The Annual Parochial Church Meeting of the Church Of

Home , Diocese of Ely, Gamlingay

THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

THE CHURCH OF

ST MARY, THE VIRGIN, GAMLINGAY

with HATLEY ST. GEORGE AND EAST HATLEY

8th March 2020

THE BENEFICE OF GAMLINGAY AND EVERTON

WITHIN THE DEANERY OF ST NEOTS IN THE DIOCESE OF ELY

THE PARISH OF GAMLINGAY WITH HATLEY ST GEORGE AND EAST HATLEY

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 8th March 2020

CONTENTS

Achievements and Performance 5 Administrative Information 3 Aims and Purposes 4 Bell Ringers report 13 Chat Group 12 Children 7 Christian Aid 12 Church Attendance 6 Confirmations 7 Deanery Synod 11 Electoral Roll 5 Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Churches in the Parish Report 10 Financial Report 14 Friends of St. Mary’s 14 Guild of St. Mary 13 Hatley St George Church 11 Healing Group 8 Health and Safety 12 Lay Ministry 8 Music report 7 Niassa 12 Objectives and Activities 4 Pastoral Group 12 Priest in Charge Letter of Reflection 9 Registers 2019 6 Safeguarding 11 Social & Fundraising 12 Social Media 13 Structure, Governance and management 4 Task Groups 5 Traidcraft 12 Worship and Ministry 6

Appendix Financial Statements

THE PARISH OF GAMLINGAY WITH HATLEY ST GEORGE AND EAST HATLEY

Annual Report Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council and Review of the Year.

Incumbent : Revd. Hilary Young Bank : Barclays Bank, Biggleswade Independent Examiner Mr. Colin Airey

Administrative Information

The church of St. Mary the Virgin is situated at the end of Church Street, Gamlingay. The church of St. James the Great is situated on the Astor Estate in Hatley St. George and is designated as a Chapel of Ease from when the current parish was created. The Parish is part of the Diocese of Ely within the Church of England. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity excepted from registration with the Charity Commission.

Current PCC members . Some members have been re-elected several times and Churchwardens and Deanery Synod representatives are ex officio members.

Revd. Hilary Young Priest in Charge Mr Alec Hissett Churchwarden Mr Christopher Miller Deputy Churchwarden & Reader Mrs Valerie Miller Deputy Churchwarden & elected lay representative Mr Mike Wareham Deputy Churchwarden & elected lay representative Mrs Gerry Brunt Elected lay representative Mr. Ian Parker Treasurer & elected lay representative Mrs Ros Hissett Electoral Roll Officer & elected lay representative Mrs Diana Matthews Safeguarding Officer & elected lay representative Mrs Dawn Martin Secretary & elected lay representative Mrs. Sandra Macrow Deanery Synod representative Mrs Anne Clarke Deanery Synod representative Mr Peter Smith Elected lay representative

Churchwarden Team :

Mr. Alec Hissett Churchwarden

Mr Christopher Miller Deputy Churchwarden Mrs Valerie Miller Deputy Churchwarden Mr Mike Wareham Deputy Churchwarden Mrs Jan Cooper Deputy Churchwarden

THE PARISH OF GAMLINGAY WITH HATLEY ST GEORGE AND EAST HATLEY

Structure Governance and Management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St Mary's the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (Currently Priest in Charge) churchwarden, the Reader, and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral role of the church and attended the APCM. All those who attend our church are encouraged to register on the Electoral role and stand for election to the PCC.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are spent. The PCC met 5 times during the year with the Standing committee meeting in between the full PCC meetings to discuss and set the Agenda. Dates of PCC Meetings and minutes from previous meetings are displayed in St Mary’s and Hatley church porch notice boards and are available for anyone to read.

The Standing Committee has been agreed to consist of the Parish Priest, the PCC secretary and Treasurer, the Church Warden(s) and another PCC member nominated by the PCC. Much of the detailed PCC business is delegated to Task Groups which report to the PCC and are convened by one or two members of the PCC.

