ALL SAINTS CHURCH, KEMBLE
SUNDAY 27 th APRIL 2025
TO BE HELD AT 11.30am IN CHURCH (after
benefice service at Poole Keynes)
ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING
AGENDA
1. Welcome and Prayer
2. Apologies for absence
3. Minutes of previous meeting
4. Matters Arising.
5. Election of Churchwardens
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
AGENDA
1. Apologies for absence
2. Minutes of previous meeting
3. Matters Arising
4. Treasurer’s report
5. Reports:
Pepita and Lay Readers
Churchwarden report
Fabric report
Choir
Eco report
Open the Book
Cirencester Deanery Synod APCM report
Parish News
Kemble Bell Ringers
Safeguarding
Family service and Sunday School
Little Fishes
All Saints PCC Members
6. Approval of Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy Statements
7. Election of PCC members
8. Election of Deanery Synod members
9. Any other Business
Minutes of Kemble All Saints Church
Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Meetings
Monday 20 th May 2024
Annual Vestry Meeting
1. Welcome and Prayer
The meeting was held in church after an informal gathering to discuss the re-organising of the
church and welcoming peoples’ comments. Mark Wilton welcomed everyone present.
The opening prayer was led by Rev Joe Mottram.
2. Attendance and Apologies for Absence
In addition to The Revd Joe Mottram, Mark Wilton (Chair) Tony Ferris (Treasurer), Jean Whitehead
(Secretary) 19 members of the church were present. Apologies from Ian Czapiewski.
3. Minutes of previous meeting on 14 th May 2023
The minutes were accepted unanimously as a true record of the meeting. Proposed Juliette Jago and
seconded Rachel Jago.
4. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
5. Election of Churchwardens
Mark Wilton resigned as Churchwarden.
There were no nominations for a new Churchwarden.
Jill Kingston is willing to carry on for the coming year.
Jill was appointed unanimously by a show of hands of church members present.
The meeting closed at 8.07 pm.
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
1. Attendance and Apologies for Absence
Mark Wilton chaired the meeting. Attendance and apologies as per the Annual Vestry Meeting.
2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
These were accepted as a true record of the previous meeting on 14 th May 2023. Proposed Binnie
Rank seconded Cadie Aspray.
Agreed unanimously by a show of hands.
3.Matters arising
There were no matters arising.
4.Treasurer’s report and Appointment of Independent Examiner
Treasurer’s report
In 2023 we had a surplus of £16,597 in the Main Account.
Receipts in 2023 were £68,960, including the income from the Fete this year of £3,764 and a higher
level of interest of £3,915.
Payments in 2023 were £52,393, including Parish Share of £25,674 and £12,000 on Youth Work in
the Benefice, twice the amount spent in the previous year.
From our Fabric Account, as well as £3,905 on maintenance and repairs, we spent £ 1,909 on
Architect’s fees associated with our recently commenced Re-Ordering Project.
We continued our target of paying 10% of budgeted income to charitable causes, a total of £5,500.
Our net assets on 31st December 2023 amounted to £44,374.
We also still have a favourable balance on our Legacy Account of £84,593.
The internal Annual Accounts are subject to approval by the PCC at the next meeting due to be held
in early August.
Approval for Wenn Townsend as our independent examiner for 2024 was proposed by Karen
Czapiewski and seconded by Keith Miles. Carried unanimously on a show of hands.
Jill Kingston thanked Tony for all his hard dedicated work, and this was followed by a big applause by
all present.
5. Reports
The following reports have been approved by the PCC:
i. Curates report
ii. Churchwardens
iii. Fabric report
iv. Family Service & Sunday School
v. Cirencester Deanery Synod
vi. Bell Ringing
vii. Parish News
viii. Report on Choirs
ix. Open the Book
x. Eco Report
xi. Little Fishes
xii. Safeguarding
xiii. Number on Electoral Roll – 105
xiv. All Saints PCC Members
Discussion about reports
Fabric report
Colin Rank went through the plans showing the new proposals for re-organising and improving the
inside of church, with the aim of giving it a more welcome feel to all… It has been set in 3 phases, the
first was installation of the AV system which is complete and up and running.
