Incumbent
The Revd Andrew Mitcham SSC The Vicarage Church Street
Little Walsingham NR22 6BL
Independent Examiner Adam Bunkle BSc (Hons) ACA
Folly House 9 Church Street North Creake
NR21 9JN
Bank Barclays
Fakenham Branch Norfolk
S. GILES HOUGHTON IN THE DALE
S. PETER GREAT WALSINGHAM S. MARY LITTLE WALSINGHAM
ACCOUNTS
AND REPORTS
2015
S. Mary and All Saints Little Walsingham
Parish Website: walsinghamparishes.org
Foreword
The publication of the Annual Report provides an opportunity to reflect on, and give thanks for, our life together as a parish. The presentation of the yearly accounts and reports from church officers and parish organisations illustrate how much goes on over the course of a year.
In 2015, in response to the diocesan initiative Committed to Growth, the PCC identified three areas where good things were happening in the parish in terms of mission and outreach:
i Church School : Daily Collective Worship in school include weekly Open the Book sessions led by Sister Carol SSM and the Year4God Team and an Assembly led by myself. In addition, I have regularly been given the opportunity to teach Religious Education in class. A pattern of termly Services has been established rotating between S. Peter’s, S. Mary’s and the Shrine. The numbers of parents and other family members attending these Services has grown steadily.
ii Benefice Website and News&Views : The launch of both these ini-tiatives in 2015 has greatly improved our communication with those who live, work and worship in the Benefice and also with pilgrims and visitors. As a magazine for the whole community News&Views not only promotes community cohesion but also gives us a platform to proclaim the Gospel through the Christian Comment section and through other articles written by members of our congregations.
iii Winter and Lent Lunches : As well as supporting the work of the Mothers’ Union and our Parish Lent Charity these lunches are a ser-vice to the community, providing opportunities for company and fellowship.
I would like to thank all those who already support these initiatives and urge others to get involved. The consistent lesson learnt from evangelistic campaigns such as Committed to Growth is that the greatest impact in terms of mission is made by parishes doing a few things well.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and encouragement over the past year and pray that we may con-tinue to respond with vision, energy and generosity of spirit in all that the Lord asks of us in the future.
Fr Andrew
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THE PARISH OF GREAT & LITTLE WALSINGHAM with HOUGHTON ST GILES
S. Mary’s Church, Little Walsingham 13th MARCH 2016 – 12.30 pm
THE EASTER VESTRY AGENDA 1 Opening Prayer 2 Apologies 3 Minutes of previous Annual Vestry - 2015 page 2 4 Election of Churchwardens
THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING AGENDA 1 Apologies 2 Minutes of 2015 APCM page 3 3 Matters Arising 4 Vicar’s Remarks and Statistics page 4 5 Electoral Roll Report (New Roll 2019) page 5 6 Election of Representatives to the P.C.C. 7 Appointment of Sides persons 8 Deanery Synod Report page 5 9 P.C.C. Report page 6 10 Fabric Reports - Terriers pages 7-9 11 Other Reports
Mothers’ Union page 9 Christian Aid page 10 B.R.F. page 10 S. Mary’s Bookstall page 10 Walsingham Church of England Church V.A. Primary School page 11 Donations to Charity & Fund Raising page 12 Treasure's Report page 13
13 Safe Guarding Children and Adults page 14 15 Presentation of Accounts / Appointment of Independent Examiner pages 15-21 16 Any Other Business FIRST MEETING OF NEWLY ELECTED PCC 1 Election of Officers – Vice-Chair Treasurer Secretary Electoral Roll Officer 2 Any Other Business 3 Date next meeting - 22 June 2016
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THE PARISH OF WALSINGHAM & HOUGHTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
EASTER VESTRY 2015
Minutes of Meeting held in the Parish Hall on
Sunday 6th April 2015 at 5.00 pm There were 36 parishioners present. 1 Opening Prayer – Fr Andrew Mitcham opened the meeting with Prayer.
