1              Electoral Roll

At the end of 2007 the total number on the Roll was 147.  We have two new names to be added, making a total of 149 for the coming year of 2008.  Unfortunately, I find I must now relinquish the post of Electoral Roll Officer.  I would like to thank everyone who has helped over the years and in particular Mr Roger Bryant for all his kindness and help given to me.

Audrey M Currie   Electoral Roll Officer

2              PCC

By far the most demanding work of the PCC this year has been to carry forward the very exciting development of ambitious plans for the building of a two-storied extension on the south side of the church to provide a parish centre.  Combined with this will be a major refurbishment of Church House and the Church Shop in Coach House.  The PDG report shows the excellent and detailed work on all these projects which went forward to the full PCC for consideration.  The PCC gave over one meeting entirely to a presentation from our architects.  The PCC had difficulty in reconciling differing views on the adequacy of the Finance Plan for the development and this led to the resignation of the Treasurer, Sue Casey, and her Assistant, Jackie Udy.  Our appreciation of their excellent work is given in the 2007 Accounts.  The advice of Messrs Morris Crocker was sought and they have endorsed the adequacy of our Finance Plan with the proviso that it should include a cash flow statement.  

The PCC gave considerable support to IDWAL (Inter Diocesan West African Link) by supporting three projects in Koforidua Deanery to (1) provide housing and equipment for a Palm Oil Plantation, (2) build a new Diocesan office and (3) set up a Stipend account to ensure priests were paid regularly.  Despite representations on our behalf by David Willetts, MP, a visit to us by two members of St John the Divine, Ghana, in August 2007 did not go ahead because they were refused visas.  It is hoped that the visit will be made in 2008 and Dr Michael Fluck has already contacted Mr Willetts for help.  Michael and his wife Anne visited Ghana in November for the 90^th anniversary of the dedication of St John the Divine.

The insuring of our various buildings was improved by the use of Havant Insurance Services to obtain, at no cost to the Parish, the best and most economical insurance cover in the market.  With the resignation in October of Sue and Jackie, it was necessary to appoint a new Treasurer’s team consisting of Dr David Atchison, Treasurer, Mr Geoff Porter, Assistant Treasurer, and Mr Roger Simmons, Bookkeeper.  With initial help from Messrs Morris Crocker, the team is now providing an efficient and excellent service to the parish.

Roger Bryant       PCC Secretary

3              Buildings Management Committee

The BMC attends to the repair and maintenance of the church and all parish buildings.  It met on six occasions during 2007 and the following items were dealt with:

Nos 1 & 2 Churchfields     Work on the bathroom of No 1 included tiling, painting and repair of taps.  Charles and Annie left August 2007 and the house has been re-let on a six months assured short-tenancy, thereafter on a monthly basis.  Improvements to the central heating and other items were done prior to letting.  The bathroom walls of No 2 were replastered and new tiles fitted.  Gas Safety Certificates were issued for both properties and appliances serviced.  Fence panels damaged in gales were replaced.

The Hall Complex                Part of the flat roof on the Hall was repaired and recovered.  A leak in the Ladies toilet was repaired.  Rent for “Talking News” in Church House was increased because of increased gas prices.  The rent for the nursery was also increased because of increased costs.  Hall heaters were serviced and a problem with the water heater in Church House rectified.  The drains in the nursery were unblocked twice and a toilet pan, incorrectly installed, was refitted.  An investigation was made in Coach House because of a persistent smell of gas but no cause for it was established.  Havant Borough Council gave permission to have the tree lopped in front of the church shop entrance.  It is not permitted to remove it.

Christ Church Centre       The large cypress tree at the western end of the site was damaged by gales, with branches left hanging.  The Medical Centre was asked to make it safe.  The doctors vacated the centre on 8 June but left the interior layout unaltered.  The double-glazed windows were removed and the spaces boarded up.  All the services, ie., gas, electricity, water etc, were cut off and equipment returned.  The grass was cut.  The question of payment of “Unoccupied Commercial Property Rate” was taken up with Havant Borough Council who confirmed that we would have to pay around £5,000 per annum, which, with new legislation, could double.  The Inland Revenue Valuation Officer was asked to review the assessment and deleted the original assessment.  We now have no rate to pay.  At the time of writing this report, the sale of the site is expected in the near future. 

