St Peter & Church
St Paul’s Church

Aylesford

Kent

 

 



PARISH PROFILE 2007

 

 

 


 


www.aylesford-church.org.uk
Contents

1      AYLESFORD.. 5

1.1      The Geography of Aylesford.. 5

1.2      The Parish. 6

1.3      Facilities, Shops and Leisure6

1.4      Schools 7

1.5      Demography7

1.6      Issues and concerns8

1.7      Other faiths and ecumenical communities8

1.7.1       The Friars8

1.7.2       Eccles Methodist Church9

1.7.3       Churches together in Malling.. 

1.8      Local Trusts and Charities9

1.8.1       Brassey Trust 9

1.8.2       Alms Houses. 10

1.8.3       Royal British Legion Village10

1.8.4       The Heart of Kent Hospice & Gavin Astor House10

2      THE CHURCH & BUILDINGS12

2.1      Church Buildings12

2.2      Brassey Centre13

2.3      The Vicarage14

2.4      140 The Avenue14

3      THE WORSHIPPING COMMUNITY15

3.1      Worship15

3.2      Prayer & Outreach Groups16

3.2.1       Alpha & Beta Courses16

3.2.2       Prayerline17

3.2.3       Home Study Groups17

3.2.4       Saturday Morning Prayers17

3.2.5       Eccles Coffee Morning.. 17

3.2.6       Emmaus and Cursillo groups17

3.2.7       Quiet Days and Prayers17

3.2.8       Prayer Visiting.. 18

3.2.9       Links with the wider world and the wider church18

3.3      Occasional Offices: 19

3.4      Ministry Team.. 9

3.5      Administration20

3.6      PCC.. 20

3.7      Groups within the Church21

3.7.1       Sunday School 21

3.7.2       Choir 22

3.7.3       Bellringers22

3.7.4       St Peter’s Players23

3.7.5       Flower Arrangers24

3.8      Other Affiliated Organisations24

3.8.1       Scouts24

3.8.2       Brownies24

3.8.3       Occasional Events25

3.8.4       Child Protection25

3.9      Parish Finances25

3.9.1       Income26

3.9.2       Expenditure26

3.9.3       Reserves26

3.9.4       Risks27

3.10        Fun and Fellowship27

4      THE MISSION OF OUR CHURCH.. 29

4.1      Our vision. 29

4.2      Strengths and weakness of the Parish29

4.3      Challenges30

5      THE NEW INCUMBENT31

Appendix 1 Map of the Parish of Aylesford.. 32

Notes33


 

1        AYLESFORD

 

1.1   The Geography of Aylesford

 

Map.Aylesford is located in Mid Kent, at the foot of the North Downs, on the banks of the river Medway approximately half way between Rochester and Maidstone.

 

The village of Aylesford is an ancient population centre, being throughout its history a major crossing point of the Medway. Occupation spans back well into pre-history; the parish has several Neolithic and other ancient monuments within its boundaries.

 

Aylesford is well located for commuting to both London and local towns. Direct buses run from the centre of the village to Maidstone and Rochester.

 

Map.Road links are excellent. The M2, M20 and M26 are easily accessible.

London is easily reachable via the M20, as is the Channel Tunnel and Dover.

 

Aylesford Station on the Medway Valley Railway Line links to main line routes at Strood, Maidstone and Tonbridge.

 

 

 

Add to this easy access to Gatwick Airport and Aylesford must surely be amongst the most accessible places in Kent.

 

 

 

 

1.2   The Parish

The parish of Aylesford is large and diverse. It extends to cover two main villages; Aylesford and Eccles. The extent is shown in Appendix 1.

It lies in the Deanery of Malling, the Archdeaconry of Tonbridge and in the Diocese of Rochester.

 

At the North the parish is rural and runs onto the Downs, covering Eccles and Bluebell Hill Village. Eastern borders adjoin Sandling (actually in the Diocese of Canterbury). Southern borders merge with the outskirts of Maidstone, whilst  western borders merge with the more rural parishes of Ditton and Barming.

 

The parish is further geographically divided by three main features, the Medway, the M20 and the railway line. These physical features have acted to move the main population centres to the south of the river, whilst the old village and Church (pictured on the cover) now share the north side with light industry and warehousing.

