## **St SIMON’S CHURCH, WAVERLEY ROAD,** ## **SOUTHSEA PO5 2PW** ## **ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS** ## **2022** PCC Annual report for APCM April 2023: Rev Jackie Twine [Chair PCC]; Fran Sherren [Church Warden] & Paul Jenkins [Church Warden] ## **FOREWORD** Over the past year our services have largely returned to their customary format and many other church activities have continued and new ones grown. Rev Jackie Twine was appointed as interim minister of St Simon’s from July 2022 until June 2023. Responsibility for the management of the church has been shared between Rev. Jackie Twine, the two churchwardens and the PCC. We continue to be extremely grateful for the support of the St Jude’s team particularly Rev Adam Tams. We maintain a thriving children’s ministry and have joined with St Jude’s in supporting a new Youth Worker. Whilst we continue to face financial challenges, our situation has improved with an increase in regular room lettings, donations and contributions from the congregation. This includes some further generous funding for the running of Sunday Suppers. This has helped this ministry to continue to support many vulnerable people within our community. From March 2022, St Simon’s has hosted a Friday Friendship coffee morning aimed initially at supporting asylum seekers who are temporarily housed by the UK Home Office at the Royal Beach Hotel. This is within the parish and so offers a good opportunity to connect with and support a vulnerable population. The coffee morning was also able to offer support to those fleeing the war in Ukraine as refugees who sought a safe place to stay locally in hosted homes. Our church building continues to require frequent attention. The long delayed work on the roof is finally beginning, which will hopefully address a longstanding problem. We are still considering projects to improve our heating and to renovate the lower hall. ## **GDPR** We have had no data protection or privacy issues during this period. ## **Introduction – Rev Jackie Twine Interim Minister** I would like to thank you so much for the incredible welcome you’ve given to John and me. It’s hard to believe we’ve only been here for 9 months. In that time we’ve had quiet mornings; Away Days; short Bible courses; events such as Empty Bowls and Maundy Thursday celebrations and Crib services as well as heaps of well attended social events. We’ve welcomed new members into the church in the form of births and baptisms, and we’ve also welcomed our new youth minister, Jack, and our Anna Chaplain, John. Sadly too, we have shared our sadness as some of our long standing and much loved members of the congregation have moved on to be with the Lord. We’ve explored our beliefs as a church with the help of Honest Church material. And our Friday Friendship group is moving in an exciting new direction. We’ve rebuilt our friendship with Southsea Infant school. We’ve reformed our once disbanded band. And we’ve opened up a new cosy corner for prayer times and chats. And this doesn’t even include any of the extremely busy ongoing work from our various staff, groups and committees and our wonderful children’s work. PCC Annual report for APCM April 2023: Rev Jackie Twine [Chair PCC]; Fran Sherren [Church Warden] & Paul Jenkins [Church Warden] With a great deal of work in the background (thank you to all who have played a part in this- and in particular all who made the visit by our Bishop Jonathan so special) a priest in charge will be restored to St Simon’s with hopefully an induction service before July. And we have so much to look forward to in the future- with a new evening service, new signage and plenty more plans besides- far too many to mention. None of this could have happened without your joy, enthusiasm, prayerfulness and faithfulness. And of course none of this could even have been dreamt of without the beautiful grace, and power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Thank you so much for being such a faithful, hardworking and encouraging congregation. And thank you to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for the many blessings he has bestowed upon us, with the hope and expectation of many more blessings to come. ## **TABLE OF CONTENTS** ## **Reports** 1. Annual Report PCC 2022 2. Deanery Synod 3. Churchwardens 4. Fabric Committee 5. Shipmates Children’s Ministry 6. Sunday Suppers 7. Social Committee 8. Pastoral Ministry 9. Mission Team 10. Friday Friendship 11. Church administrator 12. Treasurer 13. Annual Accounts ## **1. Annual Report from the Parochial Church Council (PCC) 2022** This is the annual report of the PCC proceedings and activities for St Simon’s Church PCC for 2022. This report covers the whole of the 2022 year. ## **-Administrative information** St Simon’s Church is situated on Waverley Road in Southsea. It is part of the Diocese of Portsmouth within the Church of England. All correspondence should be addressed to the church office, St. Simon's Church, Waverley Road, Southsea, PO5 2PW. