2021-12-31-accounts

2021 Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting to be held in St. John’s Church at 8pm on Tuesday 26th April 2022 THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND Registered Charity Number 1127318 ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH NEW ALRESFORD 7 1

The church of St John the Baptist, New Alresford, serves as a witness to the Glory of God in the community by:-

celebrating the life of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit

through worship, prayer and service

caring about one another in Christ

through welcoming, fellowship and pastoral visiting, healing, and the recognition of personal gifts

cultivating personal growth in Christ

through prayer, bible study, preaching and the Sacraments

communicating Christ to our community and to the wider world

through example, teaching, support and co-operation

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THE ANNUAL MEETING

Tuesday April 26th 2022 In the Church, at 8pm

This report is sent out as early as possible firstly, to invite you to come to the meeting and secondly, to give you an opportunity to read the articles included before the meeting so that you may have time to consider the questions you may wish to ask, further to the report.

At this meeting, we shall be electing, or re-electing, two Churchwardens to serve for the year to April 2023.

We shall also be electing or re-electing members to the PCC. Anyone retiring and wishing to stand again is subject to election on the same terms as anyone else. The PCC meets up to 6 times a year, normally on the second Tuesday of alternate months, and is responsible for wide-ranging decisions on church life at St. John’s.

Those who are proposed for election must be on the Church Electoral Roll, be regular communicants, and be over the age of 16. It is also desirable that they share the vision of the Church of England as an organisation that shares Christ’s concern for the world and ministers to the whole community. If you wish to nominate someone, please be sure you believe they are suitable to serve and that they are willing to do so.

The PCC delegates much of its work to the Standing Committee and to various teams and groups, whose range of recent activity is described in this report. PCC members are encouraged to serve on these teams together with members of the congregation.

Included below are reports from several committees and groups which are broadly connected with the wider work and mission of St John’s Church, but whose financial activities are entirely independent of the accounts of the PCC. They are included here for the general information and interest of those on the electoral roll and the wider community.

David Carr

PCC Secretary

We hope you will be able to attend the annual meeting.

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REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is statutorily required by the provisions of the Charities Acts 1993 and 2011, and the Church Accounting Regulations, to produce an Annual Report. The name of the Parish is St. John the Baptist in the Benefice of The Arle Valley. It is part of the Diocese of Winchester within the Church of England. The church is situated adjacent to West Street in New Alresford. Correspondence should be addressed to The Churchwardens, c/o The Parish Office, St. John the Baptist Church, West St., Alresford, SO24 9AG.

The PCC is a charity registered with the Charity Commission under No.1127318

PCC members who have served from 1[st] January 2021 until the date this report was approved are:

Rector The Rev’d Heather Brearey (from 19/11/21) Benefice Curate The Rev’d Tasha Anderson (until 16/03/21)

Wardens Jane Parsons; Rosie Waring-Green (both from 27/4/21) Jackie Connell (until 27/4/21)

Elected Representatives on the Deanery Synod :

Barbara Griffiths Sue Clarke Rosie Waring-Green Miranda Pinch

(All immediately above elected October 2020)

Elected members:

Pearl Page Greville Dawson Rex Corfield Maureen Skayman Charlotte Ryton Janet Pooley Noelle Nutman (from 27/4/21) Colin Scott-Morton (from 27/4/21) James Lees (until 27/4/21) Co-opted members: David Carr (Secretary) Alistair Beecher (Treasurer) until 27/4/21 Jonathan Whale (Treasurer) from 27/4/21 Ian Waring-Green (from 27/4/21)

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

St. John’s PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Rector in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church--Pastoral, Evangelistic, Social and Ecumenical.

The Council appoints a number of groups and committees that meet regularly during the course of the year and to which much of the detailed work is delegated. These have special responsibilities for issues including

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such activities as Ministry, Worship, World (Outreach), Catering, Fabric and Finance. Representatives are also elected to Churches Together in Alresford.

The number on the Electoral Roll as reported by the Electoral Roll Officer at the Annual Meeting on the 27[th] April 2021 was 217, (2020-221). The average number of usual Sunday service attendees was 61, plus a large number of attendees online.

In 2021 the PCC met formally seven times (including a Section 11 meeting). During the course of the year the Council covered a wide range of topics in addition to attending to the normal business pertaining to the management of the parish. Various events, activities and initiatives taken throughout the year are covered in the individual reports that follow. The Standing Committee met formally six times in the year and in addition dealt with the many day-to-day tasks necessary in running St. John’s. Our Curate, Revd. Tasha Anderson, resigned in March to take up a new post in Milford on Sea. We were very pleased to welcome our new Rector, Heather Brearey, collated in post in November.

St. Johns, in common with all other churches, was impacted greatly by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. Every one of our normal activities was adversely affected, and we had been unable to progress with many of the plans and initiatives which we had hoped to undertake. The life of the church had reduced to almost the bare minimum of keeping some form of service pattern in being, and maintaining access for private prayer. Thankfully, these restrictions were lifted and we have been able to return to almost normal conditions. However, we continued to face the prospect of further restrictions. In parallel this involved an extremely large amount of time and effort, by many people, in keeping in touch with parishioners and trying to offer help and assistance where required. Services, meetings, planning and many other arrangements have had to be carried out online, using especially the Zoom facility and on-line broadcasting. A large number of people have stepped forward to offer their time and resources in these matters, and we are extremely grateful for all their efforts.

The PCC has complied with the duties under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016; the UK General Data Protection Regulations and the Data Protection Act 2018; and the regulations regarding photography and filming in Church.

As in previous years, the PCC gave a significant proportion of its voluntary income to world, national and local charities, and also raised and donated other one-off amounts.

The PCC has been concerned for some time with the need for increased stewardship income, as reflected in the Treasurer’s reporting, and we continue to search for a suitable individual, team and means to manage and expand this activity.

St. John’s is a fully participating member of Churches Together in Alresford.

The PCC would like to thank the Licensed Lay Ministers for all their work and support during the year.

David Carr

PCC Secretary

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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

Held on Tuesday 27[th] April 2021 at 8pm in the Church, and via live broadcast

Present: 33 parishioners and a large number via broadcast. Apologies: Received from two people

Jane Parsons welcomed everyone and opened the meeting with prayers based on Ephesians.

CHAIR : As we had no clergy available, the PCC Secretary, David Carr, had again been asked to act as Temporary Chair of the meeting and this was agreed unanimously.

Election of Churchwardens

David reported that Jackie Connell was standing down following seven years in post. Jane Parsons and Rosie Waring-Green had been duly proposed and seconded for election, and there were no further nominations. They were duly elected, welcomed with applause and thanked, with Jackie, for their work over the year.

Approval of Minutes of the 2020 APCM

The Minutes had been circulated, with the Annual Report, prior to the meeting. The Minutes were duly approved and signed as a true record, with no matters arising or comments.

Election of PCC Members

David reported that James Lees was standing down from membership. Noelle Nutman and Colin Scott-Morton had been duly proposed and seconded, with no further nominations. They were elected unanimously and welcomed with applause.

Electoral Roll

Greville Dawson reported that there were 217 parishioners on the Roll, compared with 221 the previous year. He thanked the previous Electoral Roll Officer, David Griffiths, for the help and advice received following David’s thirty five years of service. Greville was now standing down and Janet Pooley was taking over, who was welcomed with applause.

Annual PCC Report

David reported that this had already been accepted and approved by the PCC on March 9 2021. There were no questions or comments, and the Report was accepted by the meeting.

Financial Report and Annual Accounts y/e December 31 2020

David reported that these had already been accepted and approved by the PCC on March 9 2021. The outgoing Treasurer, Alistair Beecher, gave a short presentation on the accounts, emphasizing that even though we were in surplus thanks to legacies and generous responses to appeals, there was a continuing need for increased regular income. We had donated £8k of our £52k discretionary income to our supported charities. Alistair thanked all those in the Finance team for their work and support over the year, and introduced Jon Whale who was now taking over as Treasurer, and Dennis Bignell as Assistant Treasurer. There were no questions or comments, and the financial records were accepted by the meeting.

Terrier and Inventory Report

Jane and Jackie reported that the Terrier was complete and the acceptance certificate would be signed and completed. The only changes from last year were that two altar cloths and one office computer had been added.

