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2021-12-31-accounts

THE PARISH OF ST MARTIN WITH ST PETER

In the Worcester Deanery of the Diocese of Worcester Worcester South East Team Ministry

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

of the

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

For the year ended 31[st] December 2021

Incumbent: Revd Peter Hart The Rectory 6 St Catherine’s Hill Worcester WR5 2EA Bank: CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Independent Sally Bishop FCA Examiner: Bishop’s Accountancy Ltd Chartered Accountants Unit 3 Elgar Business Centre Moseley Road, Hallow Worcester WR2 6NJ

Parish No. W6.08a Registered Charity No. 1128519

CONTENTS

Introduction and Current PCC Members 1
Structure, Governance and Management 2
Objectives and Activities for the Public Benefit 2
Rector’s Report 2
Churchwarden’s Report 3
PCC Decisions and Actions 5
Church Statistics 8
Safeguarding 9
Church Fabric, Goods and Ornaments 9
Junior Church 10
Bible Study 10
Prayer Groups 10
Forest Church 11
Community Care 11
Social Committee 12
Missionary Committee 12
Mainly Music 12
St Martin’s Church Choir 12
Tunes and chips 13
Mothers’ Union 13
Flower Club 13
St Martin’s Parish Magazine 13
Parish and Team Office 14
Red Hill School Governors 14
Deanery Synod 15
Concerts 15
Donations to charity 16
Financial Report 17
Financial Review and PCC statement 18
Independent Examiner’s Report 19
Balance Sheet 20
Statement of Financial Activities 21
Analysis of Income and Expenditure 22
Notes to the Financial Statements 23

The Parochial Church Council of St Martin with St Peter Annual Report for the year ending December 31[st] 2021

The PCC presents its annual report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019.

Reference and Administration details

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Martin with St Peter, Worcester (also known as St Martin with St Peter PCC, Worcester), St Martins Church, Parish Office, London Road, Worcester, WR5 2ED is registered with the Charity Commissioners (number 1128519).

Current PCC members (until 2022 Annual Parochial Church Meeting)

Ex officio:
Rector: Chair Revd Peter Hart
Other Clergy: Assistant Curate Revd Dr Robin Parry
Licensed Reader: (Appointed by APCM) Mike Bunclark
Churchwardens: (Elected annually by AVM) Elizabeth Yarker Joy Grimwood
Deputy Churchwardens: (Elected annually by AVM) Barbara Richards Vacancy
Representatives on the (Elected by APCM for Michael Bunclark
Deanery Synod: 3yrs to 31st May 2023) Anthony Glossop
Shirley Scott
Representatives of To 2022 APCM: Julia Glossop*
the laity Vacancy
(Four elected by APCM To 2023 APCM: Sheila Farthing David Scott
each year, for 3 years) Bill Simpson Christine Williams*
To 2024 APCM: Mark Farthing David Hall
Alison Fraser * Garth Williams

Co-opted: ( Max’m of 2) (Elected annually by PCC)

Maximum voting members: 23, actual: 19 A quorum is one third of voting members

PCC Officers: Lay Vice Chair Elizabeth Yarker
(Elected annually Secretary Nick Harrison
By PCC) Hon. Treasurer Garth Williams
Hon. Deputy Treasurer Bill Simpson
Planned Giving Recorder Christine Williams
(Appointed by APCM) Safeguarding Officer Malcolm McMurray
Electoral Roll Officer Julia Glossop

AVM:- Annual Vestry Meeting.

The Lay Vice Chair must be a PCC member. Appointments continue until changed by the APCM. Deputy Churchwardens and PCC Officers are NOT PCC members unless otherwise elected or co-opted. *Trustees to whom responsibility has been delegated for the reporting of serious safeguarding and other incidents to the Charity Commission.

www.StMartinsWorcester.org.uk

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Page 1

Structure, Governance and Management

The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England and operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure in providing facilities for worship and religious observance for the people of Worcester and environs.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

Objectives and Activities for the Public Benefit

The object of the charity is promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church. The PCC confirms that in planning the activities for the year, they kept in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit at their trustee meetings.

The PCC carries out its activities via a number of committees and working parties, using a mixture of PCC members and co-opted members. It has a Standing Committee to undertake any urgent PCC business between PCC meetings, and to prepare agendas for the PCC meetings.

Other committees are:

Rector’s Report

This has been a year of cautious re-openings. Slowly but surely, we have emerged from lockdowns and restrictions into what might pass for a fully-functioning parish. I am extremely grateful to everyone for their patience and forbearance through what have been difficult times for us all. The pandemic is not over, so vigilance and true care of each other while we are in church or about parish business still need to be exercised. Having come so far, we don’t want to lose the gains we have made.

Some new ventures have begun, which is extremely pleasing. Mainly Music, a session for parents or grandparents and their children/grandchildren on a Wednesday morning has seen steady growth in numbers and good congregational support as we make new friends. Junior Church has started on the second Sunday of the month, with as many as 12 children attending, which has been very encouraging. Tunes and Chips, a choir for younger children, has also been meeting regularly this year. They sang at the Crib Service, which was a treat, and it has been good to see growth in this age group through John Swindell’s commitment to quality music at St Martin’s.

Other features of parish life have quietly returned, be they PopIns on a Thursday morning, or the Mother’s Union and the Flower Club. The Wednesday Bible Study continues to provide a challenge for reading and understanding Scripture ahead of Sunday’s service, and the prayer groups provide a solid, prayer-filled foundation to the spiritual and social life of our parish. We had a wonderful Harvest Supper in the autumn, which was one of the first indoor social events since the pandemic began, and many more are planned for this year. We need to get to know each other again, in safe and loving ways.

www.StMartinsWorcester.org.uk

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Page 2

I remain ever grateful to all those that support the work of the parish, directly and indirectly. For the wardens, Elizabeth and Joy, whose work is frequently unseen but essential, for Barbara, whose work rate is phenomenal, for Mike Bunclark, who is a constant help and wise adviser in the parish, and for Rebecca, whose work in the office is ever more complex – the wedding rules changed drastically this last year, and she has coped with those with aplomb – and she has to put up with the Rector’s sudden bright ideas or unhelpful suggestions. Garth has been terrific this year in dealing with the parish and Team’s finances, especially when faced with the new arrangements for Ministry Share across the diocese. I am most grateful to him for all his hard work. To the many chairs of committees and their hardworking members, I extend my thanks.

There is more work to be done. Our access to local schools began in October and was shut down almost immediately. Work with children and families will only really take off when we have full access to our local schools, although it was good to have Nunnery Wood Primary and Red Hill Primary in church for Christmas services. Pray for good contacts through our return to leading school worship. There are a large number of new houses still being built close to St Martin’s, and we have not yet fully worked out a strategy to reach out to these new families. That has to be on our agenda for the year ahead. There is space for engaging with the community through the local hub at the Horizon Community Centre. Nursing homes are once again welcoming clergy to take services for their residents, so there are options to be pursued there too.

My prayer is that we shall emerge from this pandemic stronger spiritually and corporately, with a shared vision of serving God with boldness and imagination, of worshipping with joy and of striving for quality and warmth in all we do to commend the love of God to all those in our parish.

