St Mary's Annual Report RECTOR'S REPORT

Transcription

1 St Mary's Annual Report RECTOR'S REPORT This is my 5 th Rector s report here in Richmond with Hudswell and looking over the past annual reports, it is clear that a lot has happened and it is wonderful to see so many God given gifts growing and working throughout our church community. The diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales has just celebrated it s first birthday and it is exciting to be a part of this fresh look at the ministry of the church. Bishop Nick writes We have much to celebrate one year on. The five episcopal areas are young, but beginning to take shape. New ways of working and relating are beginning to be embraced. The challenges remain huge - not least with respect to finance and buildings - but evangelism, nurture and growth are at the heart of our vision and planning. A report was recently published called Church Growth Research which shows that although there is a general decline in numbers many traditional churches are growing, although Fresh Expressions of church are growing much faster. It seems that people want to engage in a new and different, more informal way than previous generations. People are still searching for a spirituality, searching for God, but for many of them the traditional ways no longer speak to them. So how can we face change and look positively to the future? How can we make sure that there will be a church community here in the future to worship God and to witness to his love? Researchers concluded that, while there is no single recipe, there are common ingredients strongly associated with growth in churches of any size, place or context, regardless of style or churchmanship. These are; Good leadership, a clear mission and purpose, willingness to self-reflect, to change and adapt according to context, involvement of lay members, being intentional in prioritising growth, being intentional in chosen style of worship and being intentional in nurturing disciples. Apparently all of the above are linked to growing churches. St Mary s is being highlighted in the diocese as an example of good practice and growth. This may seem strange when one considers that the numbers at our traditional services are at best holding up. However the PCC policy of incorporating many of the ingredients listed above has certainly resulted in an exciting sense of growth which is a joy to see. Our pattern of services has become established offering the opportunity for all ages and traditions to worship, from BCP to our Fun-Key church. The latest addition to our worship offer Illuminate has made a promising start and may well become a significant part of our pattern of worship. It is a joy to see so many people coming together on their journey of faith. The development of a worship pattern which reaches out to the whole community is clearly a continuing challenge to us all. As I wrote last year, there are inevitably differences of approach, demands and working practices involved in such an outgoing parish church as St Mary s. I

2 thank you and encourage you all to give thanks to God for the way in which the Holy Spirit is enabling us to work together in his name. Let us remember, before we complain about this, that or the other, that we are all God s disciples working for him, with love and grace - not competing but working together. Worship is key in our church ministry and we are blessed with exceptional musical talent in our robed choir, led by Colin Hicks. For many years Anacrusis and Upbeat, led by Carol Gedye, supported our All Age Eucharist. This year Carol decided to step down from this particular position and we are extremely grateful for all that she has done. The musicians have stayed on and it is a delight to see Carol s hard work continue to materialise in this special way. Jim Jack and Brett Overin are sharing the tiller thank you to them. Fun-Key is just about to celebrate it s 3 rd birthday and we thank Gillian Lunn and the team who work so hard behind the scenes. It is a joy to see so many aspects of St Mary s working together - young and old alike, so called traditionalists and modernists. Fun-Key is a shining example of how wrong it is to label each other. During the year your ministry team has continued to work together and the balance of experience, wisdom and energy has been a delight and I continue to be so grateful to all the team. This year Gillian Lunn and James Hargreaves continued their training and we look forward to celebrating with them at their licensing as Readers in October Bishop John Pritchard moved from Oxford to Richmond in November and has already indicated his willingness, despite a busy schedule, to help out when diary allows. We welcome him and Wendy into our community. During the year we have seen pastoral initiatives develop and become an established part of our ministry. After the Cards and Visitors, a monthly opportunity for recently bereaved spouses/partners to meet together for a coffee and chat and Knit2gether, a weekly knitting and sewing group, also offering an opportunity for a coffee and chat are proving very popular. Huge thanks to Carrie, Anne and Claire for initiating and organising these groups. Unfortunately this year has not been all clear sailing. It was with great sadness that the PCC voted to apply for St Michael and All Angels to be made redundant. Despite two village meetings it is clear that the church is not considered by the vast majority as their church and various issues have brought this decision to a head. More will be said as the process continues. However we do pray for the future ministry in the village. The links with the CofE Primary school and St Francis Xavier School continue to grow and it has been a pleasure to work closely with the staff of both schools. We continue to take collective worship every Wednesday at the Primary school and it is a joy when the school community comes to St Mary s for all their major services. Sadly the school failed a recent Ofsted and we are working hard to support the staff and governors at this difficult time. However this is an opportunity for us in St Mary s to support in very real ways. For example if you feel that you are able to sit with young children and listen to them read, please contact Jim Jack, the Chair of governors.

