Sidmouth Parish Church St Giles & St Nicholas
Annual Report and
Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the Year Ended 31st December 2023
Incumbent: Rev'd Matt Selman
Banker: Barclays Bank plc
Independent Examiners: Easterbrook Eaton Limited Chartered Accountants Old Fore Street Sidmouth EX10 8LS
Registered Charity No. 1128390
Sidmouth Parish Church St Giles & St Nicholas Trustees Report For the year ended December 31st 2023
Contents:
3: Annual Report
11: Independent Examiner's Report
12: Statement of Financial Activities
13: Balance Sheet
14: Accounting Policies
16: Income Analysis
17: Expenditure Analysis
18: Detailed Balance Sheet
19: Fund Movement Summary
20: Notes on Fixed Assets and Subsidiary Accounts
21: Commentary and Notes
SIDMOUTH PARISH CHURCH St. Giles & St. Nicholas Registered Charity No. 1128390 Team Vicar: Rev’d Matt Selman ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2023
REVIEW OF THE YEAR
The Church of St. Giles and St. Nicholas is the Parish Church of Sidmouth and is part of the Sid Valley Mission Community within the Deanery of Ottery and the Diocese of Exeter. 2023 was a year of opportunity and challenge, marked by tragic events around the world that called for our response in prayer and humanitarian aid, while, closer to home, opportunities came from continued re-growth from the restrictions imposed by COVID, and challenges came from the fabric, a devastating burglary, the sad loss of some key church members and a difficult financial situation.
Worship : From the start of 2023, our Sunday service schedule returned to its pre-COVID pattern of weekly 8am, 10am and 6pm services. The 10am service has continued to be live-streamed on YouTube, with about sixteen regular participants. Holy Week and Easter were celebrated with a full programme of services, including a joint Easter Vigil service at St Francis church. Advent was celebrated with several carol services and Christmas with our popular crib service, midnight mass and then the two morning services on Christmas Day. We celebrated a special Eucharist for the Coronation of King Charles III in May, as well as themed Eucharists exploring Generosity and Gratitude during Creationtide in September. With the aim of offering more diverse forms of worship in the evening, a small group met throughout the year to plan these services. The staple form has been either BCP Evensong or evening prayer from Common Worship. However, several Taizé and healing services have also been held as well as various themed services for special occasions. Evening eucharists were celebrated on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Ascension Day and other special services included Folk Week Praise, Advent Carols and Nine Lessons and Carols on Advent 3. On Remembrance Sunday we held our Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial, attended by large crowds, Additional Acts of Remembrance included the anniversaries of the Falklands conflict and Korean War. A Sunday afternoon All Souls service for remembrance of departed loved ones was held at the start of November and, in December, the Sidmouth Hospice-at-Home Tree of Light service offered another opportunity for remembrance. For Christ the King, a large group from across the Mission Community enjoyed visiting the Cathedral, one of our patrons, for Evensong following a tour and refreshments. In the week, the Tuesday morning prayer service has continued and is usually broadcast on Zoom for those who wish to join from home.
A packed church for the primary school carols
Children at St Giles & St Nicholas : The involvement of children in our church life is wide and varied, happening mostly during the week and outside regular services. Several baptisms took place during the year, mostly at standalone services. Our children’s corner, which is expertly maintained by Mrs Joy Peers, accommodates our younger visitors who come to services, and can be quite crowded in the festival services that draw large numbers of families at Easter and Christmas. In the runup to Christmas, it was also wonderful to have the primary school children back for their first Christmas Carol Concert since COVID. These concerts are wonders of organisation by the school staff, with over 300 children participating in front of two sets of parents, one in the afternoon and another in the evening. The children’s corner really comes into its own during the week. Throughout the year, it is frequently occupied by parents and young children taking a break from shopping. All of these children are learning that the church is a good place to be – and who knows where that may lead in later life. Class visits from two primary schools were hosted during the year, the children being fascinated by the features of the church. It was also the venue for two children’s activity days organised by the Sid Vale Association and was a core location for family “hands-on” activities on SuperScience Saturday in the Science Festival. Away from the building, our church toddler groups continue to be popular, meeting each week in term time at the old school in All Saints Road. Activities for older children and youth are organised across the Mission Community through our jointly funded Youth Worker, Mrs Kirsty Hammond and include Messy Church at St Francis’ Hall and the Soul and Fusion youth groups which meet at All Saints Church.
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Gateway was founded by the churches in Sidmouth to support those in the Sid Valley who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. The demand for its services has grown rapidly, over the past few years, and in 2023 it became a separate Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) enabling it to continue to expand its activities and to bid for a wider range of grants. Following this, the Gateway reserves of just over £20,000 were transferred to the new organisation. All of those involved are keen for the relationship between Gateway and the Church to continue.
Carbon footprints of the Change for Good exercise
Creation Care : The “Fragile Earth” group continued to organise church activities associated with our status as a silver EcoChurch with the aim of working towards gold status in due course. Mrs Pauline Wade joined the group to pursue greater biodiversity in the churchyard. A plan was developed with the help of Ed Dolphin, chair of the Sid Valley Biodiversity group, and Mr Paul Fealey, Environment Officer at EDDC. Unfortunately, the main recommendations were found to be unworkable with current equipment by the EDDC grounds team. However, it is hoped to resurrect some aspects of the plan in 2024. The “Change for Good” event planned for September 2022 and postponed following the Queen’s death, was rescheduled in March 2023 and held at All Saints Church. Simon Jupp MP was our key speaker, with supporting contributions by Dr Brian Golding on the Devon Carbon Plan and Mr Chris Lockyear from the Town Council. The programme included a hands-on activity for attendees to assess their own carbon footprint, which was extremely successful and has been repeated subsequently. In September, the church contributed to a programme of events across the Sid Valley churches celebrating the Season of Creation, and leading into the Science Festival in early October, when we hosted SuperScience Saturday and several lectures.
Making Mothering Sunday posies
Social & Fund-Raising : Church members and visitors enjoyed a full programme of social activities for the first time since COVID. Hard work by many people resulted in our Spring, St Giles and St Nicholas fayres being very successful with stalls for cakes, jewellery, cards, bric-a-brac, bottles and plants as well as guest stalls from Traidcraft and the Friends. Refreshments and informal concerts were provided during Folk Week to a huge number of visitors who enjoyed the quiet atmosphere of the church. Wooden “Folk Angels” were handed out during the week with the text from Hebrews 13:2 about entertaining strangers. A new feature was a jigsaw puzzle for visitors to contribute to, and clergy were available to lend a listening ear when needed. Other events included making Mothering Sunday posies, a Newcomers’ coffee morning, our Harvest lunch, and our spring and autumn “big clean” days. From July to September we were privileged to have one of our Ukrainian members leading an art class.
Response to world events: 2023 was marked by multiple disasters arising from both natural and human causes. The suffering of the Ukrainian people from the Russian invasion continued throughout the year but was overshadowed by the attack on Israel in October and the response on the Palestinian people. These were just the most visible conflicts in a world where peace and justice often seem absent. Meanwhile in January, the massive earthquake that devastated parts of Turkey was a focus for humanitarian relief. An initial collection for the Christian Aid appeal was supplemented by proceeds of a concert for Shelterbox and then in slower time by part of our Lent collection. Heat waves, drought and forest fires dominated the news through the late Spring and Summer. Where rain occurred it was often excessive, with one event that shocked the world when record-breaking rains caused a dam to fail in Libya, killing many thousands. Part of our Advent appeal collection was dedicated to relief efforts there. The congregation responded to these many disasters with prayer and by supporting relief efforts.
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Music in the Church: The church continued to be the premier classical music venue in Sidmouth. During the winter months, the Sidmouth Concert Society runs a monthly subscription series of six professional recitals that is increasingly well attended. Most of these use the Society’s splendid Bösendorfer grand piano, which is kept in the church and is available for other concerts by arrangement. The church is also the base for the ISCA Ensemble South-West, a full symphony orchestra that played three concerts in 2023, including outstanding performances of the Brahms Violin Concerto in April, the Saint-Saens Cello Concerto in July and the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in December. The church also hosted a series of organ recitals as well as concerts by local choirs and informal performances during Folk Week.
Burglary : On 20th March an organised gang forced entry to the church safe and stole the church silverware, including items of historical importance from the 17th and 18th centuries as well as many more recent items inscribed with memorials to past members of the church. While the replacement cost will be covered by our insurance, the lost historical value is incalculable. The picture shows a chalice given to the church by Randolph Mainwaring, vicar from 1611-1635 in his will of 1635 which left “silver spoons and a silver beer bottle to be melted down to make a chalice therefrom to remain in the Church of Sidmouth." Other historically significant items that were taken included a large 18th Century silver flagon and the silver salver presented to the Rev’d Henry Clements in 1860 at the end of his curacy in Sidmouth (he returned as vicar from 1865 - 1913). Fortunately, we have excellent records of the church fabric, which enabled us to provide detailed descriptions to the police and insurers.
