## **The Saltway Team** The Church of England in Droitwich Spa-Salwarpe-Hindlip-Martin Hussingtree **The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024** ## Contents Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………4 The Saltway Team – Review of 2024 ………………………………………………………...6 Governance-Parish of Droitwich Spa………………………………………………….. .. 15 Governance-Parish of Salwarpe with Hindlip and Martin Hussingtree .... 17 Fabric of Buildings and Churchyards…………………………………………………… .. 18 Droitwich & SHMH Finances………………………………………………………………… 20 Report on the Proceedings of the Deanery Synod………………………………… 21 Droitwich Spa - Administrative Details…………………………………………. ........ 23 SHMH - Administrative Details……………………………………………………………… 24 Saltway Team Contact Details…………………………………………………………. ..... 24 The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 2 ## **Introduction** This report summarises the activities of the Saltway Team in 2024. It includes: - A review of the events of 2024. - Some aspects of the life of the team that relate to Worship, Discipleship and Serving the Community. - Governance. - Fabric, Finance and Administrative Details. - Details of the Deanery Synod during 2024. It is important to note that the summary and financial details provide a picture of the Team through to the end of December 2024, however some mention is made of the months that have followed, as well as some references to the year ahead. It is always impossible to sum up the journey of a year in one document and particularly difficult to articulate the shared journey, both with each other and with God. It is hoped that this report paints something of a picture of the journey, while in no way claiming to include everything that 2024 has seen. The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 3 ## **The Two Parishes of the Saltway Team** The Saltway Team consists of two adjacent parishes. **The Parish of Droitwich Spa** encompasses the town of Droitwich Spa which is 6 miles north of Worcester. There are four CofE church buildings and one further burial ground. - St Augustine’s Church - Droitwich (Dodderhill) - St Andrew’s Church - Droitwich - St Peter’s Church - Droitwich - St Nicholas’ Church - Droitwich - St Mary’s Churchyard (chapel building was demolished in 2012) **The Parish of Salwarpe and Hindlip with Martin Hussingtree (SHMH)** is to the south of Droitwich. It is an area of rural farmland, with half of the large village of Fernhill Heath to the south and several large housing developments that border the Parish of Droitwich Spa. There are three CofE church buildings and one further burial ground. - St. Michael's Church - Salwarpe - St. Michael & All Angels Church - Martin Hussingtree - St. James’ Church - Hindlip (now under the guardianship of West Mercia Police, but available for two services a year in July (St James’ Patronal) and November (Remembrance) - Spellis Green Burial Ground - Fernhill Heath Each parish has its own Parochial Church Council (PCC). We aim to be a unified team of congregations, supporting one another in our mission to **Worship God** , to **Grow as Disciples of Jesus** and to **Serve the Local and Wider Community** . The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 4 ## **The Saltway Team – Review of 2024** The Saltway Team has the mission to Worship God, Grow as Disciples and Serve the Wider Community. It does this in the most part through five Sunday morning congregations and a range of other gatherings and activities. ## **Ministry Team** During 2024 Revd Laura Handy (Team Rector) and Revd Giles Joiner (Team Curate) served across the Saltway Team. They ministered together with Readers (LLMs) Philip Bowen and Bill Sumner, Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs), other Clergy with Permission to Officiate (PTOs), Churchwardens, PCC members and others who served so faithfully. The clergy continued to meet monthly with the churchwardens and other appropriate representatives and regularly with a wider ministry team to discuss the leadership and development of the parishes. We also began to work with Neil Flint, mission accompanier, as part of the leadership and development. Mission accompaniers are supported by the Diocese to assist local reflection and development. ## **Services** As a Team we continued to worship together in our now well-established pattern which enables worship across the church buildings throughout each month. It has been encouraging to see established congregation members find a rhythm of worship as well as seeing new people join in with each of the congregations. The Wednesday communion service has gone from strength to strength with a deep sense of peace, community and mutual support. The Service The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 5 of Healing and Wholeness on the first Wednesday of the month has been a special time together and one that people value greatly. The traditional Sunday services have been well attended and each has regained or developed a sense of identity within the wider Team. It has been encouraging to see more people involved in serving across the Team to enable these services to happen and more people worshipping across the churches. As well as the regular communion services, St Peter’s enjoyed a monthly Service of the Word led ably by Philip Bowen and Rachel Rean. The 11am Contemporary Congregation at St Andrew’s continued to grow and develop with more people joining and many becoming more regular in their attendance. It has been encouraging to see relationships strengthen and develop and to see people grow in their faith. Christine Holzapfel has shared in the leadership of this congregation and her ministry has been greatly appreciated. Various people have met in house groups and joined