2 Apologies - These were received from Mrs A Fletcher, Mrs W King, Mrs S Landale and Mr J Woodhouse.
3 Minutes of Previous Easter Vestry – These were accepted and signed.
4 Matters Arising – There were no matters arising.
Election of Churchwardens – The current Churchwardens for S. Peter’s and S. Giles had been nominated.
S. Peter’s – Mr Brian Landale and Mr James Woodhouse.
S. Giles – Mrs Cara Ross and Mrs Ann Fletcher.
S. Mary’s – Mr Stephen Parkinson and Mrs Judith Gallagher.
In the absence of other nominations these were all duly elected to serve for 2015. Fr Andrew thanked the Churchwardens for their dedication and service and for all that was done behind the scenes. There being no further business the meeting closed at 5.04 pm. ………………………………………… Chairman …………………………………. Date
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2015 –
following the EASTER VESTRY 2015 Minutes of the meeting held in the Parish Hall on Sunday 22nd March 2015 at 5.04 pm.
1. Apologies – These were received from Mrs A Fletcher, Mrs W King, Mrs S Landale and Mr J Woodhouse.
2. Minutes – The minutes of the APCM 2014 were agreed to be accepted and they were signed and dated.
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3. Matters Arising – There were no matters arising. 4. Statistics – Fr Andrew said that not all cremations were recorded. He also said that
the Annual Returns showed the average Sunday attendance as S. Giles – 17, S. Peter’s – 28 and S. Mary’s – 143.
5. Electoral Roll Report – This now stands at 98. Fr Andrew there is no reason now not to be on this. The recent Stewardship Campaign letters were sent out to around 190 people who were regarded as members of our churches.
6. Deanery Synod Representatives – There was one nomination to fill the vacancy for S. Mary’s. Therefore Mr Derek Buten was elected to serve for the remaining two years. 7. Elections to PCC – There are two vacancies at S. Mary’s, two at S. Peter’s and one at S. Giles. Nominations were received from Mrs Marlene Keeling, Miss Rita Miell for S. Mary’s and Mr Bert Frew for S. Giles, and Mr Tom Marston and Mrs Ann Sayer for S. Peter’s were received. These were all duly elected. Thanks were re corded to Mr Graham Howard and Miss Eleanor Richards for their time on the PCC. 8. Election of Sidespersons – This was again left to the churchwardens. They were happy for this to continue. 9. Deanery Synod Report – This report is in the booklet, there were no questions
asked. It was noted that a new Rural Dean has been appointed. Canon Patrick Fore-man a retired priest from Fakenham. Thanks and our best wishes were recorded to Canon Peter McCrory for his time as Rural Dean and that he has been unwell re-cently. A new Rector for Fakenham has been appointed and the vacancy at Wells is to be advertised very soon.
10. PCC Report – This is in the booklet, there were no questions asked. 11. Churchwardens Reports – These are in the booklet, no questions asked. 12. Reports from Parish Organisations Mothers’ Union – This report is in the booklet. Christian Aid – This report is in the booklet. Bible Reading Fellowship – This report is in the booklet. There are 19 members for
this and new members are always welcome. S. Mary’s Bookstall – This report is in the booklet. Walsingham CofE Church VA Primary School – This is the first report to be in the
booklet. The school will lead Stations of the Cross in S. Mary’s next Tuesday. All were encouraged to support this.