The second being the porch and main body of the church furnishings with the final phase to make
the Ewen Aisle a separate room if needed with an external door through the arch into the porch.
Judith Miles asked if consideration had been given to wheelchair users and how they would be
accommodated…. Her points raised have been noted.
Bellringing
The Bellringing team are considering a change to their practise night which is currently on a Monday.
Parish News
Nicola is still looking for volunteers to assist with the editing.
No further comments to reports.
All reports were agreed: Prosed by Judith Miles and seconded by Pat Ferri: approved unanimously by
all those present with a show of hands.
6. Approval of Safeguarding - Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy
Statements
Overall Parish Safeguarding Officer and Parish Officer for Children (Rachel Jago)
Rachel said the policies were unchanged from prior year.
7.Election of PCC
Treasurer
Tony Ferris has resigned this year.
Mark Wilton was nominated as new Treasurer by Colin Rank, seconded by Jill Kingston,
unanimously agreed by all present, with a show of hands.
All Saints have a rolling PCC membership. Howard Davies and Tony Ferris were for re-
election.
Howard Davies was willing to stand again, and Tony Ferris stood down.
A new PCC member was nominated by Karen Czapiewski: Gabriella Preston-Phypers, this
was seconded by Jean Whitehead.
We still have vacancies for further new PCC members so we should approach people who
might be willing to stand and encourage them to join the PCC.
8. Election of Deanery Synod Members
None required.
9. Any Other Business
1. Judith Miles asked if we would please allow a speaker from GDAS to speak at
one of our Autumn services and at the same time pass on our Annual
donations. This request has been noted.
2. Gabriella Preston- Phypers informed us that the speaker in the children’s area
did not appear to be working. Colin Rank apologised and will get it fixed.
Mark closed the meeting with a prayer.
The meeting closed at 8.45pm
ALL SAINTS CHURCH
KEMBLE
PCC REPORTS 2025
Pepita and Lay Readers
Churchwarden report
Fabric Report
Choir
Eco report
Open the Book
Cirencester Deanery Synod
Parish News
Kemble Bell Ringers
Safeguarding
Family service and Sunday school
Little Fishes
All Saints PCC Members
Report 2024-2025
Pepita and Lay Readers
Firstly, a huge thank you for all every parish has done to keep the ‘Ship’ afloat this year.
Without you all it would not have been possible to run Sunday Services and continue
midweek meetings.
It was a delight to welcome Karen to the clergy team after she was inducted as a Reader last
September
So now, with Liz, we have two Readers. Liz is wonderful at organising midweek groups and
keeping all of us on our toes.
David and Angie Austin also have given of their time. Although they have had a few
problems recently they hope to be able to return by Easter.
What a team!
We would also like to thank Luke, our Sportily minister, all the Lay Worship Leaders,
Treasurers, the church wardens, PCC members, , musicians, magazine editors, those who
clean our churches and look after our churchyards, and everyone who uses their gifts to serve
our churches and Benefice.
Despite being in vacancy, we have continued to engage with a great many people across the
Benefice – from our work in schools, Home Groups and TLC, Wild and Messy church, the
Pentecost picnic to the Thy Kingdom Come prayer walks and compline at Shorncote and
Sapperton. Many of our churches held crib and carol services at Christmas, recording bigger
congregations than ever – a really positive sign that the love and hope of the Christian
message is flourishing in the Thameshead Benefice.
Hopefully, we will soon know if we have a new incumbent. One of the interesting things
about working in our benefice is the different churchmanship across the parishes. We do
know that there are applicants. By the time you read this we should have an answer. We look
forward to getting to know and work with someone new.
So what does the future hold? We wait to see; but I am sure that with all your help we will
continue to bring the love and care of God to all our communities. Thank you.
