The Parish of Saint Alban the Martyr Kingston upon Hull
Year Book 2019
The Annual Report of our Parish Life and Activities
A Meeting of Parishioners
to elect Churchwardens
followed by
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting
11.15am on Sunday 25th October 2020
St Alban’s Church
AGENDAS FOR THE MEETINGS
Annual Meeting of Parishioners (Vestry Meeting)
25th October 2020
1. Opening Prayers
2. Appointment of Clerk to the meetings
3. Minutes of Annual Meeting of Parishioners, 7th April 2019
4. Church Wardens Measure 2001, section 3
5. Election of Churchwardens
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
25th October 2020
1. Apologies for absence
2. Approval of any other business, previously notified to Chairman
3. Minutes of Annual Parochial Church Meeting, 7th April 2019
4. Matters arising from the minutes
5. The Vicar’s Report
6. Electoral Roll Report
7. Financial report and summary of Accounts and Balances
8. Presentation of Audited Account year ended 31st December 2019
9. Churchwardens’ Report on Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the church
10. Deanery Synod Report
11. Election of PCC members
12. Election of 1 Representative to Deanery Synod
13. Election of Sidespersons
14. Receiving of reports published in the 2019 Year Book
15. Any other business
16. Closing prayers.
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners
Sunday 7th April 2019
The proceedings opened with prayer at 11.45am.
Twenty seven persons were present.
Apologies were received from eight people.
An attendance list is attached to the Minute Book.
2019.1 Appointment of Clerk to the meeting
2019.2 Minutes of A.M.P. held 22nd April 2018
Proposed and agreed nem con.
2019.3 Election of Churchwardens for 2019
The meeting closed at 11.50am
Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Sunday 7th April 2019
The meeting opened at 11.50am.
Twenty seven persons were present.
Apologies were received from eight people.
An attendance list is attached to the Minute Book.
2019.4 Minutes of the A.P.C.M. held on 22nd April 2018
Accepted nem con.
There were no matters arising.
2019.5 Vicar’s report
Copy of the report included in the Year Book.
The vicar pointed out that
A number of suggestions were made, including the possibility of using video clips and biographies on the Facebook feed and webpage, which will start our discussions.
The report was accepted nem con.
2019.6 Electoral Roll Report
The roll stands at 57 members, 27 resident and 30 non-resident.
It was received nem con.
Everyone was thanked for returning their forms, but there will be some late additions to be considered at the first PCC meeting.
2019.7 Financial Report and summary
Copy of the report included in the Year Book.
In a PowerPoint presentation the Treasurer explained the new format (receipts and payments) and the reasons for it (our income fell below £100 000 last year). We need to register with the Charity Commissioners by the end of the month because our income has exceeded this figure in the past. This will require all PCC members to sign formal documents as trustees, but will give us a charity number which will make it much easier in the future to apply for grants (e.g. to renovate the hall). He then explained our current financial position, going through each page of the Statement of Accounts (copy in the minute book) in turn.
It is difficult, but necessary to talk about money because everything comes at a cost. Last year’s diocesan accounts were checked to see what use is made of our free will offering and most goes on mission, paying for our parish priest, etc.
2019.8 Presentation of Audited Accounts
Year ended 31st December 2018
The statement of accounts was presented; copies are included in the Minute Book. The accounts were accepted and carried nem con.
The vicar thanked the treasurer for his hard work throughout the year and his presentation and summary of the accounts.
2019.9 Churchwardens’ Report
The copy of the report included in the Year Book was presented and received nem con. The churchwardens were thanked again for their work as wardens over the years.
2019.10 Deanery Synod Report
The copy of the report included in the Year Book was presented and received nem con.
The retiring parish co-representative was thanked for his support; pointing out that the synod is now less formal and more pro-active and emphasising the importance of keeping open this line of communication with other churches in the deanery.
The vicar thanked both representatives.
2019.11 Election of PCC Members
Four new members were elected nem con. to serve on the PCC for the next three years.
2019.12 Election of Representatives to Deanery Synod
A new representative was elected.
2019.13 Election of Sidespersons
The vicar proposed that the choosing of Sidespersons to be delegated to the Churchwardens, agreed nem con.
2019.14 Receiving of reports published in the 2018 Year Book
All reports received from various organisations and persons accepted nem con. Copies included in the Year Book attached to the minutes.
The meeting closed at 13.00 with the grace.
The Vicar’s Report
Dear friends,
Reflecting on our life together at St Alban’s always bring to mind a saying that a former principal of The College of Resurrection would often remind clergy in training of, ‘Christianity is a religion of 2 tables: the table of God and the table of fellowship’. At St Alban’s our worship is rightly focused around God’s table, the altar where Mass is offered frequently, where our Lord meets us and bids us to draw closer to him as he makes his home in us. Looking back over 2019 we also had our usual round of wonderful social occasions; St Alban’s day, vicarage garden party, summer and winter fayres, to mention just a few. We do seem to spend a lot of time eating, perhaps we’ll have to start a running club!
We were also privileged to share in our curate’s ordination and continue to share in her unfolding priestly ministry. That was a real treat for us and I’m sure that you’d all agree that the curate and assistant priests bring wonderful gifts to the ministry of St Alban’s. Of course, the ministry of the church is not reliant on just the clergy (though they often make the most noise). There is a lot of lay ministry happening at St Alban’s, from preparing meals, visiting and ringing those in need, and running our food pantry and drop in centre. In giving thanks for all those things we must also remember to be thankful for all the ministry that happens in church, our servers, choir and readers all enhance our offering to God. Both of our wardens began their ministry as church wardens and I’d especially like to thank the churchwardens who are a constant source of support and practical wisdom.
Much as I enjoy reminiscing and nostalgically looking back at good times we must also be planning and preparing for the future. The truth is that with God the best is always before us. As a church we all continue to try to discern God’s future for St Alban’s and how He might seek to use us as individuals to make that a reality. Our PCC have developed a statement to say what we think we’re about at St Alban’s:
St Alban’s Parish is a healthy and growing faith community rooted in the Anglo-Catholic tradition of the Church of England that brings people to Christ and takes Christ to people, forms disciples and sends them out to transform the world where they live. Every member is committed to worship, to grow, to serve, to connect and to give.
Like all vision statements it’s about both where we are and where we’d like to be. It’s our aspiration that people can get to know about God at St Alban’s and discover that whatever happens God is always present in our lives. It’s our aspiration not only that the ministry which we undertake as a church makes a difference to the lives of members of our community but also that each of us is transformed by our encounter with God so that we are a blessing to those with whom we live and work.
I’d like to finish with a request.
Could each of us, once a day, pray our Church prayer?
God of Mission
Who alone brings growth to your Church,
Send your Holy Spirit to give
Vision to our planning,
Wisdom to our actions,
And power to our witness.
Help St Alban’s to grow in numbers,
In spiritual commitment to you,
And in service to our local community,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our parish prayer continues to sum up and ask God’s blessing on all that we seek to be as church; a healthy community, growing in numbers, growing ourselves and growing in service of our Lord.
Your priest and friend in the Lord Jesus
The Curate’s Report
I cannot believe that it has been a year since I wrote my report as deacon during my first year as curate at St. Alban’s.
The year has flown by and it has been a fruitful, happy and busy one. There have been training opportunities, courses, wedding and funeral practices, three baptisms, leading courses and generally getting to know the rubrics of the worship as a priest.
The transition from the deacon’s role to that of a priest has been a truly humbling experience, and whilst those who are ordained always remain deacons too, the experience of presiding at the Eucharist as a priest has been a true highlight of my ministry.
I am blessed by being a part of a supportive and loving church family and a training incumbent who has more patience than Job!
