Annual Guild Church Meeting...Charlotte Joplin Janet Owen Sue Parrott Robin Sherlock Derek Sleep Philip Willoughby Martin Woods Mark Woolley Gavin Ralston ( Hon Secretary) Apologies

Annual Guild Church Meeting

12th April 2011 6.00pm

Reports

ST. LAWRENCE JEWRY GUILD CHURCH COUNCIL

2

Agenda 1. Prayers 2. Apologies 3. Minutes of Meeting of 15th April 2010 4. Electoral Roll Officer’s report (a copy of the roll is on display) 5. To note the ex officio members of the GCC Guild Vicar Rev’d Canon David Parrott Appointed by the City of London Corporation for the year 2011/12 Janet Owen, Deputy Stephen Haines, Deputy Robin Sherlock, Deputy 6. Election to Deanery Synod (1) Martin Woods has previously represented. 7. Election of up to 6 persons to be churchwardens for the coming year

who shall also be ex officio members of the GCC 7. Election of 6 members to the PCC 8. Report of Finances and presentation of the Annual Accounts 9. Appointment of Independent Examiner for 2012 10. Churchwardens’ Report on the state of the Fabric 11. GCC Secretary’s Report 12. Music Report 13. Deanery Synod report 14. Guild Vicar’s Report 15. Any Other Business


3

Minutes of The Annual Church Meeting (item 3)

Wednesday April 14 2010

Present

Rev’d Canon David Parrott (Chairman)

James Armstrong

Juliet Buckley

Bridget Clarke

Catherine Ennis

Jeffrey Evans

Malcolm Gammie

William Haynes

Margaret Haynes

Charlotte Joplin

Janet Owen

Sue Parrott

Robin Sherlock

Derek Sleep

Philip Willoughby

Martin Woods

Mark Woolley

Gavin Ralston ( Hon Secretary)

Apologies

Apologies were received from Peter Beaumont, Sir David Brewer, Martin Clarke, Denis

Delderfield, Hedley and Helena French, Charles Gowlland, Giles Murphy, Ian Seaton, Mark

Tetley.

Minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on 27 April 2009 were approved, with one change: the minutes

should have reflected that William and Margaret Haynes attended the meeting.

Membership of the GCC

The Chairman updated the meeting. Michael Welbank had stepped down as one of the

Corporation’s representatives and had been succeeded by the Rev’d Stephen Haines. The

meeting expressed its thanks to Mr Welbank.

Election of Churchwardens

Five of the six existing Churchwardens had been nominated to serve in 2010/11, the

exception being Sir David Brewer, who had retired as Alderman for the Ward of Bassishaw.

The meeting duly elected the five nominees.


4

Election of GCC members

There were four nominees for GCC membership: Mark Tetley, Giles Murphy, Philip

Willoughby and Bridget Clarke. All four were elected.

Deanery Synod

Martin Woods continues as representative to the Deanery Synod. There is doubt as to

whether the Church is entitled to a second representative but as no candidates had emerged,

the matter was not pursued.

Reports

The Treasurer presented the Financial Report, emphasising the reduction in reserves over the

year and the likely continuing financial pressures unless new sources of revenue were found.

The meeting received the accounts.

FW Stevens were reappointed as auditors for the current year: Martin Woods proposed and

Janet Owen seconded.

The meeting also received the Churchwardens’ Fabric Report, the Secretary’s report on the

GCC and the Music Report. Addressing the leak in the roof is the urgent Fabric priority.

The Chairman took the meeting through the Guild Vicar’s report.

Any Other Business

There was a discussion of the Annual Commemoration Service, which would be held on July

4th

. The Chairman pointed out that there was no list of invitees from previous years and

asked the meeting for any guidance as to who had been invited in the past.

There was also a discussion of the 70th

anniversary of the destruction of the Church (29th

December 2010). A peal of bells would be rung on the day, and there would be reference to

the occasion at the Christmas service.

The Chairman informed the meeting that there would be an event to mark Catherine Ennis’s

25 years as organist on September 30th

.

The meeting closed at 6.45pm.


