ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS CHURCH
HOUGHTON LE SPRING
ANNUAL REPORT 2012/2013
Parochial Church Council
The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Reverend Canon Sue Pinnington MBE, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical as well as the maintenance and up-keep of the ancient building.
The PCC meets monthly throughout the year and may hold extraordinary meetings as and when are required.
Members of the council are either ex-officio or elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During the past year, the following served as members of the PCC.
Incumbent: The Reverend Canon Sue Pinnington MBE
Associate Ministers: The Reverend Margaret Lee,
The Reverend Canon Peter Stannard
Church Wardens: Mr Alastair Bradley Mr Simon Hardy
Assistant Warden: Mrs Thelma Steel
Deanery Synod Representatives: Mrs Sue Elsey, Mrs Anne Goodman, Mr Simon Hardy, Mrs Karen Lambton
Elected Members: To serve for three years
Mrs Jean Clifford
Mr Stan Morson
Mr Andy Slater
Mrs Susan Wardle
To serve for two years
Mrs Lynn Scott Mrs Dian Scott
To serve for one year
Mrs Elizabeth Brown Mrs Elizabeth Fulton
Mrs Clare Gray Mr David Turnbull
Co-opted members Mr George Peebles – Director of Music and Organist
The PCC at its first meeting appointed the following officers:
Vice Chair: Mr Alastair Bradley
Treasurer Mrs Catherine Ellery
Secretary: Mrs Susan Wardle
Electoral Roll Officer: Mrs Rita Turnbull
Churches Together in Houghton: The Rector, David Hann Kathleen Close Shelia Pelton
Houghton Feast Committee: The Rector Mr Malcolm Foster Mr Alastair Bradley
REVIEW OF THE YEAR
Churchwarden’s Report
Dear Rector, staff and congregation we wish to report that, “Order has been maintained in the church and churchyard during Divine services and at other times”.
What a year this has been. Although many of the things that I talk about will be duplicated by others, I must briefly note them as they were significant to me.
The Easter Passion Play in the Old Cemetery What a great success this turned out to be. Superbly organised and lead by our Rector Sue, we, and I mean every one of the congregation and other volunteers, made this event memorable and outstanding. It will always be something of which we can be proud. Many thanks to all involved.
The daily opening of Church As an outward symbol of the Church of England in Houghton, the daily opening of the Church makes a huge statement. The rescheduling of the times has proved successful and once again we are indebted to the volunteers who ‘man’ the building through the day. Thank you all. Those efforts have lead to Visit England recognising us and listing us as a place of interest. A unique achievement.
The Summer Fair 2012 was a rerun of previous years, which because of the rain and waterlogged ground had to be held in the Kepier Hall, but it still became its usual success, due to much hard work and effort. Thank you to all who gave of your time and skills.
Houghton Feast The versatility of the building was demonstrated and the willingness of people to give up their time to cater for all the events that we hosted with a Farmer’s Market proving to be very popular and which led on to our Christmas Fair being held in Church.
Remembrance Day The Remembrance Day Garden and accompanying Service followed on from last year’s success not least due to Stan Morson’s hard work. While the Remembrance Day service itself was very well supported focusing our thoughts and prayers on to the victims of violent conflict.
Services over Christmas Again all of our scheduled services catered to all needs. The Rector Sue, Margaret, Peter George and Andrew worked so hard to achieve a wonderful variety of services that fulfilled and uplifted us all. Many, many thanks for all their hard work.
Sides persons Many thanks to the dedicated people who act as sides people throughout the year. Turning up on time and welcoming worshippers with a smile and helping the smooth-running of our services.We always need more people to act in this important role. If you feel you can help, please let any of the wardens know and we’ll tell you what the job entails and fit you in with an experienced sides person.
And Finally We all owe a great deal of appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the event of the past year. And our report wouldn’t be complete without a list of thank you’s. To Thelma as an excellent deputy Churchwarden, and indeed to all the previous churchwardens, thank you for your advice and support. To Sue Wardle our PCC Secretary, much of whose excellent work goes unseen as does our Treasurer Catherine Ellery, who came into Church to take the money away and count it before banking it and paying the bills. Also Carole Cunningham, the dynamo who drives our Church Office. To the excellent teams of willing helpers who keep the church clean, dressed with the right altar cloths, bedecked with flowers and provide music for our services, the ‘Next 900’ team, those providing coffee and refreshments week by week, the team working with the youth, at Sparx, the Creche and Young Church, the Welcomers, Lay Readers, Pastoral Assistants, the stalwarts of our Church Choir … the list goes on and apologies if we’ve missed some…but to all, many thanks.