Concelebrating at the Mass and the training I have received has given me a wealth of experience to strengthen my own priesthood. The support, advice and training from a highly proficient altar serving team and the love of the congregation has boosted my confidence on the main altar. A far cry from the priest with the trembling knees who took her first Mass on St. Alban’s day last year! Thank you everyone. Of course, thanks be to God who gives me strength.
Whilst there is a very strong history of sacramental worship at St. Alban’s, we have also been active in mission. The St. Alban’s Pantry, foodbank, clothes collection for refugees, drop in centre and social events have all been well supported. The Taizé services and Quiet Day were well attended. Together with our hard -working social committee there is always something going on at St. Alban’s, usually involving cake so 2020 for me will be the year of the diet.
I am looking forward to the warmer weather, as I expect we all are, so that I can take up my role in the vicar’s incentive of A parasol, a priest and a prayer, which involves sitting outside the church on a Thursday morning to meet and greet, to connect with those passing by and encourage them to visit the church and perhaps to find out more about Jesus. Maybe this year the promised fourth P (a Pimms) may be added? Hopefully we can become more active in the local community too.
I am thoroughly enjoying serving you all as Assistant Curate and priest and hope to do so for many years to come.
Love and prayers, Assistant Curate
Electoral Roll Report
In 2019 there were 57 names on the Electoral Roll, of whom 27 reside within the parish and 30 outside. There were no changes during the year.
During the year the PCC welcomed two members to our parish family. The roll currently stands at 59 of whom 29 reside in the parish and 30 outside.
Electoral Roll Secretary
Financial report and summary of Accounts and Balances
Trustee Report – Treasurer Accounts 31 December 2020
Believe it or not, there is a specific, basic formula which a treasurer is meant to adhere to when creating a report. This formula not only spells out what must be included but also contains guidelines on how to write the report.
So lucky me, I have a readymade excuse if anyone finds my report boring or hard to read (bet none of the other reports can use that excuse).
Here, in brief, is what the guidelines say must be in this report:
1 Determine the starting balance
2 Determine the expenses.
3 Determine the income.
4 Determine the ending balance.
5 Type the report.
1 The starting balance
On 1 January 2019 the PCC had a total balance of £115,945
2 The expenses
Across the year the total amount spent was £84,856
3 The income
Money received from all sources throughout 2019 was £67,110
4 The ending balance
On 31 December 2019 one minus two plus three means the PCC had a final balance of £98,199
5 Type the report
The detail behind these figures is shown in the Financial Statement of Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2019. These are laid out on pages 4 to 6 (page 3 is the Independent Examiners Report).
Avid readers of this yearly dose of sound sense and unequalled wisdom will know that I like to look at the accounts and find a story - a story of the life of St Alban's over the past 12 months and a pointer to what we could look forward to in the year ahead.
The first chapter of the story is a bit repetitive - we spent more than we got. I've been starting my stories with this same passage for the past few years now and I haven't found a way to write it any differently. We spend more than we get - and have done each year since 2016 - at which time we received a legacy of £165,000+ from a previous parishioner.
This is not, however, a horror story nor one of doom and gloom.
Chapter two is a tale of two halves.
Half one is a bit chirpy and upbeat - we did ourselves proud last year by increasing the amount of money given by individuals (me and you) from £21,697 to £21,723. Not only that, but the amount of money fund-raised was also up - from £3,812 to £4,554.
And thanks to the diligence of our Gift Aid Secretary we received £14,521 from the Inland Revenue for gift-aid claims, with more to come in 2020.
More good news is that the hall rental income rose again - from £9,151 to £9,277.This means the hall is a valuable, net contributor to PCC funds. So, all told, the story so far is of parish showing signs of growth and increasing local community awareness. Something which has not been achieved by accident, but rather through the enthusiasm, diligence - and, yes, perseverance - from those within our congregation who are able, willing and determined to make sure St Alban's is very much in business - the business of doing God's work.
A little less upbeat, the story moves on to tell of costs continuing to exceed income - to the extent that our year-end balance fell by nearly £18,000 last year.
But hang on, I hear you cry (all the best authors have vivid imaginations), do we have to have bad news to spoil the story?
Well, we cannot ignore the facts - but at the same we must continue to read the whole story. Looking at the details in the last page of the Accounts you can see that only two areas of spending were significantly higher last year - and most other costs were within cost-of-living increase or lower.
The first major hike was the cost of church repairs. Fixing the heating took a new boiler and some serious pipe repair work totalling £23,000+ to ensure we have a level of warm and comfort not known for many years. So, although the cost is high the benefits from a warm, welcoming church environment will undoubtedly pay dividends in the years to come.
Next, with more use of the hall, we have higher energy costs up from £3,239 to £4,376. Another mixed reality but one we probably should be pleased to bear because the hall is now delivering real community value.
You can also see comparatives that are higher or lower than in 2018 - Freewill Offer being one of those higher - and the PCC have borne all this in mind when setting out the Budget for 2020.
Which brings us neatly to the final chapter of the story.
The PCC has set out to achieve a balanced budget in 2020 and to do that a decision was made to reduce our parish Freewill Offer to the Diocese from £28,500 to £21,500.
Whilst I am personally less than comfortable with that decision, as treasurer I would have to agree that it looks to be a financially prudent decision because we are nowhere near to being able to raise significant extra income.
It does concern me that we don't lose the connection between how the Diocese is funded and what the Diocese does for us as a parish.
Like us, the Diocese relies for its income on the gifts and offerings from the wider congregation - a congregation broken down into individual parishes - and if that income does not cover the Diocesan costs then choices have to be made. The connection we must not lose is that our parish priest is wholly funded from the Diocese (£21,500 doesn't come close to paying the cost of a full time priest) as is the training and nurturing of our curate. And we haven't even looked at what else the Diocese provides locally and beyond.
The story concludes by confirming that St Albans is a healthy, growing church delivering service to the community through excellent worship, prayerfully led and spiritually uplifting. We have an open, welcoming space and we are nurturing a wider community, not just in heart and soul but in body as well through the Food Pantry, which is delivering incalculable support to some of the most-needy among us.
We are led by an energetic, thought-provoking priest and the PCC is working hard to make the right choices to ensure we continue to be a viable part of God's work in the place.
There are only two ways to balance the books - cut costs or increase income. If we cannot find ways to encourage more giving then we can only give less to others. Food for thought.
PCCTreasurer,12 February 2020
Churchwardens Report on Fabric, Goods
and Ornaments of the church 2019
In April 2019 the previous churchwardens relinquished their burden after serving for many more years than they could ever have imagined. Presentations of specially commissioned artworks (and cheques) were made during the service before the AGM. All of us at St Alban’s are very grateful to them for their many and varied contributions.
At the last AGM the congregation kindly elected us as churchwardens for the next three years.
Since then, perhaps most importantly, the heating has functioned without a hitch. The repairs and renewals badly dented the budget but it seems that money was well spent and we are grateful for the knowledge and time provided by the vicar.
The Archdeacon’s Visitation that had commenced in November 2018 was completed in July 2019 when we worked meticulously through the inventory with the Archdeacon’s representative, and also provided the additional paperwork that had been requested.
During the year it was noticed that plans of the church (not required for the visitation) had gone astray. Replacements were purchased from Hull History Archive.
We are not aware of any damage being caused to the church or its contents during the past year. General maintenance has been performed. As a safety measure, hand rails have been installed in the Lady Chapel, and wall handles in the Chancel and at the entrance to the Sacristy.
Service booklets for the many different services held throughout the year are now in the side vestry in filing cabinets (left in the vicarage garage by the previous incumbent).