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council powers Measure. The Parish registered with the Charity Commission (2009) as Charity no. 1128695 within the meaning of the charities Act 1993. The PCC is required to provide an annual report on proceedings of the PCC and the activities of the parish generally for discussion at the annual meeting. PCC Annual report for APCM April 2023: Rev Jackie Twine [Chair PCC]; Fran Sherren [Church Warden] & Paul Jenkins [Church Warden] ## **-PCC Objectives and Activities** The primary objective of St Simon’s PCC is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the priest in charge [when in post], in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical In the absence of a Priest in Charge, the leadership of the church falls to the church wardens and PCC. ## **-PCC Structure, governance and management** Normal membership of the PCC consists of certain ex-officio members: the priest in charge, the churchwardens and members of the Deanery, Diocesan or General Synods and members of the church who are elected at the Annual Parochial Meeting (APCM). All church members are encouraged to consider standing for election to the PCC or to nominate others, and we aim to have a balance of skills, background and experience where possible. The PCC is responsible for a wider range of matters affecting the work and ministry of the church, including compliance with health and safety and equalities and diversity legislation and with due regard to the Church of England House of Bishops safeguarding guidance in relation to children and vulnerable adults. In their capacity as trustees, members of the PCC hold a legal responsibility to promote its charitable purpose and for the stewardship of funds including appropriate accounting and reporting of the parish finances. The PCC works to ensure that each member is equipped to fulfil their role. Upon election, new members of the PCC are given an induction which includes their roles and responsibilities, the PCC’s agreed policies and procedures, and the most recent minutes. At the first meeting of the new PCC, the vice-chairman, secretary, treasurer are elected. The churchwardens, secretary and treasurer are encouraged to attend courses run by the diocese on their particular work and all PCC members must attend the relevant diocesan safeguarding training. Regular mailings from the diocese keep the officers up to date with changes in church regulation and financial procedure and these are reported to the whole PCC as appropriate. During the year 2022 the following served as members of the PCC:- Priest in Charge: Vacancy until July 2022 when Rev Jackie Twine was appointed on an interim basis for one year Churchwardens: Fran Sherren and Paul Jenkins [Vic Chair until appointment of interim minister] Deanery Synod Representatives: Dr Hugh Mason; Paul Jenkins -Elected Members: Phil Gower (Treasurer) Oyin Alonge (Treasurer/Director of finance from November 2019) Jerry Brown Bethan Fogell (from November 2019) Linda Jenkins (secretary from November 2019) Patrick Jolly Louise Roulston Elly Mulvany Michael Piper John Bazley continued as Parish Safeguarding Officer PCC Annual report for APCM April 2023: Rev Jackie Twine [Chair PCC]; Fran Sherren [Church Warden] & Paul Jenkins [Church Warden] At the May 2022 Annual Meeting the following posts in the PCC were confirmed: - Paul Jenkins was re-elected Church Warden [ acting as Chair of PCC and Vice Chair of PCC until Rev Jackie Twine was appointed in July 2022] - Fran Sherren was re-elected as Church Warden - Hugh Mason was re-elected as Deanery Synod representative - Paul Jenkins was elected as Deanery Synod representative - Linda Jenkins was re-elected PCC Secretary - Paul Jenkins was re-elected as Health and Safety Officer - Phil Gower was officially elected onto PCC as Treasurer - Oyin Alonge was re-elected assistant treasurer/director of finance Bethan Fogell resigned from the PCC March 2023 - Louise Roulston Thomas was re-elected onto the PCC - Elly Mulvany was re-elected onto the PCC - Michael Piper was re-elected onto the PCC Meetings of the PCC were held in church with the PCC Standing Committee meetings held via Zoom, following relevant government and Church of England guidance. The PCC welcomed regular reports from the Treasurer, Safeguarding Officer, Fabric Committee and the children’s ministry work. The PCC delegates a number of its functions to sub committees which include the following: ## **-Standing committee** The Standing Committee is constituted in accordance with dependent on the number of names on the church electoral roll. The standing committee consists of the Priest in Charge, the Churchwardens, the Treasurer and at least two other members of the PCC. It may transact the PCC’s business between meetings of the PCC .This committee meets prior to each PCC meeting to consider outstanding issues and plan the PCC agenda. The standing committee met every other month between the PCC meetings to set the PCC agenda and deal with any urgent items. ## **-Fabric committee** The Fabric committee exists to ensure that the fabric of the church building is properly maintained and that the findings of the quinquennial inspection are acted upon. It was formed several years ago and reports to the PCC as appropriate. The committee has overseen work such as roof repairs, planning internal improvements and regular church cleaning and is now under the leadership of the chairperson Mick Walters. ## **-Mission Team** Each year the church gives at least 10% of its unrestricted income to home and overseas mission work. The committee canvassed the congregation for ideas on which charities should be supported and six were identified; two each of a local, national and international focus in their work. These are: Flame International; Joshua Radio (Uganda); Beyond the Streets; Frontline Debt Advice; Bereaved Families Holiday Fund; Faith in Football. Five of which were supported in 2021[see treasurers report] These will be reviewed in 2023. ## **-Risk assessment** The PCC confirms that the major risks to which the council has been exposed have been identified by a risk analysis exercise carried out by PCC members. The risks identified and steps taken to mitigate these risks are as follows: PCC Annual report for APCM April 2023: Rev Jackie Twine [Chair PCC]; Fran Sherren [Church Warden] & Paul Jenkins [Church Warden]  Property fire or theft: Insurance cover continues against both these risks. Fire inspections are carried out annually by a suitably qualified and experienced professional and fire extinguishers are tested and replaced and advised.  