The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of All Saints with St John the Baptist,
Stamford
Registered Charity number 1138066
Annual Report 2025
Aims and Organisation
The Parochial Church Council of All Saints’ with St John the Baptist aims to co-operate with the Rector in promoting the vision of the church to be a Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive parish which seeks God in all things. The PCC meets several times per year to discuss and agree on matters of this vision in cooperation with the sub-committees of the church.
The Council is a charity registered with the Charity Commission.
Rector Fr. Neil Shaw
Retired Clergy Fr. Nigel Gibson
Rev’d Bob Mackrill
Assistant Curate Rev’d Dr. Jenny Lander
Churchwardens Mrs Jean Asher
Mrs Clare Camp
Deputy Wardens Ms Katrina Mitchell
Lay Representatives on Deanery Synod Mrs Catherine Barlow (until 2026)
Mr Colin Henderson (until 2026)
Elected Members Mrs Fay Brooks (Treasurer) Co-opted
Mrs Jo Wilson (Treasury Assistant)
Mr Jeremy Hammant (until 2028)
Mr Wayne Hurst (until 2026)
Mrs Avril Kee (until 2026)
Mr John Sutcliffe (until 2026)
Dr Timothy Mackrill (until 2027)
Mrs Ronnie Iveson (until 2027)
Dr Viv Mitchell (until 2027)
Mrs Sally Schelpe (Secretary – no voting rights)
Electoral Roll: 130 members at the year end.
Rector’s Report 2025
2025 was another busy year in the life of the parish. It was dominated by preparations for the heating project to finally happen at the beginning of 2026, which we know has successfully been completed on time. The heating team had many, many meetings to ensure that this worked was carried out well and has become an all-consuming project. I am so grateful for the heating and lighting team, for their vision and energy and especially for the fundraising that has gone on, particularly the huge grant that was secured at the end of 2025 which enabled the work to happen. I am also very grateful for parishioners who have sponsored aspects of this project, from lights to heating which has been wonderful. All Saints’ now shines with the newness of painted walls, cleaned stained glass, brilliant lighting and a warmth (literally) in services. Thank you so much for all who have been involved and worked so hard to make the building fit for the coming years of worship and community engagement.
In terms of staffing, we said a sad farewell to the Reverend Scott Gardiner who completed his curacy in the spring and left us in early summer. He is now in Yorkshire running three churches. We wish him all God’s richest blessing on his new role and thank him for all his work with us. We welcomed the Reverend Dr. Jenny Lander as our new curate in June at her ordination in Lincoln. Reverend Jenny has settled well into our parish and has worked hard during this year; she is now preparing for her ordination to the priesthood in June 2026. We also had to say goodbye to the Reverend Matt Philips who left us in September. Matt has gone to the Diocese of Ely where he serves in the Papworth team ministry. Matt was a brilliant friend and colleague and we miss him. In terms of personnel, Sally Schlepe resigned as church administrator at the end of the year as the opportunity to go to America with Charles’ work was shared. We thank Sally for all her hard work and especially her daily provision of food. I continue to give thanks to God for the staff team, for Dr. Benedict Todd who does wonders with our liturgy and music, along with the choir which he leads with clear devotion, skill and love. Also, to Niamah Holman our Youth, Children’s and Families worker who ensure the Gospel of Christ reaches our children and our families. This is a hard job and done with much energy and planning. I continue to give thanks for the dedication of our Churchwardens who work so hard in the life of the parish. They are a great source of support and help to me as the Rector. I am grateful too, to the work of the PCC and the sub committees which continue to drive forward our vision. The sub-committees have so much work on their plate and at the last PCC in 2025 I was astounded at how much was going on and the work that they were doing. All of this has contributed to who we are in Christ’s name to share his love with all in our worship, our projects and in the wider community. My thanks also go to the clergy who lead and preach with theological love and ability. To Fr. Nigel and Rev’d Bob Mackrill who ably support the ministry of the church in this place. Thank you also to all those who serve the church in different capacities, mainly those who volunteer time and give money to our church. Without this support much of what we do and who we are would die.
All Saints’ continues to welcome those coming to us for weddings, baptisms and funerals and 2025 was no exception to these occasional offices. I am pleased that All Saints’ continues to be open daily for members of the public to come in and pray or be silent and many people in the town have commented to me how pleased they are that this is possible. This has been assisted by the prayer space and the opportunity to light candles.
The challenge that we continue to face is paying our way as a parish. I am so very grateful for those who give financially to the work of All Saints’ but with rising costs we are struggling to meet many of the demands of ministry. As I write, we cannot afford a new administrator to assist with the work that we are doing. I am very grateful to the finance team for their work and particularly to Jo Wilson who does so much with this. We need parishioners to volunteer their time and skill to the church to ensure that our ministries may continue.
