All Saints Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Reverend Geoffrey Boucher, in promoting the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. We    are    called    to    be    a    local    church, learning   and   growing   together,   rooted   in the   love   of   God,   and   bound   up   in   all   sorts of    everyday    ways    with    the    life    of    our community.       Our    mission    is    to    reach open   hearts   with   the   love   of   Christ,   and to   help   all   the   people   of   Hartford   to   find Christ,    to    be    found    by    Him,    and    to respond   to   His   love   through   the   life   and worship of their Parish Church. The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to be part of the parish community at All Saints. In addition to our normal Sunday services regular monthly Communion services are held, an evening service for healing in church and a morning service at Hunters Down. Home Communion is taken to those in need. Reaching out to the wider community various activities are held in our Church Room some run by members of our church family and others through the hire of the room by external groups. Worship and Prayer As of December 2020 the total number on the Electoral Roll was 80 of which 43 were residents and 37 non-residents of the parish. Apart from the first three months of the year church life has been drastically changed due to Covid – 19. Normal services ceased from the end of March, reappearing as a single Sunday service from the 16th August to the 1st November and again from the 6th to the 20th December. The choir has not been able to participate in services since March and the monthly service at Hunters Down is on hold. For the first three months the average Sunday 11am attendance was 41 adults and 2 children. The average bimonthly 8.30am service was 10, the monthly 6pm service was 8 and the monthly healing service was 4. From August to November the average Sunday attendance was 23 adults and in December it was 27. Few special services were held during the year, only an Ash Wednesday evening service with10 adults and a Christmas Day 11am service with19 adults. During the year 2 baptisms, 3weddings, 6 funerals in church, 13 funerals at the crematorium, 1funeral at the graveside and 12 interments of ashes took place. Rector’s Report The life that we share together as church has been disrupted, changed, curtailed along with all other aspects of our lives in 2020 and yet thankfully there is still a deep sense of continuity and of belonging together in the love and under the protection of Christ. The arrival of the Covid 19 virus was a shock to us all. From the outset the advice and direction from our Bishops and the Government was clear. From Mothering Sunday we were no longer able to meet in the church building for worship on Sundays nor for private prayer during the week. We experienced this as a great loss and what a blessing it was to return in August with a refreshed gratitude for being able to gather together in the Lord’s presence, to praise and to pray even if we were still not permitted to sing and had to adapt to receiving communion ‘in one kind’. Haleema and Pat Hawkins offered immediately to put a service together for Mothering Sunday to be available on our website. It turned out to be the first of a regular weekly offering which enabled us to worship together online, and not only us, but friends around the country and indeed the world. We are so grateful to Pat and Haleema for the time, creativity and love they have devoted to producing the services. Our thanks are due as well to the readers, intercessors and preachers and to Elaine who has organised and encouraged us all. Some of us became familiar with Zoom which allowed us to meet for ‘Tea and Chat’ on Sundays and for either Compline or Evensong on Wednesday evenings along with our friends in Houghton and Wyton. So many things ceased to happen. The church room was unavailable for hire; social and fundraising events were not possible. There were just two baptisms, early in the year, but it was a joy to dedicate the beautiful new font bowl on St Luke’s day and to pray for those to be baptised in the future. There were three weddings with small congregations which thankfully produced a particular intimacy and meaningfulness. Funerals continued to be held with a maximum congregation of 30. The churchwardens, treasurer and PCC worked with great devotion in conducting risk assessments and putting measures in place to make the building ‘covid safe’. This enabled private prayer to happen and services to resume from August until Christmas. The project to fully restore the organ was timely. The instrument was removed from the building in September and a fundraising campaign launched. Amazingly the funds were raised in the space of just 6 weeks – a wonderful shared endeavour in the midst of such a difficult year and a real blessing and encouragement. We look forward to the return of the organ in 2021 along with new curtains at the church door and in the choir vestry and new pew cushions. The organ chamber and vestry have been re-plastered and painted, the electrics updated and the ‘Bishop’s chairs’ beautifully restored. The churchwardens and treasurer have been very effective during lockdown. The churchyard continued to be beautifully maintained, particularly this year the walls. It was lovely throughout the year and especially in the spring and summer to see people meeting safely between the church and the river. The PCC decided to install Wi fi into the church building which will be useful in all sorts of ways including allowing giving via the ‘goodbox’ using a debit/credit card. The discouragement of the use of cash in the pandemic made this particularly welcome. Our finances were of course impacted and we are so grateful that everyone has continued to give. The PCC was clear in deciding to keep up our support of our regular group of charities who will be facing their own challenges. Thank you all for your continuing support of the church and of one