5

ST LAWRENCE JEWRY NEXT GUILDHALL

ELECTED MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

2010/11

Guild Church Council

Church Wardens

M C Clarke

Alderman Jeffrey Evans

G D L Ralston

I Seaton

D Sleep

Elected members

Miss B Clarke

G Murphy

M Tetley

P Willoughby

Representing the Corporation on the GCC

R Sherlock

J Owen

Rev’d Stephen Haines

Representative to Deanery Synod (ex officio member of the GCC)

M Woods

Hon. Treasurer

P Willoughby

Hon. Secretary

G Ralston

Electoral Roll Officer

M Woods

Co-opted member

Alderman Philip Remnant


6

Electoral Roll Officer’s Report (item 4)


7

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (item 8)


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31 DECEMBER 2010

Guildhall Yard LONDON

EC2V 5AA

31 December 2010


8

Administrative Information St Lawrence Jewry next Guildhall is situated on the Guildhall Yard, London, EC2V 5AA. The Guild Church Council (GCC) is a charity established by law, and is part of the Diocese of London in the Church of England. The GCC is required to register with the Charity Commission pursuant to the Charities Act 2006. This registration has not yet taken place, but the process is in hand and is being dealt with by the GCC Treasurer. GCC members who have served from 1 January 2010 until the date this report was approved are: INCUMBENT The Rev Canon. David Parrott CHURCHWARDENS Sir David Brewer, Alderman of Bassishaw Ward

(to April 2010) Philip Remnant, Alderman of Bassishaw Ward (from April 2010) Jeffrey Evans, Alderman of Cheap Ward Gavin Ralston

Martin Clarke Ian Seaton Derek Sleep MEMBERS APPOINTED BY CITY OF LONDON CORPORATION

Janet Owen, Deputy Robin Sherlock, Deputy

Stephan Haines, Deputy ELECTED MEMBERS Bridgit Clarke Richard Hughes Giles Murphy, Parish Clerk Mark Tetley Russell Stilwell Philip Willoughby HON TREASURER Philip Willoughby REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DEANERY SYNOD:

Martin Woods One vacancy

PRINCIPAL ADDRESS St. Lawrence Jewry-next-Guildhall

Guildhall Yard London, EC2V 5AA

BANKERS HSBC plc

City of London Branch 60 Queen Victoria Street London, EC2N 4TR

AUDITORS Reeves & Co LLP

Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors Third Floor 24 Chiswell Street London EC1Y 4YX


9

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31

DECEMBER 2010

Structure, governance and management St Lawrence Jewry is a Guild Church established under the City of London (Guild Churches) Act 1952 (hereafter referred to as the Act). It is a body corporate by virtue of s17(3) of the Act. By s29 of the Act the freehold of the Church and Churchyard was transferred to the City of London Corporation. The method of appointment of GCC members is set out s17(1) of the Act. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll. The Guild Church Council meets four times a year. GCC meetings are subject to rules set out in a Scheme passed by the London Diocesan Conference on 19

th November 1957 pursuant to s18 of the

Act. Objectives and activities Under s5(1) of the Act it is the primary purpose of a Guild Church to serve and minister to the non-resident daytime population of the City. St. Lawrence Jewry‟s GCC has the responsibility under s17(2) of the Act of co-operating with the Guild Vicar in the initiation, conduct and development of Church work in or in connection with the Guild Church. St Lawrence is also the Ward Church of the Wards of Cheap and Bassishaw under s32 of the Act. In considering the activities that have been undertaken this year, the GCC have paid due regard to the published Charity Commission guidance on the operation of the Public Benefit requirements of the Charities Act 2006. Achievements and performance The pattern of regular weekly services has continued and been developed. There is a service in the church every weekday morning at 8.30am (Holy Communion on Wednesday and Morning Prayer on other days). There is also a lunch time communion service at 1.15pm on a Friday. The Friday service was re-launched in September 2010 and the average attendance number has increased to about 20 each week. In July 2010 the 9.15am service on the 1

st Sunday of each month was closed.