2025 saw further wars in in the world and we are challenged daily as Christians in our response to what how we pray into these conflicts. We continue to stand with the poor, oppressed and the marginalised of our society and world. This has been most clearly seen as we joined the inclusive church network in 2025 who support those who traditionally are excluded or side-lined from the church. I am so proud that we are the only church in Stamford to have done this.
Thank you again for all who serve the church in this place and who make ministry joyful.
Fr. Neil Shaw (Rector)
LITURGY AND WORSHIP SUB-COMMITTEE
The Liturgical Sub-Committee has met 3 times since the last APCM during which the church community has experienced significant upheaval with the closure of the church and the re-location of worship to enable the conclusion of the lighting and heating project.
It has not however been sitting on its hands. Since the inception of the current committee, it has formulated and addressed a series of priorities as it seeks to serve the church and wider community. Chief among these has been careful consideration of the refurbishment of the organ. Interim conclusions have been shared with the PCC and a site-meeting has been held with a possible local organ builder. This will be another costly project for the church so the committee is mindful of its place in the current financial pecking-order. Now the lighting and heating project has been so successfully completed, the committee hopes that this needful work will be expedited.
During the year the committee has overseen the provision of new choir robes and the stunning new gold High Mass Set as well as concluding the decision to withdraw Intinction during The Eucharist.
Current work includes the revision of service booklets, the refinement of the Taizé Service to include further ecumenical and international elements, the re-establishment of the Children’s Choir and lending support to the development of Church-ish.
Christopher Armstrong (Chair)
Music Report
Following on from my first year in post as Director of Music at All Saints’ in 2024, the year of 2025 saw further development in the musical life of our church; there was growth in the number of singers in both our Adult and Junior Choirs, and a number of new and innovative special events.
Looking through the highlights of the year, an early one came in February, when the Chapel Choir of Stamford School came to sing with our own Adult Choir for a special Sung Eucharist for Candlemas. This was the first of several SES Chapel Choir visits - they returned to sing a visiting Evensong for us in March, then to once more join with our Adult Choir to sing Evensong together in June. (During 2025, I took over from David Lovell Brown as Organist to Stamford Schools, which I hope will allow us to further links with their Music Department in the future.). Shortly before this, in late January, we held our first Taizé service of the year. These Taizé services have, alongside our other fourth Sunday of the month evening services (Healing, Desert Island Hymns & Compline), increased in popularity over the year, with greater numbers attending and more musicians getting involved in singing and playing with the music group too.
Our Junior Choir grew from 6 choristers at the end of 2024 to 13 at the end of 2025 (and also from being all drawn from St Gilberts in 2024 to now including pupils from Malcolm Sargent and St Augustine’s schools too). This is, I am sure, due to the attraction and enjoyment of singing together from week to week, although I am also sure that our social events and trips have helped! The first of these socials took place in early March, when we held our first ever Chorister Pancake Party, involving pancake eating, pancake racing, pancake decorating, etc.! Other highlights later in the year included our end-of-the-choir-year trip to go bowling in Peterborough in July, and the instigation of the new tradition of ‘pre-half-term’ pizza after the last Friday rehearsal before each half-term holiday. In October, we had our first ever trip to sing away from Stamford, when three of our most intrepid choristers made the journey across to Boston to sing with the Junior Choirs of Boston Stump and All Saints’, Holbeach. (Talks are currently in progress for a follow-up visit, which I hope to encourage more of our choristers to attend by arranging funding for transport for them all.)
Returning to look at the year chronologically, Palm Sunday saw the chancel of All Saints’ packed with singers for our ‘Come & Sing: Stainer’s The Crucifixion’ event. This was on a much bigger scale than the previous year’s ‘Come & Sing Stanford in Stamford’ Evensong, as it involved two professional soloists (Jeremy Burrows and Will North, the latter a contact made through the Lincoln Diocese Choral Churches Network) and one visiting professional organist (Sam Hayes, a friend and former colleague of mine). The liturgical performance of The Crucifixion was attended by a large congregation and was extremely well received, setting us up perfectly for the spiritual journey through Holy Week to Easter Day. During this period, as in 2024, the choir again sang for all the main services over the Triduum, contributing wonderful music to those liturgies.
This choral contribution was all the more impressive considering that it came at an extremely difficult moment in the life of our choir, having just lost (at the end of March) one of our stalwart singers, Emma Anderson, to a very late diagnosed illness. After a little time to gather singers, we were able to hold a moving Memorial Service for Emma at All Saints’ in June which was, fittingly, packed with choral music. This involved both our own Adult Choir and singers from Lyra Davidica and St Martin’s Singers – two other choirs with which Emma sang. Nevertheless, Emma’s loss continues to be felt and we miss her hugely.