3 At SFX our diocese agreed to half fund the appointment of a school chaplain. Rachel Ross Russell started in September and it has been a delight to witness the children growing in their personal faith and owning the ethos of the school. I continue to believe that parish ministry is about being involved in the community in God s name and I have enjoyed becoming involved in many aspects of the life of Richmond. Being trustee of various local charities, including the YMCA and RCVS has helped me to understand the needs of the community in which we serve. As chaplain to the Richmond Town Mayor and leader of the Richmond District Council and the local branch of the Royal British Legion, I have witnessed the amount of hard work and dedication many give for the benefit of our communities. In January I was appointed Interim Area Dean and so inevitably my availability to continue with all the activities will be an issue. However I really look forward to having a closer working relationship with my colleagues in the deanery. Our Verger, Leonard Scrafton, has worked over and above the call of duty since day one of his appointment. Thank you Leonard for ensuring that worship and activities in church can happen so smoothly. I would like to thank Claire Murray for her efforts to help with the heavy administrative and financial burden of such a busy group, in her role as parish administrator and assistant treasurer and we thank her for her hard work. The Churchwardens and Treasurer once again enabled the ministry to function and I would like to personally thank them for their hard work. I would also like to thank Sue Gudgeon, our previous treasurer, who has continued to help Rebecca in settling into her new role. Finally my thanks to my colleague and friend Rev Antony. We have been blessed by his growing ministry and we pray for him and Debbie as he discerns the next move in his ministry. I finish my report as I always do, because I feel it is even more relevant today. God has blessed us with the gift of so many talents and skills and it really is exciting to look to the future, to discern his will for us and his church. Let us use those gifts to reach out to the community in his name. John Chambers RECTOR PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT Events which have taken place and decisions made in the last year: Monthly All-age Worship was instituted in Hudswell Village Hall, and subsequently discontinued due to lack of interest. Meetings were held with Hudswell residents about the future use of their church building.

4 Because of safety issues following the quinquennial architect s report on St Michael and All Angels, it was decided that the Archdeacon be consulted and the process of closure be begun. A faculty was received and the recommended tender approved for the installation in church of toilet facilities for the disabled. The PCC accepted that the bells and bell-frame needed replacement, and supported the ringers intention to begin raising funds for the project. The PCC approved that James Hargreaves and a team of volunteers should establish opportunities for outreach of a social nature to young people of an age-range 11 to 16. The PCC agreed to support James, who had been accepted onto the Reader Training Programme. A policy was instituted, that no alcohol should be allowed to be consumed in the porch or churchyard, unless at a church-organized function. A votive candle stand was obtained. A gate was installed at the top of the steps leading to the Green Howards chapel. A service by the military, open to the public, was held in St Mary s at pm to commemorate the outbreak of war. An occasional quiet contemplative worship event, Free To Be, was approved. A free-ranging non-eucharistic evening service, Illuminate, was approved to be accompanied by a youth band on the first Sunday of each month at 7.00 pm. A Thursday evening Eucharist was approved to be held at 7.00 pm. The time of the Wednesday morning Eucharist was altered to 9.15 am. Leonard Scrafton was appointed head verger to lead the vergers team. Rebecca Simpson was appointed treasurer to the PCC. Claire Murray, Gillian Lunn, Oliver Murray and Keith Robson were proposed by the PCC and authorized by the bishop as chalice assistants at the Eucharist. It was agreed that the church should be locked daily at 3.00 pm, and that advice be sought on crime prevention from the police. The PCC expressed its gratitude to Colin Hicks and the choir, and to Carol Gedye and the musicians of Upbeat and Anacrusis, who had all done so much for the worship in St Mary s. The PCC expressed its gratitude to the Vitty family for their work in rebuilding the south churchyard wall in Hudswell. Planning is continuing for: All-Age Eucharist to continue on the third Sunday in every month. Anacrusis to continue without a leader, Brett Overin volunteering as piano accompanist. Upbeat to continue with the parents of the young orchestral players forming a management team. A faculty to be obtained for a lockable fire door to be erected at the choir vestry entrance. Jennifer Patrick PCC Secretary

