Annual Reports - 2009

Electoral Roll Report

As the Electoral Roll Officer I would like to report that 15 people have joined this year  Only one person has been removed, and all together there are 123 people on the Electoral Roll 2009.

Helen Cowen (Electoral Roll Officer)

Parochial Church Council (PCC) Report

Members of the PCC for 2008/2009 were:

• Revd Wilma Roest (Chair)
• Daphne Clarke (Churchwarden)
• Martin Gray (Churchwarden)
• Olu Agbalaya
• Alice Browne (Deanery Synod)
• Graeme Calf
• Sarah Collier (PCC Secretary)
• Helen Cowen
• Anzo Francis (Treasurer)
• Victoria Gregory (Deanery Synod)
• Elaine Joseph
• Joe Kpobie
• Hetta Norman (Deanery Synod)
• Tatiana Stevenson
• Jay Willis Brown Acquah

The PCC, a bit smaller this year but no less enthusiastic and active, has met 6 times and, as well as discussing the day-to-day matters of maintenance, finance, lettings, etc. we have also spent time considering children’s ministry, stewardship, the new vicarage, ‘green’ issues, the garden, finishing off the balcony, street pastors .... the list goes on and on.

At all our meetings, the agenda includes reports on Churches Together (Olu and Tatiana) and the Deanery Synod (Victoria, Hetta and Alice) and it is important to be kept up to date on issues and developments in these areas. We always have a report from the Electoral Roll Officer (Helen), and the Child Protection Officer (Elaine and now called the Safeguarding Officer) as well as the Lettings Committee and the Building & Finance Committee.

This year, our Away Day was held closer to home - at St Mary’s - so there was less time for travelling and more time for discussion.  We worked on the Vision Statement and, in three working groups, discussed how to move forward with work in the community, access and most important, work with children and young people.

We area always keen to welcome new members to the PCC.  If you are interested, please speak to a member of the Ministry Team or any of the PCC members.

Sarah Collier (PCC Secretary)

top

Churchwarden's Report

Fabric and Ornaments

This is my sixth (and final) report during this present term of office. Whilst the major part of this report will be concerned with matter appertaining to fabric and ornaments I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank you all for your support during 2008, particularly the members of the PCC and the Building and Finance Committee who have again worked very hard over the past year.

The church building is a wonderful resource in which to move forward our vision of St. Mary’s Church being a centrepiece of community life; an opportunity embraced by the community which sees the narthex in use nearly every day. That in itself gives challenges in how we use the building for ‘church’ activities whilst benefiting from the income that these lettings generate. We have a wonderful lettings committee who grapple with these conflicting demands.

A very generous donation given earlier in the year allowed us to commission the architects and builders to complete the balcony balustrade and some associated works. This work was finally completed in March 2009, some 11 years after the fire. It is wonderful to be able gaze up and finally see the works finished after all these years. Let us pray that we have lots of opportunities to make full use of the balcony.

Electrical tests on the older parts of the electrical systems have been undertaken and sadly it has identified that the electrics in the areas around the Chancel are in need of repair.  We are currently obtaining quotations to undertake the work necessary for our safety whilst doing the minimum that that we must in advance of potential restoration work within the chancel area. As an initial feature of this work is that we have implemented the Faculty Process for the removal of the redundant pipe organ.

During 2008 we have continued with mundane matters such as unblocking toilets, drains and rainwater pipes, changing light bulbs (with most of the church now lit by low energy lamps), and a seemingly endless list of minor jobs that always seem to need doing. In this the PCC has been greatly assisted by the dedicated members of the Building and Finance Committee who have, as previously, risen to the challenges presented by our historic structure. The Building and Finance Committee report elsewhere in more detail on their extensive activities.

The successful restoration of the Oasis Garden was recognised when we received runner up status for Wandsworth in Bloom’s Best Blooming Public Building  Competition. The gardening group continue to hold regular gardening parties (usually the first Saturday of the month) to keep the garden looking wonderful. If you are in the church and they are working please offer them a cup of tea. One major task undertaken this year was to complete sorting out the heating in the Music Room. We now have a new boiler installed, which provides hot water to the kitchen and the fan heater (like those in the narthex). This ensures that the room can be heated quickly as required, and I’m sure the choir will be very grateful come next winter.

There has been little change in the state of the ornaments. Various running repairs have been made to linen, alter frontals, books and vestments as required.