Staging units of a DIY nature now enable the chancel to be levelled. This allowed performances by Invitatione Orchestra, Buckrose Concert Band and Badapple Theatre. All events were well attended, bringing many into the church for the first time.
Our thanks to all who have contributed to the running of the church in the past year.
Churchwardens
Deanery Synod Report 2019
There have been five meetings since my appointment at the Annual Meeting in 2019. These have taken place on 23 May; 18 July; 26 September; 28 November and 23 January.
We have attended most of these meetings but one of us has now resigned from the Synod in order to devote more time to the Tuesday morning “pop in” and the St Alban’s Pantry.
The Synod meetings tend to be advisory and informative, telling the members about Diocesan schemes, and this is clearly being used to keep parishes “in the loop”. The prime information about Come and See was introduced in the September meeting and comments taken from representatives. This was extended to the November Meeting when feedback for Come and See was received. Whether it made any difference I’m not sure, we will have to wait and see.
The Synod is also used to give out information about various churches’ events and activities which can be quite interesting. The Synod produces a monthly Prayer Diary; if you would like a copy please let me know.
There is a vacancy now: anyone wishing to come on board please have a word with the vicar. The downside is the Synod opening worship but he will be able to prepare you for that!
Parish Representatives to Deanery Synod
Secretary’s Report to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2019
The PCC has met six times in the past year.
We started the year thinking about the purpose of the PCC.
The church is for worship, pastoral care, mission and outreach, spiritual growth, being a family and carrying out God’s commandment to show his love.
The PCC is the leadership team
All of our existing policies were reviewed and updated in line with Diocesan policies, incorporating a cover sheet with the date adopted and dates of annual review:
Poverty occurs when basic needs are not met. This could be a lack of money, food, friends or even hope. The poor are those who do not have enough money for food, heat, etc. plus those who lack time (for example a boss demands it). So far we have concentrated on lack of food with continuing contributions to the Trussell Trust Food Bank and the opening of the St Alban’s Pantry. This now has 39 members, of whom 15 are not churchgoers.
As usual, finance, heating and becoming a sustainable church took up most of the remaining meetings.
Thank you to the vicar and all who have assisted the smooth running of St Alban’s during the past year.
PCC Secretary
Social Committee Report
In March we held a Pancake and Beetle Night and in April welcomed the Dagger Lane Singers.
We celebrated St Alban’s Day with a Parish Lunch at the Masonic Hall and our thanks go to those who organised this event for us
July was busy with the Spring Fayre and a barbeque with the uniformed organisations. Our thanks go to the chief chef, and his helpers.
I would like to thank everyone who helped to make this a happy event. The proceeds were shared between the organisations and church.
The vicar held a Garden Party in the Vicarage garden with a barbeque and giant games. Our thanks to him and his family.
In September a Bingo night was held, causing great hilarity with the machine sending balls in all directions. The Buckrose Concert Band Proms concert was also a very enjoyable evening with much flag waving.
In October a Harvest Supper, using produce from the Harvest Festival Mass, and Bingo supported Hull Emmaus and Hull Help for Refugees.
The Invitatione Orchestra and Choir prformed Dvorak’s New World Symphony and the Duruflé Requiem in the church
December was another busy month. At the Christmas Fayre we were entertained by the Hull City Steel Band, who we have already booked for next year. We also had a visit from Father Christmas and his helpers. Thank you to everyone who assisted with this event. This was followed by the Mulled Wine and Pudding Night which was an enjoyable evening of carols and a quiz, many thanks to everyone who helped. Buckrose Band returned with another enjoyable concert of Christmas music.
At the end of December I retired as leader of the Social Committee and I would like to thank everyone who has helped me during the past 20 years. I am pleased to say that a new convenor will now be in charge and I hope you will help her in her new role.
Another full programme of events has been arranged for 2020.
Social Committee Convenor
Tuesday Drop-in and Pantry
Tuesday Drop-in opened every week from 8.30 to 12.30 throughout 2019. We maintained a similar average attendance to the previous year of around 25 people, many of whom were regulars enjoying the chance to have a natter over a drink, to join in with group crosswords, jigsaws or a craft activity, and also the opportunity most weeks to meet with the young people and their carers from Platform.
Early in the year our status as a nationally recognised Place of Welcome was confirmed.
We were able to start up St Alban’s Pantry in early October, having first purchased a Fridge, Freezer and Shelving and having been approved for Food Safety. The Pantry is similar to a Food Bank and involves a Membership Scheme. Members are entitled to 5 items of food for a pound. The Food is obtained from Fair Share by a weekly order. We never turn anyone away who isn't able to pay the pound. The aim is twofold: to ensure members can feed themselves and to avoid food waste. We now have 70 members who take advantage of this service. Several of our members visit with young children, who we have encouraged to use the children’s area we have created and to join us for a drink and a natter. A number of members have also taken part in our Craft Activities and we have had up to 50 people in the Hall.
Several members of the Congregation support us each week by their attendance but more would be very welcome to share the load as we continue to develop our offering and Mission.
Drop-in and Pantry Organiser
Church Hall Report 2019
Many thanks to the three whose efforts keeping the hall clean are greatly appreciated; however, if anyone feels that they could help with this task it would be appreciated (the more volunteers the less frequently the task has to be done).
We receive a lot of comments on what a good venue the hall is and how well it is maintained. With this thought we are now looking at costings and fundraising to renew the roof, which is greatly needed and would help to retain heat as this is problematic at the moment.
All the usual bookings have continued over the last year and the hall is well used through the week. Occasional use by families and other one-off events has continued to be popular from Messy Play to Xmas parties for Little Acorn Nursery.
Mondays Cleaning and Brownies;
Tuesdays Church pop in (ABC), and line dancing;
Wednesday Slimming World, Keep Fit, Empire Dance, Line Dancing;
Thursday Rainbows, Brownies and Guides;
Friday,Saturdays and Sundays No regular booking.
Church Hall bookings secretary
St. Alban’s Rainbows, Brownies and Guides:
This year has seen the units get to grips with the new programme and use the new materials available. It has brought many opportunities for girls to gain badges and join in many activities, both within the meeting place and outside the unit. The units have taken an active part in Girlguiding, which continues to help girls and young women develop emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually, so that they can make a positive contribution to their community and the wider world.
All units visited the pantomime at Hull New Theatre. Thursday Brownies went on Pack holiday to Paxwold, Monday Brownies enjoyed Pirate Golf, whilst the Guides enjoyed a weekend camping at our local campsite at Guideacres and went to the Big Gig (a concert for Girlguiding members only at Sheffield Arena). For many of the girls this was their first experience of a large scale event in an arena. A small group of Guides attended the Lord Mayor’s Harvest at Hull Minster with Derringham Bank Methodist Brownies, enjoying a lunch at the Guildhall afterwards.
We continue to raise funds to support the units and others by holding discos, which brings along many of the girls’ friends. Many of our girls have supported church parades, the joint barbeque, and the Church fayres. Our Christingle service was well attended and had great support from parents and grandparents, as well as members of St Alban’s congregation; this year raising £167.54.
On the 12th February 2019, Monday night Brownies celebrated their 40th birthday and also 40 years of service for Brown Owl. The girls participated in an attempt to complete 40 challenges in one night, whilst they also shared the evening with many past members from Brown Owl’s 40 years of service. It was a lovely evening at which the Brownies were also able to try on some old uniforms, deciding that they much prefer the uniform now.
All units have a good number of girls attending their section. New girls have joined each section and we continue to recruit through word of mouth due to our good reputation. We do, however, continue to look for new adult leaders to support our team, as this year our youngest section (Rainbows) sadly saw a leader leave. We thanked her for her time and service with us and all she did for our Rainbows. We have reminded her of where we are, if and when her work commitments should change. We have welcomed two newcomers into the leadership team for Rainbows and to Girlguiding at St Alban’s.