5 CHURCHWARDENS' REPORT In May Len Scrafton was appointed as head verger. He and his team continue to play a vital role in the smooth running of the day to day front of house organization at St Mary s. This is much appreciated. Last year s report included the early stages of the disabled access toilet project. The last year has significant developments and building work is scheduled to begin soon. Thanks to everyone who has helped so hard to raise funds. The completion of the project will be a significant step in improving access to the building. Holy Trinity is now fully back in use having emerged from its protective coverings as part of the Green Howards Museum redevelopment project. Improved heating and, thanks to a generous donation, repainting have made our chapel in the Market Place a much more comfortable place to use. In preparation for the building work the town and church silver which is displayed in the museum was placed in safe storage. Thanks to Roy and Janet Morel who wrapped and packed our part of the display. During the closure of the building the museum staff took over Springwell House in Frenchgate generously accommodating our printing machinery which normally lives in the chapel. The museum is due to be officially opened by on Sunday 10 th May. This will include St Mary s and the Green Howard s chapel. In preparation this area has been repainted. A particular challenge for the painters who used traditional lime based paints and had the difficult task of working around the flags and standards which are displayed on the walls and could not be moved. Our historic building continues to reveal its secrets. Recently emergency repairs were carried out on the safe in the clergy vestry. Discussing the logistics of how the safe, manufactured in the 1850 s, was installed it became apparent that vestry, built during the 1860 s reordering, was built around the safe. This could cause problems if it was ever to be replaced. A visit from the insurance inspector highlighted the need to keep a record of all those who have any keys for our buildings. David Frankton is compiling a register of all key holders. If you have keys and have not spoken to him please do so as soon as possible. Mystery still surrounds the disappearance of the key to the door to the tower. A new lock has been fitted replacing the original fitting. If anyone finds a large iron key the churchwardens and the tower captain would be pleased to hear from you. The increasing use of the church for community activities continues to give the general public the opportunity to use the building and its facilities. This is not without its problems and challenges. Matching expectations and demands of users and coping with the logistics of staging, seating and catering can be difficult. Turning the building from a concert hall on Saturday evening back into a church for Sunday morning is hard work. Thank you to all who have helped on these occasions throughout the year. It s certainly appreciated by all concerned. David Frankton Churchwarden

6 ESTATES REPORT The main event in during the year was visit by the architect to carry out our quinquennial inspection. All church buildings receive this seven yearly full inspection of the fabric. The report highlights several areas of concern and suggests a phased programme of repairs and maintenance. Some of this can be carried out by ourselves but much is the work of specialist builders to work on our grade two listed building. This must be addressed by the estates team. The much planned the gates at the top of the steps into the Green Howards chapel have been installed. These are a really good match for the existing railings and should prevent anyone falling down the stone steps. Richmond Town Council continues to keep our churchyard and surrounding areas in excellent condition. Thanks to Andy Macey and all who work so hard maintaining this large area. Improvements by the District Council to the car park have also included the removal of two overgrown evergreen trees planted either side of the gate into the church. This and repairs to the path are a great improvement to this much used entrance to the church. Repairs are also being carried out, on behalf of the diocese, to the retaining wall of the Rectory garden in the north eastern corner of the churchyard. Some improvements to lighting in the chancel have been made with the installation of led bulbs into some of the existing fittings. This experiment has improved the level of light. This type of bulb uses less electricity and last longer. Quite an advantage when the fillings are thirty feet from the floor. More experimentation followed a request to make the brass lectern easier and safer to move. A specially made trolley has been produced. The mark one model proved to be unstable. Undaunted this was replaced by mark two, a wide wheel base version. Although better it still presents problems as it raises the height of the lectern making it difficult to use. Thanks to Roy Morel who continues to keep our sound system in working order. The microphone used on the naive altar became damaged, although still working, it is proving difficult to replace or repair. Thanks also to all those who keep us informed if the hearing aid loop system is working correctly. Our fire alarm system and fire extinguishers continue to receive regular attention and inspections. The heating system continues to receive regular maintenance and is serving us well through the winter months. However the level of heat in the building would be much improved by simply keeping the outer doors closed as much as possible. David Frankton Churchwarden

