‘To know God and share the wonder of His love’ 

## St Gregory'sj Church Seaton 

# Group Reports 

SEATON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Registered Charity No: 1127403 

for the year ending 31st December 2020 

## Coastal Benefice of Seaton & Beer 

## Vicar: Vacancy 

The Church Office, The Church Centre, Colyford Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2DF (01297) 23656 



## INCUMBENTS REPORT—No Report 

## CHURCH WARDENS REPORT 

| don't think that none of us will forget the last 12 months and its challenges for everyone not least, our DIY & IT skills! Now we also have our Vicar Vacancy to contend with following Jeremy and family moving to Saffron Walden. Change, however, often brings new opportunities with it and | am looking forward to that as | hope we all are. | am pleased we were able to carry on services for a while thanks to all those who were able to help to ensure we followed the sensible rules and guidance given by our leaders. As far as | know we did not have any track or trace problems and | should know as | was the keeper of the list of who came. There are so many to thank so forgive me if | forget to mention you. | must mention a few, however, Sue Price for organising the opening of the church for the midweek morning for Prayer and Solace. Mary Scott, Carole Gosling & Sheila Wilsdon for continued salespeople’s duties. Ron Phillips for taking on Churchwarden duties for a while whilst his personal circumstances allowed. Stephen & Leslie Page who still managed some successful fund-raising events at their home with their wonderful cooking & woodwork skills. | look upon Stephen and Ron as my Assistants when required which is a great help. David House has been tremendous with our music which we have been blessed to listen to. Tracey for keeping us on track in the office and our day-to-day needs - we are lucky to have her. Bruce & Ann Roberts have continued to look after the bells and church building with their normal love & care. Jeremy has guided us safely through the Pandemic and we wish him & his lovely Alison and their beautiful daughters Eleanor & Rachel every happiness and good health in their pastures new. Last but, not least, | must thank my gorgeous wife Sharon for her love and support and energy which keeps me going | can tell you. She & Linda Joy have continued their popular Music Mornings with young Seaton families throughout Covid. Hopefully, we have all been properly jabbed and can soon look forward to returning to near normality as possible. | will try to keep you informed in our Monthly Magazine with Elizabeth Clare's continued help and the local press, who | want to do a monthly article of whats happening about the Vacancy and what our two churches are organising etc. We are extremely fortunate that Alison Finch and Simon Hitchcock will continue to lead most of our Services with support from our amazing Morning Praise team and our retired clergy of Chris Thacker and John & Shirley Holder. We have a wonderful and enthusiastic and experienced PCC who, with our excellent Secretary, Linda Vieth will make sure we proceed with caution and common sense. As Captain Sir Tom Moore often said " TOMORROW WILL BE A GOOD DAY " 

## Thanks for listening. 

## David Bruce, Dip FBA 

NB : People mainly know that | am a retired Bank Manager but not that | have a Diploma in Farm Business Administration from Wye College in Kent. | just thought | would mention it. 

: 

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ELECTORAL ROLL 

Report to be given at the APCM Katie Mason 

## FINANCIAL REVIEW 2020 

Firstly, thanks be to God for the Life of our Church family and Communities. And many thanks for all those who donated by standing orders, direct debits, envelopes, cash and cheques. This totaled approx. £37K. This is our major source of income and most needed to pay towards our annual Common Fund request which for the year was £48K, of which we managed to pay £40K. Whilst for most of the year our church building was temporarily closed, we offered online services only, this meant we sawa decline in cash collections. We also felt the financial impact of the postponement of many weddings. However, the financial giving by others rose and our main income streams as mentioned above remained steady. This is the first time in my 5 years of being Treasurer that we have had to make this most difficult decision followed by also being unable to make any charitable donations. 

Our Church Worship and Outreach cannot be sustained with our present levels of giving. Please can | ask for each of us to review our giving. To provide strong foundations, more giving needs to be given on a regular standing order or direct debit basis please. (even £5 or £10/month please). 

We have asked again for guidance and support from the Finance Team at Exeter, as we did in 2015, when | first became Treasurer. This was because annually, the Church deficits historically ranged from £20k-£30K, going back 20 years+. 

Essential roof repairs were carried out this year to the Lady Chapel roof and further repairs to the rest of the Church needs to be carried out, as detailed in the Quinquennial Report/Survey dated January 2018. Our reserves of some £160K will be utilized for this work and also to cover regular Church and Church centre costs. Our estimates show that in the next 1-5 years, all our reserves will be used up. 

