1 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Agenda for the Annual Meeting 3 Parochial Church Council Membership 4 Churchwardens 5 Church Council 5 PCC Secretary 5 Honorary Assistant Priest 7 Treasurer 7 Parish Clerk 9 Representative Team Council 9 Bodies Deanery Synod 10 Churches Together in Barnes 10 Fish 11 Committees Stewardship 13 Mission 14 Castelnau Centre Project 16 Under Tree Schools 17 Fabric 17 Kitson Hall 19 Churchyard 20 Think Tank 21 Organisations Sidesmen 22 Pastoral Support Group 23 Music 23 Bell ringers 24 Sacristan, Servers & Saturday Helpers 25 Flower Arrangers 25 Intercessory Prayer Group 25 Book Groups 26 Saturday Coffee Shop 26 Friends of St Mary’s 26 Daily Friends 28 St Mary’s Scrapbook 28 Website 29 Church Office & Parish Secretary 29 Golden Girls 30 Good Companions 30

Preparation & Follow Up Baptism Preparation 31 Marriage Preparation 32 Children Children’s Pastor 32 Barnes Team Ministry Family Service 34 Pathfinders 34 FOOD Barnes Team Ministry Youth Group 35 St Mary Barnes Scout Group 36 Appendixes Charities Supported in 2006 37 St Mary’s Church Barnes Report Accounts 38 Photographs 40 for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2008 Minutes of the Annual Meeting 2007 42

for the year 2007 Who’s Who 46

3 4

THE ANNUAL MEETINGS ST MARY BARNES – PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL To be held in St Mary’s Church on Wednesday, 30 April 2008 at 8 pm-9 pm 6-7 pm especially for families with refreshments Membership 2007-2008 7-8 pm drinks and refreshments 9-10 pm refreshments Rector The Rev’d Ross Collins (Standing Committee) AGENDA The meeting opens with prayer Churchwardens Mr Philip Bladen (Standing Committee) Mrs Fiona Barnett (Standing Committee) A. The Annual Meeting of Parishioners For the purpose of electing two churchwardens to serve for the coming Ex Officio The Rev’d Lindsay Collins year Miss Christabel Gairdner (Reader) Mr Philip Mitchell (Reader) B. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting Major Iain Radford (Reader)

1. Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Deanery Synod Mr Geoffrey Barnett (Reader) 24 April 2007 (retire 2008) Mr Peter Boyling (Standing Committee) Mr Harry Powell 2. Church Electoral Roll Ms Paula Reynolds Mrs Joan Wheeler-Bennett 3. Elections (retire 2008) Dr Silke Cresswell (resigned early) (a) The Election to the Parochial Church Council of three Mrs Patty Darke representatives to serve for three years Mrs Jean Lawrence (died January 2008) (b) The Election to the Deanery Synod of six representatives to serve Mr Michael Murison for three years Ms Anne Sullivan (c) The Election of Sidesmen for 2008-2009 (retire 2009) Mrs Juliet Hogan 4. Finance Mr Martin Tomlins

5. 2010 Stewardship Appeal (retire 2010) Mrs Loraine Budgen Dr Richard du Parcq (Standing Committee) 6. Appointment of an Auditor Ms Sarah Moore Mr James Stephenson 7. Rector’s Review of the Year Co-opted The Rev’d Professor Raymond Chapman (Hon Asst Priest) 8. AOB The Rev’d Joseph Ayok

9. Date of Next Meeting Mrs Marilyn Walker (Secretary – non-voting)

10. The Grace 5 6

CHURCHWARDENS elsewhere within this report but we meeting being the All Day In line with our objective to play a must mention specifically here our Conference held at St Michael’s full part in the Barnes Anglican We find ourselves reflecting on clergy, led by Ross, together with Community Hall. Team and Churches Together in several different ways in which our readers, and the chairs of our Barnes we met Revd Jean Boulton- people have enjoyed the church or committees. In pursuit of our objective to provide Reynolds, vicar of Holy Trinity to its garden over the past year. worship which is vibrant and discuss the Team youth group which Enjoying lunch and tea in the garden St Mary’s benefits so much too from affirming we appointed Emma she leads, and heard from her and on Barnes Fair Day was a real the committed work of our staff: Powell as family service pastor to from Revd Paul Holland, vicar of St delight; then the imaginative Helen Bladen, children’s pastor, help lead our 11.30 service. In a Michael’s, about their churches. We Christmas Fair extended its ground Cameron Burns, director of music review of our worship we brought also welcomed Dr Mike Springate, to the church - a good space for and organist, Peter Kain, parish forward the time of Sunday lay chair of the Deanery Synod, to different stall holders and visitors administrator, Russell Pearson, Evensong to 6pm. We discussed observe our November meeting. alike. And for the second year the pathfinders leader, Emma Powell, with Cameron his plans for the very successful Charity Ball was family service pastor and Sandra our music with which we are delighted. As part of our plans for efficient once again held in the beautiful cleaner, together with Vic Nolan, We learnt that David Thomas will management of our finances we space the church affords without its parish clerk and Sally Copland, our join the Barnes Team in September approved a budget for 2008 and a chairs. We are very blessed with our sacristan. 2008 as a non-stipendiary curate. process for an appeal for the funds church and garden. Our globe we will need for the three years to trotting rector gave a paper in During the year we have continued We took forward our objective to 2010. An application for a faculty Istanbul, visited the Bishop of our work within the objectives we welcome and support people of all for improving the Garden of Matabeleland in Zimbabwe, was set in 2006, towards the vision of the ages and Christian traditions by Remembrance and associated paths sadly deflected from visiting Malek congregation celebrating the love of developing further our Rhythm for was made (and approved), and in Sudan because of the security God openly and inclusively, and Life as an approach to prayer we can funding determined. We appointed situation but at the same time he growing in faith and numbers. We all use (emphasising thanks, sorrow Charlotte Kramer as chair of our remains the hub of our church life in welcome feedback from our fellow and hope). We discussed whether St Kitson Hall committee with a brief and around St. Mary’s, in worship members of the congregation at any Mary’s was as welcoming as we to develop the potential of the Hall. and in all its other aspects. The time. could be, and took forward some variety of people who make up our initiatives. We met Helen and During the year bequests were church and the different gifts they May I personally thank my fellow Emma to discuss our work with reported from Mrs Dorothy bring make life good and colourful. PCC members for their own children; and made plans for finding Hutchinson (£25,000) and Miss How enriching it is to be involved. contribution to the work of the a successor to Helen as children’s Binks Lauchlin (£5,000). Another council. They make our meetings pastor, whose resignation we donation had been made of £23,000. Fiona Barnett lively, enjoyable and most received with regret. Philip Bladen worthwhile. Finally the parish was enlarged. A We want to maintain our vigorous medieval transfer of the Leg Peter Boyling programme for mission, and heard o’Mutton reservoir to the Parish of THE CHURCH COUNCIL PCC Vice Chairman regularly about the Under Tree Putney was formally reversed by the Schools project in Southern Sudan, church authorities on 25 July 2007. Through our oversight of St Mary’s and the Castelnau Centre Project in over the year we are well placed to PCC SECRETARY North Barnes that we are supporting. Full minutes of PCC meetings are recognise the great contribution We approved expenditure on these available on the St Mary’s website. made to our church by so many of its The Council met on seven occasions and other projects recommended by Current minutes are posted on the members. Many are thanked during the year, the September the Mission Group. porch noticeboard. 7 8

