St Mary-le-Tower, Ipswich
The Town and Civic Church of Ipswich
Annual Church Reports for 2014
VICAR: Revd Canon Charles Jenkin BSc
18 Kingsfield Avenue, Ipswich. IP1 3TA
Email: Charles@Jenkin.uk.net. Tel: 01473 289001
www.stmaryletower.org.uk
St Mary-le-Tower Ipswich
Annual Reports of Activities 2014
The full financial statements of St Mary-le-Tower
are published separately.
CONTENTS
PAGE
Worship
1
Sunday, Special and Weekday services
Wednesday Communion Fellowship
Lay ministry around worship
Staffing, Admin and Communications
4
Clergy and Lay Ministers, Musicians
Vergers, Weekday Welcomers, Vicarage Office, Inspire
Music at St Mary-le-Tower
6
The Choir, Lunchtime Concerts,
Church Groups
10
Bell ringers, Sanctuary Guild
The Choral Foundation of St Mary-le-Tower
Growing Together
13
Children’s Groups, House groups, Social events
Mission and Outreach
17
Open Church, Serving the Town Centre Community,
Grand Christmas Tree Festival, Tower House Projects
Parochial Church Council
20
Financial Statement
Secretary’s report, Electoral Roll report
Health & Safety, Mission & Outreach Committee
Church Buildings and Contents
26
Relations with the Wider Church
27
Working with Christ Church URC Tacket St,
Christ Church & St Mary-Le-Tower Lunch Club,
Deanery Synod Report, Diocesan Synod
Worship
SUNDAY SERVICES
Four services on a Sunday were offered during term time, three of which
being Choral Services.
Numbers at 8am services are generally between 8 and 20 and so this
service is now regularly held in the Lady Chapel, which is generally
appreciated by regulars. Occasionally this becomes rather crowded when
numbers are higher but this is not regarded as a problem. The fellowship of
the regular 8am congregation has perhaps been made stronger by being
closer together.
Choral Matins and Evensong are regularly offered principally because of the
commitment of members of the choir and choir numbers are nearly always
greater than those in the nave. This is not seen as an issue because in
effect the choir is also part of the congregation and these services are
offered for the glory of God and the joy of the music. There are a few
regulars at these services who are not directly connected with the music and
it is noticeable that these services also regularly attract choir parents.
In the autumn, a trial was given for the monthly evening Communion
services on the first Sunday of the month to be offered as Choral Evensong
and Communion. This was done to simplify the repertoire requirements for
the choir, but it has also proved a popular and successful arrangement. We
have even heard that there is positive discussion in the journal of the Prayer
Book Society about the value of this kind of arrangement. Members of the
congregation have commented that it is a bit like ‘Buy one and get one free!’
Numbers at the 10.30am service have at times been noticeably down in
2014. Although there have been some departures, there have also been
new arrivals, and so it appears that the reduced numbers are mainly due to
less frequent attendance. This is of some concern and attention is being
given in 2015 particularly to the way people are welcomed at this service
and also to the standard of the choral music that is offered on a regular
basis.
SPECIAL AND WEEKDAY SERVIES
There were some real high points during the year especially in regard to
choral services. The choir excelled at Easter and Christmas and also at the
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Orchestral Mass in early July which is offered as part of the IpArt festival.
SMLT hosted the Mayor’s civic service as usual in September.
New short services (less than 20 minutes) of Choral Evening Prayers started
from September on Mondays and Tuesdays at 6.45pm during term time.
These are being offered partly to increase the midweek ‘presence’ of SMLT
in the town centre but also to give the boy and girl choristers additional
experience of singing services on their own, to increase their confidence and
also their appreciation of worship.
These have proved to be delightful short services with a more intimate
spiritual character, adding a significant new dimension to the worship offered
generally by SMLT. They have particularly attracted some choir parents and
a few others too.
Charles Jenkin (Vicar)
WEDNESDAY COMMUNION FELLOWSHIP
It's a cold and wintry morning in mid - January but that is no reason to stop
twenty people sitting down to coffee and biscuits after the Wednesday
Communion service. Our numbers are not increasing and though some of
our regular communicants have been drawing their pensions for 30 years
plus, they certainly don't let the weather deter them.
We do however have a few younger members and some have still to work
for 30 years to become pensionable. Soon we will all be talking about our
holiday plans and experiences but at this time of the year it’s a bit like a
clinic! We are concerned for those who are housebound; the dangers that
winter can bring and sharing some of our disabilities halves their effects
straight off. It is strange to realise the determining effect of the weather on all
of our lives. We know that spring is just around the corner as we see the
bulbs nosing their way up through the earth.
You don't have to 'belong' to come and join us and we are certainly not a
holy club; just come along at 10.30 on a Wednesday morning for Praise,
Worship and Communion. This is a principle weekly service for many who
are dependent on public transport to attend church. We are a key part of the
St. Mary le Tower family.
And many thanks to Charles, Roger and Brian for their ministry throughout
the year and to Steve for always having everything all ready for us each
week.
Bob Tostevin.
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LAY MINISTRY AROUND WORSHIP
There are a number of lay people who regularly assist at Services on
Sunday and Wednesday. Their service and dedication to their roles is much
appreciated.
Altar Servers
Many thanks to Ian Molloy and David Hall who are the regular servers at
8am, and to Bob Tostevin who is the regular server at the Wednesday
10.30am Communion. The very regular commitment of these people is very
much appreciated. Ian and Bob also serve regularly at the evening
communion service and when both are available, incense continues to be
used.
In 2014 serving at the 10.30am Sunday has fallen more and more to the
Elders who have stepped into the breach as we have lost several regular
servers mainly through departures. Of the previous band of servers, only
Chris Fisk remains, and it would be wonderful if one or two more could be
found. One choir parent was approached, who promptly joined the choir
instead! Many thanks to the Elders for stepping up to this task.
Communion Assistants
Lay Elders and Altar Servers assist with Holy Communion administration.
Charles Jenkin (Vicar)
Ministry of Welcome and Refreshments
During 2014 Angela Pantelis handed over the organisation of volunteers to
offer a welcome and provide literature at the Parish Communion Service
every Sunday. We would like to thank Angela for all her hard work over the
years together with Bridget Hanley, both of whom came off the rota during
2014. Elvera Bryant ensures that refreshments are provided and served
after the Parish Communion every Sunday.
