REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128269
THE PARISH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN
ST MARYCHURCH
TORQUAY
THE VESTRY MEETING
AND
THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
SUNDAY 8[TH] MAY 2022
REPORTS OF PARISH ACTIVITIES
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128269
ST MARY THE VIRGIN, ST MARYCHURCH, TORQUAY ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY 9[TH] MAY 2021
1. AGENDA Chairman’s Welcome
2. Minutes of meeting held on Sunday 9[TH] May 2021
3. Election of Church Wardens
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
AGENDA
1. Welcome and Prayers
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of the last meeting held on 9[th] May 2021
4. To receive the Annual Report 2021
5. To adopt the Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] December 2021
6. Appointment of Independent Examiner
7. To receive report from Electoral Roll
8. Election of PCC
9. Any other business (raised with the Chairman 24 hours prior to the meeting)
10. Closing Prayers
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128269
ST MARY THE VIRGIN, ST MARYCHURCH, TORQUAY
MINUTES OF ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING HELD ON SUNDAY 9th May 2021
1. Chairman’s Welcome
Roger paid tribute to Christine as our Churchwarden. She has shown a great commitment and passion to the role and on behalf of St Marys, Roger expressed thanks for her service. Roger also expressed gratitude to the deputy churchwardens and sides people.
- Minutes of meeting held on Sunday 20 September 2020
Peter proposed that the minutes from the last vestry meeting were agreed, this was seconded by Alma Pearson. There were no objections. The minutes were approved as a true record.
3. Election of Church Wardens
The only nomination for Church Warden was Chris Hinchliffe. There were no objections to Chris Hinchliffe being appointed for a further year. This still leaves a vacancy and Fr Roger expressed the need for another person to share the load, he asked people to think carefully about this role.
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128269
ST MARY THE VIRGIN, ST MARYCHURCH, TORQUAY
MINUTES OF ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING HELD ON SUNDAY 9th May 2021
1. Apologies.
No apologies were received prior to the meeting. There were 32 members present in Church and 2 members via Zoom in addition to Fr Roger.
- Minutes of last meeting held on 20 September 2020
Peter proposed that the minutes from the last APCM were agreed, this was seconded by Alma Pearson. There were no objections. The minutes were approved as a true record. Fr Roger expressed thanks to our PCC secretary, Nicola for her hard work.
3. Introduction
Fr Roger explained that due to Covid-19 and the restrictions in place, the business for this meeting was minimal and some items usually on the agenda are not this year. He explained that despite this, he is happy to discuss anything not on the agenda after the meeting and or at a zoom meeting at 6pm this evening.
-
To receive the Annual Report 2020
-
To adopt the Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2020
The Annual Report and Financial Statement had been circulated prior to the meeting and the financial statements had been independently examined by our examiner. Peter expressed thanks to everyone for their continued giving, regularly and generously. He explained we would be grateful if people could consider their giving and if possible, consider upping their giving as our situation is dire. He explained that although we have gone from a £20,000 loss in 2019 to a £16,000 loss in 2020, this is clearly not sustainable. He explained that as a result of the PCC have had to sell our share in the ‘family silver’ being our share of the ‘Curates House’ and although this will give us some breathing space, we need to look at generous giving and to help grow our family.
Roger expressed gratitude for Peter taking on the role of Treasurer and to the PCC for making responsible decisions in respect of Church finances. He explained that although there have been some concerns in selling the 75% share in the ‘Curate’s House’, it still belongs to the Diocese, and it is still available for us to use. He expressed gratitude to Cornerstone for all their assistance and for their assistance.
Proposal to adopt our financial statements by Wendy and seconded by Jeremy Aspinall. No votes against and no abstentions. Financial statements adopted.
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128269
- Appointment of independent examiner. It was agreed that Mr Ian Barrett from Newton Abbot would continue as independent examiner of the accounts. This was proposed by Roger Carlton and seconded by Jeremy Aspinall. No votes against and no abstentions. Auditor appointed for further year.
