The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Axminster Incorporating Holy Cross Church, Woodbury Lane
Registered Charity No: 1127655
Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council
for the year ended 31[st] December 2022
Rector:
The Reverend Clive Sedgewick The Rectory, Church Street, Axminster EX13 5AQ
Bankers:
CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ
Independent Examiner:
Sharon Smith, 16 Ilex Close, Exeter, EX4 9JZ.
Our website : www.axevmc.com
The Parochial Church Council of St. Mary the Virgin, Axminster
Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2022
Aim and Purpose
St. Mary the Virgin’s Parochial Church Council (the PCC) incorporating Holy Cross Church, Woodbury, has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent, the Reverend Clive Sedgewick, in promoting the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. As well as the church itself, which is a grade II* Listed Building, the PCC is also responsible for the Church Room between the church and the Rectory together with the church building known as Holy Cross Church in Woodbury Lane, Axminster although their day-to-day running is governed by its own separate Committee.
Objectives and Activities
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church, and to become part of our parish family. When planning our activities, the PCC has considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, and in particular the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. We try to enable people to live out their faith as part of our parish family through:
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Worship and prayer: Learning about the Gospel and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus.
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Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish.
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Mission and outreach work.
To facilitate this work, it is vital that we maintain the fabric of both the church and the church room.
Achievements and Performance
During 2022 the Minster Church worked hard to recover and rebuild from the issues created by the covid-19 pandemic and to meet the challenges of the rise in fuel and heating costs and the cost of living issues faced by everyone in the community.
The impact of covid restrictions and protection of the most vulnerable reduced our regular congregational numbers during 2022. Pre-pandemic we regularly enjoyed average congregations of above 40. However, over the last two years a significant number of those who supported the Minster over the years have died, become less firm and struggle to attend and have moved away from the area. We have been pleased to welcome new members to the church but sadly, not to the same extent as we have lost them. During 2022 congregational numbers generally averaged 34. In spite of our reduced attendance, we have seen the Minster continue to flourish financially and for this we are grateful to all who continue to support the work of the church and PCC.
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We were pleased to return to a full year of weekly services and activities in 2022. We were able to offer a 10.30 service every Sunday apart from those ‘fifth Sundays’ of the month where we joined with the other churches of the Axe Valley Mission Community (AVMC) to celebrate team communion services.
In an attempt to attract and serve families and new members we introduced a service of ‘Morning Worship’ on the second Sunday of each month instead of the Holy Communion Service. Rev’d Shuna George led on this initiative along with others. The services did not attract many new people and we did lose some of the regular attenders on those Sundays though overall we saw numbers growing a little by the end of the year.
The ‘Focal Ministers’ for the Minster remained Rev’d Clive Sedgewick, Rector; Rev’d Shuna George, Associate Priest and Su Clark, Licensed Reader. The ‘focal ministry’ approach introduced at the end of 2021 has continued and people at the Minster were very secure with their focal minister relationships. This system will continue to develop but is quite secure in Axminster.
In the autumn the Minster returned to the ‘shared chalice’ for Holy Communion. Due to the Covid risk assessments priestly intinction had been the method of sharing communion but along with many churches the return to the chalice was welcomed by many and the Minster was encouraged to do so. (Holy Cross chose to retain communion by priestly intinction for the present).
During the year the Minster electoral roll stood at 56 (Holy Cross 31) with the PCC total 87.
The provision of the weekly news sheet, ‘Pews News’, continued to be a positive vehicle of communication and to be a good link for all eight of our churches to share and receive information. During the year Louise Collard, AVMC Administrator, continued to improve and develop this important publication and to distribute it electronically and in physical format.
2022 saw the establishment of a very successful ‘Stay and Play’ group for toddlers and carers on Wednesday mornings. Led by Rev’d Shuna and her team, we regularly saw 20+ toddlers and similar numbers of adult carers enjoying friendship, play and discussion in church. Over the year more than 40 children and 35 adults joined in these very successful sessions. It was very clear that the group were meeting an important need within the community.
It was a joy to see many of these children and families take part in our Christingle Service in Advent – and again thanks go to Rev’d Shuna for her organisation and for building up strong relationships to bring about this success.
