon. The question of a replacement organ was discussed. S. Mary’s - The South Porch needs attention and is awaiting the architects thoughts. The floor and windows were cleaned during 2015. An entrance to the new part of the churchyard was discussed and it is hoped to have more information on this for next year. S. Peter’s – The QI report was received here. Concern was highlighted for the windows and roof. The new Sunday School got off to a slow start but saw a 400% increase towards the end of the year. Church School The numbers on the school roll is currently 28. The PCC receives regular reports on the school and everyone is always encouraged to attend events and services with them. Website This has a new Webmaster Mr Paolo Castignoli who is being helped into this by Mr Graham Howard to whom we are grateful for his work in setting up the Website. News & Views The new Community Magazine got off to a flying start with many positive reports being received by the committee. Funding for this was supported by the PCC. Fundraising A BBQ and Safari Super was held. The Harvest Lunch organised by S. Giles and held at Barsham & Houghton Village Hall raised £614.19 for Christian Aid, the govern- ment matched any donation, making our gift to them £1,228.38. Winter and Lent Lunches are held at the Parish Hall. Norfolk Churches Trust Annual Cycle Ride was supported. Plans for Open Gardens during 2016 were discussed. Deanery Synod Regular reports are received for this at PCC meetings. A ‘Quiet Afternoon’ was organised in the Cathedral and open to all. The Deanery Candlemass service at S. Mary’s is always well supported by the parishes in the Deanery. Services for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Assumptiontide and Remembrance Sunday were also discussed and planned. We continue to be grateful to all the Retired Clergy for their dedicated help during the Inter- regnum. Lynette Sutton

LITTLE WALSINGHAM S.MARY AND ALL SAINTS ANNUAL REP0RT

During the course of 2015, the pulpit of S.Mary’s was graced by no less than seven bishops: we were delighted to sit at the feet of the Bishop of Lynn, the Bishop of Richborough, the Bishop of Fulham, the Bishop of Fort Worth, Texas, Bishop Martyn Jarrett, Bishop Roger Jupp and, before his return to his native Australia, Bishop Lindsay Urwin. The Assumptiontide Lecture The Transfiguration and Our Lady: some patristic perspec- tives. was delivered to a packed church by the Parish Priest of S.Benet, Kentish Town, Dr Peter Anthony, and we were particularly pleased later in the year to publish his lecture.

Inside S.Mary’s, the statue of the Sacred Heart was restored and re-painted, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor and we were delighted that Bishop Martyn Jarrett agreed to re-dedicate it on the feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Thanks to the initiative of a small group within the congregation, the pews were re-polished, the floors subjected to a deep 14 7 SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND ADULTS clean and re-polish, and the windows all cleaned. The Diocesan Guidelines called Safe Haven are there to protect Children and Young People The necessary remedial works to the South Porch identified by the 2014 Quinquennial entrusted to us for care and nurture. There are also Guidelines on how to safeguard Vulner- were programmed for execution during the Spring of 2016 and significant efforts were able Adult, be they either visitors to our community or members within our community. made during 2015 in fund-raising aimed at defraying at least a proportion of those not Just as Jesus showed compassion to those in 1st Century Palestine, so we, as Christians, have insignificant costs. Pending that work, the arch of the Porch has been encased in protec- a responsibility to protect the vulnerable, whether adults or children. It is a fact that we all tive netting in order to ensure that those using the South Door are not thus placed in become vulnerable at some point in life, and should honour everyone regardless of age, capa- harm’s way. bilities, gender or ethnicity. The week-by-week care of our Church, the execution of her Liturgy and the fellowship we As a PCC we annually renew our policy documents, as recommended by the Diocese and a enjoy together would be impossible without the stewardship of time and talents which so copy of these are posted on the noticeboards in each of our churches within the benefice. many of our number offer on such a regular basis. We thank each and every one of them Updates on these safeguarding matters are sent to me from the Diocese. Full copies of these for all their efforts during 2015. Guidelines are available on the Diocesan Website. Hard copies of these are available in the Parish Office. Another group we must thank is the retired Clergy, the Shrine Clergy and other local Any issues or concerns should be directed to myself as the current Named Person. priests who give so selflessly of their time in order to support our Parish Priest in so many ways. In particular, mention should be made of the Lenten series of homilies given by our Sue Kimbley retired priests and the most rewarding Lent Course on images in art of the Crucifixion, given by Dr Allan Barton. TREASURER’S REPORT