I thank the leadership team for their continued commitment to the girls here at St Alban’s, for their time within units, for training on weekends and evenings to ensure that they are up to date with safeguarding, first aid or programme development, as well as volunteering their time to weekly commitments to the girls of St Alban’s.
Yours in Guiding,
Guide Leader and Assistant Brownie Leader
District Commissioner for Ferens
St Albans (North Hull) Scout Group 2019
The Executive Committee and Group Leaders are pleased to present their annual report including activities and events which have taken place during the year.
The Executive Committee continued their efforts to raise funds for the Group. Beaver leader continues to encourage the use of the website Easy Fundraising at no cost to the individual!
The Annual Christmas Draw was held at the Scout Hut this year. Supporters of the group were once again most generous in donating prizes and purchasing raffle tickets.
Funds are used to maintain our building, subsidise Scout Association capitation, pay for materials for meetings, events, insurance and to keep the costs of camps down to a manageable level for most parents.
Once again each section has kept busy and entertained with various events and activities, as shown in the annual reports submitted by each Group Leader.
Secretary, on behalf of the Executive Committee
Beavers
The Beavers have had another successful year. Numbers have remained steady with numerous boys successfully moving up into the cub pack.
We have worked on a variety of badges throughout the year. We’ve done lots of crafts: making cookie jars for mums on Mother’s Day and plant pots, seeds and a decorated bag for dads on Father’s Day, biscuit decorating, Easter nests, and various Easter and Christmas activities.
We joined the rest of the group at Melton for our weekend camp.
The beavers always love to see what the older boys do at a camp.
We slept over and went on walks, made a diary, helped cook and wash up, did archery, slack line, water bottles and loved the singing during the camp fire.
We have taken part in the church parades for Mother’s Day, Harvest and Remembrance Day. We also had a fun and noisy Christmas party, finishing the year with a visit to McDonald’s.
The Beaver leaders are very proud of each and every Beaver.
Silver Beaver
Cubs
The Cubs joined the Scouts and Beavers at the annual BBQ at Melton when they slept in the lodge for one night. Chil finished the International Badge by letting the cubs build a kota (wigwam) and boil water on an open fire to make hot berry juice, which are activities from Finland.
Cubs have completed various badges: pioneering, scientist, artist, chef, athletics, personal safety activity, disability awareness, environmental conservation, gardening the church garden and working towards different challenge badges. At Easter the Cubs were given their Akela challenge to try and think of how to use less plastic. We also completed the District Sparks Challenge by carrying out 50+ different activities out of the 100 set. During the year we also covered scout values and knotting. Skip let the Cubs complete a knotting board to go up on the hut wall with the Scout's knotting boards.
Some cubs obtained badges in their own time, including artist, ICT, swimmers stage 2, hike 1, fire safety, community 1 and photography. It is good that they complete some badges in their own time. Well done.
The Cubs did various crafts at Christmas. Also at Christmas we joined with the Scouts and attended Rock Up for our Christmas celebrations. We had a belated Christmas party when we came back in the New Year.
The cubs attended the Arrow Competition at Melton, where we had 10 boys making up 3 teams to complete various challenges including pitching and striking tents, fire making, map-reading and other scouting activities. Unfortunately we did not come in the first 3 but we had a great day. Cubs also went for a sleepover at Williams Den. We made our own pizzas, made a full size wooden den and did map reading in the dark. Must remember to take torches next time!
We attended Church Parade on Mothering Sunday, Harvest and for the Armistice. We were also invited to the Church BBQ, where a handful of Cubs and parents attended.
I would like to thank Bagheera, Baloo and Chil for helping me to run the Cub pack. Without them I would not be able to keep the challenges going for the Cubs to keep learning and exploring within the Scouting environment. We have also had three helpers assisting cubs to complete their volunteering section for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Chil has now completed his volunteering section but would like to continue helping us. (As if we would let him leave!)
Let us see what we can do next year.
Akela
Troop Report
The Scout section has a fairly busy year with a varied programme of meetings and activities, both indoors and out. Our two sections remain consistent, continuing to show they are proud to be part of St Alban’s wherever they go. I am always impressed by the way our Scouts and Explorers (your sons) conduct themselves and in the way they work together as a group no matter what their age or abilities.
Membership has dropped slightly over the year due to older ones moving on to pastures new but we are expecting a further 3 youngsters to join the Scout section from Cubs before the end of the year.
As ever, in Spring we were busy making ready for the start of the camping season with the aim of teaching youngsters to be self-reliant, care for their own health and possessions, learn how to set up a campsite and practice their culinary skills. During summer we held our usual weekend camps at Melton, which included our annual group weekend with the Beavers and Cubs, incorporating a family barbecue and campfire for no less than 85 youngsters, parents and supporters. We also held our annual game of baseball on Beverley Westwood for lads and parents and tried out our skills of 'Backwoods cooking' at Melton. Grateful thanks to everyone who attended and helped out.
Summer camp at Rye House Farm near Helmsley was an excellent week on a site that we have used several times before. The weather was kind to us through the week until Friday night when we were in the midst of probably one of the worst hail storms I have ever experienced. Thanks to all parents who came out to join us for the Thursday afternoon and join in with the fun.
Following the summer break we returned to indoor meetings, which included a quiz night, a night learning about domestic skills such as ironing, sewing buttons and changing a plug. We also did a bit of plant potting and all those who came should have gone home with their own spider plant. Other meetings included a Halloween and chocolate apple night with popcorn making included, a night at the outdoor football court on National Avenue for a 5-a-side competition and a ‘cooking with spuds’ night. We held our usual firework party in November at Melton campsite, staying overnight which made it far less of a rush, and had a night making Christmas clocks. The year finished with the Group’s social evening where we presented the 'Paul Russell Memorial Shield' for 'Commitment, Consistency and Endeavour' jointly to two members and then finally our own joint Christmas party with the Cub pack.
Since the beginning of this year we have returned to the basics of scouting, teaching the three fundamental topics of first aid, mapping skills and rope work/knotting. During February we took part in the first round of this year's District archery competition where we joined the Church of Ascension and Holderness Road Scout Troops for an evening. Sadly despite our best efforts, we didn't make it to the final.
Summer weekend camps have started but sadly, due to my own circumstances, for the first time in my 35 years as scout leader, this year's summer camp will not be taking place; we may get the opportunity to do an abridged version if all goes to plan.
Very many thanks to all parents who helped us out during the year with transport, and others who admirably transported our summer camp gear out and back. Also thanks to Silver Beaver who has stepped in on many occasions throughout the year to help us out with nights in and out as well as weekend and summer camps.
The three packs again represented the Group at Church Parades and on St George’s Day.
Finally, I must add my most grateful thanks to my helpers for all their hard work and assistance throughout the year. It is encouraging to know that despite their own commitments I can rely on their support, input and enthusiasm. I always say, “if you don't enjoy it, don't do it” but they clearly do and working together remains an absolute pleasure and a hell of a laugh and ensures that our troop, and your children, will always stand out in the world of scouting and remain (in our opinion) the best. Many thanks chaps and keep up the good work.
