OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-12-31-accounts

----- Start of picture text -----
ST DENYS’ CHURCH SLEAFORD
----- End of picture text -----

Registered Charity Number 1127600

Annual Report and

Financial Statements

of the

Parochial Church Council

for the year ended 31 December 2023

Incumbent:

The Rev'd. Philip A Johnson

Independent Examiner: Mrs K Botley FCCA Duncan & Toplis Chartered Accountants 18 Northgate Sleaford

Bank: HSBC Bank Plc 88 Westgate Grantham

----- Start of picture text -----
F RESTON :
& cloBaL duncantoplis.co.uk DG ¥
----- End of picture text -----

The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Denys Sleaford Registered Charity number 1127600

Report for 2023

Parochial name St Denys, Sieaford Ecclesiastical parish Sleaford Location of church Market Place, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7SH Grid Reference TF 069459

Number on Electoral Roll reported in April 2023: 104 (April 2023: 99)

Number of Usual Sunday Attenders during 2023:

Attenders during 2023:
2023 2022
Young people under 16: 2 3
Adults over 16 60 52
(YouTube Channel views 15 15)
Total 62 55

Background The Parochial Church Council has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiasiical parish the whole mission of the Church, pasioral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, pursuant to the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. The presentation of this Report and of the Accounts seeks to meet the requirements of the Charity Commission. The PCC also has the responsibility for the care and maintenance of the Parish Centre, held by Lincoln Diocesan Trust & Board of Finance Limited on behalf of the PCC.

Membership Members of the PCC are either ex-officio, elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting or co-opted, in accordance with the Church Representation Rules; as such, they are charity trusiees.

The following people served as members of the PCC from the APCM held on 8" May 2023.

Ex-officio members: incumbent Revd. Philip A Johnson, MA, FIBMS

Churchwardens Mr. T Richard Clash Mr Philip J Starks (till 30 April 2023 Mrs Sarah Stentiford (from 30th April 2023)

Director of Music Mr. Lee Mitton-Rooke Deputy Churchwardens: Mr Terence E Regan (elected from the PCC) Mr Philip J Starks (from 30" April 2023)

Deanery Synod Representatives: (second year of a 3 year term):

Mrs. Brenda Hitchcock

Elected members (maximum of twelve):

Mr Douglas Agnew Mr Keith Bailey Mr Douglas C Hoare

1

Mrs Pamela Jakeway Mr Edward Jarvis Mr David J Marriage Mrs Minyon Prescott Ms Angela Rankin (till 30" April 2023) Mr Terence E Regan Mrs Beryl Risdell Mrs Alison Snookes (from 30" April 2023)

Members co-opted by the PCC: Hon Sec Wendy McConnell

PCC Officers: Chairman Revd Philip A Johnson, MA, FIBMS Hon Electoral Roll Officer Mrs. Angela Clash * Hon Secretary Mrs Wendy McConnell* (co-opted by PCC June 2023) Hon Treasurer Mrs. Brenda R Hitchcock *

*(non-members of the PCC)

Church Ministry and Local Ministry Team

The PCC continues to be appreciative of the contribution made to the worship and ministry at St Denys’s by the retired clergy, the Revd. Canon John Wickstead and the Revd David Bouile. Thanks were expressed io Mr Philip Starks for his years of service as Churchwarden and commencement of Assistant. Mrs Sarah Stentiford was welcomed in his place. At the end of 2023 the Authorised Lay Ministry Team comprised: Mrs. Beryl Risdell and Mr. Terry Regan.

----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Electoral|Roll|Officer's|Report|2023|2022| |Electors|at|start|of year|96|O5| |Electors|added|to|Roll|12|5| |Electors|removed|from|Roll|at own|request|(0)|(0)| |Deaths|(A)|(4)| |Electors|at|end|of year|104|96| |Corrected|figures|given|at APCM|30|April|2023|

----- End of picture text -----

The principal Matters dealt with/ Policy Decisions made by the PCC during 2023

The main focus has been TTCT (Time to Change Together) which has introduced extensive changes. St Denys has been designated as a Type 1 church, defined as “A large, fiourishing, confident church, strategically located to serve a significant population and act as a resource/hub for a wider catchment area within the Local Mission Partnership (LMP).

An ageing population and falling congregations means that the need for volunteers has increased, the burden of duty of caring for the church falls more heavily on the ChurchWardens (already volunteers), whilst it is probably fair to say that the emphasis of a vicar’s role is continuing to move towards being as much administrative as pastoral.