There were special services for the Corporation and Livery Companies as well as baptisms, marriages and memorial services. The pattern of music recitals has been sustained throughout the year with good attendances. There is a piano concert every Monday and an organ concert every Tuesday. HSBC sponsored in May “Young Organists” in memory of John Hills. During August a Festival of Music was held. The number on the electoral roll is 79. The church receives a large number of visitors and is open from 8.00am until 5.00pm, with a warm welcome from the Verger and the Guild Vicar. It remains an oasis of calm and a place for prayer for those employed in the affairs of the city, and the Guild Vicar is able to offer pastoral support to those who are in need. The new Guild Vicar also has sought to increase the number of services. This includes a concerted attempt to increase the number of weddings. The Guild Vicar has also developed and nurtured contacts with new Livery Companies and plans are in hand with Wheelwrights and Tobacco Pipe Makers to develop new links with St Lawrence Jewry.


10

Annual Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2010

Financial Review As mentioned above the Church derives income from conducting a number of regular services, special services, and music recitals. Income from these sources was sustained and increased during the year. Normal church expenditure increased in line with inflation. The church received a grant from the City of London Corporation for which the Guild Church Council is very grateful amounting to £55,000. As a result there was a deficit for the year of £23,366 on the General Fund. The Guild Church Council is addressing the need to generate sufficient income to meet the recurring level of expenditure and to build up the funds for the future preservation of the church Reserves policy It is the policy of the GCC to maintain unrestricted funds, which are the free reserves of the Charity, at a level which equates to approximately six months‟ unrestricted expenditure. This provides sufficient funds to support the on-going ministry of the Church. The balance of £64,316 on unrestricted funds at the year end, including designated funds, matched this target. Risk management The GCC has examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the Council faces, and confirm that systems have been established to lessen these risks. The GCC plans for the church to continue in the future with the current activities. GCC’s responsibilities in the preparation of financial statements The GCC is responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations, Current legislation requires the GCC to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Council and of the surplus or deficit of the Council for that period. In preparing those financial statements, GC is required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Council will continue in business.

The GCC is responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Council and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the relevant legislation. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Council and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Canon David Parrott BA LLM, Guild Vicar 15 March 2011


11

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE CHURCH COUNCIL

We have audited the financial statements of St. Lawrence Jewry Guild Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2010 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and the related notes. These financial statements have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein. This report is made solely to the Church Council as a body, in accordance with section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 and regulations made under section 44 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Church Council those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor‟s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Church Council as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Respective responsibilities of the church council and auditors The Church Council‟s responsibilities for preparing the Annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards are set out in the Statement of GCC‟s Responsibilities. We have been appointed as auditors under section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 44 of that Act. Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and are properly prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 1993. We also report to you if, in our opinion, the Annual Report is not consistent with the financial statements, if the Council has not kept proper accounting records, the financial statements do not accord with those records or if we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. We read the Church Council‟s Annual Report, and consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements within it. Basis of audit opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the churchwardens in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Church Council‟s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed. We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements.


12

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE CHURCH COUNCIL (Continued) Opinion In our opinion the financial statements:

give a true and fair view, in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, of the state of the Church Council‟s affairs as at 31 December 2010 and of its incoming resources and application of resources in the year then ended; and

have been properly prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 1993 and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006.

Michael Procter (Senior statutory auditor)

For and on behalf of Reeves & Co LLP

Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors Third Floor 24 Chiswell Street London EC1Y 4YX

Date: 2011


13

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010

Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds

Note

General

Repairs Preservation Improvement

Total funds 2010

Total funds 2009

£ £ £ £ £

Income resources Incoming resources from generated funds

Voluntary income Donations 1 22,254 4,022 32,300 58,576 22,118 Other voluntary income 2 57,265 - - 57,265 113,885 Investment income 3 285 - - 285 1,697

Incoming resources charitable activities

4

35,939

-

-

35,939

28,136

Total incoming resources 115,743 4,022 32,300 152,065 165,836 ________ ______ _______ _______ _______ Resources expended Charitable activities

Grants 5 - - - - 125 Activities directly relating to the work of the church

6

112,061

-

2,250

114,311

203,471

Costs of events and activities 7 16,383 - - 16,383 18,471 Church management and administration

8

11,853

-

-

11,853

3,708

Governance costs 9 3,484 - - 3,484 3,134 143,781 - 2,250 146,031 228,909 _______ ______ _______ _______ _______ Net incoming/(outgoing) resources

(28,038)

4,022

30,050

6,034

(63,073)

Balances brought forward at 1 January 2010

4,672

83,660

-

88,332

151,405

Balances carried forward at 31 December 2010

£(23,366)

£87,682

£30,050

£94,366

£88,332

_______ _______ _______ _______ _______

No separate statement of total recognised gains and losses has been presented as all such gains and losses have been dealt with in the statement of financial activities.