Love and blessings to you all.
Pepita, Karen and Liz
CHURCHWARDEN REPORT FOR APCM APRIL 2025
It doesn’t really need explaining but this last year has been a very
difficult and unusual one on so many levels.
No Vicar, Toms death, no second Churchwarden etc.
However having said this I have felt I have been in the right place as
Warden and have very much felt Gods presence literally upholding and leading
me in my role.
I would like to say a very big thank you to so many of you, who have
shouldered parts of it for me: to name just a few, Mark Wilton, Colin and
Binnie Rank, Juliette Jago, Karen Czapiewski, Stephen Lambert-Humble, Judith
Miles, Tom Barrow and so many others. Whenever I was unable to be present
or had no idea what to do someone would always step into the breach, my
sincere appreciation to everyone involved.
My very grateful thanks to Julia Clarke and the flower arranging team,
our Choir conductor, Zoe Wolton, and all the choristers, Organ and piano
player Edward Allen with backing occasionally from his family and Hedley
Walls, also our team of Bellringers, led by Rick Applegate.
Cadie Aspray continues to run a very active Little Fishes group on a
Monday afternoon during term time in the village hall, along with taking the
children for Sunday School during our Communion services – thank you Cadie.
After Easter last year we welcomed Antonia (Toto) Walls as our Benefice
Administrator. I would like to thank Toto for her support in helping with
arranging the services throughout the Benefice, keeping the website updated
with future services and forthcoming events and activities.
It has been a year of sowing the seeds of some new directions –
The prayer room at Kemble House started with monthly, hourly sign-up
sessions, which seem to have been much appreciated by those who have
already participated.
The PCC have agreed to form a link with a church in one of the poorer
areas of Gloucester.
We are very pleased with the growth in numbers of families attending
the variety of Source services. Louis and his friends from Dean Close were a
particular encouragement.
We have had several outside speakers at services particularly taking
communion services, and many people have voiced their appreciation of that.
Fellowship after the services continues to enliven and develop
relationships, which is so important.
Many thanks to all those who volunteer to provide refreshments after
these services.
We are no further forward in appointing a new priest-in-charge and plan
to re advertise after Easter.
Jill Kingston
March 2025
FABRIC REPORT 2024
ALL SAINTS CHURCH KEMBLE
9/2/25
Quinquennial Report
The last Quinquennial report was carried out in 2022 and highlighted a number of
routine maintenance items to be addressed over the next five years. These include
some pointing on the exterior and repainting on the interior some of which has
already been addressed. Nothing serious was thrown up. A copy was circulated to
the Church Wardens.
The Architect’s summary was as follows:
“The building is considered to be in fair condition overall. There are some missing
and cracked slates which should be replaced. Parts of the rainwater disposal system
require overhaul and redecoration. There are defects in the masonry walls which
need to be repaired and some cracks which should be monitored.”
We are awaiting a survey of the roof tiles which has been commissioned but is yet to
take place. Getting work done on Cotswold Stone Tile roofs is proving very difficult
and I am grateful to Howard Davies for his help and support in bringing this about.
During the year a replacement Notice Board has been installed next to the gate into
the church yard.
Electrical Report
An Electrical Survey which was carried out in September of 2022 highlighted several
non-urgent items that have been addressed.
During the past year there have been some minor difficulties with the electrical
circuits of the church.
The main fault concerned the Vestry lighting circuit. The original Pyro wiring had
developed a fault which could have been expensive to repair, but with the help of Tim
Herbert, our regular electrician, a disused circuit that had previously been used to
communicate between the vestry and the Bell ringers via a light was repurposed and
a new LED light was installed using the old circuit.
A second event involved lighting in the Bell tower. One of the Fluorescent light units
developed a fault, but it was discovered that an LED strip light bulb replacement was
available which not only solved the problem at a modest cost but would save money
on electricity.
