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Paul Hardingham continues his new series.
What’s the Big Idea? An Introduction to the Books of the Old Testament:
1 and 2 Samuel.
1 and 2 Samuel was originally a single work, which focuses on Samuel, Saul and David, around 1,000 BC, mid-way between Abraham and Jesus. It was Samuel who established the monarchy in Israel after the period of the judges. He was commanded by God to give the people a king, although their request is seen as a rejection of God’s rule over Israel (8:7).
The people simply wanted to be like other nations, however their king was still subject to God’s law and the word of the prophet. Although Samuel anointed Saul, he soon showed an unwillingness to submit to these requirements, leading to his rejection as king (15:23). God chose David as Saul’s successor, and 1 Samuel depicts David’s years of waiting until the right time arrived to claim the throne.
2 Samuel depicts David’s rule, in which the nation prospers and its enemies are defeated. The promise of the perfect king is fulfilled in Jesus Himself, as David’s descendant. The second half of the book depicts the darker side of David’s reign, describing his weaknesses and failures, including his adultery with Bathsheba and the rebellion of his son Absalom.
Nevertheless, David remained a man after God’s own heart: ‘The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’ (1 Samuel 16:7). The characters in this book are not always great examples of faith, however, ‘They do not show us how we should live but how in fact we do live, authenticating the reality of our daily experience as the stuff that God uses to work his purposes of salvation in us and in the world.’ (Eugene Peterson).
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Prospect of winter energy bills causing anxiety for millions, says Archbishop of York
Millions are looking ahead to this winter with ‘fear and anxiety’ about the cost of heating their homes, the Archbishop of York has said as he backed the recent launch of a campaign to provide a network of warm spaces for people who struggle to pay their energy bills.
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell is encouraging churches to consider getting involved in the Warm Welcome campaign, a network of venues from community centres to churches providing warm spaces over the winter for people struggling to heat their homes
.
Archbishop Stephen said: “Sadly, what began as a cost-of-living crisis has simply become the new normal for many.
“Millions of people will look ahead to this winter with fear and anxiety, wondering how they are going to cope with high living costs. That is why I am proud to endorse the Warm Welcome campaign this winter.
“But a warm welcome isn’t only about the temperature. It is about kindness and community, giving people the chance to be seen and known, to belong and to be part of something. It is about celebrating the God-given value and dignity of every single person, finding hope and community together. But of course, none of that will happen if people are cold.”
The Warm Welcome campaign is led by a coalition of over 50 charitable organisations who joined together in response to the cost of living crisis to provide emergency support to communities struggling to pay for rising food costs and to heat their homes.
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The mysterious ways of mistletoe
Mistletoe has long been used as part of our Christmas decorations. It is not your usual kind of plant.
Instead, it is hemiparasitic, meaning that although its leaves enable it to feed itself through photosynthesis, its roots invade the host tree or shrub to extract water and other nutrients
.
Mistletoe loves living in apple, lime, hawthorn, poplar or oak trees. You may spot it high up, as a large globe, on the bare trees in winter. There is one spectacular example in Windsor Great Park, clearly visible from the path on the opposite side of the Thames
.
Mistletoe’s berries are almost translucent, fleshy and sticky. They form in the forks of mistletoe’s many branches. While they are toxic to humans, they are attractive to birds, who wipe the remaining seeds off their beaks onto the nearest branch, which of course helps the plant to spread.
For some reason, Romans thought mistletoe represented Peace, Love and Understanding. Perhaps that is how it got into our Christmas celebrations? The earliest documentary evidence for kissing under mistletoe dates from the 16th century, but we don’t know who got kissed first.
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Doctor Livingstone, I presume?
It was 150 years ago, on 10th November 1871, that Welsh journalist and explorer Henry Morton Stanley located the missing missionary Dr David Livingstone near Lake Tanganyika, in present-day Tanzania. He may or may not have greeted him with the words: “Doctor Livingstone, I presume?”
Stanley’s real name was John Rowlands. He was born in Denbigh to an unmarried 18-year-old who abandoned him. He ended up in a workhouse until he was 15, then went to America, where he changed his name and became an American citizen. When he found Livingstone, he was working for the New York Herald.