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Deanery Synod Report

David said that Barbara Griffiths’ report on proceedings was included in the Annual Report. There were no comments or questions.

AOB

• (1) Jane summarized the Churchwardens’ Report contained in the Annual Report: services continued through three lockdowns, farewells to Julia and Tasha, and another interregnum. Outreach and many activities were maintained including “Joy from St. John’s”, and the Nativity hunt. Worship together under continuing restrictions had been a challenge, and she thanked the LLMs and Graham Trasler for all their efforts. The recruitment process for a new Rector was underway. A new web site was being developed, and a Stewardship team was hoped to be formed.

• (2) Jackie highlighted several events over her seven years’ service, including Phil’s farewell, Julia’s licencing, and the sad loss of Roger Page. She expressed her hopes for the future of St. John’s and thanked everyone for their help and support. She handed over her Churchwarden’s Staff to Rosie, who was again welcomed.

• (3) Two presentations of gifts were then made, to Jackie and Alistair for their service, and thanks and appreciation were again extended.

The meeting ended at 8.40 pm with closing prayers by Jackie, and the Grace.

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RECTOR’S REPORT

It is not possible for me to look back over the whole of the past year in the Arle Valley Benefice, because I only arrived here at the end of November 2021.

However, I can give thanks to God for his provision for the Benefice during the vacancy, for wonderful Church wardens and PCC members across the Benefice. Heartfelt thanks go to all who volunteer in whatever capacity for the Benefice. So many people work tirelessly in and for all of our churches, and within our communities in such a breadth of ways all to keep our churches open and running smoothly and to further God’s Kingdom in this place.

It is important to acknowledge that this has been a difficult year, not only for our country with the continuing pandemic but also in our church communities where difficulties have been faced, relationships have been tested and uncertainty has been prevalent.

We have much to be thankful for, we have church buildings that are in pretty good order and maintenance has been able to continue (thanks to all those who have assisted with this). We have a large body of not only willing but extremely able volunteers. We have teams in place for all aspects of our church life.

Financially we are in reasonably good positions, certainly better that many other churches across the diocese and indeed across the country.

I know that there have been many outreach events through the year that I cannot comment on, other than to say that I know they have been successful.

I can comment on the events that I have experienced. The Gift from St Johns evening and daytime event was wonderful, a welcome gift for the community, with a really good number of people attending and enjoying the event. We can never know the affect these events have on people as they explore their faith, we can only trust in God to guide us and them by His Holy Spirit.

As a Benefice we are now officially trail blazers having commissioned 2 focal ministers Ian at Bighton and Sue at Old Alresford in December, the first focal ministers for the Diocese. We look forward to their ministry in the Benefice.

Our Christmas services and events across the Benefice were affected again this year by the Covid pandemic, with many people still fearful staying at home and as a church we have had an added responsibility of keeping people safe.

The vast majority of our events were able to go ahead, and I attended almost all of them! The Carols by car light at Bighton, Carol services at Old Alresford, Ovington and Churches Together at St Johns, were all particularly wonderful.

Our ecumenical relations are strong and will continue to be important.

Our crib services, midnight mass’s and Christmas morning services were all such joyful occasions and showed our communities that Church is not a hobby, or leisure activity that should stop in the pandemic. Our church services are worship to our loving God and a necessity in the lives of all Christians.

As we move forward we have work to do, the Bishops report needs to be addressed and our first challenge will be to implement a new service rota for the Benefice after seeking the views of our communities. With my arrival we will of course enter a period of some change, but with consultation, listening and prayer at the forefront of all that we do.

I believe that we have much to look forward to, that God has a plan for us, and we just need to ensure that we follow His plan and not our own interests.

My hope is that we will now enter a time of stability. Having been appointed as your Rector I want to assure you of my intention to be with you for a long time. May we move forward together with love and unity. Nothing is taken for granted and nothing will be achieved without God’s help and blessing. As psalm 18 says, ‘You are my mighty rock, my fortress, my protector, the rock where I am safe, my shield, my powerful weapon and my place of shelter.’ In His hands we proceed.

Blessings

Revd. Heather Brearey

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CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

The New Year started with the resumption of the national lockdown after the Christmas easing of restrictions, and once again the people of St John’s were able to show their marvellous flexibility. We variously worshipped via live-streamed services and mid-week reflections, and then in church in person by ‘pre-booking’, at times taking numbered seats redolent of a theatre visit! We were fortunate, in constantly changing conditions to be able to continue to worship together, being blessed to have Graham Trasler providing the continuity of our weekday communion services, and our dedicated LLMs who provided online midweek reflections when we were not meeting in person. Early in the year we were thankful to still have Tasha’s ministry, and we said a reluctant farewell to her in March, after our Mothering Sunday, as she left to take up her appointment as Vicar of Milford-on-Sea and Everton.

As we moved steadily through the lockdown in the early part of the year, it was encouraging to hear from Bishop David that the selection of a new minister for the Benefice would be fast tracked. A Bishop’s Review of the Benefice had been undertaken involving gathering the views, honestly expressed, of a diverse section of the congregation and this review was referred to by a focus group as they worked to produce a new Parish Profile against a very tight deadline. We were delighted when, in June the Revd Heather Brearey accepted Bishop Debbie’s invitation to be our new Rector. We waited patiently meanwhile as the interregnum continued and Sunday services continued with the help of our much-valued LLMs and two regular visiting priests. We were extremely appreciative of Bishop David who presided at all our Easter services, including 3 services on Easter Sunday. Bishop David proved a good friend to St John’s and the Arle Valley Benefice during the interregnum.

Covid was not going to stop us reaching out into the wider community however. In February our Haven of Hope, outside the North Door with the life size silhouettes of ‘Freda and Fred’ (you may have given them different names) becoming familiar to everyone, as they reflected a common desire for connection in socially distanced times. The national anniversary day to remember the beginning of the first lockdown was marked by an opportunity to meet, talk to and encourage members of the public through an outdoor area next to the Haven of Hope.

In October, against all odds Apple Day went ahead. Despite torrential rain, the event proved to be a huge success, with many hardy visitors bringing a great atmosphere, and making the efforts of the hardworking organising team well worthwhile. This year’s Light Party was well attended by families engaging in creative activities on the theme of light in the JPH, followed by a torch-light treasure hunt in the church to develop the theme of Light.

The crafters in our congregation contributed hugely to the town’s impressive poppy blanket displays and St John’s church building provided a fitting backdrop for remembrance. As the Christmas season began, our outreach in the form of the Christingle service was only possible via live-streaming, but we were so pleased to see that over 80 Christingle packs, which were made available, were taken in advance of the service, and that many people viewed the service online.

The Crib service, always immensely popular, presented a problem only in terms of safe distancing, thus we decided on two identical services, back-to-back. This solution worked well, though numbers were understandably down on previous years, with both congregations thoroughly involved in the wonders of the Christmas story. Last year at Christmas we had taken the generosity of the congregation OUT to the homes and businesses of Alresford in the form of Joy from St John’s. This year we invited them INTO St Johns. Through everyone’s generosity we were able to offer A Gift in St John’s – a hospitable atmosphere in which to do Christmas crafts and enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate and seasonal good food. The nave, dressed with low lights, looked cosy and inviting, the helpers from St John’s were warm and welcoming, and the whole event was rated a great success by both visitors and hosts.

Early thoughts of Christmas arrangements were, however, secondary to planning the Collation service of our new Rector. We truly appreciate all that Penny does, and at no time more than in the run up to this service. At last, and with much pleasure we welcomed Heather on 19[th] November in a warm and joyous service. Heather had to ‘hit the ground running’ as Christmas approached, and we have been really blessed already by her presence.

The family of St John’s continues to weather the storm of Covid with love and good humour, and we can only thank the very many people who give their time and talents in so many ways. Whatever Covid brings, masked or unmasked, we feel immensely optimistic about the future of our Christian life here. Jane and Rosie

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ALRESFORD DEANERY SYNOD

Alresford Deanery consists of representatives from the twenty-six churches which make up the Benefices of the Arle Valley, Bishop’s Sutton, Ropley and West Tisted, Farleigh, Candover and Wield, the Itchen Valley and the Upper Itchen.