The Council noted with sadness the wider Church. St Mary’s is a small clergy. It makes up more than two- money for the hire of space in the death on 2 January 2008 of Mrs Jean corner of God’s vineyard, but it can thirds of our total annual turnover; church building is up; and most Lawrence, PCC member and past be a witness to continuing Anglican the rest consists of “designated” and notably “Events”, particularly the Churchwarden. loyalty and a force for good locally. “restricted” funds, and endowments. Christmas Fair and St Mary’s activities on Barnes Fair Day, have Marilyn Walker Raymond Chapman Two thirds of our General Fund brought in new income. PCC Secretary expenditure goes to the “Fairer HON TREASURER’S REPORT Share” – our means-tested Overall however, income was about HONORARY ASSISTANT contribution to the overall cost of £7,000 below budget. Happily, PRIEST These notes go to press, as usual, diocesan clergy. After the triennial expenditure was also below budget, before the full formal financial income survey in 2007, and with the and the deficit on the year quite I have had another happy year of co- statement has been prepared for the congregation increasing, this small. operation with Ross, other members auditor. The figures below must contribution is set to increase by a of the Team clergy and our Readers. therefore be seen as provisional. [capped] 12% in 2008, 9, 10. That position has been transformed – Between us we have a considerable for the one year only – by range of interests and preferences; We are obliged - by Charities An even larger share of our income – “Exceptional items”: substantial the result is stimulating to work legislation - to produce a full just over three quarters - is provided legacies, and a very generous once- with, and I hope productive for the statement of financial activities in a by congregational giving, augmented only gift-aided donation. The total of congregations. My main function is format set by the regulators. For the by Gift Aid tax refunds. In simple these was £59,000 ………. which to take or assist in services and years 2005, 6, 7 we are further terms the [somewhat unpredictable] completely changes the General preaching, a privilege which I obliged to spend significant money level of giving, by us, very largely reserve and our cash flow position. greatly value. There are also on full registered audit; legislation determines each year whether our personal visits, some with home has raised the threshold for this, but General Fund is in surplus or in In my submission this buys us time, communion, and officiating at only with effect from 2008. deficit. The General Fund ran to establish the “core business” of St funerals. I have contributed a brief deficits in four of the five years Mary’s on a firm footing. We devotional thought to the weekly The full financial statement is a quite 2002-6; the General reserve fell to should not forget that our Parish pewsheet. Attendance at meetings forbidding document, which will be less than a month’s expenditure, Share is set to rise by £18,000 or of the Executive Committee of available at the APCM. We have which isn’t really enough to keep the more for three successive years; but Churches Together in Barnes produced (see appendix 2) a show on the road. The PCC we have the opportunity to spend a enables me to work in co-operation simplified statement of the PCC’s budgeted a modest surplus for 2007, period planning effectively, what we with other local churches. The new General Account. with a quite ambitious target to want to do and how we intend to pay ecumenical spirit is one of the most increase general giving by our for it. encouraging developments in recent The “General Fund” might be seen congregation. years, and one most necessary in the as the “core business” of St Mary’s, The Kitson Hall, and the Friends of face of so many threats to the which should balance giving by the In the event, the increase in general St Mary’s, are the subjects of Christian faith. Under the auspices congregation, and other income giving was about 2.2% [probably not separate sections of this report. of CTIB I gave a short series of sources directly associated with the yet an exact figure, until all tax They hold useful balances, as too do lectures on some of the paradoxes church, against what we spend on refund claims are complete]. the Quinquennial Building and tensions in Christianity. maintenance of the church and Maintenance Fund and the Legacies Membership of national Christian churchyard, services and other That said, there have been some Fund. societies, and some publishing of activities, church music and work most welcome developments in devotional work, helps to keep me in with children, other principal PCC other areas. It will be seen that I intend to make the full account touch with developments in the functions, and to fund stipendiary wedding &c fees have leapt ahead; available to the APCM, when I shall 9 10 also be happy to try to answer FOOD by the young people. This is RICHMOND AND BARNES deanery rather than as a single questions. led by Jean Boulton-Reynolds, vicar DEANERY SYNOD church. of Holy Trinity, who draws on her Richard du Parcq expertise in youth work on behalf of Our deanery consists of the 15 This year we had an important point PCC Hon Treasurer, the Team. And we at St Mary’s Church of England churches in the to make about the increasing were stimulated to create our book Barnes – Richmond - Ham area. difficulty of meeting our annual group from learning of the Deanery synod consists of payment to the diocese. We got the PARISH CLERK successful group being run at St representatives of each church deanery to agree it was important. Michael’s. meeting together several times a Discussions with the diocese then At the beginning of the year we year. led to the announcement of a subsidy looked as if we were in for another The Team’s children’s workers scheme for large and growing slack year for weddings, but things support each other and they Why do we do it? The government churches from which St Mary’s will picked up later in the year and we cooperated in 2007 to run another in structure of the CofE provides for a benefit. were back to a reasonable eighteen the annual series of very successful national level of synod, synods for with even three in December. Children’s Festivals. each diocese, and synods for each Our thanks to Christabel Gairdner, deanery within the diocese. The Harry Powell, Paula Reynolds and Banns were also called for eight The Team jointly owns and manages main decisions taken at national Joan Wheeler-Bennett who have weddings at the church. a curate’s house, in which Joseph level are normally informed by the joined Ross and me as St Mary’s and Karin Ayok-Loewenberg and views of the lower levels. So for representatives on the synod. Our Everything went well with the usual their girls are currently living in example the decision to ordain term of office is now up and new efficient help from bellringers, recognition of the Team’s support women as priests was preceded by appointments will be made at the organist and choir and florists. for the Under Tree Schools project. the testing of opinion among Annual Meeting. deaneries. Collections and payments to the We follow closely the developments Peter Boyling church were dealt with in the normal in each parish. We are delighted that But deanery synods are also a way with donations and Gift Aid St Michael’s have completed their valuable tool for helping individual now in the hands of Peter Boyling. community centre that provides a churches to learn from each other. CHURCHES TOGETHER IN marvellous facility for them and for Our discussions can focus on BARNES Vic Nolan the people of Barnes. And the Holy practical issues which we all Trinity monthly “Space to Be” event struggle with and where someone As our six partner churches and provides a much needed opportunity else’s experience might be helpful. ourselves work to maintain a high TEAM COUNCIL for people in North Barnes to take a In the last year we have had degree of understanding, reporting hour or two of peace and quiet from stimulating speakers and discussions the CTiB progress is a pleasant task. The three Church of England the rush of today’s pressures. on the Welcare organisation which Agendas with traditional times, churches in Barnes are legally joined supports families in trouble; the spiced up by some thrust to achieve as a Team Ministry. While we keep Many thanks to our readers, church and the elderly; and how innovation has kept us tuned into our own PCCs and finance, being in churchwardens and Maisie Brown, churches can shrink their each other’s needs. Regularly a team gives us all, clergy and laity, who with our clergy and myself environmental footprint. Barnes residents and newcomers, the extra strength that comes with represent St Mary’s on the Team and members of all churches who the mutual support that we can Council. And if we want to make a point at find the “local rag” Barnes in receive and give. diocesan level we have a more Common a fascinating read would Examples of how we benefit include Peter Boyling potent voice if we make it as a also agree that the mission : To do the Team youth group, christened things together, and not do things 11 12 apart” has been an ideal which has the information given in the Barnes escorting mini bus trips, volunteer This is mostly due to the expert kept its value better than society in Common, please don’t hesitate to office time etc. If we assume that management and organisation skills would have imagined. CTiB has get in touch with Ross or myself. each task takes an average of of Phyllida Cornfield who arranges arranged for meetings with faiths approximately 2 hours this each outing scheduling all the finer beyond the terra firma of the pond Christine Ljunghammar represents 15978 working hours; this details particularly taking into radius too: The mosque, the temple is an increase of approximately 16% account the individual needs of each and soon the synagogue study visits compared with the previous year. client. As a result our fully are open to all who are interested in FiSH accessible mini-bus, housed at religious challenges. The total number of recorded Walsingham Lodge in Ferry Road is The demand for the services of FiSH individual FiSH clients is now 706. used to capacity on a daily basis. Some churches are modernizing continues to grow year by year. This This does not include visitors to our More often than not second and third their appeal. Extended services on is partly due to the demographics of FiSH ‘n’ Chats sessions. This figure buses are required for other outings. Sundays, monthly meditation and an increasingly elderly population is a decrease of 28 on last year. This The total number of single journeys therapy sessions, a new civic centre and more demand for the voluntary is in part explained by us carrying taken in groups in 2007 was 8116. opened for many purposes including sector to step in where statutory out a ‘spring clean’ of our client counselling, the start of mother and services are not appropriate, database to ensure we keep up to Along with our full time paid baby groups, and general renovation unavailable, or have been date with information. We have minibus driver, Clive Wallis, we are of the buildings – all these projects withdrawn. been extremely lucky this year to extremely lucky to have the are not the subjects of our meetings. have had the help of volunteer wonderful help of a pool of fully The common thrust is the Christian This year we have welcomed several Caroline Edelin working on a trained willing volunteer minibus message: how Lent groups, Good new volunteers to our team and also weekly basis in the office as the new drivers. This enables us to have the Friday witness walk/service, some, who for one reason or another, database officer. flexibility to produce a full Pentecostal lunches, and Christmas have come back to help us. We now programme of outings as well as cards and Carols are run effectively have well over 260 volunteers In addition to our tasks booked providing transport for other to speak to the community. registered with FiSH; a net increase through the helpline 2043 contacts community groups in the area and of 40 over the year. Many of these have been made with people who maintain the service when Clive is A summer open-air service is being volunteers give a huge number of have attended our FiSH talks, on leave. planned for June. hours per month. Others, because of activities and events and 2108 their circumstances are only able to contacts through our FiSH’n’Chats FiSH’n’Chats, the social listening Our Forum night beamed a spotlight offer a few hours per year. Some and befriending service. Some outreach project, continues on on areas to improvement: volunteers have supported a single funding was received during the year Wednesday and Thursday morning Bereavement counselling and more client for a number of years often from The Richmond Consortium to at Sheen Lane Centre and once a common theology study and a with weekly visits. Offering clients develop the one to one befriending month at Lady Elizabeth House in thematic appreciation of the issues regular contact often results in service. As a result we are looking Mortlake, Diana House and of the national campaign about reducing social isolation and raises to encourage more suitable Walsingham Lodge in Barnes. It has human rights issues of Slavery and their levels of confidence. This in volunteers to take part in this new taken 529 individual volunteer the need to speak out to defend our time has encouraged them to join project. sessions to provide coffee and to weaker and more abused people of other FiSH activities. In total listen to a total of 1257 client visits. our world. These have been the throughout the year FiSH volunteers Our Partnership with RaKAT This service offers an opportunity issues of the day at our meetings. If have responded 7989 times with (Richmond and Kingston Accessible for those often isolated in the you would like more information different tasks. This in includes all Transport) under the Transport community to spend some quality how you could benefit from our our activities such as work arranged Enterprise Scheme has grown time with volunteers willing to give group events or are no yet enjoying through the helpline FiSH ‘n’ Chats, enormously since January 2005. support through listening. 13 14

Training for volunteers included It has been another busy year for scheme. If you don’t, yet, can you During the year Joseph and his First Aid, Moving and Handling, FiSH of growth and consolidation. commit to a standing order? family continued to live in the “Learning to Listen” and minibus It could not, of course, have Barnes Team Ministry house at 52 training (offered through RaKAT, achieved anything without the The amount you give depends on Boileau Road, while Joseph has of our transport partner.) Ongoing dedicated support of the churches in your income and other commitments course spent most of his time in the training is available throughout the our local parishes. On behalf of of course. As a starting point for Sudan in his position in the Southern year via support meetings for office FiSH I would like to thank St. reflection the church nationally Sudanese Government as Director of staff, Helpline volunteers, and Mary’s Barnes for your continued aspires to its members giving 5% of Religious Affairs based in Juba. FiSh’n’Chats leaders and volunteers. commitment to our work within this their income. Whether this is This has enabled him to have more Individual support is always community and for your support as practicable or not for you, the lesson direct control of the project. Ross available from the office staff or via some of our most dedicated for us all is that £1 in the plate when has continued as a UTS Trustee and feedback forms included with volunteers. we come to church leaves all the Peter Boyling as its Honorary newsletters and other mailings. burden on the rest of the Administrator. St Mary’s and Jenny Hughes – congregation. various members of the congregation FiSH talks on Tuesday mornings at FiSH Coordinator have continued to carry out a Barnes Green Centre have grown in And the third point is that we cannot number of fund raising initiatives on popularity and now have a regular STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE afford to pass up the 22% subsidy behalf of UTS, see Appendix 1. audience of about 50 people. In total from the taxman that the Gift Aid 1135 people attended the different The Stewardship committee is system provides if you pay tax. The first phase of the construction of talks throughout the year. These responsible for encouraging the new school is now complete and events are designed to stimulate the responsible stewardship, if you see The committee is now launching a this is to a large extent due to the mind and attract many people from what I mean. three year appeal to raise the amount funds raised by St Mary’s and its outside our normal client circle. of money the PCC needs to balance congregation. You will see from the accounts how its accounts over the period to 2010. 2007 saw several FiSH events dependent St Mary’s is on the We commend the appeal to you. On the afternoon and evening of including a very successful day at income from giving by the Saturday 5 May, Rev. Simon Airey Barnes Fair in July and the congregation. Peter Boyling held a story telling event at St establishment of a FiSH French Mary’s in aid of UTS. Interspersed Group bringing together French You can also see there what we MISSION GROUP between the children’s stories and speakers who are isolated in the spend the funds on, to pursue our those for the adults, the Mission community because of mobility mission in Barnes. But taking on The group has continued to Group helped organise a supper, problems. The FiSH Sunday service commitments is difficult without encourage the congregation to comprising Sudanese food prepared of dedication was held at Barnes some assurance of adequate levels of support two specific projects namely by Karin and a BBQ for the children. Methodist Church on October 7th income. Under Tree Schools (UTS) and the and looked at the work of FiSH - Castelnau Centre Project (CCP) and On Saturday, 30 June UTS held its “The Whole FiSH”. Once again we So the church – in Barnes and to raise the awareness of Mission to Annual General Meeting at St had some very moving contributions nationally – encourages all our the whole congregation. Mary’s. Joseph and Karin gave a from clients and volunteers; with a members to give regularly. A presentation on the current position central address by Leslie Spatt about Standing Order gives us assurance Under Tree Schools of the new building in Malek. Sue how the name and aims of the FiSH that we can invest in our activities. Adams kindly provided and donated Scheme related to the whole of the See also Peter Boyling’s report lunch for all those present. community it serves. Many of us do have standing orders below. or have joined our regular envelope 15 16