Known for his strength of will, Stanley also had an African name – Bula Matari – Breaker of Rocks. Much of his life was spent in Central Africa, and his reputation was mixed: he was said by some to be violent toward Africans, but by others to have treated them well. His feats as an explorer were impressive: he played a big part in locating the true source of both the Nile and the Congo, and he helped open up the Congo on behalf of King Leopold of Belgium.
Though not overtly religious, he felt he was engaged in a “sacred task”. He was re-naturalised a British subject in 1892, following his marriage.
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All in the month of March
It was:
300 years ago, on 8th March 1723 that Sir Christopher Wren, English architect, died. Best known for designing St Paul’s Cathedral.
125 years ago, on 16th March 1898 that Aubrey Beardsley, British illustrator, died. His black ink drawings, influenced by Japanese woodcuts, contributed to the development of Art Nouveau.
100 years ago, on 4th March 1923 that Patrick Moore, the amateur astronomer, TV presenter, writer and musician was born. Best known for presenting the TV astronomy show The Sky at Night for over 50 years. (Died 2012)
80 years ago, on 13th March 1943 that the final liquidation of Krakow Ghetto in Poland took place. 8,000 Jews were transported to Plaszow labour camp, 2000 more were simply killed in the streets, and the rest were sent to Auschwitz.
70 years ago, on 19th March 1953 that the Academy Awards ceremony (the Oscars) were televised for the first time.
Also 70 years ago, on 26th March 1953 that Dr Jonas Salk announced that he had completed the first small-scale test of a polio vaccine. Larger tests began in February 1954, and mass vaccinations began in April 1955.
65 years ago, on 2nd March 1958 that the first land crossing of Antarctica was completed by the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition, led by Vivian Fuchs. The team of 12 men travelled 2,158 miles from Shackleton Base to Scott Base (via the South Pole) in 99 days, using six vehicles.
60 years ago, on 22nd March 1963 that the British Secretary of State for War, John Profumo, made a statement in the House of Commons in which he denied there was any impropriety in his relationship with Christine Keeler, a model who was also in a sexual relationship with a drug dealer and a Soviet naval attaché. (In June he admitted he had lied, and resigned.)
50 years ago, on 8th March 1973 that the citizens of Northern Ireland voted in a referendum to remain within the United Kingdom. That same day the IRA carried out its first bombing in Britain since WWII, planting car bombs in London. One person died, 200 were injured.
40 years ago, on 6th March 1983 that Donald Maclean, British-born Soviet spy died. He was a member of the Cambridge Spy Ring.
Also 40 years ago, on 26th March 1983, that Anthony Blunt, British art historian and Soviet spy, died.
25 years ago, on 16th March 1998 that Rwanda began mass trials for the country’s 1994 genocide. There were 125,000 suspects for 500,000 murders.
20 years ago, on 1st March 2003 that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the al-Qaeda terrorist who masterminded the 9/11 attacks on the USA, was captured in Pakistan.
Also 20 years ago, on 12th March 2003 that the World Health Organisation issued a global alert about a severe form of pneumonia (now known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – SARS) that was affecting people in China, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
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Isherwood Hall. (The original hall)
Tables and chairs are available.
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Year 2025 AGM Reports For AGM held on 9th May 2026
ST MARY’S, WEST ACKLAM IN THE DEANERY OF MIDDLESBROUGH
Vestry Meeting
1. The meeting was opened by Rev. Norma Rao with prayers
She welcomed 21 church members to the meeting and advised that only members on the
Electoral Roll were eligible to vote at either meeting
2. Apologies: Four
3. The minutes of the meeting held on April 28th, 2024, had been circulated prior to the meeting
and had been available on the church website. Margaret Morrell proposed to accept the
minutes as a true record, seconded by Julie Foley agreed unanimously.
4. There were no matters arising.
5. Nomination forms for the post of Churchwardens had been on the church notice board and also available online via the Secretary.
No nominations had been received, Therefore the Vicar advised there will be two vacancies
for the posts of Churchwardens. She thanked Robert Willis for his work as Acting Church Warden throughout the year.