Skip
Parochial Church Council Members 2019
Vicar
Curate
Churchwardens (2)
Deanery Synod Representatives (2)
Ordinary Elected Members (10)
Year Book 2019
The Annual Report of our Parish Life and Activities
A Meeting of Parishioners
to elect Churchwardens
followed by
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting
11.15am on Sunday 25th October 2020
St Alban’s Church
AGENDAS FOR THE MEETINGS
Annual Meeting of Parishioners (Vestry Meeting)
25th October 2020
1. Opening Prayers
2. Appointment of Clerk to the meetings
3. Minutes of Annual Meeting of Parishioners, 7th April 2019
4. Church Wardens Measure 2001, section 3
5. Election of Churchwardens
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
25th October 2020
1. Apologies for absence
2. Approval of any other business, previously notified to Chairman
3. Minutes of Annual Parochial Church Meeting, 7th April 2019
4. Matters arising from the minutes
5. The Vicar’s Report
6. Electoral Roll Report
7. Financial report and summary of Accounts and Balances
8. Presentation of Audited Account year ended 31st December 2019
9. Churchwardens’ Report on Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the church
10. Deanery Synod Report
11. Election of PCC members
12. Election of 1 Representative to Deanery Synod
13. Election of Sidespersons
14. Receiving of reports published in the 2019 Year Book
15. Any other business
16. Closing prayers.
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners
Sunday 7th April 2019
The proceedings opened with prayer at 11.45am.
Twenty seven persons were present.
Apologies were received from eight people.
An attendance list is attached to the Minute Book.
2019.1 Appointment of Clerk to the meeting
2019.2 Minutes of A.M.P. held 22nd April 2018
Proposed and agreed nem con.
2019.3 Election of Churchwardens for 2019
The meeting closed at 11.50am
Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Sunday 7th April 2019
The meeting opened at 11.50am.
Twenty seven persons were present.
Apologies were received from eight people.
An attendance list is attached to the Minute Book.
2019.4 Minutes of the A.P.C.M. held on 22nd April 2018
Accepted nem con.
There were no matters arising.
2019.5 Vicar’s report
Copy of the report included in the Year Book.
The vicar pointed out that
- we have the Good News – forgiveness, peace, grace, mercy, meaning – all we need for worship.
- we are Good News both for the people of North Hull (e.g. Tuesday Drop-in) and further afield (e.g. Christian Aid).
- we share Good News with young families (how can we make coming to church easier?), elderly, lonely, poor and rich – how can we be more good news?
A number of suggestions were made, including the possibility of using video clips and biographies on the Facebook feed and webpage, which will start our discussions.
The report was accepted nem con.
2019.6 Electoral Roll Report
The roll stands at 57 members, 27 resident and 30 non-resident.
It was received nem con.
Everyone was thanked for returning their forms, but there will be some late additions to be considered at the first PCC meeting.
2019.7 Financial Report and summary
Copy of the report included in the Year Book.
In a PowerPoint presentation the Treasurer explained the new format (receipts and payments) and the reasons for it (our income fell below £100 000 last year). We need to register with the Charity Commissioners by the end of the month because our income has exceeded this figure in the past. This will require all PCC members to sign formal documents as trustees, but will give us a charity number which will make it much easier in the future to apply for grants (e.g. to renovate the hall). He then explained our current financial position, going through each page of the Statement of Accounts (copy in the minute book) in turn.
It is difficult, but necessary to talk about money because everything comes at a cost. Last year’s diocesan accounts were checked to see what use is made of our free will offering and most goes on mission, paying for our parish priest, etc.
2019.8 Presentation of Audited Accounts
Year ended 31st December 2018
The statement of accounts was presented; copies are included in the Minute Book. The accounts were accepted and carried nem con.
The vicar thanked the treasurer for his hard work throughout the year and his presentation and summary of the accounts.
2019.9 Churchwardens’ Report
The copy of the report included in the Year Book was presented and received nem con. The churchwardens were thanked again for their work as wardens over the years.
2019.10 Deanery Synod Report
The copy of the report included in the Year Book was presented and received nem con.
The retiring parish co-representative was thanked for his support; pointing out that the synod is now less formal and more pro-active and emphasising the importance of keeping open this line of communication with other churches in the deanery.
The vicar thanked both representatives.
2019.11 Election of PCC Members
Four new members were elected nem con. to serve on the PCC for the next three years.
2019.12 Election of Representatives to Deanery Synod
A new representative was elected.
2019.13 Election of Sidespersons
The vicar proposed that the choosing of Sidespersons to be delegated to the Churchwardens, agreed nem con.
2019.14 Receiving of reports published in the 2018 Year Book
All reports received from various organisations and persons accepted nem con. Copies included in the Year Book attached to the minutes.
The meeting closed at 13.00 with the grace.
The Vicar’s Report
Dear friends,
Reflecting on our life together at St Alban’s always bring to mind a saying that a former principal of The College of Resurrection would often remind clergy in training of, ‘Christianity is a religion of 2 tables: the table of God and the table of fellowship’. At St Alban’s our worship is rightly focused around God’s table, the altar where Mass is offered frequently, where our Lord meets us and bids us to draw closer to him as he makes his home in us. Looking back over 2019 we also had our usual round of wonderful social occasions; St Alban’s day, vicarage garden party, summer and winter fayres, to mention just a few. We do seem to spend a lot of time eating, perhaps we’ll have to start a running club!
We were also privileged to share in our curate’s ordination and continue to share in her unfolding priestly ministry. That was a real treat for us and I’m sure that you’d all agree that the curate and assistant priests bring wonderful gifts to the ministry of St Alban’s. Of course, the ministry of the church is not reliant on just the clergy (though they often make the most noise). There is a lot of lay ministry happening at St Alban’s, from preparing meals, visiting and ringing those in need, and running our food pantry and drop in centre. In giving thanks for all those things we must also remember to be thankful for all the ministry that happens in church, our servers, choir and readers all enhance our offering to God. Both of our wardens began their ministry as church wardens and I’d especially like to thank the churchwardens who are a constant source of support and practical wisdom.
Much as I enjoy reminiscing and nostalgically looking back at good times we must also be planning and preparing for the future. The truth is that with God the best is always before us. As a church we all continue to try to discern God’s future for St Alban’s and how He might seek to use us as individuals to make that a reality. Our PCC have developed a statement to say what we think we’re about at St Alban’s:
St Alban’s Parish is a healthy and growing faith community rooted in the Anglo-Catholic tradition of the Church of England that brings people to Christ and takes Christ to people, forms disciples and sends them out to transform the world where they live. Every member is committed to worship, to grow, to serve, to connect and to give.
Like all vision statements it’s about both where we are and where we’d like to be. It’s our aspiration that people can get to know about God at St Alban’s and discover that whatever happens God is always present in our lives. It’s our aspiration not only that the ministry which we undertake as a church makes a difference to the lives of members of our community but also that each of us is transformed by our encounter with God so that we are a blessing to those with whom we live and work.
I’d like to finish with a request.
Could each of us, once a day, pray our Church prayer?
God of Mission
Who alone brings growth to your Church,
Send your Holy Spirit to give
Vision to our planning,
Wisdom to our actions,
And power to our witness.
Help St Alban’s to grow in numbers,
In spiritual commitment to you,
And in service to our local community,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our parish prayer continues to sum up and ask God’s blessing on all that we seek to be as church; a healthy community, growing in numbers, growing ourselves and growing in service of our Lord.
Your priest and friend in the Lord Jesus
The Curate’s Report
I cannot believe that it has been a year since I wrote my report as deacon during my first year as curate at St. Alban’s.
The year has flown by and it has been a fruitful, happy and busy one. There have been training opportunities, courses, wedding and funeral practices, three baptisms, leading courses and generally getting to know the rubrics of the worship as a priest.
The transition from the deacon’s role to that of a priest has been a truly humbling experience, and whilst those who are ordained always remain deacons too, the experience of presiding at the Eucharist as a priest has been a true highlight of my ministry.
I am blessed by being a part of a supportive and loving church family and a training incumbent who has more patience than Job!
