2023
Annual Report and Accounts
for the
Parochial Church Council
of
The Ecclesiastical Parish of
St. Michael And St. Mary Magdalene, Easthampstead
Charity Number 1128690
A year of hope for the future
of Easthampstead. The Induction and Installation service that took place
on the 24 August 2023 was memorable and will be a treasured memory for my family and me. The warmth of welcome we have received subsequently has been amazing and I thank you all for your love and support.
It has been a challenging start to my tenure due to apparent uncertainty
earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it" (Psalm 24:1). Understanding this
- honesty, diligence, and wise decision
faithful stewardship in the parable of the talents, emphasising that faithful stewards are entrusted with - even greater responsibilities (Matthew 25:14 30). I believe this year we have hope that our financial
stewardship is much improved.
I have also been reviewing worship in the parish which has led to the removal of the chancel altar and a
so this December we saw our last service. I have also been keen to work with St. Francis and St. Claire in
Church@the Pines in establishing a vision for the future of the church in Hanworth.
Park and together as a PCC we will establish a new vision for the parish from which we will be establishing a five year strategic plan.
opportunity to greatly serve the community and make Christ known in our parish. As I enter this next year
Revd. Gareth Morley Rector
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Contents
- Aim and purposes Page 3 2. Objec�ves and ac�vi�es Page 4 3a. Achievements Page 6 3b. Performance Page 10 4. Financial review Page 12 5. Reserves policy Page 13 6. Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others Page 13 7. Plans for future periods Page 14 8. Risk management Page 15 9. Structure, governance and management Page 16 10. Administra�ve informa�on Page 17
1. Aim and Purposes
The purpose of the PCC is the promo�on of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the - doctrines and prac�ces of the Church of England and “co opera�on with the minister (Reverend Gareth Morley) in promo�ng in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelis�c, social and ecumenical.” It also has statutory responsibili�es for the care and insurance of church buildings and property, for keeping proper financial records and for a range of other statutory ma�ers, including health and safety procedures rela�ng to employees, volunteers and visitors.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St. Michael and St. Mary Magdalene, Easthampstead has its legal responsibili�es set out in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 . It is also bound by the Church Representa�on Rules ( Church Representa�on and Ministers Measure 2019 ) and the PCC Accountability Guide .
The PCC has responsibility for two churches in the parish, namely St. Michael and St. Mary Magdalene Church and St. Francis and St. Claire Church. The PCC is also an ecumenical partner of the Church@thePines.
vision of the Church which is “to be a welcoming community that worships God, serves others and makes new disciples.”
Main ac�vi�es undertaken to meet these aims and purpose include:
-
a regular pa�ern of worship in the parish,
-
assis�ng people in the parish in marking life events (christenings, weddings, and funerals),
-
providing pastoral care and support to all people in the parish,
-
helping all people of all ages in the parish to be able to develop their faith,
-
providing social ac�vi�es through small groups and as a whole community,
-
working with other churches in the parish, and
-
working with schools in providing Religious Educa�on and Collec�ve Worship.
compa�ble with “The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit” guidance published by the Charity Commission.
Page 3
2. Parish Objectives
-
to appoint a new Rector,
-
to implement the Quinquennial Report,
Appoint a new Rector
Interviews were conducted with three candidates on the 25 April 2023. Following the interviews Reverend Gareth Morley was appointed as Rector of the parish. He was inducted and installed as Rector on the 24 August 2023.
Implement the Quinquennial Report (written by: Lee Townsend, Churchwarden ) The new five year Quinquennial for the Church and Annexe was completed and published in 2023. Work has been undertaken to address some of the issues.
One of the issues raised was in regards of the drains. Several companies have been approached and quoted for a drain cleaning and mapping survey, which uses cameras to map, assess and report on the
lead copings had become loose. The repair team specialised in rope and tackle access which negated
parapet and church masonry.
hope to complete the work spring/early summer 2024.
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Assess the energy saving recommendations (written by: Lee Townsend, Churchwarden ) An energy audit was carried out last year and has been reviewed. There are a series of suggested works that we could implement such as a plan to insulate the roof in the Annexe. Some steps have already
We have obtained as part of our energy saving work a bronze award from ‘A Rocha’. There are three – levels of Eco Church Award that they issue Bronze, Silver and Gold. In order to qualify for an Award we
church. Due to the work of the parish we have managed to complete all the necessary work to obtain the bronze award in 2023 and we will begin working towards the silver award in the coming year.