14

BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2010

Notes 2010 2009

£ £ CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 10 10,219 12,078 Stock of Books at valuation 3,000 - Short term deposits 90,333 80,333 Cash at bank and in hand 18,147 6,898 121,699 99,309 LIABILITIES: Amounts falling due within one year 11 (27,333) (10,977) NET ASSETS 94,366 88,332 _______ _______ FUNDS Unrestricted General funds (23,366) 4,672 Designated funds 12 87,682 83,660 64,316 88,332 Restricted 13 30,050 - 94,366 88,332 ______ _______ These financial statements were approved by the Church Council on 15

th March 2011.

D W Parrott ) Guild Vicar ) ) ) G Ralston ) GCC Secretary ) ) ) P J Willoughby ) GCC Treasurer


15

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, together with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (SORP 2005). Income Income is recorded in the books of the fund as it is received. Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as resources expended as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the church to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Charitable activities Costs of charitable activities include costs incurred in running the work of the church ministry, church building and vicarage, together with events held at the church and the support costs connected with these activities. Charitable activities are shown in notes 5 - 8. Governance costs Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs related to statutory audit. Short term deposits Short term deposits represent amounts with the Central Board of Finance of The Church of England. Church and Churchyard Freehold Pursuant to the City of London (Guild Churches) Act 1952, Section 29, the freehold of the church, vicarage and churchyard is vested in the Corporation of London. Values attributable to the site, fabric, furnishings, organ, plate etc, are not reflected in these financial statements. By Agreement dated 14 May 1981, certain items of plate, hitherto lodged for safe custody with the HSBC plc, was lent to the Dean and Chapter of St Paul‟s Cathedral for exhibition in the Diocesan Treasury. These items were all returned during 2009 and now reside with other church silver in the north east vault of the church. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation The Church Council have chosen to directly write off any capital expenditure under £2,000 directly to the SOFA. This can be found in „Activities directly relating to the work of the church‟. Stocks Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.


16

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010

2010

2009

£ £ 1. DONATIONS Collection at all services 12,151 13,212 Sundry donations 10,103 8,906 22,254 22,118 ______ ______ 2. OTHER VOLUNTARY INCOME Corporation of London 55,000 110,000 City Parochial Foundation 1,265 2,385 Burial Ground Fund 1,000 1,500 57,265 113,885 ______ _______ 3. INVESTMENTS Interest 285 1,697 ______ _______ 4. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM OPERATING

ACTIVITIES TO GENERAL FUNDS

Charges for special services with choir 27,885 20,982 Collections at recitals 8,036 7,154 Profit on Sales of Books 18 - 35,939 28,136 ______ ______ 5. RESOURCES EXPENDED: GRANTS Other - 125 ______ ______

The above sum represents monies granted to persons falling on hard times who give of their time to help to clean the Church and surroundings.


17

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010 (CONTINUED)

2010

2009

£ £ 6. RESOURCES EXPENDED ACTIVITIES:

DIRECTLY RELATING TO THE WORK OF THE CHURCH MINISTRY

Diocesan quota 55,260 53,490 Clergy expenses 1,913 2,481 57,173 55,971 _______ ______ VICARAGE COSTS Light, heat and water 2,682 1,742 Cleaning 2,231 812 Refurbishment - 89,804 4,913 92,358 ______ _______ CHURCH RUNNING EXPENSES Light, heat and water (3,950) 3,697 Insurance 347 966 Cleaning 598 499 Repairs and maintenance 13,562 10,929 Organist 13,150 13,458 Music, printing, etc for services 3,160 3,011 Travel and sundries 4,802 7,073 Verger 14,552 15,509 Office and vestry equipment 3,754 - 49,975 55,142 _______ _______ TOTAL 112,061 203,471 _______ _______

There was one employee of the church during the year (2009: One). No Churchwarden received remuneration or expense reimbursement during the year and there were no high paid employees in the period.