Aims and Purposes

St Mary the Virgin, Gamlingay, with Hatley St George and East Hatley Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent the Reverend Hilary Young, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church building and Church Hall at Gamlingay, the church building at Hatley St George and churchyard at East Hatley. The churchyard at Gamlingay is closed, its maintenance the responsibility of the Parish Council.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith Into practice through prayer and scripture, music and the sacraments. In particular we try to enable members of our community and beyond to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

• Worship and prayer; learning about the Gospel; and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus. • Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish • Missionary and Outreach work

When planning our activities for the year we have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and to facilitate this work it is important that we maintain the fabric of St Mary's Church. Following the theft of lead from the roof a Project was set up to include people within and outside of the PCC and church congregation to steer work on submission of a funding application to the Heritage Fund to help to provide facilities to make the church more accessible to the community. Rev H Young, Mr A Hissett, Mr I Parker, Mr Andrew Smith are key members of the Project group which is headed by Mr Chris Smith. Mrs Sandra Macrow and Mrs Sarah Titmus were invited to join the group in November to assist with communication. The Project’s intention is to provide facilities for community worship and social and cultural activities to benefit the church and the community. Unfortunately, in November 2019 we heard that our bid was unsuccessful, and the Project group will convene in the New Year to discuss the way forward.

THE PARISH OF GAMLINGAY WITH HATLEY ST GEORGE AND EAST HATLEY

• The PCC agreed to restructure all committees except the standing committee with Task Groups (the standing committee is the only committee required by law). The standing committee has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to directions given by the Council. The standing committee also has responsibility for stewardship. The committee met prior to each PCC meeting to deal with such matters and set the Agenda.

A task group will have a convener who will take responsibility for the task set by the PCC. In general, a task will fall into one of three areas, as covered by committees previously. • Worship, outreach and teaching • Social and fundraising • Buildings/fabric

Task groups differ from committees in that: • Membership is flexible with the ability to include those not on the PCC and change the group membership at any time without needing a PCC motion. • Meetings are convened when necessary, but business can be carried out by any means that's effective. • Reporting is to PCC with actions, key information and requests for decisions only, and happens when needed, not limited to PCC meeting dates and formal reports. • There is no need to report to a PCC meeting if there's nothing to say - time is not spent at PCC or task group on minutes and accounting for presence.

Members of the PCC who head task groups are as follows:

• Ministry, Mission & Worship: Rev H Young, Mr C Miller & Mrs S Macrow • Buildings & Fabric: Rev H Young, Mr A Hissett & Mr P Smith • Social & Fundraising: Mrs S Macrow, Mrs R Hissett , Mrs V Miller & Mrs A Clarke • Benefice Pastoral: Rev H Young, Mr C Miller & Mrs V Miller

The PCC also agreed to restructure PCC meetings which took effect from February 2019. The two benefice meetings convene in the same place and at the same time, with meetings structured to deal with the first part of the meeting covering shared information and discussion material and the second, separate part of the meeting, covering decisions and individual concerns of each PCC. The two separate meetings are chaired by Lady Ann Naseby (Everton) and Mr Alec Hissett (Gamlingay ) with Rev Hilary liaising closely with the chairpersons to ensure her presence at discussions where essential for each meeting. As two separate meetings are held concurrently it has been necessary to hold the meetings at the Eco Hub which is able to provide two separate adjacent meeting rooms. These shared meetings have enabled each PCC to work closely together and gain an understanding of each other’s aims and objectives and for both churches to support each other.

Achievements and Performance

The PCC is keen to offer a range of services during the week and over the course of the year that our community find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling.

All are welcome to attend our regular services and at 26 February 2020 there are 76 parishioners on the Church Electoral roll from Gamlingay, East Hatley & Hatley St George (2 of whom live outside the parish) Thanks go to Mrs Ros Hissett for acting as our Electoral Roll Officer .

THE PARISH OF GAMLINGAY WITH HATLEY ST GEORGE AND EAST HATLEY

Worship and Ministry

Worship within our parish has continued with the established format although it is intended to carry out an audit both of the current provision and by means of a questionnaire. Worship at Hatley is currently under review. Apart from the usual pattern of weekly and festival services, there have also been occasional services such as Ash Wednesday, Ascension Day, Christian Aid, Harvest, All Souls and a service of light at Halloween. In July Muassite from Niassa gave the address at the Parish Eucharist service. Baptisms tend to take place during the non-Eucharistic service on the first Sunday of the month. Currently there is input from Chris Miller (Reader) with Sandra Macrow (ALM children's work) and Sarah Titmus assisting at First Sunday services. This year the majority of baptisms took place during the First Sunday service. Chris Miller

We continue to strengthen our links with the Baptist Church in Gamlingay and are delighted to work closely together with Rev Adrian Semerene and his team. We have held several joint services this year including Remembrance Sunday, School Carol Services and Christingle service at St Mary’s and social events such as Christian Family fun day and All Hallows light party. The two churches are working together to minister to the residents and staff at Potton View Care Home.