Misappropriation of funds: The budgeted expenditure for each year is approved by the full PCC. The PCC has a “fiduciary duty” to operate with due regard to the Church of England Legal Advisory Commission guidance which highlights “…the duty to protect the assets of the charity”. The PCC operates a system of controls including analytical reviews and segregation of duties that are designed to militate against any potential for the misappropriation of funds. Two signatories are required for all cheques and these have been reviewed with the new treasurer’s appointment. All matters involving unbudgeted expenditure in excess of £1,000 are put to the full PCC.  Revenue falling below committed expenditure: The level of giving was monitored throughout the year, and the financial situation (income and expenditure) was reviewed by the PCC. The current financial plan includes a budget for the next financial year with the provision of separate accounting processes for church finances separated from the two main trusts that support the church (Coffee Tavern Trust and Waverley Trust). The PCC plans to monitor any shortfall now that church lettings are increasing and continues to encourage members of the congregation to use the parish giving scheme. ## **-Electoral roll and attendance** The electoral roll stood at **105 on 5th April 2023** . ## **- 2. Deanery Synod annual report 2022 Hugh Mason, Deanery Synod representative** The Portsmouth Deanery Synod has held three meetings during the year: at St James’ in June, at the Cathedral in October and at St Jude’s in February. The June meeting had a very full agenda. It was agreed to make a donation of £1000 to the Diocese of Ho in Ghana (our linked diocese) to support clergy salaries. After a presentation on ‘eco-church’ outlining ways in which the carbon footprint of churches could be reduced and presentations from both Harbour Church and St Jude’s on some of their current plans, the main part of the meeting was devoted to considerations of the revised deanery plan. After an initial presentation, synod split into groups to consider various aspects of the plan. After they had reported back it was emphasised that each church would remain a church community, recognising the diversity within clusters of churches, but that we should seek to share resources and work together. It was then agreed that ‘the deanery endorses the revision of the Deanery Plan for submission to Bishop Jonathan’. The October meeting of Synod received an update report on the Deanery Plan and then spent some time considering the diocesan budget for 2023. Contributions from the floor emphasised that in the post Covid period and in the current economic conditions the budget would have to take account of the financial difficulties which are facing most churches. Synod then received presentations on parish projects; on Pompey Sunday’s (sic) - a young person’s ministry at the Cathedral; on youth ministry at St Jude’s and St Simon’s; on the Garifuna (ethnic culture of St Vincent and the Grenadines) Ministry at Farlington; and on Black History month at St Mary’s. Synod also received a report on work being done to ensure warm spaces in the coming winter and on the homeless voucher scheme. I am told that the February Synod passed off without incident, insult or injury. I cannot confirm that this was true and that blood was not shed because I was locked out. Due to an earlier engagement, of which I had informed the Synod secretary, I arrived ten minutes late to St Jude’s and after some PCC Annual report for APCM April 2023: Rev Jackie Twine [Chair PCC]; Fran Sherren [Church Warden] & Paul Jenkins [Church Warden] ten minutes of fruitlessly ringing bells and knocking on windows, I decided that a better use of my time would be to spend it in a pub; which I did. ## **3. Churchwardens’ Report -2022 – Paul Jenkins and Fran Sherren** Following the church’s last APCM in May last year, we continued to face the great challenge of securing clergy leadership for St Simon’s, in a context where, due to major financial constraints, many other parishes were also in vacancy. The churchwardens and the PCC had explored various options including seeking a Pioneer Curate or making a House for Duty appointment. The Coffee Tavern Trust had generously offered its financial support if these options were pursued. The churchwardens continued their dialogue with the leadership of the diocese, notably the Archdeacon, on this crucial matter. In June 2022, the Archdeacon approached the churchwardens to inform them of the possibility of an appointment to St Simon’s of an Interim Minister, for a period of twelve months. The Archdeacon and churchwardens met and interviewed the candidate and duly agreed to the candidate’s appointment. The Rev. Jackie Twine joined us in July. We recognise how wonderfully God has answered our prayers for spiritual leadership at St Simon’s. Jackie has been a great blessing to our church family and to the wider parish. She has prayerfully sought to heal the wounds of the turmoil we faced during the past few years. She has brought new ideas and energy to inspire us all to fulfil our purpose to plant hope and grow disciples in our community. Most of all, she has loved us as a church family. As we have come to know Jackie more, we have realised as churchwardens, how vital it is to ensure that she has the chance to continue God’s work in this parish. We know that God has brought her to St Simon’s for a purpose and this purpose will not be fulfilled in twelve months. We have therefore maintained a dialogue with the leadership of the diocese, to try and secure Jackie’s position at St Simon’s. This has not been easy, in a context where the diocese continues to face serious financial