- Joint Annual Report
For 2008
The Churchwardens have responsibility for law and order within the Church buildings and churchyard and are primarily responsible for the movable possessions of the Church. We also have a principal concern to ensure that records are kept of works carried out on and in the Church building.
Following the quinquennial inspection carried out in September 2007, general repairs to the roofs and drainpipes have been carried out and the gutters cleaned, a partially blocked drain below the crèche room has been cleared, and the front path re-cemented. An inspection chamber was dug in the north-east corner of the church to investigate possible settlement, following signs of movement in the stonework. An engineering inspection has concluded that there is no settlement, but that the movement is above ground and can be prevented from progressing further by installing metal inserts. Harry Rawlings has provided constant help and advice in these matters.
Two lapel-type and one hand-held radio microphones have been added to the sound system together with a new mixer unit, and microphone sockets have been added on either side of the chancel platform. New microphones have been installed on the two chancel desks. Thanks are due to Norman McLeod for his help with this project.
The clock has been completely refurbished and the faces repainted. Automatic rewinding and chiming have been added, with a new electrical supply. The clock was rededicated at the Patronal Festival on September 7th. Thanks are due to all the individuals and organizations that contributed to the cost.
Improvements to the Notice Boards have been completed and they are now in use. The Church has joined the Utility Warehouse scheme which contributes to church funds if parishioners choose to buy their gas or electricity from them, also saving them money. New gas and electricity contracts have been arranged with help from Mick Perrier. Additional security features have been introduced following recommendations from the Security Group (see separate report).
Discussions have begun about replacing the church bells in the near future. John Carey and Glyn Samuel have kept an eye on light bulbs and replaced them from time to time, and a dedicated group of people have helped to keep the front of the churchyard tidy. More help is always welcome. Our particular thanks go to Sheila Perks for her tireless work in keeping the church clean. We are grateful also to those on the rota who count and bank the collections weekly. As always, we are greatly indebted to everyone on the sidespersons rota, and to those who deputise for us throughout the year (Chris Andrew, Liz Blakey, Jeff Isaacs, Harry Rawlings, Glyn Samuel), making life a lot easier than it would otherwise be.
John Dowell and Jan MillerChurchwardens’ Report to the St. Anne’s APCM, 1st March 2009
We are pleased once again to announce that the fabric of our buildings remain in good order.
All outstanding works from the last quinquennial report have now been completed and we havE spent nearly £30,000 on our plant during the year.
We would like to pass on our thanks to all those who have helped in the care of the church and hall.
Graham Hindley and John GrayThe Security Group was established at the beginning of 2008 to make recommendations on security advice and procedures to be adopted at St Mary’s and St Anne’s. The group has met eight times during 2008 and there was also a meeting with the West Midlands Police Crime Reduction Unit.
The group has made a risk assessment, and has considered security procedures for all the regular church activities, for which guideline documents have been agreed. Training issues have been addressed and some hardware to aid security has been installed. The final implementation of the recommendations is in progress.
A door security system has been installed on the Benefice Office. A chain across the rear entrance to St Mary’s has deterred drinkers from gathering in that region, and a hook has allowed the outer rear door leading to the crèche room to be held open so that people requesting access can be seen through the spyhole on the inner door. Twelve personal attack alarms have been obtained to cover both churches. An illuminated fire exit sign has been installed in St Mary’s.
An inventory of valuables in St Mary’s has been compiled, with photographs.
Guideline documents (2-sided A5) for each activity are being prepared, and a new notice has been made for the churchyard.
Some work has to be completed on fire safety, location of extinguishers, and training.
John DowellMoseley Chimes is now over 1 year old! Moseley Chimes is the monthly magazine aimed at the congregations across the Benefice at St Mary’s and St Anne’s. It is planned by an editorial team consisting of The Revd Rosemary Donovan, Mark Simons (Editor), Craig Donovan (Assistant Editor), Eric Dwyer, Janet Thorne and Amy Watson. Over the year, the magazine is constantly improving and we are always pleased to hear how people have enjoyed the magazine, and also we like to listen to people about aspects of the magazine that they feel could be improved — so please pass them on!
Our main aim is to communicate to all members at St Mary’s and St Anne’s about the thriving life of both churches. We also aim to give an insight into the activities, deepen faith and encourage participating in events and life of both of our churches. There are still lots to develop and hope to gain feedback from you in a form of a questionnaire so look out for that! I encourage you to subscribe for the year and to continue reading Moseley Chimes. I look forward to articles of news, interest, puzzles and photos for the Chimes People page! Finally I would like to express my thanks to everyone who has contributed and read Moseley Chimes, and for the continued support!
Mark Simons, Editor of Moseley Chimes, moseleychimes@yahoo.co.uk