Many thanks to our Finance Team and the PCC for the decisions being made and the hard work and professionalism of Tracey, our Church Administrator. She endeavors to secure the best rates for all our running costs of electricity, oil, telephone, and printing. Our staff salaries have remained the same for the past 2 years, in order to contain costs and during the year we made use of the Governments furlough scheme where we could, to save money. Indeed, our magazine advertising rates have also remained the same. We are trying hard to keep our running costs to the minimum but of course this cannot continue. 

## Going Concern 

The pandemic has impacted on St Gregory’s finances in 2020. However, the PCC has reviewed budgets and forecasts for income and expenditure for 2021 and is working with the Diocesan finance team to secure the future of the church. 

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Our deepest appreciation to those who have worked hard to offer Worship, Pastoral care and our Family activities of the Music Group and Family Worship. 

Many thanks to all who give of their time and energy as volunteers to care for our Church and Community. If you have any questions, please ask Tracey or Sharon. John 3 verse 16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

## Many thanks and love 

Sharon Bruce 

## PCC SECRETARY REPORT 

Due to the Pandemic this year PCC meetings have been different than any other year previously. 

Our first meeting on 22nd January was conducted as normal, but on the 16" March we held our last face to face meeting before lockdown, However, we had to remain socially distant. It was agreed, in the interim, that meetings would be postponed 

When fully in lockdown many PCC meetings were conducted through Zoom. Finances, the protocol for re-opening of St Gregory’s Church and the days on which we would open were all discussed and adopted. It was also agreed to hold a PCC meeting in the Church building to arrange the APCM, as and when guidelines dictated. 

The APCM was held much later the usual, the Bishop of Exeter having given permission for this to be allowed. It was finally held in the Church on 18'* October, with the additional facility of allowing people to Zoom in if they felt uneasy about attending in person. 

## Linda Vieth 

## CHARITIES COMMISSION OFFICER 

There were several changes to the trustees and so we had to wait until after the APCM before filing. The Annual Report and Accounts with updates to the PCC Trustees were filed with the Charity Commission on 20 October 2020 just before the deadline and thus our required compliance is up to date. 

## Wayne Cook 

## PASTORAL CARE 

No report received 

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## All other Church Group reports 

## BELL- RINGERS 

Well hasn’t this been a year to remember. Very little ringing due to lock downs and other restrictions. We did manage to give some sort of ringing by splitting the ringers into two groups to get the required distancing. Team “A” were on 1,3,5,7 on one week and team “B” on 1,2,4,6,8 the next. At times of more restriction Ann and | operated the Ellacombe Chimes which at least made the Church’s presence heard. Our young ringers have not been able to do their practice and the changing of ropes has not been carried out due to Covid restrictions. Hopefully we will be able to get on with this when restrictions are eased. 

## HAND BELLS 

We unfortunately had to shut this activity down due to the Covid and we have not been able to practice due to distancing requirements. Hopefully, we will resume this year when the spread of Covid is arrested. (With the help of the Lord and two strong policemen) Bruce Roberts 

## BIBLE SOCIETY 

Angela Scoble and Sheila Wilsdon are your representatives for St Gregory’s Church where with the other churches in Seaton we raise funds for the Bible Society. 

Due to the Covid pandemic we could not meet or arrange fund raising meetings in 2020. Sheila is now receiving box donations thank you. We as a group will reconvene when able to — maybe in 2021. 

Meanwhile, if you want to give a gift Sheila and | are happy to receive donations 

## CHOIR 

No report received. 

## CHRISTIAN AID 2020 

Thank you from Christian Aid to all our merry band of workers and supporters. We hosted one Lent lunch in March at the United Reformed Church and then received donations by post during CA week in May. Further donations were also received at Christmas bringing the total for the year to £870.50. This will save some lives and transform others! If you can help, please let Sharon know. Thanks. 

‘Let us love, not in word or speech but in truth and action’ (1 John 3:18). Sharon Bruce 

4 



, 

## CHURCH CLEANERS 

Not a lot to report regarding church cleaning this past year, so looking ahead to when the church will be open again to resume normal services, our teams are willing to continue cleaning provided more help can be found to support Sue Price's team and our one also. None of the team members are getting any younger, so we would really appreciate some more help please. 

Julie Ballard 

## COFFEE TEAM 

Nothing to report due to Covid. 

> _ Alan Clark 

## COFFEE TEAM - Saturday Morning Coffee 

Unfortunately, over the past year we have been unable to hold our popular monthly Saturday morning coffee get together. So, looking to the future, having spoken to church members who regularly supported this event in the church centre we are keen to resume when conditions allow. As we all need the social interaction, which is important for our well-being, so hopefully we can return in the not-too-distant future. 

## Julie Ballard 

## CHURCH FLOWERS 

Nothing to report due to lockdown. 

## John and Sandra Anning 

## CHURCH LIBRARY 

Barry Wood stood down during the year. 