another. I know that there has been a lot of care given and received through these twelve months and much more no doubt of which I am unaware. May God bless us as we continue to know ourselves beloved of God and of one another. - Reverend Geoff Boucher Deanery Synod This did not meet in 2020. The APCM had been put back to the end of October and the new Three Year Term began in December instead of July. Meetings will be by zoom for the foreseeable future. Elaine Levitt Diocesan Synod The Pandemic made meetings difficult but by law it has to meet at least twice in a year. Two meetings by zoom took place in October and December. Various business regarding finances took place and in the October meeting we were put into breakout groups to look at the effect the Pandemic has had on the church and us. We also sent in our thoughts and this has created a good paper for the future, looking at things we have lost, things we have gained, things we want back and things we don’t. The December meeting moved us forward as items for the future were tabled. The most important being the discussion on human sexuality. The Synod considered “Pastoral Principles for Living well together”. There were breakout groups, which were quite challenging .This is being thought through carefully, training and study days to follow in 2021. Deanery Planning is also a consideration and a presentation from Fincham and Feltwell Deanery gave us insight. Both need much prayer. Also the Synod was asked to express thanks to parishes for the way most have been able to pay their shares in such difficult times. This has helped in reducing the deficit caused by the fall in investments. This was the last Synod of the present and elections should take place early next year. - Elaine Levitt Churches Together In spite of all the difficulties this year Huntingdon Churches Together have continued to work via zoom and a number of things have proceeded well. Thought for the Day on Huntingdon Community Radio is presented by Mark Box, working from home, and the pre- recorded talks are kept strictly to 3 minutes. Men’s Saturday Breakfast meetings have continued on line bi monthly hosted by Revd. Charlie Newcombe. A good 25 people ‘attend’. The AGM took place on the 19th November via zoom. Carols by Car Light took place on December 19th at Huntingdon Race course and Christmas Greetings were sent via video to each of our twin towns. – Reverend Clifford Owen Achievements and Activities Due to Covid-19 most social and fund raising events were suspended after the first three months of the year. These included the regular Monthly Lunches, Cuppa Club, Scrabble Group and the Art Group. Achievements and Activities During    the    year    many    social    and    fund raising   events   have   taken   place   and   been enjoyed   by   members   of   the   congregation and    the    wider    community.    These    have included   a   Spring   lunch,   Lent   lunch,   May lunch,    Harvest    lunch,    two    cream    tea afternoons,   Spring   Quiz,   Open   Gardens weekend   and   a   Christmas   Fayre.   Details of   our   fundraising   and   charitable   giving are detailed in the Financial Report. In   addition   there   are   several   events   which take   place   on   a   regular   basis   throughout the year. Crafty Saints This year has certainly been a very challenging one, especially for a group that normally thrives on interaction. Thank goodness for the beautiful weather we had a few weeks into lockdown. When it was possible to meet another person Maureen Edgar and I met (suitably distanced) in the church grounds by the river and took our knitting, we could not have had a more tranquil setting. This became a regular occurrence, sometimes more than once a week, we had a few parishioners on walks through the churchyard who stopped (again at a safe distance) and said hello. During these meetings we talked about how we could still raise money for the church and then set about making items to sell. In October we raised £150 towards the Organ Appeal Fund and in December we raised a further £520 on the sale of Christmas themed items which went towards the cost of repainting the vestry. Several other Crafty Saints members contributed to the Christmas sales. We did manage running a much smaller group for a few weeks when the lockdown was relaxed but we are at the present time back to a total lockdown. We look forward to the day when we can all meet again in a more relaxed way and hopefully learning new crafts from some of our very talented members. Carol King - member of the Crafty Saints Hartfordian The Harfordian magazine has been printed and distributed throughout 2020 and thanks are due to Andy Dicks (East Cambridgeshire District Council Print Services) for producing a high quality, small run product with a very quick turn round time and to the Delivery Team (Jim Dalgleish, Glenys Colbert and Elaine Levitt) for getting their exercise by pounding the Hartford pavements to hand deliver, socially distanced paper editions. The costs of producing the magazine in the current paper format have remained almost static and represent good value for money. The magazine continues to be well received. There are currently 56 subscribers (42 print and 14 e-magazines including 5 complimentary electronic recipients) and the current subscription is £6 which covers 6 issues. Although the collection of subscriptions for 2020 was difficult, by and large I believe that subscriptions were paid. If there are no significant increases in print costs then there is no reason to increase the subscription fee for 2021/2022. The level of non-editorial contributions is still very low, due in some measure to the cancellation of activities in church and among local groups and so aspects of the church finances have featured significantly. More editorial time has been needed to find and produce material to counterbalance this and to make the magazine a diverting and interesting read during the Covid-19 pandemic. Looking forward into 2021, I suggest that the PCC might; • continue to develop