PARISH OF ST. PETER, WESTON FAVELL

Annual Report and Statement of Financial Activities

of the Parochial Church Council

for the year ended 31st December 2012

presented to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 28th April 2013

Charity Number 1130591.

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. PETER, WESTON FAVELL APCM 28th April 2013 Annual Parish Meeting

1. Election of Churchwardens 2. Election of Deputy Churchwardens

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

1. Prayers 2. Apologies & number attending 3. Minutes of the previous APCM 4. PCC reports

including Churchwarden’s Report and Reports on Parish Activities 5. Report on Electoral Roll 6. Presentation of PCC accounts for the year ended 31st December 2012 and reports on the

financial affairs of the parish 7. Elections to Deanery Synod 8. Elections to PCC 9. Appointment of Sidesmen and Women 10. Appointment of Independent Examiner 11. Chancel Repair Liability 12. Any other matters

CHURCHWARDENS REPORT

As you can see from the Fabric Committee’s report the structure and fabric of the church have been kept under the careful scrutiny of our Fabric Committee. Our thanks is most sincerely given to Bill Rothwell, John Flanders, Rodney Carroll, John Baxter and Terry Browning for their diligence during the past year. They have certainly been very busy with a number of projects that had to be repaired.

Regular PCC meetings have been held throughout the year with a resume of the meetings given by the Rector at our morning services. Perhaps our greatest concern has been finance, for our Parish Share is to increase by 5% next year.

In June many of the congregation attended a most inspiring service at the cathedral for the ordination of our Curate, Rev. Michelle Cotton. It feels as though she has been with us for a long time such is her input into the parish.

As a Parish we were charged with an enquiry into Chancel Liability. After an extensive search by the Rector we are pleased to say that no one in the Parish falls into this category.

It has been pleasing to see many new and young faces in the congregations during the year and our thanks is extended to the work of the Rector, Sue Kirby and Sue Needham for their commitment during the year. This was especially seen with the Easter and Christmas Experiences held this year. Family Sunday lunches are now an integral part of the year, as is coffee served before the Family Service on the second Sunday of the month. We read in the national press that church attendances are declining, it would seem that at Weston Favell we are “bucking the trend”, for during Christmas almost one thousand worshippers came through the door, with our average attendance around 150 each week.

Another new service was held this year on Easter Sunday morning at sunrise on Peter’s Patch. In all a number of new services have been well attended, the Advent Sunday Candlelit Service, a traditional readings and carols service, Songs of Praise for Easter and Harvest. This year the

Maundy Thursday Service was held totally in the Church Hall returning to church for the stripping of the church and holding a vigil into the evening.

It is also good to see so many young members of the choir, a number have joined during the year and are often given solo parts by Claire.

We have a dedicated band of people whose work goes for the most part unseen and our thanks are extended to these groups:

- Terry Browning for his commitment in preparing for services - Ian Topp for keeping the Churchyard tidy, with his band of mowers. - The Sides-men and women, Servers, MC’s, Chalice Assistants and Choir and Organist

who have given of their time to ensure that our services are always well ordered. - The Flower Arrangers and Cleaning team who always ensure that our church looks at its

best. - The Tower team for calling us to worship. - To Mike Dodson for his work on Peter’s Patch. - The Friends of St Peter’s for their interest and financial support. - To Kay Ingram our Parish Administrator. - The full Warden Team for their unfailing support - To the PCC members for overseeing the work of the parish. - The various committees, to those who organize Parish Lunches, Lent Lunches, Car Rotas,

Christian Aid, Cornerstone, Coffee Rotas, Breakfast Club, the list is endless but our thanks to each and every one of you.

- - Gill Allen and Bill Rothwell (Churchwardens) - Sally Smith and Roger Clarke (Deputy Churchwardens)

REPORT FROM THE FABRIC COMMITTEE FOR 2012 TO THE APCM, APRIL 2013.

2012 was a busy year for the Fabric Committee.

The urgent items on the Quin Report 2011 were attended to by Contrax. Following a leak from the gutter over the Priest’s Door it was found that the slates on the south slope of the Chancel roof were in need of attention. Architects specifications were sought and a Faculty granted on 10th September. The contract was placed with Contrax who completed the work in October. Other outstanding items on the Quin were completed by Contrax at the same time. The only items outstanding now concern the lead flashing and access door to the parapet of the Tower.