 

Despite being in close proximity to Maidstone, most of the Parish falls within the Borough of Tonbridge and Malling.

 

1.3   Facilities, Shops and Leisure

 

Aylesford Village sports a general store/post office, a bank, two restaurants, a coffee shop, three pubs, a community centre and a Village Club. The Greenacres Estate (the largest estate in the parish) has a parade of shops. Eccles has two public houses.

 

A large retail park to the south of the parish provides a wealth of retail outlets including Sainsbury’s and BHS, whilst Maidstone is the local “serious shopping” destination.

Bluewater Shopping Centre is only a 20 minute drive away.

 

Doctors’ surgeries, dental practices, and many other forms of local facilities are available. Maidstone General Hospital is very close; at present this has full A&E facilities although this is under review.

 

Hotels, health clubs, sports clubs (including both Aylesford Rugby and Aylesford Football Clubs) and gymnasiums can all be found within the parish.

 

In 2005 the PCC prepared a pamphlet entitled “What’s doing in Aylesford” which was issued to newcomers to the parish following completion of two large modern housing estates. This is now slightly out of date, but does list the major local social amenities & facilities which may well be of interest to an incoming incumbent. A copy of this publication may be found on the Parish website www.aylesford-church.org.uk

1.4   Schools

 

The church has close links with two local Church Schools; St Peter’s (Voluntary Aided) Primary School, which is just next to the vicarage and St Mark’s (Voluntary Aided) Primary School, Eccles.

Previous vicars have visited these schools regularly for assemblies and assistance with spiritual education.

 

The church has recently been developing some links with the other two schools in the parish (Aylesford Primary and Secondary Schools). In recent years, the Vicar has held some assemblies and visited both schools including overseeing an Alpha course at Aylesford Secondary school.

Aylesford Secondary school also uses the church for it’s Christmas Carol Service

 

Three pre-school playgroups are present, (one in Eccles, two in Aylesford one of which is sited on St Peter’s school premises).

 

In addition, there is a further primary school to the southwest of the parish, Aylesford Primary School and immediately adjacent is Aylesford Sports College, the main local secondary school. Good links are maintained with both of these.

 

Slightly further afield are the other main secondary schools which serve the parish.

 

 

Some youngsters in the parish and congregation also attend The Bennett Memorial School (Church of England) Comprehensive in Tunbridge Wells.

 

1.5   Demography

Having a population of approximately 7,000 Aylesford Parish has a wide range of socio-economic groups.

 

There is a wide variety of housing, with the early buildings in the village centres and in rural areas now overtaken by the growth of large estates in the latter half of the 20th century and with recent new developments near the river.

 

In addition to the local employment offered by the large amount of industrial and retail centres in and around Maidstone, many people

commute to London and other major local towns.

 

A particular feature of Aylesford Parish is the presence of The Royal British Legion Village. This community consists of a host of dwellings for (in particular) older residents, as well as for younger families and individuals.

 

1.6   Issues and concerns

In recent years there have been closures of local industrial and warehousing facilities which have impacted on many families in the parish.

 

Recently there has been the closure of the large Safeways distribution centre in Forstal Road, resulting in hundreds of redundancies – many local.

Happily, this particular site has been purchased by Waitrose, along with the undertaking to eventually re-employ local staff where possible.

 

The above said, unemployment is not high being in the region of 1 % of the working age parish population (figures for 2003/2004)

 

House prices are high and the usual ever present problem exists as to how younger members of the community get started on the property ladder.

 

There are many local youth organisations, but few established youth clubs or supervised meeting places. The main exception being a Youth Club meeting at The Friars.

 

There have been occasional problems with vandalism and youths congregating in disruptive groups in recent years, although these have rarely been significant or long lasting.

 

1.7   Other faiths and ecumenical communities

1.7.1     The Friars

In addition to being home to the local Anglican worshipping community, Aylesford is also the home to The Friars, a large Carmelite religious community, originally founded in the 13th century and re-established in 1949. A large number of Roman Catholic communicants use The Friars as a regular place of worship.

 

St Peter & St Paul’s have established good links with The Friars. In recent years, we have shared a number of ecumenical services with our friends.

Very recently choirs from both communities have joined and performed together in both venues.

 

Joint choirs of St Peter & St Paul’s and The Friars following a shared event.