Revd Peter Hart, Team Rector and St Martin’s Church Parish Priest

Churchwardens’ Report

2021. The year of the Jab?

We celebrated Christmas thankfully, but with caution as the coronavirus pandemic continued to threaten. Lockdown returned in the New Year, and we were back on Zoom. Soon word went round. “I’ve had my jab!” People asked “Pfizer or AstraZeneca?” comparing notes. The Churchwarden ticked them off on the Electoral Roll, noting how quickly the older members of the congregation took up the offer. Soon they were reporting second jabs, and we began to feel cautiously optimistic. By Palm Sunday we were back in Church, masked, hand sanitised, temperature checked and socially distant. Easter Eggs were devoured outside.

During Lockdown, David Hall and his expert band of craftsmen completely updated and improved the Lower Vestry. On first look the response was, “Oh, WOW!” and our Widen Our Welcome campaign was well under way.

Throughout the summer, as Restrictions were slowly lifted, church life recovered. Lent Lunches were delivered to order, so were Cream Teas in Christian Aid Week. The Plant Sale in May saw people out in strength at the pop-up Cake Shop in the South Porch, replacing the locked-down Coffee Morning. The wonderful array of plants, enhanced by a spectacular gift of specimen geraniums, soon found buyers, and our Good Causes have all had more generous donations as a result. Thank you, everyone. Christian Aid Week saw a successful trial of “Delivery-only” envelopes, and relief among people who hated knocking on doors.

During the summer a new Disabled Toilet was installed in the Boiler Room. Our expert craftsmen were back to do the woodwork, plumbing and wiring. Drains were dug and the path to Victoria Avenue made fit for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The altar frontal chest was moved to the Lady Chapel.

www.StMartinsWorcester.org.uk

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Page 3

At the same time, amid unpredictable changes in Lock-down restrictions, David and Shirley Scott were organising our WOW Fund-raising Open Day, and planning for a full programme of Three Choirs Concerts at St Martin’s, if permitted, when we were asked at short notice by the BBC to host Any Questions? as the planned venue was Covid-infested. All three were successful. Any Questions? socially distanced, WOW Open Day rather more restricted than usual, but the Three Choirs able to sing in full voice and our organ shown off to the full.

During the autumn we were able to be more adventurous, and looked ahead. John Swindells asked us about our music preferences. The Choir grew in strength. We held a Generosity Week to try to improve our financial position. Garth’s Financial Quiz highlighted what we do and don’t know about the Church Finances. We all know that we are spending more than we get in, but hope in time to address the situation.

Harvest Festival was early this year, at the end of September. The Harvest Supper on Saturday night was enlivened by a fiendish Quiz from Jim Wheldon, and delicious food from the Social Committee. The Harvest Produce Sale raised a good sum. The Community Care Committee distributed Harvest gifts to most of our usual local charities such as Maggs Day Centre and the Foodbank.

By October we were ready to resume our Sunday 8.00am Said Eucharist and Choral Evensong or Evening Prayer at 6.00pm. Children began to return to church, and church activities started up again. We were still masked, hand sanitised, and to some extent socially distanced, but we could sing and we could enjoy refreshments. And by now many of us were bragging about our booster jabs, or asking where the queues were shortest. It was very encouraging.

A lot of people help keep St Martin’s going. We said goodbye to Martin and Gail Rowley who moved away. They ran Sunday Club and Messy Church for years and years. We owe them a huge amount. Philip Penfold also moved away after ten years as Head Server. We miss his quiet efficiency and dedication. We thank Nick Harrison for editing the Magazine with Hannah Parry, compiler. Nick takes over as Head Server. Jo Wheldon has stepped down as the Children’s Society Box Collector after fifteen years.

Rebecca Caskie has juggled with restrictions working from home (WFH) and in the Office and is a fount of knowledge. I am grateful for my fellow Warden Joy Grimwood and Deputy, Barbara Richards for all their help. We rely on Mike Bunclark for keeping us praying morning and evening on Zoom. Isobel Maher and Community Care look after us. Malcolm McMurray keeps us all safe. Everyone else keeps us worshipping. Thank you all.

We miss our friends Margaret Benson and Fred Allan, who have both left us legacies, Margaret a very generous one. Roger Waters-Duke has been our Independent Examiner for many years. As a result of these generous legacies we have had to find someone with different qualifications, and we are sad not to be able to ask Roger to help us this year. We send Roger our very grateful thanks for all his help.

Our debt to Garth and Christine Williams, Treasurer and Planned Giving Recorder is huge, as is our debt to all our Committees.

Finally, we thank God for our Rector, Peter Hart for keeping us praying, worshipping and learning; and for encouraging and challenging us.

(P.S. I’ve just heard rumours of a fourth Jab!)

Elizabeth Yarker, churchwarden

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Page 4

The Parochial Church Council of St Martin with St Peter Decisions and Actions 2021

Mtg
Date		 Decisions Actions Notes
Jan 12th.
ZOOM		 AGREED to start Mainly
Music for families with pre-
school children, replacing Jam
Club; and to replace “All Age
Worship" with a more
inclusive "Altogether
Worship".
AGREED to commence
Refurbishment of the Lower
Vestry.
AGREED to set up a restricted
Church Projects Fund to
manage donations and
expenditure for current and
future Projects with the
condition that “any unused
balance may be put to the
general uses of the PCC unless
the donor explicitly forbids it."		 An on-line presence on Zoom
for Families will include a
Christingle Service on Jan
3lst.
Peter Grimwood will lead a
Service during the Week of
Prayer for Christian Unity.
Plans to refurbish the Lower
Vestry are progressing.		 The Advent Appeal raised
f572.70 for Embrace the
Middle East.
The Lent Appeal would be for
Christian Aid.
DUE TO GOVERNMENT COVID RESTRICTIONS, CHURCH SERVICES WERE HELD ON ZOOM
FROM SUNDAY JANUARY 10THUNTIL SUNDAY 28THMARCH.
Feb 8th
ZOOM		 AGREED To increase our
three employees' pay in line
with inflation.
The Missionary Committee's
donations were APPROVED.
AGREED A Vote of Thanks
was proposed to Martin and
Gail Rowley for their
incredible hard work with
children and families over
many years.		 Lenten Services and Study
Groups now held online, with
plans for a possible re-
opening on Mothering
Sunday, and expectation for
some form of services in Holy
Week.
Lenten Hunger Lunches will
be delivered to order for
donations for Christian Aid.		 A new Fire Risk Assessment
advises replacing the high
level emergency lighting.
Peter reported that the re-
organised Deaneries are now
in action.
Mike and Bill reported how
Red Hill School were faring
under lockdown.
March
16th
ZOOM		 AGREED Services in church
will resume on Palm Sunday
28th March. The pattern of
Holy Week and Easter
Services was outlined.
AGREED that a new desk
should be purchased for the
Team Office at a cost of £386.
The Financial Statement for
the Annual Report was
APPROVED.
AGREED to hold the APCM
on Sunday, May 23rd.		 Sheila Farthing reported that
children's activities on Zoom
were well received and that
Messy Church was being
updated for when face to face
activities were resumed.
Robin Parry said that Forest
Church would begin in May.
Anthony reported that the
Lower Vestry Kitchen Project
was complete. The Disabled
Toilet project was awaiting
Diocesan Approvals.		 Garth reported that he had
successfully applied for
Coronavirus grants, and Terry
Dillingham had obtained a
grant of £10,000 from the
National Lottery Community
Fund towards our WOW
Appeal.
Malcolm said that a Parish
Safeguarding Officer should
be appointed as he was only
acting pro-tem.
Shirley outlined the Widen
Our Welcome WOW
Fundraising Campaign, with
an online Quiz Evening and
an Open Day planned so far.