Christ Church Bungalow  The bungalow fence had to be repaired following damage from gales.  Twice the fence was damaged by cars but the driver of the second car paid for the repairs after he was traced by Police.  A new siphon was fitted to the toilet, the central heating boiler was serviced and a gas safety certificate issued.  Cypress trees adjoining the bungalow were damaged by strong winds and professional help was sought from Havant Borough Council and Southwick Arboriculture Ltd.  Damaged and dead parts of the trees have been removed and they are now safe.

St Faith’s Church               The damaged Font cover had been repaired by Tracey Ward.  Roof tiles were replaced and repairs done to the ceiling where plaster had fallen.  Gutters were cleared of vegetation by “First Choice”, with help from “Aquila” who removed the anti-pigeon nets.  The lancet window between the sanctuary and the clergy vestry was damaged in an attempted burglary, with polycarbonate sheeting cut out, but the damage was small.  The door of the boiler room was ripped off and required repairs.  The RSPCA collection box was also vandalized.  The boiler has been serviced and its electrical controls put right.  Problems with lighting have been rectified.  Bill Skilleter now undertakes minor repairs in church.

Organ                    There are on-going problems with the organ, caused by its age and tampering by vandals.  Repairs and retuning have been done but problems do continue.

2/4 North Street  Blocked drains in the Sue Ryder shop were cleared by Bill Skilleter.  A large amount of retiling of the roof was necessary to prevent leaks.  Under the terms of their lease, the Portsmouth Housing Association repaired a leaking cistern in the flat.

BMC Personnel   Sandra Haggan stood down as Chairman during the year because of her other church commitments.  Bill Skilleter took over as Chairman.  Sylvia Willey, Music Director, joined the committee.

Peter D Appleby Secretary 

4              Restoration and Redevelopment Appeal Committee

The committee has coordinated fundraising activities to support restoration and redevelopment projects designated by the Parochial Church Council.  Over the past 6 years since January 2002 when the appeal was started, £127,525 has been raised to support Restoration and Redevelopment (including grants amounting to £17,186).  Of this, during 2002 and 2003, £58,662 was raised for the repairs to St Faith’s Tower and re- roofing of St Nicholas Chapel.  During 2004 and 2005, £34,996 was raised for the proposed rewiring and new lighting inside St Faith’s Church.

During the year ended 31 December 2007, £16,655.14 was raised, bringing the total of 2006 and 2007 to £33,003 for the proposed Organ Restoration in St Faith’s Church

Major contributions during 2007 were from the Town Fair £4,680, coffee mornings £1,383, sales of the Sarah Butterfield prints and cards £193, Royal Marines Band Concert £1,954, other concerts (3) in Church £660, Gift Aided donations £575, and Gift Aid tax reclaimed £204, Bank Interest £3,233.  Details were published in the February 2008 “Faith Matters”.

In November 2007 it was decided to close the work of the committee to make way for more individual and group activities to raise money for the proposed new extension.  The retiring committee members were Joan Burrows, Mary and Ken Bracher, Sara Freeston (Secretary), Sandra Haggan, Roger Simmons (Treasurer), Joy Utting, and Paul Utting (Chairman), many of whom have served since the committee was formed in 2002.

Roger Simmons will continue to act as Treasurer of the Restoration and Redevelopment Appeal Fund and will hold stocks of the Sarah Butterfield prints.  Ken Bracher will hold stocks of the Sarah Butterfield notelet cards and continue to coordinate the delivery of leaflets to the parish for major activities.  Martin Poliszczuk will coordinate the diary of social and fundraising events.  If you wish to arrange an event, please check first for available dates with Martin on 023 9247 6001.