6. The meeting closed at 11.20am.
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting
1 Rev Norma Rao advised that the minutes of the APCM on 28th April 2024 had been
circulated prior to the meeting. Jean Woodward proposed to accept the minutes as a
true record, seconded by Jill Carr. The minutes were accepted unanimously
2 There were no matters arising.
3 In lieu of a Church Warden's Report Robert Willis had provided a report on the Church
Building and its grounds.
The Terrier and Logbook have been kept up to date and are available for inspection.
4 The Treasurer's report, together with the PCC accounts, were accepted as a true record.
Proposed by Barry Lomas and seconded by Wyn Hirst. Agreed unanimously.
Julie Foley advised that the money raised from the sale of the Church Hall had been put into
an investment account to accrue interest. Julie was thanked for all her work in her first year as
Treasurer.
The delay in getting release of our money was explained by the Secretary being as a result of
The Charity Commission asking so many questions about how we would use the money in an
appropriate manner within their rules,
Colin Shaughnessy was thanked for all his work as our Auditor.
5 The Secretary’s report on The Parochial Church Council, The Safeguarding report,
The Gift Aid report, The Electoral Roll Officer's report, The Deanery Synod report and
various reports by the Church Organisations were accepted as a true record. Proposed by
Tony Carr and seconded by Margaret Morrell. Agreed unanimously.
6 Vicar’s remarks:
She reminded the meeting once again that we urgently still need a lay person to take over
from her as Safeguarding Officer, for which regular training is provided by the Diocese.
She had not been advised of any issues but asked the congregation to stay vigilant and
discuss any issues with her so she could ask the Diocese for help. She reminded everyone
who might give lifts to people to services or events that the persons getting lifts must sign a
consent form so we are covered by insurance.
She also expressed concern at the falling numbers at Church services, fewer weddings and
Difficulty in getting Baptism families to attend meetings prior to a Baptism, but thanked
Margaret Morrell for her help with the Baptism services
.
She hoped that there would be more interest shown in Bible classes and other study
meetings this year.
The Vicar explained that it is the 180th Anniversary of the Nicene Creed and The Church of
England booklets of prayer had been available for the congregation to read
Pastoral Care: The Vicar reported that home communicants have risen as people are not
well enough to attend Church and thanked Margaret Morrell, who visits and helps a number
of our congregation with shopping etc. She pointed out that the faith of those not well helps
keep them positive to cope with pain and other problems. She asked us all to pray to help
those around us who need God’s help.
The Agape meals in Lent have been a success, and she also thanked Lynn Hunter for
making cards at Easter and Christmas and to those who delivered them.
The Choir: It was pointed out that with no Evensong on a Sunday and no rehearsals during
the week that any new hymns should be issued to choir members by email.
Electoral Roll: It was noted that numbers have fallen with only 65 people now on the roll.
Please contact Margaret Dabbs if your name is not shown, The Vicar thanked Margaret for
all her work in keeping the roll up to date.
Parish Magazine: The Vicar thanked Pauline Simpson and Bob Willis for all their hard work
each month producing the Magazine “online”
Bible Study: The Vicar thanked Hillary Longstaff for her help in organising the weekly study
“online” and appealed for more people to join.
Prayer Chain: The Vicar thanked those who issue weekly prayers and stated more people
outside the congregation are wanting to be put on the chain than those within church but it
continues to have an important role.
7 Two nominations had been received for the five lay representatives to the PCC from Jenny
Lomas and Jean Woodward and they were both duly elected.
This still leaves three vacancies.
8 The position of Independent Examiner had received one nomination, Colin Shaughnessy
He was proposed to be accepted by Barry Lomas and seconded by Brian Livingstone.
Approved unanimously. The Vicar gave a vote of thanks to Colin for his services as
Examiner.
9 Announcements: None
10 Any other business
Barry Lomas expressed his thanks to all those who had been involved in the disposal of the
Church Hall starting with David Dorman-Smith and Brian Livingstone to eventually get
release of the money from The Charity Commission. Margaret Morrell for selling a number
of items from the Hall. Bob Willis and Pauline Simpson for their paper chase trying to
find the Hall deeds and to Colin Stockwell and Colin Shaughnessy for their help with finances
and Legal Aid, and all other PCC members’ work which he hoped would all contribute
to help move our church forward.
The Vicar closed the meeting at 12.10 hours.