Sincerely we could not have managed without you. Thank You.
Alastair and Simon
Fabric and Terrier Report 2013
Mr Alastair Bradley Mr Simon Hardy Mrs Thelma Steel
We should like submit our report of the fabric terrier and furnishings in the church.
We have a photographic register of the Church silver and valuables. T his is cross-referenced with the written Terrier document.
The other recorded items such as wrought iron candle stands, chairs and hymn books are present.
The Temporary repairs to the tower carried out in 2011 have stood up to our extremely wet weather during 2012 and there have not been any leaks, but this is under constant review.
After the lead had been stolen for the second time the North Aisle roof was repaired with a lead substitute product. This was on the advice of our insurers but damage caused during the theft has resulted in an occasional ingress of rain during heavy downpours.
The Church heating issues have now been resolved with two new condensing boilers and new radiators having been installed. We are delighted with the new system, the PCC put much thought and prayer into the decision to spend such a large amount of money on the heating, this decision has proved to be a good one. Now we can report that during services in Church the temperatures are very comfortable and we have not used as much gas this season.
The over-head projector was being temperamental and ceased to function before Christmas but by accessing it from a demountable tower it was repaired in situ.
The church lights have been tested and the failed lamps replaced. There were over 20 lamps replaced in total. By using the scaffold tower whilst it was in Church for the projector, we saved the hire fee. We may need to hire it in future once a year for a big clean and carrying out the annual maintenance of the lights which will include maintenance of the projector as well.
The south aisle toilet and baby changing area may need some heating and we would appreciate your opinion if you think it is too cold for use this winter. It is suggested that a small electrical heater may be installed if the congregations wish it. Like any ancient building an on-going maintenance and repair programme needs to be active to provide its use for future generations; our young church needs Saint Michaels as well and our out-reach activities.Thank you to everyone who cleans and cares for this wonderful building. We need to maintain it to the high standard we are used to and we all appreciate the church after the big cleaning mornings – if you can, please help.
Deanery Synod Report
Houghton Deanery synod report February 2013
The synod meets about four times a year and shares information about the various parishes and plans the use of the deanery’s clergy and resources. This is all the more important in the light of having to reduce the number of clergy in the deanery to meet the agreed plan and has at times been very challenging.
The second major point this past year has been the development of a new contribution system for the churches from one of an expectation from Durham to one of each church offering what they can guarantee to offer Durham for our priest and services. This new system has now come into effect, implemented by Bishop Justin.
This year we will be establishing a few new committees looking at mission and pastoral matters in our deanery discussing the deanery plan a major part of this will be dealing with less clergy in the future. The next meeting will be in Sunderland Minster- where we will be in groups. The new mission and pastoral committee will help with this.
Simon Hardy
Electoral Roll Report – 2012
Every six years the Electoral Roll has to be completely re-done and 2013 is that year, so this year everyone who attends Church regularly needed to complete a new form whether they were on the last roll or not. The number on the Electoral Roll at last years A.G.M stood at 230. The number on the Electoral Roll at present is 199.
There have been a number of additions to the Roll over the last year but also a few deductions, due to deaths and people leaving the parish. Please check the Electoral Roll, which is on the Notice Board at the back of Church, and if your name is not on the Roll, complete an application form and hand it to me or one of the Church Wardens.
Please remember to keep me up to date with any changes of address and telephone numbers. Thank you.
Rita Turnbull
Electoral Roll Officer
Secretary’s Report – 2013
The following represents a summary of the work of the PCC over the last 12 months. There have been 10 meetings including the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Sunday 11th March 2012. The dates of these were 10th April, 1st May, 29th May, 26th June, 31st July, 25th September, 23rd October, 27th November, 22nd January 2013, and 26th February.
A meeting of the newly elected PCC was held immediately after the Annual Parochial Church Meeting to elect PCC Officers, Treasurer Catherine Ellery and Secretary Susan Wardle
All PCC Members have to register as a Trustee of the Parochial Church Council.
This is a brief breakdown of some of the issues discussed at the meetings.
In April discussions were held about the revision by the new Bishop of how Share should be calculated for each parish. This was giving parishes ownership of their stewardship; this created a great deal of thought about giving and generosity.
Tenders were also received to replace the old boiler with two new ones. Ideas were put forward to cover the shortfall in finances to cover the costs. A sub committee was formed to help coordinate fundraising.