Churchwarden )
that although the recorded income and expenditure is correct, the end of year
-
to appoint new Independent Examiner,
-
to appoint a new Payroll Manager, and
-
to appoint a new bookkeeper.
-
to review St. Francis and St. Claire Church Mission and Ministry,
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3a. Achievements
overseas mission, pilgrimages, community events, etc.
<= "nyWA e S,Wee This year saw the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles Ill. The Coronation of the King and the Queen took place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May 2023. As a community we gathered to watch the service at the Abbey Aes: 8 foe) SNees = on the screens in church . We also provided an afternoon tea. 4. (eo we 2 ey) x CS BND “, Our bellringers participated in a national ‘Ring for the King’, continuing the
Worship
We have implemented changes to our Sunday worship following approval from the PCC. These changes included amendments to our liturgy to align us with Common Worship and reduce our Sunday readings.
We also removed the temporary chancel altar and reintroduced use of the high altar. We also replaced the front row of choir pews that had been removed. The result is that the church is much improved in
use the church to celebrate life events.
Care and Support
we are unable to help directly. This has already proven to be useful to some in the parish who have - contacted us. We will be looking to re establish a pastoral care team to increase our provision of support to others.
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Faith Development
put this program onto the website so that others can access the materials.
Life Events, Iknow and ChurchEdit
Church123 to provide webservices and took up a contract with ChurchEdit. This company owns the
ChurchEdit has allowed us to integrate iKnow into our new website design which allows people to request life events directly through the website, rather than having to email us.
Community
an evening of fun and games. We also run and host regular church groups. One that is currently under
development needs to be a focus for us in the coming year.
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The response was overwhelming with a large number donated from the Church. This was organised by the parish Mothers Union.
Harvest
A great amount was given in both goods and money at our Harvest Service. This was all donated to the foodbank in the town and was gratefully received.
Remembrance
Remembrance Day. The church was full of young people and the service was run predominantly by these
Thrive
— 3:45pm at
come and donate, collect, share and reuse items so that all may thrive. They have tables for children’s - clothing, toys, books and long life food items. They are supporting the local community through loving
for our support of others in our parish. Christmas Unwrapped and Easter Experience
As part of our outreach to primary schools we invited classes into the church for a few weeks both before Easter and Christmas. For example at Christmas we welcomed fourteen classes from eight schools into
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Fete
- 19 pandemic. The fete raised approximately £6144, last year this was £4016, and before that due to the pandemic the fete did not take place. More than the finances though is the opportunity to meet with others in the community and talk about the work of the parish.
Relationships with our partners
Church@the Pines (Written by: Brian Gennery, Church@the Pines)
The Church@thePines is blessed with being a local ecumenical partnership enabling us to enjoy a broad span of different worship services, enriching our spiritual lives and showing us the breadth and depth of God’s love. In the recent months Revd Gareth Morley, the new rector has been leading worship once a month with communion. We are thankful to Revd Roy Burgess and Revd Carol Dunk who have supported us in the past, and to the Parish for their love and prayers. We thank God for the past year who has blessed and enriched our lives
St Michael’s Church of England School
Headteacher)
Revd Gareth is a regular visitor to the
Christmas and Easter unwrapped sessions in the church with much excitement and new learning gained. School and parish have worked well together on planning and delivering an enjoyable and fruitful summer fair, bringing the whole community together. As a member of our governing board, Revd Gareth
I
spiritual journey and he has supported and encouraged our Worship leader in her role.
Headteacher)
Michael’s Church, and we hope to further develop these links. Church and school together, we aim for children to strive to let their lights shine brightly as they take the school’s rainbow promise values wherever they go.”
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3b. Performance
(Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services), Easter (Easter Eve and Easter Day services), Average Week attendance in October (this includes Sunday and midweek church services & fresh expressions in October but excludes attendance at services for schools), and Usual Sunday Attendance which is taken as an average for the year.
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas | 234 | 324 | 526 |
| Easter | 8 | 149 | 158 |
| Average Week, October | 81 | 77 | 211 |
| Usual Sunday | 45 | 84 | 129 |
| Usual attendance | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Adults | 38 | 71 | 96 |
| Children | 7 | 13 | 33 |
| Percentage Children | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Usual Sunday | 16% | 15% | 26% |
| Average Week | 9% | 17% | 16% |
The graph below records the overall trend over the last ten years. The area highlighted in yellow shows - period of time disrupted by the COVID 19 pandemic.