Underwoods completed the outstanding defect repairs to the north aisle and north porch roof work.

June:- the council accepted responsibility and repaired the damaged wall in Peter’s Patch.

June:- a portable ramp was acquired to enable wheelchair users to gain access to the altar rail & choir stalls.

June :- E-0n electric installed a new electric meter in the North Transept, their cost.

July:- 2 pew cushions were recovered by 3 Fold Furnishings Ltd.

A contract was placed with R. F. Blount to service and maintain the boilers in the church & church hall. All were serviced and a Gas Safety certificate has now been obtained. There is an on-going problem with the flue height of the church boiler. Blounts have now accepted that an extension of the existing flue would satisfy the current emission control legislation and have quoted for the work. Discussions are in hand to seek planning and faculty permissions.

Dr Bemrose, the DAC heating expert, came on November 19th and completed a report on our heating system in December. The suggested means to reposition the flue to the church boiler has not been found feasible. He also draws our attention to the need to investigate the suitability of our

existing pipework and radiators to having a pressurised heating system installed at any time in the future.

Contrax attended to the slight leak through the north slope of the Nave roof, where rainwater was leaking onto the choir stalls next the chancel/nave wall. A slate was slightly raised which would allow rainwater to penetrate when heavy rain is associated to strong winds from the east.

A full fire risk assessment was undertaken in November and submitted to the PCC.

A “big Clean” of the Chancel was undertaken in March. It will now need doing again following the deluge of soot and debris when the south slop of the roof was repaired.

A new batch of Smart Water has been obtained.

The building has been regularly inspected throughout the year by the fabric team and the various Tell Tales checked in June. No movement of any of the cracks being monitored was found. The gravestones were also checked for stability in June. The radiators were bled and various bulbs replaced. The lock on the north porch door was checked and repositioned following complaints that people found opening the lock difficult.

GIRLGUIDING AT ST. PETER’S WESTON FAVELL

Meeting in the church hall are two Rainbow units, two Brownie units, one Guide unit and a Ranger unit. All are running successfully, following exciting programmes, with over 100 girls involved between the ages of 5 and 18. Leaders are committed and well shared out amongst the units except for Thursday Rainbows who have helpers but are in desperate need of someone to lead the girls.

HOUSE AND STUDY GROUPS 2012

There have been some changes in the pattern of house groups over the last year. Of the five established groups two have merged and one decided that the time had come to disband. As a result the numbers involved have declined to about thirty. The groups continue to meet for fellowship, study and prayer as of course do other groups within the church such as the Mothers Union and the Prayer Triplets.

For Lent and Advent in 2012 we recommended books published by the Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF) and about thirty people used one or both books. They were ‘The Way of the Desert’ by Andrew Watson for Lent and ‘Beginnings and Endings’ by Maggi Dawn for Advent . An open house group met during each season and this enabled people to share their experiences of the books.

During the year there was some discussion about what people might like in future by way of bible study. One outcome from that was the ‘Introduction to the Old Testament’ course now running. This has attracted over thirty people to the first three sessions and it will be interesting to see what results from it in terms of a future programme. There are many ways in which we can approach bible study, house groups being one of them as are the use of BRF notes which a number of church members use. The internet provides new ways and I recommend the brf website www.brf.org.uk as a source of excellent materials and ideas. The diocesan website www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk gives details of other study opportunities of which many are based in Bouverie Court, the Diocesan Centre at the Lakes on Bedford Road (next to the County Council Offices). There is also an excellent free library there, open during office hours and some evenings so do take advantage of that if you wish.

Do, please, talk to any of the ministry team about house groups and other study opportunities. They provide an opportunity to learn more about our faith through sharing our experiences and growing together and are good way to meet new people both within our parish and beyond.

Richard Pestell

CHURCH HALL COMMITTEE

The safety checks have been brought up to date, with extended Fire Risk assessment and replacement of some the emergency lights. A high level bolt has been fitted to the cupboard which stores the cleaning materials. More cups and saucers have been purchased.