the means for people to pay their subscriptions electronically - this had success in 2020 and should be fostered • actively seek local businesses, professionals and others to sponsor the complete magazine or simply one edition of the magazine • consider the role and purpose of the magazine, and assuming that its continuance is considered desirable, undertake proper succession planning for the time when the current editor steps aside. Peter Levitt – Editor Financial Review Please see the Annual Accounts paperwork for details. Structure, governance and management The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At All Saints the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent, associated clergy, elected and co-opted members drawn from members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll. The full PCC meets six times a year to discuss and make decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including how church funds are spent. A smaller Standing Committee meets prior to the PCC meeting to collate and prepare information for PCC consideration but it has no powers to make decisions unless specifically instructed by the PCC at a prior meeting. To facilitate the worship and outreach activities that take place at All Saints it is important that we maintain the fabric of our church and church room. We are very grateful to the small army of unsung heroes who regularly carry out cleaning and maintenance tasks in and around our church and those who look after the church contents and consumable supplies. Churchwardens’ Fabric Report for 2020 – Pam Clark / Janet Boston and Sue Craven January - replacement bulb fitted in east end floodlight; removal of sycamore tree undermining wall southwest corner; – carpet replaced in pulpit and on lectern step February – March –repairs to glass fronted notice board by church gate; Health and Safety Inspection; repair to church thermostat; April – May – repair to ceiling in chancel June – repainting of gates to churchyard; gutters cleared, roof light cleaned; 5 year electrical inspection; bishop chairs repaired and reupholstered July – boiler annual service and safety check; July – September – work on protection of fabric of building as per quinquennial August – wooden window, door frames and glass fronted notice board cleaned and treated with Danish oil; windows cleaned; Fire alarms and Fire extinguishers checked; damaged church room window repaired September – 8 of 9 actions from 5 year inspection (1 by organ to be done when organ removed); organ dismantled and removed for total overhaul and repair October – temporary reinstallation of sound system after removal of organ; Removing old conduits and supplies to sockets, lights and old boiler. Supplying and installing temporary leads to sockets and lights for continuation of services.; 15th October – 4th December work on organ area and vestry – old plaster removed, wall mortar made good, plaster replaced, up to 4 coats of lime wash on walls, ceiling in organ area boarded and painted; PA system moved to rear of church with new induction loop amplifier and cable microphone November – December – new sockets and lighting in organ area and vicar’s vestry The Log Book and the Church Property Register are up to date. They have been checked and signed off as an accurate record. Church Flowers Those who were able have just tried to keep flowers in church when it has been open and we decorated for Harvest and Christmas, which was uplifting and enjoyable. Thank you to those who have been able to help and we are looking forward to have a full rota back once restrictions are lifted. Pam Clark .. Health and Safety Vaughan Clark carried out the annual Health and Safety inspection in March and reviewed / updated the Health and Safety Policy in November. A Covid-19 Risk Assessment was created and approved in August for the reopening of the church buildings with a March 2021 review date. Safeguarding DBS Administrator: Paul Fearon Alastair Hill reviewed and updated the Safeguarding Policy in November. Administrative information All Saints Church is situated at The Hollow, Hartford, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 1YF. It is part of the Diocese of Ely within the Church of England. The Rector, the Reverend Geoffrey Boucher, who is responsible for the benefices of All Saints Hartford and St Mary the Virgin Houghton with Wyton, resides at The Rectory, 3 Rectory Lane, Wyton PE28 2AQ. PCC members who have served at any time during 2020 are listed below. Ex-Officio Members:- The Rector - Reverend Geoffrey Boucher Associate Ministers – Reverend Clifford Owen, Reverend Catherine Wright Licensed Lay Minister – Mrs Elaine Levitt Churchwardens Mrs Pam Clark (until 29th September 2020), Mrs Janet Boston (from 29th September 2020), Mrs Sue Craven Deanery Synod Representatives – Mrs Elaine Levitt, Mrs Helen Dowzall Elected Members:- Mrs Mary Adlam Mrs Janet Boston (until 29th September 2020) Mrs Pam Clark (from 29th September 2020) Mrs Nanette Cleghorn Mrs Linda Davies (until 29th September 2020) Mrs Helen Dowzall Mrs Pam Fearon (Co-opted member from 29th June 2020, elected 29th September 2020) Mr Paul Fearon Mr Colin Jones (from 29th September 2020) Mrs Carol King (until 29th September 2020) Mr Peter King (until 29th September 2020) Mrs Amanda Smith (from 29th September 2020) DBS Administrator: Paul Fearon Appointed Positions:- Treasurer –Mr Paul Fearon DBS Administrator: Paul Fearon PCC Secretary –Mrs Nanette Cleghorn (until 29th June 2020), Mrs Pam Fearon (from 29th June 2020) Fabric Officer –Mr Victor Phillips Organist and Choirmaster – Mrs Linda Davies Health and Safety Officer – Mr Vaughan Clark Gift Aid Co-ordinator – Mrs Helen Dowzall Electoral Roll Officer – Mrs Helen Dowzall Churches Together Representatives – Mrs Janet Boston Safeguarding Officer Rev Geoff Boucher Data Protection Officer – Mrs Nanette Cleghorn Website – Mrs Haleema Hawkins Flower Arranging Co-ordinator – Mrs Pam Clark Independent Examiner - Mr David Ebdale Authorised Worship Leader – Mary Adlam Magazine Editor – Mr Peter Levitt