in prayer meetings as part of growing as a community of faith. The regular Zoom Morning Prayer service, although small in size, has been greatly appreciated by those who worship from home. Choral Evensong, held three times during the year, continues to be very much appreciated by those who attend. ## **New Worshipping Communities** Whilst we made the decision to bring Blaze to an end due to family life meaning some families struggled to attend regularly, we have seen the start of Sparkle Tots at St Nic’s and Time Together at St Peter’s. Sparkle Tots has seen families and their little ones come together weekly in term time led by a brilliant team. Time Together has seen parents and children join us at St Peter’s for after school fun with Christingles in December and pancakes in February. ## **Seasonal Provisions** The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 6 The seasonal services helped us to journey through the year and during 2024 we marked many of these in our traditional ways. Our seasonal services included: Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Easter and Ascension Day Harvest Celebrations All Souls - where we welcomed many families to remember loved ones Remembrance - including Civic events at Fernhill Heath Memorial Hall, Hindlip Church and West Mercia Police & Fire Headquarters, Salwarpe Church and Droitwich Town Centre followed by St Andrew’s Church. Christmas - with Christingles, carol services and crib services across the team and communities. It was really encouraging to see increased numbers across all of these services. This included a new Christingle workshop and service at Martin Hussingtree with Hindlip School, which was a great success and a day that we hope will be repeated. ## **Those We Have Loved and Lost** During the year a number of people who were part of the congregations across the team have been commended to God’s care. Each one is known and loved by God and together we mourn their passing. In particular we give thanks for the faithful service of John Hughes (Martin Hussingtree and Salwarpe), Ann Brazier (Salwarpe), Gwyneth Bevan (St Peter’s), Mary Brennan (St Augustine’s), David Howells (SHMH), Geoff Cottam (St Peter’s) and John Baker (SHMH). ## **Occasional Offices and Pastoral Care** During 2024 we had the privilege of conducting many christenings and weddings, as well as many funerals (both at the churches and crematoria), and interments of ashes. During the year pastoral care has continued both formally and informally by clergy, readers, ALMs and many others, as we have sought to share the journey together. ## **St Nic’s** Whilst decisions were made to pause both the cinema and live@stnics, the church is increasingly being used as a community space, including by The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 7 the newly formed Central Area Residents’ Meeting and the Folk Club, and it is hoped to increase this further over the coming years. It has also seen the start of Sparkle Tots - a report on which can be found below. ## **Wider Community** ## **Schools work** Revd Laura continued to serve as a governor at Hindlip CofE First School and as an Advocate (governor) at St Peter’s Droitwich CofE Academy. Clergy were also involved in seasonal services (Easter, Harvest, Leavers Services, Remembrance, Christmas etc.), assemblies, Open the Book, church visits and RE lessons, as well as pastoral support to various staff, families and pupils at these schools - Westlands First School, RGS Dodderhill and Witton Middle School. Bill Sumner continued to work with Hindlip First School Choir and Recorder group ## **Civic Roles** Revd Laura continued in the capacity of Chaplain to Droitwich Town Council and Royal British Legion and provided liaison for Civic Services, Remembrance Sunday and other town events. ## **Local Organisations** The Saltway Team had regular contact with local organisations and charities that included the Droitwich Spa Foodbank and Coventry Homes Charity. ## **SHMH Parish Magazine** The Salwarpe and Hindlip with Martin Hussingtree Parish and Community Magazine was hand-delivered each month to around 2,400 households. The magazine is free of charge, although recipients are encouraged to consider giving to cover the cost. This continues to be possible because of a dedicated team of volunteers. ## **Ecumenical Partnerships** The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 8 The Churches Together in Droitwich Group continued to have a strong involvement from the partner churches in Droitwich: this produced at Christmas a brilliant window display which was a wonderful addition to the town. The relationship between SHMH and Fernhill Heath Baptist Church continues to be valued and saw a joint World Day of Prayer event take place. ## **St Peter’s Pre-School** The Pre-School continued to operate in the Winslow Vestry at St Peter’s and the strong links between church and school continue. ## **Church Visits** Across the Team there were a variety of visits to the churches, with a mixture of organised group visits, individuals researching family connections, schools and bellringers amongst others. St Peter’s and St Andrew’s continued to be open most weekdays, enabling increasing numbers of people to find a quiet place for prayer and reflection. ## **A Number of Reports from Across the Team….