Finally, of course we must thank Fr Andrew Mitcham for his tireless ministry to the peo- 2015 has been a year of mixed fortunes for the three churches, with each of our underlying ple of God at S. Mary’s and throughout this benefice, as well as to the countless streams positions defined to an enormous extent by the fact that we saw an increase of no less than of pilgrims, so many of whom continue to see a visit to S. Mary’s as a vital and integral 12.73% in the Parish Share when compared with 2014. Given that Consumer Price Inflation part of their pilgrimage to this holy place. over the twelve months to December 2015 stood at 0.2%, we should applaud the fact that, yet Judith Gallagher and Stephen Parkinson again, we paid our Parish Share in full, and on time. Churchwardens Across the board, weekly and monthly giving has increased, thanks both to the regular mem-

bers of our congregations and to our visitors, especially the pilgrims. But of course expendi- S. GILES HOUGHTON ANNUAL REPORT ture has likewise continued to increase and unforeseen necessary expense is often difficult to We have a Sunday congregation of around 16 plus many visitors, many of whom return avoid or postpone. General Fund losses at St Peter’s and at St Mary’s must be a cause for year after year; we feel we are a very happy family. regret, whilst a surplus on that Fund at St Giles must be an encouragement. The very healthy Designated Fund surplus at St Giles is of course already spoken for in terms of roof works, We are grateful to Father Andrew that there is a regular Wednesday morning service and just as the surplus on the St Mary Fabric Fund will soon be utilised to help defray the cost of to Father Parry for being with us most Sundays. repair works to the South Porch. It thus remains the case that it is incumbent upon each of us Graham Howard is our regular organist with Gillian Lee stepping in if Graham is away. prayerfully to keep our giving under review in the light of changes in our respective incomes. At the moment the organ is out of action but we are lucky to have the use of Peter Dixon’s Likewise, when opportunities arise to review our testamentary dispositions, it is to be hoped clavinova. Until the work on the roof has been completed and paid for the fate of the that we will consider whether we might be able to assist those who will follow us with, per- organ and its possible replacement is on hold. The same is true for the future of the bells, haps, a modest bequest to our parish. which we have been told are unsafe to be rung.

After many years as a server Stanley Smith was thanked on his retirement and given a pew On a brighter note, it is only fair to report that the increase in Parish Share over the course of 2016 will amount to just 1.12% - although of course this rate remains considerably more than cushion to show our gratitude. the prevailing rate of inflation. However, provided we corporately maintain our present level We hosted the harvest Lunch this year which was enjoyed by about 70 people. The pro- of generosity, this may permit each of the churches to move towards modest surpluses over ceeds, £614.17, were donated to Christian Aid in December because at that time the Gov- the coming months. vernment matched the donation pound for pound.

There were three baptisms this year. The Christmas carol Service was one of the best at- Ann Fletcher and Brian Landale join me in thanking each of you for your generosity over the tended for many years with people overflowing into the choir stalls. past year and in looking forward to your continued support in the year ahead.

We are grateful to the family at the Parsonage for clearing the old part of the churchyard Stephen Parkinson and for rebuilding the ends of the wall.

8 13 DONATIONS TO CHARITY It has been a good year and we thank Father Andrew and all who help in so many ways. S. Giles S. Peter S. Mary – Joint Projects Cara Ross and Ann Fletcher Lent Project: Breadline Africa £1,367.64 Churchwardens

Lent Lunches 450.80 Lent Talents 916.84 S. PETER’S GREAT WALSINGHAM ANNUAL REPORT 1,367.64 As usual our thanks go to the large number of people who contribute in so many ways to the life at St Peter’s. The church is always clean with beautiful flowers and welcoming whether Disasters Emergency Committee - to our regular congregation and or visitors. Nepal Earthquake £439.18 Our finances give some course for concern. Peoples’ generosity brings in increasing income Harvest Lunch: Christian Aid £594.17 but sadly the expenses are rising at a greater rate, especially monies paid to the Diocese in S. Giles the form of the “share”. We need to encourage people to be generous towards our church Norfolk Churches Trust 10.00 and do a more fundraising to even things out.