In May there were two meetings, in the first, detailed quotes showed that the cost of the new boilers were going to be significantly higher than first thought because of extra building work that needed to be completed to re-site the boilers. To raise the extra funds needed a Gift Day will be held. The second was a difficult meeting deciding on the financing of the Share. Members talked, prayed and deliberated on the amount St Michaels should offer to pay the diocese. After great discussion and decisions were made The Rector thanked members for dealing with this difficult and challenging decision.
In June thanks were given to Sue Elsey and Margaret for coordinating the Pray and Pledge day which had been very successful in bring in much needed funds for the boilers. Work on the heating was going well with boilers in and radiators being fitted imminently. Elaine Harkness and Evelyn Garbut completed their APA training and Thelma Steele and Jacqui Rodgerson were to be reauthorized for a further 5 year this would take place in Durham Cathedral in July. Ruth Morris was also approved to be a sidesperson on a Thursday morning.
July’s meeting and The Rector reported work on the heating was complete barring a few snagging issues. Proposals were supported to allow Sunderland Council to restore the War Memorial. Dates were confirmed for Houghton Feast activities and for future events including Patronal Festival and Christmas services.
September saw changes to the venue for lunch after the Patronal service. Volunteers were needed for the Market in church at Houghton Feast to man some of the stalls. It was announced opportunist thieves had stolen money from the collection plate from the rear of church at the 6pm service, and volunteers are needed from the PCC to man the back of church. Due to the saturation of the ground after all the heavy rain the fun run had to cancelled on health and safety issues.
In October Jean Henderson was invited along to discuss how welcoming visitors and tourism was progressing. We were also notified that we had received the Red Rose from Visit England which is a great achievement for the church. Margaret reported on Kids Forum from baptism through to Sparxz and all the different activities taken up by the different age groups.
Kathleen Nash was approved to take the Chalice Assistant course. Announcement that Ken Tuck, Jacqui Wheatley and Eve Welch would be confirmed this year at St Michaels & All Angels Easington Lane in November.
November’s meeting dealt with a lot of finance matters, including legacies. Houghton Round Table offered to pay for a new Rectors Honour Board. Discussions were held about the glass over the Saxon door and the dampness in the meeting room.
January saw more discussions on finance and a Treasurer. Changes to the Charities Commission would see changes to the election of PCC members. It was noted that this year a full Electoral Roll would take place with PCC members attending all services to ensure the congregation signed the new forms. Members were informed of Peter Stannard’s retirement.
In February decisions were made on Christian Aid and how we support it. The Rector announced the Church is to host an art exhibition linked to the Lindisfarne Gospels, and also host a conference in March for Inspired North East. It is good that St Michael’s is being used for other activities. It was proposed to have a day in Durham as a whole church to see the Lindisfarne Gospels when they are exhibited, and all to attend the Cathedral for evensong.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Rector, PCC members and Carole Cunningham for all their help and support and guidance over the past year, it’s greatly appreciated.
Susan Wardle
REPORTS FROM THE CHURCH AFFLICATED ORGANISATIONS
Prepared for the
Annual Parochial Meeting Sunday 17th March 2013
BELL RINGERS
We are a team of five at present and we try to ring for the festivals and special events of the Church. Ringing for weddings is still very difficult as we do not have a full team and have to rely on outside ringers and these are getting more difficult to find. We would like new ringers and as we are the Teaching Centre it would be possible to give instruction to anyone wishing to learn.
Elaine Harkness
PASTORAL ASSISTANTS
The Authorised Pastoral Assistants Team consists of Thelma Steel, Jacqui Rodgerson, Elaine Harkness and Evelyn Garbutt. Elaine Harkness and Evelyn Garbutt were licenced in Durham Cathedral on 12th July 2012 and at the same service Thelma and Jacqui were re-licenced for another five years. We were well supported at the Service by members of our Church, which we much appreciated. The APAs meet with the Clergy every Monday morning and discuss those for whom we have concerns and those who need visits. We take out Home Communion to the housebound, visit ill parishioners at home and in hospital and conduct services at Myre Hall. This year we are supporting Margaret Lee in holding a bereavement drop-in called ‘Light’ on the first Tuesday of the month for anyone who has been bereaved recently or not so recently.
The APAs work with the Clergy in dealing with any pastoral matters in the Parish.
Elaine Harkness
The ‘Next 900’ Team
The team remained committed to supporting Church functions, raising funds and holding events open to all. The principle team consists of:-
Roger Elsey, Malcolm Foster, John Lambton, Dave Turnbull and Sue Wardle.