Donations to Charity - This report is in the booklet. Treasurer’s Report – This report is in the booklet. 13. Review ‘Protection of Children & Young People’- Miss Sue Kimberly is the
named person for this and any concerns are to be directed to her. 14. Review Vulnerable Adults Protection – Miss Sue Kimberly is the named
person for this and any concerns are to be directed to her. 15. Presentation of Accounts – Mr Stephen Parkinson talked through these and said they
were in a new format now. He urged everyone to review their giving. Some ques-tions were asked about the need to cover our expenses or risk going deeper into debt. The recent Stewardship Campaign had been successful, although not everyone re-plied. Everyone was encouraged to spread the message that to keep the churches available for all, all must give more. Also to use GA when applicable. The accounts were proposed to be accepted by Mr Stephen Parkinson and seconded by Mr Bert
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Frew. All were happy with this. 16. Appointment of Independent Examiner – Mr Adam Bunkle was appointed as independent examiner again. 17. Any Other Business – Fr Andrew said Thank You to everyone who helped in the production of the booklet. S. Giles mentioned their forthcoming lunch on 12th April at East Barsham village hall. Tickets are available. Michael Lovatt thanked Stephen Parkinson for his work with the accounts saying it had been a difficult year with the change over of the system. A tentative suggestion of changing the time/ location of the APCM was offered. The PCC will decide whether to take this forward.
The meeting closed with the Grace at 5.40 pm. ………………………………………………. Chairman ……………………………………… Date STATISTICS 2014 S. Giles S. Peter S. Mary Baptisms 0 0 3 Weddings 0 1 1 Funerals 0 1 4 Confirmations 0 1 2
Communicants Sundays 897 1,264 7,294 Weekdays 452 197 2,181 STATISTICS 2015 S. Giles S. Peter S. Mary Baptisms 3 0 0 Weddings 0 0 2 Funerals 0 3 3 Confirmations 0 0 0
Communicants Sundays 901 1,109 6,995 Weekdays 341 188 2,044 THE ELECTORAL ROLL FOR WALSINGHAM AND HOUGHTON 2015 The criteria for being on the roll are as follows:- I am Baptised and aged 16 years or over and A member of the Church of England or of a church in communion with the C of E and resident in the Parish or Not resident in the parish, but a member of the C of E and has habitually attended public worship within the parish during the period of 6 months prior to enrolment or
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I am a member in good standing of a Church (not in communion with the C of E), which sub-scribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and also declare myself to be a member of the C of E and I have habitually attended public worship in the Parish during the period of 6 months prior to enrolment. The Roll in 2015 had 98 members. In 2016 the roll has 102 members
Lynette Sutton Electoral Roll Officer
BURNHAM & WALSINGHAM DEANERY SYNOD 2015 The Burnham and Walsingham Deanery Synod met three times in 2015, April, June and No-vember. In April the Rev’d Sally Gaze ,Team Rector of Tas Valley Team Ministry spoke to us about ‘Reaching out through Fresh Expressions and in particular about the ‘cell church’ which was growing and very popular with those who did not necessarily attend church on a Sunday. They did some Bible study and talked, which has led to Baptism and some being Confirmed. One lady came as a result of damage to an interior door when some people from the church in-vestigated and replaced them. Sally discussed further ways to reach out to people, young and old. Reports from the Diocesan and General Synod can be found on the internet
In July the Rev’d Canon Peter Doll gave a fascinating talk “Edith Cavell and Remembrance” October 12th is the 100 anniversary of her death and he noted various ways in which the Cathe-dral were commemorating this. They commissioned the artist Brian Whelan to paint 14 pictures depicting “The passion of Edith Cavell: The Way of the Cross” to be hung in the ambulatory of the Cathedral. Edith was born in Swardeston 1865, the eldest child of the vicar, she was educated at home and trained at The London and in 1907 was asked to become the founding director of the first profes-sional nurses training school in Belgium. She came home every summer and that is was in 1914 that she returned to be with her nurses. She became part of an underground network and helped around 200 allied soldiers to escape. Eventually all the underground group were arrested and imprisoned and after 10 weeks in solitary confinement Edith was tried and found guilty, On the night before her death as Christ had done she prayed for the forgiveness of those who would kill her. Her last words were “Standing as I do in of God and eternity, I realise that patriotism is not enough, I must have no hatred or bitterness for anyone. She died in front of the firing squads at 7am Tuesday 12th October 1915. Her body was brought back to England in 1919 and after a state funeral was buried in Life’s Green, the former monas-tic cemetery outside Norwich Cathedral. It was announced that Rev.E Bundock, Rev.A Mitcham, Miss A Prentis, Mr M Tapper and Mr F Schofield had been elected to the Diocesan Synod
In November Julian Bryant- Norfolk Co-ordinator for Christian Aid told us the when he was travelling in Cambodia to help with a drug problem he was struck down with food poisoning and the people of Cambodia, who had next to nothing gave him what little they had and really helped him. He said that 9/11 was a significant point in changing world history as over 2000peo-ple died in that tragedy. He said that many more children than that die every year from malaria, diarrhoea, lack of clean water, natural disasters but these deaths go relatively unnoticed. He spoke of how a cheap mosquito net, how providing sheep so that these can be bred and passed on can save lives and lead to better conditions. He said The Charity does not tolerate corruption and strives to use as little as possible in admin costs.