2010

2009 £ £ 7. COSTS OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES Costs of organists, choirs etc 9,120 10,572 Fees to recitalists 3,725 3,940 Printing and publicity 3,538 3,959 16,383 18,471 ______ ______


18

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010 (CONTINUED)

2010

2009 £ £ 8. CHURCH MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Telephone and postage 2,077 1,299 Hospitality 3,753 2,409 Impairment of Stocks 6,023 - 11,853 3,708 _ ___ ______ 9. GOVERNANCE COSTS Accountancy and audit 3,484 3,134 ______ ______ 10. DEBTORS AND PAYMENTS IN ADVANCE Payments in advance 155 710 Debtors for church services 7,985 7,944 Other Debtors 2,079 3,424 10,219 12,078 ______ _____ 11. LIABILITIES: Amounts falling due within one year London Diocesan Fund for wedding fees and quota - - Creditors for goods and services 27,333 10,977 27,333 10,977 ______ ______ 12. UNRESTRICTED DESIGNATED FUNDS The Church Council has designated funds for repairs and improvements and the preservation

of the Church. The balance carried forward on this designated fund at 31 December 2010 was £87,682.


19

13. RESTRICTED FUNDS The restricted funds are held as follows: As at 1

January 2010

Income Expenditure As at 31 December

2010 Repairs and Improvements - 30,000 - 30,000 Administrator - 2,300 2,250 50 Total - 30,230 2,250 30,050 _____ _____ _____ _____

The Repairs and Improvements Fund is held for repairs to the church

The Fund for the Administrator is held for the payment of her salary


20

Churchwardens’ Fabric Report (item 10) The fabric report for 2009 indicated that work was expected to start in 2010 on a number of projects to address long standing weaknesses in the fabric. In the event, this has not been the case, and shortage of finance has delayed progress in this regard. In particular, as noted in the Secretary‟s report, the application for a grant for repairs to the roof was turned down by the City Churches Grants Committee. It was estimated that the cost of addressing problems that had been already identified could be as much as £140,000. A temporary repair (i.e. a tarpaulin to cover the source of the leak) was however made to the roof, stopping the ingress of water which had made the wall at the west end of the Commonwealth Chapel persistently damp. At the same time repairs were also made to the organ to protect it from damp in the adjacent wall. 2011 will see a Quinquennial Report. Since few of the actions recommended in the 2006 have been taken, it is likely that the report will contain a number of urgent issues for the GCC to address. As noted in the Secretary‟s report, a Fabric Committee of the GCC was created. This consists of the Vicar, Quentin Pickard, Roger France and Giles Murphy. The terms of reference of the Committee are to bring its fabric expertise to bear on directing the priorities of the architect. Gavin Ralston GCC Secretary


21

GCC Secretary’s Report (item 11) The GCC met four times in 2010, on March 24, June 22, September 23 and December 1. Attendance (out of a possible 15) varied between five and thirteen members. There were a few changes to the membership of the GCC in 2010. Michael Welbank indicated at the beginning of the year that he no longer wished to stand as a representative of the Court of Common Council; the GCC formally thanked him for his years of service. The Rev Stephen Haines took over his role at the Annual Church Meeting. Sir David Brewer did not seek re-election as Churchwarden following his retirement as Alderman. At the June meeting Philip Remnant, on his election as Alderman for the Ward of Bassishaw, was co-opted to the GCC. At the March meeting, the Council reviewed the accounts for 2009, which showed a significant deterioration in the financial position: the theme of how to increase the Church‟s revenues in order to pay for a higher level of spend on the fabric was recurrent throughout the year. The March meeting also passed resolutions enabling the Chairman and Churchwardens to apply for a faculty for certain works specified in the architect‟s recent report. In the event the work was not carried out because the grant the GCC had expected from the City Churches Grants Committee was not forthcoming. The June meeting again reviewed the financial position and the GCC requested a change to the way the data was presented to give a clearer picture of the run rate of income and expenditure. The GCC also agreed to create a Fabric Committee. In September, the Chairman reported the rejection of the grant for roof repairs; instead the CCGC allocated a sum for legal research into the obligations of the Corporation to the upkeep of the Church. The Chairman subsequently engaged Ingrid Slaughter to investigate the evidence of what had been intended when the Church was rebuilt in the 1950s. Martin Clarke presented a report which projected the GCC‟s financial position on the assumption of additional income of £25,000 from 2012 onwards, and a reasonable estimate of the cost of repairs to the fabric: this indicated an aggregate shortfall of £200,000 by 2014 which the GCC will need to fill. In the last meeting of the year, the GCC noted a slight improvement in the financial position, tied in part to an increase in the number of services. Gavin Ralston GCC Secretary