Stolen 1635 chalice
Resignation of the Director of Music: In July, the director of music tendered his resignation after 42 years in post. We have been very fortunate in being able to call on Mr Andrew Millington, Mr Andy Benoy and Mr Neil Page as visiting organists to play for the main Sunday services. Evening services have been accompanied by a wider group of musicians and our Taizé services have very successfully used recorded music. We are grateful to Mr Martyn Daldorph for stepping in as choirmaster and to those members of the choir who have continued to lead the worship on Sunday mornings. A working group was formed under the vicar’s chairmanship to put together an advert and information pack for a new director of music, and this was approved for release early in 2024.
The financial crisis: It became evident in early 2023 that our financial resources would run out rather soon if action was not taken urgently. The problems were precipitated by the reduction in church membership during and following COVID. A generous legacy received in 2022 had hidden the seriousness of the shortfall until the dramatic increase in the cost of gas for heating highlighted the problem. A group was set up in July, chaired by Mr David Mason, to plan a response, focusing on the need to increase regular giving. The opportunity of generosity week in September was taken to initiate some teaching and this was followed up with magazine articles and pew sheet notices, culminating in a presentation to the two morning congregations on Advent Sunday. There was a very good response to these and we look forward to significant increases in regular giving in 2024.
Church Cottage : The old sexton’s cottage, on the north side of the church, was vacated by the last tenant in November 2022. The cottage dates back to the 17th century, though it was rebuilt in about 1807 and has since been modified and extended. Over the last ten years it has provided a useful income to the church but has not recouped the full costs of the original refurbishment. Prior to re-letting, it was found that the recurrent problem of damp needed to be addressed again. Recognising that the church had limited funds available for refurbishment and that re-letting was only one possible use of the building, the PCC formed a working group under the chairmanship of Mr Mike Goodman to put forward a plan for its future. A suspected structural issue turned out not to be significant. A special PCC meeting was held in the cottage in July. Working parties cleared vegetation around the cottage, and stripped the old layers of wallpaper, resulting in a substantial reduction in damp. Meanwhile the diocese clarified that they would not accept transfer of the building, and that for a sale, it would need to be registered, which could be difficult due to the lack of formal deeds. Options for future use were prepared and a proposal will go to the first PCC of 2024.
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LOOKING FORWARD TO 2024
Our PCC will set priorities for mission and a new mission action plan. We shall seek to appoint a new director of music.
A decision will be made and implemented about the future of Church Cottage
The main works to the church building recommended by the 2022 quinquennial report will be carried out. We shall make progress towards achieving gold EcoChurch accreditation. The Sidmouth Jazz Festival will return to the church in May.
We will aim to balance regular income and expenditure, with half of regular expenditure covered by planned giving. Improvements will be made to our on-line publicity.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Vision : To help people discover God by following Jesus Christ under the guidance of the Holy Spirit through worship, discipleship, outreach, care and stewardship
Objectives : Growing in prayer; Making new disciples; Serving the people of the Sid Valley with joy; Enabling mission and ministry.
Values: I nclusive, generous, hospitable and faithful
Statement of Public Benefit : The Parish Church welcomes everyone to its regular weekly worship and is the traditional place of baptisms, weddings and funerals of many townspeople. It also serves the community through pastoral care activities, through special services for particular groups or organisations and by acting as host for a variety of civic occasions and public social events. The church is used for a wide range of community events including concerts, plays, lectures and exhibitions. Such activities demonstrate the public benefit of the Parish Church to the town and compliance with the principles and legal requirements of the Charity Commissioners in their specific guidance for the advancement of religion.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is the body corporate with responsibility for co-operating with the incumbent, in promoting the whole mission and ministry of the Church, in all its aspects of worship, discipleship, outreach, care and stewardship, within the context of the Sid Valley Mission Community and in co-operation with other Christian Churches. It also has responsibility for the maintenance of the Parish Church building. PCC members are Trustees under the Charities Act 2011. The PCC met seven times in 2023. Items of concern included establishing new values,
safeguarding, Church Cottage (see highlights), the church finances (see highlights), electrical remedial work, advertising
for a new director of music, the formation and work of several sub-groups, and the Mission Community health check. Incumbent
Rev’d Matt Selman
Officers
Mrs Alison Budgell, Churchwarden
Mr Alan Clarke, Churchwarden (Lay vice chairman)
Mrs Stephanie Holman, Secretary
Dr Brian Golding, Treasurer (not on PCC)
Deanery Synod Representatives (elected 2023 for 3 years)
Dr Jennie Golding
Dr Peter Byrd, (until May, Reader)
Mr Alan Clarke Mr Michael Ellingham Elected members and year of election (3-year term of office; 12 places) Mr Peter Wilton, (2020, until May) Mrs Merrill Millington, (2020, until May) Mrs Heather Knight, (2020, until May) Mrs Kay Wood, (2020, until May) Mr Gerry Shattock, (2021, Standing Committee) Mrs Fiona Conway, (2022)
Mrs Brenda Moss, (2022) Mr Simon Coss, (2022) Mr David Wade, (from May 2023) Mr Michael Goodman, (from May 2023) Mr Simon Card, (from May 2023)
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Mr David Mason, (from May 2023, elected for 2 years)
Mrs Pauline Wade, (from May 2023, Standing Committee)
Ex Officio Member
Rev'd David Caporn, (Team Rector)
Co-opted
Rev Jon Rose
Mrs Lesley Thompson, (Safeguarding)
Mrs Stephanie Holman, (Secretary)
The Standing Committee (SC) is chaired by the incumbent, or the lay vice-chair in his absence, and is the only committee required by law. It transacts PCC business between its meetings, subject to directions given by the Council. Its membership is the officers of the PCC, the incumbent and three members elected by the PCC. It meets regularly, midway between PCC meetings, to consider long term planning and strategy for the ministry and mission of the parish, to provide guidance and assistance to the PCC in all matters relating to the spiritual and material wellbeing of the Parish Church and its parishioners, and to set the agenda for PCC meetings. The Standing Committee also has primary oversight of finances and budgeting. The Standing Committee met on five occasions in 2023. In addition to the items of concern to the PCC, it discussed the problems with the heating, removal of hazardous cleaners from the toilets and reinstatement of the military standards.
The Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) took place in May as required. The Electoral Roll is a public document listing the lay membership of the church. It is updated and displayed ahead of the APCM at which those listed are eligible to vote. Dr Brian Golding continued to serve as electoral roll officer. The list of participants (those who treat this church as their home church by regular attendance and financial support) is closely related but distinct, including many who cannot be on the electoral roll (mainly retired clergy), but omitting some who no longer attend services or who support another church. This number is used to determine the financial contribution of the parish to the common fund of the diocese and is approved by the PCC. The totals for 2023 were: Electoral Roll Membership, 207, a decrease of 12; Participant number: 168 a decrease of 27.
Public Worship : Sunday worship consisted of 8am said eucharist, 10am sung eucharist and evening prayer throughout the year. The 8am service used the BCP order of service on first Sundays. The evening service was normally at 6pm and took a variety of forms, mostly based on BCP evensong or Common Worship evening prayer (see highlights). Weekday worship took the form of morning prayer on Tuesdays. Normal Sunday attendance was 124 adults and 1 child (19 at 8am, 86 at 10am and 20 at 6pm, the total adjusted for double counting). Average attendance in October was 135 on Sundays (including home communions) and 7 on weekdays. Normal on-line attendance was 16.
Holy Week and Easter were marked by Compline services on Monday to Wednesday, an evening Eucharist on Maundy Thursday, a service of liturgy and preaching on Good Friday, a joint Easter Eve vigil services at St Francis Church, Woolbrook, and a joint sea front service at 7am followed by the normal morning service times on Easter Day. Easter attendance was 202 communicants and 60 non-communicants, including 17 children.
Carol services were held on Advent Sunday, for the Memory Café and for the primary school, and the Nine Lessons and Carols on Advent 3. Advent attendance at community services was 324 and at school services was 520. Christmas itself was celebrated with an afternoon crib service on Christmas Eve, our regular Midnight Mass service and then 8am and 10am services on Christmas Day. Christmas attendance was 245 communicants and 221 non-communicants, including 36 children.
There were considerably more occasional offices in 2023 than in 2022, with 7 Baptisms, 3 Weddings and 21 Funerals in church, and 12 funerals at a crematorium or cemetery.