We remain very grateful to all who worked with PCC, church and wider community during the year. Their efforts, care and commitment are much appreciated during another challenging year.
We are pleased that the fortnightly Bible Study group continued to meet in the Church Rooms throughout the year. Numbers increased significantly and were frequently in double figures. It is good to see the focus that we have upon study and the understanding of scripture. Our thanks continue go to Dr. Sugen Govender for his leadership, vision and commitment here.
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The 9.00am ‘Breakfast Together Service’ on the first Sunday continued through the year and offered an informal opportunity for prayer and worship before the main service at 10.30.
2022 included significant ‘Civic’ events and services. In particular we enjoyed an exceptional Platinum Jubilee for the Queen with two hundred or so joining the service in the Minster followed by a ‘cream tea’ in the Guildhall. Thanks go particularly to Mervyn and Jacqui Symes for all their work in making this a wonderful community success.
Sadly, we also commemorated the death of the Queen and again the support, involvement, and contributions from all in the community were wonderful at a time of national mourning. The Minster was open throughout the official period of mourning with a book of condolences. This book, with hundreds of signatures and messages has been lodged with the Devon Archives and records the sense of loss felt by all.
The Remembrance Sunday service led by the Royal British Legion beside the War Memorial on the Minster Green was particularly well attended with 300+ people and was a fine tribute to the fallen and all who serve.
Mission and Evangelism
Besides the very successful ‘Stay and Play’ toddler group we were able to offer a full season of Thursday lunchtime concerts again in 2022. We were able to hold 26 concerts in the Minster. Numbers attending were not up to pre-pandemic levels but were significantly improved on the half season of 2021. The decision was taken not to serve food or refreshments at concerts which greatly reduced the work for the wonderful team of volunteers who made the concerts possible and this did not appear to impact negatively on the donations received with over £3000 raised. Our thanks go to all the artists who gave their time and skills, and to all who worked so hard to organise and arrange the season.
We were able to hold the Minster Christmas Tree Festival in 2022 and it brought such joy to so many. Again, many visitors came for the Festival and some wonderful conversations were held. Our thanks go to Mervyn & Jacqui Symes for making the event happen and for their generosity throughout, and to all who volunteered and provided the trees. It was a joy to have such a sense of the purpose of the season during the Christmas period.
The Christingle was well supported, and a donation made to the ‘Children’s Society’.
Carol singing on the Minster Green on Market Day just before Christmas was much appreciated, well supported and reported on television with filming taking place outside the Minster.
Volunteers
During 2022 we very much appreciated our many voluntary activities and the work of individuals which maintained the life of the church. We record our thanks to all who contributed to the life of the church in any way during 2022.
Deanery Synod Deanery Synod three met times in 2022.
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Jean Ray and Nicola Russell were the PCC Deanery Synod Reps.
Church Fabric
The new energy efficient lighting fitted in the autumn 2021 was completed in February 2022. The new lighting has been transformational and brightens up the whole church.
The Fabric Committee drew up a response and maintenance programme following the receipt of the 2021 Quinquennial Inspection Report, and this is being delivered in a phased programme.
Safeguarding Report
As a PCC we remain committed to the statement:
“The PCC has and will continue to comply with the duty to have due regard to the House of Bishop’s Guidance on Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults as set out under S5 of the Safeguarding &Clergy Discipline Measure 2016”.
During 2022 there were no reported incidents of a safeguarding nature.
Structure, Governance and Management
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The council comprises the Incumbent, the Churchwardens, a representative of the Readers, those elected to the Deanery Synod, and other members who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, by those on the Electoral Roll including representatives of Holy Cross. Members of the congregation are always encouraged to join the Electoral Roll, and to stand for election to the PCC. The PCC members are responsible for making the decisions on all matters of general concern and importance in the parish, and for all financial matters. The full PCC met six times during the year.
The Minster Church
Financial Review
Total receipts for the year totalled £118,642. This was made up of payments into the unrestricted General fund totalled £110,507, Designated fund totalled £3721 and the receipts to the Restricted fund totalled £4,412. Payments into the General Fund were up £14,963 from the previous year. Payments out of this General fund totalled £66,830 which is a decrease of £8,322 on the previous year. This was due to limited further expenditure relating to the re-ordering work and completion of the lighting project. This leaves an excess of receipts over payments in the General fund of £30,105. The expenditure from Designated funds and Restricted funds totalled £1,342. The leaves a total excess of Income over Expenditure of £43,677.