There has been a drainage problem, which caused water to leak in to the garage next to the hall. This has been satisfactorily dealt with. The ladies toilets have been thoroughly cleaned and new flush mechanisms fixed.

A lapel microphone to be used with the loop system has been purchased, thanks to a generous donation from the Gardening Club.

The Committee does request that all users of the kitchen read the instructions for the dishwasher and for the disposal of all food and rubbish/recycling.

REPORT FROM THE WALKING GROUP

The members of the walking group have met each month and enjoyed good company, good exercise and enjoyed refreshments together in local hostelries. There are usually 12 to 20 people and a few well trained dogs on each walk. The walks are usually around 7 k or 4 ½ miles long taking around 2 to 2 ½ hours duration. There is generally a shorter option available for those who can’t manage the longer version.

CHARITABLE ENTERPRISE COMMITTEE

We had another successful year of fund-raising in 2012 for a variety of worthwhile causes and are grateful to everyone who has supported the collections and events the committee has organised. The Lent lunches continued to flourish, raising in total £3,674.70 for 6 different charities chosen by the groups who organised the lunches. The Lent boxes raised a fantastic £1,461.44 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and in August the chairman of the local MS society came to a 10 am service to thank the congregation and explain how they planned to use the money to improve the facilities at their holiday home in the New Forest. In June our awareness-raising/fund-raising supper evening with a presentation on Water Aid raised £649.50 for this charity which supports projects developing access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation among the world’s poorest communities. The committee again ran the Tombola stall at the Strawberry Fayre in June. In October Harvest Festival goods were gratefully received by the new Oasis House in Northampton, which incorporates the Hope Centre and NAASH (formerly Acorn House), working with the homeless. In November on Remembrance Sunday we again organised a shared lunch in the church hall, as a result of which S.S.A.F.A and the Royal British Legion each received £164.25. In December the St Peter’s carol singers raised £195 for the charity East Park Parade for the Homeless.

In total £6,309.14 has been raised from events organised by the committee, who wish to thank all those who have supported us and given so generously. The committee aims to highlight the needs of a range of charities, both local and international, and welcomes suggestions from other church members of causes to include when planning events. We would also welcome more volunteers to join the committee and/or assist with our events.

Rosemary Pestell (chair)

MUSIC AT ST PETER’S

The musical life of St Peter’s continues to flourish thanks to the active support of so many. In addition to the regular weekly services, the choir has led worship at a number of special services including the Harvest and Easter Songs of Praise services. A highlight of the year was Handel’s popular anthem ‘Zadok the Priest’ which was sung enthusiastically by our extended choir members as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. Advent and Christmas were particularly busy this year with the addition of a candlelit Advent service and a traditional Christmas lessons and carols as well as a new style ‘Come and Sing Carols’ on Christmas Eve. All of these services were very well supported by both choir and congregation. There were a number of weddings throughout the year for which the choir was asked to sing and this has continued to provide valuable outreach work as well as being a good source of income for choir funds.

Choir members have also sung in Peterborough Cathedral at the Diocesan Choral Festival and for an Ecumenical Service Celebration of Marriage at Abington Avenue URC where the spontaneous applause at the end of our second anthem was a lovely surprise! In September the church echoed to the sound of roaring lions as our younger choir members and friends rehearsed and performed the Daniel Jazz – a good time was had by all! We were very grateful for the excellent keyboard skills of Christine Marson who accompanied the choir for both the ecumenical service and the Daniel Jazz.

The pleasure gained from social evenings, special celebrations and a choir BBQ have reminded us that the choir is a group of friends and not just people who meet to sing on a Sunday. Members of the wider congregation joined us in February for a Vocal Workshop which was expertly run for us by Alison Roddy, an internationally renowned opera singer who lives locally. All who attended felt that their musical technique benefitted from Ali’s advice and tutoring.

We have welcomed three new regular choir members during the year and one new member of our extended choir. Extended choir members join us for Choral Evensongs, special occasions and weddings and their on-going support is invaluable. Peter Hodgkinson has decided that it is no longer possible to sing with us on a regular basis and I would like to thank Peter both personally and on behalf of the choir for his dedication and support over many years.