** This is by no means a complete list, but simply a flavour of the wider life of the Team and some reflections from those who have helped to lead and shape these areas of ministry. **Faith and Fellowship** , throughout 2024, continued to be a welcoming and friendly space for people to come together to explore the Bible, faith and how these relate to everyday lives. The monthly sessions included singing, prayer and an exploration into a Bible passage. During the seasons of Lent and Advent, courses of three and four weeks were held. The Revd Henry Lewis, a retired Minister, and the Revd Christine Holzapfel were welcomed as guest speakers as part of the Advent course. In August, the group visited Sacred Heart RC church to see and hear about the mosaics. As numbers continue to increase more new friendships are being made, all whilst enjoying a cuppa (sometimes cake too). ## **Care Home Ministry** The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 9 Our visits to three care homes have continued monthly throughout 2024. Each home is different and we try to adapt to each one in ways which suit their individual needs. At one of these, a group of our choir members sing a mixture of hymns and secular songs, at another we take communion to two faithful Christian ladies and for another we have a shortened service with extra hymns, a short drama presentation of the Bible story and Communion for those who express a desire to receive it. During 2024, this ministry has increased to include two other care homes, where a short Communion service is held every six to eight weeks. We are blessed by building relationships with the residents and their families and serving Christ in this special ministry. ## **Sparkle Tots** Sparkle Tots is Church for babies and toddlers with their parents or carers. The group meets every Monday in school term time from 9.30 – 10.30 at St Nicholas Church. The sessions include simple songs, stories, games and craft activities followed by refreshments and playtime for the children, chat time for the adults. We began on 4th November last year and we now have a regular membership of five children who bring their mums, dads, grandmas, and on one occasion, a grandad and an auntie! This is a group to which we can invite families who bring their children for baptism in the Saltway Team churches, to keep them connected to church. This year we have taken the theme ‘Jesus is Special!’ with each week thinking about how we know this. From the Christmas angels and star through stories of Jesus’ miracles, we learn about Jesus through his friends and coming to church, to the miracle of Easter. We have coloured, glued and painted in our craft times and made shapes with playdough. Most recently we created a lovely Easter Garden with the children bringing things to put into it – including robots! The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 10 The sessions are planned and overseen by four gifted and committed volunteers who have all been DBS checked and trained. ## **Bell Ringing** The band of bellringers continues to ring out the bells at St Peter's, St Augustine's (Dodderhill) and St Michael’s ~~(~~ Salwarpe) for Sunday services, in addition to weekly practices and ringing for special occasions. Particularly notable this year were ringing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and a celebratory touch for fellow ringer Jeffrey Webb's 92nd birthday. We rang for services celebrating the lives of former ringers Geoffrey Cottam and David Howells and continued our tradition of ringing for Judith Dear, in whose memory the bells at Salwarpe were recast and restored to working order. We are always on the lookout for new people to join our team and would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to learn the art of bell ringing. ## **SHMH Parish Fellowship Lunch** The Parish Fellowship Lunch is an opportunity to meet socially for a meal each month. We usually have a carvery at a local pub and anyone is welcome to join us. If you would like your name added to the contacts list, please get in touch with Barbara Jauncey at barbara.jauncey@outlook.com. ## **St Peter’s School** St Peter’s School continues to visit St Peter’s Church for educational purposes, looking at the inside of the church and its components. The school also has at least six services a year to mark Christian festivals such as Harvest, Ash Wednesday, St Peter’s Day to name a few, as well as the special Leavers Service for the Year 4 children moving on to middle school. The church is usually packed with over 430 children and there is much joy shared with singing, drama and prayers The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 11 led by the JAM group (Jesus and Me). Each year group has a Family Service led by the year group staff and parents are invited to this one to share time in church with their child. This has also seen Time Together launch an afterschool service, which has been well received by families who attended. ## **Open The Book** Story telling with a difference! A very enthusiastic team of folk are warmly welcomed into Westlands and St Peter’s Schools to retell bible stories through acting with the children participating. Dressed in sheets and tea towels our best acting skills are put to the task and this helps to make the stories memorable and fun. There is a follow up assembly to unpack the story and its meaning led by Laura and Giles. A fun time is had by all! ## **Everyone Playing Their Part** It is impossible to acknowledge all the different ways that people have played their part in the life of the Team during 2024. It is inevitable that someone has been unintentionally missed out or not appropriately acknowledged. Churchwardens Richard Rose and Sandy Medhurst continued to go above and beyond, often in unseen ways. Rachel Rean, Philip Bowen and Bill and Barbara Jauncey (who act as ‘unofficial churchwardens’) have faithfully served in countless ways. Whilst stepping back as Church Warden, Mick Jubb continues to serve with the ongoing work at St Nic’s. The dedication of this group (and their spouses!) has enabled much of what is in this report to be possible. The Churchwardens have