## HONITON DEANERY SYNOD 2020 

As some of you will be aware Ann and | were the only candidates for the Deanery Synod. We have “attended” the one and only meeting since our appointment by “Zoom” and found it very instructive in the way that other Parishes conducted their overall methods of working and thinking. | look forward to the future arrangements for this parish and for the future organisation of the Deanery and when we have some concrete news, we will make sure everyone is aware of it, that is assuming we are re-elected at the APCM. Be safe one and all. 

Ann and Bruce Roberts 

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## FREEDOM CAFE 

Nearly Two thousand years ago a friend of mine fed a crowd of people he cared for lunch. The loaves and fishes went down a treat. He’s doing the same today through FREEdom CAFE. 

The FREEdom Café year started well with well-supported cafes in January and February and then came the COVID-19 pandemic and everything ground to a halt! 

. 

FUNDING: The cafe remains able to fully fund itself due to generous regular donations and through the prayer baskets each month. Running costs are around £120 per month. This amount covers the purchase of our food, training volunteers for food hygiene certificate and a donation to the PCC for administration costs. At the start of the year, we were able to give a donation to SENSE, Seaton a local care home. We were also able to make a donation of £49.80 in the form of food supplies to the Seaton Foodbank and £50 to the Safe House to purchase pillows. 

A further donation of £49.50 in grocery/personal care supplies was made to the Seaton Foodbank during April 2020 as there was a growing call on the Foodbank caused by the pandemic. We were also able to donate tinned food items and other non-perishable items that would not be used in the Café. 

In early December, we looked at the FREEdom Café finances and felt able to make further donations of £150 to Seaton Foodbank and £150 to the CRISIS UK Christmas Appeal. This leaves the café with funds available in our cash tin to run a café when we can re-open. 

## OUR YEAR: 

The year got off to a good start with a busy café in January, February wasa bit quieter due to poor weather. The March café had been planned and was due to take place on Saturday 218 March 2020 but due to rising Coronavirus figures, the Core Team took the decision to cancel the café in the safety interests of our volunteers and visitors. 

The Core Team held a meeting with Jeremy in September to discuss whether it would be possible to open the café but did not feel it would be safe to do so and would have to run with extremely limited numbers. We have kept in touch with our volunteers over the course of the past 10 months but unfortunately, we are not likely to be able to open anytime soon. 

The core team would like to say a very BIG thank you to all our volunteers and other supporters. If you would like to find out more about Freedom CAFE, please contact any of the core team. 

Nessa Rutherford (Administration), Helen Moulding (Finance,) Jean Hoskin, Angela Scoble, Emma Lloyd-Davis, Wayne Cook, Gloria Polley-Freedom CAFE Core team January 2021 

. 

## 3.2.1 FOR JESUS 

3.2.1 for Jesus, 15 minutes of simple uncomplicated Celtic style Christian worship, some ‘FOOD FOR THOUGHT’. Freedom CAFE. feeds the body, and we hope 3.2.1 for Jesus 

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## helps to feed the soul. We welcome youl! 

We begin our worship at 1.45pm in the church centre on the third Saturday of each month, excluding August. It is usually lay led by members of the Freedom CAFE core team, with others present taking part either with a reading, a prayer, or lighting the candles. 3.2.1 for Jesus gives us an opportunity to give thanks and praise to our Lord for his hospitality at Freedom CAFE and the wider community. 

We have three minutes of music (this varies according to the worship each month), two readings, generally a reading from the Gospel, and possibly a poem. We also say our Freedom CAFE thanks giving prayer, and end with a Celtic Christian Blessing said together. 

The average number worshipping each month is 30 people. Our greatest joy has been seeing people from our community (who do not attend any church) staying for the worship, and coming back! For some this is their first ‘taste ‘of our Lord and their only church. We deliberately close the café at 1.30pm and make an announcement that 3.2.1 for Jesus will begin at 1.45pm, this re-enforces our message there is ‘no catch ‘for receiving freely at Freedom CAFE.. 

We had a very positive start to the year looking at God’s abundant love in January and then looking at His kingdom in February. Then Covid-19 struck and so in the interests of safety March’s worship was cancelled and unfortunately, we will not be able to restart anytime soon. Wayne would like to say thank you to those who have prayed and supported him in the preparation and leading of this ministry with 3.2.1 for Jesus. 