I would especially like to thank the Sunday Club for organising a Barn Dance that raised £732 for the Appeal Fund and to the many and regular dedicated helpers who support the appeal activities, and all who have given so generously; in particular to the Town Fair Committee, and to the helpers, cake makers and supporters of Coffee mornings.  The committee also wishes to again thank the business community within Havant for support of the Town Fair and the production and promotion of the Sarah Butterfield print and notelet cards.

Please continue to support the Gift Aid scheme.  Blue appeal envelopes available in church can be used or a letter indicating that you wish a donation, or all donations to be regarded as a Gift Aided.  Providing you have paid more tax than is claimed, the value of your gift will be increased by 25% (from 6 April 2008), without any action and at no expense to yourself.

Paul Utting Retiring Chairman

5              Property Development Group

During 2007 the Property Development Group (PDG) met on 8 occasions.  A seminar was held at the Havant Borough Council (HBC) offices, meetings were held with English Heritage, the Archaeological Advisor to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), Hermitage Housing Association and Hughes Ellard, and visits made to St John the Evangelist, Southbourne and to St John the Baptist, Shedfield.

St Faith’s in the Community.            A seminar was held on 18 January 2007 to discuss “St Faith’s in the Community”.  Around 50 people attended from a variety of organizations – architects, community workers, housing associations, property developers, councilors and Havant Borough Council officers.  The Rector gave a presentation on “The Vision of the Church” in which he described the changing role of the Church, the challenge to find a way to offer the right facilities to the community, and the problems to overcome in the form of accessibility, visibility, facilities and flexibility.  Andrew Grant under the heading “Applying the Vision through our Property Portfolio” described our buildings and their future or raising money for our proposed development of the church.  The HBC Urban Design and Implementation Team Leader, Paul Ramshaw, spoke of “Havant Town Centre – Our Vision for the Future” and the Council’s aspirations and that it supports the bringing of the church into the community.  During the questions and answers session there were no dissenting voices to our proposals and much encouragement.

Documents            The PDG produced a Statement of Need, a Statement of Significance, an Impact Assessment and drawings that are required for meetings with English Heritage, the DAC and the HBC Planners.

Church  A PCC Resolution to instruct the architects to complete work on Stages C & D of the programme was passed.  This is for both the new Parish Hall and the interior of the church.  A Tree Survey of the churchyard was completed.  The Archaeological Advisor to the DAC proposed that four investigatory trenches should be dug.

Christ Church Centre       The doctors vacated the centre on 8 June 2007.  A PCC Resolution was passed to actively market the site.  Five firm offers were received from developers which included the bungalow and sitting tenant.  One of the offers met the minimum requirements that the PDG set and the PCC passed another Resolution to process the preferred offer for the purchase of the site.  It had to be shown to the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) and to the Charity Commission that we were being offered a proper value for the site.  An independent surveyor, Messrs Hughes Ellard, prepared a report on the site. 

Church House & Coach House        Plans were agreed for one 2-bedroom flat and one 3-bedroom flat on the 1^st floor and four rooms on the ground floor which could be used for a nursery or for offices or a combination of both.  The Coach House shop would be made open-plan where possible and a changing room and toilet provided, with additional storage outside of the shop in a newly constructed out-building.  Quotes for an asbestos survey were sent out.  The PCC passed a Resolution to apply for planning consent for the renovation of Church House & Coach House.

Church Hall                         A development may be proposed for housing with some retail in the properties of Streets and Glanville’s in East Street.  Any development in this area would have an impact on the Church Hall and therefore we have been liaising with the owners of the Bear Hotel and the other developers as there may be some merit in incorporating the development of the Church Hall into the overall scheme.

Financial Plan      A meeting with Messrs Morris Crocker – Chartered Accountants – was held to discuss the content of the development of the church Financial Plan.  A Short-Term and a Long-Term Cashflow Forecast were produced.  The development finances were separated from the ordinary finances of St Faith’s and a separate bank account for the development was set up.