There has more recently been difficulty with the PIR lighting on the outside of the
church. The light was coming on but did not go out as it should. This has been
repaired but the electricians have been asked to install a switch in the circuit to allow
the outside wall lights to be switched off in the event of a failure. This work is in
progress.
Finally, the heating control panel was found to be faulty and was replaced.
RE-ORDERING
A meeting with the DAC (Diocesan Advisory Committee) took place on June 12 th .
With the help of Toby Falconer, our architect, our proposals were discussed.
The latest proposals have dropped the idea of raising the floor, instead retaining the
floor level but installing underfloor heating beneath a flagstone floor. At the chancel
step it is proposed to construct a new semi-circular Dais in front of the current step
with a gradual ramp to the left assisted by a handrail to provide stepless access. The
Lectern would be moved back on top of the chancel step. A mixture of Pews and
Chairs would remain.
The path from the gate to the Porch to be paved leading to an elevated approach to
the porch to enable uninterrupted access by wheelchairs etc. The Porch is to be
enclosed with a glass and wood screen set back inside the entrance containing glass
doors opening inwards and the Oak door to be replaced with another glass door
opening outwards into the Porch. The floor would be re-laid and repaired, and the
new area would include a reception counter to one side.
Consideration was given to building a new Toilet alongside the Porch but having
considered the cost it has been recommended by the architect to refurbish the
existing toilet.
An air source wet heating system would be installed outside the Fellowship area and
an array of PV panels installed on the Nave roof behind the Ewen Aisle roof. Finally,
the ceiling in the nave to be painted to match the ceiling in the Chancel to bring
reflected light into the church.
A QS assessment has estimated the overall cost in the order of £2-250K plus VAT.
The DAC made some suggestions about what they would like to see, including
extending the scheme into the Ewen Aisle and incorporating our longer-term plans to
enclose the area. They gave some helpful advice but were concerned about
abandoning the Victorian tiles in the Nave and replacing them with Flagstones.
It is proposed that the Legacy Committee be reconvened to consider the most recent
suggestions before undertaking a second public consultation and taking the scheme
forward to planning and a petition for a faculty.
Windows
During the year Shima Hayashi who repaired the broken glass light in the south
facing Nave window has undertaken to clean the Millenium Window. Although the
accumulated dirt did not seem that bad the result has been surprisingly good, and
the window is much cleaner and clearer.
There are no other relevant matters to report.
CRHR
9/2/25
CHOIR REPORT 2024
2024 was a successful year for Kemble Church Choir and we were particularly
delighted to be able to sing for the Harvest service this year. The choir has been
presented with ever-more challenging new repertoire, and I am delighted to say that
with hard work (a bit of gentle grumbling) and lots of laughter, some wonderful
results were achieved!
Over the last couple of years, a few of the older members have decided to retire.
This has been a loss to the group but understandable. After a modest advertising
campaign, a couple of new members have joined but it is evident that a greater focus
on recruitment will be required over the coming year to bolster our numbers. This is
particularly important because although we have a solid number of singers,
inevitably, a percentage will be away, particularly over Easter and at Harvest.
As last year, I would like to highlight my gratitude for the wonderful support and time
given by our accompanist Robin Bigwood.
I am very proud of what the choir continues to achieve. Their dedication enthusiasm
is a joy. I look forward to introducing even more new repertoire, as well as some old
favourites over the next twelve months.
Zoë Wolton
10 Feb 2025
Eco Church 2024-25
Gloucester Diocese gained its Bronze Eco Church in 2021 and in September 2024,
so did Kemble Church. We are now (both) working towards silver.
Eco Church and All Saints, Kemble
We have continued to minimise paper waste by using the screen for services
and making the paperwork and reports for the APCMs available through the
Thameshead website, although we recognise the importance of good
publicity, so people know how to find them.
Eco Church is now a regular item at PCC meetings so we can maintain our
progress and widen involvement.
We held services in Creation tide to celebrate the glories and challenges of
the natural world.