Finally, but by no means least, a thank-you to all of you for your support over the past six years, and in particular a thank you to all who quietly assist with all sorts of little jobs in keeping the church fabric and ornaments in good shape. Your efforts are noticed and fully appreciated. I pray that you will give your continued support and tolerance to whomever takes on this role, I know they will be appreciative.

Martin Gray

Pastoral

This year has flown so fast but so much has been achieved thank God for the blessings he has given us.

First our sincere and grateful thanks to the Ministry Team under the Pastoral care of Wilma our Vicar, Eileen, Susanne, and Helen for their guidance and spiritual direction during the past year ,We pray and ask God's continued Blessings for the year ahead. It has been a year of growth and progress in many ways ,we had the usual Advent courses with a new bible reading form introduced, Lectio Divina, this encouraged us to read a passage of scripture  and then discuss what it meant to us as individuals, everyone who attended found the courses uplifting and stimulating.

The congregation has increased in number and there are quite a few new faces; we even had a couple of weddings, let us hope that as we worship together that God will show us the way to proclaim his love for each other and the community in which we serve. Since my last report as a SPA the Support Group is now been changed the Tea Club held on Wednesdays the new time being 1-3 Eileen and I are there to offer friendship and a chat, I must say we had a good attendance during lent as soup was served - let’s hope it continues.

For the past five months as part of my  Spa Ministry , I have been attending Brixton Prison as part of the Chaplaincy Team offering support and pastoral care to the inmates. I find this very rewarding as it gives you the opportunity to see the individual person and not the prisoner. I do hope to continue with this part of my ministry. The building is in constant use by various members of the community sadly we have lost a few of our users due the economic climate, taking the situation into consideration we were able to offer a reduction in some fees, its nice to know that we are giving support where needed as part of our Christian outreach.

Now I’d like to say a very big thank you to all who give of their time talents in whatever way. The smooth running of the church and services depend on all who help so please accept our grateful thanks.

Special thanks to: The stewards and Greeters who welcome everyone on Sundays The Servers, Sacristans, Acolytes, Cleaners, Hazel (flowers) Pat our Administrator for the wonderful job she does, Keith Mitchell for looking after the choir and Stuart for helping when necessary. and to all who help and contribute in any way.

Martin and I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for the continued help and support that you have given us throughout the year again many thanks. As this is my last report as Church Warden I would like to say a personal thank you to all who has supported me in my role, your generosity and thoughtfulness has made it much easier for me to perform my duties, thank you all very much.

To Martin what can I say you have been a rock  and a tower of strength; it was indeed a pleasure and a joy working with you and I hope you enjoy the rest as much as I will!

I wish the new Church Wardens God's guidance and blessings as they take up their new post.

Again many, many thanks and GOD'S richest blessings to all.

Daphne Clarke

top

Building & Finance Committee Report

The Building and Finance Committee of the PCC met 6 times during the year, with committee members Graeme Calf, Anzo Francis, Karen & Martin Gray, Victoria Gregory, Joe Kpobie and Rev Wilma Roest. Karen and Victoria took turns to Chair, and Graeme was Secretary.

The purpose of the Committee is to oversee the financial and physical resources of the Church by:

• Looking after the Church buildings and grounds
• Reviewing budgets, income and expenditure, stewardship and giving

Building

We have been involved with the following:

• Considering the Quinquennial Report and devising a Building Action Plan for maintenance and repairs
• Organising Working Party days
• Church Is Green – examining the economies and practicalities of pipe lagging and loft insulation, and replacing light bulbs with low energy alternatives
• Sorting out the heating system in the Music Room
• Sorting out the gas supply to Church and TSM
• Considering electrical testing, lightening conductors and fire extinguishers
• Considering the practicalities of installing bicycle racks
• Managing the Oasis Garden and other gardens
• Considering church carpets and narthex floor
• Disposing of scrap from the old pipe organ
• Arranging repair of broken windows
• Overseeing contracts, lettings, cleaner
• Considering security of Church, keys and locks, insurance risks
• Overseeing the Development Project

Finance

Anzo has continued as our Treasurer, preparing the annual budget, monthly financial statements, and the Annual Report and Accounts. The Church has an annual turnover of around £85,000.

The biggest expenditure is the Ministry Fund quota, paid to the diocese to pay clergy salaries and accommodation. Insurance, heating and lighting, and boiler maintenance are also big expenditures.

Incomes, in order of size, are stewardship, use of rooms, tax recovery, fees and parking, and social/fundraising events.