2012 was an eventful year in the UK as it was our Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics. This did not distract the 900 team from our aim to raise funds in support of the Church and organise events to include young, old, Church congregation and the general community of Houghton.
Food plays a part of any 900 event where we aim to ensure that no-one returns home hungry just as Bernard Gilpin would have wished. This was evident with the ever popular BBQ in June and the Diamond Jubilee Dinner. We also like to have FUN and the year ended with four of the team opting to bear almost all while having a dip in the North Sea at Seaham. I am sure that we had just as much fun doing this as our growing band of spectators did watching us. As one year ends so another one begins and the fund raising continues. We have started to look at events which can be enjoyed by all. The year starts in March with the Gilpin weekend and the Gilpin Lunch followed in April with a disco……… Watch out for ‘Next 900’ events to come.
John Lambton
Charities of the month
The meeting was held on Tuesday February 5th at 7.30pm. This year there were no nominations for new charities. The Rev’d Margaret Lee requested that The Holy Family Maternity Hospital in Bethlehem be changed from March to December, everyone present at the meeting was in agreement. The Aquila Way was changed to March and the Anita Goulden Trust to November.
The list now reads as follows:
Jan Multiple Sclerosis Society
Feb Emmaus
Mar Aquila Way
April Women’s Cancer Detection Society
May Durham Diocesan Family Welfare
June St Benedict’s Hospice Sunderland
July Liver North
August Durham Area Disability Leisure Group (DADLG)
September Shanzu School, Mombassa Kenya
October Invest in M.E.
November Anita Goulden Trust
Dec The Holy Family Maternity Hospital in Bethlehem
Betty Brown
Hand Bells
This group, which at present is a “band” of eight, meets every week on Mondays at 6pm in church for one hour.
Our repertoire consists mainly of Advent hymns, carols and Christmas related songs although there is a selection of miscellaneous tunes we play for our own amusement. In 2012 we played at the Advent Service, the Uniformed Organisations Carol Service and the Christmas Eve Carol Service. We are always on the look-out for new members – so if anyone reading this is interested in joining our happy band please contact me or any member of the group, or come along to any of our rehearsals. No musical experience is required just the ability to count to four (or sometimes three) and the desire to make music.
My thanks once again to our resident electrician (Philip Coates) for providing the illumination for our performances and the support and encouragement both he and Jean have given us.
Kathleen Nash
Ladies Fellowship
This group, which at present has 16 members, meets every week on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the Goodman Room. We have played dominoes, bingo, beetle and taken part in quiz nights with Joan Bond or myself as quiz master. We have indulged in bring and share suppers and the odd take-away of fish and chips. We did not count the calories or worry about cholesterol when we went out for meals at The Burn (three times). One evening was dedicated to celebrating Kathleen Armour’s Pearl Wedding Anniversary, good food and good company. Two evenings were spent watching a DVD and a very enjoyable time was had at the Gala Theatre for their production of “Sleeping Beauty”. The savings club is still in place for any member who would like the opportunity to put a little aside for a rainy day or to finance any of our little jaunts. At the start of each session – January, Easter and September- we have a planning meeting when the suggestions of the members are discussed and the activities for the forthcoming session finalised
We try to provide a varied programme with something for everyone. Anyone who would like to join us would be made very welcome.
Kathleen Nash
LITURGICAL CHOIR
The choir has taken part in events run by the Royal School of Church Music throughout the year. Last year we had a wonderful Festival service at Hexham Abbey with choirs from the three RSCM areas Durham, Northumbria and Cumbria.The choir of St Giles joined us here at St Michaels and our choir went to St Giles for major services conducted by Andrew Robinson.
I would like to thank Andrew for his support and expert direction of the choir, conducting choral evensong and others including the Civic Feast Service and Remembrance Sunday. The Carol Service on Christmas Eve was as usual very well supported, the choir did exceptionally well. You will have noticed we are ‘a bit thin on the ground’ on Sunday mornings we need to encourage people to come and join us. We have people coming to different services – the 6pm service for example others only come on Sunday morning. You may like to support either the morning or evening services any commitment would be greatly appreciated.
George Peebles
ST MICHAEL’S TODDLER GROUP
“St Michael’s Toddler Group exists to bring carers and young children together for recreation, friendship and support within a nurturing environment”
I am pleased to report that in the past 12 months, Toddler Group has continued to thrive. We held our usual stalls at the Summer and Christmas Fairs, which were very successful, and the children enjoyed their visit from Santa at our Christmas parties.