22

Music Report (item 12) Since the last AGM it has been noticeable that activity in the church in general has increased considerably. The number of special services is up, and the attendance has been impressive, particularly over the very busy Carol season. As I write there are a number of weddings and memorials in the diary, and requests seem to be coming in regularly. I have been glad to play for events such as Stephen Green‟s address, to help any new initiatives made by David Parrott, to whose energy and determination the increased use of the church on all fronts is entirely attributable. The choral standard of excellence has been maintained , with our doughty fixer, The Hon. Nicola Jenkin, seeking out the best singers available. An increase in requests for the choir can only lead to even better standards, as the singers perform together in this acoustic more regularly. That the singers are included in the annual Staff party in December kindly hosted by the Parrotts has been much appreciated by all, whether or not they are available to accept. The Monday Piano recital series has been maintained despite the serious illness this year of James Common. He continued to organise from his sick bed, and Muriel Cullen has been a stalwart, as has James Armstrong, in ensuring the smooth running of the concerts. The good news is that James Common seems to be making a remarkable recovery. The August music series was apparently as welcome to City folk as ever. In the course of a programme on Radio 4 recently I heard a mention of our August series, and thought the implication interesting that music should be synonymous with St. Lawrence Jewry. James Armstrong has been a lynch-pin too in the smooth running of the Tuesday Organ recital series. Always ready with a welcoming smile, a cup of tea, and even with an offer to turn pages in extremis, I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his invaluable contribution. Numbers have remained about constant through the year, though January and February were leaner than expected thanks to bad weather. The current sixth-former series is progressing well, with a possible sponsor for next year. The John Hill/ HSBC series is planned for Tuesdays in May, with some really excellent players on the roster. Despite my Kafkaesque battles with the UK Border control, I am confident none will be refused entry at the airport, thanks to help of experts from the City of London Festival and the St. Albans International Organ Festival. The organ itself has benefited from the work done in September, and is now suited to the new carpet-free acoustic of the church. It is still the focus of much wonder and delight from all who play it and, it is to be hoped, many who hear it. Klais continues to look after it carefully, sending engineers over with alacrity if anything seems amiss. My own trips up and down the ladder to tune the reeds are less frequent as the organ beds in. Later this year we will celebrate the tenth anniversary of its installation. Over the last six years, via the John Hill/HSBC series, an association has been built with the Organist Emeritus of Sheffield Cathedral, and now Organist of the Charterhouse and a Brother, Graham Matthews. Not only is Graham happy to play for any services, and to help provide access for organists when the Vicar and Sue are away, but also he has set up accommodation at the Charterhouse for our John Hill overseas artists. To have such a kind and capable local musician as unofficial member of our team is invaluable.


23

One very special event this year was the concert party for my 25th anniversary in September. An overwhelming evening for me, with so many friends present, it was a most generous gesture from the Corporation, the Vicar, and the GCC who also produced lavish gifts via Gavin and Nicola Ralston. I hope our purpose of showcasing the excellence of our music ministry was fulfilled somewhere amongst all the pizzazz. My gratitude goes to all who contributed to such a memorable evening. David and Sue have been encouraging, kind, generous and helpful to all our musicians this year, and I would like to thank them for and congratulate them on all they have done. I look forward to working alongside them in all the activities of the coming year. Catherine Ennis MA Oxon FRSA Director of Music, St. Lawrence Jewry next Guildhall


24

Deanery Synod Report (item 13)


25


26

Vicars report to AGCM

2011

Generally

St Lawrence Jewry continues to thrive in its ministry, if not in its structures and fabric. There have been

significant signs of growth and there is a sense amongst those who visit the church that it is a place of life and

vibrancy. I have continued to work hard to ensure that every possible opportunity is taken to the full.