Norfolk Churches Trust – Sponsored Cycle Ride 223.00 James Woodhouse & Brian Landale Children’s Society 124.28 Churchwardens £357.28 S. Mary WALSINGHAM MOTHERS UNION Friends of Norwich Cathedral 20.00 Walsingham Mothers Union celebrated it’s Centenary Year in 2011 and a Feast was held in Norfolk Churches Trust 10.00 the Parish Hall to commemorate the occasion. A Prayer Leaflet was produced, composed of Forward in Faith 50.00 prayers written by M.U. members which is still available and can be purchased from the £80.00 back of St. Mary’s Church for £1.00. All profit goes to support the work of Mothers Union S. Peter overseas. Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 200.00 Over many decades M.U. meetings have taken place on the third Tuesday of every month, Norfolk Churches Trust 20.00 beginning with the Eucharist in St. Mary’s Church at 11am, followed by Branch Meeting, £220.00 Lunch, Bring and Buy Sale, and finally a Guest Speaker. There have been a great variety of topics and we are most grateful to all our Speakers who have given up their time. Grand Total £3,058.27 One of the highlights of 2015 was the Mothers Union Festival Service held in Norwich Ca-

thedral in October. A truly splendid sight as Banners carried by a representatives from FUND RAISING Branches all over the County processed around the Cathedral. It was encouraging to see