The meeting closed at 10.56. Next PCC meeting on Wednesday 19th May at 6.30 via zoom
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128269
Churchwarden's Report for 2021
I think I can safely say that 2021 was yet another year as no other. Covid restrictions still in place, members of our community still frightened to go out. We were still enjoying the joys of zoom. Even PCC meetings went on by zoom.
As a PCC we have been presented with many challenges in the last year.
Father Roger was appointed as our interim Priest in Charge for one year. His tenure has now ended, and we thanked him for his service on 30th January 2022. We were challenged in our worship, though still within our worshipping traditions. We had the joyous news on January 30th, 2022, that we have a new Incumbent, Father Nick Debney, who will also serve at St Martin’s Barton. We look forward to welcoming Fr Nick, his wife Sally and son Adam, to our community.
Fabric Report
The Church of England's quinquennial inspection system provides for the inspection of church building's every five years by and architect or chartered building surveyor. The quinquennial report is one of the key documents which assists the Parochial Church Council (PCC) in the care and repair of a church building, for which it is legally responsible. It gives a snapshot of the repair needs of the building, and lists the repairs required according to their priority.
The QI report has started to be looked at by the Fabric Committee, so that the essential work is costed and undertaken, finances permitting.
I can report that some basic yearly maintenance has been maintained in the Church and Church Hall. This includes the servicing of gas boilers and security system. All fire extinguishers have been serviced and PAT testing on all electrical appliances undertaken. Woodworm was identified on the hall stage which has been treated, though there is still some woodworm on the windowsills which will need treatment.
The Electrical installation system in Church has had its 5 yearly inspections.
The lightening protection has been serviced.
Following bad weather, stonework was damaged by the front door. West Country Stone masons were contracted with all the necessary approval to replace the Bath Stone at a cost of £900.
There is outstanding work on the Tower cabin leak which has received PCC approval at a cost of £3500. We have been let down by our contracted builder, so a temporary in-house repair is being proposed.
There is also fallen stonework in the tower which requires attention in the next year.
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128269
We thank the Cornerstone shop for their generous donation of £8,000 towards the Fabric fund.
Future projects include: -
investing in internet access for the Parish office, this is still ongoing.
Painting of the Holy Innocent’s Chapel, to commence in the Spring.
A new sound system was installed in Church, at a cost of £6553.10. We are still needing new microphones for our Clergy.
I can report that we have a new access audit report, and health and safety risk assessment approved by the PCC.
The Organ has been serviced in March 2022.
There is further work to be done in the Tower requiring a rope access survey, the one quote we have come in at just over £18,000. The items on this list are all urgent items which should have been completed in the last year. Grant applications are being proposed for this.
I can confirm that all Church and Church Hall works have been duly recorded in the Church log as I am required to do by Church Law.
Our wonderful housekeeping team are well and truly thanked by all for their contributions. I thank all our Wednesday prayer rota volunteers and our two deputy churchwardens Angela and Wendy for their very much appreciated support, plus the Flower and Catering team led by Jenny. (I haven’t been able to say that for 2 years). Lots of cleaning going on in readiness for Lent lunches
As we begin to emerge from this once in a lifetime pandemic, I hope that we see our church community returning to services. We have more baptisms and weddings booked, our first wedding in 2 years on the 30th of April.
Finally, if you have any ideas for future, events, fundraising or anyone willing to help with all the jobs which need doing, to keep our Church open, please let any member of the PCC know. Members are listed on the noticeboard at the back of Church or in our newly published Welcome leaflet collated by Jeremy.
This Church desperately needs a 2nd Churchwarden to share the huge workload of fabric upkeep. I have served this Church with much faith and devotion and welcome anyone who thinks they would like to serve in this most ancient and rewarding post. You have the power to arrest anyone who is unruly in church. (though haven’t needed to yet )
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128269
Thanks also to anyone I have forgotten.
This is your Church and Village Community; it needs your help and support in whatever way. Exciting times lie ahead with our new incumbent, please come and join us in faith, prayer and growth in our community.
Chris Hinchliffe. Churchwarden.
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128269
Deanery Synod Report 2021
Three full synod meetings were held via zoom in 2021 on 25th February 8th June and 21st October 2021.