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Public Worship and Pastoral Care Report for the Annual General Meeting 2026
Public Worship
The pattern of public worship at St Mary’s Parish Church is that there are three forms on Sundays, namely:
• 9am, Holy Communion (BCP), attendance 4-8;
• 10am, Parish Communion (CW), which is sung Eucharist with choir members 4-5, attendance 28-32;
• and Evening Prayer, attendance: 4. Jack and Julia play the organ at the 10am Parish Eucharist.
• There is a weekday Communion on Tuesday, attendance: 3 (A new lady has joined since February).
Occasional Offices
There are less requirements for all occasional offices. There have been 9 baptisms, half a dozen funerals, and two weddings.
The weekly Vestry Hour, which is a stated hour for parishioners to make baptism or wedding bookings, is always held on Sunday between 5 to 6pm, except fifth Sunday of the month.
A half an hour baptism preparation for parents and godparents takes place before the baptism.
Festival and special day celebrations
Christmas services are well-established at St Mary’s. The simplified Christmas Carol service, like last year took place in the afternoon on the 4th Advent Sunday. The Christingle service again was well attended – more adults than children at this service.
The Lent season began with the Ash Wednesday imposition of ashes and Eucharist. Easter celebration follows the pattern of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday washing feet and stripping of the altar, whilst Good Friday includes the Stations of the Cross, and the Good Friday Liturgy. The services in holy week were poorly attended. The Sunrise service on Easter Sunday morning was cancelled due to the weather situation.
We celebrate Harvest, Remembrance, Dedication, and annual Memorial service, and Acklam Old Boys Remembrance service.
In preparation of Christmas and Easter, there is always an Advent and Lent study, which normally follows the course authorised by the archbishops. During the Lent season, three Agape meals (Wednesday lunch time) are held in church. Thanks to those who made soups, Agape loaves, and to all who attended.
Seasonal reading/prayer booklets from the Church of England publication have always been made ready for the congregation.
Home Communions
There are 6 home Communions, either weekly or fortnightly.
Parish Prayer
A parish prayer is taking place monthly. This is a time when we meditate on the scriptures, pray for the world, church, our own church of St Mary’s and ourselves. We followed the Church of England’s seasonal prayer and meditation plan, with Advent/Christmas and Lent reflection booklets for the congregation’s personal prayers.
Generous Giving service
A planned generous giving service was planned in November in which we invited Phil McBride to preach. Due to his illness, the service had to be cancelled.
Confirmations
Three people confirmed on December 14th, 2025. The candidates had individual tailored confirmation preparations.
Pastoral Ministry
Apart from regular Home Communion visits, the Vicar visits congregation who no longer able to attend church worship and pursues activities from time to time.
There is a regular Lunch-out, to offer opportunities for congregation to meet and chat together, and a pre- Christmas lunch, as well as a Harvest lunch for all.
Christmas and Easter Cards have been sent to the congregation who are no longer able to attend church services. Many thanks to Lynn who made all the cards.
Up to date, a house blessing is required from a parishioner.
Rev Norma Rao
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Safeguarding Report for the Annual General Meeting 2026
Safeguarding Policy: St Mary’s Parish Church follows the diocesan safeguarding guidance; having adopted the diocesan safeguarding policy, we strive to safeguard the wellbeing of everyone with whom we come into contact.
- Safeguarding has been an item at every PCC meeting; any concerns raised there have been detailed, discussed and addressed accordingly;
- Training: the diocese requires all members of the PCC to have undertaken safeguarding training (all of which can be done online); and all members of the PCC are up to date, and have received training certificates.
- I, as the parish incumbent and safeguarding officer, have taken all the required safeguarding training online, and also attended three diocesan safeguarding week online sessions.
- All members of the PCC’s DBS are in date.
- Risk Assessments have been made within the plan of any Church event.
- The ‘Passenger consent’, i.e. to be transported in private cars on behalf of PCC, are updated every twelve months. Due to increasing frailty, the church stopped offering lifts for two of the congregation.
- The health and safety policy and lone working policy are now in place.
- The consent forms for giving lifts using Private cars have all been renewed.
- The ongoing safeguarding issue of one person is continuously communicated with the PSO.
- No other safeguarding concerns have been reported to PCC.