St Peter’s is blessed with a large number of musicians who are willing to contribute to the musical life of the church enabling us to have a wide variety and style of music at different services and family events. As well as those who sing we are grateful to those who also give of their talents in other ways particularly Vince, Sarah, Harry, David Halstead, Harrison and Dominic. Chris’s regular organ playing and Hannah’s assistance is very much appreciated by the choir and regular congregation as well as those attending weddings and funerals.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support of the clergy (not forgetting David’s guitar!) and church officers without which none of this would be possible. I know that I am very fortunate to be part of such a wonderful team.

Clare Pearce Director of Music

SCOUT GROUP We note with regret the passing of John Neal in December. He will be remembered by many for his work in Community Policing and was a familiar figure around the Village. John had a long association with the Group. For many years he was our Quartermaster and was always a willing helper when there was a job to be done and will be sadly missed. Group numbers have been maintained. As is so often the case with a young peoples organisation there has been a redistribution of numbers through the sections with the Troop currently standing at 26. All sections have provided an active programme with a variety of Camps and overnight stays. Outside visits to Police and Fire Stations. Other outside activities have included a Narrow Boat Trip, Skating and Pond Dipping. We had a week end trip to the Scout Activity Centre in Wales where

Mountain Biking and Walking were on offer and a Winter Scout Camp to Gilwell. In July we held a well attended Family Camp at Overstone. A full programme of activities was provided that included: Bell Boating, Climbing Wall, Archery and Shooting. Unfortunately as was so often the case last year the weather could have been better. The Car Rally at which we provide a refreshment tent was cancelled due to a flooded site. So unfortunately we missed out on a valuable fund raising opportunity. However, the Christmas Post went ahead as planned and provided valuable income that we are hoping will be matched by a commercial organisation. Many thanks to all who supported us in this endeavour. John Flanders (Group Secretary) Karen Law (Group Scout Leader)

BELL RINGERS

It has been a good year for us. The numbers have remained steady and we are pleased to welcome back John to the fold. Alan is coming on well and is ringing whenever required. We were kept very busy during the last wedding season and are gearing ourselves up for this year. We are all really enjoying our ringing and would recommend it to anyone!

Graham Baker

LAY PASTORS

This year we have said Goodbye and thank you to Phil Joll, Kay Ingram and Betty Cooke. We thank them for their contribution to the team. We have welcomed Shirley Hollowell and Ann Johns in their place. The Lay Pastors provide a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on in times of trouble. We thank them for their dedication and care. The lists are getting longer as more people join the congregation, which is wonderful to see. The meetings are very well attended every three months, when we catch up with each other.

Joy Baker

SIKATA COMMITTEE

There has been much change in Peterborough with regards to the transfer of money out to Bungoma which led to us not transferring any funds between June 2012 and April 2013 until we were happy with the new safeguards. The new processes have resulted in a much greater degree of transparency as to how money is being used in Kenya and should hopefully result in us getting even more feedback and photos when our new link advisors Rev. Mary and Bob Garbutt from Peterborough visit the projects on their next trip to Bungoma.

In total over the last 12 months we have transferred £2600 to Sikata from our funds. In June 2012 we joined forces with the Mothers Union and £1600 (£537 from the MU) was sent to acquire 3 more exotic cows and a truck to transport them which means that all 5 churches now have a cow and hopefully more calves to follow. In April 2013 we sent £1000 via the new Peterborough processes to help rebuild the church at Luucho which suffered huge damage as a result of the rainy season, this money should go a long way to getting the people of Luucho a brick built church to worship in that will weather both the rainy seasons and the heat waves. We still have £911.55 in the bank to support a new project in the future or incase the church rebuild requires more funds.

2012 Sunday Coffee Report

I would like to thank all the people who have helped in any way throughout the year, either by volunteering their services regularly on the Coffee Rota, or by assisting on an ad hoc basis.

Thanks go to all of those thirsty people who donated so generously for their ‘cuppa’.