During 2019 the normal pattern of services in the Benefice was as follows:

First Sunday : • 8.00am - Holy Communion (BCP); Gamlingay • 10.00am - First Sunday Service; Gamlingay. • 4.00pm - Evensong (BCP); Everton. Second Sunday : • 9.30am - Parish Eucharist; Gamlingay. • 11.00am - Holy Communion; Hatley. • 11.00am - Word & Worship; Everton. Third Sunday : • 9.30am - Parish Eucharist with prayers for healing; Gamlingay. • 11.00am - Parish Eucharist; Everton. Fourth Sunday : • 8.00am - Holy Communion (BCP); Hatley. • 9.30am - Parish Eucharist; Gamlingay. • 11.00am - Parish Eucharist; Everton. • 6.00pm - Evensong; Gamlingay. Fifth Sunday : • 9.30am/11.00am – Benefice Eucharist; alternating between Gamlingay & Everton.

Church Attendance 2019

The average church attendance based on the sample month of October 2019 was 45 over 16 years of age and 10 under 16.

From the 2019 Registers G H Baptisms 13 0 Thanksgiving for the birth of a child 1 0 Weddings 8 0 Funerals(church) 9 0 Funerals conducted by a member of the ministry team at a crematorium: 8 0 Funeral at the graveside (East Hatley) 0 1 Memorial Service 1 0 Interment of ashes 1 1

THE PARISH OF GAMLINGAY WITH HATLEY ST GEORGE AND EAST HATLEY

Music Report to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting – 2020

Music continues to feature heavily within the worship of our church. The Benefice Choir continues to flourish. We are a loyal choir of twelve, with members from both Gamlingay and Everton. This is an excellent example of cooperation across the benefice. The small A Cappella group also meets on occasion and performs when required. Our contribution to music across the benefice since the last annual meeting has included: Ash Wednesday (G) Maundy Thursday (G) Advent Carol Service (E) Christmas Carol Services (G,E) Christmas Carol Service (H)

Members of the Gamlingay Choir sing on a Sunday at the Parish Eucharist and on various other occasions (eg special services, weddings, funerals). Thanks are due to them all for their loyalty and regular commitment. We have also started an “all-comers” choir which sings at the First Sunday service each month. This is under the direction of Andrew Smith and meets at 9.00am in preparation for the service at 10.00am. The choir is open to all who are interested, both adults and children. As usual our gratitude goes to the organists/pianists who contribute so much to the high quality of the music at Gamlingay church. Particular thanks must go this year to Andrew Smith and Jane Orchiston who have admirably stood in for our regular organist Rex Whitfield who has been on long term absence owing to illness. Thanks, must also go to Rex (Gamlingay organist), Jane Orchiston (First Sunday pianist) and Andrew Smith (occasional organist/pianist First Sunday choir director and A Cappella director) for their contribution throughout the year. We must consider ourselves very fortunate to have such a wealth of talent in this area. Chris Miller

Confirmations

This year has seen a wonderful number of adults and children confirmed and admitted to Communion. In May this year we saw 4 Adults (Miia and Mark Johnson, Jan Smith and Tina Wooding confirmed by the Bishop of Ely at St Mary's and in July 2 of our Sparks group; Maisie Macrow and Tabitha Hardy, were confirmed and 2 younger children; Bella Titmus and Stephanie Ingles, were admitted to Communion. Sarah Titmus, and Nick and Gis Ingles were also confirmed at the service in Buckden .

Children

Sandra Macrow who leads Sparks was joined during the year by Sarah Titmus to assist with the running of it and the addition of Sarah’s own 3 children has been warmly welcomed. Due to ratio of adults to children the decision was made to hold the Sparks group at the back of the church instead of the church hall. More adults are required to help the leaders organise and supervise the group . Sparks are looking to purchase the Roots resources and have started using Dide Disciples material. Sparks has advertised at Gamlingay Village Primary for more children to join but as yet no children have come forward. Sandra & Sarah will continue to attempt to increase numbers but will need more helpers to enable them to do so. The children undertake and complete worksheets each week with some work completed at home . At the completion of the worksheet the children receive a token which they can collect each week and exchange for something at the end of the month. The children have made delightful contributions to the services with their presentations, leading into the prayers and reading scripture, they are major contributors to First Sunday services at St Mary's as well as showing their work at other services. During the year, Sparks also worked with the local community including the Village Show, Light Party ( joint venture with Baptist Church) , Advent Windows, Christmas lights switch on, Christmas Fayre, Christingle, Living Nativity, Mothering Sunday and Harvest festivals and sold friendship bracelets for MANNA which raised £14. Sandra and Sarah have worked together to organise the events. The children were invited to sing with the choir for this year's Advent Service, and contributed to the Christmas service at Hatley. Our thanks go to Sandra & Sarah for all their work with the children of the parish.