## Wayne Cook (Core team) 

## THE FRIENDS OF ST GREGORY’S PARISH CHURCH SEATON 

The Friends hosted two events during October and December, thanks to the generosity of Lesley and Stephen. Many thanks to this special couple for hosting on their driveway, fabulous Festivals of baking delights - yummy cakes and delicious jams of Lesley and others, and the delightful plants and wooden creations of Stephen - The Owls, Snowmen, Rabbits, Father Christmas........something for everyone to enjoy! Thanks also to the Knitting Ladies for their creations. The funds raised totalled £2,014.53 which included standing order donations of £1290. The Friends donated £5,000 towards the Church roofing costs, to help maintain our stunning Grade 1 listed building. 

Our events are to encourage care for each other by bringing people together and to care for our Community Parish Church. If you can help with hosting an event or activity, please let Sharon know. Many, many thanks to everyone for all you do in supporting each other and sharing the love. 

## Dave Dickinson and Sharon Bruce 

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## GREGS YOUNG ONES - MUSIC MAKERS AND GREGS @4 FAMILY WORSHIP 

## FAMILY ACTIVITIES REPORT 

We have been blessed with the weekly music sessions that our Family Worker, Linda, offers on Thursday and Friday mornings. Up to March, this was held at St Gregory's Church centre, Seaton and St Michael's Church, Beer. From the middle of March, Linda, hosted them by ‘Zoom’ continuing throughout August, to give support and care for our families. At Easter time, the Fairtrade Eggs with the Easter story were delivered and then at the end of November, Linda delivered the Advent Calendars with the Christmas story. This important Outreach attracts to the 2 sessions about 20 families or more locally and nationally, as families of local families can join in by 'Zoom!' Technology has been incredible for connecting more people. In October, we even hosted a Family worship at Beer Church, with a Treasure Hunt, individual craft packs and worship. 

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19: 14) 

## Sharon Bruce 

## JULIAN MEETINGS 

In 2020 the Julian group only met physically twice before ‘Lockdown’. In January and February we met at Rev Chris Thacker’s home in Case Gardens which has a very comfortable ambience. Since then, | have emailed a programme for a Julian Contemplative Prayer time at home so that we have been able to pray together at the usual time and date of our meetings — the second Monday of each month at 7.30pm. | have delivered a ‘hard copy ‘to a member who does not have email. Tracey has also put the programme on our Coastal Benefice website. 

The programme gives the date and time for prayer, a suggestion to sit and relax before praying then a short reading followed by a time of silent contemplative prayer and ending with the collect of the week, the Lord’s Prayer and The Grace. | know that our ‘regular ‘group have appreciated this way of praying together. We find this regular commitment to meet together helps develop our concentration and prayer life. | have not done any research to evaluate any wider uptake of the prayer time — | might ask for feedback next month! We look forward to meeting together again when we are able. 

We only had £6.50 in donations before lockdown so | made this up to the £12 needed for our National Julian group membership which is due at the end of the year and added a personal donation. So, our balance at the end of the year was zero. 

The UK Julian website is www.thejulianmeetings.net where you can find more information about the meetings and contemplative prayer. Do have a look at it and consider joining us? You would be welcome. 

## Sue Price 

Reader 

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## LENT GROUPS 

Jeremy and Simon were planning to run a Lent Group last year but the lockdown in March prevented them from running. 

Sue Price 

## MESSY CHURCH 

No report due to the pandemic. 

Jo Bull OPEN THE BOOK No report due to the pandemic. 

Jo Bull 

## SEATON BRANCH MOTHERS UNION 

Nobody available to report as this branch is no longer running. 

TABLE TENNIS GROUP No report due to the pandemic. 

Jo Bull, on behalf of the Table-Tennis club 

## SEATON FOODBANK 

It has certainty been a very strange year normally we would start the year with low stocks of food after the previous Christmas rush, stocks would then build, and the numbers of people would steadily increase throughout the year. 

This year the flow of people and stocks of food has oscillated up and down between Covid 19 lock downs and the start-up of the community Hub, ReStore and the Save Food organisation at one point there was some five organisations giving out food in Seaton 

However, we have been blessed with lots of donation of both food stuff, personal and household hygiene necessities, and the financial donations which has left us in a healthy position. A big thank to the people of Seaton and the surrounding areas for their generosity 

The lock down situation has meant that for most of the year we were the only users of Number One in Harepath Road and so we will be paying the Community Church for the heating and lighting costs for the year. 

9 



This latest lock down has meant we are no longer having visiting clients and have gone over to an all-delivery situation again involving our volunteers in a lot more phone calls and paperwork 

In terms of numbers, we have given out some 17,896 meals during the year to 608 adults and 274 children. Some clients only visit once, some are referred for three or four weeks at a time. The peak times were at Easter and at Christmas when some 40 adults and children were helped through their food crisis in one particular week. 