The Church managed to transfer £10k to reserves during the year.

Future planned large expenditures are rewiring, chancel restoration, and making the Church more attractive and welcoming.

Graeme Calf (Secretary)

top

Child Protection

Karen Gray and I, Elaine Joseph, started the year as Child Protection Officers. After serving in that position for many years Karen decided to step down in July 2008. On behalf of the PCC Mother Wilma asked Martin to convey our heartfelt thanks to Karen for all her contributions and hard work during that time.

In September the title ‘Child Protection Officer’ was changed to ‘Parish Safeguarding Officer’. I attended a training session on the 14th October 2008 where the aim was to ensure all participants were familiar with ‘A Safe Church’, the new diocesan manual for Safeguarding children and Vulnerable adults, and its content. The manual also includes guidelines for responding to domestic abuse.

Why do we need new Diocesan policies and procedures?

• To comply with new legislation and government guidance
• To comply with Church of England policies
• To consolidate current guidelines
• To be consistent and clear
• To be comprehensive

My role is

• To work with our parish priest to update St Mary’s policy according to the procedures and guidelines within the new manual and present said update to the PCC for discussion and adoption by September 2009
• To ensure CRB checks are carried out and updates every five years on all working with children and vulnerable adults
• To update registration forms annually on all children attending Sunday School and activities
• To keep in touch with the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
• To attend diocesan training, at least every two years
• To ensure records are kept safely

Our records show that Sunday School staff checks were carried out late 2004/2005. New CRB applications forms are to be issued soon, to ensure our records are up-to-date.

Before ending I would like to thank Anzo and Rose for their support and co-operation in getting the Sunday School registration forms sent out to parents for completion and for keeping the returned forms in a safe place.

Well done, and with everyone’s support, let us make this place a safe environment, not only for children and vulnerable adults, but for all who worship and visit here.

Elaine Joseph

top

Tooting Deanery Synod Report

St Mary’s is currently entitled to three Lay Members of Deanery Synod who are each elected for three year term. The current lay members are Alice Brown, Hetta Norman and myself who attend meetings with Wilma. Our new three year term started in 2008 and will continue until 2011.

Tooting Deanery Synod has met twice this year: in November 2008 hosted here at St Mary’s and in March 2009 at St Albans in Streatham. A theme for both meetings has been a focus on sharing with each other about the activities and developments of our communities and Churches, we divide into mixed groups and give feedback to one another.

In addition, we have had external speakers: In November we heard from a prison outreach spokesperson who had formed volunteer groups in Wandsworth to provide support to offenders who had just left prison. The effects of social exclusion, rehabilitation into the community and techniques used in the group models were discussed.

In March we heard from a Diocese Finance spokesperson regarding the effect of the credit crunch on the Church. The pastoral impact on communities, fairer shares, pensions and the wider financial markets were discussed.

The next meeting is scheduled for 20 October 2009.

Victoria Gregory (Deanery Synod Rep)

top

Readers & Intercessors

I would like to thank you all again for your participation in this important role. Many of you, like myself, will have been involved for a numbers of years and it’s good to have experienced people; with hints and tips they can pass to the more recent recruits!

There is always a need for willing individuals to get involved especially now that Old Testament readings are becoming more of a feature; very welcome. At times like Holy Week and Christmas there is a big demand for our services, and it can be very difficult finding enough people to cover especially when some of us are away. Thanks to everyone for doing their best at these times, especially Daphne who is often on ‘standby’.

If anyone would like to read or prepare the intercessions even if they would prefer not to be on the rota, then please speak to me after the Sunday service. Children and young people are also most welcome.

Rose Harley

top

Sacristians

TThe team of sacristans has continued unchanged as Alan Bartlett, Graeme Calf, Ruth Williams and me and we work together very harmoniously. In case you don’t know what we do, our job is to care for all the “consumables” ( wafers, wine, candles) that are used as part of the services and we are also responsible for vestments, as well as the sacred vessels and altar linen. We order wine, wafers, candles incense and charcoal and any other small incidentals that are needed for the sacramental parts of the services. We try to keep linen and vestments in good repair (an increasingly difficult job as our supplies become older and more fragile) and with the help of Sarah Collier we launder the linen. We are very grateful to Sarah for taking on this task, but would welcome other volunteers so that we are not trespassing on her good nature too often. Before any Eucharistic service we ensure that the altar frontal is the correct liturgical colour for the season, set out matching vestments for the priest and prepare the chalices and wafers, incense and candles, as well as any special requirements such as the font, oil and baptismal candles. We also mark up readings in the altar book. After the service we remove everything that has been used and clean it.