Eco Church, the Benefice and the Deanery
Our wonderful flower arrangers have continued to more locally sourced and
seasonal flowers in their arrangements and avoid floral foam, a single-use
plastic which breaks down and pollutes our rivers and seas.
Rosemary Bailey has been appointed as the Eco church Ambassador for
Cirencester Deanery.
In July Thameshead flower arrangers participated in a Sustainable Flower
Festival, organised by Rosemary, in Cirencester Parish church. It was a lovely
event and attracted over 600 visitors.
Eco Church and the community
This year we participated in a Stroud Churches workshop at Minchinhampton
church with SDC’s Strategic Lead for nature recovery and biodiversity who
talked about the importance of wildlife in churchyards.
Once again, with the co-operation of the Parish Council we participated in No
Mow May and June’s Love Your Burial Ground Week with Churches Count on Nature.
We invited the community to share any findings on a board in the church porch.
We have also begun to liaise with the Parish Council about a mowing regime
for the churchyard. We hope to maintain a mown path round the left-hand side
of the churchyard, while allowing grasses and flowers at the edges and centre
to bloom and set seed before cutting down later in the summer.
We have approached the Community Gardens to explore the development of
a sensory garden.
We have written a monthly Eco Church report for Parish News to keep the
local community informed about our progress and suggest ways of engaging
with environmental actions in our villages and beyond.
We are exploring ways of engaging with the school to support their learning
about the environment and nature.
Juliette, Rachel and Martin
Eco Church committee
OPEN THE BOOK REPORT
We continue to have an enthusiastic team who are very supportive and
flexible.
We still have 13 participants and that enables us to continue during term
time, despite holidays and illness.
It has been great to have Luke (from Sportily) as he is very comfortable
with the children and happy to take the occasional session on his own,
when it is more appropriate for storytelling, rather than acting.
We love hearing how the children enjoy these sessions from the staff
and parents.
Jill Kingston
February 2025
2024 Cirencester Deanery Synod report for APCM 2025
Our Deanery Synod met three times in 2024. The Deanery Synod Standing
Committee met 7 times.
In March Deanery Synod at RAU focused on stewardship and the way Parish
Share is collected.
Discussion was led by Lisa-Jayne Lewis (Diocesan Giving and Stewardship Advisor)
who is a fundraising professional. Her advice is available to all Parishes
(lewis@glosdioc.org.uk)
Rev. James Caldwell Chaplain to Gloucester’s announced his transfer to Germany in
the summer.
Rev Poppy Hughes Tetbury is moving to the London Diocese.
Rev Kim Brown moved to Worcester Diocese.
In June Deanery Synod at Harnhill Centre for Christian Healing focused on Ministry.
Discussion was led by Rev Kate Stacey and Rev Andrew Cinnamond. Together they
informed Synod of the training available to Lay as well as ordained members of our
churches.
Because of the uniqueness of each Deanery in our Diocese, training is organized on
a Deanery level.
In our Deanery there is training for Lay Ministry leaders and in April 2025 a course
for Funeral and Bereavement Ministry will begin at The Monastery, Cirencester (Old
House of Fraser.)
Our new Eco Church representative, Rosemary Bailey, gave a short report on her
new role and plans.
Diocesan Synod elections returned the following
Clergy: Graham Morris, Caroline Symcox, Jackie Colburn, Tim Hastie-Smith, Luke
Falvey, and John Birchall.
Laity: Rosemary Bailey, Karen Czapiewski, George Collins, Rachel Jago and Peter
Moore.
On 1 August Bishop Rachel visited our deanery. She joined a group of 20 DS
members for lunch at RAU before a tour of our deanery including a vineyard and a
farm for milking.
In the November Deanery Synod at The Monastery, Cirencester focused on
Mission.
Rev Adrian Beere gave a short presentation about The Monastery which runs as a
medieval monastery but is secular. Workers are paid a living wage and receive
training. He encouraged the community to get involved. Members then had a guided
tour.
