APCM Group Reports 2024
Parochial Church Council Secretary’s Report 2024
This has been a year of both ‘welcome’ and ‘farewell’. In June, our Rector, Richard Newton, retired after faithfully serving the Parish of Hagley for 28 years and also for the last few years, the Parish of Clent as well. He oversaw the formation of ‘The Benefice of Hagley and Clent’ and we continue to build on this in our worship and our church community. We wish both him and Kathy a long and happy retirement in Worcester. It was also time to find a newer, more eco-friendly Rectory and so the house in Middlefield Lane has been sold and a property purchased on the Cala Estate, convenient for both Hagley and Clent, and a much warmer home. After a team from Hagley and Clent produced a fantastic Parish Profile, we were fortunate to have several applications for the position of Rector. Revd Tom Owen was duly appointed, and we welcomed Fr Tom, his wife Robyn and children Anah and Jacob to our communities at the end of the year. We would like to thank Revd Kim for all her work, time and dedication whilst we were in vacancy. Under her care we were able to continue successfully with the existing service pattern, hold meaningful PCC meetings, and give pastoral care. At the regular meetings we discussed many items, including Safeguarding, festivals and events, church services and maintaining our buildings. Thank you to everyone for their commitment over the last 12 months.
As a PCC we are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. The PCC is aware of its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. In 2024 and going forward in 2025, the PCC use the ‘Safeguarding Toolkit’ provided in the diocese as a way of self-assessment to ensure fulfilment of its duty.
The PCC wish to thank retiring members Kate Aldridge, Paul Evans, Chris Spencer, Gill Richards, Bill Green for their valued contributions to the PCC.
Sue Priest
PCC Secretary
Contact 2024
Contact has a completely new look, and it has been well received. It was relaunched in colour, with the December 2023/January 2024 edition. It has included a wide range of articles, thank you to those who have contributed over the past year. Following the February issue there is a pause in the production of Contact while the committee, together with the Rector, discuss the future of the magazine, its' mission and direction, and whether the volunteers involved feel able to give the considerable amount of time involved. Subscribers and advertisers will be reimbursed or the money carried over depending on the result of the discussions. We are grateful to Adam Smith for the most professional printing of Contact.
Margaret Rankin
Hagley and District Christian Aid Committee 2024
Our Christian Aid committee continue to meet and review our work to support Christian Aid Week. Kathy Francis, our Chairman, resigned from the committee when she and Richard moved to Worcester in June. Our current Chair is Barbara Albert who has served on the committee for a number of years. Christian Aid Week 2024 envelope collection raised £939.87, some of this was eligible for Gift-Aid. A total of £1,937 was donated to Christian Aid. 2,700 envelopes were distributed, by our churches volunteers, but only 200 were returned with donations. A big `Thank You`, to all concerned for your unfailing support in delivering envelopes in the Hagley and Clent parishes over the years. A decision has been made NOT to distribute envelopes in 2025. Information on 2025 collections will be announced in due course. A planned QUIZ did not go ahead in 2024 due to the lack of volunteers to support the event. We hope we can have successful one this year as this event usually raises a substantial sum. The prosed date is in CA week, Saturday May 17th. Details will be advertised soon. Please put the date in your diary! We need your support. The committee continues to work hard to enable our churches to donate to help those communities and families impacted by climate disasters and many other international conflicts.
Barbara Albert
Electoral Roll Report for the year ended 31st December 2024
As at the 31st of December 2024 the number on the ER was 115 of which 94 lived in the Parish and 21 lived outside the Parish. A new role is due in 2025 and currently stands (April 2025) at 52 of which 47 live in the parish and 5 outside the parish. I would encourage everyone who worships at St Saviour’s or at St John’s to complete the Electoral Roll form.