During the past year we have had three synod meetings. Sadly, we had to conclude our link with the Diocese of Lango, Uganda because the Winchester Diocese has decided to link a deanery in the Northern Archdeaconry with a deanery in the Southern Archdeaconry and together, they would be linked to an overseas diocese. The Alresford Deanery would, together with the Lyndhurst Deanery, be linked to the Rwanda Diocese. This arrangement has not yet been put into practice. As a final contribution £1050 was sent to Lango to help complete the Youth Training Scheme and an email was sent by Stephen Mourant and Barbara Griffiths to the Bishop of Lango concluding the link.

Sue Armstrong and Ian Waring Green were commissioned by Bp David as focal ministers at Old Alresford and Bighton respectively. There was a Deanery Annual Thanksgiving service with Rev Andrew Micklefield, Chair of the House of Clergy in the Diocesan Synod, as preacher. There was a Deanery Farm Service held at Manor Farm, Bishop Sutton. It was decided to hold these services six times a year with each benefice leading and choosing a farm location.

We had to say goodbye to Rev Stephen Mourant and Rev Alex Pease who were retiring and to Rev Tasha Anderson who was taking up a post in Milford on Sea and Everton. Stephen’s successor would be reduced to a House for Duty post. We welcomed to the Itchen Valley Rev Dr Peter Walker and to the Arle Valley Benefice Rev Heather Brearey. Barbara Griffiths.

ALRESFORD LADIES GROUP

After an absence of 18 months due to the pandemic, Alresford Ladies Group committee decided to hold a social meeting in September, which was well attended by members, with delicious cakes made and provided by the committee.

Hart Wildlife Trust gave us a very interesting talk in October about their work in Hampshire, where much of the wildlife they rescue is injured or lost, amongst the many reasons climate change has played a large part in interfering with their eco systems, and the Trust's marvellous work can only continue with charitable support from generous donations.

We were able to hold our Annual AGM in November after so long and our first Christmas luncheon since 2019 in December, which was enjoyed by all the members.

I would like to say at this point a big thank you to all my colleagues on the committee for working hard to get Alresford Ladies Group up and running again in September, and also to all our members for coming back and supporting us again. Hopefully all of us as a group can now make Alresford Ladies Group go from strength to strength in 2022 and beyond. Beverly Terrill (Chairman)

CATERING TEAM

We have had another interesting year as a Catering Team…. As we have catered as much as we have been able.

We managed a successful Harvest Supper in 2021, and it was so lovely to see the church community together again, sitting down and enjoying each other’s company.

We also enjoyed being able to serve nibbles for Heather’s induction… albeit behind masks!

As a team we continue to serve the Church and its community and are also very grateful to those who are always willing to roll up their sleeves and help with the washing up… as well as those who provide raffle prizes and delicious puddings for us all to enjoy.

We would always welcome new faces to our Catering Team so please contact me if you would like to join us.

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Our yearly commitments include the Frugal lent lunch, The Harvest Supper and Mulled wine and mince pies at the Carol Service……all of which are usually well attended, and we look forward to 2022 and looking after your catering needs.

I cannot thank everyone in the team enough for their support and commitment to the Catering events … we really are a great team! Pippa Sherry

CHURCH CLEANING

On behalf of all the congregation I would like to thank the stalwarts who clean the Church week in / week out. Without their diligence, our lovely Church would not look as good as it usually does. If anyone, male or female, would like to offer to cover short term cleaning, when the regulars have a well earned break, please contact me. It only takes 1/2 hour a week / fortnightly / monthly to clean a section of the Church. Hefin Tudor.

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ALRESFORD

Not surprisingly 2021 was a quiet year for Churches Together in Alresford but after much enforced / advised inactivity a more active 2022 is optimistically hoped for. The committee stayed in touch with each other remotely through the first part of the year arranging our Annual Meeting and a service of ecumenical worship at St John’s on 25[th] July. This incorporated a picnic moved indoors because of uncertain weather outside and after so many difficult months it was wonderful to be together … and to be able to sing!

At the Annual meeting the Chair of CTIA passed from Gary Carter of Alresford Methodist Church to James Pinniger of St John’s. All connected with CTIA are very grateful to Gary for “steering the ship so well in difficult waters” and in particular in having extended his term of office to three years, instead of the customary two. CTIA was again pleased to support Rotary Wessex’s Christmas shoebox scheme although, quite possibly for Covid related reasons, support for the CTIA packing party in early November was poor. It is recognised that it is increasingly challenging to source shoeboxes of the mandatory size and it may well be that this year boxes will be supplied. Although publicity is normally launched in September the relevant information should be available from May so don’t hesitate to contact me or any CTIA representative if you wish to make an early start this year!

Although we had hoped to sing carols in the town centre on 18[th] December we decided on balance that would be unwise, possibly adding to the congestion outside Wessex Pharmacy, but we were able to hold an uplifting Christmas community carol service at St John’s (“the Best Gift Ever”) the following day. Many thanks to Rosie Waring-Green for masterminding the planning and hopefully that was the first of many CTIA occasions involving the participation of both Revd. Heather Brearey and Fr. Mark Hogan.

We were greatly saddened by the death of Carol Beetham in November. For the last three decades Carol was a cornerstone of St Mary’s and a great supporter of Churches Together in Alresford. When the CTIA covenant was renewed in January 2019 it was signed on behalf of the Arle Valley Benefice and we look forward to furthering the involvement of all four Anglican churches.

Currently St John’s CTIA representatives are James Pinniger, Jackie Connell and Sarah Wilding. Please let us know if you’d like to be involved in helping develop the ecumenical life in and around Alresford! James Pinniger

COFFEE CAKE and CHAT

Following the imposed restrictions, we began meeting again July 2021. We now have more people attending than before the pandemic began! It is a great joy to see people enjoying each other’s company and catching up on news. We provide table service, which makes for a very safe environment, with ventilation and servers wearing masks. We continue to support the Winchester Hospice and will do so throughout 2022. Thanks must be given to Erica Cook, Pearl Page and Elizabeth Johnson for providing delicious cakes [Erica makes a wonderful gluten free Victoria sandwich] and to the Chef at Wayfarers Place who provides the cheese

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scones along with chutney! Please come and join us on the 2[nd] Tuesday of the month 10-11.30 for Coffee/Tea, good Chat and delicious Cake! Angela Peel.

CREATION CARE

The role of the Creation Care team is threefold:-

• To help the church to reduce its carbon footprint, limiting the damage that it is doing to God's Creation. This is driven by Eco Church, a project of A Rocha UK – a charity committed to mobilising Christians to care for nature.

• To encourage and inform the congregation about the impact of our lifestyles collectively and individually on the world.

• To help the church ensure that it is seen by the wider community to be doing something positive about climate change.

Eco Church encourages five areas of church activities.

• Worship and teaching

• Management of church buildings

• Management of church land

• Community and global engagement

• Lifestyle

In May, St John's qualified for the Eco Church Bronze award. I hope you have seen the posters and the plaque on the west door of the church. We will now be working for the Eco Church silver award, and in due course, the Gold Award.

The church has proved that it includes God's creation in worship such as on Climate Change Sunday and will continue to do this whenever possible. St John's is trying to reduce energy usage and waste in our church buildings as well as working to improve the biodiversity of the churchyard.

Our efforts as a church community are helping the Church of England to achieve the goal of becoming Net Zero by 2030.

In the past year, many articles have been written in the Arle Valley Voice and the weekly notices with suggestions on what we can do to reduce our carbon footprint. In September, the team carried out a Green tips email survey, asking what we are all doing to be green. As a result, three follow-up articles have been published with suggestions that we can all adopt.

The Creation Care Team have been working to improve the biodiversity of the churchyard. We have cleared a section of the wild area with the intention of starting small and extending it as it gets more established. A couple of us visited St Mary's Church, Kings Worthy to see a part of their churchyard that they have been managing for the last seven years. The area has been cut twice a year and paths cut through. Without sowing any seeds, it has developed into a beautiful wildflower meadow with over 50 species of wildflower and lots of wildlife. We would like to have a similar area in the wild section of our churchyard. An area has also been cleared by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Amphibian and Reptile Group (HIWARG) to help encourage reptiles. For many years there have been some sheets of corrugated iron put down to encourage and protect slow worms as they enjoy the warm summer weather.