We started the year with £174 and additional donations amounted to £753 after expenses for Tea/Coffee etc. After consultation with various people, most of that money has been spent on good causes and replacing or buying new equipment for the Church Hall kitchen. We funded the Mothers’ Day flowers and made generous donations totalling £369 to the Deaf Children’s Society, Hope Centre, and Kid’s Aid and purchased 48 cups and saucers to replenish existing supplies some of which we have had for 25 years!!

We are starting 2013 with £378 (some of this is going to the refurbishment of cushions in the church) and hope to continue keeping the kitchen equipment updated and making more donations to good causes (suggestions welcome), during the coming year.

Sally Smith (Sunday Coffee Organizer)

PRAYER TRIPLETS

We have nine (9) groups with three people in each group. The bracketed figures are those for the previous year. Fifteen (10) separate people who are not part of a Triplet receive the Short Office and Prayer List to use by themselves. The year before last we had 6 non triplet members. At least one group meets each week of every month. People either ask the Rector or the Curate or contact us directly with their prayer requests and we create a fresh Prayer List each month and circulate, mostly by email, to the 41 people on our list. If we receive a call for urgent prayer we immediately email all the Triplets and keep the lists up to date by phoning around from time to time. We also keep the list used at daily Morning Prayer up to date. The Prayer Box in the porch has been used, at the most, twice, in the last 12 months.

Having done the organising since Colin Wake left us we feel it is time to hand the work on so that a fresh insight can be brought to our praying. We are thrilled that Ginny Fazackerley feels called to relieve us and she will be responsible from now on.

Anne & Michael Jones

THE FRIENDS OF ST. PETER'S CHURCH.

The Annual Meeting of the Friends was held in December, when once again all were given a physically and socially warm welcome into the Old Rectory, the home of Graham Knight and John Bryant. The Financial Report recorded the year's donations of £ 1,096.00. bringing the total raised for the Fabric Repairs Fund, since creating the Friends in 1995, to £20,973. Bill Rothwell, as the Churchwarden responsible for building care presented a report well illustrated with photographs of work completed in the year under review, and outlined repairs known to be necessary in 2013. The Rector thanking members for their continued generosity which was greatly appreciated by the Parish. Members raised the question of encouraging more neighbours to support the maintenance and care of the Church, a building that makes such a meaningful contribution to Weston Favell heritage. Many reading this report may well have neighbours and friends who, although not regularly attending services, recognise the values of daily life that the building represents and would care to subscribe to it's care. In which case you are invited to bring their attention to the Friends objectives and ask them to obtain an Application Form from the Parish or to telephone C.J.Steward on 402067,for full details.

CORNERSTONE

280 magazines are printed every month, providing readers with monthly news regarding the church, local groups, and social events. Readers enjoy regular articles by Rev. David Kirby and Michael Jones, reports on the meetings held by Mothers’ Union and Women’s Institute, and the ‘Crosskeys’ section with news from the diocese. Members of St Peter’s continue to supply articles, anecdotes, book reviews and the odd joke, which are all very much appreciated. Children of the parish have been encouraged to contribute to Cornerstone this year by drawing a picture of the Church to decorate the front cover.

Advertising in Cornerstone is still sufficient to cover production costs, without overpowering the content. The position of the adverts within the magazine is changed on a monthly basis. The price of the magazine has remained at 50p since 1992, and advertising charges are £160 for a full page, £80 for a half page, £44 for a quarter page, and £22 for three lines.

Particular thanks go to the people who help behind the scenes, particularly those who deliver the magazines, Carol Fordyce for collecting the magazines from the printers each month, and Sue Cross and Alex Pierce for their help with proof-reading.

‘Cornerstone Team’ Amanda Gibson, Hazel Eyles, Vince Cross.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

During the past year we have organised a variety of events designed to appeal to as many members of the congregation as possible. Hopefully there has been something for everyone.

The two formal suppers – Shrove Tuesday and Harvest are proving to be increasingly popular occasions – with all tickets being sold.

The Family Games Evening also proved popular with good numbers and a good proportion of children in the total.

The Strawberry Fair has become established as a popular Community Social occasion for all ages. Moving the event to a Sunday afternoon does not seem to have in any way been detrimental with good attendance and a record total of £1,416 being raised to support a local Charity - Kids Aid.