Sue Priest
Electoral Roll Officer
Deanery Synod 2024
Deanery Synod continues to meet twice a year in the spring and autumn and provides a great opportunity to meet with others and share good news stories of what is happening across the deanery. Bishop Martin spoke at the October meeting on the topic of ‘doing ordinary church well’ and the vital importance of us being rooted in the knowledge of who we are as children of God, loved by Him and called to bring people to God, and God to people. This must then permeate all that we do as church, in our welcome and our ministry. The spring meeting is scheduled for 20.03.2025.
Sharon Bryant, Jenny Moulder, John Gowar
Deanery Synod representatives
Eco Group 2024
Over the past year, the Eco Committee has continued to grow and develop, now including representatives from all three churches in our benefice. This has strengthened our shared commitment to caring for God’s creation and making meaningful progress in our environmental efforts. Both Hagley churches have now met the necessary benchmarks to apply for an Eco Church award, and we are currently in the process of submitting applications. Meanwhile, Clent has already achieved its award, setting a great example for us all. Throughout the year, we have made regular recommendations to the PCC on practical steps to reduce our environmental impact. These include improving recycling facilities, using eco-friendly cleaning products, and recommending that sustainable toilet paper is used in our churches. To keep our congregation informed and engaged, we have also contributed semi-regular articles to Contact, highlighting environmental issues and encouraging positive action within our church communities. As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to finding new ways to improve our environmental efforts. We welcome any ideas or suggestions that can help us further our mission and encourage everyone to get involved in caring for God’s world.
Jon Bryant
Pastoral Care Report 2024
The Pastoral Group has met from time to time during 2024 and much pastoral work by telephone and home visits have taken place. We have kept in touch with many of our friends in the parish who are unwell, bereaved or housebound. Sadly we have lost several dear friends during the year and the need to keep in touch with families and friends in the parish continues to be of great importance.
It is always a joy and a pleasure to visit folk who cannot get to church, and Margaret Norris and Judy Plant have regularly taken Home Communion to several people throughout the year, which has always been well received. Recently we have welcomed Nan Watts to our Group, and we look forward to working with her in the coming year. Nan will be a very valuable addition to our team.
Margaret Norris.
Mothers’ Union Group Report for 2024
We have had a very busy year with 22 members and 2 IMPC (Indoor Members Prayer Circle) who cannot get out much. The year started in March with Rev. Tim Mullings, from the Free Church, telling us how he became a Minister. We had many interesting talks from M U members and some from outside. Hagley Handbell Ringers stepped in at short notice with a small group playing for us, We all had a chance to have a go. Many thanks to Sue Wiseman and her ladies and we have booked them for a return visit next year. Many members had special anniversaries this year. 1 was 90, 4 were 80 and 1 member and her husband celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. We held a “big birthday bash” with afternoon tea and entertainment from some of these members. Brilliant afternoon!
A group of us visited St. Cassian’s Church in Chaddesley Corbett and had a guided tour, with many areas of interest, but they were very proud of their font dating back to 1140. We held 2 fundraising events, the main one in July when we held our coffee morning. A sum of money was sent to the Summer of Hope Appeal to help the Mothers’ Union on the ground support our members in Africa with projects e.g. Literacy Programme. We also support local groups, mainly the Refuge with wash bags for the ladies and kitchen utensils to help them set up again on their own. We still support the Baptisms, giving a card with a teddy.
Judy Plant Branch Leader
Hagley Hub 2024
The Hagley Hub is now well into its second year and has become an established part of the community timetable. Open every Tuesday 10:00-12:00 (during school term time) the Hagley Hub offers a warm space for people to come together, meet, chat, have a cuppa and slice of home-made cake. It provides a multigenerational space including a designated area for babies, pre-schoolers and their carers to use. It is such a privilege to serve the community through the Hagley Hub and to do so in collaboration with some many other organisations in the village including the Women’s Institute, Life Central Hagley, Home Instead, The Gables, Walton and Hipkiss and Councillor Steve Colella to name but a few. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone who volunteers, bakes, supports us and visits the Hagley Hub – we could not do it
without you, thank you.