7 BELL TOWER REPORT We have had a number of changes in the belfry over the last year and we have managed to maintain our tradition of Sunday morning ringing, usually managing to ring all 8 bells. We are very lucky at St Mary's to be so well supported many towers struggle to ring regularly for services. Our team has been joined this year by Olly and Alistair, who have progressed to become full members of the band, and Jan, who has gone from being a non-ringer to ringing regularly on Sundays. We have also been joined by Yvonne, an experienced ringer who has been a great asset to the band. Further afield, Tim Holmes has rung in the highly prestigious National 12 Bell striking competition. We continue to practice on Tuesday nights and last year had a programme of quarter peal attempts for evensong. These have enabled a number of our ringers to complete personal milestones in ringing and allowed us to develop our ringing as a band. We have also rung for special occasions, such as Remembrance Sunday and particularly this year for the Tour de France. We entered two teams in the local ringing competition, held this year at Swainby, a lovely village on the edge of the North York Moors. We again supplied 3 ringers for the branch team in the Yorkshire Association competition, somehow retaining the trophy we won last year. This is now on display in the ringing room at Ripon Cathedral. We have maintained our links with local towers, particularly Catterick, Grinton and Bedale, but also further a field at Ripon and Northallerton. Our project group has continued to meet, now led by Peter who has been busy liasising with the bell founders Taylors at Loughborough. This included a trip to Loughborough, where we watched the casting of a 2 ton bell for Harvard. We are drawing up a plan to replace our outdated, difficult to access frame and to introduce a fully tuned set of new bells, with active soundproofing for the tower. As part of this we will research the history of the bells and ringers and rehang some of our historic bells so they are easier to access. We hope to lauch a formal appeal in the next few months, so you will be hearing more about the project as the year goes on. As you can see, we have had plenty to keep us busy over the year, rounding it up with a 90 th birthday party for Charles, including cake and balloons! Peter, in particular, has taken on leading the bell project in addition to his usual work in maintaining the bells and the tower. My thanks go to all the ringers who make our group such a strong band and show their commitment to the church by turning up week by week. Susan Welch Tower Captain

8 CHRISTIANS TOGETHER IN RICHMOND REPORT John Chambers, John Dickinson and Roy Bebbington continued to act as Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Lent Antony Kirby organised the meetings for the Lent Course Build on the Rock, which was held in various locations and was attended by about 65 people. There was a modified Walk of Witness on Good Friday, ending in the Friary Gardens and organised by Keith Hall. This was considered a success and security was improved. There was no drama and no Holy Week prayers because of the building works in the Curtilage and Holy Trinity Chapel. Food Store. Churches continued to support the food store by providing food contributions and Ben Dowding wrote a letter on the success of the enterprise and thanking CTiR for donations. Tackling Poverty. There were various reports and discussions, including a helpful analysis and a description of the work done by the Society of St Vincent Paul and the Archbishop of York s ACTS435 programme. There was no clear conclusion about any further action to be taken by CTiR, though work is being done through individual churches and discussions will continue. Christian Aid Week. The sum collected was as at 10 June, but further contributions were coming in. Picnic Lunch. Another successful picnic was held on 1 June in Ronaldshay Park. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This was observed in January with weekday prayers in Holy Trinity attended by a total of 11 people and an Agape Meal in the Town Hall hosted by the King s Church and attended by about 40. Holy Trinity Chapel became available for worship after re-decoration. General Election Hustings. Plans are under way for a hustings on 20 April 2015 at Richmond School. Good Friday Drama. In spite of a desire for this, we fell short of the resources to produce another drama in John Dickinson Chairman The following activities have taken place: COMMUNICATIONS TEAM REPORT In the previous 12 months the full Communication Team met three times. Reorganisation of notice-boards material is in progress, the Prayer Request board and box have been re-located beside the votive candle stand. A sub-group has met twice to consider a number of website developments. Details of Sunday services are published each week in the Darlington & Stockton Times and special events are printed in the monthly What s On in Richmond. The monthly entries for the national website, A Church Near You continue as usual. Special events, e.g. exhibitions and concerts, inter-denominational services and agape, study-groups, the Lent study programme, bellringing and embroiderers activities and