As the end of the summer term approached, the Adult Choir enjoyed a couple of special events of their own. The first was their own first ‘away trip’ in my time, when a number of our singers accepted the invitation to go and sing with the choir of St Matthew’s, Northampton for a special joint Evensong in July. Those who made it to the very end of the month(!) also enjoyed our now-traditional Sunday lunch together following the final service before the choirs’ summer break in August.
Over August, special mention should be made of all the keen congregational singers who rose so wonderfully to the challenge (or opportunity?) of singing without the choir leading them from the front – even if a row of choir regulars was often helping from behind! My thanks also to our supporting organists – Gavin and Mike – who played during this period and variously over the year.
As I wrote in 2024, the Autumn Term is always the busiest and 2025 was no exception. Both Adult & Junior Choirs returned in September and were thrown straight back into our regular routine. The aforementioned Junior Choir trip to Boston in early October was followed by our first ever (in my time) Choral Evensong at All Saints’ which included the Junior Choir, when we reprised the music the choristers had sung in Boston the week before. Both All Saints & All Souls services were brilliantly sung by the Adult Choir, particularly considering the difficulty of half term removing their Friday rehearsal immediately prior – always a difficult thing to try and schedule around.
In an effort to keep the choir schedule balanced and manageable, we did end up losing Choral Evensongs in both November and December, which may need some reconsideration in future years; these services seem particularly popular with singers from the wider area and I think these gaps contributed to a feeling of a slight loss of momentum in this direction. There was still plenty to do over Advent and at Christmas though; it was a pleasure to have the Bishop visit us on Advent Sunday, when he remarked on how good it was to see so many children in church – eight of these being in the choir stalls that day! The Adult Choir returned for an excellent Advent Carol Service that same afternoon, while the Juniors performed brilliantly at both the Christingle and Crib services later in the month. The highlight of the season and the end of the calendar year was, once again, our Carols by Candlelight service on the Sunday before Christmas, when it was such a joy to have a full-strength Junior Choir singing both alongside the Adults and on their own in what felt like a real step-change since the year before. Both Choirs sang brilliantly for this packed service and feedback was phenomenal, although I have vowed never again to attempt it without both an organist and a conductor – 2026’s organist is already booked!
This carol service, followed by a joyful Christmas morning, ended 2025 on a high for our choirs and for music at All Saints’. Returning for a final service in the church building on 28 December and then to pack up in preparation for the Heating & Lighting Project, we knew that we were facing a period of change and uncertainty, but were hopeful that the choirs would pull together, alongside the rest of the community, through our temporary absence from our ‘home’ church building in the first months of 2026.
I must end by saying how grateful I am and, I hope, we all are to all of our volunteer musicians of all ages, without whom none of what has been described in the preceding 1300 words(!) – to say nothing of the continual musical enrichment of our regular, week-to-week services – would have been possible. Thank you to all for your hard work, musicianship and good humour! I am hopeful that we can continue this trajectory of exploring how we can further improve, diversify and develop our musical offerings in 2026.
Dr. Benedict Todd (Director of Music)
Sides persons Report
Over the past year 19 members of the congregation have acted as sidespeople at the Sunday parish communion service and occasionally at other services. 3 act each week and they operate on a rota basis with the responsibility coming round every 5-6 weeks. One new recruit, Judith Juniper, joined in 2025.
The sides people are:
Janie Berry Anthony Biddle
Pam Baker Linda Biddle
John Sutcliffe Jan Weatheritt
Ria Sutcliffe Judy Wilson
John Mitchell Ronnie Iveson
Viv Mitchell Colin Henderson
Catherine Barlow Judith Juniper
Kay Bamford Maureen Pring
Pam Dixon Mark Walmsley
Becky Henderson
Viv Mitchell (organiser)
PASTORAL AND DISCIPLESHIP SUB-COMMITTEE
The Pastoral and Discipleship sub-committee has been brilliantly led by Paul Middleton and it is with the greatest of sadness that he died in February 2026. He was a wonderful and committed leader of this group. In his final report to the Rector, he wrote: The programme of Rector’s Teas had provided welcome gatherings and helped highlight individuals who were presently unable to join in with this event and therefore might appreciate a visit. The parish prayer diary has been received well and helps us to focus our prayers on members of the electoral roll and the different roads and organisations within our parish. The Parish News, which has resulted in recent changes and expansion to bi-monthly was warmly welcomed, organised by Rev’d Jenny and distributed by Viv Mitchell. It was observed that there remains an opportunity to see this publication more widely distributed as a complement to the weekly email. The Bible Studies continue to work well, the day one on a Tuesday led by Rev’d David Bond and the Wednesday evening by Fr. Neil and Rev’d Jenny. In the spring of 2026, we had a parish retreat day focusing on the Nicene Creed which The Very Reverend Chris Armstrong led, it was a brilliant day and well received by all who attended. Other retreat days are being planned for autumn 2026.