Frank Schofield stood down as treasurer and Lynette Sutton has taken on this role
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Following recent elections Robin Back was re-elected to the General Synod and he outlined what the Synod hoped to do in the future
Cathedral Quiet Afternoon on Saturday 13th June Anything but quiet! We received a very warm welcome by the Dean, who had introduced a prayer trail around the Cathedral, but first we had our picnic in the Deanery and then indi-vidually followed the trail or had quiet time on our own. We ended with Evening Prayer in the Cathedral
Pam Miller Report of the PCC - 2015
The PCC is made up of the following members – Chairman Fr Andrew Mitcham Churchwarden & Vice-Chairman Mr Brian Landale Churchwarden & Treasurer Mr Stephen Parkinson Churchwarden Mrs Judith Gallagher “ Mr James Woodhouse “ Mrs Ann Fletcher “ & Deanery Synod Rep Mrs Cara Ross Deanery Synod Rep Mrs Pam Miller “ Mr Derek Buten Elected member S. Mary Mr Michael Lovatt “ “ Mr Garry Getley “ “ Mrs Marlene Keeling “ “ Miss Rita Miell “ “ Miss Sue Kimbley “ “ Mr Stuart Grout “ S. Peter H.H Timothy Lawrence “ “ Mr Tom Marston “ Mrs Ann Sayer “ S. Giles Mr Bert Frew “ “ Mrs Dianne Green Ex Officio member Sister Teresa SSM Secretary Mrs Lynette Sutton The PCC met six times during 2014: 17th February, 22nd March, 24th June, 14th October, and 25th November. At the APCM and Annual Vestry all the Churchwardens were re-elected. Mrs Marlene Keeling and Miss Rita Miell were re-elected to the PCC for S. Mary’s and Mr Bert Frew for S. Giles with Mr Tom Marston and Mrs Ann Sayer being elected to the PCC for S. Peter’s. Thanks were recorded to Mr Graham Howard and Miss Eleanor Richards for their time given to the PCC. It was recorded that a new Rural Dean had been appointed: Canon Patrick Foreman, a retired priest from Fakenham. Also that Fr McCrory had been unwell and our gratitude and thanks to him for all he has done for us was sent to him. A plan to possibly relocate the APCM to S. Mary’s was to be trialled for one year.
On 25th November 2015 the PCC passed the following resolution “For the sake of the unity of our parish This PCC requests, on grounds of theological conviction set out in the state-ment appended to this Resolution, that arrangement be made for it in accordance with the House of Bishops’ Declaration on the Ministry of Bishops and Priests.” The result of the
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vote was 15 in favour, none against with 3 abstentions.