Recently it has become more apparent that the churchyard is important to many people in the wider Alresford community. An Alresford resident has been seen in the churchyard laden with bird food and commented that they knew all the squirrels by name and enjoyed the bird life there.

Another group of St John's people, Eco Explorers, has been set up to help promote the issue of Climate change. The Creation Care Team and Eco Explorers look forward to working closely together. Obviously there is much more work to do but we feel encouraged by the support we have had so far and are looking forward to doing more to help care for God's creation. Rex Corfield.

FABRIC AND MAINTENANCE

Someone told me that they hired a person to fix some things around the house. On arriving home at the end of the day he checked the work. “Oi”, he said, “you only did the first, third and fifth jobs on my list! What’s going on?” Turns out the person he hired only did odd jobs….

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That’s the way it seems at times. Some of the projects we implemented in 2021 at St John’s were significant but necessary, needing a good deal of time, patience, co-ordination, the involvement of several people and loads of emails. Others have been really simple, like fixing a collapsed shelf in a kitchen cupboard, getting a leaking pipe replaced or fixing something at the last minute.

We are, however, looking after God’s house, so all these things are important. It’s just like Canon Mark Collinson said in his sermon on 3[rd] October, when he asked, “How much money did we spend on the building last year?” Of course, we spent very little in 2020 (but see the Financial Statements elsewhere in this document for 2021). Canon Mark observed that, “We must be dedicated to the building mustn’t we? - we’re still meeting here!” This was a sign, he said, of our commitment. We have to keep it serviceable, change things when required, comply with regulations and so on.

It is precisely in this vein that in 2021 funds were committed to items such as improving the nave lighting, which is now more reliable, consistent and energy efficient; redecorating the John Pearson Hall itself and improving the lighting generally; redecorating the vestry and office and improving the working space for our Benefice Administrator; replacing obsolete consumer panels (the modern version of a fuse board); carrying out statutory and necessary inspections and servicing activities; improving the integrity of the secure connection to the Fire Service in the event of an incident in any of our buildings and so on. Many will have noted the changes that are visible but much has gone on “behind the scenes”.

Thank you to our congregations and visitors for their forbearance as in these difficult times it has still been possible to keep the building in the state it deserves.

Perhaps most visible project we undertook was restoration of the clock face. For this a Faculty from the Diocese was granted in late August. Sadly, weather did not permit completion of the work, which is scheduled to be finished during the late spring/early summer of 2022. Huge thanks are due to The Friends of St. John’s for providing all the funds to pay for the work.

Improvements to the condition and appearance of the main church entrance porch were started during 2021. When completed we will have new flooring which has already been paid for by a very generous donation (as has the recently replaced tower spotlight) and a much brighter welcome for all those who enter our church. Many individuals have been involved in supporting these activities. For example: David Griffiths, our “Faculty Focal Point”; Penny, our Benefice Administrator who keeps an eye on what’s happening and makes diary arrangements; Tony Stirling, who diligently cares for the clock; members of the St. John’s finance team, especially Dennis Bignell; the Diocesan Architect, Louise Bainbridge, who is always happy to give advice and support and the contractors who carry out the work, many of whom it can be said, “now we’ve got ‘em, let’s keep ‘em!”

Of course “Fabric” relates also to the churchyard. Thanks are due once again to Kathryn and Roger Lockyer who are tireless in their efforts to map who is where in graves and ashes plots. We also thank Chris Lillywhite for his stewardship and hope that we can find an equally capable individual to carry on with the work he did. We must include as well all those wonderful helpers who turned out in late October to do the churchyard cleanup and the church autumn clean. This was so successful and enjoyable (due in no small part to Pearl Page, Maureen Skayman and Margaret Stewart, who provided well received butties and biscuits!) that the activity will be repeated at each clock change! Finally, the Church Wardens and the PCC must be thanked for their dutiful consideration of what was proposed and their support for the programme of activities. Greville Dawson.

FLOWER ARRANGERS

From Easter 2021 the Chancel pedestal has been done and sponsored each week. We have yet to resume, on a regular basis, doing flowers in the Lady Chapel. As yet there is not a list for sponsorship at the back of church, it has been easier to keep track of weekly sponsors by email or telephone requests. This will continue for the time being. As usual extra flowers have been done for the festivals and a Christmas tree in the porch. Thanks go to the ladies on the rotas and to all the sponsors. Diana Robbins

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Some of our documentation was streamlined so that it is easier to use:

The St John’s Health and Safety Policy statement was aligned with that of All Saints, Bighton, in that it is now presented in template form provided by our insurers. It is supplemented by a more comprehensive description of our Policy, that also defines roles and responsibilities.

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The Register of Risk Assessments (of which there are 32) was amended so that it briefly describes the content of each assessment, with those responsible for monitoring being identified. A note on guidance and risk was developed for protecting the public because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Apple Day risk assessment was reviewed in light of pandemic precautions, as were those assessments for occasions such as concerts and the Heritage Open Day. A risk assessment produced by the contractor engaged to replace high-level lighting satisfied St John’s safety requirements, as did the erection of scaffolding for access to the clock face. There were no reportable accidents. However, following a scalding accident with boiling water from the hot water boiler in the kitchen, a device was fitted to the tap that will prevent flow if the vessel is removed from beneath the tap. New First Aid boxes were permanently installed in the nave, John Pearson Hall and the kitchen. The smoke/fire alarm detection system was modified so that spurious events were eliminated. The physical call line set-up (a free-hanging cable running from the John Pearson Hall to the BT junction box) was removed, being replaced by a more secure mobile network-based system. Following observations made during the churchyard clean-up in October, a handrail was installed adjacent to the steps on the banking near external kitchen door. Charlotte Ryton agreed to take on the role of First Aid Coordinator and Pippa Sherry is now our Food Hygiene Officer.

Thanks are due to all of those who have participated in providing a safe environment, especially to Hefin Tudor, who stepped down as Hygiene Officer and Peter Tudor, as Fire Officer. Greville Dawson.

(Benefice) PARISH MAGAZINE—The Arle Valley Voice

The Arle Valley Voice recently celebrated its two year anniversary after its debut in November 2019. The only significant changes have been the inclusion of a colour double-page centre spread in every issue with the occasional four-page colour insert. The magazine is still running a healthy profit despite a recent drop in the number of advertisers for 2022.

There have been a few changes to the magazine team during 2021. After taking over the Subscriptions in 2020, Karen Beecher retired from the role at the end of 2021. Caroline Hawkins has now taken over the role. St. John’s assistant treasurer, Dennis Bignell, is currently in charge of the advertisements but plans to retire in April 2022. Kathryn Lockyer and the bereavement team have offered their help with coordinating the eulogies for the ‘People Matter’ pages. Penny Forbes.

PASTORAL VISITORS

It has now been two years since we were able to make visits in the way we had always known. As with so much of life, we have needed to adapt our way of visiting because of the pandemic. We have frequently used the telephone to make contact with people, and this was especially the case in the first part of the year. Some visits have taken place outside while others have been happy to invite a visitor into their home.

There are currently 15 visitors. The bereavement team continues to support those who have recently lost a loved one. They also plan and organise the annual service of ‘Comfort and Hope’. Sue Clark has recently started ‘ Looking Forward’, a group for ladies who have been recently widowed. The hospital team has been unable to visit patients but have kept a close watch on hospital admissions from the community.

The team has met together several times throughout the year for prayer, meditation and discussion. Initially the meetings were on Zoom but more recently in the church hall. We are always happy to visit a new person especially at a time when the pandemic has left many feeling isolated, anxious and lonely. Finally, I should like to thank all the visors for their care, commitment and service as we reach out, from St John’s, into the wider community. Jackie Connell

PRAYER MINISTRY

During this difficult year, the Prayer Team have continued to provide opportunities for prayer through online and phone prayer support as because of social-distancing, we are not able to pray regularly at the back of the church during the Sunday service.

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We have been very encouraged this year by the many times we have been able to thank God for answered prayer and would encourage you to email or phone and share a request or a thank you.

As a group, we have not been able to carry on physically our monthly meetings but we have all stayed in touch and as you would expect there have been many more prayer requests than usual.