Our sessions are almost full, with a few names on our waiting list.
Sheila Partridge
KEPIER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
This committee manages the Kepier on behalf of the Kepier Trustees as part of the Kepier Trust and is financially independent. The Kepier has enjoyed yet another active and fruitful year with several of our regulars increasing their hours. One project which we have been working on for some time has now come to fruition – namely The Bar. This has already proved to be a tremendous asset at all social events and at many of the bookings, and is being very ably managed by the Kepier Manager Stan Morson, whose enthusiasm and innovative ideas are very much at the heart of the work at the Kepier. During the year we have also furnished the windows in the Hall, Kitchen and Office with blinds and had all the green chairs cleaned and treated with Scotch Guard. Projects for this year include looking to improve the level of heating in St. Michael’s Hall and crucially to finally solve the problem that is our Car Park. This will be a very expensive undertaking and the committee is currently involved in trying to find funding to aid this project.
So the Kepier Community is very much alive and well and looking forward to another successful year of serving the wider community in Houghton-le-Spring.
Anne Goodman
THE DROP IN
The ‘Drop In’ continues to open every Monday from 12.30 – 3.00 pm. Numbers are small but it is important to be regularly available for those families who have decided to remain within the Houghton Community and who occasionally need our help.
We continue to keep in touch with these families, providing Easter eggs for the younger children and boxes of biscuits and gifts for the children at Christmas – only possible because of the generous weekly contributions of the loyal ‘Drop In’ helpers. Sonbol, Korosh and Siavash have recently moved from their less than habitable house in Houghton to Shiney Row and we were pleased to help with removal expenses. We hope that now life will be easier for them. Raquel, Mum to another of our families is now studying psychology at Newcastle University, having worked extremely hard to pass many preparatory courses especially in English. She still has to manage her daily commute with looking after Audiva and studying. We are proud of her.
Thank you to all at St. Michael’s who support us.
Anne Goodman
TIME OUT FOR WOMEN
Yet another good year for our women’s group, who meet every second Monday of the month at the Mill Inn, Durham Road. Often, in excess of 20 will meet to eat and chat and take “time out” from busy work and family lives. We are a welcoming and easy going group who love to see new people and cherish our long time friends in a warm and supportive atmosphere. Our Christmas meal, attended by 30 ladies, this year took place in the Mill Inn restaurant where everyone had lots to talk about and enjoyed delicious food served with good service and a smile. We meet and share the problems and the joys that life throws our way and we leave more relaxed and energized to face the next day. Everyone is welcome to join us. Just come along on the night or speak to me or one of the other ladies who regularly attend. I’m sure you will not be disappointed.
I look forward to a new year of meeting and sharing with our church family and friends.
Sheila Foster
SIGNPOST REPORT FOR APCM 2013-02-26
It has been a difficult year for Signpost. Moving the printing into the church office has proved possible but has only succeeded due to the huge efforts of Carole Cunningham and the inspiration of The Rector. The Rector, Margaret Lee, Alistair Bradley and Peter Stannard have supplied the magazine with a steady and reliable stream of copy. Dick Toy and Thelma Steele have shown us many hitherto obscure links between the History of the Parish and events in the history of the world. The magazine has been distributed and the subscriptions collected by a dedicated team ably led by Joan Bond. The Editors would like to thank them all, and all of our correspondents and readers. If there is any article you would like to see in the magazine, do write it, and submit it for publication before the 10th of the month
Malcolm Foster and Roger Elsey
Houghton Churches Together
Houghton Churches Together meets four times a year. They arrange nine Prayer Breakfasts, one study day, events for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Christian Aid Week and over the past two years have had a stall at Houghton Feast. They also produce Christmas cards and help with their distribution. The Prayer Breakfasts prove very popular with about 20 people regularly attending. They are usually introduced by someone from the Church where they are being held who gives a theme then people are invited to pay or ask for hymn. It is not dissimilar to a Quaker meeting. The study day this year was held at the Methodist Church. It was on pastoral care. In July we said good-bye to Freda Guy from the Methodist Church who stepped down after giving 15 years of excellent service to Houghton Churches Together. To celebrate her service a gathering of past and present members of Houghton Churches Together was arranged at Weatherspoons in Houghton. It was the first time we have had a Prayer Breakfast in a pub but I can assure you the liquid beverage was tea and coffee. Prayer Breakfasts will continue each month except July, August and December. Unfortunately there will be no study this year.