Fr. Neil Shaw (Chair)
Pastoral
Visitors Report
The Pastoral team continues to visit those we hope to
support. We still need to hear from the congregation of people in need of a
visit. The bush telegraph is not always enough. We don’t want to miss out
anyone.
The team has lost four members over the last two years. This last year,
Ann-Mari has chosen to retire from the team. We thank her for her valued
contributions. Sadly, we no longer have Paul Middleton on the team after his
untimely death. He is much missed by the team and indeed, the whole
congregation mourns his passing. At our
next meeting we will discuss recruitment and training. Two of the current team are visiting a lady
with advanced dementia. This has proved challenging and also rewarding.
We are persevering. Issues arising to be discussed at the next meeting. Many thanks to the clergy for their ongoing
pastoral work and advice. Thanks too to those in the congregation who let us
know who may be in need of a visit.
Helen Taylor (Chair)
All Saints Strollers
In 2025 a walking group. All Saints Strollers, was set up with the aim of enjoying easy, fun, and interesting walks in the local area. It would also encourage friendship and support amongst members of the congregation.
A programme of walks was developed between April and October. The walks were of around 3 miles with a refreshment stop either during or at the end of each walk. A varying number of people joined each time, but it was felt that there was sufficient participation to repeat the activity in 2026
Viv Mitchell (Organiser)
EVANGELISM AND OUTREACH SUB-COMMITTEE
The Evangelism and Outreach committee met during 2025 to drive forward this part of the vision. Discussions of this group centred on how we can support our current projects. All Saints continues to be involved with Churches Together in Stamford, Foodbank, Lent Lunches, Scouts, Malcolm Sargant School, Newcombe Court, Welland Mews and Whitefriars care homes.
Fr. Neil Shaw (Chair)
Unity Lunch Club
Our mission statement: We are an inclusive lunch club providing companionship through conversation, a shared meal and board games.
What we provide: We have continued to run the All Saints’ Unity Lunch Club most Mondays, the exceptions being public holidays, or when there are insufficient volunteers to make it possible. We need at least 6 people to set up/prepare food/serve and then clear up afterwards.
Currently we are regularly feeding 25-30 people, and the numbers seem to be rising. This is probably close to the capacity we can manage. People attend from the town and as far afield as Peterborough. All are given a friendly welcome, irrespective of where they came from or their circumstances. Many are vulnerable. We support vulnerable guests by signposting them to other organisations. We work closely with our safeguarding officer and other agencies and raise any concerns accordingly.
The lunch club advertises being open from 11.30 for a hot drink (although in reality people can arrive at any time after 10 - we just advise them that we’re happy to supply a warm drink and a quiet space if they come early, but we can’t provide company until the meal is prepared). A hearty 2 course meal is available from 12.00 - 13.00, either soup and a main course, or a main and dessert, always freshly cooked and changing from week to week. No payment is required to receive a meal, but many like to make a donation and anything received is documented and used towards the cost of providing the service.
Volunteers: We have a strong team of volunteers who work closely and supportively together. This year two volunteers took a first aid training course and at least 4 have passed the Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Course. We were awarded a Grade 5 (the top score) certificate for food safety and hygiene by South Kesteven District Council.
We also support volunteers with their own circumstances, allowing and encouraging further education and experience to enhance employment opportunities.
Finances: Since the change of name to All Saints Unity Lunch Club from Warm Space we are actively trying to raise funds. We keep a note of money coming in and out, and we keep receipts for all purchases.
We were extremely grateful to be the recipients of the All Saints’ collection taken at the Harvest Service. This money has been able to secure the viability of the club for the year and enables us to purchase meat and perishable items on a weekly basis. Nevertheless, we remain happy to receive donations of dried and long life goods that would otherwise need to be purchased (for instance biscuits, tea and coffee, stock cubes and tinned goods). We are sometimes able to supplement our fresh vegetables by using the boxes of goods donated by supermarkets to The Pantry, Barnhill.
Christmas lunch: A highlight of the last year was the provision of a full traditional meal on the Monday before Christmas, which was kindly offered and supplied by Andy Binder, catering manager of Stamford Masonic Lodge, held at the lodge’s premises. We provided around 50 meals plus small Christmas gifts.
Future ideas: Looking ahead, we are considering:
Offering opportunities to catering students to gain experience
Engaging and networking with other volunteering agencies
Developing our knowledge of other local resources to enable us to better support vulnerable guests
Thank you!
