On May 11 2025 we had our Annual Parochial Church Meeting, during which our activities throughout 2024 were reviewed. Here is our wardens’ report:
At the start of the year, we were still in interregnum.
As well as the usual maintenance needed for all 3 buildings, i.e. fire extinguisher and lightening conductor checks, tuning of the organ and piano, cleaning of gutters, roof valleys and drains (inside and out), monitoring the boilers and lights, there were several larger projects which took place.
The Church organ had once again succumbed to rain/water damage. Fortunately, the insurance claim, submitted in late 2023 for the Organ was successful so we were able to go ahead and get the necessary repairs done in January. In addition, a water/condensation drainer was inserted to hopefully prevent further damage.
During 2023 heavy rain caused flooding to parts of the Church and it was decided that major repairs were necessary. The original quote for the roof was valid for 3 months and should have expired in January. However, after expressing our concern to the Architects (we would not know if the “National Churches Trust” grant application had been successful until March) this deadline was extended until March 2024 with no extra costs incurred. The application was successful, and we were informed in April that £18,000 had been granted towards the cost of the repairs (£53,000). The repairs were carried out August – October. VAT of £9763.73 was successfully reclaimed for this project.
During September following two sections of guttering falling from the roof of the Church it was discovered that the fixings had corroded making the gutters unstable. This required complete replacement of all the gutters. A Faculty was obtained and an application for a Grant from the Diocese was successful. We received £7,863 towards the total cost of £15,125.63 The gutter replacements were completed at the end of March. An application for repayment of £3145.13 VAT has been submitted.
A portrait of King Charles was ordered and arrived. Now the roof is finished, an application will be submitted for a faculty for this portrait and the St. Margaret painting (A bequest from the late Fr. Martin Ashworth) to be hung in church.
A Secure Storeroom (Church House) for confidential documents has been started. Relevant documents moved from church into store during church tidy up. There is space available if anyone needs confidential storage.
The alarms in all 3 buildings were going off at random times. This appeared to occur when there was an electricity outage. An engineer visited the Church House and the Church. The alarms have been fixed with new batteries to back up when there is a power cut, a new circuit board for Church, adjustment to a sensor in Church house and repair to a damaged wire in the Community centre. However, the alarm in the Community centre is still causing problems but the other 2 buildings seem fine.
The boilers in all 3 buildings were showing faults. They were serviced and where possible repaired. In the Community Centre the upstairs boiler needs to be replaced as it is inefficient, and parts are no longer available. The Church House boilers are working. The Church boilers need to be replaced. 2 of them cannot be repaired as parts are unavailable. The third boiler is working but is the same age as the other 2 so its life is limited. Quotes for new boilers are being sought.
There was a problem with mould in the toilet at the front of Church House. This was due to poor air circulation (the extractor fans don’t work) and condensation forming on the single glazed metal windows. The solution is to have replacement windows with trickle vents and re plaster and decorate the affected areas. The toilets walls and ceilings have been cleaned. Quotes are being obtained for the necessary work.
The front door of the Church House needs to be replaced as it is decaying and not suitable for repair. Quotes are being obtained.
In addition to our regular services the Church building has been used throughout the year to host events such as Heritage Day, Plant sale with café, as a refreshment point for the 7 Churches walk, St. Margaret’s School services, visits from the Victorian society and the Manchester Organ society, , with a workshop and concert from HeartEdge (as part of the Prestwich Arts festival) and also concerts from various groups including the Brixi singers, Besses Boys Band and Manchester Chorale.
The Church wardens have attended several extra meetings including “The discussion and Agreement Meeting” for Parish Share and meetings prior to the interview and appointment of Rev. Steve Williams as the new incumbent. They were also involved in the invitations, preparation of the church and facilitating the smooth running of the Celebration of New Ministry and Welcome Service held at St. Margaret’s.
This year has been very busy and there has been a lot of moving chairs around the church for various concerts, events and school services. A lot happens behind the scenes and we are grateful for the help and assistance from other volunteers who have assisted us in keeping the Church maintained, both inside and out.
Finally, we would like to thank all those who have supported us throughout this year.
David McConville & Laurel Avery
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 