Call My Bluff in September was run on a revised basis to give the audience a greater involvement – a change that seems to have been well received.

As a committee we are aware that there is always a tendency to organise year by year events that have previously worked well. With this in mind we circulated a Questionnaire at The Harvest Supper asking for reaction to a number of proposals. This produced interesting result and some of these ideas should be appearing in our future programmes.

Anyone interested in joining the committee will be made most welcome.

I would like to record my thanks to the Committee for their loyalty and hard work in ensuring that events happen as planned.

John Flanders.

CHURCH HALL COMMITTEE

The safety checks have been brought up to date, with extended Fire Risk assessment and replacement of some the emergency lights. A high level bolt has been fitted to the cupboard which stores the cleaning materials. More cups and saucers have been purchased.

There has been a drainage problem, which caused water to leak in to the garage next to the hall. This has been satisfactorily dealt with. The ladies toilets have been thoroughly cleaned and new flush mechanisms fixed.

A lapel microphone to be used with the loop system has been purchased, thanks to a generous donation from the Gardening Club.

The Committee does request that all users of the kitchen read the instructions for the dishwasher and for the disposal of all food and rubbish/recycling.

REPORT FROM THE TRAIDCRAFT TEAM

For the year January to December 2012 sales have amounted to over £1200. During December the stall was open every Sunday where sales of Christmas cards were steady but numbers down on previous years. We continue to be open after the 10 am Service on the third Sunday of every month. There is a balance of £765 in our Nationwide account and all goods purchased from Traidcraft have been paid for.

During the Year we donated £160 to local charities.

The net profit on sales was £265 after paying the donations mentioned. The value of stock carried forward is £470.

Kay and Richard, Harry and Mary, Lorraine and Nick, Peter and Hilary and Margaret and Jeffrey.

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS JANUARY 2012 TO DECEMBER 2012

Trading Account £

2012 2011

Sales 1200.28 1489.60

Less Purchase

of Stock 774.68 1401.17

Donations 160.00

Net Profit 265.60 88.52

BALANCE SHEET

Opening Balance at BS 819.13 453.38

Closing Balance at BS 765.54 829.13

Deficit/Surplus at 31/12/12 -53.64 365.75

Cash in hand 20.75 14.82

Value of stock

(cost less 10%) 470.05 430.81

Written off stock 20.00 16.50

TEA CLUB Once a month, usually on the second Tuesday Tea Club meets in the Church Hall.

As well as tea there are coffee and delicious home made cakes, scones and biscuits (Many thanks to the team of bakers!). There is also a quiz or two, just for fun, although there are prizes and the Rector draws the raffle and tells a joke.

Everybody is welcome.

This year we said ‘Goodbye’ to Eleanor Howland from the Committee.

Thank you to everyone who bakes for us – it is very much appreciated and to everyone who helps..

PARISH LUNCH

Some 40 members of St Peter’s gather together on the first Sunday of the each month to enjoy company, conversation and lunch together. The event was founded many years ago, arranged by Joan and Harry Walding until they left the area in 2005, and continued now by a team of Church members.

In 2012, 438 lunches were served, and thanks are due to those who undertook the onerous task of cooking Sunday lunch for 40, to those who set tables prior to the lunch, those who helped in the organisation, the clearing and washing up of crockery and particularly to that small band of willing subscribers who complete the lunch by providing desserts to make such attractive choices for the dessert table.

Without these and those who helped in serving desserts, coffee and mints, the lunches would not be the success they are.

The Rector David, his wife Sue and Curate Michelle contribute both practically and pastorally almost every month. The small cash surplus that arises from the organisation of the lunches is passed into Church funds.

Douglas Joll

EXPERIENCE EASTER 2013

After two successful years of offering EE and EC we decided to have a rest this year.

But then in early February I was contacted by Headlands Primary School and WFPS asking if we were offering EE this year. After some phone calls and prayer EE2013 was launched.

A team was rallied including 6 new members. Planning sessions were happening, shopping done props collected etc and on Sunday evening 17th March the church was transformed with palm trees, gardens upper rooms etc.

In the week that followed we welcomed 11 school classes with staff from Headlands and WFPS, about 400 children and adults.