1.7.2     Eccles Methodist Church

Eccles has a Methodist Church, where our previous incumbents formed solid links and good relationships.

 

1.7.3     Churches together in Malling

St Peter & St Paul’s participates in an ecumenical group entitled “Churches together in Malling”.

 

This consists of cross-church fellowship and sharing of services and worship. St Peter and St Paul’s has often hosted a regular group worship service.

 

1.8   Local Trusts and Charities

There are a number of trust and charitable institutions in the parish. Those most often associated with the church are the following:-

1.8.1     Brassey Trust

This trust was instituted by the Victorian benefactor Henry Brassey, MP, and Churchwarden of Aylesford. Former owner of nearby Preston Hall (now a NHS building) Henry Brassey financed many good things in the village. In addition to financing the major refurbishment of the church, he had great influence in the prosperity of the village in Victorian times.

 

After Henry Brassey’s death The Brassey Trust was set up in his memory “For the benefit of the Church of England in the Parish of Aylesford”.

 

The trust carries on with these aims today, managing capital and assets which include the rental and management of the old school (now used by the church and called the Brassey Centre), the associated cottage (residential letting) and the former Temperance Hall (commercial letting)

 

The Vicar and Churchwardens of Aylesford are ex officio trustees. The Trust is a legally separate entity from the parish which can act independently.

 

Meetings are infrequent, mainly arising as and when the need dictates.

 

1.8.2     Alms Houses.

Aylesford has a small collection of Alms Houses. Located in Rochester Road, the Alms Houses incorporate 14 small flats occupied by the elderly.

 

There is a board of trustees who manage the properties and the Vicar and two Churchwardens are non-elected trustees.

 

Meetings are called every three months or so.

 

1.8.3     Royal British Legion Village

The Royal British Legion headquarters are located in Aylesford. Situated off Hall Road to the south of the Parish, the HQ buildings are surrounded by light commercial buildings, offices and a good deal of housing. 

 

Attached to the British Legion HQ is an estate of various sized dwellings and social housing many of which are occupied by the elderly.

 

The ministry team visit this estate on a regular basis and take communion monthly.

 

The parish has good relations with the Royal British Legion, who use the church on occasion, and also assist in Remembrance Day worship.

 

1.8.4     The Heart of Kent Hospice & Gavin Astor House

The Heart of Kent Hospice is located within our Parish. Set in the grounds of Preston Hall, the hospice cares for those who are terminally ill.

The church has good links with the hospice and liaises with their chaplain. Pastoral visits from the ministry team are regular, the choir sing carols here at Christmas and several members of the church are or have been involved with the hospice over the years.

 

Gavin Astor House is a care home for the elderly, sited adjacent to the hospice. Those unable to care for themselves reside here in what is a caring and well run home.

Pastoral visits are regular here, particularly as many older members of the parish reside here and communion is celebrated monthly.

 

  

2        THE CHURCH & BUILDINGS

 

2.1   Church Buildings

Set on a hill overlooking the ancient village of Aylesford, the church dominates the village and is a major landmark.

Dating back to Norman times, the church is fairly large with double aisles.

The church is blessed with many ancient monuments, several of which are of significant historical importance, including the tomb of Sir Francis Culpepper.

 

A major refurbishment was undertaken in 1878 primarily paid for by the Victorian benefactor Henry Brassey.

 

In recent years carpets have been laid to both aisles and the chancel, new chairs purchased to replace some of the previous Victorian pews at the rear of the church enabling the area to be used flexibly for meetings, displays, and as extra seating for large congregations. A vestry is used as a crèche and the NW corner of the north aisle is used as a children’s corner.

 

The church is in generally good repair, with usual ongoing maintenance costs cropping up from time to time.

 

The church bells have been recently re-hung, along with a large amount of associated work in the tower. Lots of fundraising was carried out for this, as well as securing of grants etc.

 

The last Quinquennial Inspection was carried out in 2003. This revealed a few relatively minor issues which were all dealt with using funds from the Church Repair Fund.

 

Flush Fund

A major failing in the church is the lack of toilets. Whilst this is not a new problem, the PCC feel that it is a significant issue and in particular, does not assist us in our welcoming young families.