- Work closely with the incumbent to advice within the parish on all safeguarding matters relating to children, young people and vulnerable adults;
- Receive, with the incumbent, any concerns about children or adults in the parish and make sure that proper advice is sought and proper referrals are made;
- Report all matters relating to concerns and allegations of abuse against church officers, in liaison with the incumbent, to the diocesan safeguarding adviser who will liaise with the statutory agencies, as required. Concerns about the incumbent should be raised directly with the DSA;
- Ensure that any ex-offenders with offences against children or vulnerable adults known to be in the church community are notified to the diocesan safeguarding adviser and contribute to managing Safeguarding Agreements; Promote safer practices in all activities and make any recommendations required taking into account the particular arrangements of the parish;
- Seek to ensure that Safer Recruitment practice is followed, with the support of diocese.
- Attend diocesan safeguarding training at least every three years;
- Maintain safeguarding records;
- Complete national, diocesan and parish safeguarding self-assessments as required;
- Contribute to the annual review of parish safeguarding arrangements;
- The PSO should regularly report on safeguarding in the parish. Safeguarding should be a standing agenda item at each PCC meeting. At the APCM the PCC will provide an annual report in relation to safeguarding, (see paragraph 2.3 above).
- Being the Children’s and /or Vulnerable Adult Advocate (see below);
- Being the DBS Administrator (see below);
- Supporting other church officers who work with children or vulnerable adults;
- Providing or arranging provision of safeguarding training for parish workers (both volunteers and paid staff). Preferably the PSO should be someone who is a lay person, has good pastoral and organisational skills and experience of working with children/young people or vulnerable adults, although not always currently involved in such work in the parish. They should not be the incumbent or his or her partner. Please see Appendix 8 [in the official; document] for a model role description. The level of the resource will be dependent on the size and complexity of the parish.
Safeguarding is an essential and necessary part of parochial ministry. It requires a parish safeguarding officer (PSO) who is responsible for all safeguarding issues that arise in the parish. The PSO is ordinarily someone other than the incumbent, and ideally a lay person. If there were safeguarding issues concerning the incumbent, the PSO should be someone whom people could address directly about the matter. I have been the Parish Safeguarding Office since October 2021. The Church is in need of someone take over the role from me.
AS IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A LAY PERSON AS THE PSO,
PLEASE CONSIDER SERIOUSLY WHETHER YOU OR ANYONE WHOM YOU KNOW WOULD CARE TO ASSUME THE ROLE.
Each Parish Safeguarding Officer’s (PSO) role is to:
- Work closely with the incumbent to advice within the parish on all safeguarding matters relating to children, young people and vulnerable adults;
- Receive, with the incumbent, any concerns about children or adults in the parish and make sure that proper advice is sought and proper referrals are made;
- Report all matters relating to concerns and allegations of abuse against church officers, in liaison with the incumbent, to the diocesan safeguarding adviser who will liaise with the statutory agencies, as required. Concerns about the incumbent should be raised directly with the DSA;
- Ensure that any ex-offenders with offences against children or vulnerable adults known to be in the church community are notified to the diocesan safeguarding adviser and contribute to managing Safeguarding Agreements; Promote safer practices in all activities and make any recommendations required taking into account the particular arrangements of the parish;
- Seek to ensure that Safer Recruitment practice is followed, with the support of diocese.
- Attend diocesan safeguarding training at least every three years;
- Maintain safeguarding records;
- Complete national, diocesan and parish safeguarding self-assessments as required;
- Contribute to the annual review of parish safeguarding arrangements;
- The PSO should regularly report on safeguarding in the parish. Safeguarding should be a standing agenda item at each PCC meeting. At the APCM the PCC will provide an annual report in relation to safeguarding, (see paragraph 2.3 above).
- Being the Children’s and /or Vulnerable Adult Advocate (see below);
- Being the DBS Administrator (see below);
- Supporting other church officers who work with children or vulnerable adults;
- Providing or arranging provision of safeguarding training for parish workers (both volunteers and paid staff). Preferably the PSO should be someone who is a lay person, has good pastoral and organisational skills and experience of working with children/young people or vulnerable adults, although not always currently involved in such work in the parish. They should not be the incumbent or his or her partner. Please see Appendix 8 [in the official; document] for a model role description. The level of the resource will be dependent on the size and complexity of the parish.