been supported, and worked alongside, a large number of people who shaped the life of the team, in particular members of the PCCs and Ministry Team. . The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 12 As soon as we begin to name individuals and groups there is a very real danger that people will be unintentionally missed. We continue to be thankful for Jeni King (Droitwich) who wisely and faithfully helps us to manage our finances and to be good stewards of the resources that we have. We also give thanks Bill Jauncey and Nikki Kristy, who in the aftermath of John Hughes’ passing have been incredible in helping with the finances at Salwarpe and Martin Hussingtree. It is also important to acknowledge the dedication of our organists and choir members who have enabled us to worship as we have gathered together at our traditional services Bellringers, tower captains, flower arrangers, cleaners, grass cutters, gardeners, welcomers, sidespeople, eucharistic assistants, vergers, care home teams, readers, intercessors, children’s teams, finance, care of the buildings, graveyard care, prayer ministry team, listening ears, faithful worshippers, musicians, Together Tuesday volunteers, St Nic’s team, prayer chain, refreshments…… and the list goes on!! During 2024 so many people played their part and offered their time and gifts in the service of God and his people. A quick (and inevitably incomplete!) look back at 2024 shows the variety of ministry across the team. Not being successful in recruiting a new Team Vicar has been a challenge and meant that some things have had to happen in a different way or at a different speed, but it has been so encouraging to see how many people have joined in with the life of the Saltway Team as we have sought to follow God together in this season. Thank you to everyone who has played their part in whatever way. ## **Governance - Parish of Droitwich Spa** ## **Parochial Church Council (PCC)** The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 13 Since 2009 the Parish of Droitwich Spa has been a registered charity number 1128487. The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the clergy in promoting the whole mission of the Church (pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical) within the ecclesiastical parish. The PCC continued to meet bi-monthly. ## **Report on the Proceedings of Droitwich PCC** The PCC met six times in 2024 ~~.~~ The meetings began with prayer and included time for “news” and communication so that PCC members could be aware of the many and various activities across the team. A report on the activity of the Deanery Synod is also included. Each meeting has a report on the current financial position and anything of significance financially for that period. Standing agenda items is to bring to the PCC’s attention any safeguarding and health and safety issues. The main issues discussed in 2024, in addition to those above, included Ministry Share, future ministry provision and relevant fabric embracing items needing repair and work required within churches and churchyards. The PCC agreed procedures for Safeguarding, Data Protection, Admittance of Children to Holy Communion and Health and Safety. ## **Safeguarding** The Droitwich Spa PCC is aware of its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All of the necessary procedures have been agreed and adopted by the PCC. Our Safeguarding Officer is Judith Trevor, who has used the Safeguarding Dashboard to ensure the Parish complies with the standards and procedures. Below is an update from her. Last July there was an The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 14 independent audit of Safeguarding in the Diocese of Worcester and Worcester Cathedral. The subsequent report mentioned the phrase ‘this is good practice’ several times and the phrase ‘this is excellent practice’ was also quoted. The Diocese has completed an action plan to address any recommendations. The audit report is available on the Diocesan website. Parishes use the Dashboard to manage Safeguarding. This online tool provides a central hub for clergy, PCC and PSO to access information, record data and ensure compliance with relevant policies. All of this information is always available to the Diocesan Safeguarding team. The Saltway team have continued the cycle of both new applicants and those renewing being DBS checked and completing the relevant training. These have included volunteers in our new Sparkle Tots group. Safeguarding is always of paramount importance and this is endorsed by the key phrase from the audit report: ‘it is everyone’s responsibility to report any safeguarding concern’. ## **Websites and Social Media** The website www.saltwayteam.org.uk includes information and content for the whole team. It is based on a content management system from Church123. This has provided a professional looking site with considerable capability and flexibility which can be accessed by different editors and where content is kept fresh and appropriate. A “contact us” feature is increasingly used to contact the Parish. The Saltway Team also has a Facebook account that is used to raise the profile of the Team and communicate with the wider community. The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 15 ## **Governance - Parish of Salwarpe with Hindlip and Martin Hussingtree** ## **Parochial Church Council (PCC)** The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the clergy in promoting the whole mission of the Church (pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical) within the ecclesiastical parish. The PCC continued to meet bi-monthly. ## **Report on the Proceedings of PCC** The PCC met five times in 2024. A report on the activity of the Deanery Synod is also