David Hann
Beavers
This past 12 months has been a busy time for our Beaver colony. We have had a summer and winter camp. Our summer camp was at Fatfield’s headquarters and the Beavers camped outside in tents which they all found very exciting, so much that the meaning of the word “sleepover” escaped them! Our winter camp in February had Chinese New Year theme to it and a trip to Durham to see the lion dance in the market square.Some of the activities the Beavers have took part in recently are – pancake and Valentines card making, learning how to make a camp fire and toast marshmallows over it (this one is a particular favourite ), flying Chinese lanterns, games nights and lots of other exciting things. We are having a trip to the bowling alley in Sunderland at the end of February.In December there was a district trip to the pantomime at the Gala theatre and some of our Beavers and leaders went along to watch it, altogether – “oh no they didn’t “.At present we have approximately 18 Beavers in the colony and are hoping to be back up to 24 in the very near future as we invite new starters from our district waiting list.One final thing, I would like to say a big Thank You for all the help and support given by the other leaders and parent helpers who come along every Tuesday night and give up their time.
Steve Gibson Beaver Scout Leader
Scouts
Over the last twelve months the Scouts have been occupied with many varied activities, camps and trips.In February 2012, we attended the county camp called Frostie 24. The Scouts visited Moor House and took part in activities ranging from zip wires to mud buggies & quads bike. During the night we visited the Centre for Life in Newcastle. Finally we returned back to Moor House to finish off 24 hours of non-stop activities & of course, no sleep. In May, 14 Scouts travelled to the Alps in France for a 7 day holiday where they white water rafted, climbed through the trees on high ropes, canyoning, canoeing etc. In October the Scouts attended camp Confido which again takes place at Moor house. Confido camp is a 2 night sleep over and over 50 activities running throughout the day. Each day is finished off with a party & a disco in the big marquee before collapsing into their sleeping bags. The Scouts have been concentrating on badge work such as Mechanic, Craft, DIY, Camp cook and Entertainers badge where they have held a Scouts have Talent night, a Dragons Den night and a Shooting stars Quiz. We will complete this badge with a murder mystery themed night. Finally in February 2013 we attended Frostie in the city. Twenty Three Scouts and Leaders visited Edinburgh with the District and we visited Our Dynamic Earth and Edinburgh Dungeons.
We must thank the Church for holding the Christmas Carol Service and also holding a faith night for the Scouts and Cubs.
Andy Brown Scout Leader
FRIENDS OF HOUGHTON PARISH CHURCH TRUST
During 2012 the Friends contributed financially to the new boilers and heating system, making a difference as it was intended when the Trust was set up in 1993.
We had a very successful organ concert with the celebrated Nigel Ogden from the radio’s The Organist Entertains. This year thanks to Mr George Peebles we have secured once again the charismatic Dr Gordon Stewart who has captured the hearts of our regular audience who keeps the second Monday in May free every year for this event.
Sadly we have lost several members over the last few years and it is a struggle to encourage new people to join. Our subscriptions remain the same and it is such an inexpensive way of helping to maintain our beautiful, ancient church. If anyone would like to know more, please contact Mr. George Peebles or myself.
The Open Church has been successful in 2012 with more people willing to staff the church for two hours once or twice a month. During the year The Rector has successfully applied for the church to have accreditation on the “Visit England” website and we have been awarded the Visit England plaque. This is a great achievement for the area and particularly our church – visitor numbers should increase considerably as a result. If anyone is interested in becoming part of the team who keep the church open during the summer months, please let me know.
Jean Henderson (Secretary)
Last Orders (Men’s Night Out)
It does not seem a year since I wrote my last report, and again may I remind people that in the quiet surrounds of the Rugby Club in Dairy Lane on the first Monday of the month, a few select men of our congregation meet for a friendly chat? From 8.30pm the time flies by with some deep discussion and much witty banter. Football, cycling, running, travel and health issues are some of the topics mulled over and enjoyed.
Annual Christmas Meal After the previous years’ return to the Seaton Lane Inn for our Christmas meal we decided a change was due. So this year we had a shorter journey and visited the Copt Hill. As a venue it was large enough to accommodate us all easily and the food was fine. The only thing missing was people. We were few in number for such a large space. The plus side of that was that Brian Scott won both the line and the full house on the Bingo! For a change there was Karaoke, but with a difference, the audience merely watched and listened… Then after the entertainment we retired to the bar to enjoy a beer or two. Men! please do pop in to the Rugby club on the First Monday of the Month for a chat.