Sharon Bryant
Wychbury Room Report 2024
The Wychbury Room has been well maintained over the past year with several minor works completed. The facility has been used by the Hagley Cricket Club during the cricket season, by the church, as a rehearsal room by the English Trombone Consort and the Handbell Ringers and some external groups. The management team are continuing to explore ways to make the management of the room easier and more efficient.
Becky Hindmarsh
Safeguarding report 2024
The parish of Hagley PCC complies with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 in relation to having due regard to House of Bishops' Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
At St John’s and St Saviours, Hagley, the protection of all children and vulnerable adults is an integral part of our church life. Everyone who participates has a role in promoting a safe environment. We recognise that the few who are determined to harm children or adults, deliberately seek out groups or organisations where they can meet children or other vulnerable people. The church is particularly vulnerable to these people. Creating and maintaining a safeguarding culture will discourage them from becoming involved for the wrong reasons and make it difficult for them to harm or abuse children or adults if they do.
Hagley Parish Council have been using the Dashboard app, which enables us to check on our compliance regarding safeguarding issues. As a parish we have a ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ action plan in place that sets out in line with national and local priorities, how the policy is being put into action and is reviewed regularly. This action plan has been produced using the Safeguarding Dashboards application and will be presented for the consideration of the PCC at the meeting in April 2025. There is a safeguarding update from the PSO at every PCC meeting, and this is now at the end of the agenda. There have been no safeguarding incidents in the past year. There have been 6 DBS renewal applied for and accepted this year, and 3 renewals is due over the next few months. The importance of all PCC having an up to date DBS has been discussed regularly at PCC meetings, as members of the PCC are deemed ‘trustees of a charity that supports children’s or vulnerable adult’s work’, this is an action that needs completing. Relevant training has been discussed at the last PCC meeting with members of the PCC and leaders being reminded of their responsibilities regarding this. One churchwarden and one ALM have also undertaken the safeguarding leadership training in the past year. There are regular safeguarding meetings held between the PSOs from both Hagley and Clent and the incumbent, Fr Tom Owen. Activities that use the church buildings for church and non-church activities have continued this year. Risk assessments have been completed for the majority of these activities, any outstanding one have been requested from the activity leaders. The PSO has attended regular Network meetings on zoom, bringing together PSO’s from around the diocese with staff from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. These meetings include training, sharing of good practice and updates on local and national issues.
Jenny Moulder
PSO for St John’s and St Saviour’s, Hagley
Alpha 2024
Although we have not run an Alpha Course ourselves over this past year, members of the Alpha Team continue to support and pray for others running Alpha in the local area, most recently with Hope Hagley having run a course Autumn 2024 in Blakedown.
Churches Together 2024
Sharon Bryant
Churchwardens Annual Report for 2024
For the first three months of the year, Judy, John and Michael worked as a team supporting both churches as and when necessary. Judy, however, did not seek re-election as a Churchwarden at the annual meeting in April. Both churches are extremely grateful and thank Judy for all that she has done and achieved since becoming a Churchwarden in 2018. John and Michael were delighted to welcome Fiona Taylor and Alan Smith elected as Churchwardens for St Saviour’s and St John’s respectively and the four Churchwardens have continued working as a team.
Following the lifting of the pandemic restrictions in 2022, church life in 2024 has returned to normality including use of common chalices.
During 2024, the numbers of weddings (6) and baptisms (15) are approaching pre-pandemic levels. In addition, there were 16 funerals plus interment of ashes in the garden of remembrance on several occasions.
The year was marked with the retirement of Richard Newton after 28 years as Rector at a Hagley and Clent combined service on 30th June at St John’s. Both Hagley churches wish to place on record their sincere gratitude to Richard and Kathy for their long service in the Parish. Richard’s retirement resulted in initiation of the search for his replacement. This involved preparing a much praised Parish Profile highlighting the special features of the three churches and the surrounding areas. Applicants were interviewed on 20th September and the Churchwardens were delighted that Fr Tom Owen was offered the position which he gratefully accepted. Tom was licensed at a combined service in St John’s on 5th December with a congregation of 120 representing the three churches and the local communities together with friends from Tom’s former church in Stoke-on-Trent.