Colin Carter Secretary

6              Communications

Faith Matters                       In 2007, the magazine made a small profit of £326.15 from income received from the sale of magazines of £635.15 and from advertisements of £965, against expenditure for the cost of printing of £1,274.  The aim of the magazine is to break even.  During the year, the number of pages in all 12 editions of the magazine was 24 inside pages and remained at 30p a copy.  The consistency in the number of pages was entirely due to parishioners writing many interesting articles for the magazine and contributing to topics of the moment.  The editor received great support from Roger Bryant and Sisyphus, and from Jan Stuart who proof-read all editions.  Beryl Carter, the Distribution and Advertising Manager, was kept busy collecting the money from our regular advertisers and getting new advertisers to fill the spaces vacated by others who did not renew.  We wish to thank the distributors of the magazine for their continued support.

Colin Carter Editor

St Faith’s Website                              In 2007, the website continued to provide up-to-date information on the activities in the parish.  An Internet edition of the magazine is placed on our website and the Editor continued to receive emails from readers from afar giving amplifying information on articles or requesting additional information.  This is very encouraging.

Colin Carter Webmaster

7              St Faith’s Church Choir

St Faith’s Church Choir continues to develop and grow.  As in previous years, members of our choir – both choristers and adults– visited St Mary’s church in Portsmouth on Good Friday, rehearsed with other choirs and gave a concert of Stainer’s “Crucifixion” in the evening.  The many choristers who attended were beautifully behaved, sang extremely well and were a credit to St Faith’s.  In June there were two special celebrations.  Firstly the choir sang to celebrate Ven. Ken Gibbons’s fifty years of being a priest.  Then there was the annual strawberry tea followed by Choral Evensong, when the choir, joined by other singers, sang the canticles to Noble in B minor, together with the famous anthem “Cantique de Jean Racine” by Faure.  In September the new Rizza Mass setting was introduced with the choristers accompanying us very ably on their instruments.  The many Christmas services were well attended and we successfully incorporated a recorder group into our service on Advent Sunday.  The sounds they made fitted the acoustic well, balanced the singing of the choir and greatly enhanced the service.  The week before Christmas, our choir was once again invited to the McCarthy Stone retirement home in Homewell where we entertained the residents by singing various carols.  Several choristers sang solos and everyone enjoyed the evening.  To reward them for their hard work, the choristers were treated to an Epiphany party that the Rector and others organised. 

Our Head Chorister, Louise, has served us well this year.  She has been ably assisted by our two St Faith’s Choristers.  Anna served from September to the end of January, and Eva took over in February.  Thanks must go to all of them for their hard work and leadership.  They have all shown a great sense of responsibility.  Choir numbers have continued to grow this year.  We have enjoyed a steady stream of probationer choristers throughout the year.  Last April we welcomed Emily and she was joined in September by Sophia.  Eleanor arrived in January, and Amelia and Amy in February.  Our newest recruit is Holly, and we hope to welcome Ann-Marie at the beginning of April.  We were also delighted to welcome two adults to the choir – Graham as a bass, and Martin as a tenor.  Naturally this growth in numbers has meant that additional folders, anthem books, and hymn books have had to be purchased.  This year though, the priority is the purchase of new cassocks and surplices for some very small choristers, for those choristers who have outgrown their present robes and for the new adults who have joined us.  In addition, some music stands, percussion instruments and a storage box have also been bought.

The organ continues to limp on.  The leathers of several notes on the Great soundboard power motors have disintegrated and had to be replaced at quite a cost.  It is envisaged that the whole of the Great soundboard will be removed and all the leathers replaced after Easter.  This will mean that the organ will be out of action for about ten days.  Throughout the year there have been several ciphers that are again a result of some very worn-out parts of this instrument.  Recently, and more worryingly, the organ was broken into.  The damage to the split wood will be repaired, but the security of the pipe-work of this wonderful asset is a concern.  The grand piano is also showing its age and will need to be replaced in the near future.  An A-frame will also have to be supplied for health and safety reasons.  Despite these worries, the choir is in good heart and continues to lead the services with increased confidence and expertise.  Several choir members have been awarded badges during the year.  Beth, Imogen and Marjorie received their Light Blue badges, Louise, Eva, Anna, and Katherine received our first Dark Blue badges, and our first Red badges go to Sybel, Paul and Ann.  Congratulations to them and to all in the choir for their concentration, focus and hard work.