There was a message to members from Bishops Rachel and Robert about the Makin
review and resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby.
In the light of this Lay Chair George Collins urged Parishes to take Safeguarding
seriously and use the online training available at
https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org
George then gave a presentation on the vacancies in our deanery.
Our Deanery is large with 45 Parishes and 60 churches 10 full time Clergy + 0.9
House for Duty.
Of the seven Benefices 5 will be vacant by 2025 but advertisements are receiving a
very small number of qualified applicants. Multi Parish Benefices are unattractive to
potential incumbents. The support of retired clergy is vital but occludes the
underlying problem of recruitment.
Parish News Report
2024 – 2025
Another year has passed and the magazine team (Michael, Linda and myself)
produced10 further editions in year.
The usual band of contributors kept a steady flow of material which is the most
important part. We even welcomed a few new advertisers.
The delivery team carried out a great job as always.
Jerry Clarke helping me out on several occasions with collection from the printers in
Love Lane.
I struggled to keep up with my 6 editions during the year, so Karen is kindly returning
to help me out with a couple this year.
We look forward to many more articles on Fetes, Village events, Farming matters etc
and always glad to receive many more articles and content.
Nicola
March 2025
Kemble Ringers and Ringing at All Saints, Kemble.
Kemble Ringers 2024-25
Are currently a band of 7 Ringers, with a now infrequent 8 th band member.
The average age of the band is well into the 70’s so additional resource is still
needed. Plans to address this last year got diverted unfortunately.
As a group, Kemble Ringers are competent for weddings and celebrations but
they’re always up for a challenge or two to advance their ringing skills.
Our regular visitor (Richard) from Cirencester for practice nights continues to attend
and when they are home his sons also come along. A welcome addition to practice
and this has meant that on one occasion just before Christmas we were able to ring
Grandsire as a method. Methods are usually not something that we can attempt.
Thanks to Everitt for again being tower Contact and secretary.
Activities
There were three weddings in 2024 which we rang for along with some of the more
special services, but we don’t ring regularly for Sunday service at this time.
A Full peal was rung in July and a quarter peal in October, both by visiting bands.
The tower also hosted a training day for Youth from the Cirencester area in
September.
December saw the annual Ringer’s Dinner at the Thames Head and the year
finished with ringing in the New Year at 12:00 on New Year’s Day!! along with a short
celebration afterwards.
Tower
The Tower and Bells are still in good condition. Some minor maintenance was
performed on the bells in the Autumn and a general inspection performed. Lower
ends of ropes are wearing (Sallies and tail ends) and may need replacing at some
point.
Ringing Chamber – (where we sit, stand and ring)
As last year generally the space is OK but there is an issue that needs to be
addressed for safety:
The heater above the electrical gear on the wall. This has had a new switch and
cabling fitted but continues to trip the breaker in the cabinet. It has to be reset nearly
every time that we use the tower and the heater. Whether this is caused by the
heater alone, or that its being used in a damp setting (as it has been this year
Autumn and Winter), or whether it’s the new installation or just the breaker doesn’t
matter. The issue it gives us is that to get adequate heating in Winter the breaker
must be reset. To reset the breaker requires use of one of the ladders currently
stored in the tower. Having to use a ladder to reach a trip switch isn’t great but when
there isn’t someone there under 70 (about once a month) it’s really a safety issue.
There’s also the longer term issue:
The wooden box on the wall that forms part of the electrical installation is too low for
taller ringers to comfortably ring 1 of the bells (the 3 rd ) as the box comes out from the
wall about 30cm almost to the ringing rope. I appreciate that it’s unlikely to be looked
at quickly, but perhaps next time an electrician comes in we could see what could be
done cost effectively to move it?
There has been no building kit or waste left in the ringing chamber this year – that’s
great, thanks.