We regularly check the ‘Say One For Me’ prayer box in church and it has been a huge privilege to be able to share these concerns, anxieties in prayer with the Lord.

It was also very special to be part of the Gift from St John’s event as we chatted to the public as they enjoyed the craft activities, Café and writing either Ribbons of Thanks or Wishful 2022 Hearts. These activities gave us opportunities to become engaged in many deep and important conversations inside the church as people stopped to read the messages and prayers.

We also have a Prayer Team ‘prayer chain’ and are happy for you to phone – 01962 733237 / 07891120662 – or email Rosie – [e-mail] – for any concerns needing immediate prayer which will only be passed round the Prayer Team. Prayer is at the heart of our relationship with God and the Team always pray with you using the utmost confidentiality offering your requests into the healing arms of God.

If you feel called to join this team, please contact Rosie to talk this through. The commitment is usually one Sunday a month and a meeting on the 4[th] Tuesday of the month. Rosie Waring Green.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Over the past two years social media has become more important than ever. It has the advantage of being free to use in its basic form and enables organisations and individuals to reach many people with information quickly and easily.

We continue (at the time of writing this) to record live services through the St John's Facebook page as well as using YouTube to store them so that they can be shared and viewed easily. Facebook, not just St John's own page, has been essential for advertising events and services as well as sharing information. The 'All Things New Alresford' page (residents only), the public 'All Things Alresford' page as well as 'New Alresford Parish Council', 'CTIA' and other relevant pages, depending on the content, have all proved invaluable and you will find that most shops, pubs, cafes and services, including the Alresford Surgery have their own pages. For the public pages such as the St John’s page, it is not necessary to have your own Facebook account to view it. To see what is on the All Things New Alresford residents page you do need to join, but it is a mine of information and well worth using. New Leaf Alresford and Alresford Growers pages are great for ecological issues relating to the churchyard and our gardens. There is even an Alresford Rant page for those who want to have a moan!

When we use other pages to post information and events and those other pages repost our adverts and information they can reach a great many people. On Christmas Day we reached 415 from our page alone. We currently have 456 page likes for the St John’s page and 550 page followers. A ' Like' is a person who has chosen to attach their name to th e Page as a fan. A ' follower' is a person who receives the updates that we post in their news feed.

It is important for people to know that it is not necessary to sign up to anything to view public pages on Facebook and YouTube. The St John's Facebook page can be accessed through the website or you can go directly to Facebook to view any page that is public. We have our own Benefice YouTube channel and such channels are free to set up by anyone and many people have their own for private, or public videos.

Many people remain suspicious of Facebook and YouTube as they can get bad press, but, like everything, they can be used for good or ill. When the printing press was first invented there were similar fears, followed by books, newspapers, the telephone, internet in general, etc. Do take a look. You might be pleasantly surprised! Miranda Pinch.

SOLOS

We resumed our Sunday afternoon meetings for tea and a chat, for those who would otherwise be on their own, in July after a nine month break because of Covid-19. The number of people attending was reduced at

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first, but was rising at the end of the year to almost the previous number which was very encouraging. Marion Morley.

TABLETALK

Due to the pandemic this has been a fairly uneventful year for Tabletalk. We had some zoom meetings during lockdown and we have had a few enjoyable meetings in the JPH since the summer. We hope to resume when it feels safe to have a bring and share lunch, maybe after Easter. Sue, Jackie and Miranda.

TOWER REPORT

Another weird year, plans made, plans altered, plans cancelled. During the year St John's bells were chimed or rung full circle as Covid restrictions allowed. We did our best to keep in touch by carrying on with the Friday Zoom quizzes. When ringing was allowed we made sure the ringing room was well ventilated with fans, open windows, CO2 levels monitored, masks and distancing as required. Not very comfortable but essential .

Bells were rung for 2 weddings at St John's and 2 at St Mary's. Only 3 quarter peals were rung, far below our usual score. It was so special to be able to ring a quarter peal, half muffled immediately after the Remembrance Day service. The Tower Annual meeting was held in June. We all met up in the garden of Kent Cottage, enjoying a face to face get together with beer and snacks. For the second year running we were not able to have a Tower Lunch.

Hopefully the efforts put in at the Winchester Heritage Open Day, the Apple Day and other initiatives will bear fruit and we will be able to recruit and teach new ringers in 2022, keeping St John's bell pealing out over the town. Elizabeth Johnson, Tower Secretary.

WEB SITE

A decision was made jointly by the churchwardens and the PCC during the interregnum and before the Rector’s advert in the Church Times, to update the St. John’s website and move towards a more integrated Benefice site. After much research, we decided to use an integrated platform (including church administration, app support, communications and database functions as well as the new template) provided by a specialist Christian church support organisation called Hubb Church.

The new benefice website is comprehensive, bright, inviting and informative with the capability to easily adapt to future changes (especially now with Heather onboard). This flexibility was particularly important in addressing the Covid situation with easy to access online services and up-to-date comprehensive information for existing parishioners as well as interested newcomers. Penny Forbes.

WORLD TEAM

We were able to meet once last year in person, the rest of the time communications have been by email and Zoom. These are the projects we support:-

Ashray UK: the organisation that supports the Mar Elias Educational Institutions, Ibillin, Israel, sends newsletters from Abuna Elias Chacour keeping us in touch. The latest, Christmas 2021 is full of optimism and hope for the future after the disruption to education caused by the pandemic.

Church Mission Society: Our mission partner Lynn Treneary returned to Maridi , South Sudan last September 2021 as an English teacher, general assistant to the Bishop and a deacon at the cathedral. She reports there are many desperate problems from famine and floods to the civil war, but the people of Maridi remain faithful and she finds it a place of joy.

The Michael Project, Zimbabwe: they have continued to give the children in Shalom and the pre-schools their care, love and support during these difficult months of lockdown and home schooling. We continue to

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pray that the problem with the government teachers’ salaries as well as coronavirus will be resolved so that schools can re-open. The day to day running of the Project has now been taken over by Barbara and Simba Pfupajena with Helen and Dave Hobbs still involved, especially in fundraising.

In October 2021 there was a very successful coffee morning in the JPH which raised £935. They are very grateful to St John’s for the interest and support they receive.

Pannai Family Farm, Tamil Nadu, India: during lockdowns the children remained relatively safe on their campus in their rural setting. Residents were vaccinated and students were able to learn in person and online with the help of Kings School and with practical and financial donations. A chapel of Joy has recently been built as a place for quiet prayer. They are very grateful for the continuing support of our sponsorship.

Shanthigramam, Tamil Nadu: the home (20 cottages) for elderly and destitute people damaged by leprosy is continuing with their building project, despite the challenges of Covid.

Information on all our links can be found on the Arle Valley Benefice website under Community and Outreach/St John’s Outreach and there are regular articles in the Arle Valley Voice magazine. Sue Greenway.

YOUTH WORK

The first 4 months of the year started with the Second Sunday All Age services being recorded with no congregation but at least technology enabled the online presence of families who would otherwise have wanted to keep their social distance and this has been a real blessing to be able to keep in touch.

We are now thrilled to have families back again helping with the readings and prayers for the service. During the Autumn as families began to return, there was a great turnout on Remembrance Sunday from the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.

Still no Summer Fun but at least the Autumn Fun Light party was able to go ahead and 27 youngsters had a wonderful time creating ‘jam jar lanterns’, lighthouses, stained glass windows along with apple catching, doughnuts on a string and many more activities. After food – always essential – there was a word treasure hunt trail in the beautifully illuminated church and ending with a fantastic dance version of the song ‘Shine’!!

We ended the year with understandably much reduced numbers for the 2 Crib Services but we know they were greatly appreciated by the families who came along.

Let us pray that this time next year we will be able to report on increased and safe activities for children and young people

We will keep you informed about any help needed this year but we would really appreciate prayers for the way forward for the children and young people of St John’s. Rosie Waring Green.

