The Parish of Malew and SantanThe Abbey Church Ballasalla - St Lupus Kirk Malew

St Mark’s St Marks - St Sanctain Santan

Annual Meetings & Report

2014www.malewandsantan.im

Welcome to the Annual Report 2014. The purpose of this document is to give details of all

necessary reports and accounts and to provide an overview of the life of the parish in 2014.

Contents

Introduction & Vicar’s Report 3Snapshot of attendance 4Administration, publicity and website 4Children & Young People 5Engagement with schools 5Fabric 6Finance 9Hospitality 10Liturgy, Worship & Music 10Parish Magazine 10Study Groups 11Traidcraft & Fairtrade 11Vicarage 11Annual Vestry Meeting (Burial Grounds) 13Annual Meeting of Parishioners 14Annual Parochial Church Meeting 15

Appendix 1 Minutes of Annual Vestry Meeting 2014 16Appendix 2 Malew Burial Authority Accounts 2014 17

Santon Burial Authority Accounts 2014 18Appendix 3 Minutes of the General Meeting of Parishioners 2014

19Appendix 4 Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2014

20Appendix 5 Malew & Santan Church Accounts 22Appendix 6 Who are we looking for 28

– concluding page from the Parish Profile

Introduction & Vicar’s Report 2

2014 saw the Parish once again in a period of ‘vacancy’. The sudden illness of the Revd Canon Paul Mothersdale toward the end of 2013 leading to his death in January 2014 came as sad news. Jackie and Paul were part of this parish for a short time, but will I’m sure, remain in our thoughts for years to come. Paul’s work in the Parish was perhaps not fully realised in his time here; as his successor I am grateful for the foundations he began to lay in this parish. Some of the new developments and changes ought to stand as testament to the work he began. During the vacancy, life in the parish continued with it’s vibrancy and vigour. Our thanks are noted to all those who helped to carry this burden. I would particularly like to note my thanks on behalf of the parish to the Church Wardens and the numerous clergy and ministers who worked to keep parish life going. Reference will be made to individual churches and events later in this report.Personally, it has been a year of change for our family too. Following my arrival firstly as Priest in Charge at the end of July, and the as ‘Vicar’ from the end of October we, (Caroline, George & I), are hugely grateful to the welcome and generosity we have received and positive opportunity we have been given to settle into life in your parish. There will always be a tendency to look to what has gone before; there is a real sense that we will of course honour the past, but as we journey on our Parish has found an opportunity for a new beginning. An opportunity seen not least in that we are now something which we have never been before. The Parish marks it’s second full year as ‘The Parish of Malew and Santan’ and it’s first period with it’s own ‘Vicar’. As a parish we have four distinct church communities each with their own complimentary character. It is easy to forget that across our parish we see a higher proportion of church attendance (out of the resident population) than many in this diocese (or indeed, the wider Church of England). We have one of the largest groups of children attending Sunday School across the Island. Our buildings are, generally, in good condition, and we have great potential to serve the local community, the wider diocese and through new developing initiatives we can contribute to the wider Church of England too.

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This annual report is intended to give an insight into the year that has past and our position at the year-end. I hope you will find it useful as a way of celebrating our shared life and faith journey, as well as perhaps giving some stimulus for future priorities.

You will know that work on the Isle of Man extends beyond our parish. My involvement with schools across the diocese and work with those exploring ministry and the Ministerial Internship programme in the Diocese take up, on average 1.5-2 days per week. This is essential work that does come at a cost; both a personal one, and also a parochial one. A Parish as complex as ours only exists due to the help of a large team of unseen and unsung heroes who weald anything from a pen to broom, a coffee cup to craft materials. We survive and succeed only because many people offer their time and energy. May we long be a place where people find space to contribute in some way; may we be a parish where all are welcomed and thanked for being part of our community; with that in mind, I offer my thanks to you all for sharing in our life together.

With every good wish & continued prayer,James~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~A snapshot of attendanceParish Electoral Roll = 151Church Roll =

Malew = 26St Marks = 17Abbey = 72Santan = 36

Easter 2014Attendance across the Parish – 196 (inc 151 communicants)Christmas 2014Attendance across the Parish – 311 (inc 158 communicants).

In 2014 5 weddings, 10 funerals and 16 baptisms were held in the Parish.