The meeting held on 25th February 2021 was the first meeting of the new Synod. The meeting was opened with an introduction from Rev Nathan Kiyaga and prayer by Rev Stephen Yates. Stephen spoke on Rev Nathan’s paper ‘A way of serving together’. Nathan spoke on Communication within Torbay and introduced the website www.torbayunited.org.uk it was discussed how across all denominations, the churches in Torbay are reaching fewer than 10% of the population. Each parish was invited to share briefly what they could celebrate from Lockdown. Fr Peter March spoke on ‘Walls down’, stating that walls show God’s protection and strength and are landmarks of hope, strength, and encouragement but that walls can be a barrier to the Gospel and need to be transformed and taken down. Andrew Stilliar explained that planning with Through Faith Missions was progressing and encourages churches to get on board. Nathan spoke on ‘Bridges out’ outlining the work in our area of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and referring to the need to build bridges in this season.
On 8th June 2021 an update was given on interregnums and a finance updated was provided confirming that 81% of the common fund payments due up to 30th April had been paid. The Rural Dean summarised what was happening with Torbay Strategic Development Funding and how the diocese had been granted £1.5 million to support the development of a mission initiative in Torbay to be known as Bay Church, over a five-year period. He explained Bay Church would have a specific focus on mission and evangelism among unchurched ad de-churched young people, children and families. An update was provided on funerals ministry, mission and training.
I was unable to attend the meeting on 21st October 2021, but minutes confirmed that feedback was given on Torbay Mission and an update was given from the parishes. Deanery finances were discussed with James Devonport the Deanery Treasurer sharing details of Common Fund Payments and Deanery Synod accounts up to 30th September 2021. It was noted many parishes are using reserves to meet their common fund payments. The Parish Giving Scheme operates in 51% of Parishes. It was noted that of 135,000 people residents in Torbay, less than 3000 attend our churches. Luke Appleton was congratulated on his election to General Synod.
Nicola Hall, Deanery Synod Representative
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128269
PCC Secretary Report
In 2021 the PCC met on 20th January 10th February 14th April 19th May, 23rd June, 7th July, 11th August, 23rd September, 17th November and the 8th December.
PCC Members in 2021 were Nicola Hall, Margaret Roper, Peter Gaston, Wendy Piddlesden, Val Oswin, Janet Morgan, Jeremy Aspinall, Angela Lee, Jan Condict and Graham Ward. Roger Carlton was interim priest in charge and attended as Chairman.
In January 2021 the PCC created a Welcome Leaflet for wider use, opened a Zoom Account, agreed to get an up to date valuation of 28 Barewell Road and made enquiries to obtain internet connections within the Church.
In February 2021 the PCC approved the heating being upgraded and agreed a proposal to sell our share of Barewell Road based on the independent valuation obtained.
In April 2021 the PCC had the task of approving the annual reports and accounts, agreed new accounting policies and agreed a sum equivalent to the Common Fund amount for 2022 should be designated. They approved an upgrade to the sound system. The PCC Standing Committee met on
28th April and appointed Westcountry Stonemasons to carry out some work to the Stonework. They took the cleaner, Tracey off Furlough
In May the APCM was held. and this was reviewed by the PCC with officers being appointed. There was no change to the PCC. It was agreed study groups would continue and special services and pattern of services was discussed. The PCC agreed they did not want to seek a full-time organist at this time.
In June woodworm treatment to the hall was agreed and an evening service was reintroduced.
In July the Archdeacon attended and updated the PCC on the appointment of a priest in charge and members worked to ensure our parish profile and mission action plan were updated.
In August, PCC members met with Gary Ecclestone to take forward the Healthy Churches initiative and questionnaires were circulated; the Exeter and Ebbsfleet relationship was discussed.
In September the majority of the PCC passed a resolution to request permission from the Bishop to provide children with communion before confirmation.
In November, I resigned as PCC Secretary and Angela Lee took over the role. I very much enjoyed my time as secretary, but I have now taken up a role as Baptism and Wedding Administrator.
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128269
FINANCIAL REPORT 2021
The financial position of the Parish has been secured for the next few years by the sale of the interest in the Barewell Avenue house. For £152,000.