On Wednesday, 12 September the St Mary’s congregation as a Margaret Collenette, Eleanor Ennals, recruitment of a professional family Christabel Gairdner gave a whole, the Group decided that a Cynthia Brown and Markham support worker through WelCare to lunchtime piano recital which raised greater proportion of this year’s Jackson. Jean Lawrence was a work with parents and children a total of £900 for UTS. giving by the PCC should be member of the group but after her facing acute problems and by a allocated to local causes and in fact severe stroke on Boxing Day 2006 successful application to the Big At the Christmas Fair and on the 65% of the PCC’s allocation was she was unable to attend any more of Lottery Fund to pay for some key Sundays leading up to Christmas made in this way. Locally we have our meetings and sadly she died on 2 core salaries over three years. members of the Mission Group sold supported the Castelnau Centre January. Eleanor Ennals was a UTS Gift Certificates and Christmas Project (£2,100), Diocese of member of the group for several But working with children and Cards. Southwark Welcare (£1,888), Fish years but since the year end has young people from toddler to school (£400) and SPEAR (£300), decided to stand down and we are leaver remains at the heart of the On 12 January the Kit4Kids Sale Shenehom Housing Association very grateful for her work with the work. The mothers and toddlers was held in Kitson Hall. Charlie (£300) and St Luke’s Hospital Group. We are always anxious to group goes from strength to strength Grainger, SJ Sedwill, Kathryn (£250). Overseas the PCC’s have new members of the Group. and there are plans to extend after Clement, Lucinda Powell and Karin allocation was limited to £2,762 for school provision to five afternoons a Ayok-Loewenberg organised a sale UTS, but see also the list in Tim Budgen week during term time in partnership of new and second-hand children’s Appendix 1 of other projects Chairman with Lowther School. clothes, toys, equipment with a supported by members of the St workshop on Sudan and Sudanese Mary’s congregation. Marie Ellis, CCP manager, chairs Food available. The Pathfinders CASTELNAU CENTRE PROJECT the North Barnes Children’s Centre helped in setting up and running the During Lent, Fiona Smith, Fiona Partnership Board which brings into event. Over £2000 was raised. This Barnett, Celia Cleave, Karin Ayok- I hope by now you know something a working partnership the key event is planned again for 24 Loewenberg and I gave short of the Castelnau Centre Project. It agencies delivering services to January 2009. presentations at the beginning of the has been one of our priority mission children and their families on the 10.00 am services, asking for the projects for over two years and it’s estate, including the school and Castelnau Centre Project congregation’s support for the five six years since St Mary’s people first CCP, the Primary Care Trust, projects being supported by the became involved. Richmond Housing Partnership, the Geoffrey Barnett remains as Bishop of Southwark’s Lent Call police and the Council’s early years Chairman and Peter Boyling as a 2008. I am pleased to say that The Centre, in Stillingfleet Road, team. It’s hoped there will be a Trustee following the application last year close to Lowther School, seeks to good CCP presence again in the See the separate section by Geoffrey. made by the Mission Group, UTS promote a vibrant, self-sustaining parade at Barnes Fair and there will was selected as one of the projects to community on the Castelnau estate. be a summer evening event at the Each year following recommend- be supported by this year’s Lent Call There’s a staff team of seven, all but Centre for the community on 3 July. ations from the Group, the PCC and hopefully this should contribute one part time, under the management Come along and meet the team and allocates within the St Mary’s between and £15,000 and £20,000 to of Marie Ellis, who’s been in post the community. annual budget an amount for UTS’s activities. for just over three years. mission/outreach. This year the Peter Boyling and I are two of the allocated amount was £8,000. In During the year the Group met eight Highlights of the last year have been eight trustees of the charity. Three previous years we have tended to times. The other members of the significant growth in all age activity, of them are residents on the give half the allocation to local Group are Ross, Joseph and Karin exemplified by the opening of the Castelnau estate. Philippa Marshall causes and half to overseas projects. Ayok-Loewenberg, Philip Bladen, Community Internet suite, very was appointed full time adult In view of the substantial funds Fiona Barnett, Peter Boyling, Fiona visibly right at the front of the development worker in January. raised over the last year for UTS by and John Smith, Celia Cleave, Centre, in November, by the Juliet Hogan supports a Wednesday 17 18 evening Allotment Club for children. oil. We hope calmer times will soon of January we received a Faculty Following an inspection of the Chris Madeley offers professional return. from the Diocese. By early March churchyard monuments and tombs in support as a psychotherapist to the we had added items to the January, we have set up a working staff team. Meanwhile the building work goes specification, as it will be cost party to oversee appropriate on and with it the need to raise the effective for the church, once the monitoring and repair, with Geoffrey Barnett remaining funds needed to complete builders are on site, to carry out a proposed expenditure on outside and furnish the buildings. The UTS number of additional tasks such as contractors being routed through the trustees are particularly pleased that levelling uneven areas. We have Fabric Committee. The working UNDER TREE SCHOOLS Ross has agreed to take on the also discussed with the Church party members (Alan Mitchell, chairmanship of trustees, as from architect the construction of a Maisie Brown and Brenda Moore) The project is aimed at building and March 2008. We are planning that disabled-friendly slope from the have identified 15 tombs for priority running a school for girls aged 7-15 the AGM of the charity this year “circle” up to the NE office door. treatment. in Southern Sudan. It is the vision should, as in 2007, be held at St We plan to carry out the extensive of Revd Joseph Ayok-Loewenberg, Mary’s, which is one of our major churchyard works in 2008. We are also working closely with the who ran makeshift schools for funders. Garden Committee on the best children during the civil war with the Another major project being planned action in respect of two sycamores, north and is setting up a permanent Peter Boyling is a new heating system for the main one of which threatens the SE wall school now that a peace agreement UTS administrator church, in place of the existing and the other a large monument in has been made. blowers, which are noisy, nearing the NE of the garden. We’re the end of their useful life and awaiting written permission from the Good progress has been made in FABRIC COMMITTEE inimical to the organ. We Council to remove the two trees beginning to build the school, commissioned a report from ENG (with the SE corner having some despite the difficulties. Joseph has The committee met five times in the (Martin Dow) on the pros and cons smaller trees in place of the had to buy cement and wood year. In addition there were a of different systems, and are now sycamore). hundreds of miles from the school number of meetings of smaller developing plans in conjunction with site and truck them there over roads groups, undertaking inspections, ENG and the Church architect. We An electrical installation check has which are impassable in the wet maintenance, clearing and repair want to try to maximise the extent of been carried out, and almost all the season. Over recent months the work. The continuing members of unseen sources of heat and radiation, necessary work completed. There troubles in Kenya have disrupted the the committee were: Ross Collins, making use (if we can) of underfloor have been improvements to the high imports of materials on which Philip Bladen, Tim Budgen, Monty in the central nave section, and also level lighting of the Sanctuary, and Southern Sudan construction work Brown, John Deards, Angie Forster, making use of existing trenches at the lighting in the Melvill Room. still depends. Trisha Hawkins (Secretary), Alan the N end, behind, the High Altar, Mitchell, Iain Radford and myself and in the Langton Chapel. We The church locks for the NW and UTS trustees aim to build not only (Chair). don’t yet know the extent of NE entrances have been replaced. the school but also a continuing necessary visible radiators – almost The same key now opens both doors. relationship between the local A major project has been the certainly somewhere in the medieval Key holders are recorded. community and ourselves in planning for the Garden of church and perhaps elsewhere in the England. We were particularly Remembrance. We finally received Nave and/or Sanctuary area. We are A number of plumbing tasks were disappointed therefore that our first encouraging signs from the Diocese also receiving advice from the carried out, including a new radiator visit to the school has just had to be in autumn 07, subject to our also Carbon Trust (arranged for free by in the Sacristy and a new combi postponed because of tensions in the receiving planning permission from the Diocese). boiler for the NW rooms. area between North and South over Richmond Council, which came through in January 08. By the end 19 20