www.StMartinsWorcester.org.uk

Page 5

www.facebook.com/StMartinsWorcester

Mtg
Date		 Decisions Actions Notes
April
20th
ZOOM		 While it was good that people
were returning to church in
person, it was AGREED to
continue to live-stream the
Sunday Eucharist on
Facebook. Other services
would continue on Zoom.
AGREED to thank Terry
Dillingham as he steps down
from his Fundraising role after
a very successful time.		 Robin reported that Forest
Church will start at
Whittington on May 1st.
Sian Morgan, our Mission
Enabler, said that Risk
Assessments should be done
for every activity, and Safer
Recruiting should apply to all
volunteers.
Fund-raising plans for the
WOW Appeal are going well.
A press release to
acknowledge the National
Lottery Grant of £10,000 is
being prepared.		 Plans are in hand for seven or
eight concerts for the Three
Choirs Festival in July, and
other musical events.
The Lent Appeal for Christian
Aid raised £1,110.50.
Work on the new Disabled
Toilet in the Boiler Room is
progressing well.
May
23rd
AVM &
APCM
In
Church		 Elected:
- Churchwardens: Elizabeth Yarker and Joy Grimwood
- Deputy Churchwarden: Barbara Richards
- PCC Secretary: Nick Harrison
- Treasurer: Garth Williams
- Deputy Treasurer: Bill Simpson
- Planned Giving Recorder: Christine Williams
- Acting PSO: Malcolm McMurray
- Electoral Roll Officer: Julia Glossop
Elected to the PCC:
Mark Farthing, Alison Fraser, David Hall, Garth Williams		 Reports received:
Electoral Roll report
Annual Report of the PCC
Safeguarding Report
Fabric Goods & Ornaments
Report
Audited Financial Statement
Deanery Synod Report
June
15th
In
church		 APPROVED: 12 sidespeople.
AGREED that it was no longer
necessary to take the
temperature of those attending
services.
ENDORSED Mike Bunclark
as a Foundation Governor for
Red Hill School.
AGREED Liz Frani has
resigned from the PCC due to
work commitments. The PCC
thanked her for her
contribution.		 It is hoped that after July 19th
services will return to normal.
All Together worship is due to
start on August 22nd.
Sheila Farthing said that there
will be training for 'Mainly
Music' in July, and she hopes
to restart Messy Church in
September. Children's
services continue monthly on
Zoom, successfully.
Continued Pandemic
restrictions have curtailed
plans for the WoW Open Day
in July.		 Peter confirmed that Friday
was his day off.
Dave Hall reported that the
Disabled Toilet downstairs
was more or less complete.
Anthony and Dave met the
Architect to discuss plans for
the Storage and the Servery.
Estimated cost about £80,000.
A new Fund-raiser has been
found.
Food Safety Certificates
needed renewal.
Parish Share calculation is
changing in 2022.
July 13th
Lady
Chapel		 AGREED to leave necessary
decisions on Covid restrictions
to the Rector and
churchwardens.
AGREED to permit the
digitisation of parish registers
already held by Worcester
County Archives.
APPROVED the appointment
of Beverley Hart as a
Governor of Red Hill School.
AGREED to apply for a
faculty to cover all the church
level improvements.		 Technical AV equipment will
be needed for Mainly Music
and Messy Church etc.
Garth reported that the Office
computers need updating and
may need to be replaced in
order to use Windows 11.
The vestry grand piano has
been replaced with the
electronic piano, and the A
frame from the vestry grand
piano has been donated to
King’s School.		 Jo Wheldon has resigned as
Children's Society Rep. A
letter of thanks will be sent.
Harvest Festival will be on
the Fourth Sunday of
September.
The downstairs disabled toilet
had received the necessary
Building Certificate

www.StMartinsWorcester.org.uk

Page 6

www.facebook.com/StMartinsWorcester

Mtg
Date		 Decisions Actions Notes
Sept 14th
Lower
Vestry		 AGREED 8.00am Eucharist
and Choral Evensong will
restart on October 10th.
The disposal of surplus
kneelers was APPROVED.
The new Ministry Share was
likely to be a lot more than
Parish Share. AGREED that
we pay the existing share.
APPROVAL given to start the
work outlined in the Faculty
Application for upstairs toilets
etc. subject to any conditions.		 Peter stated that the choice of
wafer only or 'simultaneous
administration' would
continue for the present.
The responsibility for large
sums spent from restricted
funds was discussed. The
Diocesan Director of Finance
agreed that substantial
expenditure from restricted
funds should be discussed by
the PCC as Trustees of the
Funds.		 John Swindells has distributed
a questionnaire about the
congregation's musical
preferences.
The old Choir Robes will be
replaced, with the cost to be
met from the Organ and
Church Music Fund.
New AV equipment cost for
children’s work covered by a
grant and a generous
donation.
Oct 12th
Lower
Vestry		 APPROVED: purchase of a
replacement AV screen at a
cost of £869 (from the
restricted Youth Fund).
APPROVED: purchase of new
Choir robes.
AGREED to hold a Christmas
Tree Festival in December.		 Preparations to welcome the
two Afghan families now in
Worcester were ongoing.
14 PCC members have
completed the “Basic
Awareness” Safeguarding
Training.
A new Safeguarding
Framework will come into
effect in January.
The Health & Safety Policy
was under review.
A new Magazine Editor is
urgently needed.
The new Ministry Share will
be discussed at a Team
Council Meeting next week.		 The Generosity Week in
October should help to
improve the financial
situation.
The regular Service pattern
was now established.
Forest Church, Mainly Music
and Tunes & Chips are all
going well. Messy Church is
still on hold.
The Harvest Produce Sale
raised £310.90.
The Advent Appeal will be
for Maggs Day Centre and
Afghan Refugees.
Mike Bunclark has been
elected Vice Chair of Red Hill
School Governors.
Nov 9th
Lower
Vestry		 AGREED: Timings of
Christmas Services were
confirmed. Plans for School
visits and the Christmas Tree
Festival were also confirmed.
AGREED that the carpeted
area at the back of Church
should be reinstated. Mats
should be available for
children at the front of the
Nave on Sunday mornings.
Malcolm has formally
ACCEPTED the post of Parish
Safeguarding Officer and was
thanked.
AGREED that the Collections
at the carol Service and Crib
Services would be divided
between The Children's
Society and Biliki in Georgia.		 Garth expressed concern that
the church was still running at
a deficit on this year's
accounts, in spite of generous
donations to the Projects
Fund. The Ministry Share is
likely to be short by £40,000.
Part of the deficit, he
suggested, was due to the
Alms to eleven good causes
representing 5% of income to
the General Account. After
discussion it was agreed to
look at it again,
A Review of comments in the
Generosity Week Survey
would be circulated.
Garth introduced a small card
to put in the Collection plate
by people who paid by other
means. This was approved.		 The Community Care
Committee will deliver
Christmas Plants as usual.
A Magazine Editor is still
needed.
The Missionary Committee
invited people to a Christian
Aid Fish and Chip Supper in
January to hear about
Christian Aid Week plans.
A Team Coffee Morning is
planned for January with
donations toward the Ministry
Share.
David Scott advised of a
Holiday Activities and Food
initiative run in school
holidays by a professional
company, backed by
Government funding. The
PCC felt there was
insufficient time to organise
something for Christmas.