Concelebrating at the Mass and the training I have received has given me a wealth of experience to strengthen my own priesthood. The support, advice and training from a highly proficient altar serving team and the love of the congregation has boosted my confidence on the main altar. A far cry from the priest with the trembling knees who took her first Mass on St. Alban’s day last year! Thank you everyone. Of course, thanks be to God who gives me strength.
Whilst there is a very strong history of sacramental worship at St. Alban’s, we have also been active in mission. The St. Alban’s Pantry, foodbank, clothes collection for refugees, drop in centre and social events have all been well supported. The Taizé services and Quiet Day were well attended. Together with our hard -working social committee there is always something going on at St. Alban’s, usually involving cake so 2020 for me will be the year of the diet.
I am looking forward to the warmer weather, as I expect we all are, so that I can take up my role in the vicar’s incentive of A parasol, a priest and a prayer, which involves sitting outside the church on a Thursday morning to meet and greet, to connect with those passing by and encourage them to visit the church and perhaps to find out more about Jesus. Maybe this year the promised fourth P (a Pimms) may be added? Hopefully we can become more active in the local community too.
I am thoroughly enjoying serving you all as Assistant Curate and priest and hope to do so for many years to come.
Love and prayers, Assistant Curate
Electoral Roll Report
In 2019 there were 57 names on the Electoral Roll, of whom 27 reside within the parish and 30 outside. There were no changes during the year.
During the year the PCC welcomed two members to our parish family. The roll currently stands at 59 of whom 29 reside in the parish and 30 outside.
Electoral Roll Secretary
Financial report and summary of Accounts and Balances
Trustee Report – Treasurer Accounts 31 December 2020
Believe it or not, there is a specific, basic formula which a treasurer is meant to adhere to when creating a report. This formula not only spells out what must be included but also contains guidelines on how to write the report.
So lucky me, I have a readymade excuse if anyone finds my report boring or hard to read (bet none of the other reports can use that excuse).
Here, in brief, is what the guidelines say must be in this report:
1 Determine the starting balance
2 Determine the expenses.
3 Determine the income.
4 Determine the ending balance.
5 Type the report.
1 The starting balance
On 1 January 2019 the PCC had a total balance of £115,945
2 The expenses
Across the year the total amount spent was £84,856
3 The income
Money received from all sources throughout 2019 was £67,110
4 The ending balance
On 31 December 2019 one minus two plus three means the PCC had a final balance of £98,199
5 Type the report
The detail behind these figures is shown in the Financial Statement of Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2019. These are laid out on pages 4 to 6 (page 3 is the Independent Examiners Report).
Avid readers of this yearly dose of sound sense and unequalled wisdom will know that I like to look at the accounts and find a story - a story of the life of St Alban's over the past 12 months and a pointer to what we could look forward to in the year ahead.
The first chapter of the story is a bit repetitive - we spent more than we got. I've been starting my stories with this same passage for the past few years now and I haven't found a way to write it any differently. We spend more than we get - and have done each year since 2016 - at which time we received a legacy of £165,000+ from a previous parishioner.
This is not, however, a horror story nor one of doom and gloom.
Chapter two is a tale of two halves.
Half one is a bit chirpy and upbeat - we did ourselves proud last year by increasing the amount of money given by individuals (me and you) from £21,697 to £21,723. Not only that, but the amount of money fund-raised was also up - from £3,812 to £4,554.
And thanks to the diligence of our Gift Aid Secretary we received £14,521 from the Inland Revenue for gift-aid claims, with more to come in 2020.
More good news is that the hall rental income rose again - from £9,151 to £9,277.This means the hall is a valuable, net contributor to PCC funds. So, all told, the story so far is of parish showing signs of growth and increasing local community awareness. Something which has not been achieved by accident, but rather through the enthusiasm, diligence - and, yes, perseverance - from those within our congregation who are able, willing and determined to make sure St Alban's is very much in business - the business of doing God's work.
A little less upbeat, the story moves on to tell of costs continuing to exceed income - to the extent that our year-end balance fell by nearly £18,000 last year.
But hang on, I hear you cry (all the best authors have vivid imaginations), do we have to have bad news to spoil the story?
Well, we cannot ignore the facts - but at the same we must continue to read the whole story. Looking at the details in the last page of the Accounts you can see that only two areas of spending were significantly higher last year - and most other costs were within cost-of-living increase or lower.
The first major hike was the cost of church repairs. Fixing the heating took a new boiler and some serious pipe repair work totalling £23,000+ to ensure we have a level of warm and comfort not known for many years. So, although the cost is high the benefits from a warm, welcoming church environment will undoubtedly pay dividends in the years to come.
Next, with more use of the hall, we have higher energy costs up from £3,239 to £4,376. Another mixed reality but one we probably should be pleased to bear because the hall is now delivering real community value.
You can also see comparatives that are higher or lower than in 2018 - Freewill Offer being one of those higher - and the PCC have borne all this in mind when setting out the Budget for 2020.
Which brings us neatly to the final chapter of the story.
The PCC has set out to achieve a balanced budget in 2020 and to do that a decision was made to reduce our parish Freewill Offer to the Diocese from £28,500 to £21,500.
Whilst I am personally less than comfortable with that decision, as treasurer I would have to agree that it looks to be a financially prudent decision because we are nowhere near to being able to raise significant extra income.
It does concern me that we don't lose the connection between how the Diocese is funded and what the Diocese does for us as a parish.
Like us, the Diocese relies for its income on the gifts and offerings from the wider congregation - a congregation broken down into individual parishes - and if that income does not cover the Diocesan costs then choices have to be made. The connection we must not lose is that our parish priest is wholly funded from the Diocese (£21,500 doesn't come close to paying the cost of a full time priest) as is the training and nurturing of our curate. And we haven't even looked at what else the Diocese provides locally and beyond.
The story concludes by confirming that St Albans is a healthy, growing church delivering service to the community through excellent worship, prayerfully led and spiritually uplifting. We have an open, welcoming space and we are nurturing a wider community, not just in heart and soul but in body as well through the Food Pantry, which is delivering incalculable support to some of the most-needy among us.
We are led by an energetic, thought-provoking priest and the PCC is working hard to make the right choices to ensure we continue to be a viable part of God's work in the place.
There are only two ways to balance the books - cut costs or increase income. If we cannot find ways to encourage more giving then we can only give less to others. Food for thought.
PCCTreasurer,12 February 2020
Churchwardens Report on Fabric, Goods
and Ornaments of the church 2019
In April 2019 the previous churchwardens relinquished their burden after serving for many more years than they could ever have imagined. Presentations of specially commissioned artworks (and cheques) were made during the service before the AGM. All of us at St Alban’s are very grateful to them for their many and varied contributions.
At the last AGM the congregation kindly elected us as churchwardens for the next three years.
Since then, perhaps most importantly, the heating has functioned without a hitch. The repairs and renewals badly dented the budget but it seems that money was well spent and we are grateful for the knowledge and time provided by the vicar.
The Archdeacon’s Visitation that had commenced in November 2018 was completed in July 2019 when we worked meticulously through the inventory with the Archdeacon’s representative, and also provided the additional paperwork that had been requested.
During the year it was noticed that plans of the church (not required for the visitation) had gone astray. Replacements were purchased from Hull History Archive.
We are not aware of any damage being caused to the church or its contents during the past year. General maintenance has been performed. As a safety measure, hand rails have been installed in the Lady Chapel, and wall handles in the Chancel and at the entrance to the Sacristy.
Service booklets for the many different services held throughout the year are now in the side vestry in filing cabinets (left in the vicarage garage by the previous incumbent).