included. Each meeting has a report from the treasurer, including progress against the PCC agreed budget. Standing agenda items bring to the PCC’s attention any safeguarding and health and safety issues. The main issues discussed in 2024, in addition to those above, included Ministry Share, fabric, the Parish Magazine and future ministry provision. The PCC agreed procedures for Safeguarding, Data Protection, and Health and Safety. ## **Safeguarding** The SHMH PCC is aware of its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All of the necessary procedures have been agreed and adopted by the PCC. Our former safeguarding officer Bill Jauncey used the Diocesan Safeguarding Dashboard to ensure the parish complied with standards The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 16 and procedures and has continued with day-to-day maintenance until a replacement/solution is found. ## **Websites** SHMH has its own website www.shmhchurches.com with basic information about services, occasional offices and contact details. ## **Fabric of Buildings and Churchyards** The Saltway Team is responsible for the good management of its church buildings and churchyards. A significant amount of time and money is spent each year on them. This year fabric work and maintenance included: ## **Annual services and necessary repairs:** - Organs (tuning and servicing) - Fire prevention equipment - Boilers and heating systems ## **Quinquennial Inspections (5 Year Church Building Inspection)** - SHMH Parish: Martin & Salwarpe ## **Building Maintenance, Repairs and Development** - Various minor repairs took place at different churches, including windows at St Nic’s, St Augustine’s and Salwarpe damaged as the result of vandalism. - Door repairs at St Peter’s, also following vandalism. - The churchyard wall at St Nic’s. - Clock repair at Salwarpe. ## **Churchyard Maintenance** - Urgent tree work took place in several of the churchyards. The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 17 - Steve King has worked on several of the churchyards cutting grass and undertaking other necessary tasks. - In SHMH contractors continue to cut the grass. - The Community Payback Scheme continued to cut the grass at St Peter’s and occasionally at St Mary’s. ## **Working Parties** - Working parties took place twice during the year at each of the Droitwich Churches. - Churchyard working parties took place in several of the churchyards during the year. ## **Major Fabric Projects:** **St Andrew’s Roof and Tower.** St Andrew’s in Droitwich needs major repairs to the stonework and timbers in the north wall and tower. Extensive repairs are required, which have resulted in the building being on the English Heritage ‘At Risk’ Register. Previous work was carried out before the pandemic to prepare to submit a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid, but this stalled when the HLF fund shut during the pandemic. Discussions continue with the Diocese to ensure that this is tackled in the right way and with the right expertise. **St Andrew’s Nave Ceiling Collapse.** The plaster repair to the ceiling of the church is currently being considered as part of the project to repair the roof. It is possible that this will be treated as a separate project going forward to aid progress and enable removal of scaffolding. ## **Other Repairs Under Consideration** **St Augustine’s:** Replacement of the extension boiler and the (ancient!) church boiler. This will be the first opportunity across the Team to consider environmentally friendly heating solutions. **St Peter’s:** Redecoration and plaster repairs - cost to be determined. **Salwarpe:** Repairs and improvements to path. **Martin:** Repairs to stonework. The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 18 ## **Vacancy** Following several attempts at recruitment over the past 18 months, Laura has been working with the diocese following a rethink, with a potential renewal beginning at the end of 2025. More information to follow! Meanwhile we are pleased that Giles has been able to remain with us following the end of his curacy, potentially until mid2026. ## **Droitwich & SHMH Finances** **Full independently examined accounts for both the Parish of Droitwich Spa and the Parish of Salwarpe & Hindlip with Martin Hussingtree are available on request.** During 2024 both PCCs have received regular reports on the financial position of the parishes. We continue to be thankful to all those who have given towards the ongoing life and ministry of the Team. Increasing numbers of people now give through the Parish Giving Scheme (Droitwich) or by direct debit. This enables forward planning and gives a clearer idea of the funds available. **Thank you to all who gave during 2024.** The Saltway Team continues to face financial challenges with the income raised during the year being insufficient to meet the full demands of ministry, building and churchyard maintenance and other running costs. We are aware of the need to increase income to enable further development of ministry and to safeguard the future of the buildings. Ministry share, which is the combined share for the whole benefice, is costed to cover the real cost of ministry that is received. This includes the cost of stipendiary clergy as well as contributing to Diocesan costs (N.B. Curate stipends are paid centrally). In 2024, the ministry share requested by Worcester Diocese for the Saltway Team was £77,466 The Ministry Support Fund is designed to help benefices struggling financially. It enables benefices to contribute what they feel able to, The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 19 whilst planning towards becoming financially sustainable. This grant operates alongside the Low-Income Communities