Many thanks to all the volunteers, food and cash providers, the Unity Centre trustees for the use of the facilities and allowing us more space to store our groceries, and all our other supporters.
All Saints’ Unity Lunch Club is highly valued by its users and a wonderful example of All Saints’ mission in the community.
Becky Henderson (Volunteer)
Coffee Bar
The All Saints’ Coffee Bar has been up and running for 3 years now. We are open at the back of All Saints’ every Friday 10 – 2. It is run by myself alongside Jan Weatheritt, Jan Marshall, Linda Biddle and Avril Kee. We offer tea, coffee, homemade cake and companionship. We have capacity for 31 seats and are regularly full.
We held Peregrine Watch Days in May for 6 weeks alongside the Friday Coffee Bar. This is now becoming an annual event. Tim Mackrill and his team of conservationist were on hand to talk to our visitors about the nesting peregrines and let them watch them through binoculars, their telescope and the live feed. We are very grateful for their support.
We also ran the coffee Bar on the two Saturdays when we had the Tower Tours and we had a jigsaw sale with Coffee bar on a Friday and Saturday in early December.
When the church was closed for the Heating, Lighting and Decorating Project, due to the generosity of Mick Thurlby, owner of The Crown Hotel, we held our Coffee Bar in the Jewel Room at The Crown. This proved very popular with our regulars.
Our customers continue to grow and word seems to have got to the coach drivers that visit Stamford who now send their day trippers to Coffee Bar. We have visitors from Peterborough who visit us regularly and there is a family who camp at Nene Park and always visit when they are on their holiday. These customers add greatly to our Friday community of regulars.
By the time you read this we will be in back in All Saints’ enjoying the new heating and lighting which I hope will only enhance the All Saints’ Coffee Bar experience.
Come and join us!
Clare Camp (Organiser)
St Gilbert’s School
All Saints’ continues to work very closely with St Gilbert’s School. This is mainly through Fr. Neil and Clare Camp sitting on the governing body. The school entered into a new multi-academy trust in November 2025 and as a result we only have one Foundation Governor on the board now (Clare), along with the incumbent of the parish. All Saints’ continues to foster a good relationship with the school, hosting the whole school for their Christmas Carol Service, Christmas Play and Leavers Service. Fr. Neil continues to lead Collective Worship. We continue to lead Lego Bible Club which Niamh leads with Rev. Jenny and we support the school as best we can throughout the year, particularly with play and stay sessions. In 2025 the school had its SIAMS inspection (inspection of Church of England schools) which we did very well at.
Fr. Neil Shaw (Governor)
The Unity Centre
While the Unity Centre has its own trustees it is worth noting something of its work with All Saints’. Without it, much of All Saints’ ministry and mission could not take place, including Lunch Club, Little Saints and Café Church. As well as hosting a variety of social events such as Harvest lunch and supporting the Churches Together Schools Festival.
We continue to have regular hirers such as Foodbank, children's groups, mindfulness and exercise groups, residents’ associations, musical groups as well as one off hirers for children’s parties. Sadly, earlier this year we lost two long term regular hirers who in turn both lost their government funding and had to cease.
This year we welcomed Peter Frampton to the Trustees, and he brings with him a lot of buildings knowledge. We are constantly looking to update the building and improve it within the limits of the rules for a building of its age and its position in the town.
The lower lobby, kitchenette and toilets were decorated before Christmas. There are arrangements being made to do the same to the top end of the building this coming summer. We are in the process of assessing the lighting and heating with plans to update that in 2026 also.
The Current Trustees are Fr. Neil, Rev. Jenny Lander, Peter Frampton, Jan Marshall, Richard Cleaver, Harriet Mace and Catherine Barlow. If you would like to know more about the Unity Centre, please contact any of us.
Catherine Barlow (Bookings Manager)
Tower Tours
Tower Tours took place again this year in October half term. It was a brilliant week with many visitors to our tower. It is a lot of hard work for the volunteers, particularly those who accompany the visitors up the tower. I am grateful to Adam Bates for his organisational skills and social media involvement along with Sally Schelpe who did all the admin. Connected with the tower is all our work with the Peregrine project which Tim Mackrill continues to organise and help with along with Stuart Wilson.
Fr. Neil Shaw
CHILDREN AND YOUTH SUB-COMMITTEE
Sunday Saints
Sunday Saints continues to meet weekly each Sunday, 10am-10:45am at The Crown and welcomes an average five children. The sessions cater to 0-6 year olds and feature a story, craft activity, using Scripture Unions ‘Bubbles’ resources. It is led by Niamh Holman, with support from Bev Mackrill, Gerry Armstrong, Kathy Walker, Louise Mackrill, and Sally Schelpe. Lily Tomspson has been supporting but has now left for uni. We also had a youth helper, Ellie Ince for last year, who has also just left to concentrate on her A levels. In 2025, Sunday Saints received a generous donation of £55 from Church Lads, which was used to purchase Lent resources and Advent Calanders for the children.