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Page 7

The Parochial Church Council of St Martin with St Peter

Church Statistics

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
Number on the electoral roll (31 December) 116 123 118(1) 155 157
Average attendance at Sunday services
(adults/children)
Total attending services on Easter eve/day
Total attending services on Christmas eve/day
Average attendance at Messy Church, Children
Adults (including helpers)
Total “worshipping community”		 [2]
69
164
-
101		 [2]
[2]
[2]
[2]
165		 92/4
131
272
32
36
189		 102/2
218
378
27
34
161		 106/3
161
471
22
30
156
Safeguarding
Persons registered as working with children
Persons registered as working with vulnerable
adults
Audit: Fully compliant measures
Partially compliant measure
Not compliant measures		 12
8
See Safe-
guarding
Report		 16
16
See Safe-
guarding
Report		 9
16
See Safe-
guarding
Report		 9
22
12
6
1		 9
27
13
5
1
Number of weddings/blessings at St. Martin’s
Number of baptisms
Number of church funerals/burial of ashes/
crem. funerals		 3
9
19		 3
2
13		 7
15
20		 5
12
26		 7
14
29
Planned Giving (including gift aid)
No. of Planned Givers (S.O.’s and envelopes)
Average giving per giver
Parish Share (to Diocese)
Total expenditure
Surplus / (Deficit)
Current Assets less Liabilities “liquid assets”
Total funds c/f		 £96,840
85
£1,139
£105,914
£228,537
£52,151
£242,149
£451,389		 £109,376
92
£1,189
£105,914
£173,784
(£4,611)
£189,998
£372,775		 £110,518
96
£1,151
£103,837
£179,499
(£3,820)
£195,254
£369,493		 £101,318
104
£974
£110,411
£158,710
(£16,847)
£198,411
£340,894		 £100,136
106
£944
£91,894
£165,178
(£107)
£215,257
£362,017

NOTES: [1] New Electoral Roll.

[2] Due to COVID19, Services were held in church on 11 Sundays only in 2020 and much reduced in 2021. Easter and Christmas attendance was much reduced

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Page 8

Safeguarding

The Parochial Church Council and the incumbent have a duty of care to ensure the protection of the vulnerable in their church community.

The incumbent and the PCC have implemented The House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Church’, and is compliant with its duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

The PCC agenda includes a standing item for a Safeguarding Report, and it regularly reviews our safeguarding policy and procedures. The PCC has adopted a policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders, and ensures that all those responsible for working with children, young people and vulnerable adults on behalf of the church are recruited in accordance with the House of Bishops’ Safer Recruitment Practice Guidance.

It was not necessary to seek advice from the DSA/ADSA in 2021, and there were no serious incidents requiring a report to the Charity Commission. There are no current safeguarding agreements in place.

2021 was a difficult year for activities, many of which were cancelled. There are currently five activities involving children: Junior Church, Forest Church, Tunes & Chips, Tiny Tunes (all monthly) and Mainly Music (weekly).

Activities involving adults are: Home Communion, Community Care home visits and Community Care outings and lunches.

We have seven people accredited to work with children, three with adults and five with both. Eight people received DBS accreditation in 2021 – three with children, three with adults, and 2 with both. All DBS applications are now processed online.

In 2021, 14 people completed the online ‘Safeguarding Foundations’ training, and 12 members of the PCC completed the online ‘Safeguarding Awareness’ training.

Our safeguarding ‘performance’ is now audited using the online Safeguarding Dashboard App. At the end of 2021 we were compliant with 66% of the measures. The Dashboard generates an Action Plan for the PCC to consider, and identifies specific issues to be addressed in order to achieve greater compliance. During 2021 we have caught up with our DBS checks and training, but with the recent introduction of the “Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework”, Church officers and the PCC are required to undertake further training in recruitment and people management. The new Framework sets out details of the Church’s safeguarding learning pathways, and expectations of Church officers in respect of those pathways. The practice guidance is for use across all Church bodies, and they must fully implement the framework from January 2022. The Framework sets out:

1, The vision, model, standards and requirements for safeguarding learning and development in the Church context.

2, Details of the range of learning and development pathways available, and the requirements for their delivery.

Within this context, one of our Church Wardens has already completed the ‘Safer Recruitment and People Management’ training.

Malcolm McMurray, Parish Safeguarding Officer

Church Fabric, Goods and Ornaments

The Fabric of the Church is generally sound and in good repair. There has been no evidence of damp in the Chancel roof since a leak in autumn 2020. A ‘cherry picker’ was employed to reach the inspection hatch there but no damage was found. At the same time the high-level emergency lighting was repaired.

The West End doors have been mended.

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Minor problems with the boiler have been dealt with, but fears remain that issues in the circulation system may need to be addressed.

The main task in 2021 was to refurbish the Lower Vestry and to fit a Disabled Toilet into the Boiler Room - Phase 1 of the Church Improvement Scheme to Widen Our Welcome – WOW.

In January and February, when activity was severely restricted by Coronavirus Lockdown measures a new kitchen was fitted in the Lower Vestry, with all the necessary equipment, and larger counter. Good quality flooring was laid and the room repainted. In the summer, after the necessary Faculty had been received, the Boiler Room was transformed, with Disabled Access, and baby-changing facilities installed in the new toilet. Doors were moved to enclose the much smaller boiler room and to provide wheelchair access from the Victoria Road entrance, where the path was levelled.

Plans to improve facilities in the Nave, the second phase of our Widen Our Welcome Campaign, took a great deal of thought and planning during the year, and will be expensive. Discussion between the Finance and Management Committee, the Architect and the Diocesan Advisory Committee are continuing.

Elizabeth Yarker, Churchwarden

Junior Church

After a successful three month trial, we’re pleased to be running activities for children in the Lower Vestry during the morning service on the second Sunday of the month. We have around twelve children regularly attending, aged from one upwards, who come with a parent or carer for stories, discussions, games and craft activities around a theme related to the day’s Bible readings or the current church season.

Naomi Swindells

Bible Study

The Bible Study group continues to meet regularly on a Wednesday morning at 11am in the Lower Vestry. We study the upcoming Sunday’s readings, and everyone has the opportunity to read and to contribute to the conversation. It is a valuable part of our Christian learning, and it would be great if more could join us.

Revd Peter Hart, Team rector

PRAYER GROUPS

(a) Prayers for Peace and Justice

The ‘Peace & Justice’ Prayer Group at St. Martin’s Church has been in operation for many years. From its inception, right up to the outbreak of COVID-19, the group used to meet in St. Martin’s Church at noon on Saturdays. However, since the start of the pandemic we now meet ‘on-line’ at the same time – 12 noon on a Saturday - using Zoom which is ably managed by Joan Hazzard. The main purpose of the Group is to spend 10 to 15 minutes offering prayers to God for Peace & Justice throughout the world. At each meeting a member of the Group offers prayers in their own way – there has never been any kind of formal format. Some will concentrate on prayer alone, and others will read a relevant article from a book or newspaper and then lead the group in prayer. We have all found inspiration from the Book of Psalms. Time is always left to give all members attending that day the opportunity to offer their own prayers. Currently seven members are regular attendees but we would like more! This invitation is also open to friends and family who do not necessarily live in Worcester.