9 Fun-Key Church activities are advertised on the parish website, the Richmond Online website, in the local tourist information office and in the local press. The magazine team continues to involve a considerable number of the congregation in its various activities: compilation, printing, collating, distribution and advertising. About 400 magazines are printed for distribution every month to homes, care homes, churches, tourist accommodation, hotels, and libraries in the local community. Special thanks go to two people: to David Frankton for the major contribution he makes to the church s ministry behind the scenes by printing in-house the monthly magazine, notices and almost all the other printing for special church services and events, and to Frank Gibbon for continuing the time-consuming task of organising magazine advertising. St Mary's parish website, a source of information for the congregation, the local community, and the wider public is in the process of change. Andrew Russell [Moonburst web design] who has designed, hosted and updated the website every month for many years has handed over that responsibility to a sub-group of the Communications Team. We are extremely grateful for the generous work and advice he has given to the church. A newly-designed site will appear shortly. It will continue to link to Facebook, Twitter and other websites. The national website A Church Near You lists 217 churches in the Ripon & Leeds diocese including the four in our own benefice (St Mary s, Richmond; St Michael & All Angels, Hudswell; St Michael & All Angels, Downholme; St Edmund s, Marske). Details of all weekly and occasional services in the four churches are given on the national website: A Church Near You website address: Sheila Harrisson Chairman DEANERY SYNOD REPORT Richmond Deanery Synod: 2 June 2014 with Bishop James Bishop James explained the process of establishing a new diocese and the role of Area Bishop, Followed by an Open Forum. He gave the background to the formation of the new diocese, described the various parts of the Diocesan Secretary s, presentation of May 21 st 2014, The Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales from the beginning of the new diocese on Easter Day Bishop James said it will take three years to complete the process. Richmond Deanery Synod: 3 Feb 2015 with Bishop Nicholas The Synod noted the resignations of the previous Area Dean and the appointment of Rev J Chambers as interim Area Dean (pending confirmation of Deaneries in the new Diocese). He reported that there will be a full complement of clergy in the deanery with the appointment

10 of Revd Andrew Cromarty to Hipswell, Revd Jonathan Barker to Teesdale and Revd Jenni Lane to East Richmond Peter Nicholls announced his resignation as Lay Chair with effect from 1 June The main business of the meeting was a talk by Bishop Nicholas about the new Diocese. He explained that there are differences between perception and reality. In the context of the new diocese the aim is for us to shape the future rather than let others shape it. The overall process is of three old dioceses moving into one new diocese to become five episcopal areas; currently we are still working as three. By the end of 2014 two new bishops, a new registrar and a Director of Education were in post. Interviews are in process for a new Chancellor; an appointment is expected in the next month. Much has been achieved but equally much remains to be done over the next two years. However, there are still three diocesan offices, three accounting systems and a lot of three of everything else! One priority is to find a location for a new and accessible diocesan office after which area offices will be set up. The Bishop's vision is of a vibrant diocese with confident clergy and confident Christians to live and tell the good news of Jesus Christ in West Yorkshire and the Dales. This will include intentional evangelism and Christian nurture. Sheila Harrisson, Jonathan Roberts Deanery representatives FRIENDS OF ST MARY S REPORT I would like to start by reminding everyone that membership of the Friends of St Mary s is open to all those who are on the Electoral Roll. We have been able to help our church this year by paying for various electrical bills and for the further upgrade of the audio system, which has helped to enhance our worship. We have also purchased a new vacuum cleaner, a reusable banner to advertise the Advent and Christmas Services, the supplies for the Christingle service, and Easter eggs, as a thank you to our Choir. In order to give impetus to the Disability Access Toilet Fund the Friends agreed to donate 1,000 and to underwrite 4,000. To help with this Margaret has continued her bus trips and has visited Skipton and Boundary Mills this year. We also held another successful BBQ and finished the year with an enjoyable Quiz and Pie and Pea supper at the Cricket Club. Please speak to either Susan Wallis (Secretary) or Liz Chambers (Chair) if you have any ideas for fundraising or general social events. The committee will always give support but would love someone to come forward as a main organiser for an event. In this way we will be able to continue to assist with the general upkeep and maintenance of the church, its activities and services and to bind together in common fellowship all those who love the Parish Church. Liz Chambers Chairman