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Administration, publicity and website. Parish administration is currently carried out in the main part by the Vicar, with the Treasurer, PCC Secretary or Church Wardens all taking specific responsibility for certain areas. Our thanks are noted to those who assist with this onerous task. There is a need to catch up on administration relating to the burial grounds and our church log books are in need of a review (this is not due to their lack detail thanks to the efforts of the Wardens; rather this is to ensure that they are in the correct format). Parish Admin is an onerous task, particularly where in some instances the same task is repeated three (or even four different ways). Over the coming year there is a need to change some practices and streamline our working to release literally hours of time for our clergy & lay ministers to do their ‘core’ job. Some offers of help with the task of administration have been received (and the Vicar looks forward to tasking up these offers in due course). We have begun to develop a ‘house style’ for letterheads, service booklets and other publicity (and in time new notice boards). This will continue to develop over time helping to visually cement our Parish identity. Our website is in need of a facelift, however engagement and use of Facebook and twitter continues to develop positively and is proving to be a useful tool to communicate with people.Children and Young PeopleReport from The Abbey Sunday Kids – from Clare Glynn RileyThis has been another successful year for The Abbey Sunday Kids! Our numbers remain high each week and we continue to have interest from new families. Our topics of study this year have been The Armour of God, The Lord's Prayer, Christmas, 'Allsorts' and Our Friend Jesus. We have had a lovely Easter teaching the children in more depth about the Easter Story, and our Good Friday celebration was well attended and received. Clare and Sam have continued to attend training courses, including Godly Play, Safeguarding and Discipleship. We have found these very useful and have been able to input our new skills and ideas into TASK. Work has begun on the Choir Room and we hope to finish this by the end of 2015. This year we would also like to achieve: more training; an SUMT gapper to help us build on our youth (11 years plus) group and to

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put together a holiday programme; to include more technology in our sessions, which would again help us to reach out to the older children and to use many of the online facilities that are out there. In 2015 it is anticipated that a number of people from our congregations will complete a three-day course of training in Godly Play. Following this we hope to begin a new format of services and events aimed at ‘family groups’. Currently our engagement with teenagers is low. That said, the majority of our children are within the 2-9 age group. Over the years to come we need to begin preparing to be ready to journey with them as the grow through those teenage years of transition, alongside preparing to welcome new young people into our churches. Engagement with SchoolsTwo members of our congregation have continued to support Ballasalla Primary School through their work on the governing body. Ellen Helliwell (Reader) and James McGowan (Vicar) lead assemblies in school, and following the retirement of the current Headteacher at Christmas 2014 we look forward to new and growing relationships with the school community.The Revd Erica Scott continues in her role (outside of the Parish) as Chaplain to King Williams College and the Buchan. With Erica’s link to our Parish we look forward to continued relationships with KWC & the Buchan. The Vicar, when needed, supports the work of Chaplaincy at King William College. In the wider Diocese, James has continued his role as Diocesan School’s Officer working with schools across the Island and as a member of the Religious Education Advisory Committee.

Fabric St Sanctain – Church The Parish Church of St Sanctain continues to be well maintained. In 2014 we saw only minor general maintenance take place. A new carpet was fitted to the Nave and Sanctuary, being of the same colour and design as the old one this was replaced on a like for like basis. The church continues to be well maintained, heated and it is always clean and tidy. A quinquennial inspection is due in 2015; nothing major is expected. St Sanctain – Parish Centre

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The Parish Centre continues to be used by a day nursery, providing a very attractive setting for all those youngsters who are part of that early years care setting. The Centre is used by the Parish on evenings and weekends. During 2014 only minor repairs and routine maintenance were carried out.

St Marks – Church – From Orry MitchellThere have been a number of joint services with Ballagarey Chapel during 2014, namely Good Friday, the 7am Easter Sunday Sonrise Service with a bacon roll, Rogation Sunday, Harvest Festival and a Christmas Evensong. Again our thanks to all those involved.At the beginning of July, the community helped to put on a great display of flowers and associate displays as St Marks Church’s part in the Isle of Man Flower Festival. The event was very successful ending with a service with the Mariner’s Choir, again thank you to all involved. Reverend James McGowan has used St Marks Church as a retreat for prayer and reflection, also using the re-opened Schoolroom.There is further interest in using the Church as a retreat centre. During November the final phase of remedial work to the church tower was carried out by Grenaby Limeworks, which included renewing the stonework under the bell to improve rainwater run off. There was additional work carried out to the top pinnacle of the tower as the render had become life expired. Short sections of Oak timber were renewed above the bell.This work was funded by a generous donation.Also the fibreboard on the inner church wall behind the organ was removed. The existing wall was cleaned down and a lime render was applied, this wall is continuing to allow years of water ingress to seep out. The organ was taken out of commission due to the dampness and dust during the internal work, but the organ should be operational again in May 2015.