Alastair Bradley
Brownies
We have 16 Brownies at the moment, 3 Leaders,1 unit helper and 1 Young Leader.
Brownies Activity Programme revolves around three areas: The World and You
Community. In November the girls enjoyed their Sleepover in the Kepier Hall. In February we had a joint Valentines Disco with the Guides and Rainbows and the proceeds were donated to the Kepier Trust
Joan Beattie 2nd Houghton Brownies
Crèche
The crèche continues to provide weekly provision of care for babies and toddlers accompanied by a parent, during the service. The children attending the crèche often integrate with the activities of Young Church. Thank you to Sheila Foster and the team for organizing and supervising.
Reverend Margaret Lee
Mini Michaels
Has now run for a full year and is beginning to see real growth with some baptism families returning to MM after their baptism has taken place. Wedding couples already with children are also coming to MM as part of their commitment to regular worship here, and of course we have our own church family who attend. The March MM had 60 in the congregation only half of whom were new baptism families the other half being returning families or our congregation. The overwhelming response to MM from newcomers is very positive. Judith Howes is supplying more ‘Moses’ stories for us to add to our resources. It is important that we maintain first Sunday for holding MM so that we can always be confident we don’t miss any unexpected returning families. This may mean difficult clashes with the big services such as the Gilpin Festival Sunday. It is also important that our congregation members still present at 11.30 am respect MM as a church service, background noise while storytelling is highly distracting. MM is staffed by Peter and myself with volunteers from the Messy Michael and Baptism Assistants teams together with our storyteller Barbara Weinberg.
Reverend Margaret Lee
Young Church Report 2013
We continue to meet each Sunday in the meeting room in church starting off in the service then moving away for Children’s readings and activities then we join the service again during the Eucharist with a chance to share our crafts and activities with the congregation. The children in particular enjoy this part as do the congregation. We still have 2 leaders, Paula Dixon and Clare Gray who run and plan the sessions whilst Jacqui Rodgerson and Karen Hepple offer valuable support. Numbers are relatively low and after meeting with the Rector in the summer we made the decision to tailor the sessions to accommodate younger members who were currently using the room for crèche purposes. After speaking to Margaret Lee we decided to focus on bible stories rather than following the Gospel readings in church, (with the exception of advent, lent etc). The sessions are based around a familiar bible story followed by a craft activity. We regularly have 3-6 children who seem to enjoy the stories and craft aspects to the session. The older children offer support and ideas to the younger children and also seem to really enjoy the more craft orientated sessions. There is a nice feel in the meeting room during the service, with grandparents, parents and leaders supporting the children’s faith journey.
When asked if they liked coming to young church, one child said, “I like making things and listening to the stories about God, it’s fun!”
Clare Gray and Paula Dixon
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Messy Michael
Having spent over 2 years enjoying working at Bernard Gilpin Primary School we felt we should share our services with another primary school in Houghton. Much preparation goes into running a Messy event, it also bears a cost financially as well as in time. It is therefore only possible to run one event per month so to offer it to another school sadly meant moving from Bernard Gilpin school. In October we began Messy Michael at the Burnside Primary School, with around 24 children attending. We also had the wonderful help of 2 teaching assistants who ran the schools Art club. Unfortunately there has been a big change round with the schools ‘after school clubs’ which has disrupted our schedule with Messy Michael. We hope this will soon be resolved and normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.
Messy Michael was greatly enjoyed by the children at both schools. One young man said ‘I attend an after school club everyday but Messy Michael is the best!’
Messy Michael is organized by myself and delivered by an amazing team : Anne Goodman, Thelma Steel, Ros Pickersgill, Sue Elsey, Emily Forester, Rita & Dave Turnbull, Barbara Weinberg, Sheila Partridge and Anne Clappison. A big thank you to all.