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St John the Baptist Church, New Alresford

Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council

Year Ended 31 December 2021

Treasurer to 30 April Alistair Beecher 2021 9 Rosebery Road Alresford Hampshire SO24 9HQ Treasurer from 1 May Jon Whale 2021 12 Buttermere Gardens Alresford Hampshire SO24 9NN Assistant Treasurer Dennis Bignell 1 Woodlark Place Four Marks Hampshire GU34 5GD Bank - Current Accounts: NatWest Bank Winchester, Old Bank (A) Branch 105 High Street Winchester Hampshire SO23 9AW Bank - Deposit Account: CCLA Investment Management Ltd The CBF Church of England Funds 80 Cheapside London EC2V 6DZ Independent Examiner: Behegan Lynes Bank Chambers Brook Street Bishops Waltham Hampshire SO32 1AX

Registered Charity Number 1127318

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lohn's Parish Church New Alresford, Hampshire THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND Standing Committee Approval certifi￿te We h¢reby confitm that we have made available to Behegan Lyne& 811 wuested bth, records. inf0m￿tion and explantiti(xts relating to th¢ Irc of Alrc5ford for the year nding 31 IkcemtrKr2021 and that the fiDancid Staton￿ have ourap[￿V&I. Slsi lolz R•g•i•rn1 Ch•rfty NUM1￿ 1127318 20

TREASURER'S REPORT 2021

In common with many other churches our underlying finances in 2021 were again significantly affected by the impact of the pandemic. Many of our main sources of income were significantly reduced, including letting income, wedding fees, fundraising events and plate collections. However, this shortfall was substantially offset by a generous response from our congregation and the Friends ; and by a return in the second half of the year to more normal levels of church activities.

In broad terms, our funds have reduced by approximately £28 k during 2021; our regular giving through the Parish Giving Scheme has reduced by approx. £5.9k ,but we have also received specific donations of £11.5k, so our congregation and the Friends remain incredibly generous. As previously reported, improvements and maintenance to the fabric of the building have totalled £24k . However, our financial position in 2021 has effectively been underwritten by the continued receipt of generous legacies and donations, especially the Diverall legacy share portfolio in 2020 that was realised in March 2021 and the £10k received from Norah Olwyn Davies in April 2021.

At 31 December 2021 our funds were £172k (£92k Unrestricted, £63k Designated, £17k Restricted). Of this we have £30K set aside for repairs and hold an additional £31K in general reserves in accordance with our stated accounting policy. We retain £17k in funds restricted for specific purposes and the balance is in our main unrestricted general fund, and small funds set aside to support our ministry with children, young people and families.

The table below shows the trend of our unrestricted funds over the past 5 years:

Date	31/12/17	31/12/18	31/12/19	31/12/20	31/12/21
Unrestricted & Designated Funds (£k)	79	86	97	187	155

Despite the financial challenges of the past 2 years we continued, as a demonstration of our Christian witness, to donate a significant amount of our discretionary income in support of various local, national and international charities. We contributed £95k ( more than requested) to the Diocese’s Common Mission Fund. Then we donated almost £7k to causes including the Winchester Youth Counselling, the Michael Project, CMS, Ashray, Shanthigramam, the Royal British Legion, and the congregation have continued to give generously to the Pannai Orphanage.

Administering a charity with £172k of assets is a team effort involving lots of people and I would like to thank all those who contribute to the day to day management of our finances: Penny Forbes who looks after all the PCC fee income and disbursements and administers the JPH bookings; Lorraine Lillywhite who maintains our Gift Aid records and claims the tax back from HMRC; Margaret Stewart and Caroline Hawkins who handle our banking; Colin Scott-Morton who has kindly taken on the work of reclaiming the VAT on our building works; our Gift Aid Secretary David Griffiths and a large team of people who count and record our collections each week, and to our Independent Examiner, Steven Lynes of Behegan Lynes, for reviewing these financial statements. Finally, our thanks go to Dennis Bignell, our Assistant Treasurer who keeps everything running smoothly and has also taken on the administration of the magazine subscriptions. Dennis is stepping down in April 2022 and will be greatly missed.

Jonathan Whale Hon. Treasurer, PCC of New Alresford

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Statement of Financial Activities

Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Prior year funds funds funds funds total funds	Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Prior year funds funds funds funds total funds
Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Income from Investments Other trading activities Church Activities Other income Total income Expenditure on: Costs of Generating Funds All Mission Giving & Charitable Donations Church Activities Total expenditure Net income / (expenditure) before transfer Transfers Gross transfers between funds - in Gross transfers between funds - out Other recognised gains / losses Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Represented by Unrestricted General fund Designated Church Repair Fund Growing Younger JPH Repair Fund Reserve Fund Youth Work Restricted Bell Fund C Brill Fund Chatterbox Restricted Donations	160,267 15,190 — 175,457 196,911 42 — — 42 250 3,307 — — 3,307 1,885 20,223 — — 20,223 21,993 4,890 — — 4,890 3,092
	188,729 15,190 — 203,919 224,131 959 — — 959 944 3,872 3,220 — 7,092 7,932 191,412 5,070 — 196,482 151,460
	196,243 8,290 — 204,533 160,336
	(7,514) 6,900 — (614) 63,795 4,009 579 — 4,588 548 (597) (3,991) — (4,588) (548) (27,631) — — (27,631) 27,631
	(31,733) 3,488 — (28,245) 91,426
	186,824 13,571 — 200,395 108,969
	155,091 17,059 — 172,150 200,395 92,170 — — 92,170 123,604 25,000 — — 25,000 25,000 709 — — 709 1,008 5,000 — — 5,000 5,000 31,212 — — 31,212 31,212 1,000 — — 1,000 1,000 — 7,893 — 7,893 7,653 — 3,725 — 3,725 3,828 — 550 — 550 — — 4,891 — 4,891 2,090

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Balance sheet

Class and code Description	This year Last year
Fixed assets 2701 Audio System Total Fixed assets Current assets 3001 NatWest Current Account 3002 NatWest Gift Aid Account 3003 NatWest Flower Account 3004 Lloyds Fees Account 3005 CCLA (CBF) Account 3009 Nationwide Account 3020 Legacy Investment Portfolio Z05 Accounts Receivable Total Current assets Liabilities 6699 Agency collections Z04 Accounts Payable Total Liabilities Net Asset surplus(deficit) Reserves Excess / (deficit) to date Z01 Starting balances Z03 Gains on investment assets Total Reserves Represented by funds Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Total	— 4,102
	— 4,102 40,113 34,411 7 32 146 293 1,775 1,653 129,065 59,023 — — — 99,885 4,008 2,676
	175,114 197,973 — — 2,964 1,680
	2,964 1,680
	172,150 200,395
	(614) 63,795 172,764 108,969 — 27,631
	172,150 200,395 92,170 123,604 62,921 63,220 17,059 13,571 — —
	172,150 200,395

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Statement of assets and liabilities

	General Designated RestrictedEndowment This year Last year
Fixed assets - Tangible assets Audio System - Totals Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand NatWest Current Account - NatWest Gift Aid Account - NatWest Flower Account - Lloyds Fees Account - CCLA (CBF) Account - Totals Current assets - Debtors Accounts Receivable - Totals Current assets - Investments Legacy Investment Portfolio - Totals Liabilities - Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year Accounts Payable - Totals Grand total	(20,509) — 20,509 — — 4,102
	(20,509) — 20,509 — — 4,102 64,005 16,550 (40,442) — 40,113 34,411 (11,827) — 11,834 — 7 32 146 — — — 146 293 1,775 — — — 1,775 1,653 56,401 46,371 26,293 — 129,065 59,023
	110,500 62,921 (2,315) — 171,106 95,412 3,920 — 88 — 4,008 2,676
	3,920 — 88 — 4,008 2,676 — — — — — 99,885
	— — — — — 99,885 1,741 — 1,223 — 2,964 1,680
	1,741 — 1,223 — 2,964 1,680
	92,170 62,921 17,059 — 172,150 200,395