We are now able to give out meat and veg vouchers more regularly. These are £5 for a single person and £10 for a family and over the past year these have amounted to some £820. Also, we have again be able to give out Advent Calendars and leaflets and all our clients in December received a Christmas Hamper to brighten their lives. 

Our client referrals are generated by several Voucher Partners including the East Devon District Council’s various departments, local churches, children’s groups including schools, GP surgeries, social workers and district Nurses which have amounted to over thirty-five different sources in the past year 

We have decided not to take on any further volunteers at the present, but we are still looking for another Duty Manager and a secretary. 

We are hoping and praying that next year will be easier and life will get back to normal, sometime. 

## Seaton Foodbank Team 

AXE VALLEY CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY - AVCAP REPORT Various Churches, organisations and individuals have offered financial commitment to this exciting new Support Centre for the Axe Valley including Seaton, Axminster, Kilmington and the parishes and villages in between. The aims include: a) The relief of poverty for persons in the United Kingdom and elsewhere who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress by reason of their social and/or economic circumstances, by providing and promoting advice and other services. b) The advancement of education of the public in all matters relating to the management of their personal finances. c) The advancement of the Christian faith. d) Raising awareness of debt, poverty and its causes in the UK and inspiring churches and individuals to partner with us. CAP is an international organisation that will support and oversee our local centre, which will be based in St Gregory's Church centre. 

Retired Vicar, Alison Finch, has offered to be the Centre Manager and will be interviewed early 2021, then undergo training in readiness for the Centre to open on the 1st of April 2021. Volunteers will be needed, and details will be available of the roles. Please pray for Alison and the Team and for the clients. If you want more information or want to make a donation, please contact Alison or Sharon. Sharon Bruce 

## ‘THE CHURCH BANK ’GARDENING GROUP 

No report received. 

10 



‘To know God and share the wonder of His love’ St Gregory's] Church Seaton 

# Annual Reports & Accounts SEATON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Registered Charity No: 1127403 

| 

for the year ending 31st December 2020 

## Coastal Benefice of Seaton & Beer 

Vicar: Vacancy 

The Church Office, Colyford Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2DF (01297) 23656 



## SEATON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 

## TRUSTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 

## Administrative information 

St Gregory’s Church is situated off the Colyford Road, Seaton. It is part of The Coastal Mission Community with the parish of Beer, in the Diocese of Exeter within the Church of England. Correspondence may be addressed to The Church Office, The Church Centre, Colyford Road, Seaton EX12 2DF. Telephone 01297 23656; email seatonchurch@hotmail.co.uk 

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission: The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Gregory’s Seaton — Reg Charity No: 1127403. 

## Background 

Seaton Parochial Church Council has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church: pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church and the Church Centre. Responsibility for the maintenance of the churchyard has devolved upon East Devon District Council. 

## Governance 

Members of the PCC are either ex officio, elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules, or co-opted by the PCC. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. 

During the year, the following served as members of the PCC: 

Incumbent and Chairman Revd. Jeremy Trew (from April 2007) Assistant Curate Rev'd Simon Hitchcock till 07.09.2020 Assistant Priest Rev'd Simon Hitchcock from 08.09.2020 Churchwarden 1. Mr David Bruce 2. Mr Ron Phillips Deanery Synod Representatives Mr Bruce Roberts Mrs Ann Roberts Treasurer Mrs Sharon Bruce (duties shared with Church Administrator and the PCC Finance Committee) 

## Secretary 

Mrs Linda Vieth 



## Other PCC Members 

Mr Alan Clark Mrs Ann Clark Mr David Dickinson Mr Peter Burrows Mrs Shirley Holder Mr David Mason Mrs Katie Mason Mr Stephen Page (The PCC is allowed up to 12 elected members, including those holding other offices, such as Treasurer) 

## Assistant Clergy 

The parish benefits from having the services of four retired clergy; Rev'd Canon Karen Curnock till August 2020, Rev'd Alison Finch, Rev’d Canon John Holder, and Rev'd Barry Wood. 

The parish also benefits from the service of Mrs Sue Price, Reader. 

## Church Activity Groups 

A number of organisations and volunteer teams operate within the church family, including: 

3-2-1 for Jesus Church Bank Working Party Bell Ringers Choir Church Cleaners Church Flower Arrangers Coffee Team Discussion Groups (Lent onwards) FREEdom Café Friends of St Gregory's Hand bell Ringers Julian Group Mothers’ Union Group Music Group Table Tennis Club Greg’s Music Makers Greg’s @4 Children’s Parties 

We also have contact with a number of outside organisations through members of our church family, including: 

Bible Society Christian Aid Christians Together in Seaton Messy Church Open the Book Seaton Foodbank 



## Committees 

The PCC meets in alternate months, six times a year. For certain aspects of the council’s business, there are sub-committees which meet when necessary to formulate recommendations that are brought to the full PCC. All other matters are dealt with directly by the PCC. However, due to the pandemic PCC meetings have been more challenging this year meeting over Zoom where possible. The PCC has also gathered at other times to discuss the continuing Pandemic and St Gregory's response to it. 