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Our worship depends for its richness on contributions from a great number of people. Services were led by our vicar, Rev’d Matt Selman, by retired priests Rev’ds David Fayle, Jon Rose, Andrew Norman and Annita Denny, by our Licensed Lay Minister Dr Peter Byrd. In September we were delighted to welcome our new curate Rev’d Victoria Chester, who is to be with us for two years. Music was directed by Mr Bob Millington until his departure in July, after which we are grateful to Mr Martyn Daldorph for taking on the role of interim choirmaster. A small team of altar servers supports the clergy for eucharistic services, ably organised by Mrs Claudia Harvey. The list of Communion Assistants was updated. Our teams of lesson readers are organised by Dr Peter Byrd and lay intercessors for the 10am and special services are organised by Sir Richard Gibbs. The sound and video streaming operators, organised by Mr David Wade, provide an essential service, both for the in-person congregation and those joining remotely. An important part of the experience of those coming for worship is the welcome they receive from our team of welcomers under Mrs Avril Ellingham and the opportunity for social interaction after the service over a cup of coffee provided by our refreshments teams under Mrs Sue Byrd and Mrs Laura Hart.
The church bells are rung every Sunday morning and for special events. Under their bell captain Mrs Anne Bailey, the band of ringers has grown during the year and quarter peals are now rung monthly before Evensong. A highlight was ringing for the Coronation of King Charles. Visitors often comment on how well kept the church appears, and this is mainly thanks to our small band of cleaners organised by Mrs Jackie Stephens, who also directs the two big clean events in Spring and Autumn when larger groups get together to tackle the harder jobs. Our team of flower arrangers coordinated by Mrs Veronica Swinburn has provided beautiful displays throughout the year and especially for the seasonal displays at Easter, Harvest and Christmas.
Ministries & Mission : A key part of the church’s ministry is support for everyone in the church family through our Pastoral Support scheme. We are grateful to Mrs Heather Knight who retired as co-leader and to Dr Peter Byrd who has continued to organise this ministry, which is complemented by our Anna Chaplain, Rev’d Annita Denny and our Prayer Chain, run by Dr Jennie Golding. Home Communions are taken by members of the clergy and a prayer tree in church is well used.
Weekday activities include our Ladies’ and Men’s coffee groups which meet weekly.
In winter 2022-3, we offered a Warm Welcome on Tuesdays. However, it proved difficult to heat the church in cold weather and the service was not well used, so this was not repeated for the current winter.
Church members support several local charities including Gateway (see highlights), the Sid Valley Food Bank, Sidmouth Hospice-at-Home, the Memory Café, Sidmouth HELP, Sidmouth Voluntary Services amongst others. Church collections are made periodically to support these important organisations.
Church members continued to be involved in the ecumenical Open the Book team which offers Bible stories to children at Sidmouth and Sidbury Primary Schools.
The Fringe Folk group met during the year under the chairmanship of Mr Gerry Shattock to develop improved signage for visitors to the church.
Social and Fund-Raising Events: As described in the highlights, our social and fund-raising group was very active in 2023 under the continued leadership of Mrs Stephanie Holman. The main fund-raising events were the Spring Fayre (£950), Folk Week refreshments (£3,060), St Giles Fayre (£730) and St Nicholas Fayre (£570), figures in brackets are the net income after expenses.
The concerts programme was organised by Dr Brian Golding (see highlights) and together with other events, such as the Science Festival, provided much needed income as well as serving to bring people into contact with the church. Income from these events was £5,345 after expenses.
Communication : In today’s busy world it is increasingly difficult to ensure that the church membership and visitors have the information they need. Our primary communication medium is the weekly bulletin, given out in paper form at services, distributed electronically to those with email, linked from the website and delivered by hand to those without email who are unable to get to church. The bulletin contains basic service information, current notices and contacts for pastoral care and donations. It is prepared by our church administrator Miss Ruth Mathers who also maintains the mailing list.
Church information was also communicated through the mission community website, www.sidvalley.org.uk and through “A church near you” at https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/8810/. The latter now gets several hundred visits a week.
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Our monthly magazine, The Crossing, was edited by Mr David Wade and provides an excellent mix of articles. It is subscribed to by about 90 church members.
Church events were advertised, in situ, by “A” boards placed outside the church entrances, and for some events, by a banner stretched across the Church Street steps. Our Christmas and Easter services were also promoted throughout the parish by door-to-door delivery of a colourful postcard. More than 2,000 cards were delivered in this way by a loyal band of volunteers for each of these festivals.
Finances: The general unrestricted income of the church was £185,000, including £31,000 in legacies, and corresponding expenditure was £207,500. This excludes most expenditure on the church building, which was funded by grants from the Rowland Trust (£7,631), the Friends (£2,432), and the Listed Places of Worship scheme (£3,921). Unrestricted reserves fell from £121,600 to £99,100, of which £33,500 is the designated PCC reserve and £20,000 is designated for a future low carbon heating system replacement.
Outward giving from the church comes mainly from our appeals in Lent (£2,306) and Advent (£1,411). However, in 2023, there was an additional immediate response to the Turkish Earthquake. The full list of donations was: Christian Aid Turkish Earthquake appeal £2,882 Shelterbox Turkish Earthquake appeal (concert proceeds) £1,198 SmileTrain £1,153 Christian Aid Libyan Floods appeal £766 Sid Valley HELP mental health appeal £726 Bibles for Primary School leavers £500 Royal British Legion £200 Sidmouth Hospice at Home £118 Missions to Seafarers £44 Food Bank £30 Save the Children boxes £371
Regular Church Income & Expenditure per person, per week in 2023 (omitting repairs, special collections and legacies)
Fabric : There were no major fabric projects in 2023, but substantial work needed to be carried out, nevertheless. An electrical inspection identified several issues which were urgently addressed. Failure of the external thermostat for the heating system was causing it to shut down prematurely. Replacement of this obsolete equipment was not possible, so a workaround was implemented. Several minor repairs were needed to the toilets during the year. Our 3-phase connection was extended to the kitchen area to enable installation of an industrial dishwasher which completes a wash in just a couple of minutes. This was kindly funded by the Friends. A group was formed, under the joint chairmanship of Mr Alan Clarke and Mrs Alison Budgell, to plan and schedule the immediate and urgent work recommended by the 2022 quinquennial survey, most of which will take place in 2024.
Friends of Sidmouth Parish Church are an associated charity which raises money to support maintenance of the fabric of the church by organising social and fundraising events. During 2023 they funded the provision of an industrial dishwasher for the kitchen and a new flag for the tower. Their monthly coffee mornings are very popular. They also organised an annual lunch, coach trips to Abbotsbury swannery and Sherborne and a summer cream tea.
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The Sid Valley Mission Community (SVMC) , comprises the parishes of Sidmouth St Giles and St Nicholas, Sidmouth All Saints, St Mary and St Peter Salcombe Regis, St Francis Woolbrook, and St Giles Sidbury with St Peter Sidford. Youth Work is jointly managed and funded across the Mission Community through All Saints Church and led by Mrs Kirsty Hammond, our Youth Worker. Administration of wedding and funeral fees is also centralised in the All Saints’ Church office, and the administrator for Sidmouth Parish Church, Woolbrook and Sidbury with Sidford, is based at St Francis’ Church office.
Ecumenical Activities are organised on an ad hoc basis through the year, including ecumenical pancakes at St Theresa’s Hall on Shrove Tuesday, the Lent lunches, Change for Good, the Easter Day seafront service, Pentecost kite flying, and the Folk Week opening concert.
Data Protection : Information about people on the Electoral Roll or who Gift Aid their donations is held on church databases. It will be kept no longer than necessary and will not be disclosed to others except to those third parties as required for church accounts and records purposes and for tax regulations. As of 2021, the rules for public display of the updated electoral roll were amended so that only names are displayed. Most members of the congregation have opted into receiving church information through email or telephone. The mailing list is maintained by the Church Administrator. Our church directory is shared among those who are listed in it. This information is kept separately and used by signed consent.
Health & Safety : The Health and Safety policy was reviewed the Standing Committee. Emergency lighting and the bell chamber alarm were tested, new accident books were provided, and all portable appliances were tested for electrical safety. Fire inspections were carried out and fire safety training was arranged for welcomers and event stewards. First aid training was also carried out.
Safeguarding : The guidance of the House of Bishops on safeguarding is reflected in our safeguarding policy which was reviewed and fully adhered to during the year. PCC members were trained to the required levels. We are grateful to our safeguarding officer, Lesley Thompson for organising training for those needing it, including all trustees, to required levels, and for arranging DBS checks where required.