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| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baptisms | 39 | 92 | 69 |
| Weddings | 12 | 12 | 6 |
| Funerals | 22 | 9 | 13 |
The graph below records the overall trend over the last ten years. The area highlighted in yellow shows - the period of time disrupted by the COVID 19 pandemic.
St. Francis and St. Claire Church
Claire Church for the coming year is as a
separated from the parish as a whole. This is
- showing signs of post covid recovery we are not seeing the same recovery at this church. The church has previously had attendance of around 30-40 but on occasion this year
ministry of the church here will be reviewed in early 2024.
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(Review by: Oliver Sommer, Treasurer)
4. Financial review
established which consists of members of the PCC as well as others with relevant experience as invited by
bookkeeper resigned in December. We are currently seeking a new bookkeeper. Our efforts to address
Income
in the cost of living. This is suspected as the primary reason for standing orders being cancelled or
Total Income this year was £178,854 and came from the following sources.
Expenditure
increase in energy bills for all three buildings at St Michael and St Mary Magdalene Church. This was a
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higher than in 2022. The cost of running services was also up from 2022 which we are seeking to address by exploring different suppliers. It should also be noted that we were given a discount on our Parish Share
Rector.
equipment.
Total Expenditure this year was £187,116 and was on the following areas.
The main bank Balance as at 31 December 2022 was £223,912 and for 31 December 2023 was £218,060.
5. Reserves Policy
Treasurer)
maintains a balance of free reserves (net current assets) which equates to at least three months
other funds are available. The PCC reserves the right that they may from time -to — - time designate funds
6. Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Review by: Oliver Sommer, Treasurer
Page 13
7. Plans for future
Review St. Francis and St. Claire Church Mission and Ministry
One of the decisions we need to make is the future of St. Francis and St. Claire
predominantly parents seeking admission to Ranelagh School.
and materials), and no succession planning are all arguments in favour of closing St Francis and St Claire church.
years. A PCC vision day has been set for the 8th June and our patron Christ Church College in Oxford has
this next season.
- making over the coming years. The heart of MAP is
a process
with our accounting as we could not correct all the previous errors. This was agreed as acceptable by John Orridge of Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance.
our income for the past three years. In 2021 this was by £42k in 2022 this was by £1k and last year this was by approximately £10k. Some of this overspend was for planned capital projects however with the
Our bookkeeper Grace will be leaving us at the end of the year and so we will need to recruit a new bookkeeper. We have sought to locate a bookkeeper to take on the role voluntarily but have been unsuccessful. Therefore the PCC has given the Rector and Churchwardens permission to seek a paid bookkeeper to fill the role for six months. We hope to recruit someone to the role in early 2024, along with a new independent examiner and payroll manager.
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8. Risk management
- Although there is no requirement for us to make a risk management statement we consider it best
strategies for managing those risks.
Parish Centre
members] is related to the parish centre. Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight, ‘bubbly’ form of concrete commonly used in construction between the 1950s and mid -1990s. It is predominantly found as precast panels in roofs, commonly found in flat roofs, and occasionally in floors and walls. RAAC has been found in local buildings of a similar age.
Why is it a risk?
The Parish Centre was constructed in the 1950s using concrete. It is uncertain if RAAC was used in the
and as such there is a risk RAAC panels can fail. Later RAAC planks are known to use galvanised steel or
What is the plan?
architect was asked to assess the Parish Centre and has agreed to conduct a survey of the building
Mobile Phone Masts
- additional one off lump sum payment of £3,500 upon completion of the licences. The term is for 20 years, reviewed every 3 years and increased in line with RPI. This is a drop from the £10,000 per annum
Why is it a risk?
What is the plan?
The PCC have decided to consult the Diocesan Registrar before agreeing to any licence renewal. The
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9. Structure, governance and management
The membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (Rector), Churchwardens, and members (elected by members of the congrega�on who are on the electoral roll of the church).
The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a Registered Charity. Appointment of PCC members is governed by and set out in the Church Representa�on Rules.
The PCC is currently reviewing the policies and procedures for the recruitment, induc�on and training of PCC members.
responsibility for the “care and maintenance of all church buildings and all their contents within the parish.” This includes; the Church of St. Michael and St. Mary Magdalene, the Church of St. Francis and St. Claire, the Parish Centre and Magdalen House. The PCC and the incumbent also have a duty of care to ensure the protec�on of the vulnerable in their church community. To manage these responsibili�es the PCC has a standing commi�ee and has established a Finance Commi�ee and a Building Commi�ee, as well as a Safeguarding Team.