THE PARISH OF GAMLINGAY WITH HATLEY ST GEORGE AND EAST HATLEY

Lay Ministry Team :

Mr. Christopher Miller Licensed Lay Minister (LLM) Mrs. Valerie Miller Authorised Lay Minister (ALM - Pastoral) Mrs. Geraldine Brunt Authorised Lay Minister (ALM – Social Awareness) Mrs. Sandra Macrow Authorised Lay Minister (ALM – Children’s Work)

We are very fortunate to have a strong team of lay ministers who contribute significantly to the life of our church.

Chris Miller- I have been a Reader licensed to the Benefice for 23 years and it has been a delight to work with four different parish priests all of whom have been most supportive of lay ministry. The role of Reader is one of preaching and teaching and in that context, I have, during the past year, preached at the Parish Eucharist and Evensong and taken services of Evensong, Word and Worship (Everton), and the monthly service at Avenells Way. I have also been involved with other "one off" services such as Remembrance (Everton) and the three hours service on Good Friday as well as assisting at other services. I have also taken funerals when required. Just before Christmas I took a Carols of Praise Christmas service at Potton View Care Home. This is the beginning of regular contact between ourselves and the Baptist Church with Potton View. In a teaching role I have led faith groups during Lent and Advent. I am also a member of both the pastoral and healing teams. Chris Miller

Valerie Miller- During 2019 I led the meetings of the Pastoral Group who meet once a month. I attended and played an active part in the 12 monthly services held in Avenells Way community room. I have visited the sick in hospital and in their own homes. I have helped prepare some parents for their child’s baptism.Valerie Miller

Gerry Brunt (ALM Social Awareness) continues to monitor donations left in the church from our congregation, and the village community and these continue to be generous. The rota to take the donations to the Food Bank in St Neots continues to work well but needs more volunteers. People continue to contact Gerry for help for food, but often their needs can be complex. Gerry still feels that we are not reaching many who still need help and has liaised with the Co-op in selling cakes to raise money for Harvest. The Foodbank donations have increased,as members of the Gamlingay Community have donated as well as our church community. Wood Green Animal Shelter offer an Out- Reach Service for those in difficulty.

Sandra Macrow (ALM Children’s Work) runs Sparks for the young , and has organised running stalls at the Village show, Church Fete , Eco Hub Craft Fayre . Sandra also organised a Taizé service this year. Sandra has now completed one year of her LLM training course and this year will go on a 4 week placement.

Healing Group The Healing group meet on average every two months and comprises of Rev Hilary Young, Chris & Valerie Miller, Alec & Ros Hissett, Mrs Brenda Elcome, Mr Mike Wareham , Mrs Eileen Thorpe and Mrs Gerry Brunt . 2 members of the group deliver the healing prayers in St Mary,s every 3rd Sunday.

THE PARISH OF GAMLINGAY WITH HATLEY ST GEORGE AND EAST HATLEY

Priest in Charge Letter of Reflection Notes to APCM 2020: Benefice of Gamlingay with Everton

I write as Priest in Charge, having been in post for my first full year, though not (yet) the Rector of the Benefice, I am Parish Priest to both parishes. These comments cover the year to end 2019, though much has happened since. Firstly I would like to thank everyone who has worked with me in the first full year, and especially those who have been supportive as I have given time to my family, in particular my sisters in the Summer and Autumn. Your prayers and practical 'managing' have been a great comfort.

Secondly, I want to celebrate the efforts of those who share ministry with me in the Benefice: LLM Chris Miller, ALMs Valerie Miller, Sandra Macrow and Gerry Brunt, Church Wardens, in Gamlingay Alec Hissett and in Everton Jane Butcher.

There has been much to do in this last year, particularly dealing with the aftermath of the lead theft, and I would like to pay tribute the work of the Project Group, led by Chris Smith, that has prepared the HF grant application for the work needed on the fabric of the church. Disappointingly the first attempt, looking to fund all the work in one project, was turned down in November. However the group continues to work with and on behalf of the PCC to progress what is needed. We expect to fix the roof and other urgent repairs in the next year. We thank those of the wider community who have contributed to our fund-raising.

During the year Everton considered the proposal of becoming one parish with Gamlingay, but at this stage there was a desire to keep the individual parish, while recognizing the need to work closely with Gamlingay and the Hatleys. This close working has been particularly apparent in the financial arrangement whereby Ian acts as Treasurer for both parishes. We are deeply indebted to Ian for taking on this task.