Sylvia Willey Organist & Choir Director

8              Health and Safety

Our Health and Safety Officers are the Verger, Vickie Mockford, for St Faith's Church and the Hall Complex and Anne Plater for St Nicholas Chapel, Langstone.  Accident Books are available in the Church (including the Tower) and the Hall and any accident, whether major or minor, should be logged.  Our arrangements for access and notices to assist persons with disability have been previously checked by the Havant Borough Council, with an inspection by the appropriate official, and were found to meet our responsibilities under the Act of Parliament.  The Health and Safety Manual will be updated in 2008 including the fire evacuation procedures.

Sandra Haggan Churchwarden

9              Deanery Synod

Four meetings of Deanery Synod were scheduled during the last twelve months.  The main items of business were:

February 27^th 2007 Meeting cancelled due to insufficient business.

June 7^th 2007 (at Holy Trinity Church, Blendworth)

Anne Stunt, PA to the Rural Dean, was appointed as the new Deanery secretary. 

Tony Blackshaw, Diocesan Director of Education, Head of Mission & Education for Dioceses of Winchester & Portsmouth gave a talk on “How can we engage more fully and strategically with our local schools”, reminding Synod that schools are essentially based on Christian values, churches should be involved with and serve their local schools, and schools need to see Christ in us.  A proposal (Rev. J. Jeffery, Leigh Park & Warren Park) for a Deanery-wide “Good Community Conference”, with speakers from church, politics etc., to add to the quality of the communities we live in, was carried unanimously.

Finance: Deanery: accounts for 2006 were presented, a small surplus was reported; capitation payments from all parishes were received.  Parishes had pledged £3,870 to support the Kofuridua Diocese palm-oil project in Ghana, of which £1,860 had been received from 12 parishes.  Diocese: 19/22 parishes in Havant Deanery were regularly paying their monthly parish share; shortfalls were recommended to be rolled over into 2008; Finance Committee had asked Diocese to modify the ‘fairer shares’ calculation for 2008 to reduce the West Leigh share.

West of Waterlooville housing development: an ecumenical group had been meeting for the past 3 years under the Archdeacon’s leadership to monitor the likely impact of this. There are aspirations for a parish worker and a church school (possibly incorporating a worship facility) but not a new church.  A gutter maintenance programme adopted by the Diocese of London was described, and it was agreed to ask our diocese to introduce a similar programme.

September 18^th 2007 (at Christ Church, Portsdown)

General Synod: Lucy Docherty (Fareham), Diocesan Synod Chairman, had been appointed after the death of Ann Ashton.

Deanery Synod welcomed Rev Wendy Kennedy, Diocesan Secretary.  She stressed that the Diocese is not a separate entity but is holding matters in common and in trust with and for all the parishes.  She emphasised her willingness to support parishes at grass-roots level by attending their meetings.  At the request of parishes she is planning to provide central assistance for fundraising and project management and she asked for people who could provide professional help.  The Diocese is considering centralising areas such as church maintenance, legal services, surveying etc., based on cost-effectiveness.  She asked for prayers for Kairos, to instil more passion into our church life and to pray for faith and trust in God.  The chairman mentioned the Causeway Prayer Initiative for Havant, which meets every 3^rd Friday for prayers; an event was planned for November.  Rev. David Williams was thanked for having chaired Deanery Finance Committee and Rev. Paul Moore was confirmed as temporary chair until a successor was found.