Sidesmen
There are a number of people who assist as Sidesmen at each of the regular
Services. They are John Blatchly, Tony Brooke-Carr, Alan Cocker, Richard
Dewar, Nicholas Dowding, Florence Fisher, Phyl Fisk, Sally and Mike
Graham, Peter Gotts, David Hall, Barry Hunt, Ian Lord, Cheryl Mann, Ian
Molloy, Cathy Moss, Barbara Norman, George and Diana Pipe, Douglas
Seaton, Ann and Peter Smith, Stephanie Thurstun. Humphry Adair and
Katrina Lant retired during 2014. Many thanks for their years of service.
Jo Jones (Churchwarden)
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Staffing, Admin and Communications
CLERGY AND LAY MINISTERS
Revd Mary Sokanovic (Associate Priest and St Lawrence Preacher)
continues to make a much valued contribution to the life of SMLT in
particular in the areas of spiritual direction, vocations and pastoral care. Her
full time post as Bishop’s Chaplain is often very demanding and the ministry
she is able to give to SMLT is much appreciated. Towards the end of the
year Mary was able to give significant administrative support in managing
the recruitment process for a new Director of Music.
The contribution of retired clergy to SMLT continues to be a great support
and much valued. During the year Rev’d. Brian Redgers moved away and
but still maintains his links with Ipswich and takes services regularly though
less frequently than before. The more regular load falls on Rev’d. Canon
Roger Pallant and his continued willingness to give flexible help is very much
appreciated.
Many of the Elders also do much valuable pastoral visiting. The Lay Elder
team continues to grow in confidence, with Richard Hanley, Hilary Norman
and Sarah Jenkins all regularly taking the liturgical deacon’s role at 10.30am
services. Along with Iris Barrell and Cathy Moss, the Elders also lead the
intercessions, serve at the altar and minister as Communion Assistants.
MUSICIANS
2014 was a turbulent year in the music department. There were some great
strengths and exciting developments, in choral worship at festivals, in the
partnership of Stephen Bullamore and William Baldry, in the development of
the new girls’ section, and in the new weekday Choral Evening Prayers. In
particular, William continues to develop as an outstanding organist. We are
very fortunate to have his services and it is a source of some pride that he is
one of our own, having been a chorister and organ scholar.
Many thanks also to Lis Rollinson and Donna Joyce as the regular Choir
Assistants, whose quiet care and organisation does so much to support the
life of the choir.
However from the beginning of the year it became increasingly evident that
Stephen Bullamore was not really settling at SMLT as Director of Music and
in October he announced that he had taken another post, at Newark Parish
Church. This was quite a blow to the Music Department, but this was
handled in a thoroughly mature and professional way, enabling everyone to
move on with the minimum of upset. We said a sad farewell to Stephen and
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Eva, and wished them all the best for Stephen’s exciting and demanding
new post.
VERGERS
Steve Harman plays an essential role in supervising the church and the
churchyard when they are open, maintaining good order and cleanliness.
This is a vital part of maintaining a town centre church which is open on a
daily basis. When Steve is off on Mondays and Saturday afternoons, the
new team of Weekday Welcomers continues to work to keep the church
open at these times, lead now by Sarah Jenkins. Very many thanks to all
those who take part in this vital ministry.
Ian Molloy is the relief verger when Steve is on holiday, and his willingness
to take this role is much appreciated. Actually during 2014, Ian has been in
church almost as much as Steve, as he has devoted a huge number of
hours to cleaning the wood carvings throughout the church. Very many
thanks indeed to Ian for his commitment and hard work.
Charles Jenkin
WEEKDAY WELCOMERS
When the verger is off on Mondays and Saturday afternoons, our team of
Welcomers continues to work to keep the church open at these times. They
are Angela Pantelis, Iris Barrell, Barbara Norman, Humphry Adair, Ann and
Peter Smith, Mike and Sally Graham, John and Liz Chapman, David and Liz
Todd, George and Diana Pipe, Alan Cocker, Susan Jenkin, Jo Kidby, Katrina
Lant, Jo Jones, Barry and Pam Hunt, Stafford and Sally Patient.
During the year Donna Joyce, Cathy Moss, Sarah Jenkins, Gordon and
Elvera Bryant came off the rota – many thanks for their years of service and
very many thanks to all those who take part in this vital ministry. Particular
thanks to Ian Molloy for opening and closing the church on Mondays
throughout the year.
Sarah Jenkins
VICARAGE OFFICE
In 2014, a new post of Parish Administrator was established to replace the
previous role of Vicar’s PA. Mrs Donna Joyce took up this role with great
energy and quickly established herself as a vital part of the administration
and communications of SMLT, supporting the clergy, churchwardens and
music department. Her commitment, efficiency, energy and good humour
under pressure are a very real asset to the Tower.
5
In 2014 Donna worked officially for 15 hours a week but in practice put in
much more time than this, only a small amount of which was claimed in
overtime. In 2015 her paid hours were increased to 20 hours per week to
achieve a better balance here. Particular effort has gone into developing a
new website for SMLT and we are grateful for the assistance of Nicholas
Freestone in this matter. Donna also took on the roles of finance and
publicity officer.
Charles Jenkin
INSPIRE
Inspire is our quarterly magazine. It is now in its 8th year of publication. It
was launched for Trinity 2007. As well as being distributed to our
congregation and visitors, it is also sent to some previous members who
have moved away or who are associated with the Tower. We try to include
contact information, group activities, book reviews, recipes, news of the
wider church, puzzles, a children’s page and interesting articles submitted by
readers. Hopefully there are snippets to suit everyone.
Sue Adair
Music at St Mary-le-Tower
THE CHOIR
This text is an edited version of the ‘Music Notes’ published in Inspire during
the year. CJ
The New Year brought new challenges, not least at the pantomime. Despite
the best efforts of assorted parents to manoeuvre me towards the end of a
row and thus in danger of being dragged onto stage, this particular drama
was avoided. At the end of January the Girls' section of the Church Choir
sang Matins for the first time. It has been a real pleasure over the past few
months to hear their voices strengthening and their confidence growing.
February half-term heard the Full Choir in Ely Cathedral, singing Evensong
on the Wednesday. The choristers (and a few parents) enjoyed a workshop
on stained glass in the triforium of the cathedral and even had the
opportunity to design and make their own glass panels. The Churchwardens
and Organists supervised the Choral Scholars on an ascent of the Octagon
– the eight-sided central tower at Ely. Having failed to lose anyone by these
means, the choir sang evensong. The day out was hugely enjoyable for all
involved.