Staging units of a DIY nature now enable the chancel to be levelled. This allowed performances by Invitatione Orchestra, Buckrose Concert Band and Badapple Theatre. All events were well attended, bringing many into the church for the first time.
Our thanks to all who have contributed to the running of the church in the past year.
Churchwardens
Deanery Synod Report 2019
There have been five meetings since my appointment at the Annual Meeting in 2019. These have taken place on 23 May; 18 July; 26 September; 28 November and 23 January.
We have attended most of these meetings but one of us has now resigned from the Synod in order to devote more time to the Tuesday morning “pop in” and the St Alban’s Pantry.
The Synod meetings tend to be advisory and informative, telling the members about Diocesan schemes, and this is clearly being used to keep parishes “in the loop”. The prime information about Come and See was introduced in the September meeting and comments taken from representatives. This was extended to the November Meeting when feedback for Come and See was received. Whether it made any difference I’m not sure, we will have to wait and see.
The Synod is also used to give out information about various churches’ events and activities which can be quite interesting. The Synod produces a monthly Prayer Diary; if you would like a copy please let me know.
There is a vacancy now: anyone wishing to come on board please have a word with the vicar. The downside is the Synod opening worship but he will be able to prepare you for that!
Parish Representatives to Deanery Synod
Secretary’s Report to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2019
The PCC has met six times in the past year.
We started the year thinking about the purpose of the PCC.
The church is for worship, pastoral care, mission and outreach, spiritual growth, being a family and carrying out God’s commandment to show his love.
The PCC is the leadership team
- enabling the church to play its part in God’s mission to his world;
- co-operating with the minister in sharing leadership.;
- ensuring legal compliance with charity law and ecclesiastical law;
- caring for the buildings and grounds;
- being a channel of communication within the wider church.
All of our existing policies were reviewed and updated in line with Diocesan policies, incorporating a cover sheet with the date adopted and dates of annual review:
- Disciplinary Procedures and Grievance Procedures
- Environment Policy
- Age Discrimination Policy
- Disability Policy
- Health and Safety Policy
- GDPR
- Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults
Poverty occurs when basic needs are not met. This could be a lack of money, food, friends or even hope. The poor are those who do not have enough money for food, heat, etc. plus those who lack time (for example a boss demands it). So far we have concentrated on lack of food with continuing contributions to the Trussell Trust Food Bank and the opening of the St Alban’s Pantry. This now has 39 members, of whom 15 are not churchgoers.
As usual, finance, heating and becoming a sustainable church took up most of the remaining meetings.
Thank you to the vicar and all who have assisted the smooth running of St Alban’s during the past year.
PCC Secretary
Social Committee Report
In March we held a Pancake and Beetle Night and in April welcomed the Dagger Lane Singers.
We celebrated St Alban’s Day with a Parish Lunch at the Masonic Hall and our thanks go to those who organised this event for us
July was busy with the Spring Fayre and a barbeque with the uniformed organisations. Our thanks go to the chief chef, and his helpers.
I would like to thank everyone who helped to make this a happy event. The proceeds were shared between the organisations and church.
The vicar held a Garden Party in the Vicarage garden with a barbeque and giant games. Our thanks to him and his family.
In September a Bingo night was held, causing great hilarity with the machine sending balls in all directions. The Buckrose Concert Band Proms concert was also a very enjoyable evening with much flag waving.
In October a Harvest Supper, using produce from the Harvest Festival Mass, and Bingo supported Hull Emmaus and Hull Help for Refugees.
The Invitatione Orchestra and Choir prformed Dvorak’s New World Symphony and the Duruflé Requiem in the church
December was another busy month. At the Christmas Fayre we were entertained by the Hull City Steel Band, who we have already booked for next year. We also had a visit from Father Christmas and his helpers. Thank you to everyone who assisted with this event. This was followed by the Mulled Wine and Pudding Night which was an enjoyable evening of carols and a quiz, many thanks to everyone who helped. Buckrose Band returned with another enjoyable concert of Christmas music.
At the end of December I retired as leader of the Social Committee and I would like to thank everyone who has helped me during the past 20 years. I am pleased to say that a new convenor will now be in charge and I hope you will help her in her new role.
Another full programme of events has been arranged for 2020.
Social Committee Convenor
Tuesday Drop-in and Pantry
Tuesday Drop-in opened every week from 8.30 to 12.30 throughout 2019. We maintained a similar average attendance to the previous year of around 25 people, many of whom were regulars enjoying the chance to have a natter over a drink, to join in with group crosswords, jigsaws or a craft activity, and also the opportunity most weeks to meet with the young people and their carers from Platform.
Early in the year our status as a nationally recognised Place of Welcome was confirmed.
We were able to start up St Alban’s Pantry in early October, having first purchased a Fridge, Freezer and Shelving and having been approved for Food Safety. The Pantry is similar to a Food Bank and involves a Membership Scheme. Members are entitled to 5 items of food for a pound. The Food is obtained from Fair Share by a weekly order. We never turn anyone away who isn't able to pay the pound. The aim is twofold: to ensure members can feed themselves and to avoid food waste. We now have 70 members who take advantage of this service. Several of our members visit with young children, who we have encouraged to use the children’s area we have created and to join us for a drink and a natter. A number of members have also taken part in our Craft Activities and we have had up to 50 people in the Hall.
Several members of the Congregation support us each week by their attendance but more would be very welcome to share the load as we continue to develop our offering and Mission.
Drop-in and Pantry Organiser
Church Hall Report 2019
Many thanks to the three whose efforts keeping the hall clean are greatly appreciated; however, if anyone feels that they could help with this task it would be appreciated (the more volunteers the less frequently the task has to be done).
We receive a lot of comments on what a good venue the hall is and how well it is maintained. With this thought we are now looking at costings and fundraising to renew the roof, which is greatly needed and would help to retain heat as this is problematic at the moment.
All the usual bookings have continued over the last year and the hall is well used through the week. Occasional use by families and other one-off events has continued to be popular from Messy Play to Xmas parties for Little Acorn Nursery.
Mondays Cleaning and Brownies;
Tuesdays Church pop in (ABC), and line dancing;
Wednesday Slimming World, Keep Fit, Empire Dance, Line Dancing;
Thursday Rainbows, Brownies and Guides;
Friday,Saturdays and Sundays No regular booking.
Church Hall bookings secretary
St. Alban’s Rainbows, Brownies and Guides:
This year has seen the units get to grips with the new programme and use the new materials available. It has brought many opportunities for girls to gain badges and join in many activities, both within the meeting place and outside the unit. The units have taken an active part in Girlguiding, which continues to help girls and young women develop emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually, so that they can make a positive contribution to their community and the wider world.
All units visited the pantomime at Hull New Theatre. Thursday Brownies went on Pack holiday to Paxwold, Monday Brownies enjoyed Pirate Golf, whilst the Guides enjoyed a weekend camping at our local campsite at Guideacres and went to the Big Gig (a concert for Girlguiding members only at Sheffield Arena). For many of the girls this was their first experience of a large scale event in an arena. A small group of Guides attended the Lord Mayor’s Harvest at Hull Minster with Derringham Bank Methodist Brownies, enjoying a lunch at the Guildhall afterwards.
We continue to raise funds to support the units and others by holding discos, which brings along many of the girls’ friends. Many of our girls have supported church parades, the joint barbeque, and the Church fayres. Our Christingle service was well attended and had great support from parents and grandparents, as well as members of St Alban’s congregation; this year raising £167.54.
On the 12th February 2019, Monday night Brownies celebrated their 40th birthday and also 40 years of service for Brown Owl. The girls participated in an attempt to complete 40 challenges in one night, whilst they also shared the evening with many past members from Brown Owl’s 40 years of service. It was a lovely evening at which the Brownies were also able to try on some old uniforms, deciding that they much prefer the uniform now.