In January we carried out a self- users, is constantly in need of Christmas fair and the Barnes area prior to setting up the new assessment of our fire prevention maintenance and tidying. We’re Charity Ball pre-dinner reception. Garden of Remembrance and to lay procedures. There will be some very grateful to a great number of a new York stone path replacing the follow up action in 2008, including people ( both individuals and groups There were some personnel changes existing gravel, thus for the first time improved signage. We have also such as the Good Companions), in to the hall management team as making all the paved areas a reviewed the Fire Evacuation addition to committee members, Maria Bryant took over from Penny homogeneous whole, of a pleasing procedures, reminded all users ( plus who have helped. Watkins as booking secretary and permanent stone which will be easier Sidesmen/Friends) and placed Charlotte Kramer became to maintain than the gravel. The updated notices around the church. A particular thank you to two chairperson. tombs area was infested with committee members who are pernicious weeds and masses of ivy We have replaced the main notice standing down at the end of the year. Charlotte is now establishing a which in places invaded the tombs board by the lych gate. It is in the Angie Forster has made a great proactive management committee to themselves. Accordingly I sent in a same blue colour, designed for a contribution: organising, cleaning, oversee and to plan for the future of firm recommended by Neville Otty longer life and includes the logos, as clearing and tidying. Monty Brown the hall. The team will include who have done what proved to be an recommended, for the Church of has been an outstanding member of members from hall management, the immensely tough job very well and England and the Diocese. the committee for 12 years. His community as well as representation nicely gave the church a 10% engineering knowledge and practical from the hall users and the PCC. discount! We have removed the frayed carpet skills have been central to our work. from the Sacristy. We hope we can continue to In addition, some minor renovation Work parties continue monthly with approach him from time to time on works are planned and opportunities the loyal team of Margaret and Mike We have produced outline designs repairs and servicing issues. for developing the income stream are Marjoram and Elizabeth Cowie and for the office a the new curate being reviewed. we do all the regular garden jobs - expected in autumn 08 (W end of Nick Phillips pruning, dead-heading, weeding and Kitson Room). More discussions Local businesses have shown great watering. And tending the Garden will take place to ensure that we’re KITSON HALL MANAGEMENT support for hall and its importance of Remembrance - in regular use as a dealing with the legitimate COMMITTEE within the community. For example, place of solace for mourners so it requirements of other users and that Barnard Marcus has made a financial has to look good all year round. material no longer needed in the Kitson Hall provides a terrific space contribution towards some And we were very heartened to room is relocated or disposed of. for a wide range of church and maintenance projects. receive the proceeds from Brian and community activities. The hall is Janice Turk’s coffee morning which An updated contact list of suppliers regularly used for dinners and The ongoing success of the hall has bought scented honeysuckle, to the church has been drawn up. receptions as well as daily facilitates a substantial and valuable Roses “Margaret Merill” and “Holy There is a copy in the church office. neighbourhood activities, all of financial contribution to St. Mary’s, Rose of Abyssinia” a lovely old wild which enhance community life. easing the burden of the rose as well as Hidcote lavenders We have contributed to the “think congregation. and some Penstamon “Jean Grace” tank” discussions for better The hall continues to be used for to commemorate Jean Lawrence. organisation of material at the back Junior Church and Sparklers groups Charlotte Kramer of the church. The area has already as well as other church activities. Margaret and I ran a coffee morning improved and more discussions are in September which raised money taking place to further improve the Of particular note this year, the hall CHURCHYARD COMMITTEE towards printing the colour postcards layout. played host to a number of fund of the churchyard from a lovely raising initiatives for St Mary’s. Not Work has now started in earnest to photograph taken by Norman. These Our church, with a lot of different least, the Kit4Kids sale, the clear the north-east corner and tombs postcards are now available at the 21 22 back of the church and the BCA also Patsy Miller, Markham Jackson and · Make it easier for people to Tiziana George, but sad to lose Wiz asked for some which they will sell to Patrick for organising the roster get involved and contribute to and Sue Dundas, although both are at Rose House. in customary efficient manner. If the life of St. Mary’s on emergency stand by, as is David ever there is a blip in this “service” · Increase the number of Greenwood. In September the Good Companions we know what a mess it can look so members who commit to had a Work Party to clear the North it is a source of quiet pride that this regular giving The 11.30 service is not within my Path and Kitson Hall. John Deards job is done so faithfully. · Improve methods of remit, but I understand that the new organised this in his customary communication within the team have the situation well under exemplary fashion - even laying on a Brenda Moore congregation and between the control. I have volunteered to add splendid lunch for the team - and we church and the wider their roster to this schedule, but at also erected three very large wooden community. present they are happy to stay with mulch cages to take all our green THE THINK TANK their own systems. waste, leaves (of which we have Specifically, in the last year we have masses and which we plan to turn Mission been involved with the following: The 10.00 am service is I think into leaf mould. John went to a The Think Tank’s mission is to · Expanded presence on Barnes running smoothly, although high great deal of trouble to choose the propose to the PCC ways to increase Fair day, July 14. days and feast days continue to right ones for our needs which will the number of parishioners who seek · Expanded Christmas Fair, present problems but that is as ever stand the test of time and do the job to become actively involved as Nov. 17. was and probably ever will be! it’s supposed to, as well as arranging contributing members of St. Mary’s · Sale of Children’s clothes (Kit delivery. The sweepers put their Church, both financially and in other for Kids) The 8.00 team are their usual reliable leaves there and the flower arrangers ways. · Reviewed the use of space at selves and appear to be working can also put all compostable material the back of the church well. in it and the office adds all shredded How do we plan to achieve our · Planned a new format for this paper so our aim is to be as green as objectives? year’s Annual Meeting on This brings us to the evensong the Diocese would like us to be! We are a small group who hope to April 30. service that is looked after by And we will aim to use Tristram to act as initiators of ideas, facilitators Wendy Kyrle-Pope and Alastair spread the made mulch annually and supporters of people who take Silke Creswell was a founder Mackie between them, and to whom which, in the event of drought is a on organising roles. It is not our member who conceived the idea of we owe a debt of gratitude. In vital resource. intention, nor are we able, to Kit for Kids. We miss her on our fairness they are helped out for the implement all our proposals team but warmly welcome Charlotte Choral Evensong services by a My warm thanks to Giles Dimock ourselves. Indeed, it is our mission Kramer who has recently joined us. number of people, but principally for the job he does cutting the grass - to involve a wider proportion of the New members always welcome! Andrew Summers. it is no mean feat and time congregation in running and consuming when you look at the supporting the activities of this Michael Murison (Chair), Elena The current list of sidesmen is as terrain but it looks so good when church. Fletcher, Trisha Hawkins, Juliet follows; David Barrie, David he’s done it and we all enjoy the Hogan, Charlotte Kramer. Blacklock, Claire Boyling, Brian and result. Our priorities in 2007 were to find Celia Cleave, Patrick Findlater, ways to: Charles Goldsmith, David Heyhoe, My thanks to the Unsung heroes - SIDESMEN Ken Hitchcock, Wendy Kyrle-Pope, the path sweepers John Deards. · Create an inclusive, Desmond and Josephine Patrick Findlater, Iain Radford, welcoming atmosphere at St. The last year has seen some coming Macdermott, Alastair Mackie, Alan David Barrie, Richard Howe, John Mary’s and going among the sidesmen. It is Mitchell, Nick Phillips, Ferelith Smith, Brian Turk, Anthony and very nice to welcome back Ken and Reay, Peter Siddall, Fiona Smith, 23 24

Andrew Summers, Joan Wheeler- visited. will continue to benefit from the are always happy to welcome Bennett, Jonathon and Emma experience. Sam Chandler was anybody who would like to Wilson, Marjorie Wing and Ken and Fiona Barnett, Margaret Collenette, appointed organ scholar having contribute to the musical life of St. Tiziana George. Eleanor Ennals, Christabel Gairdner, gained the organ scholarship to Jesus Mary’s in whichever way they are Alastair Mackie, Jackie Northen. College, Oxford – a post which he able. When I took over from Giles takes up in October. The Dimock. I told Ross that I would Fiona Barnett encouragement of young musicians Cameron Burns undertake the role for three years; is a very important part of our work Director of Music and Organist that was in 2005! I intend to retire here and we remain grateful to those from the role when I reach the MUSIC members of the congregation who BELL RINGERS advanced age of 70, which will be in have been so generous in donating to May 2009, God willing. Ladies and Music at St. Mary’s continues to the scheme. Once again I can report a busy year gentlemen, you have been warned! flourish; most significantly this year with regular ringing for Services at was the re-establishment of the Our monthly Choral Evensongs have Barnes and also considerable help Tony Dundas Junior Choir whose membership become well-established now and and support for and at other towers now totals fifteen and is still pull in an ever-increasing crowd. in the area. increasing. The Junior Choir sings PASTORAL SUPPORT GROUP with the Senior Choir once-a-month Other events to mention include We have continued to ring for the but as numbers grow, and standards ‘Sing Barnes’, an event organised by main Service on Sundays with all We continue to meet monthly with increase, we hope to integrate them both myself and Andrew Summers eight bells manned most weeks, Ross to see between us where there more and more with the Senior to raise money for the Friends of St. though, for various reasons, ringing is need to offer pastoral support. Choir. Mary’s. Around 60 singers for other Sunday Services has Jackie, Christabel and I continue to (including the Westminster Junior declined further. Also our quarter visit Viera Gray House weekly – The total membership of the Senior Singers, directed by Caroline peal attempts and main practice on Jackie with the trolley (selling small Choir stands close to 35 whilst the Lenton-Ward) took part in this Friday nights, our training sessions items residents might like). Junior Choir numbers around 15, wonderful evening which took a and beginners practices on Saturday Christabel shares taking the monthly giving a total of 50 people on the ‘Last night of the Proms’ theme. In morning and monthly Thursday communion service with Father books. Of course, that number May the choir took part in Choral night beginners method practices Paul. Jackie continues as a member contains quite a few ‘occasionals’ Scholar Afternoon Tea concert have all continued to be regularly of the chaplaincy team at Barnes who are only able to join for special which was well-received and in June supported. Hospital. Margaret Williams likes to events and on an average Sunday I gave a recital with Cara Berridge, send a card to any parishioner who is morning we can expect 15 who still cellist with the Sacconi Quartet. We enjoyed three main trips: our in hospital – so please let her know continue to sing an anthem after the winter outing in January to towers in if you know of anyone who is ill. sermon. I remain immensely Howard Goodall is currently hard at the Guildford area, our 5-day grateful to their commitment in what work on a new communion setting Summer Tour to Kent and the With members of the other churches is a very busy part of the world! for the parish, for which we are very Sussex border in July and a visit to in Barnes a bereavement support grateful. Howard is of course a the Whitechapel bell foundry, group is being started which I hope It was a great pleasure for us to ‘local’ to St. Mary’s as well as being followed by ringing at three towers will enable those in need of help to appoint three new Choral Scholars at an internationally renowned in the vicinity and the inevitable find it. the start of the year: Emma Laws composer and we await his curry in Brick Lane, in October. (soprano), Emily Tann (alto) and commission with great anticipation. Do let one of us know if you or Nived Lobo (tenor). They have all Many more exciting things are Edmund Hartley anyone you know would like to be been a welcome addition and I hope planned for the coming year and we Captain of the Tower 25 26