In January a review of Church Fees was carried out and the salaries of the Administrator and Organist reviewed and increased for the first time since Covid, Final settlement of the Chancel Liability by the Rauceby Estate was announced. Longstanding arrangements for pulpit swaps in the week of Christian Unity in January have continued with a Churches Together pulpit swap with Cpt Dawn Mcgarvey.

a

In March arrangements for services and celebratory lunch for the Coronation of The King and The Queen on Saturday 6th May 2023 were completed. A faculty submitted for fencing the boiler house area was under consideration by the DAC.

In June a report was received regarding the leaking Lady Chapel Roof and subsequent damage/rot to the floor and Mrs W McConnell was co-opted as Hon Secretary. Approval given for production and sale of a Christmas Card with possibility of further merchandising.

In September following experimeniation with service times, the 8.30am service was stopped because of a lack of attendees. The review of Safeguarding policies was accepted and implemented and the safeguarding dashboard updated. Many of the PCC members have already undertaken the course at the appropriate level (basic for PCC members, advanced for Churchwardens). DBS checks are done concurrently with the course. The faculty for fencing the boiler house was halted for a required planning application to be made. Vicar Revd Philip Johnson appointed Vicar Choral at Lincoln Cathedral.

In November, the PCC sought permission from the Bishop for the following Eucharistic Assistants, to administer the chalice in church and distribute home communion as directed by the parish priest: Terry Regan, Beryl Risdell, Sue Parsons, Cherie Renaud and Alison Snookes.

Use of the Church by Schools and others for community events in 2023

As the church continues to welcome the return of groups and events connected with the church prior to the pandemic, the increased use of the church buildings for concerts, fairs, etc has been helpful for fund raising and this will continue into 2024. The church notes that the opening of the big doors at the West end for events such as this years Riverlight Festival as well as regular and special events has been very beneficial. A number of concerts and other events took place including a sponsored walk around the church by the parent and toddler group, St Denys Bears NKDC, civic service, Armed Forces Day Service, Remembrance Sunday, Concerts by Sleaford Choral Society, Sleaford Concert Band, The Robert Carre Trust Mayors Concert, and Lincolnshire Music Services.

A lunchtime RAF concert a celebration of the work of William Byrd and a 150" Anniversary Concert for Ralph Vaughan Williams. We also participated in Sleaford Live and The Coronation was live streamed in church. Carol Services were hosted for Littke Gems Day Nursery, William Alvey, St Botolphs, St Georges, Carres Grammar School & Kesteven & Sleaford High School. We hosted Prize-givings for Carres and the High School, a special services to mark the Coronation and the District Scouts Parade.

Church buildings and contents, churchyard -

Church Terrier: No items have been added or removed during 2023

Inventory:

A new thurible has been purchased.

Church building:

During 2023 the following items were considered, researched or actioned.

3

Sound system: Following a speaker problem a review of the sound system was undertaken. Keystone who installed the system were invited to run through the more complex aspects of how the system is conirolled and this proved to be successful.

Chained Library It had been noted by the daughter in law of a Choir member who wasa librarian at St Georges Chapel Windsor that some mold was present on a 1670 Erasmus translation and she had advised the Vicar that advice be taken from Dr Nicholas Bennett DAC book adviser who carried out an inspection.

During the summer Dyno-Rod were contacted to unblock one of the external down pipes. They were able to unblock the debris which had built up over a long period.

Throughout the year various routine task have been undertaken: these include pest control, boiler servicing and electrical PAT testing.

Lady Chapel roof: Carre Heritage were invited to commence repair on the roof and work commenced in January 2024.

In the summer the solar panels were thoroughly cleaned to increase their efficiency,

At the end of the year all church guttering was cleared of debris.

During the year the Garden of Remembrance has been looked after under a new team, together with the flower beds in front of the main West Door entrance to the church.

Market Place: Following North Kesteven District Council’s (NKDC) decision to pedestrianise the Market Place the Churchwardens have actively campaigned against the original plans. As a result NKDC have revised some of their planning intentions and this matter is still ongoing.

An Electrical fire in the Vicar’s (Top) Vestry on 26th November caused damage to the floor and extensive smoke damage to the room and contents rendering it mainly unusable. The ongoing cleaning and repairs being carried out by the Insurers.

Churchyard:

Sleaford Town Council continue to manage the churchyard and many thanks must go to the small band of council staff who perform their duties with care. Plans for fencing the boiler house area are ongoing.

Church Wardens Thank you

At the APCM Sarah Stentiford was appointed as a new Churchwarden. This was following Philip Starks decision to stand down, but willing to be an Assistant Churchwarden.

During the year the Churchwardens aim is to make the building fit for purpose and have given unswerving support when there are concerts and various community activities. This support includes providing refreshments during any day-long activities, such as Sleaford Town Council's Christmas Fair and the Annual Town Crier competition.