Finance included that we paid the Parish Share in full and help was given again to the Bar-shams who hope to pay their way next year. The Lent Appeal this year was for Breadline Africa. The PCC was asked to contribute to the new set of Crib figures at the Pump, Walsingham. We sent £425. Fabric S. Giles – Funds are in place for the roof repairs and work is hoped to start soon. The question of a replacement organ was discussed. S. Mary’s - The South Porch needs attention and is awaiting the architects thoughts. The floor and windows were cleaned during 2015. An entrance to the new part of the churchyard was discussed and it is hoped to have more information on this for next year. S. Peter’s – The QI report was received here. Concern was highlighted for the windows and roof. The new Sunday School got off to a slow start but saw a 400% increase towards the end of the year. Church School The numbers on the school roll is currently 28. The PCC receives regular reports on the school and everyone is always encouraged to attend events and services with them. Website This has a new Webmaster Mr Paolo Castignoli who is being helped into this by Mr Graham Howard to whom we are grateful for his work in setting up the Website. News & Views The new Community Magazine got off to a flying start with many positive reports being received by the committee. Funding for this was supported by the PCC. Fundraising A BBQ and Safari Super was held. The Harvest Lunch organised by S. Giles and held at Barsham & Houghton Village Hall raised £614.19 for Christian Aid, the govern-ment matched any donation, making our gift to them £1,228.38. Winter and Lent Lunches are held at the Parish Hall. Norfolk Churches Trust Annual Cycle Ride was supported. Plans for Open Gardens during 2016 were discussed. Deanery Synod Regular reports are received for this at PCC meetings. A ‘Quiet Afternoon’ was organised in the Cathedral and open to all. The Deanery Candlemass service at S. Mary’s is always well supported by the parishes in the Deanery. Services for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Assumptiontide and Remembrance Sunday were also discussed and planned. We continue to be grateful to all the Retired Clergy for their dedicated help during the Inter-regnum.
Lynette Sutton LITTLE WALSINGHAM S.MARY AND ALL SAINTS ANNUAL REP0RT
During the course of 2015, the pulpit of S.Mary’s was graced by no less than seven bishops: we were delighted to sit at the feet of the Bishop of Lynn, the Bishop of Richborough, the Bishop of Fulham, the Bishop of Fort Worth, Texas, Bishop Martyn Jarrett, Bishop Roger Jupp and, before his return to his native Australia, Bishop Lindsay Urwin. The Assumptiontide Lecture The Transfiguration and Our Lady: some patristic perspec-tives. was delivered to a packed church by the Parish Priest of S.Benet, Kentish Town, Dr Peter Anthony, and we were particularly pleased later in the year to publish his lecture.
Inside S.Mary’s, the statue of the Sacred Heart was restored and re-painted, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor and we were delighted that Bishop Martyn Jarrett agreed to re-dedicate it on the feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Thanks to the initiative of a small group within the congregation, the pews were re-polished, the floors subjected to a deep
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clean and re-polish, and the windows all cleaned.
The necessary remedial works to the South Porch identified by the 2014 Quinquennial were programmed for execution during the Spring of 2016 and significant efforts were made during 2015 in fund-raising aimed at defraying at least a proportion of those not insignificant costs. Pending that work, the arch of the Porch has been encased in protec-tive netting in order to ensure that those using the South Door are not thus placed in harm’s way.
The week-by-week care of our Church, the execution of her Liturgy and the fellowship we enjoy together would be impossible without the stewardship of time and talents which so many of our number offer on such a regular basis. We thank each and every one of them for all their efforts during 2015.
Another group we must thank is the retired Clergy, the Shrine Clergy and other local priests who give so selflessly of their time in order to support our Parish Priest in so many ways. In particular, mention should be made of the Lenten series of homilies given by our retired priests and the most rewarding Lent Course on images in art of the Crucifixion, given by Dr Allan Barton.
Finally, of course we must thank Fr Andrew Mitcham for his tireless ministry to the peo-ple of God at S. Mary’s and throughout this benefice, as well as to the countless streams of pilgrims, so many of whom continue to see a visit to S. Mary’s as a vital and integral part of their pilgrimage to this holy place.
Judith Gallagher and Stephen Parkinson Churchwardens
S. GILES HOUGHTON ANNUAL REPORT We have a Sunday congregation of around 16 plus many visitors, many of whom return year after year; we feel we are a very happy family.
We are grateful to Father Andrew that there is a regular Wednesday morning service and to Father Parry for being with us most Sundays.