Lego Bible
The Lego Bible Lunchtime Club at St Gilbert’s continues to be very popular and meets every Wednesday lunchtime. An average of 20 children attend weekly. This is led by Niamh, with support from Rev Jenny and Sally Schelpe. Each session features a Bible story, short discussion, and Lego building related to the story.
The Lego Bible Summer Holiday Club was a tremendous success, welcoming over 50 families and approximately 20 children each day across six days during the summer holidays. Each day ran from 9am to 4pm and featured a Bible story, discussions, Lego building, singing activity, crafts, and wide games. A free hot meal was provided to children and volunteers. Holiday club was led by Niamh with support from Rev Jenny, Clare Camp, Benedict Todd, Jean Asher, Linda Biddle, Becky Henderson, Yvette - Diaz-Munoz, Kathy Walker, Clare Brown, Sally Schelpe, Gerry Armstrong, and Lily Thompson. Feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive, and the holiday club is returning summer 2026. We raised £340 through parent donations.
Little Saints
Little Saints Toddlers Group continues to meet every Thursday during term time from 10:00am–11:30am and remains a valued part of our children and family ministry at All Saints’. The group is led by Niamh Holman, with regular support from Gerry Armstrong and parent helpers Gemma, Anita, Lorraine, and Deborah. We currently welcome approximately 10–15 families each session, providing a warm and friendly space for parents, carers, babies, and toddlers to meet together. Sessions include free play, crafts, refreshments, and opportunities for families to build friendships and connections within the church community.
Donations from attending families continue to cover the ongoing cost of tea, coffee, and biscuits, which is greatly appreciated. We also received a Church Lads donation of £35 which enabled us to provide Advent calendars for the children.
Churchish
Planning started in 2025 for a cafe style church to start in January 2026.
Stand-Alone Events & Workshops
Our stand-alone events continued as in previous years, providing valuable opportunities for children to engage with the church.
The Good Friday Workshop led by Niamh saw a good turnout, with families enjoying Easter crafts, juice and hot cross buns. We also held our first Advent workshop with Christmas crafts which we plan on repeating this year.
Play and Stay sessions at St Gilbert’s School continue to provide a welcoming opportunity for families whose children may be starting school in the coming academic year. 3 sessions are offered to families each academic year. During each session, families are invited into the school to take part in a range of simple crafts and activities. We usually offer 2–3 different craft options for children to enjoy alongside their parents or carers. The sessions help children become familiar with the school setting in a relaxed and friendly way, while also giving parents and carers the opportunity to meet school staff, ask questions, and connect with other families who may also be joining the school community.
The year 3 children from Malcolm Sargent visited All Saints’Church in July and learned about various aspects of the church including the font, prayer corner, altar, and organ. This visit is planned again for 2026. Rev Jenny and I also visited the year 1 and year 4 children in December to teach them about the true meaning of Christmas.
Churches Together Schools Festival in June was organised by Niamh and saw 7 schools visiting 10 churches. The theme was ‘God’s Masterpiece’. A great day as always.
Other notable events include the well-attended Christingle and Crib services, which drew record numbers of families from the parish.
Church Lads
Church Lads generously donated £1458.09 to All Saints children’s ministry in 2025 for the following initiatives:
Play and Stay sessions
Churchish
Lent resources
Good Friday workshop
Year 6 Leavers’ Youth Bibles
Advent workshop
Advent calendars.
Christingles
Niamh Holman (Chair)
FABRIC SUB-COMMITTEE
Much of the fabric has focused on the work of the Heating and Lighting team this year. The critical work was completed under the Quinquennial report during 2025 which the fabric team was pleased to have done. Further work was done on health and safety, fire extinguishers and signage for fire exits. The essential work was completed on the roof as directed by the Quinquennial report. There are ongoing problems with the drain that runs from the south side of the building onto the road and Clare Camp is in the process of sorting this out. A faculty application was submitted for this work and we are now waiting on SKDC to complete it. As we head into 2026, we are aware that further work is definitely needed on the louvers of the bell tower and the organ.
Fr. Neil Shaw (Chair)
Heating and Lighting Project: report on activity during 2025
In 2024 we prepared the baseline information and agreed the best way forward in conjunction with our Design Engineer.
In 2025 we built on this and activity occurred in three distinct areas, all equally important and running in parallel:
Permission:
The formal application to the DAC was submitted in February ready for the March
committee meeting. There were some follow up technical questions which were
answered in full and the public notice giving details of the works was
displayed in/outside church. The Chancellor issued the faculty in August.