However, the underlying financial position is showing no signs of a recovery from a serious underlying deficit, and it must be reiterated that there are no more assets to realise. There must be a major increase in income over the next few years or there will be no future for the Church.
It was decided to use about one third of the sale proceeds to pay half of the Parish share for the next three years. This is the principal reason for the apparent decline in the church deficit from £18,000 in 2020 to £3,000 in 2021.
The underlying position has not changed.
We have been very thankful for the service of Fr Roger as part-time Interim Priest-inCharge after his retirement from Paignton. However, this involved considerable travel from his home near Tavistock, and the significant expenses incurred were not claimed during 2021 but will appear in the 2022 accounts. We have been promised assistance with these.
The Hall shows an operating deficit, as bookings showed very slow signs of recovery after the Covid closures. These are now starting to pick up, and our hire rates are under review. Although the Hall is a valuable part of our offering of service to the Community, we are not in a position to allow it to continue to fail to cover its costs.
The Quinquennial report showed the fabric of the church to be in generally good condition, but a significant programme of work still needs to be undertaken.
This would not be possible without the moneys given by the Cornerstone shop, and I would like to express the grateful thanks of the Parish to all the volunteers who staff and manage it. Just before the year end, a contract was awarded to redecorate the Holy Innocents Chapel at a cost of £9,000, and we are seeking to progress other works as they can be afforded, and as contractors can be found
I would like to express my thanks to all those who have helped me, without whose assistance the job would be much more difficult. I would like to thank my predecessor, Ray Anteuil for continuing to deal with payroll and HMRC matters up to 5th April last, and to Margaret Roper for her work handling Gift Aid tax reclaims. I would also thank Christine Hinchcliffe for her help, especially for handling Hall bookings for most of the year, and Angela Lee for taking over this task. I would also like to express the Parish’s thanks to all those who give of their time and money unseen to maintain our life, to our generous donors, whose widow’s mites we do not despise, to those who gave a new altar frontal costing £550, our retired clergy and those who have not claimed all that they are entitled to. I would also like to thank Ian Barrett for his work as the Independent Examiner of the Accounts.
Looking forward, we know that there will be a large rise in energy costs which will impact our finances and that there will be other significant inflationary increases in
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128269
out outgoings. These are unavoidable- a cold church is an uninviting inhospitable one which will greatly hinder our mission as well as our worship.
It is important that we all review our giving and seriously and prayerfully consider if we can increase it. Most of our regular giving is now coming through the Parish Giving Scheme which not only allows for Income Tax reclaims to be processed more quickly but also makes it easier for giving to rise with inflation. I thank all those who have moved to this scheme and would urge others to consider doing so.
Although the short-term outlook is not bright, we have the breathing space provided by realising our assets and we must use this respite to bring forth new life. Not just a second spring, but a second Easter. With the faithful remnant who have toiled through the winter of our discontent, in union with Barton and with the leadership of our new Priest-in-Charge, I am bold to say that we will see the rising of a joyful, faithful, generous, welcoming and serving church here and that the finances will sort themselves out.