Diocese: Budget 2008 - Paul Moore explained that this was a stand-still budget aimed at maintaining the level of ministry and funding.  An increase of 5.45% in parish share was necessary to cover IT, clergy pensions, Council tax etc.  The review group asked to look into the calculation system for the parish share concluded that the current system is the fairest.  The socio-economic score (SES), based on census data, ensures that poorer parishes pay less, but the group recommended a change in the range of the SES to reflect the widening gap between rich and poor over recent years.  The Diocese must decide whether to introduce the new SES in one year or provide a 3-year transition.  Havant DFC recommends the latter, and recommends that West Leigh be given a reduction of Share to £15,242 for 2008, the rest of their share to be borne by other parishes (adding a further 0.75% increase for these).  Synod resolved to approve the DFC recommendation.

Kairos and Partnership Reports were received.  Southern Partnership - Hayling Island: Paul Ginever described plans for the Kairos cluster to get involved in the childcare and extended schools plans on Hayling Island.  A liaison person between church, community and schools was needed.  Bedhampton, Havant, Leigh Park, Warren Park, and Leigh Park:  Mary Close and Jonathan Jeffery reported on the Pentecost Celebrations and the Pastoral Care Training Day.  A Diary leaflet has been produced for worship, courses and social events across the cluster.  People were invited to take part in the “Kairos Choir” and the pulpit exchange across the cluster was mentioned.  Central Partnership - Waterlooville, Portsdown, Purbrook, and Denmead: Tony Rice-Oxley reported joint services, social events, plans for a diary on the churches’ websites, youth work across the cluster, and regular churchwardens’ meetings.  Northern Partnership: Paul Moore reported that a Christian Listening Service in the GP surgery was currently in its training phase, a pilot scheme starts Easter 2008.  He mentioned the joint youth events and the vision for combined youth work and marriage preparation.

Deanery Pastoral Committee had noted with concern the large number of Non-Stipendary Ministers leaving the deanery and how dependent parishes were on NSMs.  The DPC is to bring this to the notice of the Bishop’s Council and senior staff.

November 21^st 2007 (St. Thomas, Bedhampton)

Rev. Paul Kennedy, Diocesan Advisor on Healing spoke about our understanding of Healing and Wholeness.  The Diocese provides resources for parishes, and supports Healing services and retreats.  An Annual Day of Healing and Wholeness will take place in May 2008.  The Healing Team can be contacted to provide resources for Quiet Days or supporting Healing Ministries.  Clergy are also given support.

Finances:  Rev. Paul Moore informed Synod that Tony Rice-Oxley is prepared to take the Chair of the DFC in April 08 after the next APCM; this will be formally proposed at the next Synod.  It was reported that capitation fees have been fully paid, and it was agreed to leave capitation fee at £20/member.  Diocesan Synod approved the budget, and the figures for fairer shares for each parish with the Deanery adjustment to support West Leigh will be sent out as soon as possible after the Deanery Finance Committee receives the diocesan figures.  The Bishop’s Council had approved the 3-year transition of the socio-economic score (SES).  Koforidua: PM thanked all parishes who had donated so generously.  For the Palm Oil project was £2,180 of the £3,680 requested had been collected so far.  For the Clergy Stipend Fund, £1,260 of the £3,000 needed had been paid in and parishes were now asked for their second contributions (if not already paid in one sum).  A number of extra donations had been made and the DFC suggested that those could go to the Palm Oil Project to finalise this.  Donations for the building of Diocesan Offices will be asked for when Bishop Francis sends further details.

Deanery Pastoral Committee and Deanery Plan:  PM explained the development behind the Deanery Plan and pointing out the importance of the Plan for the future ministry in this Deanery.  It formally set up the three parish partnerships to explore new ways of working together across boundaries.  PM noted that significant changes in relationships have happened within the Parish Partnerships and that it has brought with it a sense of enthusiasm and creativity.  By 2015 stipendiary posts should be reduced by 2.5.  Issues completed or in process include: a presentation to Synod in June 2008 on ‘New vocations – Growing Leaders’; a consensus for a Church school and possibly a family worker for the future housing development West of W’looville; clergy appointments completed in Crookhorn/Denmead; the saving of 1.0 post in the Southern Federation with J O’Shaughnessy’s move (which will release Kairos Funding and open for bids for projects in Northern Partnership).