We are delighted to offer our congratulations to our vicar, Rev'd Philip Johnson, who has been appointed Vicar Choral at the Lincoln Cathedrai as well as continuing in his existing role as Rural Dean of Lafford.

One of his first official duties was to attend the enthronement of the new Lord Bishop of Lincoln, Stephen D. Conway.

4

It goes without saying the Churchwardens are grateful to everyone who spend their time and skills in maintaining the church/parish and it is very much hoped these will continue during 2024. Thank you in anticipation!

Music

The report from our Director of Music (appointed RSCM team leader for Lincolnshire) follows:

2023 was a more ‘normal’ year for the choir at St Denys and we enjoyed the opportunities the year presented to us. The choir has benefitted from the regular attendance of both Ray and Fran and Peter has started to sing in the Tenor section, giving us a more quorate choir on a regular basis. The RSCM's new Sunday by Sunday online service means that music planning, choir management and orders of service are more easily and effectively put together and everyone is able to access our library through this service; we benefit from the RSCM membership each year and are grateful to the PCC for funding this.

January saw a second anthem Lee composed, this time taking words from Matthew's Gospel to celebrate Otto’s baptism; we also revisited James MacMillan’s excellent short baptismal anthem for this service and hope to be able to use it more frequently in the future. There was a joint service at Lincoin Cathedral for us to enjoy in February where familiar and less familiar music was sung by over 70 singers under the direction of Aric Prentice; this is definitely a memorable day for us and we hope to be able to sing at the cathedral again soon. Our Compline services in Holy Week, new anthem for Maundy Thursday which we will use again in 2024 and the anthem on Easter 2 stick in my mind as some really high successes from 2023 — our thanks io our visiting organists and singers during this time which made these anthems possible. We resumed normal service in May and June, being able to Sing for the King as part of the Churches Together service before the Archdeacon’s visitation in July; he was very complimentary about the music in our Parish Church and has said we rank amongst the best in the Diocese — high praise indeed! The summer and autumn months gave us the opportunity to embed our work on hymns, psalm singing, anthems and motets before preparing for a Christmas which saw our Carol Service happen on a Saturday afternoon; our thanks to Rosemary for accompanying us at this service again and giving us the chance to bring some old favorite to the fore.

We also held another 3 concerts to raise money towards the cost of the renovation of the Chancel Organ. These were well supported by the congregation and choir and we now have £1,000 saved towards these costs which we anticipate to be in the region of £150,000. More opportunities to support this work will follow in the new year. As ever, the choir is grateful to the Churchwardens, Paula and Rev'd Philip for their support of the projects they want to be involved in throughout the year, and we look forward to 2024 and all that it will bring, including some more fundraising events for the work on the Chancel Organ to be able to take place. We would like to encourage anyone who enjoys singing to consider joining us; if you know of someone who would be willing to consider it, please do ask them to get in touch.

Financial Activities

SLEAFORD PARISH CHURCH RESERVES POLICY following the review by the Finance Committee on 28" November 2022 the policy remains as follows:It is the policy of St Denys 's Parochial Church Council to hold in reserves the equivalent of 12 months running costs from the General Purposes Fund (£95000) and a further £50000 from the Fabric Fund for Insurance and Emergency repairs.

In February 2019 the PCC entered into an agreement with Mrs Gilliam Hoare of Rauceby Estate to compound the Chancel Liability for the sum of £103,050.91, Mrs Hoare unfortunately passed

5

away before this could be completed and the landowners completed the matter in January 2023 with an additional consideration of £11,335.60.The total sum of £114,386.51 was sent to the Diocesan Trust to set up a new Sleaford Chancel Trust Fund which has been invested by them in a CBF Investment account with the quarterly dividends accruing.

Collections and donations have risen from the previous year and the planned giving scheme benefited from four new regular contributors with only one loss. The PCC pledged share of £20,000 was paid but no extra was available due to a shortfall.

The HSBC internet banking has been working well to reduce the charges but since the closure of the local branch in June 2023 all cash is now paid in at the post office and cheque receipts forwarded in special envelopes. Due to these changes and the bank charges incurred it was resolved in April 2023 that all funeral collections unless they were for the church should be dealt with solely by the undertakers.

There was one legacy received during the year, of £2000 for major work, some of which has been spent on replacement of spotlights at the front of the nave.

Solar Panel income of £4516 was received for the power generated for the national grid, a further increase on the previous year.

There has been good use of the Parish Centre with more use of the Peake room for courses etc. However, due to a problem with a new electricity contract and possible faulty meter issues the running expenses have contributed significantly to the overall shortfall. Fund raising activities are still under consideration, but a successful Harvest lunch was held together with opening the church for refreshments during town events with the addition stalls for the Christmas Market. 500 copies of an original Christmas card of the Church painted and produced by Minyon Prescott all sold out. It is hoped further such merchandising will continue.