6
February also saw the first of this year's Open Evensongs. On Ash
Wednesday the boys and adults of the choir sang beautifully for a simple but
very moving Eucharist with Ashing. In the middle of the month the young
people of the church gave a concert. A dazzling array of musicianship was
on show, delivered to a generous and appreciative audience. Each
performer (drawn from across the age range) delivered their piece(s) with a
real sense of poise.
As the staff of the SMLT music department, William, Lis, Donna and I spend
much of our time in planning and preparation. We are continually looking
forward to the next service, the next tour, the next festival. There are notes
to be learnt and polished, sheet music to be obtained, cassocks to maintain,
filing to be organised, choristers (and choral scholars and adults) to be
chivvied, persuaded and cajoled; so it is good to take stock every few
months and look back at what has been accomplished.
I was thrilled and delighted with the results of our Grade 5 singing cohort:
Daniel, Jaaziel, Jonathan and Adam: four passes, three with Merit – an
excellent collection. Many congratulations to the four boys who worked hard
to achieve those results.
Holy week and Easter are busy times for any liturgical choir; ours is no
exception. On Palm Sunday we were pleased to offer Stainer's Crucifixion to
a sizeable congregation. It was particularly gratifying that we were able to
offer such a work without recourse to outside soloists; Alan Way and Michael
Haywood-Smith shouldering the majority of the burden with sensitivity, poise
and dignified drama.
The Girls' section and Boys’ section shared the workload of Maundy
Thursday and Good Friday, before combining en masse for three
magnificent services on Easter Morning (there may have been bribery by
bacon roll to encourage attendance at Dawn!). The true splendour of the
Feast was reflected in the choir's singing of Louis Vierne's triumphant Messe
Solennelle, the two organ parts that the composer wrote, skilfully combined
by the dextrous fingers of William Baldry. Shortly after Easter the choir
enjoyed giving a concert in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, raising over
£450.
During the first half of the year we were pleased to welcome new members
into the choir. Truman, Alfreda and Dupé have joined the chorister sections.
Andrew Molloy has joined his daughter in reigniting a family choral tradition;
Humph Adair is also enjoying finding his way around the "back row" having
undertaken so many other roles in the church over the years. On the flip side
of the coin, we wish Christian well as he starts his new life as a boarding
chorister at Christ Church, Oxford.
7
The choir enjoyed a fabulous end of year party in July. Our thanks to Paul
and Claire Willcox for hosting and organising a wonderful barbecue. Elford,
the choir dog named after Queen Anne's favourite singer, was both in his
element and in trouble (again). A lovely end to the summer term.
The start of a new academic year is always exciting for all those involved in
education in any way. For our young people it is a time when they move into
new classes, even new schools. In our church, the launch of midweek
evening choral services was a major landmark. Each Monday and Tuesday
at 6.45pm the Girls' and Boys' sections of the choir respectively file into the
stalls to sing the office. This short service lasts just 20 minutes and provides
an oasis of calm at the end of a busy day.
New smart red leaflets were distributed widely to increase awareness of
opportunities for choristers in order to recruit more young people to sing in
our church. Several thousand of these have been distributed to schools
around the town. The best recruitment tool remains the personal approach: if
you are in contact with a child or the parent of a child who might be
interested in joining the choir, do encourage them to get in touch.
Particular thanks goes to one of our girl choristers, Veronika, who was brave
enough to stand up in front of her whole school and sing for them when I
went into their assembly to talk to them about the choir. In the autumn Ben
and Jaaziel have moved onto the lower parts as Choral Scholars and Alex
continues his singing at Ipswich School. Jasper, Joella and Matilda have
been awarded their Light Blue ribbons and Dan his Dark Blue, and
congratulations are due to Truman who has just received his surplus.
Bass Choral Scholar Matthew Heyburn has gone to Cardiff University to read
Music; we wish him every success in this next stage in his education. We
welcome Aleksander Shilling back into the choir after his successful period
of study. A further new venture this term is the provision of individual singing
lessons for the Choral Scholars. These are being paid for by the Choral
Foundation and will greatly enhance both that which we can offer the
Scholars and their ability to offer music in (and as) worship.
This term we have successfully introduced midweek evening choral services:
a major landmark. Each Monday and Tuesday at 6.45pm the Girls' and Boys'
sections of the choir respectively file into the stalls to sing the office. This
short service lasts just 20 minutes and provides an oasis of calm at the end
of a busy day. They have sung a wide variety of music, gaining in confidence
and proficiency on each successive occasion. In October the choristers gave
a recital for the Church open day. They sang well at this event that saw the
church open and welcoming people all day.
8
Just after half-term, Duruflé's Requiem setting was sung as part of the
church's All Souls Day offering. This is one of the twentieth century's
greatest choral works. To hear our young people engage with it and sing
about such a subject with empathy and understanding was an inspiration.
On a lighter note, the choir have enjoyed providing music for the lighting up
of the town Christmas lights and the Christmas market. Even the pouring
rain (on both occasions) failed to dampen our spirits.
During the Autumn we have welcomed Jake, Zanetta, Thomas, John-Terry
and Alex into the choir. Patrick and Euan have moved onto the lower parts
as Choral Scholars. Jake has gained his surplice; Matilda has passed her
ABRSM Grade 3 exam with Merit, and Lizzie and Poppy have been awarded
their Light Blue ribbons. Joe, one of our tenor Choral Scholars, has gained a
clutch offer at this country's top conservatoires to study the trombone. Adam
and Dan have been appointed as Head Chorister and Gibbs Chorister
respectively.
Eva and I will be leaving Ipswich in the middle of January to head for
pasture's new. I will be taking up a position as Director of Music at Newark
Parish Church, where I will be restarting a choir and building a new music
department. We will leave behind many friends, but pray that the friendships
will continue. I am grateful to all who have supported my work at SMLT,
especially our wonderful organist, William Baldry, our indefatigable Choir
Assistants, Lis Rollinson, and Donna Joyce and our ever-patient and loyal
battery of parents, choristers, choral scholars and choir members.
Stephen Bullamore
LUNCHTIME CONCERTS
This was the 43rd season of Lunchtime Recitals at St Mary-le-Tower, and an
average audience of 77 enjoyed the thirty weekly Tuesday concerts. Many of
that audience attend regularly, and it is a matter of regret that so few
members of our congregation do so. The concerts form an important part of
our outreach mission.