----- Start of picture text -----
Safeguarding Team Paid Staff/Volunteers
Churchwarden Rector Churchwarden
Finance Commi�ee PCC Building Commi�ee
----- End of picture text -----
The Standing Commi�ee as required by law and detailed in Church Representa�on Rules is a commi�ee of the PCC and reports to the PCC. The Standing Commi�ee has the powers and responsibili�es laid down by canon law. Specifically it is empowered to transact the business of the PCC between the mee�ngs thereof subject to any direc�ons given by the PCC.
The Finance Commi�ee with legisla�on, and Charity Commission guidance. It advises the PCC on financial implica�ons, opera�onal risks, budget management targets and policies. In short it ensures the PCC financial obliga�ons are met.
The Buildings Commi�ee discharges the responsibili�es of the PCC on ma�ers rela�ng to PCC premises and grounds, security and environment. The group assists in the quinquennial inspec�on of the building and agrees priori�es for maintenance and improvement. It develops a strategy for carrying out maintenance, repairs and redecora�on within the budget alloca�on. The commi�ee also deals with all Health and Safety ma�ers in the Parish. In short it ensure the PCC ‘care and maintenance’ obliga�ons are met.
The Safeguarding team and PCC have complied with the duty under sec�on 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have due regard to the House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
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10. Administrative information
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Michael and St. Mary Magdalene, Easthampstead (Charity number: 1128690) is located at the following address:
St. Michael and St. Mary Magdalene Church, Crowthorne Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7ER.
The Church of St. Francis and St. Claire is located in: Jennett’s Park CE Primary School, Tawny Owl Square, Bracknell, RG12 8EB.
All PCC correspondence address is care of:
www.stmichaelseasthampstead.org.uk
Winckworth Sherwood LLP, 2 Chawley Park, Cumnor Hill, Oxford, OX2 9GG.
advice from the Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance, specifically the Director of Finance John Orridge.
ODBF, Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1GF.
The independent examiner for the PCC accounts is Kim Swain of Radford & Sergeant.
Radford & Sergeant, Building 3, Watchmoor Park, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3YL.
Day-to-day management of the parish is delegated to the incumbent, Revd. Gareth Morley.
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Trustees
un�l the approval of the financial statements.
| Members of the Parochial Church Council | Members of the Parochial Church Council |
|---|---|
| The Revd Gareth Morley | Rector (PCC Chair) |
| The Revd Carol Dunk | Associate Priest |
| Lee Townsend | Churchwarden (Buildings), Deanery Synod representa�ve |
| Judith Collyer | Churchwarden (Finance and Safeguarding) |
| Maureen Beadsley | PCC Lay chair |
| Oliver Sommer | PCC Treasurer |
| Chris�ne Fellows | PCC Secretary |
| Jaime Whi�ield | |
| Jeane�e Rymill | |
| Robert Soden | |
| Geraldine Samuelsson-Brown | Deanery Synod representa�ve |
| Andrew Wyard | |
| Nicholas Roworth | St. Francis and St. Claire Church representa�ve, DeanerySynod representa�ve |
| Grant Mobbs | |
| Karen Biggs | |
| Christopher Boutle | Deanery Synod representa�ve |
| Brian Gennery | Church@the Pines representa�ve |
| Diane Collins | Deanery Synod representa�ve |
| Vacant |
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The Ecclesiastical Parish of St Michael and St Mary Magdalene, Easthampstead
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
Page 19
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of St. Michaels and St. Mary Magdalene Parochial Church Council
I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 22 to 24.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The church's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
Examine the accounts (under section 145 of the Charities Act);
-
To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act); and
-
To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the gross income for the year exceeds the amount provided in section 145(3) of the Charities Act, I confirm that I am qualified to act as Independent Examiner under the provisions of that section of the Charities Act and that my qualification is as shown below.
In connection with my examination, it has come to my attention that, in prior periods, accounting records have not been kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act. This has meant that comparative figures for receipts and payments for the year to 31 December 2022 cannot be relied upon and have, therefore, needed to be omitted from the accounts. Further, analysis of prior year assets and liabilities by type of fund has not been possible. I have been advised that the trustees have discussed this matter, as well as future remedial action, with the Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance.