Graham Howard is our regular organist with Gillian Lee stepping in if Graham is away. At the moment the organ is out of action but we are lucky to have the use of Peter Dixon’s clavinova. Until the work on the roof has been completed and paid for the fate of the organ and its possible replacement is on hold. The same is true for the future of the bells, which we have been told are unsafe to be rung.
After many years as a server Stanley Smith was thanked on his retirement and given a pew cushion to show our gratitude.
We hosted the harvest Lunch this year which was enjoyed by about 70 people. The pro-ceeds, £614.17, were donated to Christian Aid in December because at that time the Gov- vernment matched the donation pound for pound.
There were three baptisms this year. The Christmas carol Service was one of the best at-tended for many years with people overflowing into the choir stalls.
We are grateful to the family at the Parsonage for clearing the old part of the churchyard and for rebuilding the ends of the wall.
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SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND ADULTS The Diocesan Guidelines called Safe Haven are there to protect Children and Young People entrusted to us for care and nurture. There are also Guidelines on how to safeguard Vulner-able Adult, be they either visitors to our community or members within our community. Just as Jesus showed compassion to those in 1st Century Palestine, so we, as Christians, have a responsibility to protect the vulnerable, whether adults or children. It is a fact that we all become vulnerable at some point in life, and should honour everyone regardless of age, capa-bilities, gender or ethnicity. As a PCC we annually renew our policy documents, as recommended by the Diocese and a copy of these are posted on the noticeboards in each of our churches within the benefice. Updates on these safeguarding matters are sent to me from the Diocese. Full copies of these Guidelines are available on the Diocesan Website. Hard copies of these are available in the Parish Office. Any issues or concerns should be directed to myself as the current Named Person.
Sue Kimbley TREASURER’S REPORT
2015 has been a year of mixed fortunes for the three churches, with each of our underlying positions defined to an enormous extent by the fact that we saw an increase of no less than 12.73% in the Parish Share when compared with 2014. Given that Consumer Price Inflation over the twelve months to December 2015 stood at 0.2%, we should applaud the fact that, yet again, we paid our Parish Share in full, and on time. Across the board, weekly and monthly giving has increased, thanks both to the regular mem-bers of our congregations and to our visitors, especially the pilgrims. But of course expendi-ture has likewise continued to increase and unforeseen necessary expense is often difficult to avoid or postpone. General Fund losses at St Peter’s and at St Mary’s must be a cause for regret, whilst a surplus on that Fund at St Giles must be an encouragement. The very healthy Designated Fund surplus at St Giles is of course already spoken for in terms of roof works, just as the surplus on the St Mary Fabric Fund will soon be utilised to help defray the cost of repair works to the South Porch. It thus remains the case that it is incumbent upon each of us prayerfully to keep our giving under review in the light of changes in our respective incomes. Likewise, when opportunities arise to review our testamentary dispositions, it is to be hoped that we will consider whether we might be able to assist those who will follow us with, per-haps, a modest bequest to our parish. On a brighter note, it is only fair to report that the increase in Parish Share over the course of 2016 will amount to just 1.12% - although of course this rate remains considerably more than the prevailing rate of inflation. However, provided we corporately maintain our present level of generosity, this may permit each of the churches to move towards modest surpluses over the coming months. Ann Fletcher and Brian Landale join me in thanking each of you for your generosity over the past year and in looking forward to your continued support in the year ahead.
Stephen Parkinson
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DONATIONS TO CHARITY
S. Giles S. Peter S. Mary – Joint Projects
Lent Project: Breadline Africa £1,367.64
Lent Lunches 450.80 Lent Talents 916.84 1,367.64
Disasters Emergency Committee - Nepal Earthquake £439.18
Harvest Lunch: Christian Aid £594.17
S. Giles Norfolk Churches Trust 10.00 Norfolk Churches Trust – Sponsored Cycle Ride 223.00 Children’s Society 124.28 £357.28 S. Mary Friends of Norwich Cathedral 20.00 Norfolk Churches Trust 10.00 Forward in Faith 50.00 £80.00
S. Peter Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 200.00 Norfolk Churches Trust 20.00 £220.00
Grand Total £3,058.27
FUND RAISING
S Mary-General Fund Gresham’s Concert 229.25 South Porch Stall (includes gifts in memory of Delphine Hall) 2,231.30 £2,460.55
S Mary-Fabric Fund ‘Book of Fire’ sales 380.00 Fund Raising Events 1,180.70 £1,560.70 S. Giles-Designated Fund Lunch 2,182.00 Norfolk Churches Trust Cycle Ride 141.00 Easy Fundraising 53.40 £2,376.40 Grand Total £6,397.65
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It has been a good year and we thank Father Andrew and all who help in so many ways.