Income from tax efficient planned giving at £15,286 was up £1,455 on the previous year. We are extremely grateful that our many of our regular donors were able to maintain their giving despite the other financial pressures they may have been under. Collections at services £3,594 had increased by £723, a slow but positive move in the right direction.
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We were able to fully pay our Common Fund commitment of £37,44. The Minster paying £25,012 and £12,429 being paid by Holy Cross Church. All other financial commitments were paid in full.
A Gift Aid claim for Quarter 4 of 2022 totalling £6,321.44 will be made in January 2023.
Reserves Policy
The PCC has resolved to maintain a balance on our General (unrestricted) Fund which equates to at least three months’ unrestricted payments (approximately £16,000). Over the year, the average balance of the General Fund has been considerably over this figure. There are substantial reserves for the upkeep of the Church buildings.
This year’s General fund surplus of £43,677 and brought forward General funds now total £59,847. Designated funds total £40,966 and Restricted funds total £14,374. A total of £115,118.
A designated amount of £8,460 remains towards repairs identified in a previous Quinquennial Report. A budget of £25,000 was previously agreed for work on the wall paintings to preserve and display them of which £22,332 remains.
Our major challenge is to greatly increase the amount of money we receive from planned giving during the forthcoming year, so that we can more easily budget our expenditure and pay our way in the knowledge that we have sufficient regular funds coming in. We have many givers who already donate through standing order. We have also now registered with the Parish Giving scheme to offer an additional, easy process of regular giving. To enable easier ways to give, we have also purchased a card reader so that card and contactless donations can be accepted in the Minster.
Holy Cross Church - Review of 2022
Aim and Purpose
Holy Cross is one of eight churches in the Axe Valley Mission Community (AVMC). It is situated in Woodbury Lane, Axminster and comes under the auspices of The Minster PCC, although the day to day running and upkeep of the church are governed by its own separate committee.
Holy Cross has a gathered congregation from the town and surrounding villages including Raymonds Hill, Charmouth and Lyme Regis.
Achievements and Performance
Worship and Prayer
Holy Cross held 49 weekly services in 2022 with an average of 25 attendees. There has been an increase in the numbers attending, especially during the second half of the year. Our electoral roll stands at 31.
The Church was closed for one week in January to complete repairs on the floor following the October 2021 flood.
Since July, Evensong has been introduced where there is a fifth Sunday in the month and these services have been well attended.
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Three funerals took place, two of them for longstanding members of the congregation and we were delighted to have four baptisms.
Holy Cross Headlines, our email group has grown again and keeps everyone in touch with our own news as well as AVMC events.
Church Fabric
The insurance claim from the October 2021 flood was finalised and the repairs to the floor completed. The Quinquennial Inspection took place, along with the five-year electrical testing and required updates were made.
New LED lighting was installed, a small contribution to the Church of England carbon net zero 2030 initiative. Half of the cost was paid by a generous legacy from a former member of the congregation.
Mission and Evangelism
Holy Cross has a long-standing relationship with our neighbours Woodbury Hall, and it was good to be able to hold several fellowship events there this year. This included a “Welcome Back” Tea Party in March, and Platinum Jubilee Celebration in June.
A Harvest Celebration was held in September to raise funds, by serving lunches and teas from the Hall and holding a Songs of Praise in Church on the Sunday.
A Memorial Service was held in October to remember those who have been part of the Holy Cross community over the years, and it was lovely to welcome back some of their families.
Our annual Carol Service took place in December with over 50 people enjoying mulled wine and food after the service.
Financial Review (2021 figures in brackets)
General income for the year was £22,682 (2021: £19,467) and expenditure £21,553 (2021: £19,182) giving a surplus for the year of £1,129 (2021: £285).
Thanks to everyone generously maintaining their giving and our Harvest fundraiser, all commitments including £12,429 contribution to the Axminster Parish common fund, were paid in full.