The friendly and almost club like atmosphere at the concerts is in part
generated by the availability of inexpensive and good refreshments. The
efforts of Cathy Moss and her regular helpers contributed 20% to the total
revenue and are a vital aid to maintaining the regular concert tradition.
The audience enjoyed a wide and varied range of classical music from
Tudor times to the present performed by talented professional musicians.
There were 11 organ recitals of mainly church music with the other concerts
performed by vocal and instrumental soloists, duos and small groups. As
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ever the standard of performance was exceptional, both by our “home team”
of Stephen Bullamore, William Baldry, Nicholas Freestone and Steve
Harman and by the experienced visitors and some very talented younger
musicians.
In the absence of a permanent Director of Music the Concert Committee,
chaired by Keith Foulds, looks forward to a continuation of this established
music tradition under the guidance of William Baldry.
David Todd (Concert Committee)
Church Groups
BELL RINGERS: Service Ringing
The bells have been rung every Sunday before the 09.30 Choral Matins and
for other events throughout the year. In the main, we are able to ring 10 or
more bells on Sunday mornings, with only a few occasions when we have
only managed to ring 8. Ringing has also taken place once a month, ahead
of the evening service.
Peals and Quarter Peals rung during 2014
A number of attempts took place during the course of the year, with limited
success. Four quarter peals were achieved, and seven peals were
successful.
Organisation
The band continues to strive for higher levels of achievement, under the
careful guidance of our Ringing Master. Practices are attended by ringers of
many levels of ability, and the methods practised reflect these abilities. We
frequently play host to visiting ringers, who are drawn to our renowned belfry
and superb bells. We are always seeking new, keen recruits to join the band
and ensure that it continues to thrive.
We held an Open Day in September, where we saw some sixty interested
people ascend the staircase to see what happens in the belfry, and what the
bells look like. Hopefully there will be some follow-up interest from this.
During that day, we had the Suffolk Guild Vestey Ring (a small mini-ring)
operating in the churchyard, which again attracted much interest from the
general public on a very wet day!
Striking Competitions
10
In keeping with recent years, the band entered teams into both the SE
District and Suffolk Guild striking competitions. In the district competition (at
Campsea Ashe) we came a close 2nd, whilst in the Guild competition we
won the Mitson Shield in the 6-bell at Ashbocking, and came a credible 3rd
in the 8-bell at Helmingham.
Social events
In April the ringers, together with their families and friends, once again
enjoyed a Tower Lunch at the now traditional Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club.
Then in December we met for a warming curry evening in Ipswich.
Fixtures & fittings
Much time has been spent by volunteers doing various routine maintenance
tasks on the bells and fittings. Forty years’ continuous ringing on the bells
started to take its toll, and the tenor clapper unexpectedly broke during
ringing on a Sunday morning in November. Fortunately this potentially
dangerous situation did not cause any damage to either bells or ringers!
Taylors replaced the clapper, together with carrying out repairs/replacements
on the 9th and 10th which also needed remedial work.
Our long-awaited new ropes arrived and will be fitted early in the New Year.
Taylor’s carried out an extensive survey on the bells/fittings and produced a
comprehensive report outlining further urgent remedial work needed to
combat the effects of rust and corrosion. This, together with improvement
work on the front nine, is currently being considered by the PCC.
Stephen Cheek (Tower Secretary)
SANCTUARY GUILD
During 2014 Sue Adair has continued to lead and encourage our team of
Flower arrangers. We thank them all for their regular flower arrangements.
We are in need of a few more volunteers, and if you feel you could help you
will be warmly welcomed.
Our thanks go to Joyce Courage, who for several years has been
responsible for the regular laundering of small items of altar linen. Due to
failing health Joyce has now passed this task on to others. Recently Mary
Wombwell has offered to take on this job, for which we are very grateful.
In June we held a Coffee morning and Bring and Buy Sale in the Church,
which raised £130 for our funds.
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We enjoyed a well supported Autumn Lunch in November, when Annie
Shead gave us a fascinating talk entitled “ Christchurch Mansion and the
Withypoll Triptych”. The event provided a profit to our funds of £115 .
A new Ciborium has been purchased from a legacy and donations to replace
one that was worn out and not repairable. The replacement was specially
commissioned from a Silversmith in Birmingham and features Celtic designs.
Using some investment income, plus some generous donations the
Sanctuary Guild were able to purchase a new all seasons Altar Frontal for
the North aisle Altar. This covers the whole Altar and can be seen from all
sides; so the Choir can see it when it is used as a nave altar.
Hilary Norman
THE CHORAL FOUNDATION OF ST MARY-LE-TOWER
2014/2015 has not been an easy year for the Foundation which has in effect
been stationary. The launch concert in October 2013 went well and the
reception held post-concert was reasonably well attended with a lot of
positive feedback. Subsequently £40,000 was raised with some covenants
for the next 5 years. With the Song School project in progress everything
looked to be moving forward successfully.
However in January it came to the notice of the Trustees that a mixed alto
line had been permanently introduced into the choir without any prior
discussion. This had the effect that the Trustees felt that no more
fundraising could take place until this situation had been sorted out. The
problem was quite simple. In the Trust Deed and the Launch Brochure it
clearly said there would continue to be an all male choir in addition to the
ground-breaking formation of the girl’s choir.
The Trustees knew some donors had given money on the basis they wished
to support the preservation of the existing all male choir tradition of SMLT.
So if this situation had not been resolved the Trustees realised that donors
would have to be contacted and asked whether they wanted their donations
returned. This would not have looked good at all. Fortunately the matter was
resolved with a working compromise although it should be said not without
some difficulty.
Further, the Trustees also discovered they had been incorrectly advised by
Birketts in the form the Foundation should be established. Birketts corrected
this (at no charge) but it caused delay and a lot of work for Richard Hanley.
However I am pleased to report that both those difficulties are behind us.
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Dr Stephen Cloebury, Director of Music at King’s College Cambridge has
tendered his resignation as a trustee. However the Trustees were delighted
that Ben Parry inter alia, Chief Executive of the National Youth Choir and
Conductor of Aldeburgh Voices agreed to become a trustee. He is also born,
bred and lives in Ipswich.
17, Tower Street has been completed and the Song School project finally
secured. The Trustees would like to congratulate Charles Jenkin for his
perseverance and skill in securing the building. It will be good for the whole
church.
Stephen Bullamore resigned as Director of Music and moved on in January.