It was a privilege and a joy to share the Easter Story with so many and a huge thanks to the team who without their commitment and support it would not have happened. We heard back from the schools, both formally and informally. They were delighted and grateful to be part of the Experience.

Sue Kirby

HOLIDAY CLUB

Holiday Club meets 5 times a year on the first Tuesday of the school holidays. I would like to thank the team and our helpers for all their hard work and commitment to the project. The team meet before each session to plan and organise.

This year we enjoying seeing familiar faces but also we have met new ones.

The Holiday Club is a very active, fast moving time with a mixture of games, craft activities singing and bible stories. The activities have included edible caterpillars, elephant pencil pots, shadow puppets, light houses with electrical working parts and T shirt painting

We have two interactive Bible story times one for KS1 and KS2 lead by members of the team. Our whole time together is based around the theme taken from these stories. Themes have included Running the Race, Light and Creation.

Holiday club is one of the projects that is front line mission bringing us at St Peter’s in contact with many young families. We continue to rejoice in seeing many of them joining us also at Connections (our family events), family services and 10.00am worship

Sue Kirby

SCHOOLS WORK

Each week of the school term one of the schools morning worship team goes into WFPS school to lead the Tuesday morning Worship. This year Cindy Rothwell stepped down and we thank her for all her commitment and involvement over the years. We also welcomed on board Lorraine Bewley, and Clare and Alex Pearce.

WFPS also come to Church for services over the year including Harvest Christmas Easter.

Michelle and I are also welcomed into Headlands School to take assemblies about 3 times a term.

Both of the schools have visited the Church as part of the RE syllabus which has included learning about the different parts of the Church, again Team have been involved sharing with the children on these occasions. And the reception class comes for the ‘wedding.’

Sue Kirby

BREAKFAST CLUB

Every 1st and 3rd Sunday from 8.30am

Breakfast sometimes includes eggy bread and at our Christmas Breakfast the chefs excelled themselves with a full English breakfast along with party games and crackers.

BC is great and continues to grow in size and faith.

If you are wondering who makes up breakfast club, you will see some of them helping lead worship at the 10.00am services as choir members and servers.

Apart from the social side of Breakfast Club learning more about the teachings of the Bible is key. This year for example we have looked at the Communion Service, What do we say? What does it mean? How does that effect me? The teaching time is very interactive and discussion based, giving the group time to share their thoughts, concerns and ask questions, often very thought provoking and challenging, .including Lego, loo rolls and sugar lumps!( Not for eating)

Breakfast club organised one of this year’s Lent Lunches, which was great fun with some of the parents joining in too. We are grateful to everyone who supported us in this venture.

Who can join? Anyone who attends school in Year5 to Year 11 is welcomed

Sue Kirby

SEEKERS

Seekers meets in the church hall alongside crèche. The crèche children are welcome to join Seekers if they wish and this helps with the transition from nursery to school.

The idea of giving ‘nice to see you’ cards to children and inviting them to bring a friend along has been met positively. We have been delighted to see some new faces and always welcome friends, even if it for a morning.

Sue Needham

TINY TOTS

It’s been a good year although we were sorry to lose Helen who gave up Tiny Tots when her son Max started school. Helen is now working. We were sorry to see her go and miss her but wish her well in her new ventures.

Tiny Tots has been fairly quiet but is picking up with new faces calling in periodically. I don’t have a

helper at the moment, but since Tiny Tots is quiet it hasn’t been a problem. The Mum’s are all very good at helping with various requirements.

Sue Needham

CONNECTIONS

This is the name we have given to our family events which happen 5 times a year

Connections is an event/ a time when families Mums, Dads and children learn, play, create, make, worship, reflection, solve challenges and puzzles together. It’s all about working and walking along side each other,

Activities and challenges have included, making water rockets, building the tallest tower from newspaper that will hold an egg, Treasure hunts, Christmas stain glass windows, candle holders from clay.

We also spend some time in reflecting on the faith we share with each other, using our imaginations, the world around us as well as the bible to focus our thoughts.

This year numbers have varied but we have welcomed new families to the events but very one who came has a great time and enjoys it.

Huge thanks to Gill and her helpers who provide our food for us

Many thanks to the team without their hard work and commitment it would not happen.