SACRISTANS, SERVERS AND after a freak weather pattern this other of our houses to pray for those The group is very fluid and SATURDAY HELPERS summer – but the rains came in time we know to be in particular need or participants can decide whether they for the pumpkins to grow all over those for whom our prayers have want to join in reading each book. Nothing further to report this year the place and intrigue us with their been asked. It would always be Members of the group this year have but to thank Fiona Barnett, Lucy unusual colours and shapes. good to expand our awareness of included: Peter Boyling, Margaret Hine, Betty Gravestock and those who would like to be prayed Collenette, Patti Darke, Rosie Elizabeth Casson for their help. I Annie Bond has kindly donated our for and indeed anyone who might Findlater, Christabel Gairdner, Lucy would welcome extra assistance if super new urns in memory of her like to join our small group. Hine, Alan Mitchell, James Moore anybody would like to volunteer. husband Derek and we have all and Nicola Wood. We hope to enjoyed doing some wonderful and Do please contact one of us if there continue next year and details of the Sally Copland impressive arrangements – I like to is a person or situation you would book we are reading will be in the think styles in Church flowers as like to draw to our attention. pew sheet, so if you are interested well as everything else have moved please join us. FLOWER ARRANGERS on and its nice to be away from the Evelyn Barquin has joined the group stilted pedestal triangle and indeed during the last year. Celia Cleave As I walked into church in the gain some points for not disposing of Summer for the Under Trees large amounts of oasis! Margaret Collenette, Lucy Hine, Schools AGM, Joseph had set up a Nigel Makepeace, Evelyn Barquin, SATURDAY COFFEE SHOP screen in front of the altar showing a The team of Nicky Urquhart, Annie Fiona Barnett. rural Sudanese scene – framed by Bond, occasionally Judith Walker For those of you who may be our stunning arrangements of sun and Anne Sadler have been joined Fiona Barnett unaware a coffee shop with flowers – ‘sheep may safely graze’ by Celia Fielder who has returned to homemade cakes is run every came to mind – it took my breath Barnes after many years – we are Saturday in the Melvill Room. away and it brought home to me delighted to welcome her and she is BOOK GROUP Different volunteers run it each week strongly the fact that flowers do have very calm and talented – please can I and select a charity for which they a part to play in our worship. ask again for others to come and join Encouraged by St Michael’s who would like to raise a small sum of us – its not all work – we do stop for already had a book group, last year money. If you have never done this It was another year of many coffee afterwards. we launched St Mary’s book group. and would like to, please get in weddings of all shapes and sizes A few people from the congregation touch with me. It’s a very enjoyable finishing up with a wonderful Finally whilst we do weddings and have been reading books they have way of meeting and talking to those Christmas one on the day before funerals – we love decorating the chosen together and then meeting for who come! Christmas Eve – the bride and font for Christenings so please a short discussion. We have read groom chose to have a Christmas consider that as a possibility. five fascinating books over the year; Fiona Barnett tree filled with lights for their most recently ‘Tokens of Trust’ by marriage in the Langton Chapel – Sue Adams Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of the bride in her kind letter of thanks 020 8748 2040 Canterbury, which we chose as our FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S said it felt so special and intimate [email protected] ‘favourite’ book of the year. We and their’ friends wished that St. devoted three meetings to this book The aims of The Friends of St Mary’s was their local church!’ INTERCESSORY PRAYER and were pleased that Ross joined us Mary’s Barnes are to raise funds for GROUP to lead the first of these. In April we the upkeep of the church building Harvest was again a beautiful are planning a joint meeting with the and churchyard, to promote public tableau of all things green and We continue to meet on the first St. Michael’s book group which will awareness of its place in the history vegetable – quite an achievement Monday of each month in one or be led by Fr. Paul Holland. and life of Barnes and, through the 27 28

Daily Friends, to ensure that it is Cameron Burns, and the also been committed to paving the names of the helpers. There are still open to the public every day. refreshments afterwards. churchyard paths with York stone some vacancies so if you think you 2007/08 has been another busy year In February, we held the second and to the new heating system when could spare an hour every other for the Friends and we are delighted Barnes Charity Ball, following on that is decided. week between 10.30 and 12.30, then to have raised £25,000 this year for from the successful first event in please will you get in touch with the St Mary’s from our activities. We 2007. This year the theme was The Advisory Council of the Friends Church office - Tel. No :- 020 8741 also published a leaflet on Legacies Mardi Gras which encouraged many of St Mary’s Barnes is drawn from 5422 or contact me Angie Forster to to encourage people to consider people to come masked to the people connected with St Mary’s see if a time to suit you can be including a legacy to St Mary’s in champagne reception where they and the wider community of Barnes arranged. Tel. No:- 020 8876 2402 their wills as a way of expressing were entertained by the Innuendo and consists of Ross Collins, Fiona generosity at a level often not Sax Quartet and by dancers and Barnett, David Barrie, Philip Bladen, Names on Rota (and see appendix 2) possible in life. musicians from the London School Maisie Brown, Tim Budgen, Richard Miss Sue Adams, Mrs Maisie of Samba. They then moved into a du Parcq, Angie Forster, David Brown, Mrs Hilary Cooper, Mr In May the Lyra Vocal Ensemble candle-lit St Mary’s Church where Greenwood, Charles Haswell, Giles Dimock, Miss Angie Forster, from St Petersburg, on tour in the they enjoyed an excellent dinner Christopher Morgan and Derek Mrs Rachael Garrett, Mrs Diana UK, gave us a concert with an provided by Tourelle Cuisine and Senhenn. I am most grateful for Green, Mr John Hopkinson, Mrs enchanting programme of traditional entertainment from the IDMC Soul their enthusiasm and support for all Jean Konrdatuik, Mr Nigel Russian Orthodox Music and Singers. There was excited bidding the Friends activities and we are Makepeace, Mrs Benita Matthews, Russian Folk Songs. In July we for the amazing auction prizes, looking forward to more enjoyable Mrs Pam Middleton, Mrs Jo hosted Sing Barnes as part of the expertly led by Ross Collins with events in 2008/09 which will include MacDermott, Mr Alan Mitchell, Mr first Sing London festival and St help from Gavin Chittick, and then a concert by Aled Jones on 23 May Vic Nolan, Mrs Wendy Kyrle Pope Mary’s was filled with people followed the main entertainment of and another Barnes Charity Ball in (and Bessie her dog), Sir Alan Reay, singing English Choral Classics. the evening The Fabbagirls, one of February 2009. Mrs Anne Sadleir, Mrs Jean Led by the Westminster Junior whom lives in Barnes, who got Sheldrake, Mrs Sue Squire, Mrs Singers and the Sing Barnes Scratch everyone dancing to well-known Andrew Summers Joan Thomas, Mrs Marjorie Wing, Choir, conducted by Cameron Abba songs. The whole event Chairman, Friends of St Mary’s Mrs M. Williams, Lady White, Mrs Burns, the programme ranged from generated a surplus of £45,000 to go Barnes Marilyn Walker, Mrs Joan Woods. Handel to Novello and from to The Friends of St Mary’s Barnes, Mendelssohn to Elgar, finishing with Under Tree Schools and Castelnau Angie Forster a last-night style finale of Rule Community Centre and many thanks DAILY FRIENDS Britannia and Jerusalem. go to the organising committee led by Helena Wiseman for a wonderful Once again thanks go to all those ST MARY’S SCRAPBOOK In November we held our annual event. kind friends of St Mary’s who give Choral Evensong at which our guest their time once a fortnight to keep May I take this opportunity to thank preacher was Rt Rev Dr Tom Butler, This year the funds generated have the church open during weekday all those who contributed items for Bishop of Southwark. He preached been used to pay for all the church mornings allowing visitors to use the the scrapbook during the past year, a most thoughtful sermon relating St and garden maintenance as well as church to come in and look around especially those whose photographs Mary’s long and varied history to the the annual contribution to the and maybe to say a prayer. Allotted ensured that the first Barnes Charity present day with 150 people quinquennial fund. In addition the areas are also given a good sweep Ball, St. Mary’s on Barnes Fair enjoying not just the sermon but also Friends this year have funded new and dust which is much appreciated Day, the Christmas Fair and the Sing the final choral music from the St lighting and sound systems, repairs by everyone. Barnes Concert among several other Mary’s Barnes Choir led by to the weathervane, piano servicing events are now graphically recorded and high-level cleaning. Funds have It gives me pleasure to publish the in the current book. I should like 29 30 also to thank the family members as choral evensong. There will also personally. Thank you to those who have the great support of Loraine who contributed photographs of the be interactive areas perhaps with a have helped me in any way during Budgen whose organising St. Mary’s children at their first ‘blog’ page from Ross telling us the year, and to those of you who experience is invaluable. Hopefully Communion and Ferelith Reay who about his activities and another constantly respond to the never- we shall continue to further Jean's responded to my plea for a photo of inviting queries about faith. There ending pleas for people to take part concept as she would have wished. the finale of the 2007 Nativity Play. will be a link with automatic updates in the church services/events. Please to news from the Church of England keep me updated with changes to Hilary Cooper Leaflets, written reports and website, as well as a ‘jobs at St your telephone numbers, addresses photographs concerning the various Mary’s’ page with ideas for anyone or email addresses. groups and activities which go to who would like to volunteer even a GOOD COMPANIONS make up the daily life of St. Mary’s small amount of their time. Kitson Peter Kain are always welcome, so please keep Hall information will be added to the Parish Administrator We are now in our eighth year and them coming. Contributions in site so that anyone hoping to use or have an active membership of about envelopes addressed to me may be hire the hall can find out when it is 55. We have continued with our left in the church office or on the likely to be available and how to GOLDEN GIRLS men’s lunches, usually once a month scrapbook table. make contact. when we meet at a member’s house Following Jean Lawrence's and bring with us wine, cheese, pate, Maisie Brown The main aim is to have a site which retirement and subsequent tragic fruit etc. During the year lunches gives a feel of who we are, one illness, the Golden Girls lapsed into have been hosted by John Kelly, which motivates people to engage hibernation for a while, but it would Nick Willan, John Smith, Michael WEBSITE with us and which explores issues of have been too sad if the enterprise Marjoram, Markham Jackson, faith and how they connect with our she had founded should disband Adrian Roebuck, Dick Buttle, Tim Website: www.stmarybarnes.org lives. As always, we welcome ideas permanently. We therefore reformed Budgen and George Brown. In and suggestions from the on 20 June 2007 when Joan Woods addition to these, we have had By the time this report is printed it is congregation so if there is a way in held a delightful inaugural tea party several lunches at the Bull’s Head likely that St Mary’s ‘new-look’ which the site could be improved to in her garden, which was attended and Allen & Jeanne Chubb invited a website will be almost ready to suit your needs then please let us by 28 members. group of us and our wives down to launch, or maybe it will even have know! their new house at Haslemere. done so already. Jill Wigney has We have since met for tea parties been developing her technical skills Tricia Hawkins hosted by Unity Harvey and Loraine As well as our lunches, we have had during the last year and now with a Budgen, Fiona Barnett and Sarah a tour of the Whitechapel Bell terrific offer of help from Craig Kearney, a lunch hosted by Margaret Foundry followed by lunch at the Boundy, one of our congregation PARISH OFFICE Marjoram and Brenda Moore and Pride of Spitalfields, a group of us and a professional in the IT field, we enjoyed a Christmas lunch at The visited Toynbee Hall to hear the have been able to move forward. The church is busy, therefore the Bulls Head. We also visited The Archbishop of Canterbury’s lecture office is always busy, and time goes Orange Tree theatre and Squire's “Multiculturism Friend or Foe”, The new site will offer everything so quickly. After two years, I think garden centre. Several outings are which was followed by a curry in that was on the old site with a I’m getting the hang of things, arranged for 2008 when we hope to Brick Lane. Some of us visited number of new facilities. Using the although some still escape my spread our wings a little. Fullers Brewery and Hogarth House modern technology incorporated in notice. If you think something could and on 31 July some of us visited All the church’s new sound system we be improved in the way it is done or This undertaking is a very steep Saints’ Church, Fulham where Joe plan to have a ‘listen again’ option presented, please telephone or email learning curve for me which I could Hawes gave us a guided tour of the for sermons and even services such me, or drop by and tell me not manage alone. Fortunately I church and churchyard and 31 32 afterwards we visited Fulham going considering he is close to 88. know the other families sharing their arranged by the Marriage Palace. In November a small group In addition to our Thames walks, child’s big day, giving them an Preparation team. This was an of us attended the Remembrance Alan Sillitoe organised another walk opportunity to familiarise them- opportunity for all couples who had Concert at the Royal Hospital in Surrey, this time in the area selves about what happens in the married at one of the churches in the Chelsea, Ian Glennie, one of our around Headley Heath. With the service, and to discover what St. parish over the last few years, to members and a Blue Badge Guide, exception of our men’s lunches, our Mary’s has to offer families. None attend a special service followed by gave us a guided tour of wives join us on all our trips, also of this would happen without the refreshments. They were able to Westminster Memorials old & new various friends join us on the walks generosity of the host families, to meet members of the congregation, and 16 of us went to the Barnes and in fact everyone is very whom we are extremely grateful, clergy, marriage prep. team, and Charity Players’ production of welcome on these. and hope the tradition, will long other couples who’d married in Cinderella and several of our group continue. Barnes, as well as showing each were in the cast. On 28 September John Deards other a few wedding photos! All organised another St Mary’s/Kitson Emma Powell who attended felt it was a lovely In July, 48 of us attended a Hall work party. This time we service that should become an champagne/bubbly evening in erected compost bins, cleared MARRIAGE PREPARATION annual event, and so a second Andrew and Frances Summers’s undergrowth, and took three van service is planned for the Autumn lovely house and garden in Station loads of rubbish to the tip. There has been some change in the either at St. Mary’s or St. Michael’s. Road. We had to dodge a few Afterwards we sat down to another team over the course of last year, showers but the evening remained of John’s nutritious lunches. with Mark & Silke Cresswell Sarah Allen fine for the most part. We moving to Canada and Richard & concluded the evening with a “sing Forthcoming events include a visit to Joanne Nickels taking a break from CHILDREN AT ST MARY’S along” led by Frances at the piano, the British Museum led by John the group for an extended period. Frances had previously prepared a Smith and a coach tour of the We welcomed two new couples to This is my last report as Children’s Good Companions Song Sheet. various Olympic sites. take their places: Ian & Aphra Pastor, as I have decided to return to Brandreth-Stroud and James & Jo school based teaching, though of A group of us are continuing our Tim Budgen Battersby. These new couples were course much of what I have been walk along the length of the Thames, trained in November by Rosemary involved in over the last six years during the year we covered the BAPTISMS AT ST MARY’S Hurry (who continues to be a strong has involved some of the most section from Sonning to Oxford and supporter to the team) and in a enjoyable aspects of teaching. I overall we have now walked from We have had some fabulous workshop with the existing team and have had small motivated groups, the Barrier to Oxford. After the Baptisms over the year, and have Rosemary in January this year. the chance to get to know children walk ending in Radley, we went welcomed many wonderful children Overall in 2007, there were 13 well over the years, and the privilege back to Nick and Katherine into the family of the Church. To couples who underwent the marriage of helping nurture children’s Phillips’s house in Oxford where help everyone feel comfortable and preparation sessions, a slight awareness of God’s presence and they gave us an excellent tea and get the most out of their child’s increase over the previous year. love in their lives. I can honestly after which we had a guided tour of baptism, Ross and I meet the say I have probably learned more the area. Brian Turk organises each families beforehand in a convivial The team had two meetings with from the children, and their unique of our walks, which entails doing a atmosphere over supper, and a supper last year, to talk generally perspectives, than they have from reconnaissance beforehand, booking welcome glass or two of wine, about how sessions have been, and me. the Fish minibus and most important kindly hosted by a recent Baptism talk about new ideas. In mid-June, of all arranging somewhere suitable family. The Baptism suppers have the first “Celebration of Marriage This is best illustrated in the to stop for lunch. Vic Nolan has proved very successful over the Service” was held at St. Mary’s, an Admission to Holy Communion again covered every section, not bad years, allowing parents to get to idea which was initiated and which takes place in May every year. 33 34