Licensing : Dr Brian Golding took on the role of providing performance returns to the Performing Rights Society. Alcohol licences were obtained for three concerts in the year.
Archives : Dr Brian Golding manages the historical records of the church, most of which are deposited at the Devon Record Office. An increasing amount of material is now available in digital copies through the church website at http://www.sidvalley.org.uk/sidmouthparishchurch.htm.
The report on pages 12-19 was approved by the trustees on 23rd April 2024 and signed on their behalf by
Trustee
Matt Selman, Team Vicar
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SIDMOUTH PARISH CHURCH, ST GILES AND ST NICHOLAS
This report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended December 31st 2023, which are set out on pages 1 to 20, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (“the Regulations”) and the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The Charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Act and that an independent examination is needed. The Charity’s gross income did exceed £250,000. I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the ICAEW.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Act
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission and in the Church guidance, 2006 edition. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and the seeking of 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 no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I 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.
Mr D J Akers BSc FCA FMAAT BFP Easterbrook Eaton Limited, Chartered Accountants, Cosmopolitan House, Old Fore Street, Sidmouth, EX10 8LS
Date: 12th April 2024
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SIDMOUTH PARISH CHURCH St Giles & St Nicholas - Charity : 1128390 Statement of Financial Activities For the period from 01 January to 31 December 2023
| Statement of Financial Activities For the period from 01 January to 31 December 2023 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Endowment | Total | Year end | |
| funds | funds | funds | funds | funds | 31.12.22 | |
| (Unrestricted) | total funds | |||||
| Income and endowments from: | ||||||
| Donations and legacies | 162,379 | - | 30,456 | - | 192,835 | 325,780 |
| Income from charitable activities | 8,190 | - | 500 | - | 8,690 | 7,516 |
| Other trading activities | 13,149 | - | 92 | - | 13,241 | 15,314 |
| Investments | 1,267 | - | 3,036 | - | 4,303 | 10,869 |
| Other income | - | - | 13,615 | - | 13,615 | 11,595 |
| Total income | 184,986 | - | 47,699 | - | 232,685 | 371,074 |
| Expenditure on: | ||||||
| Raising funds | 9,362 | - | - | - | 9,362 | 5,185 |
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 195,554 | - | 34,066 | - | 229,621 | 246,920 |
| Other expenditure | 4,612 | - | 29,236 | - | 33,848 | 16,035 |
| Total expenditure | 209,528 | - | 63,302 | - | 272,830 | 268,140 |
| Unrealised gains/losses on investment assets | 71 | 1,403 | 1,474 | (3,661) | ||
| Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfers | (24,542) | - | (15,532) | 1,403 | (38,671) | 99,273 |
| Transfers | ||||||
| Transfers between funds (see note 13) | (5,000) | 5,000 | - | - | - | - |
| Other recognised gains / losses | ||||||
| Adjustment to Bells fund | 10 | 10 | 904 | |||
| Net movement in funds | (29,542) | 5,000 | (15,522) | 1,403 | (38,661) | 100,177 |
| Total funds brought forward | 427,585 | 48,500 | 28,825 | 66,462 | 571,372 | 471,195 |
| Total funds carried forward | 398,043 | 53,500 | 13,303 | 67,865 | 532,711 | 571,372 |
12
SIDMOUTH PARISH CHURCH St Giles & St Nicholas - Charity : 1128390 Balance sheet As at: 31 December 2023
| SIDMOUTH PARISH CHURCH St Giles & St Nicholas - Charity : 1128390 Balance sheet As at: 31 December 2023 |
|
|---|---|
| General Fund Restricted Funds Endowment Funds At 31/12/ 2023 £ Fixed assets Tangible assets (see page 19) 412,400 - - 412,400 Investments (see page 19) - 1,028 67,865 68,893 |
At 31/12/ 2022 £ 414,467 67,419 |
| Fixed assets 412,400 1,028 67,865 481,294 |
481,886 |
| Current assets Debtors (see page 17) 4,846 5,947 - 10,792 Cash at bank and in hand 97,349 9,952 - 107,301 |
5,745 161,942 |
| Current assets 102,195 15,898 - 118,094 |
167,687 |
| Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year (see page 17) 63,052 3,624 - 66,677 |
78,201 |
63,052 3,624 - 66,677 |
78,201 |
| Net current assets less current liabilities 39,143 12,274 - 51,417 |
89,486 |
| Total net assets less liabilities 451,543 13,302 67,865 532,710 |
571,372 |
| Represented by Unrestricted Unrestricted - General fund (1,957) - - (1,957) Unrestricted - Church Cottage (see note 18) 400,000 - - 400,000 Designated Designated - PCC Reserve (see note 12) 33,500 - - 33,500 Designated - Low Carbon Heating (see note 13) 20,000 20,000 Restricted Restricted - Flower Fund (see note 4) - 1,028 - 1,028 Restricted - Children's Fund (see note 9) 438 438 Restricted - Fabric Fund (see note 6) 641 641 Restricted - Organ & Music Fund (see note 7) 1,319 1,319 Restricted - Audio-Visual Fund (see note 8) 5,677 5,677 Restricted - Special Collections (see note 10) - 96 96 Restricted - Subsidiary Accounts (see page 19) - 4,105 - 4,105 Endowment* Endowment - Chivers Fund for People (see note 3) - - 65,123 65,123 Endowment - Dodd Flower Fund (see note 2) - 935 935 Endowment-Pidduck Flower Fund (see note 1) - - 1,806 1,806 |
27,585 400,000 33,500 15,000 957 500 1,081 78 6,485 7 19,715 63,911 870 1,681 |
| Funds of the church 451,543 13,303 67,865 532,711 |
571,372 |
The financial statements on pages 20 to 31 were approved by the Trustees and authorised for issue on 23rd April 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Trustee
Matt Selman, Team Vicar
13
SIDMOUTH PARISH CHURCH St Giles & St Nicholas - Charity : 1128390
For the period from 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2023
| For the period from 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2023 | For the period from 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2023 |
|---|---|
| Notes to the financial report | |
| 1 | Accounting policies |
| a | Accounting convention |
| The financial statements have been prepared under the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 in accordance with applicable accounting | |
| standards and the current (2015) Statement Of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities SORP (FRS 102). | |
| The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the inclusion of investments at | |
| market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do | |
| not include the accounts of church groups that owe their affiliation to another body, nor those which are informal gatherings of church | |
| members. | |
| b | Going concern |
| The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis. | |
| c | Charitable Status |
| The church is a registered charity 1128390. The Charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance | |
| Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is | |
| potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the | |
| Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are | |
| applied exclusivelyto charitablepurposes. | |
| d | Funds accounting |
| Funds held by the PCC are: | |
| Unrestricted funds- general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes | |
| Designated funds - monies set aside by the PCC out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects. The Roof Reserve is | |
| expected to be expended in the next 24 months. The PCC Reserve is held indefinitely as a working reserve. | |
| Restricted funds - a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restructed objects provided in the terms | |
| of the trust or bequest; b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may | |
| only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaing unspent at the end of the year is carried | |
| forward as a balance on that fund. | |
| Endowment funds - funds the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from the investment of the endowment may | |
| be used, either as restricted or unrestricted funds, depending on the purpose set out in the terms of the original endowment | |
| e | Income and endowments |
| All income and endowments are accounted for without deduction for any costs of receivability, are recognised when there is evidence | |
| of entitlement, receipt is probable, and the amount can be measured reliably. |
Donations and legacies
Collections are recognised when received. Planned giving receivable is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable, and the amount accords with the Gift Aid declaration or other record of intention to donate. Gift aid recovered is recognised when the income to which it is attached is recognised. Gift Aid is accounted for on an accruals basis when amounts are recognisable. Previously (up to 2016) amounts were reported on a receipts basis. Grants and legacies are recognised when the formal offer in writing of the funding, is received by the PCC. Charitable activities Sales of magazines and study notes are recognised when received. Rents from property are recognised in accordance with the rental agreements, when receipt is probable. Other trading activities Trading activities are where income is receivable in return for selling goods or providing services. Income from trading is recognised either: a - when received, or b - in the case of concerts: for the year in question, irrespective of date of receipt. Advance bookings are included in creditors until the concert has taken place. Investment income
Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue.
14
SIDMOUTH PARISH CHURCH St Giles & St Nicholas - Charity : 1128390 For the period: 01 January to 31 December 2023
Notes to the financial report (continued)
All other income
All other income is recognised in accordance with the above overall policy.
Gains and losses on investments
Realised gains are recognised when the investments are sold Unrealised gains and losses are accounted for on revaluation at 31 December.