MU REPORT
We are pleased to report on a successful year for the Mothers’ Union in Houghton-le- Spring. We are one of the largest Branches in the Diocese with numbers standing at 55, with another Enrolment due later this year, where we hopefully can add to our ranks. This year’s A.G.M. saw myself elected to stand as Branch Leader for another 3 years. Marie Henderson agreed to remain as Secretary and Mary Main to continue as Treasurer. In light of Mary’s recent health problems we were pleased when Anne Todd agreed to stand as Assistant Treasurer. 2012 saw an interesting and varied programme of events, which we thank Marie for putting together for us. She works extremely hard to make sure the members enjoy taking part in our monthly meetings, which is reflected in an increase in attendance to many of our activities. We continue to begin the calendar year with our Annual lunch at The Mill with over forty of us gathering together. Speakers over the year included Dari Taylor who entertained us with her story of life as a woman in Parliament. George Nairn took us on a journey up the N.E. coast and Margaret Lee took us on a trip to the Holy Land. Food often lies at the heart of what we do and we thoroughly enjoyed our celebration of the Diamond Jubilee, and the Strawberry Tea which was held in July. The Harvest Home Supper continues to thrive. Easter saw us in Church for a selection of readings and meditations, followed by hot cross buns. At Christmas we enjoyed a service of carols and readings which was followed by sherry and other goodies. We also enjoyed our second ‘Twixmas Party’ which at Marie’s encouragement is now free to members. Our travels this year took us to Kendal & Natland which involved some retail therapy, but without doubt the highlight was our visit to our former curate, Angela and her lovely family who gave us wonderful hospitality. Duff bus notwithstanding, it was a wonderful day. Other highlights Evelyn Curry, a former Branch Leader celebrating 50 years as a M.U. member, something we won’t see very often. This was followed by her 90th birthday, so many congratulations to Evelyn and many thanks for your years of service, inspiration and encouragement that you continue to be to all of us! This next year will provide many opportunities for learning and growing together. We will continue to strive to serve the work and mission of St. Michael’s. We will continue to provide the candles for our Baptism candidates, flowers for Mothering Sunday, and have also undertaking to provide much needed funds for children’s work and mission, which lies at the heart of all we do as an organisation. Finally, I would like to offer my thanks and gratitude to the Committee, who do so much unseen work, and are the heart and ‘engine room’ of all we seek to achieve. Thank you also to The Rector whose support and wisdom is invaluable.
Sue Elsey, Branch Leader, March 2013
SPARXZ YOUTH GROUP
Our numbers this year have remained steady with around 10 young people attending our sessions. We meet on the first and third Sunday each month. The first Sunday we begin with worship at the ‘Engage Service followed by food and games in the meeting room. The meeting on the third Sunday is in the Kepier Hall from 6pm until 8 pm where we enjoy teaching, games, quizzes, food, and in the summer months, the girls very much enjoy outdoor activities. We try at every opportunity to integrate all we do with the times and seasons of the Church’s year to ensure the girls feel a valued part of the life, work & mission of St. Michael’s.Leadership continues to be a concern as Ros & Sue aren’t getting any younger and are often torn between the use of their time. It may well be necessary to have a full review of the nature of Youth Work in the Parish in the near future.
Sue Elsey
The Friends of Houghton Hillside Cemetery 2012
Once again The Friends of Houghton Hillside Cemetery have had a most successful year in 2012.During 2012 the Friends hosted their usual annual events. These included the Annual Litter Pick in March, which unfortunately was not as well attended as in previous years however the litter is diminishing. The litter pick was a few weeks later than normal as the Church’s Easter Passion Play was held at Hillside on Good Friday which was a huge success. In May members of the group (and also some members of the public) undertook a sponsored walk to raise funds for the betterment of the cemetery. This was from Sunderland to South Shields.The Annual Open Day was also held in June. This event had a few different aspects to it in that there was a talk on the Titanic given that it was its centenary and also the dance troop Zazz attended and entertained. There was also a band headed by Stuart Clappison.Unfortunately conservation days were not as regular as they have been in past years but it is hoped that there will be more in 2013 to ensure that the site is kept tidy and the vegetation under control.There are also several projects under discussion for 2013 as this is the groups 10th anniversary!
Janice Short
Peter Stannard has been an Associate Minister here at St Michael’s for 2 years. Peter has previously served in many different parishes throughout England as well as time as a Theological College Principal in Ghana. We at Houghton have benefited greatly from his preaching, teaching, friendship and kindness. The congregation gathered on Sunday 7 April to thank him for his ministry and friendship and to wish him much joy and happiness in his retirement. The Rector thanked Peter for all his commitment, fellowship and hard work not only in Houghton, but also to The Church of England and the Anglican Communion. She then presented him with a gift from the congregation. Peter then thanked the Rector, Margaret Lee and all the congregation for their warm welcome, support and friendship. He said he was very pleased to be planning to settle in Houghton and to worship at St Michael’s, because everyone was so lovely! Peter then cut a very splendid Retirement Cake which everyone helped him eat! But it was a bit like saying good bye and then hello, as Peter is planning to live in Houghton and to continue worshiping at St Michael’s. So we look forward to sharing our Christian Pilgrimage with him in the years to come.