11 KNIT2GETHER REPORT Since The Knit2gether started meeting at the Restaurant at Greyfriars in June 2014 we have become a happy, supportive, welcoming group. Meetings have a regular attendance of approximately ladies, of all ages, plus many occasional visitors. Each bringing their own creative projects, sharing knowledge and skills whilst having fun and fellowship. 16 people attended our Christmas party. We have celebrated birthdays and welcomed the birth of a member's 1st baby. New member always welcome. Claire Murray Convenor MONDAY MORNING TODDLER GROUP REPORT Gathering about 10am in the Methodist Church Halls we enjoy a time of fun and friendship for children aged between 0 and 5 years old and their adult carer (mum, dad, grandparents, friends etc). Tea, coffee, juice, fruit and healthy snacks await and flow throughout, and even more important a warm welcome is guaranteed. This is manned by an enthusiastic, loving and committed team made up of ladies from both Richmond Methodist Church and St Mary s Church. We could do with more helpers to make it easier when there is the inevitable outside commitments or illness. You don t need to help all session or even every session. Free flow play with a variety of toys for a variety of ages is followed by singing, stories, action games and fun. Numbers vary between 10 children and 25 depending on the weather and time of year, and special gatherings have included celebrating Christmas and Easter with seasonal food, summer in the park and cake when it is children s birthdays. There are also invitations given and (taken up by our families) to all our services at church especially Easter, Crib, Christingle and Christmas. The time spent with each other, enjoying each other s company, encouragement and the space to do it in such a friendly way is invaluable. We know the children gain lots, but so too the adults as they find people with similar concerns, joys and thoughts as each other. Gillian Lunn

12 MOTHERS UNION REPORT We have had a very successful and productive year and we have welcomed five new members to Mothers Union and have had some very interesting speakers. We visited St Matthews Church Leyburn for the Deanery Lady Day service and Ripon Cathedral to say the mid day prayers after which we had an enjoyable lunch. We also celebrated Mary Sumner Day at Ripon - also followed by a picnic lunch! Henry Thompson's talk on the charity Downside Up was also very interesting and enjoyable and we have also taken to our hearts the information about Family Help, the womens refuge Darlington. We continue to collect cleaning equipment as well as small cash donations that will be passed on to the refuge in October; the money will be given to the ladies to buy supermarket shopping vouchers so that they have control over their own shopping. We attended the Advent service at St. Annes Catterick and had a lovely Eucharist service at Holy Trinity followed by tea and mince pies at the Kings Head. Our Christmas party in January! is always a very lively affair and this year's was no exception with entertainment by Forum. We also serve refreshments at Fun-Key Church each month. Our treasurer, Liz Chambers does a brilliant job for which we are all very grateful. We have no Branch Leader at present but run very well with a good committee [Christine Stedman and Margaret Clayson]. Our new Mothers Union banner is almost finished. We look forward to our Patronal Festival when Bishop James will dedicate the banner. The service will be followed once again by a "lovely lunch" at the Kings Head. On Saturday 4th July we are hosting a concert by Reeth Brass Band followed by Afternoon Tea. Tickets will be on sale at 6 nearer the time. You will have noticed that food is a common thread throughout our year! Last summers BBQ at Susan and Leonards raised sufficient funds for us to donate to Prayer Network, AFIA, our holiday caravan at Filey Overseas Mission and to provide a Baby Change Unit for the Disabled Access Toilet. We thank all who support us in our work Susan Scrafton Secretary