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Fund movement by type

	Opening Incoming Outgoing TransfersGains/losses Closing
Bells - Bell Fund Restricted Sub-total for Bells CBrill - C Brill Fund Restricted Sub-total for CBrill Chatterbox - Chatterbox Restricted Sub-total for Chatterbox ChurchRep - Church Repair Fund Designated Sub-total for ChurchRep Growing - Growing Younger Designated Sub-total for Growing JPHRepair - JPH Repair Fund Designated Sub-total for JPHRepair Pannai - Pannai Orphanage Don Restricted Sub-total for Pannai ResDons - Restricted Donations Restricted Sub-total for ResDons Reserve - Reserve Fund Designated Sub-total for Reserve Youth - Youth Work Designated Sub-total for Youth General - General fund Unrestricted Sub-total for General Grand total	7,653 — — 240 — 7,893
	7,653 — — 240 — 7,893 3,828 — 103 — — 3,725
	3,828 — 103 — — 3,725 — 550 — — — 550
	— 550 — — — 550 25,000 — — — — 25,000
	25,000 — — — — 25,000 1,008 — 316 17 — 709
	1,008 — 316 17 — 709 5,000 — — — — 5,000
	5,000 — — — — 5,000 — 3,081 3,220 139 — —
	— 3,081 3,220 139 — — 2,090 11,559 4,968 (3,790) — 4,891
	2,090 11,559 4,968 (3,790) — 4,891 31,212 — — — — 31,212
	31,212 — — — — 31,212 1,000 — — — — 1,000
	1,000 — — — — 1,000 123,604 188,729 223557 3,394 — 92,170
	123,604 188,729 223557 3,394 — 92,170
	200,395 203,919 232164 — — 172,150

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Analysis of income

Donations and legacies

0101 - Regular Giving SO GA 0102 - Regular Giving - envlps GA 0104 - CAF Vouchers 0105 - Regular Giving - PGS Drt GA 0201 - Regular Giving - SOs NGA 0202 - Regular Giving - envlps GA 0204 - Regular Giving - PGS Drt NGA 0301A - Sunday Collctns GASDS 0301B - Sunday Collctns non GASDS 0303 - Funeral Collections 0304 - Baptism Collections 0306 - One off Gift Aid envelopes 0307 - Donations by card reader NGA 0307A - Donations by card reader GA 0402 - Church Donations Box 0404 - Flower Donations NGA 0500 - Other specific donations 0501 - One off dons outside services 0502 - Donations - Ringers / Others 0503 - Lango Donations 0504 - Pannai Donations 0506 - Lent Project 0601 - Gift Aid on unrestricted income 0602 - Gift Aid on restricted income 0700 - Legacies received 0801 - Grants Recurrng - Unrstrd 0802 - Grants Non Recurrng - Unrstrd 0803 - VAT Recovered 0805 - Govmnt Grant - COVID-19 Total ther trading activities 0902 - Other Fund raising activities 0903 - Social Events 0904 - Magazine Christmas Card 1001 - Interest received Total hurch Activities 1100 - Fees retained by the PCC 1201 - Sale of Books, Cards etc. 1202 - Income from use of Church 1203 - Income from use of JPH 1204 - Magazine Sales - Casual 1205 - Magazine Sales - Subs 1206 - Magazine Advertising 1207 - Printing Total	Total Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year 4,200 — — — 4,200 3,465 853 — — — 853 760 1,300 — — — 1,300 1,660 58,554 — — — 58,554 64,469 1,560 — — — 1,560 2,460 150 — — — 150 5 3,561 — — — 3,561 3,438 3,472 — — — 3,472 1,938 — — — — — 210 5 — — — 5 284 1,196 — — — 1,196 94 1,424 — — — 1,424 5,862 10 — — — 10 64 2,043 — — — 2,043 924 712 — — — 712 473 955 — — — 955 673 508 — 11,359 — 11,867 3,247 2,128 — 500 — 2,628 1,156 240 — — — 240 61 — — — — — 541 — — 2,640 — 2,640 2,736 — — — — — 442 18,294 — — — 18,294 18,990 331 — 691 — 1,022 881 52,746 — — — 52,746 73,273 35 — — — 35 35 2,152 — — — 2,152 3,663 3,838 — — — 3,838 — — — — — — 5,107
	160,267 — 15,190 — 175,457 196,911 2,132 — — — 2,132 1,519 846 — — — 846 60 329 — — — 329 306 42 — — — 42 250
	3,349 — — — 3,349 2,135 7,633 — — — 7,633 7,938 357 — — — 357 — 1,751 — — — 1,751 450 1,498 — — — 1,498 1,451 262 — — — 262 177 3,191 — — — 3,191 2,992 5,531 — — — 5,531 8,955 — — — — — 30
	20,223 — — — 20,223 21,993

Other trading activities

Church Activities

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Other income

1303 - Ovington Payments 1304 - Old Alresford Payments 1305 - Bighton Payments Total	1,432 — — — 1,432 926 1,715 — — — 1,715 1,096 1,743 — — — 1,743 1,070
	4,890 — — — 4,890 3,092
INCOME TOTAL	188,729 — 15,190 — 203,919 224,131

Analysis of expenditure

Costs of Generating Funds

1702 - Cost of fundraising	553	—	—	—	553	746
1703 - Cost of Social Events	361	—	—	—	361	108
1705 - Cost of supporting reg. giving	—	—	—	—	—	73
2320 - Credit and debit card charges	45	—	—	—	45	17
Total	959	—	—	—	959	944
ll Mission Giving & Charitable Donations
1801 - Annual Charitable Giving	3,110	—	3,220	—	6,330	5,336
1802 - Other Charitable Giving	762	—	—	—	762	2,596
Total	3,872	—	3,220	—	7,092	7,932
hurch Activities
1900 - Parish Share	95,000	—	—	—	95,000	99,489
2001 - Assist stff sal/pnsn/honra (B)	15,006	—	—	—	15,006	13,521
2002 - Organist/choir/sals/honoraria	2,630	—	—	—	2,630	1,180
2101 - Workng exps of Incumbent (B)	—	—	—	—	—	59
2102 - Working exps - asst Clergy (B)	61	—	—	—	61	831
2103 - Working exps -asst staff (B)	—	—	—	—	—	159
2104 - Parsonage / Staff housing (B)	657	—	—	—	657	622
2105 - Benefice Admin expenses	1,796	—	—	—	1,796	224
2200 - Mission & Evangelism costs	1,202	155	800	—	2,157	1,368
2301 - Church Insurance	3,108	—	—	—	3,108	3,082
2302 - Church Cleaning	380	—	—	—	380	190
2303 - Church minor repairs	14,389	—	—	—	14,389	25
2303A - Church Clock Reps 2021/22	5,024	—	270	—	5,294	—
2304 - Church Routine Maintenance	4,536	—	—	—	4,536	1,857
2305 - Telephone	1,013	—	—	—	1,013	771
2306 - Organ / piano tuning	572	—	—	—	572	278
2307 - Provision of Services	857	—	—	—	857	717
2308 - Music/choir/robes	—	—	—	—	—	107
2309 - Church Grounds	7,425	—	50	—	7,475	4,689
2310 - Flowers	1,102	—	—	—	1,102	530
2311 - Sndy Sch/ 2nd Sunday costs	—	111	—	—	111	1,274
2312 - Training/Course Fees BRILL	—	—	80	—	80	10
2313 - Subscriptions	931	—	—	—	931	641
2314 - Other support costs	1,104	50	1,870	—	3,024	1,749
2315 - Administration	4,462	—	—	—	4,462	1,309
2316 - Bank Charges	95	—	—	—	95	156
2401 - Church Gas - TGP 47209	2,127	—	—	—	2,127	1,633
2402 - Church Electricity TGP 56609	494	—	—	—	494	344
2403 - Church Running - Deprcn	4,102	—	—	—	4,102	4,102

All Mission Giving & Charitable Donations

Church Activities

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2502 - Magazine Printing 2503 - Magazine Other Costs 2504 - JPH - Insurance 2505 - JPH - Electricity 2506 - JPH - Gas - TGP 38695 2507 - JPH - Water 2508 - JPH - Maintenance 2509 - JPH - Cleaning 2510 - JPH - Consumables 2601 - Audit Fees Total	6,428 — — — 6,428 5,317 1,262 — — — 1,262 1,168 1,036 — — — 1,036 1,027 987 — — — 987 688 444 — — — 444 294 158 — — — 158 162 9,702 — 2,000 — 11,702 — 2,250 — — — 2,250 1,294 306 — — — 306 185 450 — — — 450 408
	191,096 316 5,070 — 196,482 151,460
EXPENDITURE TOTAL	195,927 316 8,290 — 204,533 160,336
GRAND TOTAL	(7,198) (316) 6,900 — (614) 63,795

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Accounting Policies

a) Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with Financial Reporting Standard FRS102 Section 1A.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the inclusion of investments at market value and the revaluation of fixed assets. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their affiliation to another body, nor those which are informal gatherings of church members.

b) Funds accounting

Funds which may be held by the PCC are:

Unrestricted funds – general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes

Designated funds - monies set aside by the PCC out of restricted or unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects. Also monies required to settle contracts that have been let but not yet completed or invoiced.