Good Communities Conference: Jonathan Jeffery talked about this Conference on 31^st January 2008 to engage with the local community.  Venue: Havant Art Centre, 100 delegates.

Messy Church, Cowplain (a Kairos project): Paul Moore spoke about the application for a strategic grant in the Northern Partnership, made possible by the saving of 1 stipendiary post; to subsidize an interactive computer based Foundations 21 Discipleship Course aimed at different age groups, for independent and group study.  Any application for Kairos funding needs Deanery Synod approval, the final decision lies with the Diocesan Kairos Group.  This would be a pilot scheme with wider-reaching benefits for Messy Churches in the Deanery and further afield.  Synod agreed to support this, but it was agreed that as a pilot scheme it would require evaluation after a set period (1 year).

Lambeth Conference, 11-16^th July 2008: Havant Deanery is asked to host 3 bishops and spouses.  A Deanery event is suggested for Sunday 13^th.  The Deanery is expected to raise £600 to support the hosts and meet other expenses.  Rev. Ann Leonard had agreed to host Bishop Francis from Koforidua.

Al Gore’s film “An Inconvenient Truth” was given as a present to all clergy by Andy Norris, Diocesan Environment Advisor, and clergy/parishes were asked to collect their copy.

February 28^th 2008 (All Saints, Catherington)

Susan Barry of Christian Aid gave a presentation on its work, with particular reference to former Soviet Central Asia, where the local economy has collapsed.  She emphasised CA’s role as a partner to local people and organisations; e.g., to develop self-help groups to support people in crafts and trades, and to take groups of orphans from the cities for holidays in the mountains.  She would be pleased to give a talk or do a session with young people in Havant Deanery churches.

Finance: All but one church has paid their capitation fees.  There are no arrears in the money due to the Diocese from Havant; all PCCs were congratulated and thanked.  Kofuridua Diocese projects: the palm-oil project is nearly ‘there’, the clergy stipend project still has some way to go, as has the diocese offices project.  Angela Herring will report back to the June synod after her next visit to Ghana. Synod welcomed the link with Kofuridua.

Good Community Conference, Havant Arts Centre, January 31^st 2008: Rev. Jonathan Jefferies reported that this was attended by 100 delegates from churches and local authorities.  Surpise was expressed at how much churches in the area are actually doing.

Kairos: Havant Deanery will be asked to look at church buildings at the end of the year.  The ‘Cathedral Day’ in April will be about buildings.  The deanery has obtained a grant for Messy Church.  No more Kairos grants will be awarded until the Diocese has reviewed those awarded so far.

Lambeth Conference: (see November meeting).  3 bishops and their spouses will be staying in Havant Deanery.  It was suggested that on Sunday July 13^th a Deanery ‘event’ be organised for families, a picnic was proposed; it was agreed that Deanery Standing Committee would take this forward.

All members of Synod are due to stand down this year.

Michael Fluck & Shirley Caunter Deanery Representatives

10           Child Protection

There have been no major changes in the last year.  CRB disclosures continue as before and we await to be informed from the diocese as to when existing helpers/leaders need rechecking.

What I would like to say at this time is to all the Leaders/chairpersons of the groups working with children are to ensure that any new helper has the CRB disclosures and information forms completed.  Theoretically leaders/helpers need CRB checks completed before they start working with children and I feel this is something we should encourage.  This is not only for protection of the children but also for the volunteer.

Fiona Hedley Child Protection Officer

11           St Nicholas Chapel

The current financial position of the Chapel fund as at 31 December 2007 comprised the following assets:

Barclays Bank plc £482.54 National Savings Bank £733.97.

There are no liabilities

During the year under report, our activity was as follows:

                Average Congregation       13.9                         (2006 - 13.53)

                Total Collections                  £540.15                    (2006 - £565.40)

                LVA Functions                      £40.00

                Art Show                                £272.00

During the year there was no expenditure on the fabric and, therefore, we did not call upon the budget allocation of £300.  In the year, a contribution of £850 was made to St Faith’s main fund as a result of surplus funds and a reduction in reserves.  The LVA continue to hold their coffee mornings and AGM in the Chapel.  In addition, an art show was held for three weeks, which generated an income of £272.  Also a harp recital was held in December for which we received £25.  We continue with our first Sunday in the month communion service at 8.00am to which all are welcome.