Finance Sub-Committee — oversees the financial management of St Gregory’s Church and encourages good financial stewardship. It comprises the Vicar, the Treasurer, Church Administrator, and one other member of the PCC and one other member of the Electoral Roll. 

Fabric Sub-Committee — A Quinquennial Inspection report was received in January 2018. This related to the church and churchyard. Responsibility for maintenance and development of the church lies with the PCC. Responsibility for maintenance of the churchyard lies with East Devon District Council. Works arising from the QI report have been categorized according to the various permissions required to address them. Some minor works have been undertaken and work on the roof of the Lady Chapel has been undertaken. He is also advising on some internal works and possibilities for a minor reordering. The aim of the reordering would be to increase visibility and space at the front of the nave, and to create a more adaptable space underneath the balcony. 

Health and Safety Sub-Committee - A health and safety policy is in place and regularly updated. 

Health and Safety has an agenda item at each PCC meeting. The committee is a minimum of the Health and Safety Officer and the Church Warden(s). 

Safeguarding - The PCC places a high priority on its responsibilities towards children and vulnerable adults. It ensures that all those working with these groups undergo appropriate checks. Safeguarding has an agenda item at each PCC meeting. The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). 

Pastoral Committee — undertakes to ensure that appropriate pastoral care is offered to members of the congregation and wider community. We provide home communion services and visits to individuals and local residential/nursing homes, but as with everything else this year the Pandemic has influenced this too. 

Other working parties or sub-committees are set up for particular projects as and when necessary. 

## Church membership 

The church electoral roll as reported at the 2020 Annual Parochial Church meeting stood at 76. Attendances at Sunday services have been hugely different this year due to the pandemic with St Gregory’s being closed for worship for a significant portion of the year. When services have been held the average attendance has been around 30. Online pre- recorded services have been made available, but it not easy to estimate viewing numbers. 



## Review of the Year 

- e Wewere informed that a leak in the Vestry roof had been repaired and work on the Lady Chapel would commence in February. Planning was also made for special events to be held across 2020. 

- e In March we heard details from the Axe Valley Churches on the CAP Project (Christians against poverty). The PCC agreed that meetings would be postponed but services would continue with social distancing within the Church. Coffee after the service would be cancelled and also Open the Book. 

- e The PCC regularly discussed the possible re-opening of St Gregory’s Church for worship and private prayer. As we navigated the various guidelines the Church buildings were opened in July for Baptisms, weddings and funerals with a maximum of 30 people. After this socially distanced services with the wearing of face masks took place and it was agreed in August to restart Holy Communion alternating with St. Michael’s Church Beer. 

- e Simon Hitchcock had formally completed his title post and was now Assistant Priest in this Benefice. Alison Finch had been retired but felt she would like to be Licensed to our Benefice. 

- e Tracey Voysey was Ordained Deacon in the Cathedral but because of restrictions still in place only a small congregation was allowed. Tracey continues to work for us. 

- e The Church then closed again for Worship in November for the second lockdown and prerecorded services remained our main way of worshipping together. These really uplifting services were filmed in different locations in beautiful Devon. 

- e In December the pandemic and government guideline dictated what our Christmas Worship could look like. Because of the cleaning/santising issues we held no live Christingle Service or Midnight Communion, just having worship on Christmas morning. 

To sum up this has been a very difficult year, but solutions have been found to overcome the challenges we faced. 

## Charity Commission 

The PCC has been registered as a charity with the Charity Commission since 07 January 2009. The current Charity Trustees are: 

## Rev'd Jeremy Trew 

Mr David Bruce 

Mrs Sharon Bruce Mr Alan Clark 

Mrs Ann Clark 

Rev'd Simon Hitchcock Mr David Dickinson Mr Adrian Sellick Mrs Shirley Holder Mr David Mason 



Mrs Katherine Mason 

Mr Ron Phillips Mr Stephen Page Mr Peter Burrows 

## Financial Review 

The PCC determined to pay its Common Fund request in full in 2020 when it set the budget in 2019. However, the PCC was not able to fulfil the full request. 

## Reserves policy 

It is the policy of the PCC to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds (if possible), which equates to approximately three months’ unrestricted payments, to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time. In generz . it is our policy to invest our funds balances with the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund. 