Charitable donations of £685 were made to the DEC appeals for Ukraine and the floods in Pakistan.
A donation of £1,000 was made to Woodbury Hall towards car park repairs.
A total of £11,878 was spent on repairs and maintenance, the quinquennial inspection and five-year electrical inspection.
We end the year with funds significantly reduced, however we have completed major repairs and maintenance and met all our commitments.
Fund balances carried forward are £7,655 (2021: £7,099) in general funds, and £790 (2021: £6,562) in restricted funds, giving a total of £8,445 (2021:£13,661).
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Administrative Information
St Mary the Virgin (Minster Church) is situated in the centre of Axminster and is in the Honiton deanery in the Diocese of Exeter. The correspondence address is The Rectory, Church Street, Axminster EX13 5AQ. The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, and the Church Representation Rules 2006) and a Registered Charity No.1127655
PCC Members who have served from the 1[st] January 2022 until the date this report was approved are:
Ex Officio
The Incumbent The Rev’d Clive Sedgewick - Chair Curate Rev’d Tracey Voysey Licensed Minister Rev’d Shuna George Reader Ms Su Clark Churchwardens Mrs Jean Ray Mrs Amanda Loveridge Deanery Synod reps Miss Nicola Russell (Holy Cross) Mrs Jean Ray Safeguarding Officer Ms Su Clark (until July 2022) Rev’d Tracey Voysey (from July 2022) Minute Secretary Mrs Jennifer Pyle Elected Members From 5[th] May 2022 Mrs Emily Govender Dr Sugendran Govender Mrs Pamela Macfarlane (Holy Cross Rep) Mrs Jennifer Pyle - Minute Secretary Miss Nicola Russell (Holy Cross Rep) Mr Peter Parshall Mr Peter Simpson (until September 2022) Mrs Jacqui Symes (until 20[th] July 2022) Mr Mervyn Symes (until 20[th] July 2022) Mrs Margaret Peirce (from 21[st] September 2022)
Treasurer to the PCC Mrs Melissa Kirkby
Approved by the PCC on 16[th] March 2023 and signed on its behalf by
Rev’d Clive Sedgewick Chair
…………………………………………………..
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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examlnerfs report on the accounts Indppendent Ex?Ininer s Report Th• P•tsh Chjth rf St Mwythe Viw, Axniniw Ch•rfty no (tt• 1127655 5-11 r•spon•lbMlll•s of The chwity'$biAtees w#l¢rthat 4$ requireAI forthl$ ye Int0•S and •xafflln•r under 144 clthe char85 Ad 2011 {th• Chartses Adl and that an li is my (•8p>vikn"My to.. ChaiFty CorTmSSK¥) lurthr 8&1ion 145(SXbl the Ch•its•• Art •nd aDj)wln9 k•0 trjf the ¢wty •rvJ a C¢nwris dth• K£¢un do th• that wu11 in and •NI fairf IfjNT, arxl th• rnFKYt 18 ITh111 to th08e 8•t (Mrt in the •xamlnofs •tatem•nt att•rkn to th•t in, •ny m•nol r•sp•¢l.' 8n•d: 4IllIcIO0s) or body Iit4nyi." Addr•M: 18 Ib•x Ck•. Exa*r, EX4 9JZ Page 9 of 12
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS FOR THE MINSTER AND HOLY CROSS
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Designated Restricted
General TOTAL TOTAL
Note fund fund fund 2022 2021
£ £ £ £ £
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS
RECEIPTS
Donations and legacies
Regular giving 1 106,414 0 1,641 108,055 102,253
Other voluntary receipts 2 13,030 0 2,830 15,860 12,610
Income from church activities 3 10,010 3,722 0 13,732 7,759
Other trading activities 4 3,465 0 493 3,958 1,780
Investments 5 271 0 0 271 7
Other receipts 6 0 0 6,336 6,336 0
Total receipts 133,190 3,722 11,300 148,212 124,409
PAYMENTS
Cost of raising funds 7 993 0 0 993 1,261
Church activities 8 100,963 2,696 11,878 115,537 109,360
Other costs 9 0 0 0 0 2,247
Total payments 101,956 2,696 11,878 116,530 112,868
Excess of receipts over payments 31,234 1,026 (578) 31,682 11,541
TRANSFERS
Transfers between funds (25,717) 21,197 4,520 0 0