Cara Ross and Ann Fletcher Churchwardens
S. PETER’S GREAT WALSINGHAM ANNUAL REPORT As usual our thanks go to the large number of people who contribute in so many ways to the life at St Peter’s. The church is always clean with beautiful flowers and welcoming whether to our regular congregation and or visitors.
Our finances give some course for concern. Peoples’ generosity brings in increasing income but sadly the expenses are rising at a greater rate, especially monies paid to the Diocese in the form of the “share”. We need to encourage people to be generous towards our church and do a more fundraising to even things out.
James Woodhouse & Brian Landale Churchwardens
WALSINGHAM MOTHERS UNION Walsingham Mothers Union celebrated it’s Centenary Year in 2011 and a Feast was held in the Parish Hall to commemorate the occasion. A Prayer Leaflet was produced, composed of prayers written by M.U. members which is still available and can be purchased from the back of St. Mary’s Church for £1.00. All profit goes to support the work of Mothers Union overseas. Over many decades M.U. meetings have taken place on the third Tuesday of every month, beginning with the Eucharist in St. Mary’s Church at 11am, followed by Branch Meeting, Lunch, Bring and Buy Sale, and finally a Guest Speaker. There have been a great variety of topics and we are most grateful to all our Speakers who have given up their time. One of the highlights of 2015 was the Mothers Union Festival Service held in Norwich Ca-thedral in October. A truly splendid sight as Banners carried by a representatives from Branches all over the County processed around the Cathedral. It was encouraging to see such a large body of our members in one place. We were also reminded of the work of the Mothers Union that takes place not only in this country but throughout the whole World both in prayer and in action. The pub lunch we had on the way home was a fine reason to celebrate. Locally M.U. members are involved with various aspects with the children in Walsingham Church of England Primary School and this is a joy to be part of. The Winter Lunches have proved extremely popular and we are already looking ahead to the coming year. We support an organisation which provides refuge centres for mothers and children who have suffered abuse. A meeting is arranged and one or two of our members hand over a parcel, usually a sweetie bag for Mothering Sunday. We are delighted to be having a Representative from the Charity to speak to us at one of our monthly meetings in 2016. 2016 will be a time of change for Walsingham Mothers’ Union. After serving six years I have reached the end of my term as Branch Leader and must stand down, as will our Secre-tary Jo Thompson. It has been agreed by the members that we wish to continue to support and be a part of this World Wide organisation of The Church of England, so as there is no one able to take on the role of Branch Leader we will form a small committee to organise events and Sue Kimbley has accepted the role of “Corresponding Member” as contact with Headquarters at Mary Sumner House.
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So, as the saying goes it’s “Onward and Upwards” and we look forward to future events in 2016.
.Susan Poole CHRISTIAN AID ‘Every 60 seconds Malaria kills another child –Malaria is a killer disease that claims the life of a child every minute in Africa’. I took over as CA co-ordinator from Pam Miller in June of this year. A Gala Lunch held at Barsham & Houghton Village Hall in the summer raised £614.19 which, given during De-cember meant the government matched this amount making a total of £1,228.38. In Novem-ber the CA co-ordinator: Julian Bryant, came talk to our local Deanery Synod meeting to which, all interested or involved with CA were invited. His talk was very interesting and enlightening. In spite of the economic situation Walsingham branch raised £765.58 excluding gift aid in 2015 and Wells & Walsingham Group raised £2618.63 including Gift Aid I look forward to CA week next year when I hope to become more involved with distributing and collecting envelopes.