Grant, which ensures that extra support is given to benefices with areas of low-income community (in Droitwich Parish Westlands Estate is considered such an area). The Saltway Team received the following grants for 2024: Low Income Community Grant (LinC): £9029. We remain committed to pay as much of the Ministry share as possible, but have to balance this with the other necessary expenditure, as well as seeking to develop our ministry life. ## **Deanery Synod Report** Deanery Synod has met 3 times this year. On each occasion we are at a different venue. This serves two purposes. The first is the opportunity to visit the very varied locations of parishes in our Deanery and also to ensure not every Synod member has a distance to travel each time. The first Synod was an opportunity to meet the new Archdeacon - Mark Badger. He encouraged us to think about mission with a particular focus on engaging with people moving into new housing developments, but also thinking about how we connect with new people moving into existing homes in our parishes. As groups from different churches, we were encouraged to look at what our churches currently offer and where there are openings to extend our welcome beyond the church setting. The aim is to bring people gradually into contact with the church and faith by using experiences and settings where they feel more comfortable. At our second Synod meeting we were invited to bring our Treasurers along. Quite often issues involving finance are discussed at Diocesan level without the impact of everyday, individual, parish life being articulated. This meeting was used to discuss the issues faced by us as parishes which were then presented to the Diocesan Officers for them to understand our concerns. The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 20 Our final meeting, held on a Saturday, had two guest speakers. Revd Kim Brown has been appointed to help develop New Worshipping Communities. She has a wealth of experience and provided many resources and ideas that parishes can build into current parish activities. She is willing to help all churches wanting support to develop their interaction in communities. The second speaker was the Revd Duncan Hutchinson who has launched the ‘Church and School Partnership Award’ in our Diocese. An extra event, organised by Revd Paul Wilcox, was a Deanery Prayer event. It was held on September 11th, offering prayer stations linked to praying for different aspects of our Deanery life. The detail that was put into the evening was excellent but unfortunately very few non-clergy attended. This was a shame as the quality of what was offered was excellent. ## Elizabeth Fleming and Nick Stephens The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 21 ## **Droitwich Spa - Administrative Details** Clergy Revd Laura Handy (Team Rector) Revd Giles Joiner (Team Curate) Churchwardens St Andrew’s Sandy Medhurst St Augustine’s Richard Rose St Nicholas’ Mick Jubb (until May 2024) St Peter’s None Deanery Synod Janet Bryan Representatives Elected Members Philip Bowen of the PCC Jeni King (Treasurer) Steve Penn Jill Robinson Val Hawley (until May 2024) Christine Tapson (from May 2024) Other Officers Judith Trevor (Safeguarding Officer) Jeni King (Gift Aid Officer) Vacant (Data Protection Officer) Bank Lloyds TSB plc, The Cross, Worcester, WR1 3PY Independent Ballards LLP Examiner Charity Number 1128487 The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 22 ## **SHMH - Administrative Details** Clergy Revd Laura Handy (Team Rector) Revd Giles Joiner (Team Curate) Churchwardens None Elected Members of PCC Barbara Jauncey Nikki Kristy David Luscombe Sylvia Whittaker Deanery Synod Bill Jauncey – PCC Secretary Members Other Officers Vacant (Safeguarding) ## **Saltway Team Contact Details** **Postal Address:** Parish Centre, St Andrew's Street, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 8DY **Phone:** 01905 794952 **Email:** saltwayteam@outlook.com **Website:** www.saltwayteam.org.uk The Saltway Team Annual Report 2024 - Page 23 DRorrwicH SPA PCC REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 DRomiJicH SPA PCC copTrENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 1024 PAGE Report of the Trustees Independent Examinerfs report Statement of Financial Activities 2024 Comparative Statement of Financial Activlties 2023 Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statement5 8t012 Detailed Staternent of Financial Activities 12 and 13 DROITWICH SPA PCC REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR TrIE YEAR Ef40ED 31￿ DECEMBER 2024 The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to tharities preparing their accounts in accordènce with the Financial Reporting standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFR51021 effective 1° January 20191. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS Registered Charity Number: 1128487 Prinupal Address The Parish Centie St Andrew's Street Droitwich Sp Worcestershire WR9 8DY Independent Examiner M A Skellum FCA ICAEW Ballards LLP Oakmoore Court Ilc Kingswood Road Hampton Lovett Dro1￿ICh Worcestershire WR9 (K]H Public Benefft Thetru5tees have complied with theirdutyto have due regard to public benefft guidance published by the Charity Commission. The trustees consider that the charity meet5 the public benefit requirements of the Charities Act 2011 by carryin8 Out its normal activities. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing Dotument The charity 15 controlled by ils governing document, a deed of twst, and constitutes an unincorporated charity. Rlsk Mana8ement The trustees have a duty to identtfy and review the risks to which the charity Is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable a55urance against fraud and error. ONBEWOFT E BOARD: Twstee......... Rev. Giles Joiner Date: .... Independent Examlnerfs to the Intstees ol Dr￿1￿￿tt Spa PC¢ I report to the trustee5 on my eX￿at10Th ofthe accounts ofthe ¢Wity fcrf U)e yearend8d 31 Decen*)er 2024. Responsibilities and basis ol report As Ihe charity trustees ol Spa PCC you are resTx¥tsth for the wepwabon of the accounts accordance wim the requwen*nts ofthe Clwitw 2011 Cthe Pd) I rem in resFed of rny exaNhnatkM of ffvoTlwth Spa PCC'S accc4J)ts C￿ed under seciion 145 01 t 2011 Act 2nd In carrylng out my examinalkjn I ha¥e fr)IcM*d *1 tt* appi*able gven by the Charity Commlssion under sect*Jn 14515llbl al the Act Independffii oxamin¢trs statèment I have ￿Mpleted my exaThnalbx. l o)nfim) that no mat* matters have come to my attentk)n in r￿nneCtIOn with the examination gFving me catsse to tdieve thal in any material respecL 1 accounting records were not kept in re¥￿cl of CYTh"twth Spa PCC as required by sectr)n 130 of the fv￿.. or 2 the accounts do not accord with those or 3 the accounts do not ￿mpty wth the accountr.ng requirements concerning the form and ¢ontent of wJunts setoul in the Charilies (Accounts and Rewts) Reg￿?￿nS 20)8 othv than ￿ reqLAremenl thatthe accounts gwe a 'twe and fair view whth ￿ not a matteT Consi￿ as part of an independent exanm'nath)n. I have no ¢orKem5 and have o)me across no n4ttern in ¢wrrtt*)n with the examinatK)n to attention should be dmvn ￿ thts rewl m order to enable a prcyer understandiNJ of the ￿OUnts to b reached. M A Skellum FCA ICAEW Ballards LLP Oakmoore Cwrt 11C K.ngswood Road Hampton Lovett Droitsvich Worcestershire WR9 OQH DRomiiicH SPA PCC STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 2023 Total Funds Unrestrirted Pwirted Endowment Funds Fund5 Funds Total Funds Noles Ir4COMING RESOURCES: IncominB resoufcesfrom 8enErated fund$ Voluntary income Aclivsi*S lor 8eneratinR fund5 Investment income Misc In¢omlry resources fffom chaihtable artvities Church activiiies I(￿.823 13.409 7.682 92.793 199.616 13.409 11.631 1.666 122.190 14,705 6,SlO 6,501 3.949 22 TOTAL INCOME 175 361 EXPENDrnJRE: Costs of generatlng funds Costs of Éenerat5ng voluntary Income Charliable aai¥ities Church actkvilies other resoyro5 expèrtded 74 144.940 11.226 156.166 123.705 TOTAL EXPENDMJRE 148 621 ￿226 159 847 127 465 ￿￿INcOME/￿OUTGO1NG) RESOURCES before other Recogniged galnsand losses 3%2 85.516 89.358 47.896 Other recogrri5ed 8ains/losses GainslLosses on In￿lment assets 17 NEfM0VEME￿r IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUND&. Total fundsbr0wton￿1d l*ovement 273.762 2(Q.945 39.752 574,459 96 478 5Q9,290 TOTAL FUNDS C4RRIED FORWARD SS2 DROJTWKH SPA PCC COMPARATIVE STATEMErir OF FINANCIAL ACTivmES FOR THE pRE￿OUs YEAR ENDED 315f DECEMBEA 2023 2022 Totsi FthKJs Totsl n05 Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming rewyr(9s fr(¥h enerated I[￿d$ Voluntary income Activities for generatlng fvNIs Investment incorne Misc In¢omin8 resowce5from th3rftsble actlvltles Church acttvities 120fi51 14.705 42 6.501 L539 121190 14,705 6,510 6501 121,336 12,$46 3.652 335 2.310 21 Totsl Inwne 17L512 175361 159.295 EXPENDITURE Costs of8Èneratingfvnds C¢st5 ol 8eneraiia8 vojuniary income Charr¢able aclfvlt Church activities Othèr resources èxperKk 74 74 92 123.Cf12 123,705 152.120 Total ExP￿dItUre IZ6.762 127865 160.210 NET INCOMEIIOUTGOINGI RESOURCES before olher Reco8n15ed gain5 and 44.750 3.146 47.896 191SI Other recognised 8ainsllosses G3inslL05ses on investment assets 117558 Net mo¥em•nl in fuThls {18.4731 RECONCILIATION OF FUND5 Totallunds bmutht forw• Rounding Adjustrnent Movernent 226.926 245.660 36.704 509,290 527.764 47 TOTAL FUND5 CARRIED FORWARD DRorrwicH SPA PCC BALANCE SHE AT 31- DECEMBER 2024 2024 Total Fund$ 2023 To￿1 Funds Funds CURRENT ASSETS: Debtors- amounts fall1￿ due wlthin one y￿r Invesiments15haresl Cash at bank and in li￿61 19521 249.321 11.861 178.398 491.OS8 11,789 171,277 424.604 118.lx 241.737 40.7S7 1.703 35YA57 4Q757 681J17 607.670 CREDfft)R&. Amount5 fallingdue wlthkn One year io 1151 &229 10.380 33,211 TOTALASSEIS iE55 CURRENT LIA811￿ 278J52 351￿18 4*,757 670.937 574.459 FUND5: 2024 2023 vwe5￿cted Restriaed Endowment 13 12 278￿52 351.628 273,762 260,945 The financial ststements ￿re approved by thE Board of Trustees on .......... . Sl8ned on its behalf by: . and were Trustee.. Rev. Giles oiner NOTES TOTHE FIIIANCIAI STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR E14DED 31Sf DECEMBER 20Z4 ACCOUNTING POLKIES Staten*nt of Compliance The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to thariiies preparing their accounts in accordance with the FinancKal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS1021 (effective I January 20191- (Charities SORP {FRS 102)). the FiTrarKial ReFKKtir* Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. Basls of Prep¥atlon Droitwich Spa PCC meets the definltlon of a public benefrt entity under FRS 102. The a¢counts {finèncial statementsl have been prepared under the historical cost convention with ttern5 ieco8nlsod at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notels) to these accounls. Infoming Re50w¢es All incoming resources are induded on the Statement of Financkil Artivities when the PCC is le8alty entitled to the income and the amount can be quantir￿d with reasonable accuracy. Resourc￿ ExPer￿ed Éxpenditure is accounted for on an accruals basi5 has been classif*d under headings that agg￿gate all tOSts related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headin85 they have been allocated to activities trn a basis consistent with the use of resources. Fund Accountln8 UnTe5tricted funds represent the furvJ5 of the Pccthat are r￿t subject to any re5triction5 regardire their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC Other funds which are desgnated for a parrKular purpose by the PCC are a150 unrestricted. Restricted income furnjs are those donated for use in a particular area or lor specific purposes, the use of which 15 restricted to that area or purpK)se. Mlnistry Share The Ministry Share represents the amounts paid io the Diocese of Worcester I'OiocesÈ'l in order to fund ministry in the Diocese of Worcester. The D￿ceSe requests an amount each year. however thi5 15 not a legal debt. It is tht Parish intention to pay the amount in fvll. however it currently does not have suffKient funds to do so. As the debt is not legaty enfor￿able and the Parish has not made a formal le8al commitment to pay the requested amount for Ministry Share to the Di0￿se. the Ministry Share recognised in the Income and Expenditure actount representsthe cash paid to the Diocese. Reserves ReseNes are held to ensure that planned and committed eypenditure over the next five years can be met. Unre5trirted funds r￿t invested in tangible fixed assets (the f￿e reseFvesl are held to meet a minimum of six months budgeted expenditure and lo enable the PCC to fulfil its planned and tommitted expenditure over the next fve years which are not covered by restricted funds. DROITWICH SPA PCC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- coKllNUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 2. AcnvmE5 FOR GENERATING FUIIDS 2023 Fundraisi Lettings Pr￿ling 3.353 io.ox) 1302 10.750 59 3. INVESTMENT INCOME 20Z4 2023 Dividends Interest 1.593 4. CHURCH ACTivmE5. Inc(xThe 2024 2023 Fees and eypenses Charity Collections Z2882 24.4142 25 5. CHURCH AcfiviTIES- EX￿dIture 2023 Mlnistry Share Insurance and utilities Church and Churchyard maintenan(e Musiclorgan Clergy Exps. Secretsrial. Profeswnal Other 41 45.( 32.824 21,773 4.445 14.036 63,857 166 123 705 6. TRU5TEES' REMUNERATI¢YI AND BENEFIT5 There We￿ rK) trustees. remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 De￿mber 2024 nor for the year ended 31° December 2023. DROftWIOI SPA PCC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENYS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31sf DECEMBER 2024 7. CURRENT ASSET SHARES INVEThaENTS Listed MARKET VALUE At I" january 2024 Revaluat*)ns 171.277 At 31" December 2024 17&397 There were no Investment assets oulside the UK. 8. DEBTORS: AMoup¥fs FALUNG (IVE wffHIN ONE YEA 2024 2023 Other debtors Prepayments Gift Aid tax recoverable 3J81 2,962 130 li 9. CASH AT BANK ANO IN HAND 2024 2023 Lloyds Current Alc Santander Alc Petty Cash Lloyds Notice alt CCLA Reserves 120.595 264,S40 2.149 93 201558 158 327 491058 424 604 10. CREDrroAS: AMouf4TS FAWNG DUE wifHIN ONEYEAR 2023 Other creditors Minisrry Sha Agertcy Collection5 1166 3.771 11,250 io 11. ENtX)WMENT FUNDS BalarKe 01101124 Inc/Dec Valuation Balarbce 3V12124 st Andrews 51 Marfs 26.697 13,055 611 394 27,308 13,449 Totsl Endowmert Funds io DROITWICH SPA PCC NOTESTO THE FINANCIALSTATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDEO 31 DECEMBER Z024 12. RE5TRicfED FUNDS Balance 01101124 Emp Inc/Dec Balance Valuation 3￿1¥24 Charity Collections Messy Church St Andrews Church St And￿w$ Garden St Peters Church St Peters Churchyard St Nichol65 Church Sl Nicholas Churthyard St Ntcholas Projett St Augustine's Church St Au8SJStine's Churchyard St Mary's Churchyarfl Youth Fund Agencylpostbox People in Need Rounding TOTAL Y¢fSTRicfEO FUNDS 191 402 13,447 191 402 88,602 75,155 115.597 39,412 138 3.931 748 123.528 40.160 3D5 167 5,(J)O 72,862 4,895 1.066 14,721 14111 69.080 4,895 3.782 1.3 12.339 13,221} 2.382 1411} 3(Ll 13. UNfiESfRICfED FUNDS Balance Inc Exp InclE alance Valuatlon 31112124 01101124 DESIGNATEO FUNDS Charity Collections Messy Church St Andrews Garden St Peters Church St Peters Churchyard St Nichola5 Churchyard St Nichvla5 Project St Augustine's Churchyard St Mary's Churchyard Churchyards Youth Fun People in Need Rounding TOTAL DESIGNATED FUNDS i.oio 402 1445) 966 1401 445 13.243 11515 4.936 3.052 273 625 17.736 5.339 1,364 3.811 2.041 1,538 18461 112.8791 16451 13,9381 11.387) ,102 1,155 424 150 236 150 1,202 966 45,SJ3 ,061 120.1801 40.554 General Fund 228.089 137AOI 1128,4401 237P98 TOTAL UNRESTrICfED FUND5 2Z3afiL15 t)esignated fund for Messy Church- initial fvnds transferred from General Fur￿ for the start up of the Messy Church project. Projert halted due to Cov*1 pandemic. New projects & ￿-naming due in 2025. Designated fund for St Nicholas Project 55 for the new commtsnity projects. De518nated fvndslorchvrchyards are funds set asKlÈ forthe on80iTr8 Maintenar￿e ofthtsse Churchyards. li NOTETOTHE FINAp4aAL STATEMENTS~ COPrnNUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" DECEWBER 2024 14. ANALYSIS OF NEfAssEfs BY FUND 2024 2013 Current Assets Current Uabilities .703 359,857 40.757 681,317 LIO 380J 607.670 Total Net Assets by Fund 15. RELATED PARTY TRANSAcfioNS There were no related party transactions in the year. DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcninTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 INCOMING RESOURCES 2024 2023 VolunLiry Income Planned giving Gift Aid tax recoverable Donations Unplanned giving Grants and legacies 73.448 19.171 6,651 7.518 87.511 20.165 6.280 6.649 199,616 122,190 Activities for generating funds Fundraising events Lettin85 Printing 3.353 10.050 1302 14.705 10.750 59 Investment income Dividends Interest 1,669 1,593 11.631 6.510 Incomin8 resources from ch¥riLibk activities Charita￿e ¢olle¢tions Fees and expenses 1.013 22W3 25.455 otherlmisc Insurance claim Misc 5.676 825 6,501 33 Total Sncoming res(wrc¢5 12 DROITWIQI SPA PCC DETAIiED STATEMENT OF FtNANaALACTivmES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DKEMBER 2024 RESOUR￿ EXPENDED 2024 2023 Costs of generating vo￿￿tsry inc