Numerous Festivals and Events took place throughout the year:
- Easter 2024 was marked by a Good Friday Hot Cross Bun Breakfast (28) and Easter Day Service (93) joyously celebrated at St Savour’s and with a Good Friday service (27) at St John’s. (The numbers in brackets indicate the numbers in the congregations)
- Monthly Sunday afternoon Sanctuary Concerts were held during the summer at St John’s to raise money for the homeless.
- The Christmas season started with a sell-out Christmas candle-lit concert at St John’s featuring Ex-Cathedra and an audience of 250. A service of 9 Lessons and Carols (116) at St John’s commenced the Christmas church celebrations with the Midnight Mass, also at St John’s (87). The Crib Service (237) was held at St Saviour’s with the Christmas Day Eucharist (84). This meant that 524 people attended our churches during the Christmas season. (The numbers in brackets indicate the numbers in the various congregations).
- The average Sunday services attendances averaged approximately 50 at St Saviour’s and 70 at St John’s throughout the year.
- The annual August Bank Holiday cricket match between Clent and Hagley was again won by Hagley and followed by a Songs of Praise moved into the church because of the weather. Revenue from the tea was donated to MacMillan Cancer Support.
- Harvest was celebrated on Sunday 22nd September at St John’s when the Hagley Community Orchestra assisted with the music and the congregation enjoyed coffee and cakes at the end of the service.
- For the third year running, The Hagley Hub resumed in November to provide a warm space and refreshments on Tuesday mornings in St Saviour’s Church Hall. This is being run in conjunction with other local churches, the Women’s Institute as well as receiving support from the District Council and local businesses.
- The Stourbridge Food Bank has been supported throughout the year with donations of food items and/or other monetary gifts.
Each year Churchwardens are required to meet with the Archdeacon (called the Visitation) to outline current practices and to celebrate successes. They are also expected to attend the annual Commissioning Service at which the Bishop or Archdeacon outline the responsibilities of the role. The Churchwardens then acknowledge and promise to faithfully fulfil their role to the best of their ability.
The Churchwardens acknowledge and thank Richard, Kim, David and Tom for their assistance and support during the past year.
Churchwardens: Judy, John, Michael , Alan and Fiona
The Friends of the Church of St John, Baptist, Hagley 2024
Since the last Annual General Meeting, the Friends have safely navigated the transition to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status. The Trustees usually meet four times a year to discuss finance, fabric matters, and if necessary to deal with any requests received from the PCC. The ongoing fabric matters raised at the time of the 2020 Quinquennial Report, such as repairs to the sandstone. We are happy to report that this contract will commence at the end of March. These works will cost approximately £30,000 and will be funded by ‘The Friends’. All the contractual matters and liaison with the DAC at Worcester has been handled on behalf of the PCC by Alan Smith, Churchwarden at St John’s, as their representative responsible for all fabric matters and automatically as a Trustee of ‘The Friends’. On this matter we would like to record our thanks to Judy Day for all her hard work on church matters as the representative of the PCC over the last 6 years. Following comments regarding the state of the car park during very wet weather, and although this is not a matter for our aims and objectives, we have agreed to help the PCC in conjunction with Hagley Hall Estates, we are carrying out some additional stoning to the car park and also the pathway between the Cricket Ground and the Lych Gate, which will provide a tarmac access to the Wychbury Room. These works will be complete by the end of March. We would like to record, on behalf of ‘The Friends’ and the PCC for the use of the carpark, we are most grateful to Hagley Hall Estates over many decades. During the past year we have to report the sad loss of Stewart Purton, a long standing Trustee and also Treasurer of both ‘The Friends’ and the PCC.
Friends of St John’s Trustees
Registered Charity Number 1200446
Social Events Committee 2024
Last year we contributed to many events; Pancake Evening, Eva's Celebration, Trombone Concert, Cricket Match, a Curry Evening, Christmas Lunch. Our big effort was the Christmas Faye. This was a big success, and we were delighted to make over £900 for the Church, Many cakes and canopies were made for Richards Retirement and Fr Toms Induction and installation.