The chamber could do with some attention to make it more welcoming for ringing
with visitors and new ringers. Similarly we really need to make a little more floor
space/seating area available so that when larger numbers of ringers are present, we
can accommodate them safely in the ringing chamber. I would welcome a discussion
with someone as to what can be removed and stored elsewhere and what the
Church would be happy for us to do to the space ourselves to spruce it up.
Plans for 2025
Practice night remains Monday. Still looking to change but that will be guided by how
other things move on.
The Band is still ageing! and we need to get new ringers.
In terms of technical aspects, the bells are due to be fitted with a simpler method of
muffling so that absolute beginners can practice without affecting local ears.
Alongside that I’ve looked at simulators and I think there’s a way forward having
spent some time at Malmesbury observing and using their system.
I have personally attended a course on training beginners in bell handling to
understand the current methods regarded as appropriate and safe. I will attend the
next levels as and when required.
I completed the safeguarding training and DBS checks last year. Basic awareness
for others hasn’t been completed at this time.
Alongside creating a slightly more appealing ringing chamber the basics required to
start attracting new ringers and keeping them once trained should all be in place in
the next couple of months, at which point I will start to reach out to get new ringers
interested.
2025 Events
We have already had one visiting band in January who completed a Full peal.
Early March we had an area training day hosted here at Kemble.
Currently we are aware of:
We will be hosting another visiting band in May and possibly a second.
There will be some ringing to commemorate the 80 th ~Anniversary of 2 nd World War in
May.
We have one wedding scheduled for August 1 st .
Rick Applegate
March 2025
Safeguarding Report for Kemble APCM
Safeguarding has, rightly, been a high-profile and high priority topic in the Church of
England over the last year. In line with national recommendations, Kemble Church
has continued to improve its safeguarding practices through building on existing
policies and reflecting on what makes a positive safeguarding culture.
We remain at Level 3 (the top level) for our safeguarding compliance on the Parish
Safeguarding Dashboard portal. Having safeguarding as a standing item at every
PCC meeting ensures that we can keep track of the areas that need renewing and
avoids us becoming complacent. Our policies are reviewed on an annual basis, as
are the displays relating to safeguarding topics. The green folder in the church is full
of information, support and resources for anyone who needs it, and suggestions to
add to this are welcome. Please speak to a member of the PCC if you are unsure
where to find this.
I continue to feel very proud and encouraged with the way that Kemble Church has
responded to the need for safeguarding, especially in how people have embraced
the need for completing safeguarding training (or refresher training!). Our monitoring
system works well for highlighting the individuals who are required to undertake
training, but I have been so encouraged by the numbers of people who have taken
the lead on this without being reminded!
We celebrated Safeguarding Sunday in November for the second year running,
along with 6,000 churches across the UK. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to
build on our community and connections to reflect on why safeguarding is such an
important topic.
As always, thank you to George Collins for his guidance and support with
safeguarding, to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team for their tireless efforts to make
church communities safer, and to the whole congregation for engaging
wholeheartedly with such a critical issue.
For any further information, please contact me: rachelhjago@gmail.com.
Rachel Jago, Parish Safeguarding Officer
March 2025
Family Services (Morning Source)
These services have happened, until recently, on the 2 nd Sunday of the month at
10am, unless the calendar dictates a change, such as Mothering Sunday, Easter and
Remembrance, etc.
Service highlights for this period include The Pentecost Picnic in the Park, Garden
praise, The Harvest service held at the Tavern and the Christmas Crib service. The
‘outside’ services have been a priority for the team but services such as harvest
drew our attention to the need to incorporate some traditional elements that could
only work in church such as the choir and the presentation of gifts.
A special thanks must go Judith Cutler for her work liaising with GDASS and
arranging the collections of toiletries and gifts and to Karen and Ian for helping with
this and their monthly delivery of items to the food bank.
It seems that services satisfactorily make use of both live and streamed worship,
with huge thanks to our musicians, and soon the licencing will be worked out so that
these services can be streamed. Puppet sketches remain a staple in most of our
services and these are mainly pre-recorded. The team have a desire to incorporate
more testimonies within the services and this was played out in the recent visit by 4
boys who told a bit of their story.