S Mary-General Fund such a large body of our members in one place. We were also reminded of the work of the Gresham’s Concert 229.25 Mothers Union that takes place not only in this country but throughout the whole World South Porch Stall (includes gifts in memory of Delphine Hall) 2,231.30 both in prayer and in action. The pub lunch we had on the way home was a fine reason to £2,460.55 celebrate. Locally M.U. members are involved with various aspects with the children in Walsingham S Mary-Fabric Fund Church of England Primary School and this is a joy to be part of. The Winter Lunches have ‘Book of Fire’ sales 380.00 proved extremely popular and we are already looking ahead to the coming year. We support Fund Raising Events 1,180.70 an organisation which provides refuge centres for mothers and children who have suffered £1,560.70 abuse. A meeting is arranged and one or two of our members hand over a parcel, usually a sweetie bag for Mothering Sunday. We are delighted to be having a Representative from the S. Giles-Designated Fund Charity to speak to us at one of our monthly meetings in 2016. Lunch 2,182.00 2016 will be a time of change for Walsingham Mothers’ Union. After serving six years I Norfolk Churches Trust Cycle Ride 141.00 have reached the end of my term as Branch Leader and must stand down, as will our Secre- Easy Fundraising 53.40 tary Jo Thompson. It has been agreed by the members that we wish to continue to support £2,376.40 and be a part of this World Wide organisation of The Church of England, so as there is no one able to take on the role of Branch Leader we will form a small committee to organise Grand Total £6,397.65 events and Sue Kimbley has accepted the role of “Corresponding Member” as contact with Headquarters at Mary Sumner House. 12 9 So, as the saying goes it’s “Onward and Upwards” and we look forward to future events in THE PILGRIM FEDERATION OF CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOLS 2016. .Susan Poole As I write this report at the beginning of January, I am still remembering the Christmas events that took place in the federation schools. I can honestly say all the children partici- CHRISTIAN AID pated with enthusiasm, spoke their parts clearly, acted well and sang beautifully. Now it is ‘Every 60 seconds Malaria kills another child –Malaria is a killer disease that a new term and a new year and everybody has returned eager to learn and work. claims the life of a child every minute in Africa’. In my last report, I had mentioned the Federation Foundation Day to be held on 24th April I took over as CA co-ordinator from Pam Miller in June of this year. A Gala Lunch held at so I will begin this year’s report there. The day began at the Slipper Chapel where all four Barsham & Houghton Village Hall in the summer raised £614.19 which, given during De- schools met in their year groups. After a brief service, the children began their pilgrim walk cember meant the government matched this amount making a total of £1,228.38. In Novem- to the Shrine, except for the youngest children who were transported in the minibus to the ber the CA co-ordinator: Julian Bryant, came talk to our local Deanery Synod meeting to end of the track to join in the walk through Walsingham. After a break for drinks, the pu- which, all interested or involved with CA were invited. His talk was very interesting and pils spent the remainder of the morning, in groups, being shown round the Shrine and the enlightening. Abbey Grounds, learning about the history of pilgrimage and collecting mementos on their In spite of the economic situation Walsingham branch raised £765.58 excluding gift aid in way as pilgrims do. It was a beautiful day, so packed lunches were eaten on the lawns in 2015 and Wells & Walsingham Group raised £2618.63 including Gift Aid the Shrine grounds. After lunch, everybody walked to St Mary’s for a very special service I look forward to CA week next year when I hope to become more involved with distributing with readings, prayers, acting and singing which raised the roof! and collecting envelopes. Lynette Sutton We have continued to have many visitors to Walsingham, including Local Authority advi- sors, Diocesan advisors, headteachers and teachers. There have been various activities in- BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP volving language, maths, science and sport at the schools in the Federation and Alderman Peel High School, who also hold transition days for Yr 6. Bible Reading Fellowship provides the opportunity to study the scriptures on a daily basis. NEW DAYLIGHT covers a varied selection of Old and New Testament biblical themes, of- An important part of school life is going out into the local, and not so local, environment. fering a short daily bible passage, plus thought-provoking comment and prayer or point of There have been many visits made during the year with new and interesting experiences for reflection. Also included is BRF magazine with articles and book extracts. New Daylight can the children. They listened to and watched the BBC Orchestra at a concert in King’s Lynn, also be obtained in other formats : Large print, Braille and on cassette for the visually im- discovered Bewilderwood and Amazona Zoo, enjoyed the Circus at and paired. visited Wells Harbour Day, Walsingham Farm Shop, Tesco’s Farm Food Tour and sang GUIDELINES offers in-depth study and comment, covering biblical books and themes. The carols at Morrisons. daily readings are arranged in weekly sections, each including an introduction and points for Every week, there is an Assembly held to celebrate children’s success to which parents are thought and prayer. invited. During the year, Celebration of Learning afternoons take place so parents are able If you wish to become part of our Parish group please contact Susan Poole ~ to come into school and see the work that has been achieved. Walking into the entrance Telephone : 01328 820717 hall, I always find interesting, colourful displays, a welcoming atmosphere and much evi-

dence of it being a church school. The children are always polite and speak confidently.

SAINT MARY’S BOOKSTALL In June, the Federation held an Art Exhibition in Salthouse Church. There was a fantastic Just under £1000 was quite good in sales, but I did notice throughout the year that sales were display of a variety of children’s art work. It demonstrated what talented children we have, slow. Pilgrims are our main customers and numbers have reduced. The last order for goods especially when you read the pieces that were written to go with each exhibit. was delayed, by the time of delivery the pilgrim season had ended There have been plenty of opportunities for the children, staff, parents and governors of the A reprint of the Organ Leaflet was needed, and the copy of the 2015 Assumptiontide Lecture Federation to meet for social occasions including Sports Days, Fetes, Bingo or Quiz eve- was not received until December which contained colour photographs that we could not re- nings not forgetting the annual Firework display. In addition there are Harvest, Mothering produce ourselves which caused an increase in expenditure. Day and Christingle services to which everybody is welcome. Income £990.10 Finally, I have only praise for Miss Dolan and her staff who ensure commitment, quality Payments £447.51 education and irresistible learning for all pupils in the Federation. Profit £542.59 Maureen Howard Kathleen Lovatt Vice-Chair of Governors

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