Gift Aid has been accounted for on an accrual basis where figures are known.
f Expenditure
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and accounted for gross.
Grants
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded where the award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.
Church Activities
The diocesan parish contribution is accounted for on an annual basis, reflecting the allocation set by our Deanery. Any parish contribution unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet.
g Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets
Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2) of the Charities Act 2011.
Movable church furnishing held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's inventory which can be inspected but are not included in the financial statements. For other property acquired prior to 2012 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore the cost of such assets is not stated in the financial statements.
All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings and individual items costing under £1,000 are written off in the year they were incurred.
Depreciation
No depreciation is provided on freehold property as it is the PCC's policy to maintain these assets in a continual state of sound repair. The useful economic life of these assets is so long and residual values so high that any depreciation would not be material. These assets will be subject to annual impairment reviews. Provision will be made if there has been any permanent diminution in value.
The church electronic organ was expended in the year of purchase in 2016 and does not show as an asset on the accounts.
Office equipment is subject to depreciation on a 25% straight-line basis. Audio-visual equipment is subject to depreciation on a 12.5% straight line basis.
Investments
Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date.
h Current Assets
Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown a debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible.
Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds, or at the bank
i Fees
Fees received for payment to 3rd parties assisting in wedding, baptism and funeral services are not church income and are not accounted. Similarly fees paid for Performing Rights which are then recovered from 3rd parties are not church expenditure and also are not accounted.
- j Treatment of pence
All entries are rounded to the nearest pound. As a result some rounded totals differ from the totals of the rounded constituents by a small amount.
15
SIDMOUTH PARISH CHURCH St Giles & St Nicholas - Charity : 1128390 Analysis of income and expenditure For the Period: 01 January to 31 December 2023
| Income and endowments | **Unrestricted ** | Designated | Restricted | Total | 31.12.2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donations and legacies | |||||
| S.O.s, Payroll & CAF | 30,464 | - | - | 30,464 | 34,238 |
| Parish Giving Scheme | 29,961 | - | - | 29,961 | 31,643 |
| Envelope Scheme | 1,168 | - | - | 1,168 | 4,883 |
| Collections | 10,863 | - | 113 | 10,976 | 9,224 |
| Wall Safe Donations | 4,526 | - | - | 4,526 | 3,750 |
| Pew Envelopes | 12,478 | - | - | 12,478 | 10,215 |
| Donations | 17,490 | - | 2,643 | 20,133 | 40,390 |
| Special Collections for outward giving | - | 6,276 | 6,276 | 11,606 | |
| Gift Aid Recovered | 16,602 | - | 621 | 17,223 | 17,952 |
| Legacies | 30,982 | - | - | 30,982 | 115,000 |
| Grants | 1,255 | - | 18,748 | 20,003 | 36,812 |
| VAT recovery grants | 1,865 | 2,056 | 3,921 | 6,546 | |
| Hawkins Trust grants (see note 14) | 4,725 | - | - | 4,725 | 3,521 |
| Donations and legacies Totals | 162,379 | - | 30,456 | 192,835 | 325,780 |
| Income from charitable activities | |||||
| Bookstall income | 162 | 0 | 162 | 133 | |
| Magazine income | 1,355 | - | 1,355 | 1262 | |
| Directory | - | - | - | 178 | |
| Toddlers | - | - | - | ||
| Income from Sunday refreshments | 1297 | 0 | 1,297 | 1335 | |
| Wedding & Funeral Fees | 5,377 | - | 500 | 5,877 | 4,608 |
| Income from charitable activities | 8,190 | - | 500 | 8,690 | 7,516 |
| Totals | |||||
| Other trading activities | |||||
| Fundraising Activities | 6,270 | - | - | 6,270 | 4,473 |
| Concerts | 6,880 | 92 | 6,972 | 10,841 | |
| Other trading activities Totals | 13,149 | - | 92 | 13,241 | 15,314 |
| Investments | |||||
| Interest Income | 1,267 | - | 1,267 | 216 | |
| Interest Income For Flowers (see note 4) | - | 116 | 116 | 91 | |
| Church Cottage Rent (see note 18) | - | - | - | 7,737 | |
| Chivers Fund income (see note 3) | - | 2,920 | 2,920 | 2,825 | |
| Investments Totals | 1,267 | - | 3,036 | 4,303 | 10,869 |
| Other income | |||||
| Subsidiary Accounts (see page 19) | - | - | 13,615 | 13,615 | 11,595 |
| Other income Totals | - | - | 13,615 | 13,615 | 11,595 |
| Income Grand totals | 184,986 | - | 47,699 | 232,685 | 371,074 |
16
SIDMOUTH PARISH CHURCH St Giles & St Nicholas - Charity : 1128390 Analysis of income and expenditure For the Period: 01 January to 31 December 2023
| Expenditure Raising funds Fundraising Costs Bookstall costs Concert Costs Magazine costs Church Cottage Expenses |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total 588 - - 588 225 - 225 1,535 - - 1,535 56 - - 56 6,958 - - 6,958 |
31.12.2022 |
|---|---|---|
| 297 73 2,261 45 2,509 |
||
| Raising funds Totals | 9,362 - - 9,362 |
5,186 |
| Expenditure on charitable activities Mission Giving - Home Mission Giving - Abroad Organist Relief Organists Administrator Other Administration Costs Relief Clergy Costs Vicar's Expenses Youth Worker Contribution Common Fund Governance Church Insurance Music Costs Office expenses Services + Religious activities Mission & Ministry costs Toddlers' costs Flower Costs Sunday Refreshments Costs Cleaning Church Utility Bills Church Maintenance & Repair |
- - 1,441 1,441 200 - 5,397 5,597 3,164 - - 3,164 1,770 - - 1,770 10,480 - - 10,480 1,842 - - 1,842 - - - - 1,298 - - 1,298 8,662 - 2,920 11,582 134,867 - - 134,867 2,102 - - 2,102 6,400 - - 6,400 - - 1,177 1,177 1,318 - - 1,318 112 - - 112 2,254 62 2,317 - 500 500 120 - 178 298 848 - - 848 1,312 - 1,312 16,141 - - 16,141 2,665 22,390 25,056 |
2,795 10,592 4,916 300 9,540 1,556 - 1,414 11,198 137,969 1,974 6,025 2,062 2,234 489 2,009 - 394 409 1,341 6,538 43,165 |
| Expenditure on charitable activities Totals |
195,554 34,066 229,621 |
246,920 |
| Other expenditure Depreciation Loan interest (see note 14) Subsidiary Accounts (see page 19) |
2,067 - 2,067 2,545 - 2,545 - - 29,236 29,236 |
2,067 1,317 12,651 |
| Other expenditure Totals | 4,612 - 29,236 33,848 |
16,035 |
| Expenditure Grand totals | 209,528 - 63,302 272,831 |
268,141 |
17
SIDMOUTH PARISH CHURCH St Giles & St Nicholas - Charity : 1128390
Statement of Assets and Liabilities As at: 31 December 2023
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities As at: 31 December 2023 |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Designated | Restricted | Endowment | Total | 31.12.2022 | |
| Fixed assets - Tangible assets | ||||||
| Church Cottage | 400,000 | - | - | - | 400,000 | 400,000 |
| Audio-Visual Equipment | 12,400 | - | - | 12,400 | 14,467 | |
| 412,400 | - | - | - | 412,400 | 414,467 | |
| Fixed assets - Investments | ||||||
| Chivers Endowment Invested | - | - | - | 65,124 | 65,124 | 63,911 |
| Pidduck Flower Endowment Invested | - | - | - | 1,806 | 1,806 | 1,681 |
| Dodd Flower Endowment Invested | - | - | - | 935 | 935 | 870 |
| Flower Fund Invested | - | - | 1,028 | - | 1,028 | 957 |
| - | - | 1,028 | 67,865 | 68,893 | 67,419 | |
| Current assets - Debtors | ||||||
| DCMS Grants | - | 4,221 | - | 4,221 | - | |
| HMRC Gift Aid | 2,543 | - | 221 | - | 2,764 | 4,073 |
| Rowland Trust Grant | - | - | - | |||
| Concert income | 1,348 | - | 1,348 | |||
| Advent Appeal income | - | 325 | 325 | |||
| Hawkins Trust grant | - | - | - | |||
| Accounts Receivable | 955 | - | 1,180 | - | 2,135 | 1,672 |
| 4,846 | - | 5,947 | - | 10,793 | 5,745 | |
| Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand | ||||||
| Business Fixed Fee | 34,324 | - | - | - | 34,324 | 70,432 |
| Business Premium | 124 | - | - | - | 124 | 1,019 |