For 2019 and early 2020 the PCCs have met in the same venue, sharing agenda time for part of the meeting and splitting for the business that needs to be done separately. It has been good to welcome new people in Gamlingay, thanks is due to all those who are willing to serve in this way. I thank those who have put effort into making these shared meetings work, and commiserations with those who have found this difficult. We have more to do to embed the process, but I believe this will be worth it in helping us make most effective use of the time and energy of those who take responsibility for decision-making for the Benefice parishes. I look forward to working with our new PCCs and their task groups.

There is so much in the APCM reports which is good to celebrate, I can only pick out a few hi lights here: • The confirmation preparation and services, both our own and the Deanery. • The prayer workshop led for us in Gamlingay by Rev Felicity Couch of the Orwell team. • Sparks becoming a weekly offering for our young people a Gamlingay – special thanks to helpers who make that possible. • The support of Local Councils at Everton and Hatley in raising the profile of their respective churches. • The ongoing faithful service of those who keep the churches clean, cared for, prepared for worship and the congregations refreshed. Assistant Wardens and others, we are all so grateful for what you do. • The visit of Manna Project representative Muassite for the Summer Fair weekend. • The financial response with the Harvest Challenge, other fundraising events and the Parish Giving Scheme – well done and thank you to everyone who has contributed.

I pray God will continue to bless us we seek to serve and grow the ministry if the Church in these places, serving the communities of the Benefice and beyond. I look forward again to all the future holds, in confidence that the One who calls us will also equip us for service. May God bless us all, through Jesus our Lord and Saviour.

Hilary Young

THE PARISH OF GAMLINGAY WITH HATLEY ST GEORGE AND EAST HATLEY

Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Parish Churches

St. Mary the Virgin Church Following the theft of lead from the south nave and side aisle roofs in October 2018, considerable effort has been expended to raise the funds necessary to replace the lead and repair the associated damage. Early in 2019 it was decided, by the PCC, to apply for a Heritage Grant from the National Lottery. At that time, as a result of the theft, St. Mary’s Church had been given the “building at risk” status by English Heritage. In addition to the roof a number of repairs had been identified as high priority in the 2018 quinquennial report carried out by our architect, Nicholas Warns Associates. For some years a Task Group has been working on a re-ordering plan for the church building to include; level access, toilets, a servery, removal of some pews, among other changes inside the building. It was decided that this work should also be included in the grant application. After much preparation the grant application was submitted in August. We received the news, in late November, that our application had been unsuccessful. The Project Group is now working to plan a way forward. Several incidents of damage/theft have occurred during the year; • In May one of the pillar mounted collection boxes was broken into, it is not known if it contained any money. • Sometime between September and early November the brass ewer used at baptisms was taken. • A further incident in November resulted in the hasp on the tea/coffee cupboard being broken, damage to wall plaster and a light bulb being smashed. It is also believed that items were stolen from the Food Bank box. This incident was reported to the police but there was insufficient evidence for them the carry out any investigation. There is a recently convened Task Group overseeing the maintenance of the church buildings in Gamlingay.

The annual church inventory has been completed. A replacement of the brass ewer kindly donated by Sparks has been added to the inventory. The transcript documents of weddings for 1551 and between 1984 and 1999 were not found.

St. Mary’s Church Hall and Cottage The only significant work carried out on the Church Hall was the replacement of one of the kitchen windows which was in a very poor condition. An inspection of the premises by the Cambridgeshire Fire Service was carried out in November and it was recommended that the curtains be removed as they were very close to the wall heaters, this has now been done. The cottage continues to be let. As specified in the tenancy agreement the tenants are required to decorate two rooms per year. This work has been carried out for 2019. The tenancy agreement comes up for renewal in 2020. Special thanks to Lindy Gorton for continuing to oversee the hall bookings and to Philip Gorton who laisses with our tenants and carries out many maintenance tasks in and around the hall.

Hatley St. George Church There are a number of repairs outstanding which were identified in the architects 2017 quinquennial report. I am very pleased to report that a Hatley Task Group is now in place and has started to plan for the more urgent repairs to be addressed.

The annual church inventory has been completed. Two items added to the inventory, a small chalice and paten donated by Mrs. C. Robins in memory of her mother.

St. Denis Churchyard The churchyard remains open for burials and there was one during the year. The churchyard is kept tidy by a small group of volunteers in Hatley.

Thank You There so many people that I would like to thank: the Authorised Lay Ministers for their continued hard work within their remits. Dawn as PCC secretary, Ian as Treasurer and the other members of the PCC, our Deanery Synod representative Sandra, Ros for being the Electoral Roll Officer and producing the Duty rota and Diana for taking on the daunting role of Safeguarding Officer. The members of the various Task Groups that have operated during the year and who work tirelessly for our church. Sarah and Sandra for their work with Sparks. I would like to thank everyone who is involved with caring for our church, preparing it for worship and contributing to the services each week: flower arrangers, organists, pianists, cleaners, bell-ringers, choir, readers, intercessors, worship leaders, deacons, sub-deacons, sacristans, acolytes, healing team, coffee-makers your contribution is invaluable.