Christopher Borrett was appointed in February and will start as Director of
Music in May. The Trustees are absolutely thrilled at this appointment. He
has an impressive CV for someone his age, he is local and has an enviable
reputation and we are all sure that he can take the music of SMLT forward to
the benefit of everyone who worships, and who attends the concerts.
With Christopher I think we will see impressive improvements in the singing
from an early stage and the Trustees look forward to being able to see the
funds in the Foundation increase and the expansion of the whole choir to
continue. The trustees continue to be most grateful to Annie Shead who
donates the proceeds of her talks on Music Hall to the Choral Foundation.
Jonathan Hunt (Chairman of Trustees)
Growing Together
CHILDREN’S GROUPS
We have 44 children associated with the Tower with whom we keep in touch
through letters and birthday cards.
Most are regular attenders, others
come occasionally. Included in this number are 10 boy choristers, 10 girl
choristers and 8 choral scholars. The choristers are included in many of our
activities and some attend our groups when not singing.
The Sunday group is very small, sometimes only one child, as the others are
singing in the choir. It is for children from the age of 3 up to the early
teenage years. A crèche for the under 4’s, functions as required. These
groups meet on a Sunday morning during our Parish Communion service at
10.30am. In addition we have been running children’s faith activities on
Wednesday afternoons between 5 and 6pm for members of our boys and
girls choirs.
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The programme for both these days follows the Gospel readings used at the
10.30am Sunday morning service. The children rejoin the main service
before communion. Towards the end they are invited to come to the front of
the church and share what they have been doing with the congregation
We have had several Family or All age services throughout the year Candlemas, Mothering Sunday, a Sunday in May, Harvest, Christ the King,
and the Crib Service on the Sunday before Christmas. The children have
participated in some of these services by reading the Epistle or leading the
intercessions.
At Epiphany we collected £112 in vouchers for the
Lighthouse Women’s Aid.
On Saturday 29th March the children and their fathers made posies for
Mothering Sunday. Later in March we had a Children’s Concert, followed by
tea and cakes. We also had a book, toy and cake stall. £213.49 was raised
for Muneeswari our sponsored Indian child and choir funds.
We all met on Easter Saturday to make the Easter Garden and Cross. This
was followed by an Easter Egg hunt. The children joined us in church on
Easter Sunday. We collected Easter Eggs for the Lighthouse Women’s Aid.
On “Christ the King” Sunday the children launched their Advent Appeal,
which this year was for Water Aid. Everyone was given a bottle of water,
which we hoped would be returned containing money. We have collected
£411.69 +Gift Aid.
Once again the children decorated a Christmas tree for the Christmas Tree
Festival. This year they chose “Books of the Bible”. On the Fourth Sunday in
Advent our main service included a Crib Liturgy in which the children and
their families took part .
Our mission is to share the stories and messages of the Bible and to help
the children to understand what God’s word might mean for them in their
own lives and for their families and friends. We aim to provide a fun learning
context, believing that children learn best when they are enjoying
themselves. We hope to show them that they are important to God and that
we are interested in each one of them as people. We use craft activities,
active games, messy play, story-telling and drama as well as contemplative
moments of prayer and thoughtfulness. During 2015 we hope to develop
our children’s activities.
Sue Adair and Vicky Moss
HOUSE GROUPS
Modern Theologians
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Modern Theologians met over 150 times over 15 years to share and discuss
a wide range of subjects concerning Faith, Church and Doctrine. But as all
good things come to an end so has this group: over the last few years our
numbers dropped considerably and we were failing to attract new members.
But what we have gleaned over the years will not be forgotten or lost and I
am confident that the Group has played a valuable contribution to the life of
our parish.
We are grateful to Revd. David Warnes who initiated the Group and led it for
ten years and to Fiona and James Crowe for opening their home to us for
our meetings for the last five years. Many of our clergy and others have also
contributed to our studies and knowledge.
We shall continue asking questions and seeking after greater truths. In the
words of the C17th spiritual writer, Thomas Traherne:
Affection Part 3
The World was made to be a Scene of Love,
And all the Earth a Theatre doth prove
Of those Affections, which we ought like Wise
Obligd and Holy men to exercise.
The Object is amazing in its Height
Of Beauty Greatness Goodness and Delight
All wisdom Glory Majesty and Power:
Heaven and Earth are but a little Bower,
Wher in he sometimes condescends to sport;
Eternitie is his Celestial Court.
Bob Tostevin
Tuesday House Group
Some people say ‘you mustn’t live in the past’ well that’s perhaps debatable!
But we feel a certain pleasure in reporting this is the 50th year of our
existence. Many good things have happened over that time.
Last year again, happy meetings, interesting subjects and people. Only
recently a fine talk by ‘our very own’ Revd. Mary Sokanovic on her spiritual
journey thus far. We have had some nice social occasions too – a lunch and
garden party at Lansdowne Road where we needed rowing boats in lieu of
deck chairs, and again we took part in the wonderful Christmas Tree Festival
with our own tree and theme.
We are planning to Study Archbishop Rowan Williams’s new book ‘ Being
Christian – Baptism Bible Eucharist and Prayer – which looks very
promising.
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Fifty years has meant many friendships and has helped our spiritual growth
too. And we always remember our friends and participants who have gone
before.
Diana Pipe
LIFT (Ladies In Fellowship Together)
We continued to meet on the 4th Thursday of each month (except
December) and our gatherings included a bring and share supper at the
vicarage to get
the year off to a good start, a post-Easter guided reflection by Sarah, a walk
through Christchurch Park in the spring followed by a drink at The
Greyhound, our annual summer BBQ kindly hosted by Mary Baldry, making
stained glass decorations for our tree in the Grand Christmas Tree Festival
and finishing up the year with an advent reflection led by Viola Jones. If any
ladies would like to know more please contact Sarah Jenkins at
sarahjenkins999@gmail.com or Susan Jenkin at jenkin.susan@tiscali.co.uk
Sarah Jenkins
Prayer Suppers
These continued to run in 2014, combining very pleasant fellowship with
prayer for the life of our church, while also aiming to deepen the prayer life of
participants. They take place at the vicarage, and many thanks to Susan
Jenkin for her cooking and hospitality, and to all those who contribute cakes.
The prayers are a mix of focussing on particular subjects and exploring
differing styles of prayer. There are usually between 6 and 10 participants,
and with these falling numbers perhaps it is time to think about a
refreshment of this activity.