Ivor Pond

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(b) PRAYER @4 Group

On the first, third and fifth Mondays of the month, at 4pm, a group of us meet to pray for St Martin’s Church (at present we meet on Zoom). We share news of blessings received, individual needs, and seek God’s guidance with decisions to be made. We listen to a worship song, read part of the Sundays reading – then pray simply that God will continue to bless and grow our church family. We would be pleased to welcome more people into our prayer group.

(c) On ‘WhatsApp’

This mobile contact is for everyone in our Church community to access people who will pray for, and with you or your family’s needs. We are all part of St Martin’s and not everyone takes part on a daily basis but be assured that any prayer need will be kept in confidence. Just ask either Joan Hazzard or Ruth Kirwan to be ‘added in’ to the WhatsApp prayer group.

Joan Hazzard

Forest Church

Forest Church launched in May 2021 and we gather on the first Saturday of each month in Whittington churchyard. We offer an act of Christian worship for 0–11s and their families that seeks to be responsive to the wonders of God’s creation around us. So our worship takes place outdoors (even if it is raining) and involves a range of activities in different parts of the churchyard. There is a distinct theme for each service, linked to a biblical text, and all the activities spring out of that theme. The activities have included things like hapazome (you’ll have to look that one up on the internet, but it is very cool), making seed-bombs, a bug hunt, clay modelling, a mud kitchen, taking ears of wheat and making flour, raking, leaf art, making decorations for graves, and such like. We also had a special candle-lit Advent service in the dark, with some beautiful singing from Sarah Davison.

To the date of this APCM we have met ten times in Whittington and once at The River School. Our numbers have ranged from 18 to 35 with an average of 27 at each service, and we have had contact with 23 different families. It has been a joyful experience for us all. We are very grateful to Sian Morgan for her regular input, to Mark and Sheila Farthing for ongoing help, to the Team Churches for all the prayer support and moral support, and especially to Whittington Church for their enthusiastic welcome.

Robin and Carol Parry, Forest Church leaders

Community Care

It was a quiet year, due to Covid restrictions, but contact was maintained with phone calls and an occasional distanced visit. PopIns started again, quietly, on August 5 2021, but has since grown in popularity and people are really glad to be able to come together again and chat over a cup of coffee. Harvest donations were sorted and delivered to Maggs, St Paul's Hostel, Worcester Food Bank and Bath Road Hostel for hearing impaired people. Poinsettias were delivered in early December to people who had been bereaved during the year, as well as to housebound members of our congregation. These plants are much appreciated and St. Peter's Garden Centre serves us well. Due to Covid restrictions, we were unable to hold our Lunch Party in February 2021, but plans are in hand for May this year.

Isobel Maher, Community Care Committee chair

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Social Committee

Covid restrictions banned group meetings for most of the year, but during a brief relaxation of rules, we did manage to hold a Harvest Supper in Church on 25th September. The change of venue meant we were able to make use of the new kitchen facilities in the Lower Vestry. We had less guests than usual, but it was a happy event, with in-house entertainment, a tricky quiz and a tombola.

In early 2022 we have welcomed three new committee members to help in hopefully a busier year!

Alison Fraser and Isobel Maher, Social Committee

Missionary Committee

The Missionary Committee supports a spread of nine local, national and international charities. We report regularly in the Parish Magazine and to the PCC. Our charitable donations are included in “Donations to Charities” later in this report. Discrepancies in the figures may occur as we forward cheques payable to the beneficiaries. We fund-raise regularly throughout the year, with the Advent and Lent Appeals, the Plant Sale and Harvest Produce Sale and supporting events, and the monthly Open Church. Christian Aid Week money is paid directly to their bank account.

Elizabeth Yarker, Missionary Committee chair

Mainly Music

Mainly Music is a new venture, started by Sheila Farthing back in September and subsequently continued by Barbara Richards, Sophie Kelleher and the Rector. Mainly Music is a worldwide organisation which encourages parents and grandparents to bring their children/grandchildren to church to sing and to play together. Mainly Music provides the songs, and we are able now to put the songs up on the big TV screen. Some are well known nursery rhymes, others are new, but all are very singable. We have musical instruments to help us with the noisy songs, and the favourites are those where the children hide under a big sheet. Some songs have a spiritual content, others do not. Barbara, Sophie and the Rector are ably supported by a range of members of the congregation, who join us regularly to befriend the parents and children (and secretly, they really like the songs too.) There are currently 10 families on the books, so we have plenty of room for more children to come to St Martin’s on a Wednesday morning at 9.30 during term time.

Revd Peter Hart, Team Rector

St Martin’s Church Choir

The Year 2021-2022 saw the full return of choral singing albeit with an element of distance still needed. From before the covid hiatus, we have gained an additional soprano, alto and bass. The full regular choir is now 7 sopranos, 4 altos, 2 tenors and 3 basses. The choir’s tenacity through all the regulations about singing has been rewarded with the arrival of long expected and prepared for cassocks. We are pleased that the fantastic work that Robin Walker does with us is now recognised with him being our “associate organist”.

We have continued to learn new music; a number of John Barnard arrangements from the RSCM Church Year Book anthology, William Byrd’s Ave Verum, a setting of the evening canticles in C by Charles Wood as well an anthem by Elizabeth Hill are some highlights. And of course the new setting of the Eucharist music by David Thorne. Looking forward, we will be performing songs from each of HM Queen’s reign at the street party of June 5[th] . We also have in mind a “Come and Sing Choral Evensong” afternoon.

John Swindells, Director of Music

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Tunes and Chips

This started back in September 2021 and everyone who started with us is still coming. Plus new arrivals so we have 6 families attending now. They sang well at the Crib Service and will be holding an open house rehearsal/performance at 5:15pm on April 8[th] . Do come along, join in and spread the word. John hopes that in the summer term he can go into our local primary schools and recruit more and listen to what else we can do. The intention is that The T and C Choir will contribute to the Altogether Worship Service on April 24[th] .

John Swindells. Director of Music

Mothers’ Union

During the pandemic we kept in touch with phone calls and the trustees produced a newsletter each month so that we would know what was going on in the diocese - this is continuing. We started meeting up in person again in September, on the first Wednesday of the month, and have a speaker each month. We are only a small group of eight members, and one indoor member although anyone can come to our meeting. We will be selling Easter chicks on Easter Sunday, and are organising a strawberry tea in July to which everyone is invited.

Barbara Richards, Deputy Churchwarden

Flower Club

We started meeting up again in October and meet once a month on a Monday. We have someone who comes to demonstrate a flower arrangement for us to do the following month. There are eight of us who meet up, but everyone is welcome to join us. You don’t have to be a flower arranger to come. We also have a rota for doing the church flowers which anyone is welcome to join.

Barbara Richards, Deputy Churchwarden

St Martin’s Parish Magazine

The parish magazine continues to be circulated following the departure of Nick and Hannah as editors. Thanks are due for their former hard work. In due course we hope to include some new features and a new monthly newsletter for children – The Churchmouse - started in February 2022 to appear in tandem with the main magazine, the format of which does not lend itself to material on children’s activities. Early days, but so far, so good.