Peter Gaston
Treasurer
ST MARYCHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS 2021
2020
£
£
GENERAL FUND CHURCH
RECEIPTS
| PLANNED GIVING | 12,523 | 15,186 |
|---|---|---|
| PARISH GIVING SCHEME | 12,013 | 7,336 |
| PLATE | 3,757 | 365 |
| DONATIONS | 888 | 2,252 |
| GIFT AID TAX REFUND | 3,994 | 5,602 |
| LEGACIES | 1,500 | |
| GIFTS | 315 | 526 |
| FEES | 2,535 | 1,271 |
| TOTAL | 36,025 | 34,038 |
| PAYMENTS | ||
| COMMON FUND | 17,817 | 30,918 |
| UTILITIES | 9,207 | 6,311 |
| INSURANCE | 6,743 | 6,947 |
| ADMIN | 2,199 | 1,873 |
| UPKEEP OF SERVICES | 224 | 812 |
| ROUTINE MAINTENANCE | 2,072 | 1,118 |
| CLERGY EXPENSES | 523 | |
| GIFTS | 415 | 526 |
| SALARIES &FEES | 100 | 3,170 |
| TOTAL | 38,777 | 52,199 |
| SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) | -2,752 | -18,161 |
£
| HALL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| RECEIPTS | |||
| HALL HIRE | 4,197 | 4,647 | |
| HMRC FURLOUGH | 619 | 2,238 | |
| DONATION TOWARD REPAIRS | 150 | ||
| TOTAL | 4,966 | 6,885 | |
| PAYMENTS | |||
| UTILITIES | 2,230 | 1,171 | |
| WAGES | 2,413 | 2,333 | |
| INSURANCE | 1,391 | 1,433 | |
| ROUTINE MAINTENANCE | 748 | ||
| TOTAL | 6,782 | 4,937 | |
| SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) | -1,816 | 1,948 | |
| COMBINED SURPLUS (DEFICIT) | -4,569 | -16,213 | |
| BASIC GENERAL FUND | |||
| BALANCE | 01/01/21 | 26,353 | 42,566 |
| CHURCH DEFICIT | -2,752 | -18,161 | |
| HALL DEFICIT (SURPLUS) | -1,817 | 1,948 | |
| CHEQUE WRITTEN OFF | 212 | ||
| BALANCE | 31/12/21 | 21,996 | 26,353 |
| BAREWELL FUND | |||
| RECEIPT | |||
| PROPERTY SALE | 152,050 | ||
| PAYMENTS | |||
| TRANSFER TO COMMIN FUND ACCOUNT | 52,517 | ||
| SOUND SYSTEM | 7,641 | ||
| TOTAL | 60,158 | ||
| BALANCE | 31/12/21 | 91,892 |
| COMMON FUND ACCOUNT RECEIPTS FROM BAREWELL FUND FROM GENERAL ACCOUNT TOTAL PAYMENT 2021 PARISH SHARE BALANCE 31/12/21 FABRIC FUND BALANCE RECEIPT CORNERSTONE SHOP DONATIONS OTHER TOTAL PAYMENT STONEWORK QUINQUENNIAL INSPECTION BALANCE 31/12/21 OVERSEAS MISSION BALANCE 01/01/21 DONATION TO GHANA CHURCH BALANCE 31/12/21 MUSIC FUND BALANCE 01/01/21 ORGAN PIPE DONATIONS PIANO TUNING BALANCE 31/12/21 CHILDREN'S SOCIETY BALANCE 01/01/21 BOXES DONATION TO CHILDREN'S SOCIETY BALANCE 31/12/21 |
52,517 17,817 70,334 28,647 41,687 15,477 3,500 18,977 -1,086 17,891 302 -302 0 395 107 -79 423 0 123 -123 0 |
2,467 14,000 25 14,025 1,015 15,477 |
2,467 14,000 25 14,025 1,015 15,477 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 302 302 |
|||
| 395 395 |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128269
PARISH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN, ST MARYCHURCH, TORQUAY, DEVON
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparing the Financial Statements.
The accounts are produced on a Receipts and Payments basis. As a small charity, it is not obliged to follow the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
Taxation
The Charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
1. FUND ACCOUNTING
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
2. TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
The Trustees received no remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2021
There were no trustees’ expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2021
3. STAFF COSTS
One Cleaner/ caretaker was employed during the year.
4. DEBTORS AND CREDITORS are all due within one year.
Independent Examin8rfs Report to the Trustees of The ParochSal Church Councll of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary The Vlrgln, St Marychurch, Torquay Charity number 1128269 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary The Virgin, St Marychurch, Torquay for the year ended 31st December 2021. Responsibilities and basls of report As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Acf). I report in respect of my examination of the Charitls accounts carrted out under seclion 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examinews statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with Ihe examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: (l) Accounting records were nol kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Acl- or {2} The accounts do not accord with those records. I have no concems 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 tanding of the accounts to be reached. lan Barrett FCA FCIE Barretts Chartered Accountsnts and Chartered Tax Advisers 22 Union Street Newton Abbot TQ12 2JS Dated.. 5th May 2022