Charles Jenkin
SOCIAL EVENTS
During Lent frugal lunches of soup and rolls were served and in May there
was a church lunch. The harvest lunch at St Margaret's church hall was in
October. The week after Harvest saw our first Open Day at St Mary-le-Tower
where a café, ably run by Donna Joyce, Pam Miller and our ever willing
volunteers was a great success, selling fresh rolls filled on site, cakes and
beverages.
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The Christmas Tree festival was held at the beginning of December. This
year it was agreed that the opening night should be free. It was a popular
move which resulted in larger numbers attending. We suddenly found that
we were catering for a much larger number than we had anticipated but as
before our willing helpers came up trumps and we were able to provide a
lovely spread. It was a super evening with a great atmosphere.
The Festival Cafe was ably run by Sally Graham. We had a team of people
who acted in a supervisory role so that there was continuity when there was
a staff change over and also to conform to Food Hygiene regulations. A
hand washing sink had been installed in line with this which was an excellent
addition to our facilities. Sally worked unstintingly setting up, shopping,
making sure items for sale were used in order of date then packing away
both at the end of the day and before other functions.
I would like to say a big thank you to our team and to all who helped set up,
serve, cook, or provide food or drink for all these events.
Mary Wombwell
Mission and Outreach
OPEN CHURCH
The church is open to visitors during most days of the year. The Verger,
Mr Stephen Harman, is on duty every weekday except Monday, and every
Saturday morning. A dedicated band of Weekday Welcomers led by Sarah
Jenkins, keeps the church open on Saturday afternoons and Mondays, and
Ian Molloy has been relief verger when Steve has been on holiday.
However the band of Weekday Welcomers is in urgent need of new blood.
A number of retirements has meant that we are now struggling to cover
afternoons. This is a really worthwhile ministry and if anyone feels able to
give some time to this, I am sure they will find it rewarding.
SERVING THE TOWN CENTRE COMMUNITY
The Monday lunchtime Prayers for Peace and Wholeness have continued
on a twice per month basis with a small but committed congregation.
The Tuesday Lunchtime Concerts has continued from strength to strength
under the very able leadership of the Director of Music and the dedicated
support of the concert committee.
The Churchyard is maintained as a real oasis of peace and greenery in the
heart of the town and is much enjoyed by many both during the day and
otherwise. The churchyard is a significant aspect of our engagement with
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the town centre and thanks are due to everyone who contributes to its
upkeep.
2014 has seen a new team working in the churchyard with new energy, very
ably led by Sally Graham and Sue Smith. David Dodd can also often be
seen (in all weathers) labouring away. The new vigour of the churchyard
team has led to a new sense of partnership with the Borough Council, and
Wednesdays (when coffee is available after the 10.30am service) has
become the regular morning when this team does its work.
GRAND CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
The annual Grand Christmas Tree Festival was again held in December, for
the fifth time. This year we had 83 trees from individuals, business
organisations, professionals and a wide variety of charities, and again there
was significant sponsorship of the festival, particular from Willis, the global
insurance broker. There was a really good display with significantly more
ingenuity and flair going into the trees. As an event that is engaging with a
lot of community groups, this is clearly a success.
The charities supported were the Alzheimer’s Society and the Ipswich Winter
Night Shelter. The format of the whole festival was similar to the previous
year, and it opened for one more day again, from Wednesday evening to
Wednesday afternoon. Proceeds were £2,700 including £250 each to the
two charities. However the two evening shows, despite their very high
quality were not so successful in terms of audience numbers and both lost
money.
The festival represents a very great deal of dedicated work by a large
number of people. Many thanks indeed to the festival committee, and
particularly to Donna Joyce as Festival Administrator, work which she does
voluntarily on top of her role as parish Administrator. The operational team
felt very overstretched at times this year and for 2015 it has been decided to
reconsider holding the two evening shows to make the whole festival more
manageable.
The festival is designed firstly to increase profile and presence of St Mary-leTower in the town centre, and it is increasingly doing this, bringing new
people into the church and welcoming them. It also brings the church
community together, working on a major project. In particular the Café
operated very successfully and happily. One further change this year has
been a new style opening event with refreshments, arranged as a thank you
to everyone taking part. There was no charge for this and it was a very
successful evening with good numbers.
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However despite all the effort going into the festival and the very evident
quality of the event, we are still not achieving the numbers that the event
deserves. In 2015 the planning group will give particular attention to trying
to overcome this hurdle and attract greater numbers. Many thanks again to
everyone who took part in 2014.
TOWER HOUSE PROJECTS
2012 saw a significant new opportunity to acquire new facilities for a Parish
Centre and Song School at 17 Tower Street. This suffered a setback in April
2013 when our major partner, Ipswich Borough Council, withdrew. However,
in December 2013, we heard that Suffolk County Council was ready to sell
the North Wing outright to the Church, as part of deal involves SMLT taking
over the south wing and being the lead partner in a Shared Community
Space project there. In the event it took until November 2014 for the
purchase of the whole building to take place.
The North Wing will be used as a new Song School for our music (on the
first and second floors), and as a small parish hall for community and
outreach use (on the ground floor). Funding for this Parish Centre project
(budget £450,000 for purchase and refurbishment) already has £320,000 in
place or promised (from a trust, a legacy and PCC reserves) and further
funding will be sought from other trusts and gifts from the congregation.
For the Shared Community Space project in the south wing, the freehold has
been transferred to St Mary-le-Tower for a peppercorn, along with an
obligation to provide community space, and also with reasonable overage
conditions if the building has to be sold on. SCC is also contributing a
substantial sum towards repairs to the main block, therefore also becoming
the Leading Local Donor for this community project which will also require
substantial refurbishment.
SMLT will be drawing together a community partnership to take this project
forward. Funding will be sought for its development and management at
every stage, and a substantial Big Lottery application is planned. It is not
intended that SMLT will make a major financial contribution to this project,
but there are clear benefits to the two projects being run together by SMLT.
The PCC has welcomed this development for a variety of reasons, not only
because it enables our own Parish Centre project to go forward, but because
it fulfils the PCC’s vision for the mission of SMLT in helping to build
community and social capital in Ipswich town centre. External repair works
are due to begin in the Spring.