THE PARISH OF GAMLINGAY WITH HATLEY ST GEORGE AND EAST HATLEY

Finally I would like to thank the other members of the churchwarden team and my wife for all their help and support. This report is really on behalf of all of us and we would like to thank the whole congregation for their continued prayers and support.

Alec Hissett Churchwarden.

Hatley St George Church (thought to be consecrated St James the Great) The church is looked after and set up for services by three people: Penny Hewlett, Pam Offord and Philippa Pearson.

Services held at Hatley during 2019: 2 x Communion services per month, 2nd Sunday 11am, 4th Sunday 8am Holy Week: Benefice Taizé evening service, Good Friday meditation let by Philippa Carol Service 18/12/19 Christmas Family Communion held on 22/12/19. Extra Services: 10/2/19: Interment of Ashes of Ethel Mary Ewles-Johnson

Churchyard: This is mown regularly by the Hatley Estate, and was strimmed, tidied and cleared of leaves as were the gutters. However, the churchyard has wildlife areas so these need to be taken into account when work is required. A new group has begun to meet following conversation between Hilary and Hatley Parish Council, set up to start restoration work and repairs on Hatley Church. The group was convened in the last two months of 2019 and has agreed to be structured as a Task Group of the PCC, to be formalised in the New Year.

Events & Fundraising Mothering Sunday Tea and Activities Easter Day – Easter Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt Hatley Village Fete Annual Donation from an individual Harvest Festival- lunch in village hall and activities for children

Deanery Synod The Deanery Synod representatives (Mrs S Macrow & Mrs A Clarke ) attend and report back on meetings of the Deanery Synod .Gamlingay comes under the Deanery of St Neots. Items to report this year are : Revd Canon Grant Fellows was commissioned as Rural Dean to replace Canon Annette Reed after her 12 years’ service, Annette continues in her parish role on Synod. Deanery Confirmation Service was held at Buckden in July Deanery Synod has urged parishes to adopt the contactless giving system and has issued one to St Mary’s which is now in use. Diocesan Churchwardens training day was held in September Diocesan Safeguarding training for parish safeguarding officers was held in September . The Diocesesan Safeguarding Officer has asked for all parish volunteers to have job descriptions so that everyone is aware of their responsibilities. The clergy can decide which are needed and share templates which are available on the diocesan website. The Diocese Annual Cambridge Historical Churches Trust held the event in September and St Mary’s and Hatley Church were open all day to welcome visitors . Bishop Dagmar’s welcome service was held at Godmanchester Church in September

Safeguarding There have been no safeguarding concerns reported since the last APCM and the PCC has complied with the duty to have ‘due regard’ to the House of Bishops’ safeguarding Policy and Practice guidance. Mrs. Diana Matthews is the appointed Safeguarding Officer for Gamlingay with Hatleys PCC having taken over the role in September 2019 when Ann Loudon felt no longer able to continue. During this time Diana has attended training sessions and advised PCC members of the online safeguarding training that is compulsory for all PCC members to undertake. A new safeguarding policy was adopted by the PCC and regular reports are now being made at each PCC meeting. Diana is currently being supported and advised in her role by the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer Sarah King and is in the process of updating records relating to training, risk assessments, DBS, policies and procedures in line with Church of England guidelines. 11

THE PARISH OF GAMLINGAY WITH HATLEY ST GEORGE AND EAST HATLEY

Health & Safety. At this present time, we do not have a Health & Safety Officer. Mr Chris Miller has been looking at Health &Safety information to identify what the position of H&S Officer involves and what training is required, and the PCC will be reviewing this in 2020.

Social & Fundraising St Mary’s The Social and Fundraising task group have coordinated the organisation of a number of events this year and raised much needed funds for St Mary’s. We are always mindful of the need to engage with our local community and all our events are open to everyone. New ideas are welcome with offers of help to make them happen. This year has seen the following events take place: Soup Lunch (monthly event), Burns Night, Pancake brunch, Maundy Thursday Meal, Easter Egg Hunt, Benefice Walk, Search Light Theatre (performed 'Send in the Clowns' ), Church Summer Fete, Harvest Supper, Harvest and Auction, Quiz Night, Shrove Tuesday Quiz & Fish & Chips at Wheatsheaf, Christmas social, Christmas Fayre. Thanks go to everyone who has helped in any way to make these events enjoyable and profitable. A Diary of Events & Services is now being produced each month and is displayed on the notice board in church. This is updated at each PCC meeting and has helped prevent clashing of events.