And we rejoice in the growth we are seeing within the family and children’s work here at St Peter’s.

MOTHERS’ UNION

2012 was once again another good year for the Mothers Union at St.Peters.Our meetings were well supported and included talks on a wide variety of subjects from recycling to acupuncture.

As a branch we joined in Deanery and Diocesan events including the Festival at Peterborough Cathedral a Lady Day service at Abington church, our Deanery Autumn Fayre and an Advent Party held at Holy Trinity.

Our fund raising for the year included a Lent Lunch when enough money was raised to purchase another cow for Sikata and our coffee morning when we were able to support the Mothers Union Wheels Appeal.Collections at our services helped us to send money for the work of the M.U. Worldwide.

As a branch we enjoyed an afternoon at the garden centre at Milton Ernest,our Wave of Prayer service and also the Strawberry Fayre when once again we manned the cake stall. Our year ended sadly with the death of Frances Chalmers a regular member at all of our meetings but we were able to enjoy our usual Christmas Lunch where we were joined by David and Sue. The events of this year could not have taken place without the support of everyone at St.Peters especially David and Michelle who lead our evening service for us and for all members who come to meetings faithfully each month and are always on hand to help. Thank you all. Sue Wedgbrow: Branch Leader

WESTON FAVELL C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL

Our Primary School has had a very busy year. It continues to flourish, and this year has expanded to become a 2 form entry primary school. An extension has been added to create four new classrooms, which, with the rest of the school, provides a purpose built establishment for 420 children. Alongside

this, following an application to the Department for Education, it became a stand-alone Academy on 1st November 2012, working in partnership with 4 community schools (Headlands, Abington Vale, Lings and Ecton Brook Primaries) which established a Multi-Academy Trust. This enables not only a sharing of resources, financial and practical, but of ideas, vision, expertise and assistance. The Diocese of Peterborough, the Ekins Trust (the school is the school of the Trust) and the Local Authority all agreed to this change in status, which we hope will give our children the opportunity of receiving the best education possible.

While it took a great deal of work to achieve Academy status, there was minimum disruption and the children continue to enjoy a wide and varied education, in a beautiful building, and being part of the community. The relationship between the school and St Peter’s Church grows deeper and the support of the worship team who visit weekly is very much appreciated. Whilst there is much to celebrate, the support, encouragement and prayers from our Clergy and church members during times of bereavement for five children and their parents, and for a high number of staff who lost family members too, was very comforting and uplifting. We are very blessed.

Ginny Fazackerley: Chair of Governors

CURATES REPORT: ‘Time flies when you’re having fun’ – I can’t believe I’ve been at St Peters Church nearly two years now. I want to thank everyone for their support - especially David Kirby, Sue, the churchwardens, Richard, Rosie, Terry, Chris, and Clare. It was wonderful to be priested at Peterborough Cathedral in June 2012, and to be supported by so many who came on the coach. My first communion was very special - thank you all for making it so special. I really love ministry – taking funerals, weddings, and Baptisms are a humbling experience and it’s such a privilege to walk alongside families. Helping with our children’s activities has been fun, and I’ve enjoyed taking assemblies in the primary schools (Weston Favell and Headlands). It was a joy to be involved with ‘Experience Easter’. I love joining in with the different activities for example: The Mothers Union, Tea Club, social events, Parish lunches, and so on. I have enjoyed being involved in our services, especially those on a Sunday, but also Communion on a Wednesday, and Communion on a Thursday at St Johns Home. A special part of my ministry has been taking Communion out to the housebound and care homes. One of my favourite parts of ministry has been offering pastoral care and walking alongside people within our church, dog walking community, our parish, and those who we serve through the occasional offices (baptism families, funeral families, and wedding couples). I have grown in confidence and I especially give thanks to St Peters Church, but also St George the Martyr Church, in Wootton for helping me to develop new skills, and teaching me so much. I very much enjoyed helping Wootton in their interregnum, and I look forward to helping at St James’ and St Alban’s in Northampton. Lord, we give thanks for the gift of fellowship and the ways in which we build one another up and encourage one another’s hearts. Revd Michelle Cotton: Curate