The PSO may also be responsible for:
These roles often are voluntary but some larger parishes have paid posts. Some parishes have one PSO for children and one for vulnerable adults. If required, in rural parishes, or in group arrangements, arrangements for safeguarding maybe shared whilst remembering that legal responsibilities will continue to rest with the individual parishes.
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In Lieu of Church Warden’s Report - including Fabric, Goods and Ornaments
for Annual General Meeting 9th May 2026
The church has been regularly monitored and any repairs carried out to ensure it is maintained to the best possible standards.
The grounds continue to be maintained by volunteers on a monthly Saturday basis and the grass cut regularly over the summer months by a volunteer for which I am very grateful. The gravestones are checked annually in the Autumn for safety and stability. The heating boilers are serviced annually and a gas safety check is carried out at the same time. PAT testing is carried out annually so that portable electrical equipment is monitored for safety.
The church is cleaned every fortnight by a volunteer, also monthly as part of the Saturday gardening team, All the brass work is cleaned by a volunteer, and I am grateful to all who contribute. The silverware is cleaned regularly after use and remains in good condition. Apart from the white frontal all altar frontals, vestments and linen wear are in good condition. The white frontal is still being monitored but will sometime in the future need to go to a specialist firm for repairs.
Following the 2023 Quinquennial Inspection, all the urgent jobs were completed. The rainwater gulley that runs between the building roofs is in an extremely poor condition. A firm was selected from several quotes and they and the architect working together have come up with a design using stainless steel sheets to give a long-lasting solution to the water proofing of the gulley. It was hoped that work would start in March 2026, depending on the weather. This gulley is the main reason for the interior damp and peeling paintwork at the south side of the choir. It could take up to two years for the wall to dry out properly, then replastering of the affected areas will need to be carried out and finally repainting. Our architect has written a comprehensive list of the required work to renew the gulley and finally a faculty has been obtained to cover this work.
The ‘Terrier’ and ‘Church Logbook’ have been updated as necessary throughout the year.
R. Willis
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Treasurers Report for Annual General Meeting 2026
The church accounts have been prepared and audited, copies are available as required.
We finally received the money for the sale of the church hall in April. The £550,849 has been placed in an investment fund which is restricted to spending on upgrading the church only. As of the 31/12/25 the balance stood at £562,069
We increased our planned giving as stated last year and the PCC has agreed to an 8% increase for 2026 to £37,500. This is as much as the PCC felt we would be able to raise.
Our income for the year has exceeded our outgoings, thanks in main part to some generous donations and excellent fundraising by our fundraising team. Grateful thanks to them all and to everyone who helps with the collecting, counting and banking of the money.
Gift Aid Report
With regard to Gift Aid, all claims for 2025 have been completed including for small donations (i.e.. from the collection plate) and the refunds received. The amounts are shown in the accounts.
The numbers of people giving through the envelope scheme has now dropped to 6 and for the standing order scheme is now 10. Donations under the Parish Giving Scheme (i.e. by Direct Debit) are also shown in the accounts as are refunds paid by HMRC monthly.
Julie Foley
Treasurer
PCC Secretary’s Report for AGM 2026
The year started with 10 members on the Parochial Church Council consisting of the Vicar Rev. Norma Rao, no Church Wardens, 2 elected Deanery Synod representatives, 6 elected members and 1 Co-opted member.
The Council met 10 times during 2025 with Robert Willis as Acting Church Warden.
Our Annual Parochial Church Meeting was held on 11th May 2025 in church with 21 church
members present.
At the first meeting of the new PCC Robert Willis was elected as a Co-opted member.
This left the Council once again to function with a shortfall of 2 Churchwardens and 3 PCC members which puts a lot of pressure on the existing members. A few more of our members coming forward to join the Council would be a great help.
At the first meeting of the new Council the following people were appointed:
Chairperson: Rev, Norma Rao
Vice Chair: Margaret Morrell
Treasurer: Julie Foley
Secretary: Brian Livingstone
Gift Aid Secretary: Julie Foley
Electoral Roll Officer: Margaret Dabbs
Envelope Secretary: Julie Foley
Health & Safety Officer: Robert Willis
Safeguarding Officer: Rev. Norma Rao
It was a relief that PCC resolutions were finally accepted by The Charity Commission and the money from the sale of the Church Hall was released to us on April 7th and this was put into a CCLA investment account. A great amount of time was spent over the remainder of the year getting our plans for building repairs to the roof/gutters and improvements to the access and inside of the Church approved.