Debtors - payments in advance (at 1 January) 0 0
Liabilities - Receipts in advance & agency accounts (at 1 january) 0 0
Liabilities - Receipts in advance & agency accounts 0 (4,216)
Excess of receipts over payments (after transfers) 5,517 22,223 3,942 31,682 7,325
Net movement in funds 19,089 9,371 4,738 33,198 7,325
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds at 1 January 48,413 31,595 10,423 90,431 82,028
Total funds at 31 December 67,502 40,966 15,161 123,629 90,431
----- End of picture text -----
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STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
| STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investments Monetary assets Bank current account (CAF) Bank current account (NatWest) Bank deposit account CAF/Natwest Petty cash Debtors Accounts Receivable Gift aid claim (for previous year) Refund of VAT Liabilities Accounts Payable Agency Accounts |
0 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 35,584 19,399 11,739 779 |
0 0 40,966 0 |
(2,130) 0 14,918 588 |
33,454 19,399 67,623 1,367 |
16,935 12,699 60,350 448 |
|
| 67,501 | 40,966 | 13,376 | 121,843 | 90,432 | |
| 0 6,247 0 |
0 0 0 |
0 75 0 |
0 6,322 0 |
0 0 0 |
|
| 6,247 | 0 | 75 | 6,322 | 0 | |
| 0 0 |
0 0 |
0 (1,788) |
0 (1,788) |
0 (4,216) |
|
| 0 | 0 | (1,788) | (1,788) | (4,216) |
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| 1. Regular giving Tax efficient planned giving Other planned giving Collections at services Other recurring donations Income tax recovered 2. Other voluntary receipts Grants Legacies Non-recurring donations and appeals 3. Income from church activities Statutory fees - weddings, funerals, etc. Gross income (Church magazine) Gross income (Letting of Church Buildings) Gross income (Fund raising activities) Adverts (Church magazine) 4. Other trading activities Trading Income 5. Income from investments Dividends Interest received Rent received 6. Other receipts Insurance claim and sale of equipment 0 7. Fund raising costs Costs of fund raising 8. Charitable activities Mission giving and donations Diocesan parish share Salary costs (verger, organist, choir, etc.) Clergy and staff expenses Church expenses: mission and evangelism Church running expenses Examination of annual accounts/Governance Church utility costs Expenses on parish magazine Cost of Trading Major repairs to the church building Major repairs to the church hall 9. Other costs Other payments |
24,121 1,800 8,139 49,500 22,854 106,414 6,926 0 6,104 13,030 3,972 0 1,125 4,913 0 10,010 3,465 3,465 0 271 0 271 0 0 0 993 993 |
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,035 2,687 0 3,722 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
1,155 0 0 0 486 1,641 1,510 500 820 2,830 0 0 0 0 0 0 493 493 0 0 0 0 6,336 0 6,336 0 0 |
25,277 1,544 4,321 51,738 19,373 102,253 5,054 275 7,281 12,610 2,481 0 842 4,436 0 7,759 1,780 1,780 0 7 0 7 0 0 0 1,261 1,261 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25,276 1,800 8,139 49,500 23,340 108,055 |
|||||
| 8,436 500 6,924 15,860 |
|||||
| 3,972 0 2,160 7,600 0 13,732 |
|||||
| 3,958 3,958 |
|||||
| 0 271 0 271 |
|||||
| 6,336 0 6,336 |
|||||
| 993 993 |
|||||
| 1,239 37,440 7,695 5,988 1,230 17,053 727 4,714 0 0 24,877 0 |
1,000 0 0 0 0 537 0 1,159 0 0 0 0 |
0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 11,858 0 |
1,038 36,437 5,995 6,436 327 11,967 953 3,150 0 47 43,010 0 |
||
| 2,239 37,440 7,695 5,988 1,230 17,610 727 5,873 0 0 36,735 0 |
|||||
| 100,963 | 2,696 | 11,878 | 115,537 | 109,360 | |
| 0 0 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
0 | 2,247 0 |
|
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,247 |
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