Latest Annual Report
St Philip and St James, Rock
Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2025
The Church is situated in the village of Rock near Alnwick, Northumberland. It is in the Diocese of Newcastle in the Church of England, and is part of the Benefice of Embleton with Rennington and Rock. The correspondence address is:
c/o Lady Well House
Rock
Alnwick
NE66 3SB
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of Rennington with Rock is a charity exempted from registration with the Charity Commission.
PCC members who have served during the year from the last AGM on 21 May 2025 until the date this report was approved (unless otherwise stated) are:
Chair: The Revd Alison Hardy
Assistant Curate: The Revd Nathanael Hayler (until 28 December 2025)
Lay Chair: Mr Jay Bosanquet
Treasurer: Mr Brian Eke
Safeguarding Officer: Mrs Carole Dent (until 31 July 2025)
Mrs Jane Dixon (from 1 August 2025)
Electoral Roll Officer: Mrs Hilary Walls
Churchwardens: Mr Jay Bosanquet and Mr Brian Eke (Rock)
Ms Susan Hawkey (Rennington)
Elected members: Mrs Jane Dixon
Mrs Jose Tuer
Structure, governance and management
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
Objectives and activities
Rennington with Rock PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, or priest in charge, in promoting in the Benefice of Embleton and Rennington with Rock the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, social and ecumenical, and to maintain the church building and its contents in good repair. The PCC met five times during the year. Since November 2021 Revd Alison Hardy is also licenced as priest in charge of the Aln and Coastal Parishes (Howick, Longhoughton, Lesbury and Alnmouth). The cluster of three benefices is known as the Coastland Churches and is beginning to work more closely together in ministry and mission. There have been no changes to the governance structures with the PCCs remaining separate.
Achievements and performance
a) Services
The basic pattern of one service a month at 9.00 continued. These were shared between Revd Alison Hardy and Revd Nathanael Hayler. Revd Hardy led a service of Holy Communion on 12 October. On 2 April there was a service of Stations of the Cross, with paintings by Sieger Köder and prayers by Padraig O Tuama, and an Easter Vigil, led by both Revd Hardy and Revd Hayler. Revd Hayler led a Harvest Songs of Praise on 14 September, at which the organ was played by Peter Hignett, and the Remembrance Sunday service on 9 November. There was a Benefice Holy Communion service on Advent Sunday, 30 November. On Christmas Eve Revd Hayler led a Christingle and Carols service, which will live long in the memory of all those who were there. It was his last service at Rock, and we will miss him.
The Funeral of Audrey Vince was held on 4 July.
b) Other events
A programme of talks was held in the church, organised by Fred Bosanquet.
23 April. Carl Tuer: ‘Farming at Rock’
22 May. Lalage Bosanquet: ‘Rock Hall School’
26 June. Tony Dunn: ‘Fitness for the Older Years’
27 August. Brian Eke: ‘Nature around Rock’
25 September. Cliff and Sylvia Crosbie: ‘Beyond Borders: Life and Lessons as Expats in India’
On 22 June a table top sale was held in the church instead of outside as planned, because of inclement weather.
On 10 September George Moloney gave an organ recital. Further details are given in the section on the organ below.
Organ
A reconditioned organ blower was installed by Harrison and Harrison in May. We are very grateful to the Benefact Trust and the ON Organ Fund for grants towards the cost, and to Fred Bosanquet for submitting the grant applications.
On 10 September an organ recital was given by George Moloney, who is studying organ at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. A video feed enabled the audience to see him as well as hear. The audience was about 50 in number and his recital was much enjoyed.
Safeguarding
The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). No incidents have been reported. The churchwardens have renewed their Leadership Training.
Fabric and fittings
In addition to the organ blower, wi-fi was installed by Alncom in June and a Payaz machine to take card donations was installed in July. This has made a big difference to donations, and the cost of the machine has nearly been recovered already.
In December a slipped slate in the valley gutter was replaced.
We are grateful to Rock Estate staff for cutting the grass in the churchyard.
Finance
Total income was £7561.24 and total expenditure was £9896.41. For full details please see the Treasurer’s report.
A table top sale on 22 June raised £450.30 which was credited to the organ fund. A Christmas sale in Rennington village hall in December was split between the two churches and Rock’s share was £310.
Reserves policy
A policy will be stated when needed with an increased level of funding.
Report approved by PCC on 26 March 2026
Received by the APCM on 23 April 2026
Signed: C J Bosanquet p.p Revd Alison Hardy