The agreement was finally reached in November for a contractor to start in March next year on roof/gutter repairs. Bob Willis in particular has put a lot of time and effort into getting a faculty approved for the repairs and discussions with our Architect.
Safeguarding involved time ensuring elderly members of the congregation are transported to church activities safely, and ensuring the Vicar is not alone in church during Office hour.
Freewill Offerings involved us with meetings to understand the financial situation all parishes have to cope with.
Our Synod reps also worked hard to keep us informed of all aspects involved in our Middlesbrough Deanery.
It was disappointing that a lot of preparation for us to welcome Phil McBride of Cornerstone to visit us to start a Parish Giving Scheme has been deferred to 2026 due to his illness late in November.
Positive events in the year included the Confirmation services in December for two young people and one adult.
Christmas highlights included the well supported Christingle services for Kader and Green Lane Schools and our own Christmas Eve Christingle service. It was also good to see the Midnight Service on Christmas Eve had 42 people attending, mainly from outside our own members.
I would like to express my thanks to those people who raised their reports in advance of PCC meetings which helps reduce the length of meetings, and to Pauline Simpson for all her work involved with Pew sheets and producing the booklet of reports and finances for our APCM.
Brian Livingstone
PCC Secretary
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Parish Magazine, Website and Facebook Report for Annual General Meeting 2026
The magazine continues to be available on the St Mary’s website.
As editors we are still looking after the St Mary’s website, also the entry in the ‘Church Near You’ website and a Facebook page for St Mary’s. These enable us to reach out to those in the parish and those who may not live in the area but want to know about us.
The Facebook page is kept up to date with items of interest and links to Church of England and York Diocese information. It is also quite often used as a first port of call for people wanting information about Baptisms, Weddings etc. as well as various random queries and requests about copies of Marriage or Baptism certificates, information about long lost relatives and gravestones etc.
An up-to-date diary is available on the ‘A Church Near You’ website and we update and amend as required on a weekly basis.
We would also be very grateful for any articles of interest to include in the magazine as we still don’t receive many at all!
Your editors wish you all good reading in the coming months of 2026.
Pauline Simpson – Bob Willis Co-editors
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Music Report for Annual General Meeting 2026
A choir is still present at the 10am service, and numbers have dropped to just four now, this means that in the near future there will be no singers at the 10am service to lead the congregation.
So, it goes without saying that unless we can find at least a couple of sopranos the choir at St Mary’s which has been singing in the stalls since at least 1894, if not before, will disappear.
The remaining members of the choir are to be thanked for their continuing support at all the services during 2025.
Jack Thompson continues to play most Sundays and Julia Armstrong plays at least once a month and fills in when Jack is unavailable. We thank them both for their continuing service to St Mary’s.
CDs are used for the worship songs that are chosen for most Sundays, but if Worship songs are the way forward (?) then a music group is needed to lead them which would have more impact than a CD could ever have. Any volunteers for that??
R Willis
Choir Member
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Deanery Synod Report for the Annual General Meeting 2026
Deanery Synod Report for Annual General Meeting 2026
The three meetings of Synod followed the same format as in previous years. Each started with a time for refreshments and socialising, a short meditation and prayers. Synod members came together for the circulated agenda under the chairmanship of the Area Dean Fr. Glyn Holland and after his retirement in September by the new Area Dean Rev Graham Potter. The lay chair Alistair Bolton remained in post throughout the year.
The first meeting of Synod 2025 met at St. Cuthbert’s Church, Ormesby on Thursday 20th February.
A presentation was given by Rev Robert Opala vicar of St Cuthberts Ormesby who had been in post for only 10 months He had agreed to take on the post as his wife and family had lived in Ormesby. He gave a history of the church and how it successfully faced the demands in 2025.