Restricted funds – a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest; b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year is carried forward as a balance on that fund.

Endowment funds – funds the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from the investment of the endowment may be used, either as restricted or unrestricted funds, depending on the purpose set out in the terms of the original endowment.

c) Incoming resources

All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

d) Voluntary Income

Collections are recognised when received.

Planned giving receivable is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised in the period it relates to. VAT reclaim grants are recognised when received.

Other Grants and legacies are recognised when received.

Income from investments

Dividends and interest entitlements are accounted for when received.

All other income

All other income is recognised when it is received.

e) Resources used

Resources expended are accounted for on an accruals basis and are accounted for gross.

Grants

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded when the award creates a legal obligation on the PCC.

Church activities

The diocesan Common Mission Fund is accounted for when paid.

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f) Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s. 96(2) of the Charities Act 1993.

Movable church furnishing held by the Priest-in-Charge and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are considered as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church’s inventory which can be inspected.

All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings and individual items costing under £5,000 are written off in the year incurred.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of tangible fixed assets, excluding freehold properties, over their expected useful lives. The rates generally applicable are:

Fixtures and fittings 25% straight line Computer and other equipment 10 - 33% straight line

The sound system installed in 2017 has been capitalised and is being depreciated over 5 years at 20% per annum straight line.

Net book value 1.1.21 £4,102 Less depreciation in £4,102 2021 Net book value 31.12.21 £NIL

No depreciation is provided on freehold property as it is the PCC’s policy to maintain these assets in a continual state of sound repair. The useful economic life of these assets is so long and residual values so high that any depreciation would not be material. These assets will be subject to annual impairment reviews. Provision will be made if there has been any permanent diminution in value.

Investments

Investments would be stated at market value at the balance sheet date.

g) Current Assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible.

h) Cash and Deposits

Short term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds, or at the bank.

2. Disclosures

Employees : The average number of employees during the year 2021 was 1.

Pension Provision. The PCC participates in the Pension Builder 2014 Scheme section of the Church Workers Pension Fund (CWPF) for lay staff, administered by the Church of England Pensions Board. This is a Defined Benefits Scheme that provides a cash balance lump sum at retirement, with assets held separately from participating employers. Pension contributions are recorded in an account for each member to which discretionary bonuses may be added by the Board before retirement, dependent on investment experience and other factors. The accrued account balance is payable from members’ Normal Pension Age. dc

There is no sub-division of assets between employers and therefore the scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. It is not possible to attribute assets and liabilities to specific employers and this means that contributions are accounted for as if the

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Scheme were a defined contribution scheme. The pensions costs charged in the year are the employer's contributions payable (2021: £642, 2020: £572 - lower because of furlough). A valuation of the Pension Builder Scheme is carried out once every three years. The most recent was carried out as at 31 December 2019. For the Pension Builder 2014 section, the valuation revealed a surplus of £2.5m on the ongoing assumptions used. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time. The legal structure of the scheme is such that if another employer fails, the PCC could become responsible for paying a share of that employer’s pension liabilities.

Independent Examiner's Fee : The amount due to Behegan Lynes for their independent examination of these accounts is £450.

3. PCC Funds

The PCC’s policy is to hold in designated reserves the equivalent of two months of general running costs and an additional one month’s salary costs. In addition the PCC seeks to hold around £30,000 in designated funds for the future repair of the Church and John Pearson Hall.

4. Magazine Finances

The renewal date for magazine subscriptions being the end of the year means that subscriptions for any given year can appear in both the appropriate year and the previous year’s accounts.

Magazine sales for 2021 magazines are therefore calculated as follows:

	£
2021 Accounts Subscription Income	3,191
less subscriptions for 2022 paid in 2021	(2,905)
plus subscriptions for 2021 received in	2,932
2020
Total subscription income for 2021	3,218
plus casual sales in 2021	262
Total Sales for 2021	3,480

The cost of the magazine is primarily printing:

Printing	6,428
Other production costs	1,262
Total costs	7,690
The magazine account for 2021 is therefore:
Sales Income	3,480
Advertising	5,531
Total Income	9,011
Less costs	7,690
Surplus	1,321

The magazine account for 2021 is therefore:

5. Financial Policies and Protocols

In April 2021 the Standing Committee (SC) reviewed internal financial practices and approved:

a) Payments

Cheques issued are signed by two signatories from a panel consisting of the Churchwardens, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. Cheques are seldom used now.

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Online BACS payments are made by the Assistant Treasurer and monitored by the Treasurer. Payments are scheduled and countersigned by a Churchwarden and the Treasurer at regular intervals. Direct debit payments are approved when the supply or service starts.

An Expenditure Approval Register is maintained in which all non-pay or charitable giving payments over £500 are recorded and presented to the SC annually for approval. The register gives details of the supplier, amount, purpose and what prior approval has been given.

Expense reimbursement claims should be submitted to the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer with written receipts, and confirming that any appropriate authorisation has been obtained. Clergy should complete and submit an expense claim form along with receipts and mileage details.

b) Delegated Authority for Spending

Generally - up to £250 . Church Officers can spend on routine items within their area of responsibility up to £250, without the need to seek prior approval. The Treasurer will monitor these payments and spending patterns for reasonableness, raising concerns if necessary. If possible more than one quotation should be sought for non-routine expenditure.

From £250 to £500. Items expected to exceed £250, up to £500, should be approved in advance by the Clergy (Mission) or Churchwardens (other matters), with the Treasurer advised when approval given. Unusual items should be approved in consultation with the Treasurer.

Over £500. Items exceeding £500 should always be approved in advance by the SC. In an emergency, SC members should be consulted, if possible, before action taken and expenditure incurred.

Substantial expenditure of an unusual nature, such as extensive repairs or improvements, should be approved in advance by the PCC on recommendation from the SC with estimated costs.

c) Specific Approvals

The Fees Bank Account is managed by the Benefice Administrator and monitored by the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer. The monthly return of statutory fees to the diocese and the corresponding payment is approved before submission by the Treasurer and a Churchwarden.

Flower Fund Bank Account for Church flowers is managed by authorised individuals from the Flowers team and is monitored by the Assistant Treasurer.

Fabric Maintenance Work is overseen by the Fabric Manager, who is authorised to obtain quotations for projects up to £500 for approval by the SC. Projects over £500 need a report outlining the proposed work for prior approval.

d) Management of Income

Cash received should always be counted by two people together as a matter of best practice in order to protect them from challenge. The Independent Examiner regularly stresses the importance of this in his report on the Annual Accounts. This should apply to Church collections, donations box, fundraising, social events and all other activities where the money accrues to the Church.

Income received must be accounted for gross (without deduction of any expenses incurred raising the income) and expenses claimed for subsequent reimbursement by the Treasurer.

Investment of Surplus Funds. The SC and PCC should adopt a policy for the investment of funds judged surplus to current requirements. This should have regard to the length of time the money is unlikely to be required and the risk of loss on the chosen investments.

e) Annual Charitable Giving

The amount and allocation of annual charitable giving is considered and approved by the PCC each year, usually in November, following the receipt of appropriate information and recommendations from the Treasurer.

In addition to this, decisions may be made by the clergy and churchwardens throughout the year, consulting with SC where it is considered appropriate, to allocate collections for particular services to specific charities or other appropriate causes.

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INDEX 2021 APCM REPORT 2021 APCM MINUTES RECTOR'S REPORT CHURCHWARDENS. REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 18 AlfesfC￿d De&wy Syrbcrfl Alfesl(Kd Ll￿S Grcwp Catenr¥J Tearn io 10 10 CT Coffee Cake & Chat CreatKM Cwe Fat￿￿ & mainleil￿￿1 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 14 15 15 16 16 16 16 17 Health & Safety IAagazine Paslo(al Cwe Prayer Mintstry Table Talk T(rer Youlh W(Yk Twsday 15" 2022. 33 33