With thanks to George Bushell and our distributors, we were able to resume hand delivery of printed copies of the magazines to over 200 subscribing parishioners, and provide copies for sale in Church once again.

Beverley Hart, Magazine editor

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Parish & Team Office

Having been based at home throughout most of the pandemic, providing office services remotely, Easter 2021 marked a gradual and flexible return to the usual office based working by September. A return to worship in Church on Palm Sunday 2021, marked the end of the creation of bespoke weekly service sheets for use online for the Zoom services on Sundays, which had become a core part of the weekly office routine, alongside the usual Weekly Bulletin preparation. Printing of weekly sheets then returned, although we have retained the practice of issuing the St Martin’s Weekly Bulletin email on a Friday (the other Team Churches do similar), which seems to be well received. A new All Together Eucharist service was developed for the fourth Sunday of the month, with it’s own new orange booklet.

Thankfully, baptisms began to increase in number once again, and regular Team baptism preparation sessions were introduced for parents and godparents, led by the Team Clergy; 31 families have attended one of these sessions since May 2021. Two new service booklets for Baptisms at St Martin’s have been developed, one for use at the Eucharist service, and one for use as a stand alone baptism service.

Weddings returned last year (some having been postponed more than once). At the same time, a new system for the registration of marriages came into force from May 2021, with the responsibility for issuing marriage certificates now lying with the Registry and not the Church, bringing associated changes to our legal responsibilities and internal marriage administration processes.

It’s been a year of transition to a new normal (with a new office laptop to replace an ageing PC), whilst all the time keeping up to date with the latest changes to guidance, and making sure to keep everyone informed. Thank you to all who encourage, provide valued support, and drop into the office with a friendly smile – much appreciated.

Rebecca Caskie, Parish Administrator

Red Hill Church of England Primary School

2021 was a very challenging year for the school. Covid restrictions put great pressures on Staff, pupils and parents.

The year started in lockdown with the school closed for all other than children of key workers. The challenge for Spencer and the teachers was to provide on-line lessons and materials that children could access at home – as well as in-person teaching of those who were in school.

The school re-opened fully in March but with significant precautionary measures designed to ensure children’s safety and health. Staggered arrival and collection times, social distancing and enhanced hygiene, separation into class “bubbles” were introduced. No visitors were allowed and assemblies were discontinued. With only occasional slackening according to the national Covid situation and government guidelines, these restrictions stayed in place for virtually all of 2021.

With all the challenges the herculean efforts of Spencer and the teaching staff ensured that the education of the children was maintained throughout.

As Governors, we continued to support Spencer and the school, albeit at a distance. Meetings were mainly on Zoom and contact by email.

Thankfully, this year, restrictions are lifting, Covid outbreaks allowing. Assemblies have restarted with church assemblies on Wednesday and we are again able to welcome the school into Church for their seasonal services.

Let’s pray for a more “normal” year in 2022.

Mike Bunclark, Vice-chair Red Hill School Governors

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Deanery Synod Report

This report is a synopsis of the work of the re-formed Deanery Synod for the Worcester Area for the year 2021.

Our first meeting was on the 9[th ] March and after being opened by the new Area Dean, Revd Diane Cooksey. Our zoom meeting showed 63 active screens including members from the former Deaneries of Martley and Worcester West, Worcester East, and the Saltway Team part of the Droitwich Deanery. We were given instruction by the two Archdeacons and Bishop Martin as to their expectations. Diane Cooksey stated who she intended to appoint as her Leadership Team of six and she was then Commissioned. Three further meetings for 2021 were planned and announced those being, June, September, and November.

Our June meeting was again held on Zoom with Alison Maddocks in her new role as ‘Dean of Smaller Churches’ speaking to us. We were told that the current definition of a ‘smaller church’ is based on an Electoral Roll of 20 or less. The 2018 figures are in use at this moment.

The September meeting was supposed to be ‘face to face’ and incorporate a Deanery Service to be held at All Saints in the Deansway. Unfortunately, some people did not appreciate that it was an actual meeting and not a voluntary attendance, misunderstood the instructions given, were worried about the lack of motor fuel then available in the UK, or the several other reasons that were given. As it was, those few that attended enjoyed the experience.

November’s meeting was again back on Zoom with darker nights and a reccurrence of Covid surging in the area. John Preston the Diocesan Secretary dealt with the financial health of the Diocese and explained in detail why certain decisions are being taken on our behalf. Whilst the details are not always pleasant to hear, I am sure that your appointed Deanery Synod Representative has already passed on to you, via your PCC’s, the salient points.

On a more positive note, a Deanery Questionnaire was prepared by the Leadership Team and most churches, though not all have replied to that. Analysis of those answers is taking place at the time of writing this summary and some of that evidence and examples will be used at the Diocesan ‘Open Conversations 3’ due to be held throughout 2022.

Deanery Synod always used to be referred to something along the lines of a ‘group of people in a meeting waiting to go home’ and many felt that it had lost its way in the greater scheme of things. By reducing the number of Deaneries and increasing the sizes to now include both Rural and Urban Churches there is a strong chance that your church can by using the stronger voice of an expanded group have a meaningful input into the Worcester Diocese. I urge you to make sure that your Representatives regularly report back to you and that you also ensure that your views and wishes go back, via them into the melting pot.

Paul Fulbrook (Worcester Area Deanery Secretary – February 2022)

CONCERTS

After a break of over 15 months with no concerts due to the pandemic, live music finally returned to St Martin’s at the WOW Open Day on 3 July. Stage 4 of the Government’s lifting of restrictions had been delayed, so the Choir was not allowed to sing, but the day started with organ and trumpet music performed by the ‘home team’ of John Swindells and Robin Walker. Later in the month we were back in full swing for the Three Choirs Festival, for which we hosted 8 events, more than ever before.

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There was a thirst for live music, by performers and audiences alike, and our schedules soon began to fill, with public concerts every month from July to December.

Our series of live concerts for babies and toddlers also resumed in July, as part of the Three Choirs Festival. This, and the August concert which was part of the Worcester Festival, brought in many new families from the extra publicity. These events were much appreciated during the school holidays when most other children’s activities, including nurseries and playgroups, are suspended. Then from September we had to start building our audience again, because many of the previous regulars were no longer toddling, but new families came every month, the news spreading mostly by Facebook and word of mouth. Our youngest audience member was just 2 weeks old when he first came with his mum and big sister.

David and Shirley Scott, Concerts Committee

Donations to Charity

St Martin’s aims to donate at least 5% of the church’s income, and the Missionary Committee fundraise through the year. Donations to local, national and international charities are made from these sources and from other income. During 2021 donations to these good causes from St Martin’s Church were severely disrupted because of the Coronavirus pandemic which affected normal fundraising activities, but some donations were possible and the following gifts are included in the church accounts.

church accounts.
Christian Aid £1,227 St Paul’s Hostel £600
USPG £1,100 Worcester Foodbank £600
Church Army £900 Worcester Home for the Deaf £600
Maggs DayCentre £740 Embrace the Middle East £563
Acorns Childrens Hospice £600 Biliki Project Georgia £198
Childrens Society £600 Bible Society £75
Christians Against Poverty £600 Mission Aviation Fellowship £75
Church Mission Society £600 Diocese of Cyprus & The Gulf £65
Mothers Union £600 TOTAL £9,742

St Martin’s sponsors concerts featuring local artists who choose a charity to benefit from a collection during the performance. The proceeds are paid directly to the charity and are not included in the church accounts. Due to Covid restrictions only a limited number of concerts took place in 2021. The table below shows the amounts raised net of gift-aid as this is claimed by the charity concerned.