St Marks – Schoolroom – From Orry MitchellDuring a St Mark’s Church Local Council meeting in late summer, Reverend James McGowan asked about the closed St Marks Schoolroom. A structural report was commissioned and the John Gray’s report showed that there were no major defects in the building. It was the suggested that the Schoolroom was re-opened

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for use by the community and possibly as a retreat centre. Thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers, the Schoolroom was cleaned up, walls repainted as well as the inside window frames. There are repairs needed to the outside frames of some of the windows, hopefully this can be done during 2015, when funds allow.The Schoolroom was re-opened for a ‘Concert and Tea’ on the 27th November, which was a very successful evening.Then in December there was a successful flower arranging demonstration.The St Marks W.I. have returned to the Schoolroom for their meetings.There were also a number of spot hires of the Schoolroom. The Schoolroom needs to fund itself and further plans are in hand for 2015.

The Abbey – Church – From Orry MitchellFollowing the sad passing of Reverend Paul Mothersdale during January 2014, the Parish went into interregnum again till July 2014 when the Reverend James McGowan was appointed Priest in Charge. Our thanks to all the members of the clergy who have assisted in our services.On the 30th July Reverend James was installed as Priest in Charge at The Abbey Church following a service at St Sanctain Church. There were a number of changes to our Sunday Services at the Abbey in 2014, but now the pattern has now become that the first Sunday is a family service and the other Sunday services are Holy Communion.In May 2014 G.E.M. Electrical Contractors carried out a 5 yearly inspection of the electrics in the Abbey Church, including testing the portable equipment. The only fault found was the lamp on the organ.In October SCS came to service the Abbey Church oil boiler and found a faulty hydraulic ram, oil pump and fan. These items were replaced to extend the life of the central heating boiler, which will probably need renewing the foreseeable future.In October, G.E.M. were asked to check/service the sound system that had not been inspected since installation. The box for the loop system was found to be faulty and was replaced. There were some

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issues with the receivers but that has been sorted. We need to have the sound system inspected every two years.Following various discussions about the lighting in the Abbey Church, G.E.M. have provided a quote for LED lighting in the roof. This has been discussed with a site visit from the DAC who suggested additional lighting. The paper work for this is being progressed during 2015.The Quinquennial Inspection was started in December 2014 and finished in February 2015. A number of small items have been highlighted, but the request to replace the oil tank is not straight forward as it will need to be moved away from the church and any other combustible materials.

The Abbey – Parish Hall – From Orry MitchellThe Parish Church Hall continues to be used for church and community events, especially the fund raising events and thanks to all those who are involved in these events.The Hall needs to try and generate its own income towards maintenance of the Hall and future replacement of the oil boiler.There were some issues with hiring the Hall to the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, but following a meeting with these groups we seem to be on a better footing. The Diamond Bridge Club is now hiring the Hall on Wednesday afternoons since T.T.2014 and thank you to them for their support.In March an additional vent was core drilled in the boiler room to improve ventilation.In May G.E.M Electrical Contractors carried out the 5 yearly electrical inspection including testing the portable equipment. A cable to the cooker hood was renewed. In June, one of the inner front doors had for some reason a broken pane of glass this was replaced.There have been two incidents of other damage in the Hall during 2015, we need to look after the equipment. One of the small cooker rings [the cooker was replaced in December 2013 following damage to the hob] has been severely scratched and one of the tables has had it top damaged, hole in the table top from some thing heavy being dropped on it.