Anne Plater and Gill Falconer Chapel Wardens

12           Young Believers Youth Club

In the third full year of the Young Believers Club, we had a wide and interesting range of activities and much fun (and some spiritual learning) was had by all.  Through the year we had around 20 clubs, held fortnightly on Sunday evenings, through the school term periods.  Clubs normally ran from 6 pm to 7.30 pm.  Attendance increased this year to around 24 youngsters per session, up 6 from 2006.  Gender was split 80:20 girls to boys.  Ages ranged from 9 to 14.  We enjoyed many enjoyable activities and outings through the year.  Included was a return Saturday morning rowing session with the Langstone Cutters.  We did our normal Billy Line walk and we enjoyed 10-Pin bowling in Bedhampton.  Much of the latter part of 2007 was spent preparing our Advent show, the musical, ‘The Inn Crowd.’  It all culminated in our Sunday evening performance just after Christmas which was enjoyed by a full church.  Special thanks go to Geoff Porter, our musical director.

Yet again many people help to make the Youth Club successful.  Special mentions to Victoria Smith, Fiona Hedley and Graham Frost as Club Leaders.  Thanks also to Father David for his total support and assistance, and of course to Rosemary, our ‘founding mother’ and mentor.  Also thanks to various parents for helping out at some of the other activities.  And we should thank Holly Smith also for her assistance as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Martin Poliszczuk

13           Sunday Club

During 2007 St Faith’s Sunday Club has continued to flourish.  We have welcomed many new members from families joining our church and we have also said goodbye to some of our older children who have moved on to Youth Church or Choir.  The children continue to enjoy and benefit from Godly Play which is our main method of teaching.  We have been successful in raising funds to purchase the materials for some new Godly Play stories.  The items that we have bought include a temple and the ark, Jonah, his boat and the whale, the tent and the ark and the pieces needed for the parable of the deep well.  We continue to look for new ideas to assist with our Christian teaching and have recently invested in some puppets and have arranged training from within the diocese for some of our helpers in order to use them effectively.

Through our monthly cake raffle and a family barn dance we have raised over £900.  During 2007 we have employed new registration procedure which is more in line with current Child Protection guidelines.  We have encouraged some new parents to help with our Sunday Club sessions but have sadly lost some of our long-standing helpers to other youth work within St Faith’s.  Socially, we enjoyed a family picnic at Queen Elizabeth Country Park and a family barn dance.  The Ladies Group continues to meet regularly which is a great way for new mums to make friends at the church.

The Sunday Club is now a well-established and integral part of St Faith’s largely due to the commitment, support and warmth of the team of helpers involved.

Deborah Creasey

14           Youth Church

The Youth Church was formed in October 2007 for youngsters from the congregation in school year 7 and above.  We meet on the second Sunday of each month at the same time as the Eucharist service.  There are three leaders; Graham Frost, Susan Gibbons and Claire Toole and recently another member of the congregation, Colin Hedley, has expressed an interest in helping out as a leader.

Attendance has been averaging six to eight youngsters per session.  We have had discussions about our favourite music, gifts and important people in our lives.  On Remembrance Day, Valentine came in and talked to the youngsters about her experiences during the war.

We have shared an Agape Meal together during the last few sessions.  This is a friendship meal and mirrors the Eucharist service; the greeting, the confession, the Gospel, our activity, prayers and then we share bread and juice.  The youngsters have been taking it in turn to provide live music for the session; usually a piece they have been learning for their grade tests or in their music lessons at school.

In the spring we plan to walk to St Nicholas’ chapel where we will have a service followed by a family picnic and later in the year, produce a play to present to the congregation.  We are considering taking the youngsters away to New Wine, however, this will take a great deal of planning and preparation and therefore is likely to be in 2009.

Graham Frost Leader

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