Cancer Research UK £293 Maggs DayCentre £173
National Youth Orchestra £206 St Richards Hospice £105

St Martin’s also organises collections for many charities (including for Christian Aid Week) and facilitates charitable donations at funerals and other events which are not included in the church accounts, but many of these were not possible in 2021 due to Covid restrictions. However a steady stream of gifts (including the Harvest Festival food collection) went to St Paul’s Hostel, Maggs Day Centre, Worcester Foodbank, and the Worcester Home for the Deaf.

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Financial Report

2021 has been very challenging in many ways, following on from an equally challenging 2020, not least financially due to the Coronavirus pandemic which closed St Martin’s Church and Parish Centre at various times. This considerably affected our income from hall and church rental and service plate collections. However, we are very grateful to our planned givers who have continued to support the church financially, in some cases digging deep to give very generous donations well above their normal gifts. We also continued to monitor costs to ensure that any expenditure was justified and gave value-for-money, and In 2021 paid our full Parish Share to the Worcester Diocese.

During some of the pandemic two of our three employees were furloughed but we continued to pay them their full pay. We claimed grants from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and also received Covid-19 Discretionary Business grants from Worcester City Council, both helping considerably to reduce the gap between income and expenditure.

In 2021 the church embarked on several projects. Phase 1 included the refurbishment of the lower vestry kitchen, the installation of a new disabled toilet and improved disabled access at the lower level. Phase 2 includes improving the toilets and refreshment facilities adjacent to the nave, and this was in the planning stage at the end of 2021. Funds for these projects were raised through appeals and grant applications, and a Projects Fund was set up to aid financial management.

Late in 2021 St Martin’s received two legacies, one from Fred Allan and a second from Margaret Benson, both long-serving church members who are sadly missed. The latter legacy has some restrictions so a Margaret Benson Memorial Fund was set up to manage this legacy. For most of 2021 the church was heading for a considerable financial deficit. However at the years’ end, St Martin’s Church finances overall are in good health, due to the generosity of Fred Allan and Margaret Benson and to our planned givers who continue to support the church.

Detailed figures for church income, expenditure and fund balances are given later in this document.

Garth Williams, PCC Treasurer

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The Parochial Church Council of St Martln with St Peter Flnancial Rev5ew Statement of the PCC members responslbllltles regardln8 flnanclal matters The PCC members are responsible for preparlng the Trustees, Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Xingdorn Accounting Standards Iunlted Kingdom Geneially Accepted Accounting Piacticel. The law applicable to Charities in England & Wales requires the PCC members to prepare financial statements lor each fSnan¢Sal year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the PCC Incomlng resources and application of resources for that perlod. In preparin8 these financial Statements, the PCC members are required to: 5elert sultable accountin8 p)Ilcies and then appty thern consistent observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any materlal departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements prepare the financial statement5 on the going concern basis unless it is Inapproprfate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The PCC members are responslble for keepln8 proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accurary at any time the flnancial position of the PCC and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply wtth the Charities Act 2011, the Charity IAccounts and Aeportsl Regulatlons 2008 and the Church Accountin8 RegulatSons 2CQ6. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the PCC and hence for taking reasonable steps for the p￿ventioN and detectlon of fTaLMI and other irregularlties. Approved by the PCC on ... nd SiBned on their behalf bv www.StMartin%WoTcestei.oig.uk FaEe 18 www.laeebook.eomlSIM2riitt%WorLester

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Parish of St Martin with St Peter, Worcester

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2021 which are set out on pages 20 to 29.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records ; or

  3. 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.

Signed:

Sally Bishop FCA Bishops Accountancy Ltd Chartered Accountants Unit 3 Elgar Business Centre Moseley Road Hallow Worcester WR2 6NJ

Date: 5[th] April 2022

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There may be minor discrepancies in the totals as the pence are not being shown

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There may be minor discrepancies in the totals as the pence are not being shown

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The Parochial Church Council of St Martin with St Peter

Summary of income and expenditure From January 1[st] 2021 to December 31[st] 2021

2021(£) 2021(£) 2021(£) 2020(£) 2020(£) 2020(£)
Income Expenditure Difference Income Expenditure Difference
Plannedgiving 77,770 87,743
Gift Aid received 19,070 21,633
Plate collections 1,935 656
Legacies 56,889 1,000
Donations 5,245 8,797
Coronavirus Grants 8,162 9,080
Bank/BuildingSocietyinterest 608 1,015
John Carter Bequest 5,290 5,109
Parish Share 105,914 105,914
Church Insurance 5,400 5,520
Church utilitybills 4,797 5,459
Church maintenance & repairs 3,660 3,748
Alms from St Martin's 6,640 7,150
Sub-total 174,969 126,411 48,558 135,033 127,791 7,242
Salaries,honoraria & expenses 2,000 28,672 (26,672) 2,000 28,773 (26,773)
MissionaryFund 3,422 2,944 478 2,023 1,872 151
Biliki Fund 198 198 0 88 88 0
Projects Fund 52,630 37,759 14,871 - - -
YoungPeople 8,933 8,601 332 1,903 1,792 110
Parish Centre 17,070 7,593 9,477 14,398 6,330 8,068
Garages 5,892 0 5,892 6,029 0 6,029
Concerts 7,620 1,795 5,826 1,787 474 1,313
Magazines(printingcosts n/a) 2,280 0 2,280 3,416 46 3,370
Other income and expenditure 5,672 14,564 (8,892) 2,496 6,619 (4,123)
Total 280,688 228,537 52,151 169,173 173,784 (4,611)

There may be minor discrepancies in the figures above as the pence are not being shown

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The Parochial Church Council of St Martin with St Peter

Notes to the Financial Statements From January 1[st] 2021 to December 31[st] 2021

1 Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) General information and basis of preparation

The charity (St Martin with St Peter PCC) constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

(b) Funds

Unrestricted general funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Unrestricted designated funds are used by the trustees for particular projects and purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. These funds cannot be used by the trustees for any other purposes unless determined by the Courts or the Charity Commissioners. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in note 3 in the financial statements. Specific fund policies are detailed in note 2.

Endowment funds are restricted funds that must be retained as trust capital either permanently or subject to a discretionary power to spend capital as income, and where the use of any income or other benefit derived from the capital may be restricted or unrestricted. Full details of all their restrictions are shown in the notes to the accounts.

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Notes to the Financial Statements From January 1[st] 2021 to December 31[st] 2021

The Parochial Church Council of St Martin with St Peter

(c) Income recognition

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.

For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. At this point income is recognised. On occasion legacies will be notified to the charity however it is not possible to measure the amount expected to be distributed. On these occasions, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed.

Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable.

Gift Aid received from donations is recognised during the financial year in which the donation is received.

Rental income from the letting of church premises, income from church magazine adverts and any other income is recognised when receivable.