Other than as mentioned above, in respect of the receipts and payments for the year ended 31 December 2023, no matter has come to my attention:
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have not been met; or
-
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
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Kim Swain MA (Oxon) FCA
Radford & Sergeant Limited Building 3 Watchmoor Park Camberley Surrey GU15 3YL
31 May 2024
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The Ecclesiastical Parish of St Michael and St Mary Magdalene, Easthampstead
Receipts and payments accounts
For the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023
| Note RECEIPTS Voluntary Receipts: Planned giving Collec�ons at services All other giving/voluntary receipts 1 Gi� Aid recovered Ac�vi�es for genera�ng funds 2 Investment income 3 Church ac�vi�es 4 Total receipts PAYMENTS: Church ac�vi�es: Parish share Clergy and stafng costs 5 Church running expenses 6 Parish Centre running costs Mission giving and dona�ons Cost of genera�ng funds Magdalene House Fete Total payments Excess of payments over receipts Cash at bank & in hand at 1 Jan Cash at bank & in hand at 31 Dec |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds £ £ £ |
Total funds £ |
|---|---|---|
| 51,337 2,880 15,655 13,193 14,500 275 |
54,217 15,655 13,193 14,775 |
|
| 94,685 3,540 6,144 44,109 66 138 30,558 |
97,840 6,144 44,313 30,558 |
|
| 175,495 3,606 138 |
178,854 | |
| 102,132 19,734 50,835 9,531 180 |
102,132 19,734 50,835 9,531 180 |
|
| 182,411 |
182,411 | |
| 987 3,718 |
987 3,718 |
|
| 4,704 |
4,704 | |
| 187,116 | 187,116 | |
| (11,621) 3,606 138 |
(8,262) | |
| 251,435 | ||
| 243,173 |
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The Ecclesiastical Parish of St Michael and St Mary Magdalene, Easthampstead
Notes to the accounts
| 1. All other giving/voluntary receipts Church at the Pines Other dona�ons Oxford Diocese DB Implementa�on grant 2. Ac�vi�es for genera�ng funds Fete 3. Investment income CBF Deposit Fund and CCLA interest NHS car park Magdalene House le�ngs Mobile Phone Masts 4. Church ac�vi�es Wedding fees Funeral fees Parish Centre le�ngs 5. Clergy and stafng costs Clergy travel/entertainment Staf salaries 6. Church running expenses Repairs Water Equipment maintenance Electricty and gas Insurance Magdalene House refurbishment Video streaming project Costs of services Weddings/Bap�sms/Funerals Administra�on |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total funds 6,885 6,885 6,008 6,008 300 300 |
|---|---|
| 13,193 13,193 |
|
| 6,144 6,144 |
|
| 6,144 6,144 |
|
| 1,531 66 138 1,735 2,388 2,388 20,940 20,940 19,250 19,250 |
|
| 44,109 66 138 44,313 |
|
| 7,802 7,802 3,486 3,486 19,271 19,271 |
|
| 30,558 30,558 |
|
| 1,467 1,467 18,267 18,267 |
|
| 19,734 19,734 |
|
| 8,464 8,464 273 273 831 831 11,231 11,231 7,932 7,932 640 640 7,341 7,341 5,223 5,223 4,792 4,792 4,109 4,109 |
|
| 50,835 50,835 |
The Financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accoun�ng Regula�ons 2006 using the Receipts and Payment basis, and under sec�on 133 of the Chari�es Act 2011.
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The Ecclesiastical Parish of St Michael and St Mary Magdalene, Easthampstead
Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
| Note | Total 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Funds | ||
| Bank Current Account | 218,060 | |
| Bank Deposit Account | 24,829 | |
| Other bank and cash accounts | 285 | |
| (A1) | 243,173 | |
| Investment Assets | ||
| Investment Fund Shares value | (A2) | 63,503 |
| Assets retained for Church use | (A3) | 3,926,000 |
| Liabilities | 0 |
-
(A1) The total includes restricted funds Living Churchyard and Heritage weekend.
-
(A2) The total includes the investment of a 30.4% equity share in the sale of 1 Ardingley which can be used for any
| (A3) Magdalene House-estimated market value | 626,000 |
|---|---|
| Parish Centre-estimated rebuilding cost | 3,300,000 |
| 3,926,000 |
| Signed of behalf of the Trustees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Signature | Name | Date Approved |
| Revd. Gareth Morley-Rector |
27/04/24 |
|
| he Chor |
Oliver Sommer-Treasurer |
27/04/24 |
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