The Parish Administrator and the Director of Music have continued in post and received salary increases from 1% January 2023. A local company continues to administer the payroll and the workplace pension, put in place from ist April 2017 of which there is currently one member.

The PCC investments in the CBF funds and the funds managed by Wren had all increase at the end of the year giving a gain in value of £34801 against a loss of £57,010 in 2022. During November the CCLA that hold the Trust Funds and Deposit accounts changed providers which caused year end figures to be significantly delayed and also altered the date of quarterly Interest. Due to the increase in interest rates generally the interest received from the HSBC and CBF deposit account has increased on last year.

Approximately £13,000 has been needed from reserves mainly to pay for the permanent live streaming facility and to cover the increased electricity costs of the Parish Centre due to a problem with the meter on change of providers at the end of 2022. A refund was received from the previous supplier but the meter would appear to be faulty.

During the year Two Counters each week have continued counting and banking the church collections to include the adaptions needed for attending the Post Office following the bank’s closure. All funeral fee bills are paid to the Diocese who then remit them direct to our account for distribution as necessary by the Treasurer. We continue to collect wedding fees and account to the Diocese monthly. Retired Clergy and Readers claim their fees direct from the Diocese.

The following groups, which are connected with the church, held funds at the 31st December 2023

6

2023 2022
Choir/Music £1110 £516
Bellringers £3139 £2994

On Behalf of the PCC 11th April 2024

ee hs A eS Philip Johnson (Chairman)

d

----- Start of picture text -----
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
from
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total funds paeyear
funds funds funds
tothe nearest £ to the nearest£ to the nearest£ to the nearest£ to the nearest£
A1 Receipts
Grants | jp 44,714 |
esee | | [1,465] |
KChurchroomTP | 8149
investments CECT | a PoCCd14520] | 15,190 |
P|Sub || ee|:| 2ee| | ee
total (Gross income for 87,840 8,169 96,008 94,207
AR)
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
oninvestment
Gain |
eeee eee |
Subtotai[_—|
A3 Payments
a | [46,326]
[Costs[Govermancecostsvoluntaryincome of generating [| S| [dT PCsSCTTCTCTCCdIYTTTTTTCTCTCCdCTTTCS i | [32,208] +S||
[Administration costs SSS]| SSCs] |PC CTCP=«dCs| | [(10,5]
lOtherexpenditure Pt Ps|
ee ee
esee es) lll
i CS T—Ee |=
Sub total] _ 00,276] aay
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
aSub totai|__| ae |
Net of receipts/(payments) [= 12.437 a |CE |Ce)
A5STransfersbetweenfunds [|-| CTC|
AG Cash funds last year end 40,785 26,7644, ed 70,090
Cash funds this year end 28,348 2r3cc) || 55,706 87,549
----- End of picture text -----

8

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted Restricted Endowment tego Details funds funds funds to nearest £ to nearest£ to nearest£ ee | ed | Fan] Total cash funds Pazaae|[___27as6|[__—~d| ae] {agree balances with receipts and payments accouni(s)) Unrestricted Restricted Endowment funds funds funds Betaiis to nearest£ to nearest£ to nearest £ _ — Details Fundasset to belongs which Costtonusnalost (optional) Currentoptionalvalue =——— i Details Fundasset tobelongs which Costtonest (op t ionaona l ) Currentoptional value B4 Assets retained for the i CI P| - —=Details; =liabilityFund torelateswhich Amountoptionaldue =Whenoptionaldue Signed by one or two trustees on 7 , Date of behalf of ail the trustees Signaturea Print Name approval SSGTF— lee SiPA. STENTIORD=Jeune 1h sts

9

Gi)E CHARITY COMMISSION | Independent examiner's' report

Section A

Independent Examiner's Report

Report to the trustees/ |[THE][PAROCHIAL][CHURCH][COUNCIL][OF][ THE][ECCLESIASTICAL] members of |PARISH OF ST DENYS NEW SLEAFORD

----- Start of picture text -----
On accounts for the year | 31 DECEMBER 2023 Charity no | 1127600
ended
Set out on pages
EIGHT AND NINE
| report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/12/2023.
Responsibilities and As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the
basis of report accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act’).
| report in respect of my examination of the Trusi’s accounts carried out
under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, |
have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission
under section 145(5}(b} of the Act.
----- End of picture text -----

| have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

----- Start of picture text -----
——"
Name: | KAY BOTLEY
Relevant professional |FCCA
qualification(s) or body
{if any):
Address: | 18 NORTHGATE
SLEAFORD
LINCOLNSHIRE NG34 7BJ
----- End of picture text -----

10