| Church of England | 971 | - | - | 971 | 931 | |
| Patronage Fund | - | - | - | - | - | |
| CAF Cash account | 3,631 | - | - | - | 3,631 | 25,649 |
| CAF Gold account | 63,725 | - | - | - | 63,725 | 62,551 |
| Cash Float in safe | 446 | - | - | - | 446 | 292 |
| Bells Account | 4,080 | 4,080 | 1,068 | |||
| Allocated as Restricted Funds | (5,872) | 5,872 | - | |||
| (Note 2) | ||||||
| Allocated as Designated Funds | (53,500) | 53,500 | - | |||
| (Note 1) | ||||||
| 43,849 | 53,500 | 9,952 | - | 107,301 | 161,942 | |
| Note 1. PCC Reserve; Low Carbon Fund | ||||||
| Note 2. See Fund Movement Summary and | Subsidiary Accounts | |||||
| Liabilities - Creditors: Amounts falling due | in one year | |||||
| Hawkins Trust Loan | 60,000 | - | - | - | 60,000 | 60,000 |
| Examiner Fees | 900 | - | - | - | 900 | 900 |
| West Scott architects | - | 953 | 953 | |||
| Utilities | 1,256 | - | 1,256 | |||
| Vicar's expenses & ministry costs | 401 | - | 401 | |||
| Outward Giving Appeals | 200 | - | 2,528 | - | 2,728 | 4,911 |
| Accounts Payable | 295 | 144 | 439 | 12,390 | ||
| 63,052 | - | 3,624 | - | 66,676 | 78,201 | |
| 398,043 | 53,500 | 13,303 | 67,865 | 532,711 | 571,372 |
18
SIDMOUTH PARISH CHURCH St Giles & St Nicholas - Charity : 1128390
Fund movement summary
01 January to 31 December 2023
| Fund | Brought Forward |
Incoming Resources |
Outgoing Resources |
Transfers | Prior Period Adjustment |
Fair Value Revaluations |
Unrealised Gains and (Losses) |
Carried Forward |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted General fund General - Designated Reserve (see note 12) General - Designated Low Carbon Heating (see note 13) Church Cottage (see note 18) Restricted Flower Fund (see note 4) People Fund (see note 3) Fabric Fund (see note 6) Subsidiary Accounts (see page 19) Audio-Visual fund (see note 8) Organ & Music Fund (see note 7) Children's Work (see note 9) Special Collections (see note 10) Endowments Chivers Fund for People (see note 3) Dodd Flower Fund (see note 2) Pidduck Flower Fund (see note 1) |
27,585 33,500 15,000 400,000 |
184,986 - - - |
(209,528) - - |
(5,000) 5,000 - |
- - - |
- - |
- - - |
(1,957) 33,500 20,000 400,000 |
|
| 476,085 | 184,986 | (209,528) | - | - | - | - | 451,543 | ||
| 957 - 1,081 19,715 6,485 78 500 7 |
178 2,920 20,386 14,370 - 2,418 500 6,927 |
(178) (2,920) (20,827) (29,991) (808) (1,177) (562) (6,838) |
71 |
1,028 - 641 4,105 5,677 1,319 438 96 |
|||||
| 28,824 | 47,700 | (63,302) | - | - | - | 71 | 13,303 | ||
| 63,911 870 1,681 |
- - - |
- - - |
- - - |
- - - |
- - - |
1,212 65 126 |
65,123 935 1,806 |
||
| 66,462 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,403 | 67,865 | ||
| Totals | 571,372 | 232,685 | **(272,830) ** | - | - | - | 1,474 | 532,711 |
19
SIDMOUTH PARISH CHURCH St Giles & St Nicholas - Charity : 1128390 As at: 31 December 2023
| Tangible fixed assets | Tangible fixed assets | Tangible fixed assets | Tangible fixed assets | Tangible fixed assets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freehold land and buildings |
Audio visual equipment |
Office equipment |
Total fixed assets |
||
| Cost or valuation At 1 January 2023 |
£ 400,000 |
£ 16,534 |
£ - |
£ 416,534 |
|
| Additions | - | - | - | ||
| Disposals Revaluation |
- | - | - | - - |
|
| At 31 December 2023 | 400,000 | 16,534 | - | 416,534 | |
| Charge for impairment/depreciation At 1 January 2023 Depreciation in year Revaluation |
- - - |
(2,067) (2,067) - |
- - - |
(2,067) (2,067) - |
|
| At 31 December 2023 | - | (4,134) | - | (4,134) | |
| Net book amounts At 31 December 2023 |
400,000 | 12,401 | - | 412,401 | |
| At 31 December 2022 | 400,000 | 14,467 | - | 414,467 |
The property was revalued by a RICS registered surveyor in 2018.
Subsidiary Accounts
| The followingsubsidiaryaccounts are operated on behalf of the PCC and the balances are shown as PCC Assets | The followingsubsidiaryaccounts are operated on behalf of the PCC and the balances are shown as PCC Assets | The followingsubsidiaryaccounts are operated on behalf of the PCC and the balances are shown as PCC Assets | The followingsubsidiaryaccounts are operated on behalf of the PCC and the balances are shown as PCC Assets | The followingsubsidiaryaccounts are operated on behalf of the PCC and the balances are shown as PCC Assets | The followingsubsidiaryaccounts are operated on behalf of the PCC and the balances are shown as PCC Assets | The followingsubsidiaryaccounts are operated on behalf of the PCC and the balances are shown as PCC Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance 31.12.22 |
Adjustments 2023 |
Income 2023 |
Expenditure 2023 |
Balance 31.12.23 |
||
| £ | 10 | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Restricted - Subsidiary Accounts Patronage Fund ( see note 5) Gateway (see note 11) Bells |
- 18,648 1,068 |
755 10,268 3,347 |
(755) - (28,891) 25 (345) 4,080 |
|||
| 19,715 | 10 | 14,370 | (29,991) | 4,105 |
20
SIDMOUTH PARISH CHURCH ST GILES & ST NICHOLAS
Notes & Commentary on Financial Statements
For the year ended 31st December 2023
Endowment Funds
1. The Pidduck Fund
The legacy of £1,931 is invested for the provision of Easter Lilies at Eastertide.
2. The Mrs Dodd Flower Fund
The legacy of £1,000 is invested to provide income for flowers.
3. The J A Chivers Legacy
The legacy of £50,000 is invested as follows: 2,000 M&G Charifund income units (value 31/12/2023 £28,700 a fall of £690 in the year) and 5,000 Black Rock Charishare Common Fund Units (value 31/12/2023 £36,423, a gain of £1,902 in the year). Interest from the fund is restricted for the benefit of people rather than the fabric of the Church. During 2022, income of £2,920 was used to support the employment of a youth worker by the Mission Community.
Restricted Funds
4. Flower Fund
The flower fund is combined with the Pidduck & Dodd Funds and invested in Invesco Corporate Bond Units to provide income for flowers (value 31/12/2023 £3,770, a gain of £265 in the year). During 2023, investment income was £116. A donation of £62 was also received. Together, these covered the cost of Easter Lilies.
5. The Patronage Fund was formed for donors to commemorate a date special to them with their money going towards the care and maintenance of the church building. The amount collected during the year, £755, was transferred to the Fabric Fund.
6. The Fabric Fund supports the cost of repairs to the fabric of the church, funded by restricted donations from the Rowland Trust and the Patronage Fund together with grants from DCMS covering the cost of the VAT paid. During 2023 expenditure of £21,582 included replacement of the safe and door damaged by burglars (£8600) which will be recovered from our insurers. Remaining costs related mainly to routine repairs to the toilets, the lighting and the heating.
7. The Music Fund supports the maintenance and repair of the organ together with costs of music etc for the choir. It is funded by profits from organ recitals and donations from choir members of wedding and funeral fees. It also received a donation of £1,826. There was expenditure of £1,177 on the organ. The current balance of the fund is £1,319.
8. The AV (Audio-Visual) Fund was created in 2022 to fund the replacement of the sound system. The equipment is capitalised at cost and will be depreciated over eight years. There was no income in 2023. £808 was spent on upgrades to the equipment, mainly for an external loudspeaker. The current balance of the fund is £5,677.
9. The Children's Work fund was created in 2021 with a donation of £500 to support children's ministries at this church. There was no income in 2023. Costs of maintaining the children's corner were paid from this fund which currently stands at £438.
10. Special Collections Funds. In 2023, special collections raised £6,753, of which £2,822 was for the Christian Aid Turkish Earthquake Appeal, £1,200 for the Shelterbox Turkish Earthquake Appeal, £1,153 for Smile Train, £720 for the Christian Aid Libyan Floods appeal and £720 to support Sid Valley HELP's children's mental health work. Small donations were also made to the Missions to Seafarers, Sidmouth Food Bank and Sidmouth Hospice-at-Home.