Although we are each technically on duty once a month, in practice we all help with clearing up after the service if we are in church and our turns are always highly negotiable as unexpected social events disturb Alan’s beautifully organised rota.

If any aspect of this sounds interesting and you would like to join the team, please see me.

A continuing cause for concern is the Golden Jubilee Frontal. Those of you who were here in 2002 may remember that our project to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee was to repair the old white frontal which was no longer good enough to use. We removed the elaborate gold embroidery and Dorothy Moore did a magnificent job of cleaning it (with bread, in case you are ever faced with a similar job in your own life) and white brocade was purchased to replace the existing backing material. The three major embroidery motifs were sewn back onto the new white brocade by Rose Harley, Daphne Clarke and Ruth Williams, and Dorothy Moore also rebacked the two vertical panels of embroidery with new gold brocade. Sadly the project came to a halt at this stage with the tragic death of Sandra Lewis who was our seamstress par excellence and was going to cut and join the brocade so that it could be fitted to the frontal frame. Since Sandra’s loss no one has felt sufficiently confident of their ability to do this job and if there are any accomplished seamstresses in the congregation, please see me or Wilma so we can explain what is needed. We really can’t wait much longer to do this.

Penny Holloway

top

Sunday School

Sunday School continues to be popular with the children of St Mary's Church.  We had 28 children on the register attending at different times during the year, with between two and twelve children attending on any particular Sunday. 

Last year we changed the emphasis from Sunday school to Junior Church which was an improvement.  It means that the children take part in the service up to and including the collect, then we proceed with the lighted candle to our meeting place.  We then have a focussed session, usually concentrated on the day´s lesson from the Old or New Testament, talk about it, then spend some time doing practical work completing a work-sheet, puzzle, making a prayer etc.  Sometimes we might do something different which is linked to a future all age service such as making brightly-coloured palm crosses.  We then rejoin the main service during the Offertory or at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer.

We have also widened the leadership of Sunday School.  Mother Wilma, Susanne, Helen and Anzo now share the task of leading each Sunday's teaching and learning on a rota basis.  This has been well received by the children and parents. 

We would like to say thank you to Elise, Hetta, Tatiana and Viv for their help with Sunday school in 2008/09. Thanks also to our new volunteers including Kenny, Victoria and Cathy.  Thanks also to Elaine (Joseph) for her assistance with child protection policies and procedures.

The PCC continue to consider plans for the future development of Junior Church together with plans for developing our church's offer to teenagers.  Possibilities include a youth club, music/dance club or outings.  We would be delighted to have more members come forward with offers of time and ideas, especially where they have seen good practice or ideas in other places.

Many thanks!

Anzo Francis

top

Trinity St Mary's Church of England Primary School

We have had another successful and action packed year at Trinity St Mary’s.

 The SATs results for summer 2008 were extremely pleasing. The children are continuing to make steady improvement in standards reached at Key Stage 1 (7 yr olds) and at Key Stage 2 (11 yr olds). However, most impressive is the progress TSM children make during their time at school. Taking all subjects (English, maths and science) TSM children were in the top 13% of the country for their achievement – and in English alone the top 3%.

The governors are continuing to push for the school to become ‘one form entry’ and officially take in 30 pupils each year rather than 45. In practice, we are currently running with smaller numbers, so age groups do not need to be mixed and accommodation is not so cramped. The resulting good achievement of the pupils is evident!

Building and improvement work goes on apace. The kitchen is being extended so the catering staff can produce even healthier meals. A new shower room is available for staff and children. Plans are afoot to move the old mobile classrooms to give more room for play space. As I write, gas pipes are being redirected under the playground to solve the historical problem of church and school sharing the same gas supply.

Earlier this year the school was officially recognised by UNICEF as a ‘rights respecting school’. We also have the Basic Skills Quality Mark for the third time and our Sports Mark has been renewed.

This year is the 150th anniversary of school (formerly St Mary’s School). We have a celebration service in church on Saturday 11th July for everyone who has ever had any connection with the school to be attended by the Mayor of Wandsworth. Then on Wednesday15th July the Bishop of Southwark is leading a service for the current children, staff and parents.