 

In 2006 the PCC commissioned an architect to design the conversion of the area below the tower to a WC and small kitchenette. These plans and specifications are now complete and the process of obtaining faculties etc. are under way.

 

In the meantime the “Flush Fund” has been instigated. This is a major fund-raising drive – as we need to raise approx £75,000 - £80,000. Our efforts have so far been rewarded as, at the time of preparing this profile, the funds secured stood at £30,000 including £20,000 from PCC reserves.

 

Among the more significant fund raising activities has been door to door collections from the entire parish, complete with our previous incumbent dragging a toilet on wheels behind him! This proved to be excellent publicity and outreach and was well received by most parishioners.

 

The Church Organ

The church organ is a marvellous instrument built in 1865 by Forster and Andrew.

 

It has recently been established that the instrument needs a major overhaul in the near future. The intentions are to instigate these works once the toilets have been provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2   Brassey Centre

Formerly a school, this building is located on the other side of the river. It is owned by the Brassey Trust and the building is let to the church. Since 1996, it has been used as a church centre, managed by a PCC sub-committee.

It has a good sized car park, halls, toilets, a catering kitchen and an office.

 

The church office is in this building (see later).

 

The larger of two function rooms is let to the public for a variety of purposes, ranging from parties to Weightwatchers. Many church events, shows, meetings and parties are held in this room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Brassey Centre – our “Church Hall”

 

The Brassey Centre is essentially our “Church Hall”. Being both well resourced and located it complements the church where, of course there are no facilities.

A smaller room is permanently laid out with various merchandise and open to the public every Saturday in the form of the Saturday Market.

Run by volunteers, the sale of donated books, stationery, various second hand goods and hand made goods, brings in a significant amount of money and the Saturday Market is an essential link with the community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working hard at the Saturday Market

 

 

The Brassey Centre is in basically good repair, with larger repairs and refurbishment projects being run and paid for by the Brassey Trust in any event.

 

PCC income from lettings does not cover the expenses of operating the centre. However, on balance the PCC has concluded that the Centre still proves to be a net asset to the parish.

 

2.3   The Vicarage

The vicarage is a modern detached building, situated near the church, right next to St Peter’s School. It was built in the late 1980’s in the grounds of the old Georgian vicarage (which was subsequently converted into classrooms and transferred to the school)

The vicarage has four bedrooms, lounge, dining room etc with a separate study and downstairs toilet for visitors.

A double detached garage and good sized gardens make this an attractive abode for an incoming incumbent.

 

2.4   140 The Avenue

The Church owns a semi-detached property on the Greenacres Estate. Formerly a curate’s residence, the property is now commercially let and provides a regular income in the form of rent and is managed as an asset.

 

3        THE WORSHIPPING COMMUNITY

3.1   Worship

Regular worship is held as follows

 

Wednesdays         10.00 Weekly said Holy Communion (Common Worship)

 

Sundays                8.00 Weekly said Holy Communion (Common Worship)

                             10.00 Weekly sung Holy Communion (Common Worship)

 

The 10.00 Sunday communion is sometimes varied, according to season and other events.

 

Family Services are held monthly.

Evensong is held only rarely, normally in a full choral setting.

 

Since 2006 all Baptisms are combined with the 10.00 Sunday communion.

 

The Last Service with our previous incumbent, Rev Simon Tillotson.

 

St Peter and St Paul’s Church maintains a traditional worship style and service format.

An established musical tradition is led by the choir and organ, supported by a willing congregation!

 

Notwithstanding this, the PCC and past incumbents have been keen to also provide for those seeking a more informal and “laid back” worship style.

 

In past years we have experimented with more modern and informal services, including for a time, a weekly informal worship on a Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately these have not generally been well supported.

 

A very successful music group ran for several years for family services and had been very popular. However regrettably, this has recently disbanded due to commitments, members leaving for university etc.. and general lack of numbers.

The PCC remain keen that suitable talent and enthusiasm will re-emerge from the congregation in the future.

 

3.2   Prayer & Outreach Groups

A number of small informal and formal prayer groups exist.

3.2.1     Alpha & Beta Courses

The church regularly runs organised courses at the Brassey Centre. These are well publicised and well attended,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alpha Course 2006

3.2.2     Prayerline

A relatively recent introduction, now seen as an important and part of our outreach.