21
11. The Gateway charity for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in the Sid Valley became an
independent charity in 2023 and the balance of funds was transferred. Income through the church accounts in 2023 was £10,243 and expenditure was £6,613. The balance of £22,278 was transferred to the new charity.
12. Reserves Policy
The PCC has agreed a policy that £33,500 of unrestricted funds should be a designated reserve. If drawn upon, they are to be replaced at the earliest opportunity.
13. Low Carbon Heating Designated Fund
This fund was set up in 2019 as part of the church's commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2030. It will be used to replace the current gas-fired boilers with a low carbon heating system. The original intention was to set aside £10,000 per year. However, COVID intervened, and an energy audit suggested that we should wait for another 5 or so years before making the change. In 2023, £5,000 was added to the fund bringing it up to £20,000.
14. The Hawkins Trust
The Parish Church is one of three beneficiaries who equally share in the income of this Trust, which will be equally divided among the beneficiaries on 23rd March 2068. A loan of £60,000 was obtained from the Trust in 2009. Although the terms of the loan are that it is repayable on demand the PCC Trustees believe that repayment will not be demanded during the course of the Trust and instead deducted from the amounts due at the cessation of the Trust. The PCC pays interest of 2% above base rate on this loan. The value of the portfolio in April 2023 was £511,701 (2022: £498,936). During 2023, £4,725 was received in grants from the trust and £2,545 was paid in loan interest.
15. The Rowland Trust
This associated trust, a separate charity, was created for the maintenance and repair of the Parish Church building fabric only (not its activities). The trustees consider applications for grants from the PCC. It currently has assets of £167,619.
16. Grants
The PCC gratefully acknowledges grants received from the Rowland Trust, the Hawkins Trust, the Friends of Sidmouth Parish Church, the Listed Places of Worship scheme, Sidmouth Town Council, Sidmouth Masons, Principal Grand Lodge and Sidmouth Consolidated Charities.
17. Friends of Sidmouth Parish Church
The Friends are a separate charity supporting the maintenance of the church building through funds raised at their monthly coffee mornings. During 2023, they paid for the purchase and installation of an industrial dishwasher and for the replacement of the flag.
18. Trustees Donations
During 2023 Sidmouth Parish Church PCC received £27,186 in donations from trustees and their close relatives. The donors did not attach any conditions to their gifts which required the charity to significantly alter its activities.
19. Church Cottage
Church Cottage is the historic Sexton's cottage, dating from the 17th Century but rebuilt in 1807 with the help of the Feofees. During the 19th century, the churchyard was extended around it and it was consecrated. In 1870, the Feofees passed a resolution clarifying ownership as being by the incumbent at the time. It was used as a verger's cottage until 2012, when extensive refurbishment was carried out. During 2023 it was vacant while surveys were carried out to determine the extent of refurbishment required and its future use.
20. Belfry Fund
The bells fund is managed by the bells treasurer, and funds are kept in a separate bank account. An error of £10 in the final balance for 2022 was corrected at the start of the year. Income in 2023 consisted of annual subscriptions (£160) to the East Devon Ringers Guild, visiting ringers (£62) and donations/ grants (£3150). An annual outing is funded by participants. Outgoings were £170 subscriptions plus £199.70 incidental expenditure. A balance of £4080 was carried forward to be spent on repairs to the bells in 2024.
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Reports from Ministry Teams
Archives: For those interested in history, short guides to aspects of the church are available from the rack next to the Welcome Cabinet. Several of these guides are also available on the church website by selecting “History of the Church”. A second page, labelled research material, contains some more in-depth information about church history including copies of historical documents.
Brian Golding
Bells: Our aim for 2023 was to recruit ‘another ringer or two’ to enable us to continue to ring regularly all 10 bells. We were delighted to recruit 8 (yes 8) new ringers in early 2023. Existing experienced ringers gave their time before the usual Tuesday practice to help our new recruits master handling a bell rope. 6 of these new ringers rang for the Coronation of King Charles’ III in May 2023 – an experience to remember; they also rang the bells ‘half muffled’ on Remembrance Sunday and joined the regular band ringing for Christmas services. We (including our ‘new’ ringers) continue to ring regularly for the 10.00am Sunday Eucharist. With the permission of the churchwardens we have introduced regular monthly extended rings – called quarter peals – prior to Evensong. Other significant events during the year were Bell Sunday in May and a ‘special ring’ in November for Marion Baker’s 90th birthday. Rev’d Jon Rose organised another successful Tower Outing in November when we were joined by ringers from Jon’s former parish. We rang together at 4 Somerset towers and enjoyed an excellent pub lunch. We are grateful for the opportunity to regularly report our activities in the monthly Crossing. Many of us ring for services at other towers when required and support training sessions and practices in the East Devon area and beyond. But it’s not all ringing – we enjoy social activities together such as a summer barbeque and ‘Pudding Night’. We now look forward to an enjoyable 2024. However, work on the bell frame is still a high priority (as reported last year) and we are actively seeking funding to enable this work to go ahead. But we are extremely grateful for the donations received which will cover the cost of 10 new bell ropes. Sad Announcement: Sylvia Gibbard sadly passed away at the end of December 2023. Sylvia was a stalwart member of the Sidmouth band who had given many years’ service. We all miss her very much. Anne Bailey, Tower Captain
Children & Youth : In the Mission Community we have brilliant links with our local schools. At Sidmouth Primary we deliver two assemblies every week. We have just finished a series of assemblies giving children an overview of the Bible, and now we are concentrating on looking at different values, through Giants of Faith as well as teaching them songs to help them engage with Christianity. At Christmas a team of us went into the school to deliver Christingle workshops. This was beautiful and a lovely way to talk about Jesus being the light of the world. At Easter last year we led a Prayer activity trail and this year we are talking to children in classes, delivering Easter assemblies and activities in school. The school has come out and been welcomed in the various churches at Christmas. We are also part of the Ethos Team which helps support the school in keeping its Christian ethos in the running of the school. We also are developing our links with Sidmouth College and run a lunch time activity for children in their student support centre.
Schools’ work is a large part of our children’s ministry but only one part. Our ministry also involves working with families through various groups and activities such as Messy Church, toddler groups (we run four). Through this the last couple of years, in one group alone, we have reached out to over 150 families. Due to this, two of us have completed training to acquire a licence to deliver parenting courses. Currently we have a course about to start which is for parents of children in early years. It is so important to reach out to people, build relationships and serve our local community.
We also run various youth groups. This includes an afterschool Drop In, younger and older youth groups where we arrange many activities including sleepovers, camps and outdoor activities, teen bible study group, worship band.
All these events need teams. If this is something you would like to be involved with then please do let me know. I do know it’s not always easy to be able to support, but I would value your prayers for the ministries of children, youth, families and our local schools. Thank you.
Kirsty Hammond
The Children’s area at the back of church provides an area for parents /grandparents/ carers to bring children on Sundays or to any other services so that they can participate in the service and the children can play or do Christian based worksheets. Sunday use has increased over the past year. The main use for the area continues to be during the week with several regulars coming in. During the holidays and on special occasions such as Folk week, St Nicholas open night and during school holidays it is especially popular. I hope its presence shows any who bring young children into church that we, as a congregation, welcome and care for them.
Joy Peers
Church of England Children’s Society: Last year members of the congregation contributed £370.73 by having a collecting box in their home and we sold over £200 of the Society’s Christmas cards. Thank you. Sue Byrd, Parish Representative
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Cleaning report : we are very grateful to the 8 people who currently clean every 4 weeks. However, we need 7 more people to get back to a pre-pandemic rota. We have no fixed times or days for cleaning as this is at the discretion of the volunteers and we clean at our convenience but as close to Sunday as possible, hence the usual day is Friday. The cordless hoover, which lived in the kitchen, is no longer working and was clearly not a good choice for a building such as our church. The second-hand donated upright Dyson has also ceased to work efficiently. The next step needs to be the purchase of a new hoover, probably a Henry which we know is reliable. The big cleans were well supported. A good turn out means the job gets done more quickly and there is time for refreshments and socialising. Thanks to those on the rota and Alan, Brian and Stephen who clean the highest sections in advance. Professional cleaning is not an option as the price is prohibitive. So, if you can handle a heavy hoover or wield an old-fashioned broom, please consider joining us. Jackie Stephens.