Last year saw a small select group of children’s groups afterwards. Junior in running the children’s groups, Palm Sunday and bringing along a eight, and this year there are fifteen Church worked on a physical festivals, and special events, as well real (well almost!) sheep to re-enact candidates who are prepared to interpretation of war and peace, as offering advice and the Parable of the Lost Sheep. undertake a fairly lengthy course of based on Karl Jenkins’ ‘the Armed encouragement. Their dedication preparation. I believe this represents Man’; Sparklers worked on the and hard work have ensured that the As Assistant Pastor, I am a St Mary’s approach to children at its theme of special memories. children of St Mary’s have such a permanent presence at the Family best; we are able to offer a truly inter positive experience of being part of Service and apart from reading and generational approach, with our team This year’s Nativity play saw some the family of the church. leading the prayers, I have been of volunteers from the congregation mice travelling round Barnes trying lucky enough to lead the entire able to guide and encourage the to return a family’s presents. On the Helen Bladen service on a couple of occasions. I children, and join in their journey of way, they discovered some street Children’s Pastor have thoroughly enjoyed this discovery. The Service of rats, carol singers, and the cast of opportunity to help nurture the Admission itself is always a joyful Cinderella, who, in true panto style, FAMILY SERVICE developing spirituality of our occasion, and the children are very encouraged everyone to join in children and to explore aspects of proud and excited to play such a singing ‘is this the way to SW13?’ The Family Service continues to go our faith with such an open and large role in it. Needless to say, Ross was the butt of from strength to strength, with supportive congregation. Of course, several jokes. Our furry friends congregation numbers increasing my role would not be possible After May, we usually have an ended up witnessing the very First steadily and more families getting without the help and support of the influx of keen new acolytes; many Christmas, touchingly played by the involved in reading, praying, families of St. Mary’s but I would thanks to Sally Copland who helps youngest children, which made a providing coffee and welcoming like to give special thanks to Nigel, lick them into shape, and who lasting impression on them, and us. newcomers. The Family Service is Elizabeth and Betty who help me generously gave up her garden again As ever, the production was a all about the family and we aim to prepare the hymn books and orders one Saturday in September for fun massive display of teamwork involve everyone – however young - of service, and generally keep me in and feasting for this select bunch. involving many ladders, frantic and both Ross and I have been line each week! So a big thank you searches for just the right two bars of delighted by the way our younger to everyone who has helped me over In July St Mary’s families were not music, tail making, and backstage members of the congregation are the past year and I look forward to put off by showery weather or the microphone passing. Many, many, now active participants in the service seeing more of you this year! detour to St Michael’s church for the thanks to all concerned; it really is – joining in the address, playing Team Ministry’s Annual Children’s worth it in the end! musical instruments and even Emma Powell Festival. The service’s theme of dancing in the aisles! Both children Assistant Children’s Pastor outward appearances /inner reality An early Easter this year saw Junior and parents clearly enjoy meeting was underlined by Fr Paul in a Church travelling round Kitson hall familiar faces every Sunday and PATHFINDERS splendid coat encouraging us to sing on a Passion Journey, and pre- close friendships have been forged at along. Springs Dance Company schoolers using different places in St. Mary’s, with many families Pathfinders is a proactive, added a beautiful dimension through church to find out about Holy week. meeting outside of church. welcoming youth group that their performance. Afterwards, They coloured eggs, joined in the combines spiritual exploration with a children were entertained in the Last Supper, and made the Easter This year we have followed themes healthy social experience. The workshops, whilst parents enjoyed Garden, which is still displayed near of ‘The Life of Jesus’ and ‘The group is for young people in years 7 the beer tent and barbeque. the organ. Parables’ and we have had some real and 8, and is currently led by Russell highlights including raising over Pearson. Russell is now in his final Remembrance Sunday this year saw I would like to take this opportunity £500 to illustrate the Parable of the year of an English Literature degree. the usual crowd of regulars and to thank everyone who has helped Talents; parading through the church Working alongside Russell is Mark visitors at the ceremony and in the me, recently, and in previous years, waving newspaper palm trees on Harries, a doctor; Lucinda Powell, a 35 36 qualified secondary school teacher; a huge banner that was displayed on Officer, Dean Pusey, to one of our for SMB and every other likeminded and more recently the team has the Kitson Hall on the day of the sessions. We also had an interesting person there. To be met by open grown with the help of Bryony event. In addition, some of the group session led by Hope UK, a Christian faces, smiles, & handshakes, it Britten, also a secondary school volunteered on the day and helped to Charity working with teenagers on didn’t matter if neither of you spoke teacher. This year Pathfinders has make it a great success. drug and alcohol prevention. the same language. There was just undergone an almost entire change an unwritten understanding, just to in those who attend. Those who Throughout the two terms we have In order to expand and develop our do your best, and help make the were in year 8 last year have moved also had a bowling evening, a party Team Ministry to young people, we world go around. up to the Barnes Team Ministry at a member’s home, a pizza making have a need for more adults willing youth group, F.O.O.D (Finding Our evening, and a meal out. The events to give their time to this important So what else have we done? Well Own Destiny). Pathfinders now have been a great success and ministry. With only two of us, it is thanks to the excellent Scouters at consists of a whole new range of brought the group closer together. difficult to sustain the regular pattern SMB and the trusty band of helpers, young people, mostly in year 7. The our young people need. Training we’ve tried to play our small part to group is now predominantly made With further parental, church can be made available—please make the world go around. up of boys, which is a contrast to the community, and prayer support, contact Jean Boulton-Reynolds. Supporting our young people in previous group which consisted Pathfinders promises to be a group camping, and participating in lots of almost entirely of girls. This has that will continue to enhance the Revd Jean Boulton-Reynolds different events as per the Scouting slightly changed the dynamic of the lives and learning experiences of philosophy. group, and the adult leaders have young people at a time in their lives ST MARY BARNES SCOUT worked hard to accommodate such that is incredibly important. GROUP ‘To help young people achieve their changes. 1907 – 2007 100 years of Scouting full physical, intellectual, social and Russell Pearson – the World Scout Jamboree spiritual potential as individuals, as The year has been challenging, responsible citizens and as Members exciting, fascinating and certainly a FOOD – Barnes Team Ministry In the space of just six weeks in the of their local, national and time of growth and development. Youth Group summer 2007, Highlands Park was international communities’ Because of the newness of the transferred into a small tent town. group, the first term was spent The youth group has been meeting (Complete with its own Sainsbury’s) Very appropriate for this report, as building a positive sense of team and on a regular basis and welcomed 4 This was to become home for two Scouting is based on Christian establishing the identity of the new new members in September. With weeks, for 40,000 Scouts from principles, (and we’re always group. Having achieved a clear one member moving away we now almost every country in the world. looking for helpers in any small sense of group community, 2008 has have a group of 7. Themes have We had come together to the world way). so far been a time of looking at ranged from Media Influencers to jamboree to celebrate 100 years of Biblical teaching – more World Class Prayer and the time of Scouting. Quite an achievement So again my sincere thanks to all specifically, the Beatitudes. Spiritual Chill has become very when you consider it’s all voluntary! those past & present that have given Through the means of media, art, popular, giving members time to up their time and energy. (to help discussion and drama, we have reflect and pray. The group took Thanks to our Scouters & helpers make the world go around) engaged in a wide variety of part in the Holy Trinity Carol hard fundraising efforts and a interesting topics. We aim to grasp Service giving their unique donation from the BCA, approx 50 Without all of them, the world the relevance of Jesus’ teaching to rendering of a traditional carol, members of all ages from SMB, would be a far sadder place. our lives in the present. much to the delight of all there! We managed to attend this historic event The group thoroughly enjoyed have enjoyed a winter outing to the as day visitors. Pieter van de Wiel helping with the charity event, Kit Ice Skating Rink at Kew Gardens It is very difficult to put into words, Group Scout Leader for Kids. The Pathfinders decorated and welcomed the Diocesan Youth the incredible pride & emotion I felt, 37 38