Just in time to be reported here is the result of last month’s Ofsted inspection. Trinity St Mary’s is a good school! To quote, ‘good teaching and learning, together with a good curriculum, lead to pupils achieving well from their starting points’ and ‘staff working at all levels share considerable unity of purpose’. Congratulations to all the children and staff.

The school really appreciates its links with St Mary’s and the children look forward to the chances to participate in church events. We are always delighted to welcome volunteers to hear children read. Please contact Mrs Tricia Burke in the office (020 8673 4166) if you are interested in getting involved with your attached primary school. Currently we have a vacancy for a foundation governor – do come and join our lovely school!

Sarah McDermott (Chairman of Governors)

top

Website

Over the last year, the church website, www.stmarybalham.org.uk, has continued to be a valuable resource for St Marys to reach out to the congregation and the wider community. We aim to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information about church services and events as well as informative pages on arranging your own events, such as weddings and baptisms.

The website was completely redesigned in 2007 and since then our goal has been to gradually extend the functionality of the site to include more of the churches activities. In the last year dozens of minor changes have been made, including continuing efforts to improve the reliability of the online calendar, which is used to manage all hiring of the churches rooms.

One of the ongoing aims of the site is to encourage the congregation to contribute photographs they have taken of events and services held or organised by St Mary’s. We’re also aiming to include the photos a lot more throughout the website, such as on the wedding and baptism pages. If anyone would like to contribute their photographs to the website, they can send an email to me for more information.

This year PCC members will continue to have access to the members section of the website which allows them to post notices, add photos and view the full church calendar.

Over the next year we hope to make it easier for members to update more areas of the website without having to contact the webmaster. These areas could include the who’s who page, history page, life events pages and the links page. Another focus of this year will be to make it possible for the weekly pew sheet to be put on the website.

In 2006, before the redesign, the website attracted approximately 100 visitors a month. Since then visitor numbers have steadily increased. In 2007, average visitor numbers reached 255 visitors a month. 2008 saw another increase to 320 visitors on average, with a steady increase throughout the year. 2009 has already got off to a great start, and I expect this trend to continue for some years to come.

Charles Gray (Webmaster)

top

Gradening Group Report

The Gardening Group meets formally from 10am on the first Saturday of each month, with the exception of May (Bank Holiday weekend) when we meet on the second Saturday, although in practice people drop in all the time to do odd jobs. Members include Graeme Calf, Nigel & Sarah Collier, Sarah McDermott, Susanne Mitchell and Robert Stevenson. Shaun also helps with the gardening, and Denis Battams helps with watering. Graeme also changes the gate code for the Oasis Garden each month.

With an annual budget of £500, we oversee the three plots of garden around the church – the Oasis Garden, and the north and east flower beds, as well as the planters outside the main doors. Tools are kept in the shed in the ‘Den’ area. The Oasis Garden is a sheltered sun trap, and very popular with the target groups – young mums with tots, shoppers and lunchers, as well as summer evening meetings.

The year 2008-9 was the first full year after completion of the Oasis Community Garden, and, after we were entered for the Wandsworth In Bloom competition in 2008, much effort was put into making the gardens as attractive as possible. This was rewarded when we won 2nd prize in the Public Spaces category, and Catherine Tucker and Graeme collected a certificate and prize money of £25 from the mayor.

The paragraphs below give an idea of our activities:

Winter

Although there is less to do during the cold winter months, there are tasks such as clearing leaves onto the flower beds, and watering pots and planters during dry spells.

Spring

Activities start in earnest during the Spring, with staking and tying up, and tidying up of the flower beds. As the Oasis Garden lawn starts to grow, this needs cutting at least monthly. New shrubs may need planting to fill gaps, while other things need pruning back. Weeds also start to grow, and the paving blocks need to be sprayed with weed-killer. Also the benches are washed down.

Summer & Autumn

Apart from planting bedding plants, the main activities are lawn cutting and watering. There is a water butt and hosepipe in the Oasis Garden, and a hosepipe in the ‘Den’ area for watering the north and east flower beds. I will be putting up a rota on the notice-board for volunteer grass cutters and waterers.

Much of the present appearance of the gardens is due to the hard work and planting of Keith Bishop, and we owe a great deal to him. As the new vicarage is built, we hope that the builders will be kind to our Oasis Garden flower bed as they build the new brick wall along the south boundary.

If you would like to help, please see Graeme or Sarah Collier.

Graeme Calf (Garden Coordinator)

top