Last year it was commented that “attendance has been steady at our services, with a
growing group of families becoming actively involved. Families increasingly sit in the
pews during these services which is to be encouraged and fosters participation”.
This year I would say that while these families are happy sitting in the pews, the
fellowship corner has filled up again with a new group of families with young children
and our last service had a head count of approximately 70. The fellowship corner,
where the refreshments are prepared and served from, remains not the safest for
young children there is no other alternative at the moment although the idea of using
the Ewen aisle more has previously been suggested but it isn’t easy to see what is
going on.
We endeavour to keep mindful of growing our team and including more people in the
running of services.
The Kemble Kids Church what’s app group has proved a good source of
communication particularly as services begin to move around a bit.
Sunday School (Source Seekers)
This has run, until now, on the first Sunday of the month, during the Communion
service. Children, and parents, if they wish, come to what is now known as The
Prayer Room, adjacent to Kemble House, where we focus on one of the readings of
the day. There will be interactive discussion, activity, craft and prayer. Attendance
varies with anything from one family to five but small or large it is always special in
its own way. Once back in the service we are more frequently asked what we have
been doing and while this is often not easy to articulate it does serve to consolidate
our learning and is beneficial in engaging the rest of the church family in what we
have been up to.
Cadie Aspray
March 2024
Little Fishes
Little Fishes continues to have a good following and has grown in number this year;
we seem to consistently have 10-15 children and their parents or carers. There is a
consistent group of 3-year-olds 1-year-olds and 4 or 5 babies with only one child
leaving to go to school this last September.
The wonderful ‘grannies’, Pat Ferris, Linda Shaw, Julia Clarke & Anne Wilton, in the
kitchen provide tea or coffee to the adults, cake was a short-lived treat as became
too tempting for children, this does still get brought out on special occasions. Water
and a biscuit are given to the children who are required to sit and eat together
around a table.
While children play with the variety of toys and equipment, we often sing songs and
nursery rhymes, always finishing with the ‘Little fishes’ song. This however has
taken more of a backseat in recent months, partly due to higher numbers and the
fact that the children seem so happy playing! We have introduced a craft at the
beginning of each session, ably run by Jade Hill.
The setting up and clearing away is conscientiously supported by Ian Czapiewski,
Toto Walls and David Russel. On occasion when needed, Liz Ardell, Margaret Bush
and Alan Russel have kindly stepped in to help where appropriate.
Storage has been a real issue over this past year, with mice in the garage and damp
in the back store, we moved this backwards and forwards between the two while it
was decided how best to manage the situation. The village hall committee are
committed to do some remedial work to the garage and in the meantime the Parish
Council have kindly funded the purchase of some large storage containers that can
be used within the garage to protect from vermin and be transported to the main hall
when the garage is being worked on. We will look to seek funding in April for some
replacement toys that have suffered in the interim.
It was decided not to continue with The Table of Love, which was a new initiative last
year, due to sporadic use, effort in handling and ultimately the lack of adequate
storage. The remaining donated items were taken to Second Chance in Cirencester.
An up-to-date risk assessment has been produced in recent months and this coming
year a good practice guideline will be introduced.
Cadie Aspray
March 2024
ALL SAINTS KEMBLE PCC
PCC EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
CURATE
CHURWARDEN
Jill Kingston
SECRETARY Jean Whitehead
TREASURER Mark Wilton
SYNOD MEMBERS
Colin Rank
Karen Czapiewski
Rachel Jago
Juliette Jago
PATRON Binnie Rank
PCC ROLLING MEMBERSHIP
3 Year Membership ending 2027
Howard Davies
Gabriella Preston-Phypers
3 Year Membership ending 2026
Jean Whitehead
3 Year Membership ending 2025
Martin Kingston
Cadie Aspray