Pastoral Group During 2019 the meetings of the Pastoral Group were led by Chris & Valerie Miller. The group meets once a month to support each other, to share their concerns and pray for other members of the church community. Their primary concern is for the spiritual wellbeing and health of the individual. They try to keep in contact with those for whom they have concerns. Hilary, Chris & Valerie Miller are in the process of setting up a shared pastoral group for the Benefice.

Chat Group The monthly chat group convened by Chris Miller and Mrs Brenda Elcome continues to meet at Brenda’s home on the second Wednesday of each month for approximately an hour and a quarter. Discussions cover various topics, especially matters that are currently in the news. New members are always welcome.

Niassa We maintain strong links with Niassa through the Manna project, supporting our Brothers and Sisters in Mozambique through our prayers and financial support. The situation in Niassa remains stable at present although floods and the cyclone earlier in the year saw many homeless and in urgent need of shelter and medical aid. The Amy Lothian school was not affected by the floods and continues to thrive with a never-ending stream of students. Literacy rates among the young are improving due to the of education system, much of which is due to the Anglican church. The average lifespan of women in Mozambique has now increased to 60 + years. We were blessed to have a visit in July from Muassite Jose Miguel and Rebecca Van de Meulen from Niassa who spent the day at our Church fete and gave us up to date information about the work the Anglican church is doing in that region. MANNA’s AGM is in early July in London (date to be confirmed). It is to be hoped that some from our congregation will be able to attend. We now receive a twice-yearly publication from MANNA regarding events in Niassa which are available in church for anyone to take and read. This year St Mary's Church have donated £518.90 plus £150 special donation for the floods, plus some individual private donations from members of the congregation.

Christian Aid In 2019 envelopes were delivered to all houses in Gamlingay and the Hatleys but we did not return to collect them. Prospective donators were invited to return their filled envelopes to one of several addresses. Although donations were down on previous years it was not as much of a failure as was feared it might be and it meant no one had the unenviable job of knocking on doors. The committee will meet to consider plans for 2020.

Traidcraft -Fighting poverty through trade. As a church we continue to support Traidcraft using Fairtrade products for tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits after services. At Christmas we sold Traidcraft cards. The toilet rolls and some cleaning products used in the Church hall are also from Traidcraft. For further information or to see a catalogue please see Valerie Miller.

THE PARISH OF GAMLINGAY WITH HATLEY ST GEORGE AND EAST HATLEY

Social Media The new website hosted by the Church of England website “A Church Near You “ is free and has now been set up by Alec Hissett and is up and running and Diana Matthews is responsible for updating the website. The domain name has been retained and can be accessed at www.gamlingaychurch.co.uk. Sandra Macrow and Sarah Titmus operate the Social Media networks and this year has seen many services, events at Gamlingay and Hatley churches promoted on Facebook. A huge thank you to all our supporters for shopping online with Easy Fundraising. This year has raised £110 towards church funds. The Co-operative group in Gamlingay are undertaking a community challenge and have arranged for people who shop there to nominate a local organisation who will receive 1% of the total shop. Our local Co-op have agreed that St Mary's roof fund, Friends of St Mary's & Village Primary are beneficiaries. Customers need to log on to nominate their preferred choice. Our local Co-op store is very supportive of our church often donating gifts for raffle prizes etc. so please sign up .

Associated Church Groups Bell Ringers The bell ringers have continued to hold regular practices on a Thursday evening and to ring prior to Sunday morning services, despite losing some members through illness, moving away and work commitments. Carols were chimed on all 8 bells for the Christmas services. Practices and training lessons are run in accordance with the safeguarding policies of the Ely Diocese. Our Thursday night practices continue to be regularly supported by our friends from other towers within the diocese. We have 7 local ringers all of whom are elected members of the Huntingdon District of the Ely Association of bell ringers. Our experienced ringers continue to play an active role in the ringing programme of the association. The Huntingdon district 8 bell practice was held at Gamlingay in November and the ringers decorated a tree for the Christmas Fayre in December. Gamlingay bells rang for 7 weddings in 2019 and hosted 2 bands of visiting ringers. The ringers rang this year in support of the people involved in the disastrous fire at Notre Dame Cathedral and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon. The condition of our bells and ropes has been checked and a partial clean of the belfry undertaken. Nesting of pigeons, doves and jackdaws in the tower louvres continues to cause a problem with debris getting into the tower. We are actively trying to recruit more local ringers, so if you have some time to spare don’t be shy contact me today and give it a try, (all ages). 2019 Summary No. of Sunday services rung for 45 Average number of Sunday ringers 5 No. of Thursday practices 48 Average number at practice night 8.5 Weddings 7 Quarter Peals rung 4 Visiting bands 2 John Boocock