13 ST MARY'S CHOIR REPORT 2014 saw a varied year for the Choir of St. Mary s. We have gained new members in the treble section and seen one or two of the older trebles move on, notably Sophie Overin who completed her time as Head Chorister at Christmas We thank her for her service in that post. The choir has continued to support worship at St. Mary s week by week and in addition to the choral support for Eucharist on a Sunday, we continue to sing Choral Evensong monthly, a service which offers up worship in music and word and is appreciated by those who attend regularly and surprises those who are casual visitors and may not have encountered this service before. Fashions for styles of worship come and go, but Evensong remains the thread that has run through almost unchanged for close on 600 years. It is often amazing to think that some of the music we sing at Evensong was written in the 1500s and would have been sung in our very own Easby Choirstalls all that time ago and regularly since. Someone said to me recently that the 1399 Font and our 1511 choirstalls are probably the oldest pieces of equipment in the town, still being used for their original purpose! Nice to be a part of that. We were invited to sing at the Swaledale Festival in 2014 with Lute virtuoso Jacob Heringman and Viola da Gamba master, Susanna Pell. We were part of a festival concert at Easby Church, celebrating the music of Thomas Ravenscroft. We had a great time preparing for this and performing not only at the concert, but at the service in Low Row to celebrate the start of the Festival. Our Altos Tenors and Basses deserve a special mention. They are all great choral musicians and are so involved in the training and development of our young singers here at St. Mary s. It is a pleasure to work with them. Special thanks to Andrew Christer who provides such wonderful accompaniment to our Evensongs, and to Gordon Appleton who stands in for me when I disappear to Australia! We look forward to another year of music making and to continue support the worship in whatever way will enrich the experience for all involved. Those who support us, Thank you all! Colin Hicks Church Music Director

14 ST MARY S WOMEN S FELLOWSHIP REPORT As in previous years St Mary s Richmond Women s Fellowship continues to thrive. The past year has been interesting and varied which followed the usual pattern of short time of prayer, a guest speaker followed by refreshments. Our meetings last about an hour and a half. In keeping with our affiliation to St Mary s we held our Annual Easter Service and the traditional Carol Service. We continue to be a happy, relaxed and caring group who enjoy good fellowship together which culminates in our annual Christmas Party. We are an elderly group of ladies and sadly in the last year for various reasons four members can no longer attend. However, we have welcomed two new members this year. We now meet in the Town Hall on the 3 rd Wednesday of the month at 2:00pm (excluding July and August.) It is worth mentioning that the Women s Fellowship was formed from the then Young Wives Club who wished to open membership to a broader cross section of women. This was achieved and continues to be the case as our membership is a broadly based group of ladies both secular and interdenominational. We will celebrate our 45 th Anniversary with a party in September this year. Our leader for the first 40years who made an outstanding contribution to the Women s Fellowship was the wonderful Kathrine Carr who we all remember with great fondness and respect. Eileen Simms Convenor WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY GROUP. Not available STUDY GROUPS REPORTS THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY GROUP The Group meets on Thursday evenings at 7.30 at 1 Roper Court, Richmond. We studied a series of readings on the Holy Spirit taken from Guidelines, a daily reading publication by the Bible Reading Fellowship, then turned our attention to The Acts of the Apostles, basing our discussions on a commentary by Tom Wright. Acts proved to be both an exciting history and a dense theological text, which means that we are progressing only slowly, but thoroughly enjoying the challenges. We read the week s Bible passage, give time for reflection and discuss our responses to it. Group members can ask questions, admit confusion, keep quiet (if they don t wish to participate) and learn from each other s thoughts and experiences. We finish the evening with tea or coffee and biscuits at 9.00 pm. We laugh a lot. Jennifer Patrick Convenor

15 TREASURERS REPORT The Report is printed and provided separately. UPBEAT ORCHESTRA AND ANACRUCIS REPORT The Upbeat Orchestra and Anacrusis Choir, which has led the musical content of the All Age Worship services until Christmas 2014 under the guiding hand of Carol Gedye, continues to lead the worship but without Carol. She has decided to stand down after more than 20 years in charge. Many young (and not so young) musicians have played and sung under Carol over the years. A smaller band of players under the guiding hands of Brett Overin, Allan Guy and Jim Jack, along with some enthusiastic singers have provided the lead in services on the third Sunday of the month since January If you would like to join either the players or the singers please contact any of the above. Jan Jack