Contractor selection:
The tender documents were circulated to four contractors and the consulting engineer provided a full tender assessment. Following this, Gowing were selected and appointed by the PCC. Works on site to remove the radiators and low-level pipes began in December.
Fundraising:
There was success in securing grant funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Garfield Weston, the Benefact Trust and Marshall’s charity. At the same time significant numbers of pledges were received from local businesses, congregation members and local individuals.
Jeremy Hammant (Chair)
DEANERY SYNOD
Stamford Deanery Synod met twice in the course of the last 12 months. Both meetings were chaired by Reverend Canon Martyn Taylor of St George’s, Stamford who is the Rural Dean. Lay representatives from the four churches in Stamford and five from outlying villages attended. Colin Henderson and Catherine Barlow attended on behalf of All Saints.
At the September meeting, there was further discussion on progress towards implementing the “Time to Change Together” programme for the reorganisation of deaneries within Lincoln Diocese. This involves creating new “Deanery Partnerships” through merger and reduction in the number of existing deaneries, with a view to improved communication and streamlined administration. Stamford Deanery, itself evolving to become a “Local Mission Partnership” would fall within a new Deanery Partnership for South Kesteven.
Within the diocese Loveden and Grantham Deaneries have said they do not want to join with Stamford and Beltisloe Deaneries in a wider partnership, so have formed their own deanery partnership. Accordingly, Stamford Deanery voted to explore a deanery partnership with Beltisloe as the latter is geographically closest.
There was also a discussion on the General Synod debate on the “Living with Love and Faith” project and the approval of the prayers of blessing for same-sex couples. At the next Synod in February 2026 a proposal was being brought forward for possible standalone services of same-sex blessings. Discussion between PCC’s and incumbents was encouraged to identify the approach each church would take depending on the outcome of the February 2026 Synod.
At the March meeting Martyn Taylor reported that no further progress had been made in establishing a South Kesteven Deanery Partnership and, in the meantime, for the next two years Stamford and Beltisloe would continue as two separate local mission partnerships.
It was also reported that the Living with Love and Faith project had ended inconclusively at the February General Synod, as the House of Bishops had confirmed the previous month that new special or ‘bespoke’ services for same-sex couples would need full formal authorisation under canon law and the required majority to vote in favour of the change would be unlikely to be achieved.
The temporary suspension of Bishop Stephen and acting role of Bishop Nicholas was noted.
A presentation was given on the requirement for all churches with annual income over £5,000 to register with the Charity Commission from 2031 – the current level for registration being £100,000. All Saints is already registered with the Charity Commission as its income is above the current threshold. Several churches within Stamford Deanery would, however, have to register to meet the new requirements.
At both meetings there were the usual reports of activities at the individual churches within Stamford Deanery.
Colin Henderson (Deanery Synod Representative)
SAFEGUARDING
This report outlines safeguarding activity within the parish for 2025. It covers both children’s and adults’ safeguarding, including training, policies, and any concerns raised or responded to. As a church, we stay committed to creating a safe environment for all who engage with us, especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
Number of safeguarding concerns received: 6
All concerns were handled following diocesan policy. Appropriate referrals were made and advice sought from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and working with other agencies where necessary. One serious and ongoing concern has now been closed.
Safeguarding Training
Number of people who completed safeguarding training: 9
Efforts have been made to ensure all volunteers and staff are compliant with diocesan safeguarding training standards.
Policy Updates
The children’s policies were reviewed and updated by Niamh Holman and Benedict Todd in January 2025.
Safer Recruitment and DBS Checks
Number of DBS checks completed or renewed this year: 9
Incidents or Allegations: None
Work with Children and Vulnerable Adults
Regular activities involving children: 5
Regular activities involving vulnerable adults: 2
Safeguarding procedures in place for each group: yes
Niamh Holman (Safeguarding Officer)
ALL SAINTS’ WITH ST JOHN’S COMPANY OF BELLRINGERS
All Saints, Stamford, houses a ring of eight bells mounted in a metal frame inside a poorly maintained belfry.
The bells are arranged for full-circle change ringing and are operated by ropes. Bird ingress is an ongoing problem, primarily caused by the dilapidated wooden louvres on all four sides of the tower. Although a professional guano removal and cleansing was completed, the belfry remains unpleasant and unsafe to enter. As a result, regular inspections are infrequent and preventative maintenance has been limited.
Recently, deterioration of fittings on bell No.8 (the tenor / largest and heaviest bell) required professional bell-fitters to repair or replace components that a regular maintenance schedule should have identified earlier.
An annual professional, independent inspection of the bells, frame, and fixtures has been reinstated.
Regular contributions to a Bell Repair Fund, administered by the Lincolnshire Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers, have been arranged.