Services

Our service patterns changed during the last year and now look very different to the past. There is no longer a

Sunday service, which is consistent with our status as a Guild Church. The Wednesday Holy Communion

Service continues and remains small but worthwhile for those who attend. The Friday service was re-launched

in September as a Common Worship Service. The numbers had consistently averaged 3-6 for a number of years.

They now average around 18, a significant growth. As with all City churches we live with the fact that people

cannot make it every week, so the attendance of around 20 represent an average committed group of around 40

people. This is good news. Consistent with this new pattern our Annual Service this year will not be on the first

Sunday of July, but will be on Tuesday 12th

July at 6pm.

Weddings

During the last year I sought to develop the weddings ministry of the church. The number of weddings we had

done for about 5 years was three per year. I approached Livery Halls and catering companies who do receptions

in the City to alert them to the fact that we were keen to work with them. He result is that during 2011 I

currently have 12 bookings. I shall continue to work on this issue.

Concerts

The use of the church space as a concert venue has also increased significantly. The web site draws people in to

us and we charge a facility fee. The only down side to this is that I have to act as caretaker at the end of the

evening and manage all the bookings myself. This can be time consuming.

Web site

My thanks go to Ruth Storey for keeping the web site up to date. The statistics show that we get an average of

10,000 page views per month, which is I think a significant number. Many a small commercial organisation

would hope for that figure.

Chaplaincy

I continue to develop my role as a Chaplain around the City. I am now formally chaplain to 9 Livery Companies

and we have four others who have some connection with St Lawrence. I am also this year the chaplain to

Alderman and Sheriff Fiona Woolf. We recently held the service for the Guild of Freemen of the City of

London. Generally the fact that St Lawrence Jewry is there for the City and the Livery and Freemen of the City

of London is becoming better known.

Major events

A number of major events took place during the year which drew people into the church. We participated in the

Christian Aid Circle the City walk, the Open City weekend, and this year we shall add to that the London Maze

event (a Guildhall event which we have offered to provide coffee for). These significant days can bring a

footfall of about 2000 people, which is good for the church. It is not sustainable for Sue and I to carry the

burden of these alone, so I do encourage you to respond if a call for volunteers goes out.


27

Administrator

Ruth Storey continues to act as a part time administrator for St Lawrence one day per week. This is invaluable

and she works flat out on a Friday to keep the administration as easy as possible for the Vicar. She has also been

marvellous at keeping the web site up to date and establishing a regular e-mail newsletter. If you are not already

receiving this please register today. The help she gives is not really enough. As things have grown and

developed there is a real need for a full time administrator. I have a business plan available and we need some

significant donors to make this happen. Could you be one of these people?

Finance and giving

Our finances are still in a difficult state. The nature of the work here at St Lawrence Jewry is such that we have

very little by way of regular income. I ask all who consider themselves to be committed to the church to have a

standing order in place. My suggested figure (which will in due course also be the figure for members of a

Friends organisation – see below) is £10pcm. It would only take 200 people who love this place to commit to

this figure to largely resolve our problems.

Meanwhile we are approaching the City of London Corporation to seek more help. Miss Ingrid Slaughter, a

highly experienced ecclesiastical lawyer, has prepared a full briefing papers for me on the history of St

Lawrence Jewry and its relationship with the Corporation, for which I thank her.

Friends of St Lawrence Jewry

Ingrid Slaughter has now moved on to a new project. She is working on a constitution for a Friends organisation

and we should have this up and running within a few months. Hopefully this will improve our financial position

considerably.

Conclusion

I continue to work hard for the best benefit of all involved in St Lawrence Jewry. I would like to thank my

colleagues Catherine Ennis, James Armstrong and, of course, Sue Parrott, for all that they do to support and

encourage the whole life of the church here. Our work is of no value whatsoever if it does not glorify God and

further the work of his Kingdom. We continue to pray for our partnership with so many others to make this

place all that it is.

David Parrott Guild Vicar

12th

April 2011

Documents

Annual Guild Church Meeting...Charlotte Joplin Janet Owen Sue Parrott Robin Sherlock Derek Sleep Philip Willoughby Martin Woods Mark Woolley Gavin Ralston ( Hon Secretary) Apologies