St Lupus, – Church

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The fabric of St Lupus continues to be fragile in parts. The structure is ‘sound’, however at the start of the year there were a number of outstanding issues that needed attention. Over the course of the year, necessary paperwork, plans and funds were put in place to begin the restoration of the exterior. By the end of 2014, work to the Southern and Chancel walls was completed. This included the removal of a cement based render, repairs to stone work and a lime based finish being applied. The exterior of the building began to take on a new appearance revealing a great deal more character. During the course of this work a number of interesting architectural and archaeological finds were made. At the time of writing these finds are still being ‘processed’ as we attempt to unravel their history and significance. In 2015 it is hoped that this exterior work will be completed and more thought given to work inside the building. In the autumn of 2014 the Local Church Council requested that the PCC apply for a temporary reordering licence to be begin to experiment with the layout in the center of the church.The works listed briefly above were carried in full agreement with the Vicar and Wardens; however our thanks should be noted to the Friends of Malew who have provided a significant lifeline with the time, experience and effort in securing the not insignificant sums of money to carry out this (and future) works. Without recording the detail here, it ought to be noted that after a difficult first half of the year (perhaps in part due to the vacancy), the relationship between the Friends of Malew and the Church seemed to have ended the year in much more positive position. Whilst operating with a different set of objectives, both the Friends and the Church are working creatively together to secure the long term future of this significant site in Manx culture and tradition, both historically but also with a keen eye to the future. Finance Our balance sheets – taken as a whole across the parish - at the end of 2014, show a surplus. Some of this surplus is from a refund for works carried out to the vicarage. However, this is in the main due to the efforts of many who contribute significantly in gifts and time and effort in fundraising. Details can be found in the end of year statements.

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Hospitality & FellowshipThe Lent and Advent Lunches continued to be a focus for hospitality in 2014, these were well supported. Particular note should also be given to the warm welcome given once again to familiar faces and new faces at the ‘pop-up’ Cafés in Ballasalla and at Malew during the racing season and the music nights in the Abbey Hall. Not only are these great opportunities for fund raising, they are key places of fellowship and generosity to those who come. Malew has seen drinks (coffee & tea, but wine & canapés) served after special services and events, St Marks is becoming known for it’s post service breakfast bacon butties (Easter & Harvest) and Santan has revived it’s once famous Hollantide fair. In addition, the Friday morning drop in ‘Coffee & Chat’ has continued almost every week in the Abbey Hall providing a regular meeting point each week.

Liturgy, Worship & MusicOur liturgy across the Parish is varied using material from the Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship. Fifth Sundays have provided an opportunity to begin to develop our own ‘house style’ of all age communion service. Music continues to be provided (and developed) in all churches. Our thanks are noted to all those involved, but of particular note, our thanks go to Mrs Hilary Sewell for her work at the Abbey and Malew, Mr Ron Faragher at Santan, and to Mr John Elliot (St Marks), along with members of the choir (and AMMP who we look forward to see more often). During the autumn meeting of the PCC, it was noted and discussed that clash of the two 11am Sunday Services does cause problems. For the time being this, (although with our generally busy Sunday Rota) is being made manageable by our dedicated team of retired clergy and lay ministers. Whilst we acknowledge that the pattern of services does ‘just about work’, we recognize that this issue may need to be revisited in the near future.

Parish MagazineThe Autumn of 2014 saw the return of our parish magazine with the slightly amended name of Bridges. This reflects the geography of the parish with it’s many famous bridges, along with a new vision

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which we hope will see the magazine become a channel of communication with (and for) the wider community. This will be produced six times a year. We’re always on the lookout for news items & reports!

Study GroupsDuring advent a series of short films were shown from the NOOMA series as a way of exploring some themes of the season of watching and waiting for Christmas. A small number gathered each week to watch, reflect and share together. It is hoped that during Lent of 2015 we try another different approach to ‘study’ through the use of a book to read individually with time to gather and reflect together.

Traidcraft & Fairtrade‘Fighting poverty through trade’ www.traidcraft.co.uk - from Jean Clifton & Orry MitchellThe Abbey Church has been involved with Traidcraft by having a stall in the Parish Hall after the morning service on the first Sunday in the month. The idea to be involved with Traidcraft was by Mrs Andrea Roberts at least 15 years ago and after a while Orry Mitchell became involved with the collection of the items and running the stall. Others have been involved and at the moment Jean and Orry are running the stall on the second Sunday in the month. We are grateful to Mrs Margaret Newton for her assistance in being the co-ordinator and distributor for Traidcraft. By running the stall this is part of our outreach to those less fortunate when trying to sell their produce.In October 2006 the Parish of Malew became a Fairtrade Parish.We would like more people to please buy some of the items from the stall to help others who are less fortunate than ourselves.During 2014 the stall gave £727.81 to Traidcraft and we were well supported during the T.T. & M.G.P. Café.We have also bought tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits for use in the Parish Hall, and that amounted to £311.85.If any one is interested in taking over the Traidcraft stall then please see Jean or Orry.

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Thank you for supporting Traidcraft and others in need, but we do need further support to help others.