Charles Jenkin (Vicar)
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Parochial Church Council
FINANCIAL STATEMENT (see opposite)
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SECRETARY’S REPORT
Membership Of The PCC 2014/15
Standing Committee
Revd. Canon Charles Jenkin
Mrs Jo Jones
Mrs Mary Baldry
Mr Anthony Leigh-Pollitt
Mr Stafford Patient
Miss Katrina Lant
Mr James Cutting
Mrs Annie Shead
Vicar & Chairman
Churchwarden & Vice Chairperson
Churchwarden
Hon. Treasurer
Health & Safety Officer – Elected
Elected
Elected
Hon. Secretary
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PCC Members
Revd Mary Sokanovic
Associate Priest
Mrs Sue Adair
Deanery Synod
Mr Ian Lord
Deanery Synod
Mrs Sarah Jenkins
Deanery Synod
Mrs Sonia Docherty
Mrs Vicky Faull
Mrs Sally Graham
Mr Richard Hanley
Mrs Donna Joyce
Ms Joanna Kidby
Mrs Elizabeth Minister (retired December 2014)
Mrs Hilary Norman
Mr Alan Way
PCC Meetings
At the beginning of each year the PCC Secretary is required to send all the
minutes of meetings that have taken place during the past year to the
Independent Examiners so that they can tie up decisions which have been
taken by the PCC with the year’s accounts. Collation and perusal of these
minutes helps to give a very good overview of what has happened during
2014 at SMLT.
Several meetings in particular stand out. The first was a Standing Committee
meeting which took place on 3rd February 2014 at which the only subject on
the Agenda was discussion of a Giving Renewal programme for 2014. It was
decided at the meeting to send a letter and brochure which detailed
expenditure and income as well as other information to encourage the
congregation to increase their giving. It was agreed that the Vicar would give
a series of Lent Sermons on the theme of Divine Generosity. These services
were subsequently followed by a frugal lunch and Lent talks entitled ‘Soul
Spark’ given by the Vicar and Revd. Mary Sokanovic. On 18th May 2014
there was a buffet lunch to celebrate and thank everyone for their increased
giving.
The second was a congregational meeting which took place on Sunday 15th
March 2014 at which the Vicar updated the congregation with details for the
purchase of 17 Tower Street. A Special PCC meeting was therefore
convened on 9th June 2014 and at that meeting after much discussion it was
agreed that ‘The PCC approves the purchase of 17 Tower Street Ipswich in
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line with the project briefing submitted for a sum of £180,000.’ This therefore
was a significant historic step in the growth, vitality, and spirituality of SMLT.
In March the PCC discussed the Deanery Mission Plan and focused on
SMLT’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats and networking and
proved to be a very thought provoking and valuable exercise.
Sadly at the November meeting the PCC were informed that Stephen
Bullamore had accepted the post of Director of Music at Newark Parish
Church and would be leaving us in January 2015. At that meeting
discussions began regarding the process for finding a replacement Director
of Music.
Finally the last meeting of the year was an Extra Standing Committee
meeting on 17th November 2014 at which the Vicar announced that SMLT
was now ‘the proud owner of 17 Tower Street Ipswich’.
2015 looks to be another very challenging year for the members of the PCC
of SMLT. A new Director of Music to further the growth and development of
our church music and choirs; the repair, refurbishment and development of
17 Tower street, and also ensuring that sufficient funds and donations are
available to enable the constant increasing expenditure of not only
maintaining our traditional services but also the fabric of the church and the
church yard being amongst those challenges.
The PCC always have before them our Mission Statement which states that
we have been entrusted with having a strategic Christian presence in the
town centre of Ipswich, that we are called to play our distinctive part in
building the community of Ipswich, and to seek the Kingdom of God and its
peace and justice in 2015.
Annie Shead (PCC Secretary)
ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT
At the beginning of 2014 there were 180 on the roll. Sadly Doreen Leech,
Jean Kent and Anne Ettlinger died during the year. We revised the roll
between 7th March and 21st March and the necessary notice was displayed
in the porch for the requisite amount of time. Two members resigned and
one new member joined. The final number when the roll was published was
178.
Since the roll was completed one new form has been received and the total
number on the roll at the end of 2014 was 177. The roll will be revised this
year between 29th March and 12th April 2015.
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Bridget Hanley (Electoral Roll Officer)
HEALTH & SAFETY REPORT
Only one accident was reported in this year. A man tripped and fell on the
paving stones outside the south door of the church. An ambulance was
called, he was taken to Ipswich Hospital casualty, nothing more is known.
This area outside the door is uneven due to tree roots. Hopefully this will be
dealt with eventually, by the Borough Council.
Changing the light bulbs to LED bulbs, which will last much longer, in much
of the church, means the Verger no longer has to balance on a high ladder,
two or three times a year.
Stafford Patient. (Health & Safety Officer)
MISSION & OUTREACH COMMITTEE
In 2014 there have been major charity donations to: the Diocesan Centenary
Fund £2500, the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter £1,127, and the Alzheimers
Society £250. Smaller donations have been made to: the International
Children’s Trust, the Mission to Seafarers, the Royal British Legion, and the
Suffolk Historic Church Trust.
The Christian Aid Collection of May 2014 was a little over £1,660. I would
like to thank the collectors, in particular encouraging the donors to spend a
short time in filling in the Gift Aid form.
Stafford Patient
Church Buildings & Contents
Church
The main focus of work this year was the quinquennial repairs. This was
undertaken by Bakers of Danbury and overseen by Ashley Courtney. The
work commenced in May and was completed just before Christmas. Once
the scaffolding was in place we were able to see other work that needed to
be undertaken and in some cases it seemed prudent for this to be done
whilst we had a scaffold in place.
We are very grateful to Viridor for their grant to enable us to undertake this
work. Also, whilst the scaffolding was in place our architect was able to
undertake a very thorough new quinquennial inspection.
Ian Molloy continued his cleaning of the Choir stalls and also cleaned the
church pews. Towards the end of the year he started cleaning all the heating
ducts and grates in church.
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Church House
In May Church House was flooded by water entering the kitchen area and
Song School through the skylight above the song school. The flood
necessitated a thorough clean of the kitchen, a new boiler and repairs to the
roof area near the skylight to prevent further flooding. This was subject to an
insurance claim.
Churchyard
Working parties have continued during the past year and the group have
made a great difference to the area. Many thanks to all who have helped
with the maintenance and tidying of the churchyard. Ipswich Borough
Council contractors removed a tree that had died and have planted another.
There are some issues surrounding drains and flagstones that have not yet
been resolved.
Treasures
The only addition to the treasures this year was a new ciborium. This was
purchased to replace one that was considered to be unsuitable for further
use. Thank you to those who donated towards this purchase.
Church House Flat
The Church House continues to be managed by Rents Property
Management Services. The flat is regularly inspected by Rents and is being
kept in good condition. Maintenance is being undertaken either by Rents, or
our own contractors.