Thank you to everyone who helps with these events.
Kate Aldrige
Sunday Club 2024
Sunday Club continues to be a valued part of our church life, meeting roughly twice a month at St Saviour’s in Hagley. While this has worked well, we would love to explore ways to expand our offering and reach even more children within our church community.
Over the past year, we have followed Roots material to guide our sessions, and more recently, we have introduced a series focused on Jesus and his teachings. Our sessions cater for a wide range of ages, ensuring that all children feel engaged and included. Each gathering is designed to be a blend of worship, Bible stories, games, and craft activities, providing a fun and meaningful way for our young people to grow in faith. A particular highlight is the opportunity for children to share what they have learned at the end of the service, helping to connect their learning with the wider church family.
We are incredibly grateful for our wonderful volunteers, whose dedication makes Sunday Club possible. If you feel called to support this ministry, we encourage you to prayerfully consider joining the team. Your involvement would help to enrich the faith journeys of our younger members and ensure that Sunday Club continues to thrive.
Jon Bryant
Fabric Report 2024
Maintenance and upkeep of the fabric of the buildings and environs has been carried out as required and where possible through the year as follows –
St John the Baptist Church – The annual boiler service and inspection has been carried out. The annual PAT testing of electrical appliances has also been carried out. Leaves have been cleared from the roof and gutters. Repairs have been carried out to the roof and roof valley and gutter above the Vestry to prevent overflow and leaks in heavy rainfall. The contract for the repair and replacement of rotten stonework, which is to be funded by ‘The Friends’, and work is to commence on site very shortly, under the control of the Church Architect, Wayne Jones. The Quinquennial inspection and report is due in two months’ time and the Church Architect has been instructed to undertake this as usual.
The Wychbury Room – The faulty light fitting in the Accessible Toilet has been repaired. The septic tank (shared with the Cricket Club) has been emptied.
St Saviour’s Church - The annual boiler service and inspection has been carried out. The engineer’s report indicated that the boiler is reaching the end of its life with required replacement parts impossible to obtain. In view of their age and their use of fuel oil, replacement of the heating systems at both churches is under review and alternative means of heating being considered. The lights in the church have been inspected and faulty fittings replaced and re-lamped as necessary to increase eco-efficiency. Repairs to the organ, paid for from an insurance claim, have been necessary due to a historic and undetected roof leak, now resolved.
Leaves have been cleared from the roof and gutters. The Quinquennial inspection and report is due in two months’ time and the Church Architect has been instructed to undertake this as usual.
David Trewin – Chair Fabric Committee
Church Hall Report 2024
Several committee meetings have been held to deal with the ongoing management of the Hall. After discussions at an extraordinary meeting called to deliberate the matter, it was agreed to merge the Church
Hall accounts with the main Church accounts. The Charity Commission Annual Returns have been brought up to date, with the assistance of the Church Treasurer, Mark Taylor, which is much appreciated.
Bookings are holding up and the Hall continues to be well used, hire rates were increased on 1st January 2025 and are being further reviewed to ensure costs are covered in view of the continuing rise in fuel and utility prices. Thanks continue to be due to Jane Cartwright for her excellent and efficient control of the bookings and provision of spread sheet showing the times and duration of bookings in detail. Thanks also to the House Keeping Team, including Linda Juiler, for their continued efforts. The ‘Big Church Hall Tidy Up’ was undertaken aimed to improve the tidiness of notices and pin boards and consolidate storage.
Cleaning and maintenance has continued through the year, including a boiler and water heater service and
inspection and repairs to radiators in the kitchen and back of the Hall. Leaves have been cleared from the roof and gutters. The side gate has been repaired. Annual PAT testing of electrical appliances has been done and faulty light fittings, both internally and externally, dealt with. The carpet tiles in the entrance lobby between the Church and Hall have been renewed to good effect.
David Trewin – Chair Church Hall Committee