## Public Benefit 

The Trustees consider they have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 and have paid due regard to the guidance published by the Charities Commission with regard to the public benefit which the charity provides throughout Britain. Our aims make it clear that the church is to be actively involved in the community in which it is situated. We provide a place of worship that is open for all to attend and clearly advertise our weekly worship services. We understand that to be an effective Christian witness our existence is not only for the benefit of the church attendees, but for the community as a whole. 

We look forward to 2021 in faith and hope. 


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Signed: Mr David Bruce Churchwarden 

Approved by the PCC on Monday 22” March 2021 and signed on its behalf by Mr D Bruce (chairman) 



# SEATON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 

## FINANCIAL REPORTS 

YEAR ENDED 31°! DECEMBER 2020 



## Seaton Parochial Church Council Receipts and Payments account For the year ended 31st December 2020 


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|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Unrestricted|Designated|Restricted|Total|Total|
|Funds|Fund|Funds|2020|2019|
|Incoming Resources|£|£|£|£|
|Voluntary Income|
|Planned Giving|22,205|1,020|23,225|22,052|
|Collections,|donations and other givin:|7,064|610|7,674|9,167|
|Income Tax Recovered|6,046|6,046|7,088|
|Legacies|42|42|29,787|
|Activitiesfor generating funds|
|Magazine/Bookstall|sales/Hall lettings|1,868|1,868|3,647|
|Income from Other Properties|799|799|799|
|Annual fete/events|65|601|666|828|
|Investment|Income|
|Dividends &|Interest|4,343|4,343|4,959|
|Income from charitable|activities|
|Parochial Fees|3,974|3,974|7,031|
|Other Incoming|resources|
|Insurance|claims|0|0|0|
|Gain on disposal of|fixed asset|0|0|0|
|Loans|received in year|0|0|0|
|Other|2,844|2,844|3,669|
|Total Incoming resources|49,250|0|2,231|51,481|89,027|
|Resources|Expended|
|Church|Activities|
|Donations/Grants|to|charities|20|20|1,670|
|Mission& Evangclism|1,403|1,403|1,305|
|Parish|Share|39,905|39,905|54,029|
|Clergy expenses|1,849|1,849|1,875|
|Church running expenses|2,885|2,885|7,099|
|Churchyard maintenance|0|0|0|
|Cost of raising|funds|2,211|2,211|3,787|
|Support Costs|240|240|763|
|Administration costs|13,790|13,790|16,692|
|Accountancy fees|125|125|125|
|Other|3,988|3,988|2,602|
|Governance Costs|0|0|0|
|Major Expenditure|
|Repairs|to church buildings|18,208|18,208|1,879|
|Repairs|to other property|340|340|0|
|Parochial Fees|remitted|0|0|0|
|Total|resources expended|84,964|0|0|$4,964|91,826|
|Net income/(expenditure)|for the year|(35,714)|0|2,231|(33,483)|(2,800)|
|Gain/(Loss) on Investment|Assets|(5,901)|(5,901)|16,946|
|Loans repaid in Year|0|0|0|
|Transfer|Between|Funds|O°|0°|0|0°|0|
|Balance duc to DBF|(357)|(357)|(558)|
|Net Movements|in funds|(36,071)|0|(3,670)|(39,741)|13,589|
|Accumulated finds|at the start of the year|66,008|0|129,947|195,955|182,366|
|Accumulated|funds|at the end ofthe year|£29,937|£0|126,277|£156,214|£195,955|

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## Seaton Parochial Church Council Statement of Assets and Liabilities As at 31st December 2020 


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||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total|
|2020|2019|
|£|£|
|Investment|Assets|
|CBF Income|Units|0|60,318|60,318|56,422|
|M&G Charifund Units|0|46,675|46,675|56,473|
|0:|106,993:|106:993-__1:12.894-|
|Monetary Assets|
|Lloyds|Current Account|3,691|340|4,031|9,946|
|CAF Bank Current Account|22,737|0|22,737|2,570|
|CAF Bank Deposit Account|0|0|0|2,006|
|CBF Deposit May Smith|0°|0°|0|3,644|
|CBF Deposit Graves Fund|0|0|0|4,801|
|Shorebrook|Savings|Account|16,553|0|16,553|51,206|
|Friends of St Gregorys Church|0|5,901|5,901|8,887|
|42,980|6,241|49,222|83,060|
|Accumulated funds|at the end|of|the year|156,214|195,955|
|Other Assets|
|Income Tax Claim:|690:|690:|1,208|
|Beer PCC|- Copying|0|0|1,066|
|Photocopier|Overcharge|0|0|750|
|Feed|in Tarrif|0|0|66|
|Invoices|Outstanding|13|13|0|
|Liabilities.|
|G Hall|- Boiler Repair|0|0|850|
|Parochial|Fees|1,774|1,774|0|
|Governance|125|125|125|
|British Gas|150|150|0|
|Contingent|Liabilities|
|Donations to|Charities|0|1,500|1,500|
|Parish Share|46,646|43,907|43,907|

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These accounts were approved by the Seaton Parochial Church Council on 22nd March 2021 and were<br>signedon their behalfby : , euct & ; .<br>ADS Awan SKuce ) ANN Kens \yen<br>_\SaSignature crn etn<br>Page<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




Seaton Parochial Church Council Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year ended 31 December 2020 

1. Accounting Policies (a) Basis of Accounting 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2008, together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP 2005. 