There was also a report on setting up and running Dementia Friendly Churches
The second meeting met at St Cuthbert's Church, Marton on Wednesday 18th June
The Lay Dean gave a review of the restructuring of the Deanery Leadership Team, revisiting the Deanery plan, the current situation. In order for the Deanery to function efficiently two assistant Area Deans had been appointed. Following his retirement from parish work Rev. Graham Potter had been appointed Deanery Strategy Enabler to investigate the current situation and where Parishes would like to be in 1,3,5,10 years’ time and how this can be achieved.
A tribute and thanks were paid to Fr. Glyn Holland after almost 30 years of service at All Saints Church and latterly as Area Dean on his retirement.
The final meeting of the year took place at St Cuthbert's Church, Ormesby on Thursday 16th October.
There were two presentations the first was by Rev Lisa Opala, Hospital Chaplain. She explained the work of the chaplaincy team which covers JCUH, Friarage Hospital Northallerton, Redcar Primary Care Hospital, Brotton Hospital and the Friarage Hospital Richmond. There are 6 chaplains each of a different denomination who have a rota covering 24/7 365days of the year. She explained her personal roll was not to provide easy answers but to walk alongside so no one suffers alone as God is always nearby.
The second presentation was by Mr. Johnny Hedges from Blank Canvas -a Christian charity in Redcar, who work with other volunteers of all ages on a learning journey with young people of all denominations or without faith. The Area Dean asked if such a charity could be spread throughout the Deanery?
It was reported that there are still 5 Parishes within the Deanery who are without an incumbent but to date the Deanery has not been asked to reduce the number of incumbents in the area. How we attract clergy to move into the area must be addressed.
At most meetings reports were presented by Martin Bailey the Deanery Financial Officer, the General Synod by Dr Neill Burgess and The Diocesan Synod by Catherine Button.
More detailed information about Deanery Synod is available in the Parish Minutes Book and questions can be answered by the Deanery Representatives, Jill Carr or Margaret Morrell.
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Electoral Roll Report for Annual General Meeting 2026
There are now 65 names on the electoral roll, of which
47 live within the parish and 18 live outside the parish boundary.
Margaret Dabbs…..
Electoral Roll Officer
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Prayer Chain Report for Annual General Meeting 2026
The St. Mary’s Prayer Chain has continued to run smoothly through 2025, and the Team has worked well together.
We have received prayer requests from many and varied quarters, both home and abroad.
Hilary Longstaff continues to be involved and we appreciate her support.
Jennifer Davison has now retired from the group and we are open to applications for membership.
I would like to thank all the Team for their support, and to our Lord for His guidance.
Whilst we accept prayer requests we would appreciate updates on individuals in order to keep our prayers relevant.
Margaret Dabbs, Co-ordinator
April 2025
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Annual Report of the Wednesday Work Force for Annual General Meeting 2026
With the continued limited space available the Wednesday Work force successfully held monthly coffee mornings on the second Wednesday of each month except August.
Homemade cakes, books and bespoke cards are sold, together with Margaret’s ever-popular raffle. As a result of the tireless efforts of the volunteers and the generous support of members of the congregation and others, £2,893.79 was raised during the year. It was agreed the proceeds of the May coffee morning should be given to Christian Aid, this amounted to £252.87. It was also decided to increase the admission charge to £2.00 from September to reflect the increased costs involved in running this event.
In 2025, Coffee Mornings remained the main fund raising event hosted by the Church Family at St Mary’s. We hope that WHEN the church is refurbished the Wednesday Work Force will be able to expand their activities, in the meantime thought had been given to maximise the use of space available.
The success in 2025 was only made possible because of the dedication of the volunteers and the support of all the people who came or donated in any way.
Thank you to everyone.
Jill Carr
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Bible Study Group Report for Annual General Meeting 2026
Every Tuesday (during term time) between 7 and about 8 pm, via Zoom – ask the Vicar and she will send you the link.
Our small but dedicated band continues to meet virtually to chat, study and pray together, as we take a closer look at one or more of the Bible passages from the previous Sunday mid-morning service. It's great to meet together, and to share our thoughts on God's word and how we apply it to our lives. Often, we find that even a really familiar verse has something new to say to us.
At the end of each session, we mention concerns that need prayer, and some of the group pray briefly aloud. We have been encouraged by some clear answers to prayer, for which we thank God.
Do join us. No previous Bible knowledge is needed, and you will have a warm welcome.
Hilary Longstaff