At certain times every week, a member of our pastoral team mans a phone with the aim of receiving prayer requests from parishioners who may not feel able to come to church for any reason.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prayerline - someone to listen

 

Gentle advertising and word of mouth has resulted in this service being used regularly.

 

3.2.3     Home Study Groups

A bible study group meets regularly, under leadership of one of the Pastoral Assistants. 

 

3.2.4     Saturday Morning Prayers

At the time of writing, silent prayers for world peace – particularly for the Middle East - are held in the church every Saturday morning.

 

3.2.5     Eccles Coffee Morning

Held in a spiritual manner, a regular weekly coffee morning is held in Eccles. This is well attended and acts as a welcome “outpost” in Eccles.

 

3.2.6     Emmaus and Cursillo groups

These run every fortnight run by one of the pastoral assistants.

 

3.2.7     Quiet Days and Prayers

From time to time quiet days and prayers are held at Wickham Lodge, in the village.

 

3.2.8     Prayer Visiting

For nine months of the year members of the pastoral team carry out door to door visiting for prayer requests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Out in the community

 

3.2.9      Links with the wider world and the wider church

christian aidChristian Aid is well supported by St Peter and St Paul’s church. Annual collections result in a good level of giving. The collecting is coordinated by a small group of church members who give a lot of time and effort to this task.

A local Charity, Friends of Gambian Schools, was formed by some members of the church approx. 12 years ago. In addition to financial support from parishioners, several members of the congregation have visited The Gambia to see first hand poverty and real need.

 

 

In 2004 the PCC voted to declare us a “Fairtrade Church”. Fair trade goods are displayed and sold every few months to highlight this important issue.

 

 

 

3.3   Occasional Offices:

Aylesford is a popular church for weddings; the scenic setting and availability of both a choir and a full set of bells considerably enhancing the attraction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popular for Weddings

 

Baptisms too are popular, although as noted earlier, the PCC have recently voted to adopt the Bishop’s guidance that baptisms take place in the context of Sunday Worship.

 

In the calendar year ending 31st December 2006, there were 41 Baptisms and 21 weddings.

 

Funerals are likewise numerous, although the churchyard has been closed for many years, with the exception of committal of ashes. Local burials take place in the local cemetery, cremations at either of the two local large crematoriums; Bluebell Hill and Vinter’s Park Maidstone.

 

There is a significant pastoral and administrative workload arising from these, but also real opportunities to reach out to people who often otherwise have no contact with the church.  The parish administrator assists with the arrangements, and the provision made during the interregnum for covering some pastoral aspects offer possibilities for the longer term.

 

3.4   Ministry Team

The incumbency at St Peter and St Paul’s Aylesford, is freehold.

 

Aylesford and Eccles, although having only the single church, offers a challenging parish to the incumbent.


The parish is large with a big and disparate population, much of it remote from the church and with no obvious community focus. Sunday attendance suggests that most are not interested but attendance at festivals and occasional offices apparently suggests a residual faith in many individuals.
The schools also provide another opportunity for outreach

 

The new vicar will be working with an eager and willing ministry team.

We are fortunate to have ….

 

 

All are looking forward to working with a new vicar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part of the “M” Team

 

3.5   Administration

The PCC employs a parish clerk who works on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 10am and 3pm and is based in the church office (in the Brassey Centre)

Members of the public call to the office as a first point of contact for weddings, funerals and the like.

 

The office is equipped with phones, IT equipment, copying and binding facilities as well as a toilet and tea making facilities. It is also used at other times of the week for production and duplication of the parish magazine and service sheets.

 

The above makes the office a desirable alternative to the vicarage study when and if the need arises.

 

3.6   PCC

The Parochial Church Council currently comprises nineteen members of the church.

 

They meet every two months, with various sub-committees meeting in the intervening months. Meetings are held at the Brassey Centre.

PCC meetings are lively and topical.

 

3.7   Groups within the Church

3.7.1     Sunday School

Renamed the “Sunday Club” in recent years, the Sunday School meets most Sundays during the 10.00am Communion.

 

Due to lack of suitable accommodation within the church, until recently the Sunday School met in the Vicarage Study.

However, due to enquiries made prior to the current interregnum, we are now lucky to be able to use St Peter’s School’s new Playgroup building.