All units have a good number of girls attending their section. New girls have joined each section and we continue to recruit through word of mouth due to our good reputation. We do, however, continue to look for new adult leaders to support our team, as this year our youngest section (Rainbows) sadly saw a leader leave. We thanked her for her time and service with us and all she did for our Rainbows. We have reminded her of where we are, if and when her work commitments should change. We have welcomed two newcomers into the leadership team for Rainbows and to Girlguiding at St Alban’s.
I thank the leadership team for their continued commitment to the girls here at St Alban’s, for their time within units, for training on weekends and evenings to ensure that they are up to date with safeguarding, first aid or programme development, as well as volunteering their time to weekly commitments to the girls of St Alban’s.
Yours in Guiding,
Guide Leader and Assistant Brownie Leader
District Commissioner for Ferens
St Albans (North Hull) Scout Group 2019
The Executive Committee and Group Leaders are pleased to present their annual report including activities and events which have taken place during the year.
The Executive Committee continued their efforts to raise funds for the Group. Beaver leader continues to encourage the use of the website Easy Fundraising at no cost to the individual!
The Annual Christmas Draw was held at the Scout Hut this year. Supporters of the group were once again most generous in donating prizes and purchasing raffle tickets.
Funds are used to maintain our building, subsidise Scout Association capitation, pay for materials for meetings, events, insurance and to keep the costs of camps down to a manageable level for most parents.
Once again each section has kept busy and entertained with various events and activities, as shown in the annual reports submitted by each Group Leader.
Secretary, on behalf of the Executive Committee
Beavers
The Beavers have had another successful year. Numbers have remained steady with numerous boys successfully moving up into the cub pack.
We have worked on a variety of badges throughout the year. We’ve done lots of crafts: making cookie jars for mums on Mother’s Day and plant pots, seeds and a decorated bag for dads on Father’s Day, biscuit decorating, Easter nests, and various Easter and Christmas activities.
We joined the rest of the group at Melton for our weekend camp.
The beavers always love to see what the older boys do at a camp.
We slept over and went on walks, made a diary, helped cook and wash up, did archery, slack line, water bottles and loved the singing during the camp fire.
We have taken part in the church parades for Mother’s Day, Harvest and Remembrance Day. We also had a fun and noisy Christmas party, finishing the year with a visit to McDonald’s.
The Beaver leaders are very proud of each and every Beaver.
Silver Beaver
Cubs
The Cubs joined the Scouts and Beavers at the annual BBQ at Melton when they slept in the lodge for one night. Chil finished the International Badge by letting the cubs build a kota (wigwam) and boil water on an open fire to make hot berry juice, which are activities from Finland.
Cubs have completed various badges: pioneering, scientist, artist, chef, athletics, personal safety activity, disability awareness, environmental conservation, gardening the church garden and working towards different challenge badges. At Easter the Cubs were given their Akela challenge to try and think of how to use less plastic. We also completed the District Sparks Challenge by carrying out 50+ different activities out of the 100 set. During the year we also covered scout values and knotting. Skip let the Cubs complete a knotting board to go up on the hut wall with the Scout's knotting boards.
Some cubs obtained badges in their own time, including artist, ICT, swimmers stage 2, hike 1, fire safety, community 1 and photography. It is good that they complete some badges in their own time. Well done.
The Cubs did various crafts at Christmas. Also at Christmas we joined with the Scouts and attended Rock Up for our Christmas celebrations. We had a belated Christmas party when we came back in the New Year.
The cubs attended the Arrow Competition at Melton, where we had 10 boys making up 3 teams to complete various challenges including pitching and striking tents, fire making, map-reading and other scouting activities. Unfortunately we did not come in the first 3 but we had a great day. Cubs also went for a sleepover at Williams Den. We made our own pizzas, made a full size wooden den and did map reading in the dark. Must remember to take torches next time!
We attended Church Parade on Mothering Sunday, Harvest and for the Armistice. We were also invited to the Church BBQ, where a handful of Cubs and parents attended.
I would like to thank Bagheera, Baloo and Chil for helping me to run the Cub pack. Without them I would not be able to keep the challenges going for the Cubs to keep learning and exploring within the Scouting environment. We have also had three helpers assisting cubs to complete their volunteering section for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Chil has now completed his volunteering section but would like to continue helping us. (As if we would let him leave!)
Let us see what we can do next year.
Akela
Troop Report
The Scout section has a fairly busy year with a varied programme of meetings and activities, both indoors and out. Our two sections remain consistent, continuing to show they are proud to be part of St Alban’s wherever they go. I am always impressed by the way our Scouts and Explorers (your sons) conduct themselves and in the way they work together as a group no matter what their age or abilities.
Membership has dropped slightly over the year due to older ones moving on to pastures new but we are expecting a further 3 youngsters to join the Scout section from Cubs before the end of the year.
As ever, in Spring we were busy making ready for the start of the camping season with the aim of teaching youngsters to be self-reliant, care for their own health and possessions, learn how to set up a campsite and practice their culinary skills. During summer we held our usual weekend camps at Melton, which included our annual group weekend with the Beavers and Cubs, incorporating a family barbecue and campfire for no less than 85 youngsters, parents and supporters. We also held our annual game of baseball on Beverley Westwood for lads and parents and tried out our skills of 'Backwoods cooking' at Melton. Grateful thanks to everyone who attended and helped out.
Summer camp at Rye House Farm near Helmsley was an excellent week on a site that we have used several times before. The weather was kind to us through the week until Friday night when we were in the midst of probably one of the worst hail storms I have ever experienced. Thanks to all parents who came out to join us for the Thursday afternoon and join in with the fun.
Following the summer break we returned to indoor meetings, which included a quiz night, a night learning about domestic skills such as ironing, sewing buttons and changing a plug. We also did a bit of plant potting and all those who came should have gone home with their own spider plant. Other meetings included a Halloween and chocolate apple night with popcorn making included, a night at the outdoor football court on National Avenue for a 5-a-side competition and a ‘cooking with spuds’ night. We held our usual firework party in November at Melton campsite, staying overnight which made it far less of a rush, and had a night making Christmas clocks. The year finished with the Group’s social evening where we presented the 'Paul Russell Memorial Shield' for 'Commitment, Consistency and Endeavour' jointly to two members and then finally our own joint Christmas party with the Cub pack.
Since the beginning of this year we have returned to the basics of scouting, teaching the three fundamental topics of first aid, mapping skills and rope work/knotting. During February we took part in the first round of this year's District archery competition where we joined the Church of Ascension and Holderness Road Scout Troops for an evening. Sadly despite our best efforts, we didn't make it to the final.
Summer weekend camps have started but sadly, due to my own circumstances, for the first time in my 35 years as scout leader, this year's summer camp will not be taking place; we may get the opportunity to do an abridged version if all goes to plan.
Very many thanks to all parents who helped us out during the year with transport, and others who admirably transported our summer camp gear out and back. Also thanks to Silver Beaver who has stepped in on many occasions throughout the year to help us out with nights in and out as well as weekend and summer camps.
The three packs again represented the Group at Church Parades and on St George’s Day.
Finally, I must add my most grateful thanks to my helpers for all their hard work and assistance throughout the year. It is encouraging to know that despite their own commitments I can rely on their support, input and enthusiasm. I always say, “if you don't enjoy it, don't do it” but they clearly do and working together remains an absolute pleasure and a hell of a laugh and ensures that our troop, and your children, will always stand out in the world of scouting and remain (in our opinion) the best. Many thanks chaps and keep up the good work.
Skip
Parochial Church Council Members 2019
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