APPENDIX 2 Appendix 1 2007 account still subject to audit Mission giving made by the PCC following recommendations from the Mission Group General Fund

INCOME Outturn Budget outturn Under Tree Schools 2,762 2006 2007 2007 Welcare 1,888 General giving Castelnau Centre Project 2,100 Planned giving Gift aid 80,307 84,417 Fish 400 Income tax recoverable 22,646 23,806 SPEAR 300 Not gift aid 6,603 7,109 Shenehom Housing Association 300 Loose collections [all services] 22,667 22,474 St Luke’s Hospital 250 Donations Gift aid 19,091 11,479 8,000 Income tax recoverable 5,384 3,237 Not gift aid 7,979 15,765 Collections and Appeals total 164,677 185,000 168,286 Wedding, funeral &c Bishop’s Lent Appeal (2007) 1,260 fees to PCC 4,074 6,400 8,314

Children’s Society - Collection boxes 596 Hire of church 5,242 4,500 6,207 Children’s Society - Christingle 124

Coffee, net [to St Mary’s] 846 850 706 In addition St Mary’s and its congregation have raised or assisted in raising the following funds for UTS Fundraising events, net [excluding Friends] 5,769 7,000 )

11,243 Grant from PCC (referred to above) 2,762 Sale of Xmas cards, net 789 200 ) Baltic Air Charter Association 4,500 (initiated by Markham Jackson) Interest 3,647 3,000 5,082 Christabel Gairdner’s piano recital 900 Gift Certificates, Christmas cards & Kit4Kids etc 5,099 From Kitson Hall 20,000 20,000 20,000 2008 Barnes Charity Ball 10,000 23,261 TOTAL INCOME 205,044 226,950 219,838

The St Mary’s Saturday Morning Coffee Shop EXPENDITURE [next page] 208,899 225,479 220,499

Supported charities including Sight Savers (2), NSPCC, IDE (2), Wildlife Aid, Surplus [Deficit if minus] -3,855 1,471 - 661 Barnes Youth Theatre (2), Under Tree Schools (3), Richmond Welcare (2), Exceptional items Legacies &c 59,264 SSAFA (2), Macmillan Nurses, Multiple Sclerosis Trust (2), Trinity Hospice, St Osmund’s School Choir, Alzheimers, React, Royal Marsden Hospital (2), Balance, 31st Dec 15,260 16,731 73,864 Castelnau Centre Project, St Mary’s churchyard (3), Viera Grey House, Bellringers, Carers Centre Richmond, Cambridge Nazareth Trust, Water Aid Donations, Diabetes, CLIC Sargent, Knights Youth Centre, British Liver Trust, Barnardo’s

39 40

General Fund EXPENDITURE Outturn Budget Outturn 2006 2007 2007

Mission giving 7,895 8,000 8,000 Parish share 140,688 148,929 148,929 Clergy expenses 2,384 2,500 2,550 Rectory 1,000 Readers & SPAs 615 650 510

Church ………. Insurance 2,972 3,000 3,117 Cleaning, sanitation *** 1,068 1,300 1,104 Gas 4,280 6,800 6,840 Maintenance, repairs 1,573 1,600 2,391

Electricity 2,266 2,500 1,520 Fire protection 1,067 1,200 896 FISH – bus and shopping clients Altar 1,211 1,300 1,142 Churchyard ***

Other 605 700 1,745 Church Music net 8,467 10,500 9,664 Books, net 578 600 618

Children 10,530 11,000 10,581 Youth work 1,426 2,000 1,507 BTM 1,000 Administrator 10,888 10,300 12,098 Office machines 2,396 2,500 2,586 Stationery 1,317 1,350 1,331 Printing 996 1,200 739 Telephones and stamps 925 950 829 Unbudgeted expenditure BiC, net of donations 510 129 all other 242 600 Stewardship appeal sponsored in 2006 173 to QBMF *** 2,500 Provision for Audit 1,500 1,500 1,500

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 208,899 225,479 220,499 Three items supported in 2007 by the Friends, total *** £7,700 Fine Dining at the 2008 Barnes Charity Ball

41 42

The Barnes Team Ministry The Parish Church of St Mary, Barnes

THE ANNUAL MEETINGS Minutes of the Meetings held in the Church on Tuesday, 24 April 2007 at 8 pm ______

Present: The Rector (The Rev’d Ross Collins) in the chair, the Churchwardens and approximately 23 members of the parish.

A EASTER VESTRY

For the purpose of electing churchwardens to serve for the coming year.

Nominations for churchwardens had been received as follows: Philip Bladen, proposed by Joan Forbes Thomas and seconded by George Brown Fiona Barnett, proposed by Cynthia Brown and seconded by Hilary Cooper

There being no other nominations, these two people were elected churchwardens for the coming year. The Rector thanked the wardens for their support and their work for the whole church throughout the year.

B THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

1. Minutes of the Meeting held on 4 April 2006

The minutes had been displayed on the porch notice board for the past year and also reproduced in the 2007 Annual Report. Philip Bladen proposed acceptance of them as a true record, seconded by Michael Enthusiastic Singing of Rule Britannia at Sing Barnes July 2007 Murison and carried unanimously.

2. Church Electoral Roll

The PCC Secretary reported on behalf of Peter Kain, the Electoral Roll Officer. At the time of the meeting, there were 247 people on the roll, 169 residents within St Mary’s boundaries and 78 non- resident (37 resident within the boundaries of the other two churches of the Team Ministry and 41 outside). As this year a completely new roll had been started and not everyone had returned their form in time for this meeting, the Rector proposed the roll be accepted as approved by the PCC at their 8 May 2007 meeting (as it was expected more forms would be returned by then). This was agreed.

3. Elections

a) Parochial Church Council (for five representatives to serve for three years).

Loraine Budgen, proposed by Margaret Collenette and seconded by Philip Bladen Richard du Parcq proposed by Wendy Kyrle Pope and seconded by Fiona Barnett Sarah Moore, proposed by L Powell and seconded by Silke Cresswell James Stephenson, proposed by Geoffrey Barnett and seconded by Peter Boyling There were no further nominations and these persons were elected unanimously.

b) Election of Sidesmen for 2007-2008

Those people listed in the Annual Report were those proposed for the following year, namely: David Barrie, David Blacklock, Claire Boyling, Brian and Celia Cleave, Sue Dundas, Tony Dundas, Wiz Dundas, Patrick Findlater, Ken and Tiziana George, Charles Goldsmith, David Greenwood, David Heyhoe, Ken Hitchcock, Wendy Kyrle-Pope, Desmond and Josephine MacDermott, Alistair Mackie, Alan Mitchell, Nick Phillips, Ferelith Reay, Peter Siddall, Fiona Smith, Andrew Summers, Joan Wheeler-Bennett, Jonathan and Emma Wilson, Marjorie Wing. Lyra Russian Choir May 2007 Nick Phillips proposed acceptance of these persons which was seconded by David Greenwood and passed unanimously. 43 44

4. Rector’s Survey RECTOR’S SURVEY – APRIL 2007 Attached as separate paper. It is always my pleasure to start with expressing sincere thanks to those who make St Mary’s a fascinating place Philip Bladen thanked the Rector warmly, on behalf of the congregation, for his leadership over the past in which to live, work and serve - the Wardens, the PCC and very many others. Their work and support is year, which had been central to the church’s achievements. recorded extensively in the Annual Report and provides fascinating reading and considerable evidence of a Christian community in good heart. 5. Finance The church life over the last year has had a number of highlights. I’d like to mention the musical life at St Richard du Parcq, PCC Hon Treasurer, addressed the meeting. Mary’s since Cameron Burns came in May as Director of Music. It is almost an entirely different world musically since he came. It’s not just that there are more people of all ages in the choir. Musical standards are The audit of the 2006 accounts was still in progress. He anticipated some advice from the auditor about also fabulous. Choral Evensong has been re-established as a regular event which has the added advantage of the form of our financial control systems and risk management. providing not just strong liturgy, good music and genuinely spiritual occasions, but also great social events. In addition, they reach a congregation many of whom rarely attend St Mary’s. After a deficit in 2006 on the general fund the fund reserve currently stood at £15,000 (enough for 5-6 weeks expenditure) compared with our objective from earlier years of maintaining a £30,000 reserve. Attendance at St Mary’s has increased 15% over the previous year and about 60-65% over the last 6 years (ie, He warned that in the medium term a continued running down of the general fund was unsustainable. about 260-70 over four services on a Sunday with nothing special such as Festivals, baptisms, Remembrance, The main source of income was giving by the congregation. Valuable contributions to running costs etc). That having been said, there is not much point of people coming to St Mary’s if they don’t leave having had come from the Friends (towards maintenance of the church and churchyard and cleaning) and from encountered God and encouraged to help build His kingdom on earth. Much of what we do is intended to Kitson Hall lettings income; but costs of the Hall were increasing and further increases from that source achieve this. were unlikely. The PCC were concerned that raising income sufficient to fund the annual increases in payment to the diocesan ministry fund was unsustainable; and they had raised this problem with the In the Team, there have been a couple of events worth noting. The St Michael’s community centre has now been Archdeacon and the Deanery Synod. built and opened after fifteen years since conception. They are now freed from the bulk of the fund-raising of the last few years and can focus on how the building is used and what the church can do in the community and The meeting was then opened for questions: beyond.