This is located at the end of the Vicarage Drive, just opposite the church, and offers excellent facilities in a good location.

The school have confirmed this arrangement can be permanent – hence a long standing problem has been solved.

 

Attendance at Sunday School typically ranges from five to ten children between the ages of five and fourteen.

 

A small team of leaders and helpers ensure that the children who attend get a good quality supplementary education in the Christian Faith.

 

3.7.2     Choir

The choir of the Church of St Peter & St Paul, Aylesford, Kent is a mixed choir comprising some 20 members, with a history stretching back well over 100 years. From young children to senior citizens, the choir is called upon to lead the weekly worship at Aylesford Church in addition to services of Choral Evensong, other special services, weddings, concerts, carol singing in the local community, reciprocal visits with other churches and other events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, some of us are ready!

The parish website www.aylesford-church.org.uk has samples of the choir singing.

 

3.7.3     Bellringers

St Peter & St Paul’s Church has a long and established history of bellringing.

 

The bells and ringing chamber have recently been refurbished, and the current bellringers are certainly making the most of them.

 

There are approximately 15members, young and old, who meet to practise every Monday evening.

 

The bellringers ring every Sunday prior to the 10.00am service, at the majority of weddings and also special services/events.

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t let go!

The parish website www.aylesford-church.org.uk has samples of the our bells being rung.

 

3.7.4     St Peter’s Players

An occasional group who in recent years have organised and performed stage shows and performances.

 

The Brassey Centre has been used as a venue in recent years, although in the past the church has been used on occasion as well as the local community centre.

 

Normally convened and run by church members, St Peter’s Players is currently inactive.

However, these events do pull in resources and involvement from outside the congregation and have always enhanced community spirit and outreach.

 

3.7.5     Flower Arrangers

The church is often to be seen adorned with splendid and beautiful flower arrangements.

This is thanks to a dedicated group of ladies who work hard behind the scenes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re not finished yet!

 

3.8   Other Affiliated Organisations

3.8.1     Scouts

The scouting movement is well represented in Aylesford.

 

Aylesford 1st Scouts are a rapidly expanding group. Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers are all present; based in the Scout Hut just next to the old bridge on the south side of the river.

 

The Scouts have recently resumed attending church as a group for special services and events. We would like to see this develop further.

 

3.8.2     Brownies

There are two Brownie packs in Aylesford

 

One group meet every Wednesday in the Community Centre, the other in the Brassey Centre on Thursdays.

 

The Brownies are well attended, but unfortunately the nearest Guide Group is in Ditton, the neighbouring village.

 

Brownies also attend church for special services, as well as helping out regularly with church cleaning.

 

3.8.3     Occasional Events

 

Flower festivals

Every three or four years the Flower arrangers hold a flower festival in the church, which is always spectacular.

 

St Peter’s Week

This was begun last year when a week of events was organised, both social and religious, to celebrate our Patronal Festival. It is planned to repeat this in 2007.

 

Village Fete

Some years, culmination of Church Flower Festivals, Church Fairs, and School Fairs have resulted in shared planning and organisation. The result has been a number of large “village fetes” encompassing much of the old village.

 

Welcome Evening

We have held several of these over the past two years, in the Brassey Centre. Primarily aimed at newcomers to the Parish (in view of the large amount of new housing recently built), they have attracted some new members to the Church as well as being successful social evenings

 

3.8.4     Child Protection

In 2005 the PCC discussed matters related to protection of children in all aspects of church life.  A comprehensive Policy, together with procedures and administrative arrangements based on national and Diocesan recommendations was developed and introduced.

 
The PCC has also appointed a Child Protection Officer.

 

3.9   Parish Finances

The last set of published accounts is for 2005. The accounts for 2006 are currently being prepared on an accruals basis reflecting the latest requirements and recommendations for a parish with our turnover.

 

The Treasurer, with the Finance Committee, keeps the financial situation under review and reports the position with recommended action to the PCC. An annual budget is prepared for PCC approval and a financial overview of major projects is made. The parish is solvent but income is always struggling to keep pace with cost of inflation.

 

3.9.1     Income

Giving: Following a period of some stagnation and decline the Finance Committee mounted a giving appeal to the congregation in 2004. This proved successful and giving increased by about 20% in both planned giving and in collections.  Since then two further appeals have been mounted to avoid loss of momentum. There is a growing appreciation that it is today’s church that has to fund our activities including paying for our clergy and that individual giving has to be the foundation of our income.