Mary Baldry (Churchwarden)
Relations with the Wider Church
WORKING WITH CHRIST CHURCH URC TACKET STREET
The 4x4 committee, the link between ourselves and Christ Church Tacket
Street, has met twice in the past 12 months and has passed on information
about events in our respective churches and also shared ideas of mission
and outreach. In October 2014 the annual Quiet Day took place at Elmsett
led by Very Revd. Keith Jones. It was good to see there a few more people
from the Tower church than in previous years.
This year Christ Church is the host for our joint Palm Sunday service.
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Cathy Moss.
CHRIST CHURCH & ST MARY-LE-TOWER LUNCH CLUB
For several years senior members of the Christ Church congregation have
been able to enjoy a full two course lunch and tea or coffee on a Friday once
a month in their present church hall.
It was realized that these occasions would provide a good opportunity to
encourage friendship and good relations between our churches and since
the time of The Very Revd. Keith Jones we have been cordially invited to
these lunches.
A small band from St Mary le Tower has regularly accepted this invitation but
numbers have declined recently and more would be welcome as our
representatives. Phil Fisk (271514) is our contact. Why not come along and
enjoy a good meal for £3.00 in convivial company?
David and Liz Todd
DEANERY SYNOD REPORT
The Deanery Synod has met 4 times in the past year under the
Chairmanship of Charles Jenkin the Rural Dean. Your representatives for
the past year have been Sue Adair, Sarah Jenkins and Ian Lord. There has
always been at least one of us at the meetings.
As well as the regular agenda items the meetings have included a
presentation about The Kagera Link by Jean Daltry when we were brought
up to date about the link. The link goes from strength to strength with full
churches and new ones being built. With Christian teaching the community
is moving from a dependency culture to self-sufficiency and she gave
examples. Programmes supported by our diocese have included The
Pastors Children’s fund allowing children to have secondary education which
they would not have been able to afford. Another project is a three year
training programme run by The Kagera Christian Training College to train
pastors and evangelists and the provision of motorbikes to enable pastors to
travel around. It was a stimulating and thought provoking meeting
Rev Dr John Parr, Diocesan Director Education and Training, gave a
presentation about Living Faith in Suffolk. He outlined the work he has done
and talked about The New Living in Faith Discipleship course, this course
looks at what God wants us do in our lives and what our deepest desires are
individually and corporately. He defines discipleship as living out faith in the
company of Jesus. His workshop “Organically grown Disciples” helps
people to see that their vocation is rooted in whatever place they find
themselves in. Then it looks at what encourages and challenges this faith,
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what it looks like in concrete terms, and what would help people feel more
confident in expressing their faith.
The meeting in June looked at various Mission Projects in the Deanery.
These included The Tower Street Project, Sanctuary project at the Portman
Road Car boot sale, the Latitude Festival where several UCS students
worked alongside Festival Pastors. The Queensway project which aims to
inform people via EG magazine which is produced by Heart for Ipswich with
a non-Christian readership in mind. It informs about the Town Pastors and
Night Shelter amongst other items.
The last presentation was about The Queensway Group Clean-up Project
where the churches had been working to build up trust with residents on the
estate. Bins were provided by Sackers and placed in Nansen Road Baptist
church grounds to prevent fly tipping. The project was a great success due
to the work of sixty volunteers who visited ninety properties to collect
rubbish. The event was given publicity by Radio Suffolk. The volunteers
expressed a wish that they would like to be involved in a similar project.
As a result of attending the meetings we were all better informed as to what
was happening in the deanery
Ian Lord
DIOCESAN SYNOD
Each Synod was preceded by worship led by a different Deanery.
March Synod
In his address Bishop David spoke about the importance prayer. The Dean
advised us about the progress of the Vacancy in See Committee. The report
from General Synod included summaries of the debates on Safeguarding,
Climate Change and changes to the Church Representation Rules.
There was a talk by the Diocesan Director of Education about “A Diocesan
Board of Education for the Future”. This subject had been discussed on
numerous occasions by various groups throughout the year. The paper
stated the importance of education to the church, hopefully to be approved
by Synods and Diocesan Boards of Education nationally.
The Diocesan Director of Mission presented the interim findings in the
development of a Diocesan growth strategy. There were various documents
received from General Synod for information.
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June Synod
The Diocesan Director of Mission, the Rev. Dave Gardner presented
“Growing in God, a Diocesan Vision for growth”, with 21 recommendations.
The Synod unanimously voted for growth, in depth, number, influence and
youthfulness.
Dr. Anne Spalding spoke about her first year in the post as Diocesan
Spirituality Advisor. The Bishop spoke about the success of the Centenary
launch service in March with the Archbishop of Canterbury. It left us glowing
and led to our going forth in personal and corporate pilgrimages. The
Archdeacon of Suffolk reported that growth had been visible in the Diocesan
Marquee at the Suffolk Show.
November Synod
Bishop David welcomed our new Director of Ordinands and New Ministries,
Tim Jones. He challenged Tim to encourage and nurture vocations to the
ordained ministry so that there were more people being sponsored from the
diocese than there were retiring from it
The Dean introduced representatives from Suffolk County Council and
outlined how the C of E in Suffolk engaged with the local community A
review of involvement over the last three decades was given. The
Rev.Canon Paul Daltry spoke about his work as Minister of Work and
Community Engagement. The Dean then interviewed Mark Bee, leader of
the Council. He had had the experience of being a PCC member and a
churchwarden. He spoke about the various challenges facing the county --reducing the budget, improving standards in education, a flourishing
economy, supporting vulnerable people and investing in road and rail
infrastructure.
The Diocesan Director of Education reported on the decision to set up MAT
(Multi Academy Trusts), which would help to raise standards. The Director of
MET, Dr John Parr reported on progress implementing the Ministry,
Education and Training report. Reports from two meetings of the Bishops
Council were given.
A report was presented by the Chairman of the Board of Finance, Canon
George Woodward on the 2015 Budget and Centenary Share Allocation.
The Diocesan Budget for 2015 was approved by Synod. A discussion was
held on the proposal by the Bishop’s Council to reduce the number of
Deanery representatives to Diocesan Synod. This was approved by Synod.
The Dean reported on recent meetings of the Crown Nominations
Commission regarding a new Bishop. She also encouraged members to
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attend the final Centenary Service, which would be followed by the inaugural
St Edmund lecture.
Sue Adair (Diocesan Synod Representative)
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