Geoffrey Barnett asked if the £30,000 in unrestricted legacies could be deemed part of the general Jean Boulton-Reynolds at Holy Trinity has been in post for a year and has done very well indeed in beginning reserves. The Treasurer confirmed this was so in practice: we had already last year used legacy money the transformation of Holy Trinity. The congregation is now considerable larger and there are also imaginative to pay for unbudgeted expenditure such as IT and works to the heating. plans for using the church for community-orientated projects, including Space to Be, a monthly event offering a range of spiritual and therapeutic care. The Rector thanked Richard du Parcq for all his work throughout the past year and in dealing with Alistair Cameron and the auditor. Thanks were also extended to Peter Boyling who had also done We can look to how we co-operate more on a team basis, particularly in terms of children’s and youth work and considerable work connected to finance. organisation.

6. Appointment of an Auditor I would like to comment on the broader context of our church life in England. The report on the 2005 Church Census figures was entitled Pulling Out of the Nosedive. It suggested that the Church of England had reached the Keith Powers had acted as auditor for 2006 and Andrew Summers proposed that he be appointed again bottom of its numerical decline after some 50 years of steady erosion of congregations. I welcome any good for 2007. Seconded by Celia Cleave and passed unanimously. news, but, for once, have to caution against too much optimism.

7. Consideration of Reports for 2006 - The Rector asked permission of the meeting not to go through the Even if the overall figures have bottomed out, the decline amongst children and young people is accelerating. Annual Report this year and this was agreed. Geoffrey Barnett made the point that he had read the People of my generation returning to church are returning, by and large, to the faith of their childhood. In twenty whole report and was impressed by the amount of things that went on at St Mary’s. The Rector years time, people in their thirties and forties will have no such background and the process of building endorsed this and warmly thanked all contributors to the report. congregations will involve the much harder task of making new converts. This is one reason why our work with children is utterly central and must constantly evolve. 8. Any Other Business Southwark Diocese, following a long period of decline, has had a small level of growth in the last two years, Tim Budgen noted the low attendance at the meeting and suggested that next year’s Annual Meeting bringing it back to attendance levels of 2000. During that period, the parish share has increased by over 40% take place after a 10 am service to encourage more people to attend. The Rector commented that this across the diocese and nearly 70% in St Mary’s. The Diocese is proud that during this period it has retained the would raise the issue that the 11.30 am Family Service followed the 10 am service. After a short same number of stipendiary clergy, unlike many other dioceses, so the large increase has enabled the Diocese to discussion of possible approaches the meeting agreed to leave this matter with the PCC to discuss. maintain the status quo. Nothing more, nothing less. Further increases are in the pipeline – for us, they may be 12% per annum for a number of years. This is, to my mind, unsustainable and the congregation and PCC 9. Date of Next Meeting brought this to the attention of the Deanery Synod and the Diocese. It remains to be seen what the diocesan response will be. To be agreed by the PCC at a date to be announced later. This could be towards the end of April 2008 and as Easter is earlier next year this will allow more after Easter to publicise the date. The growth we have experienced here is not normal for the Church of England. There has been growth for the evangelicals but the majority of churches, particularly those of our central tradition are still in decline, even more 10. The meeting closed at 8.45 pm with the Grace. so amongst younger people. We cannot rely on a few evangelical churches often with a loose allegiance to the Church of England for the reverse of a couple of generations of decline. Pb/mbw (2) 26 April 2007 What does this mean for St Mary’s? We cannot think what is happening here is normal for a Church of England church, particular of a central tradition. It’s not. Yet, success can be difficult. Growth, particularly involving 45 46 younger generations, means change and change can be disconcerting. I can’t wave that discomfort away, but the context is of a church that is both vibrant and faithful to the breadth of its traditions. Ultimately, the background of diocesan finances means our present position is probably unsustainable. It’s not that we do not put a lot of WHO’S WHO imagination or effort into fund-raising: In the last year the ball held in this church raised £24,000 - £11,000 of Sidesmen which went to the Friends of St Mary’s. The Christmas Fair significantly boosted funds. The Think Tank is Tony Dundas 8748 2180 looking into ways of raising money and there is to be a legacies drive in the autumn. While it is possible these will raise an extra £10,000 this year and maybe £15,000 next year, we cannot expect to cover even most of the £50,000 or so in extra parish share likely to be sought in three years time. Pastoral Support Group Fiona Barnett 8878 6975 There is a certain irony in this pessimism about the diocese, since we are very strongly committed to making the broader church work. In our comments to the Deanery/Diocese, we have never wavered from expressing very Intercessory Prayer Group strong support for the idea of substantially supporting poorer parishes. It is how the system works we are Fiona Barnett 8878 6975 concerned about.

I am sure that the future of the church will involve churches like us contributing more substantially to the Choir broader life of the church and the world. Our congregations have regular members who have significant Cameron Burns 8741 5422 influence, such as politicians, councillors, senior people in finance and media and who derive much from their personal faith. But the collective involvement is much less – how we all together as a community express our Junior Church and Sparklers (3-10) identity and faith. It is very difficult for one small grouping to contribute to with the engagement of church to world. There is a danger that the current renewed interest in things spiritual and religious will be advanced Helen Bladen 8748 0277 almost solely within the public realm by leaders and bishops and that the majority of practising members of faith will continue as before in small distinct religious gatherings. If the church has a contribution to make to the Pathfinders (age 10-13+) issues of national identify, collective ethics, our place in the world, how we deal with difference and hostility – it Russell Pearson 8748 5422 must be a response that is lived day-in-day out by ordinary people and not just spoken intellectually by church leaders. Scouts, Venture Scouts, Scouts, Cubs & Beavers This underpins much of what we do: Pieter van de Weil - the attention to personal spirituality expressed in the rhythm for life – looking our lives and faith through the themes of thanks, sorrow and hope. Brownies - Mission Group involved with the Castelnau Centre Project and the connection with the Under Tree School – Loraine Budgen 8749 3413 through fund raising (we have, with others, raised over £100,000 in less than a year), development of the project, support of Joseph’s work as Director of Religious Affairs in Southern Sudan. - engagement with the wider world through our involvement with the Anglican Church in Africa Bell ringing - twinning with a another parish in the diocese Eddie Hartley 8748 4328 - through the proposal of twinning with a local mosque through the auspices of CTiB - returning to the themes of engagement beyond ourselves with the world around us. St Mary’s will in all of this Daily Friends of St Mary’s continue to try and express what it is to be a community of Christ in the world. Angie Forster 8876 2402 I look forward to working with you again this year towards making this a reality. Ross Collins 24 Apr 07 Flower Arranging Sue Adams 8748 6547

Gardening Brenda Moore 8748 8214

Saturday Coffee Shop Fiona Barnett 8878 6975

Concerts in Church Peter Kain 8741 5422

Hall Bookings Maria Bryant 8748 6116 47 48

The Rev’d Ross Collins, Rector The Rectory, 25 Glebe Road, SW13 0DZ 8404 3177

The Rev’d Prof Raymond Chapman (Hon Asst Priest) 6 Kitson Road, SW13 8748 9901

The Rev’d Lindsay Collins (Hon Asst Priest) The Rectory, 25 Glebe Road, SW13 ODZ 8404 3177

Mr Philip Mitchell (Reader) 13 Rectory Road, SW13 8876 4867 SERVICES Major Iain Radford (Reader) 14 The Terrace, SW13 8876 5297 DAILY PRAYERS

Mr Geoffrey Barnett (Reader) Monday – Friday 2 Mill Hill Road, SW13 8878 6975 9.05 am Langton Chapel Miss Christabel Gairdner (Reader) 56 Boileau Road, SW13 9BL 8748 1218 SUNDAYS Mrs Fiona Barnett (Warden) 2 Mill Hill Road, SW13 8878 6975 8.00 am Holy Communion

Mr Philip Bladen (Warden) 10.00 am PARISH COMMUNION 8 Ferry Road, SW13 8748 0277 (with SPARKLERS AND JUNIOR CHURCH )

Mr Peter Boyling (Vice Chairman of PCC) 11.30 am Family Service 2 Meredyth Road, SW13 0DY 8878 3775 6.00 pm Evensong (Choral or Said) Mr Richard du Parcq (Treasurer) (3rd Sunday – Service of Healing and Wholeness) 152 Castelnau, SW139ET 8748 8972 MIDWEEK Mrs Sally Copland (Sacristan) 24 Suffolk Road, SW13 8748 3150 Thursdays Holy Communion (followed by lunch every fortnight) 12 noon Mr Vic Nolan (Parish Clerk) 22 Brookwood Avenue, SW13 8487 1208 Saints Days and Holy Days – 10.30 am Holy Communion

Mrs Marilyn Walker (PCC Secretary) 10 Woodlands Road, SW13 0JZ 8876 0288 In addition to service times, the church is open for visitors and private prayer Mr Peter Kain (Administrator) Monday – Saturday 10.30 am – 12 30 pm Church Office 8741 5422 e-mail: [email protected]

St Mary’s Church is part of the Barnes Team Ministry Together with Holy Trinity Church, Castelnau- Vicar: The Rev’d Jean Boulton-Reynolds 8748 5744 St Michael’s Church, Elm Bank Gardens - Vicar: The Rev’d Paul Holland, 8876 5230