The Crossing : Report on the Parish magazine. The magazine continues to be popular among our readership, if verbal comments are reliable feedback. It is also able to attract a regular income from adverts, with 7 businesses taking out space for the whole year. Cost of advertising was raised slightly on the previous year. The cost for our readership remains £1.50 per copy, or £13 for an annual subscription. It is also still available by email, with a copy posted on the parish website. Most months it contains 16 A4 colour pages. Thank you to all contributors, especially those who give something regularly. It remains a challenge to get written responses and local material for publication, despite an email reminder being send out each month. The magazine provides a communication channel that can inform parishioners and the wider community of what is or has happened in the church. It can inform on matters of interest and to help communicate the Christian Message in an indirect way. Please don’t assume that I know that your event is happening and will be reported. The magazine editors across the Mission Community met in January, along with David Caporn. This was the first time since before the Covid pandemic. We were able to compare and contrast our different styles, objectives and distribution. We also noted each other’s deadlines for the coming year. Thanks to Ruth Mathers, our Parish secretary, for printing; also to Erica Connolly who continues to manage the subscriptions, and to her and her team for assembling copies; to Margaret Jewes who continues to forward Parish Pump material to me every month; and to those who distribute copies to those who can’t pick up from church. David Wade, Editor
Flower Team.
The flower team has been busy over the last year, keeping the church looking attractive. Since there are only 7 of us, our rota duty comes round regularly, so we’d love another couple of people to join us. Our displays are much appreciated – we get many compliments – so if you’d like to become part of the team, please contact me. I would like to thank all the ladies for their arrangements, both weekly and at the Church festivals like Christmas and Easter. Thank you too, to the churchwardens who help in many ways, and to Jessica Dawkins for planning the posies for Mothering Sunday. Veronica Swinburn
Friends of the Parish Church: The Friends continue to thrive with a monthly coffee morning, an annual lunch in February, a summer cream tea and two coach excursions – last year we visited Abbotsbury Swannery and Sub-Tropical Gardens in May and Sherborne town and Minster in September. We owe a great deal to our hard-working committee whom we thank. Sue Byrd
Gift Aid Report : Once again, it is my pleasant task to thank everyone who has managed to donate to the church and to its special causes during 2023. Once again, the wall safe has proved itself as a recipient both for cash and for blue envelope donations. Payment by card, through “Give a Little” has continued to grow in popularity, both for GiftAided and non-GiftAided donations. The monies collected from these sources and by the traditional methods have enabled us to claim over £10,000 from HMRC, a very welcome sum, though sadly, down on last year. If any regular donors are eligible to claim Gift Aid but have not filled in a GA form and do not donate via the pew envelopes, I will be pleased to provide a form for completion, if you contact me. With the form in place, a claim can be made on any named donation, be it large or small, and will add a further 25% to the donation, without any loss to the donor. Ann Jones, Gift Aid Secretary
Home Communion continues to be offered to the housebound either in private homes, retirement homes or the local community hospital. Home Communions which are taken by clergy or licensed local ministers are usually offered on a monthly basis according to the level of need. This is an important sacramental ministry which allows members of the church fellowship to feel connected with the parish. It is a privilege to participate in this ministry. Rev’d Annita Denny
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Intercessions : It is a responsibility and a privilege to offer public prayers on behalf of the congregation. I would like to thank all our intercessors for their vital contribution to our worship in church. Traditionally, and rightly, our intercessions include requests for God’s intervention and guidance: in the affairs of the Church, of the world, of this country, of our local community, on behalf of those who are suffering mentally and physically, the poor, those who have recently died, and the bereaved. Each intercessor brings their own style and perspective: it is good to hear different voices giving the prayers; equally it is important that individual views do not intrude. Last, but not least, intercessions need to be audible, and reasonably brief. I believe we are fortunate in having intercessors who understand and meet all these needs. At present, there are eight intercessors. This is enough to cover the rota, but if anyone feels a call to join our number, please feel free to get in touch. My contact details are in the Parish Directory.
Richard Gibbs
Ladies Coffee groups have continued to meet each Monday at the Mustard Seed and the Dairy Shop. Lively discussions, lots of Laughter and lovely refreshments are enjoyed by the regular 14 -16 of us with occasional extras. All are welcome to join us 10.30 - 11.30 at either venue.
Margaret Moss & Heather Knight
Lesson Readers: We have an excellent team of lesson readers for 8am and 10am services. We welcome fresh faces., particularly at 8am .
Peter Byrd
Open the Book: Open the Book is an ecumenical team which offers Bible stories to key stages 2 and 3 pupils at the Sidmouth Junior School on a fortnightly basis and at Sidbury Junior School on a rather less frequent schedule. We were delighted to welcome Reverend David Fayle to the team last year.
Peter Byrd and Sue Byrd
Pastoral Links: During the year Heather Knight retired as co-coordinator of our Pastoral Links but she continues to serve as a Link. Heather has contributed enormously to our Pastoral Links scheme over many years. As a result of Heather’s retirement, and with the increasing average age of our Links, I have discussed with Matt the Vicar how best the scheme can be maintained and developed, and I am currently proposing some changes to the scheme. Peter Byrd
Reader ministry: During the year I was delighted to be relicensed by the Diocese – previously I had enjoyed a Permission to Officiate but a change of policy on upper age limits meant I could get back my licence. The Diocese prefers the term Licensed Lay Minister to Reader though both are confusing to folk outside the church. As an LLM I have continued to lead evening worship regularly, preaching occasionally on Sunday morning, and helped facilitate the Lent Course working with Reverend Andrew Norman. I have also been able to develop an active funeral ministry which I find very fulfilling. During the year Carolyn Croft transferred practically all her ministry activity to Sidbury/Sidford and I would like to place on record my appreciation for all her work for the Parish Church over many years. Peter Byrd
Social Events Report: We had a busy year with a wide range of events, which included Mothering Sunday, Lent Lunch, Easter Sunday, fairs in the spring and the autumn and St Nicholas fair at the beginning of December, in conjunction with late night shopping in the town. We invited a group of dancers to perform at St Nicholas Fair, when the singing of the Gospel Choir was also enjoyed by many of our customers. Folk Week was busy and kept many of us occupied from Friday through to the following Friday. As well as providing cakes and drinks, we expanded our food offering to cover various savoury items, which were consumed with enthusiasm, and we also included a book stall and a jigsaw for people to complete. Various members of the clergy attended to provide a listening ear, for anyone who needed support. At our fairs, we included some different stalls, including a bottle tombola and a bran tub for children. At the St Nicholas Fair, the nearly new stall was geared towards gifts and decorations. The Harvest Lunch was more ambitious than it had been for some years, and it included a wide range of food. We ensured there were plenty of people to serve the food and drinks, to minimise queuing and enable participants to relax and enjoy a time of fellowship. We have become accustomed to dealing with gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements. We are very grateful to our amazing cake makers for their skills and their willingness to support our various events.
Stephanie Holman, Coordinator.
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Sound and Live Video Streaming: The new sound system has continued to perform well. However, over the year the microphone on the lectern (which was not replaced) developed static noise problems, which we think were caused by people unnecessarily moving it when they get to the lectern. This caused the electrical contacts in the base that the microphone plugs into becoming loose. As a result, the church was treated to sudden and alarming static noise. The tech team decided the best course of action was to buy a new base (£35), and this seems to have solved the problem. Would readers/ intercessors please note that it should not be necessary to move the mic when you get to the lectern.
As reported last year, provision was made to be able to connect an external speaker to the sound system. In 2023 a portable speaker was purchased and used most successfully at the war memorial service in November.
We continued to successfully stream Sunday Services, and the occasional wedding or funeral on YouTube throughout the year. Sunday services have a small but regular following, with some watching live, and some watching the recording later in the week. There have been occasional glitches, but usually a recording has then been made available afterward. Apart from numbers, we don’t get any feedback on who is watching or whether it meets their requirements. The link for the 10 a.m. Sunday Eucharist is the same each week and is https://www.sidvalley.org.uk/sundaystreaming.htm. We currently have 137 subscribers to our YouTube Channel.
The small team of myself, Alan Clarke, and Paul Swinburn continue to cover the services. We regret that Brian Rees no longer is available to help. We need more. Anyone with an interest, who would like to know more, please speak to one of the team. It is not so complicated as some people think!
David Wade
Sunday morning coffee: Delicious, freshly-brewed coffee, tea, biscuits and cakes, including gluten-free options, are served after the 10 o’clock Sunday morning service. There are 30 servers in total on the rota, with three individuals looking after the refreshments each Sunday.
Laura Hart
Welcomers : Having taken over the role of organising ' Welcomers' for the 10am Services, I am pleased to report that with several new names on the rota we now total 15. Many thanks to all the Welcomers, old or new, who undertake this valuable and fulfilling roll in welcoming everyone to our beautiful Parish Church.
Avril Ellingham
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