Other Donations: The PCC is grateful to the small group who operate the Saturday Market to raise money for the church; they were able to donate nearly £3000 in 2006.

Fundraising: There was a welcome increase in activity in 2006 for general and specific purposes, and recognition that fundraising can provide opportunities for teamwork and social enjoyment.

Occasional Offices: Fees from weddings, baptisms and funerals have been a significant source of income in recent years (£14,000 in 2006 reflecting the attractiveness of our church as a venue)

Investment Income: 140 The Avenue provides substantial income, although the PCC has requested that a review is made of options for the future of this asset to be prepared in the event that the present tenancy ceases.

 

3.9.2     Expenditure

Clergy stipend and expenses together with Parish Share unsurprisingly form the largest item of expenditure (in Rochester Diocese, contributions to clergy stipends are separate from Parish Share). 

 

Funding the Brassey Centre is proving to be a bigger drain on resources than planned at around £3,000 in 2007.

Church upkeep costs have increased in 2007 with a number of small to medium building repairs being effected and utility price increases.

2006 also saw major work on the bells and the renewal of the tower electrical system, financed by fundraising and a 50% grant with up to £17,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

 

3.9.3     Reserves

The PCC has a restricted Fabric Fund  (largely resulting from a legacy) now standing at some £47,000 of which £20,000 has been designated to the Flush Fund.  Money is steadily put into the Church Repair Fund against future Quinquennial work; currently funds stand at £21,000. General reserves amount to about £9,000, well short of the four months of expenditure recommended.

 

3.9.4     Risks

The principal financial risk is the dependence of the church on an ageing congregation, including some individual major contributors of income and time. Growth, especially amongst younger age bands is a financial as well as a spiritual imperative.

3.10 Fun and Fellowship

There is a lot of serious work going on in the parish, but this does not prevent us having fun, enjoying each other’s company, and sharing this with the community.  In addition to the activities already mentioned (such as concerts, stage shows, festivals, and Welcome Evenings) we also have regular parish lunches, occasional barbecues and parties,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2002 Jubilee Celebrations at the Brassey Centre

 

In recent years many of us have enjoyed some “all-age” away days at Ashburnham in Sussex. On these occasions there has been time to listen to a testimony or a talk on a Christian theme as well as a picnics and games for the children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A testimony at Ashburnham

 

Members of the congregation and invited guests enjoy a regular Parish Sunday lunch where we can all spend time eating and chatting together.

 

On a very hot summer's day in St Peter's week last year we held a picnic in a local park under shady trees and some hardy members of the congregation played games of cricket and boules with the children

 

We look forward to repeating St Peter's week this year and are in the coming summer we are planning a children's day, and a family croquet day.

 

4        THE MISSION OF OUR CHURCH

 

4.1   Our vision.

St Peter and St Paul’s Aylesford aims to find, strengthen and deepen the faith of those both within and without the congregation.

 

The church has always been a central point of the community and our prayers are that in the busy world of the 21st century we can reach out more in love and service to the community so that people can come to share the building, enjoy the fellowship, catch the faith, and join the worship.

 

4.2   Strengths and weakness of the Parish

 

Strengths

 

Weaknesses

 

Opportunities

 

Threats

 

4.3   Challenges

 

The challenge ahead for priest and parishioners.

 

To create an environment which will enable serious growth of the church in Aylesford.

 

To create a flexible church, geared at getting more and more people involved with the spiritual community.

 

To provide a spiritual lead so as to nurture and encourage individuals to enhance the work of the Holy Spirit within our church.

 

 

5        THE NEW INCUMBENT

 

We are looking for a priest who will value our traditions, but also work with us to give them fresh expression in a way that will be life-giving to a new generation.

 

At present, our worship is centred on the Eucharist. We want this to continue, but we recognise the need to try new ways.

 

We realise this requires us to change, and so we are seeking a priest who will inspire us with a vision for God’s kingdom, and work with us so that the whole church and every member of the Christian community can discover their part in God’s great mission of love.

 

 

We hope our new incumbent will be:-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 1
Map of the Parish of Aylesford

 

 

Notes