## (b) Income 

The accounts have been prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis. 

2, Fixed Assets 

## No value is ascribed to the following:- 

The Church of St Gregory and its contents The Churchyard The Vicarage The Church Hall and contents 

The reasons for this are as follows:- 

The Church and Churchyard are "consecrated” property and the vicarage is a benefice property. These properties are regarded as "inalienable" and are excluded from PCC accounts in compliance with the Charities Act 2011. 

The contents of the Church are also to be treated as inalienable assets, in accordance with the CGB guidance (para 5.4)and are also excluded. 

The Church Hall is a leasehold property and is legally vested in the Exeter Diocesan Board of Finance Limited as Custodian Trustee. The lease is for a term of 1000 years running from 1826 and its terms would be breached if the use of the hall for Sunday school purposes were to cease. Although the hall is not consecrated property, it is a dedicated building, and so bound up with the worship, mission and ministry of the Church, that it is unthinkable that the Church could operate without it. It is therefore appropriate and legitimate to treat it for accounting purposes as an inalienable asset in the same was as consecrated property. 

The values of the contents of the Hall are regarded as insufficiently material to include in the accounts. 

3. Funds 

Unrestricted Funds may be used by the PCC for any if its ordinary purposes. The movement in the funds are shown in the Receipts and Payments account. 

Designated funds represent sums set aside, out of ordinary unrestricted funds, for specific designated purposes, but they can be transferred back into general funds at any time. 


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Restricted funds are those funds which must be spent on restricted purposes for which they were given. In this Financial Statement any Expendable Endowments are included in this category. 

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Seaton Parochial Church Council Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year ended 31 December 2020 (continued) 

The CBF Deposit May Smith Account, CBF Income Units and M&G Charifund units, for the residue of a bequest by May Smith in 1983. Any interest or dividends from these investments are unrestricted, the capital proceeds are designated as Expendable Endowments with use restricted "for the maintenance and upkeep and benefit in general ofthe Church and associated buildings and land" 

The Graves Trust is held in one CBF deposit account and is designated as an Expendable Endowment, the interest being retained within the account. Its use is "for the upkeep of the Church generally" although the main aim is the upkeep of five specific graves. 

Quoted investments are valued at bid prices at 31 December 2020. 

## 4. Employees 

In 2020 the PCC employed five persons part-time throughiout the year - a Church Administrator, a hall cleaner, an organist, a verger and a choir master. The total remuneration of all employees in 2020 was £10,520. 

5. Separate funds held by church organisations 


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|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Opening|Balance|Receipts|Payments|Closing|Balance|
|to Pcc|to Other|2020|2019|
|£|£|
|Church Flower Arrangers|34.91|50.00|0.00|18.90|66.01|34.91|
|The Table Tennis|Club|41.90|52.73|0.00|0.00|94.63|41.90|
|Handbell|Ringers|283.47|0.00|0.00|0.00|283.47|283.47|
|Coffee Team|18.28|173.23|191.51|0.00|0.00|18.28|
|Julian Group|0.00|24.00|0.00|24.00|0.00|0.00|
|Total funds not incorporated|in the PCC accounts|444.11|378.56|

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6. Separate funds not included in Receipts and Payments account 


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||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Opening|Balance|Receipts|Payments|Closing|Balance|
|to Pcc|to Other|2020|2019|
|FREEdom Café|578.16|461.10|30.00|719.91|289.35|578.16|

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## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO SEATON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL ST GREGORY’S CHURCH, SEATON — REG. CHARITY NO: 1127403 

1 report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2020, which are set out on pages to. 

## Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner 

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. 

It is my responsibility to: 

- e examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; e to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charities Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and 

- e to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## Basis of the independent examiner’s report 

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. 

Independent examiner’s statement 

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements 

- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and 

- ¢ +o prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or 

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

WAYNE COOK FMaat, CIMA Ady Dip MA, AATQB Wayne’s World of Accountancy 14 Mead Way Seaton, Devon, EX12 2NR 

DATED 23" Feb 2021 

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