Lynette Sutton BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP Bible Reading Fellowship provides the opportunity to study the scriptures on a daily basis. NEW DAYLIGHT covers a varied selection of Old and New Testament biblical themes, of-fering a short daily bible passage, plus thought-provoking comment and prayer or point of reflection. Also included is BRF magazine with articles and book extracts. New Daylight can also be obtained in other formats : Large print, Braille and on cassette for the visually im-paired. GUIDELINES offers in-depth study and comment, covering biblical books and themes. The daily readings are arranged in weekly sections, each including an introduction and points for thought and prayer. If you wish to become part of our Parish group please contact Susan Poole ~
Telephone : 01328 820717
SAINT MARY’S BOOKSTALL Just under £1000 was quite good in sales, but I did notice throughout the year that sales were slow. Pilgrims are our main customers and numbers have reduced. The last order for goods was delayed, by the time of delivery the pilgrim season had ended A reprint of the Organ Leaflet was needed, and the copy of the 2015 Assumptiontide Lecture was not received until December which contained colour photographs that we could not re-produce ourselves which caused an increase in expenditure.
Income £990.10 Payments £447.51 Profit £542.59
Kathleen Lovatt
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THE PILGRIM FEDERATION OF CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOLS As I write this report at the beginning of January, I am still remembering the Christmas events that took place in the federation schools. I can honestly say all the children partici-pated with enthusiasm, spoke their parts clearly, acted well and sang beautifully. Now it is a new term and a new year and everybody has returned eager to learn and work.
In my last report, I had mentioned the Federation Foundation Day to be held on 24th April so I will begin this year’s report there. The day began at the Slipper Chapel where all four schools met in their year groups. After a brief service, the children began their pilgrim walk to the Shrine, except for the youngest children who were transported in the minibus to the end of the track to join in the walk through Walsingham. After a break for drinks, the pu-pils spent the remainder of the morning, in groups, being shown round the Shrine and the Abbey Grounds, learning about the history of pilgrimage and collecting mementos on their way as pilgrims do. It was a beautiful day, so packed lunches were eaten on the lawns in the Shrine grounds. After lunch, everybody walked to St Mary’s for a very special service with readings, prayers, acting and singing which raised the roof!
We have continued to have many visitors to Walsingham, including Local Authority advi-sors, Diocesan advisors, headteachers and teachers. There have been various activities in-volving language, maths, science and sport at the schools in the Federation and Alderman Peel High School, who also hold transition days for Yr 6.
An important part of school life is going out into the local, and not so local, environment. There have been many visits made during the year with new and interesting experiences for the children. They listened to and watched the BBC Orchestra at a concert in King’s Lynn, discovered Bewilderwood and Amazona Zoo, enjoyed the Circus at Great Yarmouth and visited Wells Harbour Day, Walsingham Farm Shop, Tesco’s Farm Food Tour and sang carols at Morrisons.
Every week, there is an Assembly held to celebrate children’s success to which parents are invited. During the year, Celebration of Learning afternoons take place so parents are able to come into school and see the work that has been achieved. Walking into the entrance hall, I always find interesting, colourful displays, a welcoming atmosphere and much evi-dence of it being a church school. The children are always polite and speak confidently.
In June, the Federation held an Art Exhibition in Salthouse Church. There was a fantastic display of a variety of children’s art work. It demonstrated what talented children we have, especially when you read the pieces that were written to go with each exhibit.
There have been plenty of opportunities for the children, staff, parents and governors of the Federation to meet for social occasions including Sports Days, Fetes, Bingo or Quiz eve-nings not forgetting the annual Firework display. In addition there are Harvest, Mothering Day and Christingle services to which everybody is welcome.
Finally, I have only praise for Miss Dolan and her staff who ensure commitment, quality education and irresistible learning for all pupils in the Federation.
Maureen Howard Vice-Chair of Governors
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