(d) Expenditure recognition

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.

Costs of raising funds comprise those costs directly attributable to fund raising events.

(e) Tangible fixed assets

Expenditure on equipment used within the church is depreciated on a straight line basis over 4 years. Individual items of equipment costing £1,500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired

(f) Fixed asset investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange or whose value derives from them are valued at market value at the year end.

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The Parochial Church Council of St Martin with St Peter

Notes to the Financial Statements From January 1[st] 2021 to December 31[st] 2021

(g) Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

(h) Pensions

Contributions to defined contribution plans are expensed in the period to which they relate.

(i) Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

2 Specific fund policies

(a) Free Reserves

The PCC will try to maintain a balance on Free Reserves equivalent to at least six months Unrestricted Funds expenditure. This is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. If the reserves fall below this level, the PCC will plan to reduce expenditure and increase income so that this balance can be achieved. Free Reserves comprise the General Fund and the Designated Funds. Refer to note 11 for a compliance check.

(b) General Fund

This must be maintained at a higher level than the total of the other unrestricted funds (except the Reserve Fund). If needed, the Treasurer can transfer money from the Reserve Fund to the General Fund.

(c) Concerts Fund

This generates profits received from church musical events. A balance of £1,500 in this fund is maintained at year-end, with the surplus being transferred to the General Fund.

(d) Parish Centre Fund

This fund is used to financially manage the Parish Centre and any profit is used for the church general purposes as decided by the PCC. A balance of £2,000 in the Parish Centre Fund is maintained at year end by transfer to or from the General Fund.

(e) Projects Fund

This was set up by the PCC in January 2021 to financially manage major church projects. The PCC reserves the right to close the Projects Fund and transfer any money to the General Fund.

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The Parochial Church Council of St Martin with St Peter

Notes to the Financial Statements From January 1[st] 2021 to December 31[st] 2021

(f) Margaret Benson Memorial Fund

St Martin’s Church received a substantial legacy in 2021 from the estate of the late Margaret Benson. The legacy was donated to the Vicar and Churchwardens of St Martin’s Church “for such religious purposes in the said Parish as the said Vicar and Churchwardens shall in their absolute discretion think fit”. Accordingly the legacy was deposited in the restricted Margaret Benson Memorial Fund.

(g) Endowment Fund - John Frederick Carter Bequest

St Martin’s Church received a bequest in 2008 from the estate of John Frederick Carter. The capital is invested in the CBF Church of England Investment Fund administered by CCLA. The church receives the dividend from the investment but is not allowed to spend the capital.

3 St Martin’s Restricted Funds

These funds contain donations for particular purposes specified by the donor. By law these funds cannot be used by the PCC for any other purpose. The groups managing these funds have to give notice to the PCC for any substantial expenditure, and the PCC has the authority to veto such expenditure if it was to cause financial hardship to St Martin’s Church.

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The Parochial Church Council of St Martin with St Peter

Notes to the Financial Statements

From January 1[st] 2021 to December 31[st] 2021

4 Fixed Assets (Capital value)

The income is paid into the General Fund and can be used for any ecclesiastical purpose but the capital (received from a 2008 bequest) cannot be spent. No shares were added or sold during the year.

Valuation Change in value Valuation
31/12/21 in 2021 31/12/20
CBF Fixed Interest Securities Fund £770 (£56) £826
CBF Investment Fund (capital) £208,470 £26,519 £181,951
Total £209,239 £26,462 £182,777
5 Debtors 2021 2020
Gift Aid rebate £2,168 £3,232
Other debtors £1,518 £2,921
Total £3,686 £6,153
6 Liabilities: Amounts falling due within one year
Creditors for goods and services £4,624 £2,796
There are no long term creditors.
7 Staff Costs
(a) Mrs Rebecca Caskie (Team Administrator) - gross
St Martin’s PCC contribution : £10,619 £10,534
Worcester South East Team contribution: £2,000 £2,000
(b) Mrs Donna Vickers (cleaner) - gross £8,700 £8,745
(c) John Swindells (Director of Music) - gross £7,081 £7,000
(d) Organist holiday cover £80 £0
(e) Gross wages, salaries and benefits in kind £28,480 £28,278
(f) Employer’s national insurance costs £0 £0
(g) Pension costs £192 £190
(h) Total staff costs £28,672 £28,468

No employees received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000.

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The Parochial Church Council of St Martin with St Peter

Notes to the Financial Statements From January 1[st] 2021 to December 31[st] 2021

8 Statement of Financial Activities

In this statement:

9 Fund Reconciliation

FUNDS At
1.1.2021
£		 Transfers
£		 Income
£		 Outgoings
£		 Gains/
(Losses)
£		 At
31.12.2021
£
Unrestricted 169,509 0 164,985 172,455 (56) 161,983
Restricted 21,315 0 115,703 56,082 0 80,936
Endowment 181,951 0 0 0 26,518 208,470
Totals 372,775 0 280,688 228,537 26,462 451,389
At
1.1.2020
£		 Transfers
£		 Income
£		 Outgoings
£		 Gains/
(Losses)
£		 At
31.12.2020
Unrestricted 172,731 0 164,831 168,082 29 169,509
Restricted 22,675 0 4,342 5,701 0 21,315
Endowment 170,645 0 0 0 11,307 181,951
Totals 366,051 0 169,173 173,784 11,336 372,775

There may be minor discrepancies in the figures above as the pence are not being shown

10 Analysis of net assets by fund

2021 Unrestricted
Funds(£)		 Restricted
Funds(£)		 Endowment
Funds(£)		 Total
(£)
Fixed assets 770 0 208,470 209,239
Current assets 164,164 82,609 0 246,773
Current liabilities (2,951) (1,673) 0 (4,624)
Net total assets 161,983 80,936 208,470 451,389
2020 Unrestricted
Funds(£)		 Restricted
Funds(£)		 Endowment
Funds(£)		 Total
(£)
Fixed assets 826 0 181,951 182,777
Current assets 170,600 22,194 0 192,794
Current liabilities (1,917) (879) 0 (2,796)
Net total assets 169,509 21,315 181,951 372,775

There may be minor discrepancies in the figures above as the pence are not being shown

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The Parochial Church Council of St Martin with St Peter

Notes to the Financial Statements From January 1[st] 2021 to December 31[st] 2021

11 Check for compliance to Reserves Policy

Free Reserves (General Fund + Designated Funds) at year-end: £161,983 Six months Unrestricted Funds expenditure: £86,228

Therefore St Martins Church conforms to the PCC Reserves Policy (see note 2a).

12 Independent examiner’s remuneration

The independent examiner’s remuneration for the 2021 accounts amounts to an independent examination fee of £400 + VAT, totalling £480. (2020: nil)

13 Related party transaction

In 2021 St Martin’s received donations of £45,595 (2020: £45,585) from PCC members.

14 Trustees’ and key management personnel remuneration and expenses

St Martin’s considers its key management personnel are the members of the PCC. PCC members neither received nor waived any remuneration during 2021 (2020: £nil). The members of the PCC did not have any expenses reimbursed during 2021 (2020: £nil).

15 Contingent asset

During 2021 the charity received a legacy of £50,000. A further amount in the region of £30,000 is expected to be received in the future. As the amount cannot be accurately measured it is not included in these financial statements.

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