Annual Parish Meeting PCC Report

S GEORGE’S PARISH CHURCH

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

3rd MAY 2026

REPORT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL.

1. 1. Since our last APM, the PCC has met on seven occasions, plus two informal Special meetings.  At each meeting as routine items of business the Council has considered reports from the Church’s Committees and Groups, which have occurred since the last Council meeting.  In addition, reports were received regarding the proceedings of Diocesan and Deanery Synods.

1. 2. As everyone is aware Fr Adrian has been retired for nearly two years. Earlier this year we had a meeting with the Archdeacon (Section12 Meeting) and discussed and reviewed our Parish Profile and Statement.  A timetable for the making of an appointment of a new Vicar was also discussed was also discussed, it being noted according to the Deanery Plan such a post was only a half time appointment.  However, following a suggestion from Bishop Stephen we applied to the Additional Curates Society for a grant to provide additional financial support for any appointment.  I am pleased to report that we were successful in obtaining such a grant providing for possible additional assistance to any appointment.  We have since had another meeting with the Archdeacon and Area Dean to work out the details to fill the vacancy, these discussions are at this point of time ongoing.

1. 3. The Council’s Annual Meeting was held on the 9^th June last, with the usual items of business, namely, the election of officers for the year, ie. Andrew Pinkett as Hon. Treasurer and myself as Hon. Secretary.  Mr Michael Nicholson was elected as Lay Vice Chairman. The meeting also considered the terms of office of the Lay Members of the Council and the appointment of Committees and Groups.

1. 4. This has been a further busy period for the Council considering the present circumstances and ensuring the appropriate Risk Assessments have been carried out and measures taken to ensure the Church and any activities allowed have been secure as far Health and Safety and Safeguarding Regulations are concerned.  The meetings have been well attended.  As indicated above, reports have been received at each meeting from the various committees and Groups.  We have also with the help of Choir members publicised social events and services ie, Christmas and Easter on Social Media namely, a Facebook page, Instagram and “TikTok” and linked to our website.  The Fabric Committee have kept Council updated on the progress of work being undertaken and details of the repairs, which have been completed throughout the period. The work of applying for grants towards the costs of these works for the West Window is proceeding, with the help of Mark Brunton.  However, having regard to the Architect’s Quinquennial Report and the work arising from this, the Council have decided in order to make the Church building more sustainable for the next, say 20 years or so, to apply for National Lottery Heritage Funding for the West End project together with the urgent works required arising from the Quinquennial Report.  This is all with the help of the Architect and the help of a new firm of consultants, Craigmyle who specialise in this type of bidding.

In addition, work for repairs to the rainwater goods has been done at an estimated cost of £42000.  Minor repairs including ‘lighting’ and other electrical repairs have been undertaken in the Hall together with storm damage to the roof. (Details of all this work are referred to in the Church Wardens Report.)

1.5 During this period, some social events have been organised, Harvest and Easter Suppers, Christmas Coffee Morning and a monthly Coffee Morning on the first Saturday of the month have been well supported and enjoyed by all.  We look forward to this year when we are again to have such events as concerts, recitals etc.  The Friends of St George’s have also managed to hold their some events ie, Heritage Weeks in September last and secure some funding from donations and subscriptions and sale of refreshments etc, at concerts.

1.6. There have been some items of correspondence received, which.   have been considered and decisions made on how to take them forward.

1.7. With regard to Finance, the Council has recognised we continue to have difficulties due to the current economic situation. Thus, we have kept a close eye with the help of the Hon Treasurer between the levels of the working balances this year and last. The Council has reviewed all our charges and fees and made some increases in local charges. As far as the Parish Share is concerned we could not meet our pledge to the Diocese of £30000 in 2025.  We have pledged to pay £12500 Parish Share this year but due to the financial situation early in the year we had to reduce the payments and at the year end we paid £12400.

In addition, Andrew Pickett has decided to stand down as PCC Treasurer with effect from this APM which is a decision he has not made lightly as he has enjoyed being our Treasurer, but after10 years in the post he has felt it was time to take a break.  The PCC have recorded out appreciation to Andrew for his work and we wish him well for the future.  Arrangements are in hand to find a new Treasurer.

 However, HMRC have not paid us outstanding Gift Aid for despite several enquiries, and this poses a question mark for 2026.  On top of this utility bills have been high and over budget together with church maintenance, thus the situation for this year remains very challenging. (See the Treasurers Report)

1.8. As previously reported the Council has adopted the latest Diocesan Model Safeguarding Policy and this has been updated and the Council has approved statements on various aspects of the new Diocesan Safeguarding Dashboard for incorporation into our Safeguarding Action Plan, and work on this is ongoing.  Arrangements have been made for  appropriate members of the church who work with children and vulnerable people to be checked and DBS registered accordingly.  Following a data breach a new provider for Church DBS checks has been put in place by the Diocese.  A new service agreement has been accepted and maintained on our behalf by the PSO.  We have also adopted a new “Whistleblowing” Policy with the Diocese. The Council has received regular reports from the Parish Safeguarding Officer, including the completion of Declaration forms by Members of the PCC including participation in appropriate “online” and other safeguarding training and others including those working with children, vulnerable people and others.  As a result, I would state that the Council has complied with its duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to House of Bishops guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).  (Further information is in the Parish safeguarding Officer’s Report)

1.9. Tim Hone our Director of Music is now’s settled in with us and plans a number of Organ Recitals later in the summer.  The choir has sung at the 9.30 service on Sundays or other special midweek services.  Arrangements have been made for to try and recruit new members to the Choir. We look forward to other expanded activities as the year progresses.

2. Three members of the Council are to stand down this year, namely, Mr Gordon Wightman, Mr Aubrey Bowles and myself.  I would like to thank them on behalf of the PCC for their services to the Council and the Church.

2.1.  During this Interregnum our normal services along with other activities, ie, weddings, funerals, baptisms, Lent Course have continued, due to help from Margaret our Reader, Helen Brunton, Ann Lilley Vivienne Barke, Gordon Wightman and the Servers, Flower Arrangers and others.  In particular, I must thank our Retired Clergy for their contribution to keeping our services going.  I must thank everyone who has helped to keep everything going as normal.

 I would also like to express my thanks to everyone for their support.

B McNally.

Honorary Secretary.  May 2026.