Joint maintenance options are being explored with Stamford St. Martin’s (a six-bell tower) which has controllable shutters for soundproofing and a computerised simulator that allows quiet practice on real bells for learners and experienced ringers.
First Floor - Ringing Room
After the management restructure, ringers, families, and friends completed a major rubbish removal and cleaning effort.
There is no fixed central heating; however, ringers have donated several low-power domestic heaters. These appliances were tested and certified at the last inspection in accordance with guidance.
A vacuum cleaner has been donated.
A suitable latch has been fitted to the non-standard door from the spiral stairs as a temporary safety improvement.
Fire extinguishers are now in place and a First -Aid kit is provided.
An attendance register has been donated and is being used to support best practice.
A visitors’ book has been provided to record notable visits, events, and achievements; this complies with recommended practice.
While not compulsory, visitors frequently make donations, particularly on special occasions
The Ringers
Stamford has two towers suitable for full-circle bellringing: All Saints and St. Martin’s. The two groups have recently merged to form a single Stamford Band.
The Stamford Band practices regularly on Tuesday evenings; the second Tuesday of each month is dedicated to ringing at All Saints.
Sunday service ringing now routinely involves both towers.
Administration of “Safeguarding” issues for ringers from many locations continues as a work in progress
Practice nights are generally well attended, with 14–20 ringers of varying ability, from beginners to experienced ringers.
Competition for ringers is strong because of Stamford’s location near multiple county and administrative boundaries and the presence of many nearby towers with good facilities - this is particularly noticeable on Sunday mornings and for important services or special occasions.
The band receives strong support from Peterborough Cathedral, Market Deeping, and several churches in Rutland.
The Stamford Band has recently elected a new Tower Captain for the six bells at St Martins
A vacancy continues to exist for a Tower Captain at All Saints - in the mean time the Stamford Band will continue to make ringing work smoothly
General Administration
After many months of dedicated effort by various individuals the long outstanding issues surrounding the Ringers Bank Account have finally been resolved with the exception of the “Gift Aiding” procedure which should allow for the Tax Relief Benefit to be claimed on the total balance
Mark Webb (All Saints’ Tower Captain- interim)
ELECTORAL ROLL
The Electoral Roll 2025 had 130 members. Since the last APCM we have lost 2 members, Paul Middleton amd Margaret Mitchell, and gained 12 new members. The roll closed on 10th May 2026. This roll will reopen after the APCM on 17th May 2026.
Niamh Holman and Sally Schelpe
FUNDRAISING
Much of our fundraising this year has centred on the heating and lighting project. Projects included a quiz night, jigsaw puzzle sale, tower tours, sponsored half marathon, ride and stride, coffee morning, themed basket sales. We are always looking for new ways to fundraise, please do suggest some.
Fr. Neil Shaw (Chair)
TREASURY REPORT SUMMARY
The Halo Project, to replace the heating and lighting systems in church, has had a big impact on finances this year. A huge amount of work has taken place and we are all grateful to those who have been involved, especially in the financial aspects of the project.
First these are the figures with the Halo Project income and expenditure taken out.
Incoming resources 2025 £153,258 (£20,359 less than 2024 due to most donations given in 2025 being channelled into the Halo Project)
Resources expended 2025 £154,541 (£12,705 less than 2024)
Outgoings £1,283 more than income.
All Saints have received grants and donations in 2025 for the Halo Project – more than had been spent on the Project at the end of the year. This surplus has been used to pay for the Project as it continues in 2026.
Halo Project income 2025 £196,710
Halo Project expenditure 2025 £92,830
Halo Project surplus at the end of 2025 £103,880
Taking all of the income and expenditure together:
Total income £346,968
Total expenditure £247,371
Total surplus £99,597
Total Funds in all accounts £496,793 (although £219,985 in CBF funds that are not available to be spent by All Saints, though we receive dividends through the year from these investments)
Planned Giving stayed at almost the same level from 2024 to 2025. Number of regular donors stayed the same at 78 (January 2026 figures). We are extremely grateful for all donations but especially regular giving. As part of this, as well as one off donations, claiming Gift Aid is also a useful income. £14,817.61 was claimed this in Gift Aid last year.
We also received some very generous donations during 2025; totalling £7,180, which is great as this is aside from the Halo Project Donations.
The Finance Subcommittee have tried to maximise our funds by actively moving any excess money in the current account to savings accounts to make the most of higher interest rates and claiming back VAT where possible on maintenance work carried out in the Church, as it is a listed building.
We are grateful for all the support All Saints receives and hope we can continue to help the church financially in 2026.
The Treasury Team: Catherine Barlow, Fay Brooks, Jez Hammant, Colin Henderson, Neil Shaw, John Sutcliffe, Jo Wilson