The Guild of St Mary The Guild of St Mary is a group of ladies who meet on the third Monday of each month, at 7.30pm in the Church hall. In 2019 we had 31 members of which over 75% are regular attenders of church services. All members are willing to and do support church activities. During the year we have had speakers visit to talk on a variety of subjects including Addenbrookes Hospital, Camsight, The Leprosy Mission, Cambridgeshire Calendar Customs. The Guild has also enjoyed an outing to Behind the Science tour of Wellcome Sanger Institute, a trip to the Theatre ('Beyond Therapy' play), afternoon tea at Carriages of Cambridge, Summer party (many thanks to Lindy & Philip Gorton for allowing us to use their home and garden) and a Christmas party in the Church Hall . During the year the Guild has made charitable donations to all the speakers and provided 20 shoe boxes to the Link Hope Charity. The charity of the year for 2019 was the church roof fund.

THE PARISH OF GAMLINGAY WITH HATLEY ST GEORGE AND EAST HATLEY

The Friends of St Mary's Church, Gamlingay The Friends continue to raise funds for the maintenance and enhancement of the church building. This year has seen new Trustees appointed, and a revised membership document with the intention of encouraging more membership. The annual barn dance was held on the 15th of June at Castle Farm, Gamlingay. although the weather was not brilliant there was a reasonable turn out, an excellent hog roast was provided by Woodview farm shop and revellers danced the evening away to the Cambridge University Ceilidh band. A fund-raising Golf Day at Bourn golf club on September 23rd was well supported, and the weather was clement. A trophy was inaugurated in memory of the two Sues, Trustees who have sadly died this year and are very much missed.

Financial Report to the APCM 8 March 2020

The first page of the accounts shows the Income and Expenditure Account for the General Fund, so this excludes any ‘restricted funds’ (that is where money is given for a specific purpose – e.g. restoration).

The ‘general fund’ shows all our voluntarily donated and fund-raising income and income from the Church hall and cottage. You will see that voluntary giving is up significantly in 2019 from £27,837 to £32,708. This is largely thanks to the introduction of the Parish Giving Scheme. There are still a few people who donate via planned giving envelopes or Standing Order, and if those people could consider switching to the PGS it would be very helpful. Receiving the Gift Aid repayments monthly represents a considerable cashflow advantage.

Fund raising income was higher than 2018 thanks to a very successful Christmas weekend, and also the summer fayre and continued success of the soup lunches. As in previous years I have included a graph showing the ‘net surplus’ on each event. Letting income for the church hall was lower again in 2019 and is showing a steady decline each year.

In total, also due to higher wedding & funeral fees, our income has increased to £57,690 from £50,690.

The PCC agreed to put into place in 2019 a strategy that was agreed a few years ago, namely to re- allocate the benefice Ministry Share between Gamlingay/Hatley and Everton. It has been agreed this split will be 80%/20% which means Gamlingay/Hatley’s share rose significantly in 2019. However, with the increased income, the PCC are very pleased to report that we did manage to pay this whole Ministry Share amount to the Diocese of £37,348. Other costs have been well contained in the year resulting in a General Fund surplus of £5,223 compared to £3,676 in 2018. ______

Each of the ‘restricted funds’ are detailed on page 3 of the accounts with an explanatory sentence for each. The balances on each fund at the beginning of the year, together with any income or expenditure during the year, and thus the balances at the end of the year are shown in the table in the middle of page 3.

There still remains a small unspent balance on the ‘reordering fund’ at 31st December (from 2016) which it has been agreed will be merged with the Roof fund. Small amounts have been spent from the Children’s work fund and Music fund during the year and some significant professional fees paid out of the Roof fund, leaving a fund balance of £13,938.

Monies collected for ‘restricted purposes’ and paid over in their entirety are not included in the general fund or the restricted funds, but are shown by way of note at the bottom of page 3 (i.e. money for Niassa, Christian Aid, and fees payable to the Diocese for weddings and funerals). ______

Page 4 shows PCC assets (i.e. bank and deposit accounts) at the 31st December and how those assets are represented by our ‘funds’. Because of the surplus on the General Fund in the year, it is good to note that the cumulative surplus on the General Fund has increased and we have not had to use any ‘reserves’.

Ian Parker, PCC Treasurer.