VicarageMaintenance and management of the Vicarage is now the responsibility of the Diocese. Thanks should be noted to the wardens for their ongoing due diligence and care to this property over the past 12 months (particularly during the vacancy). In 2014 a section of the front garden was ‘given over’ to provide a better turning circle allowing occupants and visitors safer access out onto Crossag Road. A number of trees came down in storms and have been cleared.Prior to the McGowans moving in, the Vicarage was redecorated and the integral garage was fitted with a new ‘temporary’ floor. The main bathroom has been refurbished and an airing cupboard has been reconfigured as an ‘ensuite’ bathroom to provide a private space for visitors. A Triennial survey is due to be carried out in 2015, and is likely to show that work needs to be carried out on the drains & sewers, soffit boards and flat roofs and to increase provision for disabled access (in accordance with standard recommendations across the Church of England). The office space is limited; there may be a need in future years to consider alternatives, especially if more than one person will be working in there at any time and it the work load (and therefore archive & storage space) increases. Malew Vicarage, whilst being one of the more modest Vicarages in the diocese, has to be one of the most attractive and well-maintained properties used as a clergy house in the Diocese. This is of course thanks to many years of care by the Parish.

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Annual Vestry MeetingIn accordance with the Churchwardens Measure (Isle of Man) 2013 a meeting of the parishioners of the ecclesiastical parish of Malew and Santan will be held for the purpose of receiving the audited burial authority accounts and matters relating to the Burial grounds.

The following persons are entitled to attend the meeting and vote: (a)  persons whose names are entered on the church electoral roll of the parish; (b)  persons resident in the parish whose names are entered on a register of electors by reason of such residence; (c) persons resident in the ancient parish of Malew or Santan whose names are entered on a register of electors by reason of such residence.

Agenda1.Election of Vestry Clerk2.Apologies3.Minutes of the last meeting See appendix 14.Burial Ground Accounts To receive & approve.

Overview of report attached at appendix 2a.Santonb.Malew

5.Burial rate 6.Appointment of Cemetery Clerk 7.Appointment of Auditor for Burial Accounts To be noted

that the auditor for the burial grounds is now appointed by the diocese.

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8.Any Other Business

Annual Meeting of Parishioners In accordance with the Churchwardens Measure (Isle of Man) 2013 a meeting of the parishioners of the ecclesiastical parish of Malew and Santan will be held for the purpose of appointing 8 churchwardens of the parish.

The following persons are entitled to attend the meeting and vote: (a)  persons whose names are entered on the church electoral roll of the parish; (b)  persons resident in the parish whose names are entered on a register of electors by reason of such residence; (c) persons resident in the ancient parish of Malew or Santan whose names are entered on a register of electors by reason of such residence.

To be appointed churchwarden a person must be — (a) baptised; (b) entered on the church electoral roll of the parish; (c) an actual communicant;(d) 18 years of age or upwards; (e) not disqualified as outlined below.

A person is disqualified for being a churchwarden if he or she ― (a)  has been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty or deception, or harm to children or young persons, (b)  is an undischarged bankrupt, (c)  has been removed from office as a charity trustee, or (d)  is disqualified for being a company director.

A person is also disqualified if he or she has been a warden for 6 15

successive periods of office up to a date less than one year before appointment, unless a meeting of the parishioners has decided that this rule shall not apply to the parish.

Agenda1) Minutes of the last meeting Appendix 3

2) Election of Churchwardens

Annual Parochial Church MeetingAgenda

1) Apologies2) Minutes of the last meeting Appendix 43) Matters arising4) Gill Poole Mission Adviser.

From Evidence to Actions – green shoots everywhere!5) Election of

a.Diocesan Synod representatives (4 needed)b.Members of the Parochial Church Councilc.Southern Mission Partnership Council Members (1

lay person from each church)d.Sidespeople/Welcomers

6) Electoral Roll Report7) Report on the proceedings of the Church Council this

document to be taken as such a report8) Treasurer’s Report Accounts printed separately

a.Examination of audited accountsb.Statement of funds & property no verbal report given.

Church Log books and accounts will be available and opportunity for question given.

c.Position of Trust & Charities administered by the Vicar & Wardens

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9) Fabric Report A brief summary will be given. Further details to specific buildings will be given in this document. Opportunity for question will be given.

10) Our Parish Profile - Chairman’s Report who do we say we are?11) Any Other Business – To be notified at the start of the

meeting12) Closing prayer

Appendix 1

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Appendix 2

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Appendix 3

Appendix 4

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Appendix 5

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27

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Appendix 6

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