challenges. However, following meetings between the churchwardens with both the Bishop and Archdeacon, it was agreed that the permanent appointment of a Priest-in Charge would be made to St Simon’s. The PCC met with the Archdeacon in April to consider whether the post should be advertised and open to other candidates, or whether to request the Bishop to make a direct nomination of a candidate to St Simon’s. The PCC was unanimous in agreeing to ask the Bishop to make a nomination, so that a long-term appointment could be made as Priest-in-Charge of St Simon’s without delay. The PCC has again sought the financial support of the Coffee Tavern Trust towards this appointment. This process of recruitment in now in motion and we hope to be able to communicate positive news to the church family shortly. We look forward in faith and with great hope and anticipation, to continuing our support for Jackie in her leadership of St Simon’s. We must all always remember to show her our love and support, particularly in challenging times and there will be many. Jackie needs to be surrounded by people willing to give practical and prayerful support to our mission as a church. We have the foundation now to build something great for God in our community. Let’s embrace this God given opportunity together. One major issue that we have engaged with as a church family over the past twelve months is the issue of human sexuality. The Church of England published “Living in Love and Faith” (LLF) in 2020, which explores Christian teaching about identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. Churches were encouraged to engage with the issues raised in LLF, with Synod meeting to discuss the issue in February 2023. PCC Annual report for APCM April 2023: Rev Jackie Twine [Chair PCC]; Fran Sherren [Church Warden] & Paul Jenkins [Church Warden] Jackie organised a series of meetings, open to everyone in the church, to discuss these issues. The discussions focussed on a process known as “Honest Church”, which seeks to identify where as a church we stand on these issues and where we would seek to stand in the future. Many of the issues discussed centred on our church as a place of welcome for all, which is clearly at the heart of St Simon’s. Jackie led these discussions with great sensitivity, helping us all to identify and understand different perspectives and approaches to these issues. Whilst there will clearly be many different approaches and understandings of these issues within our church family, we hope that these discussions have strengthened our identity and unity as a church and will ensure that we remain a church that is open to welcoming and sharing God’s love with everyone. Our partnership with St Jude’s and St Margaret’s continues to flourish. We have been greatly blessed with the appointment of our Youth Pastor, Jack Cross, who works to support young people in St Simon’s, St Jude’s and more widely in the Southsea area. Jack’s appointment has been generously supported by the Coffee Tavern Trust. Whilst with Jackie’s appointment we have seen less of preachers from St Jude’s on Sundays, there are very many ways in which we continue to collaborate with our sister churches in Southsea. The churchwardens will always be grateful for the invaluable support provided by St Jude’s during the most recent period of vacancy, particularly from the Rev. Adam Tams. His advice, practical and prayerful support helped steer us as a church through some challenging times. Perhaps the most exciting thing to include in this annual report is our joy as churchwardens in seeing how our worship together has grown. We have shared in some wonderful, inspiring services of Morning Praise, as well as some innovative special services during the Advent, Lent and Easter periods. We have seen new families joining with us and old friends returning. We cannot doubt that God is working in St Simon’s. Let’s all take the time to listen to God and ask him to direct the next steps on our journey. Then let’s have the courage and faith to take those steps together, in unity, as one church, trusting in His faithfulness. ## **– 4. Fabric Committee annual report 2022 Mick Walters, Chair** The Committee addressed the following major items of work on the building during 2022: - replacement of the south east roof area - considering a new heating system for the nave, the side aisles and the Prayer Room - refurbishment of the Lower Hall, including entrance porches and toilets Regrettably the roof replacement has still left some leaks over the Chancel and Prayer Room from another area. Repairs or, more likely replacement, of this area is under consideration. Debates about the new heating system continue into 2023. Progress with the lower hall refurbishment was slow although the north porch has now been completed. Work Mornings continued to be held on an occasional basis. The Quinquennial Inspection was carried out in August, having been delayed by Covid. This identified one urgent matter (repairs over the flat roof areas above the Office and Lounge) which is in hand. The report also informed us of other needs and we are now working to an agreed set of priorities for 2023 and beyond. Several items of maintenance and other small problems have been addressed throughout the year. Many of these have been carried out by church members resulting in considerable financial savings. PCC Annual report for APCM April 2023: Rev Jackie Twine [Chair PCC]; Fran Sherren [Church Warden] & Paul Jenkins [Church Warden] Particular thanks are due to Gorik Melikian, Michael Piper and Ken Slater along with several others who are often unseen. ## **5. Children’s Ministry (Shipmates) annual report 2022 - Andrea Grainger Children and Families** ## **Pastor** 2022 was a year of growth and development. Our Play and Praise groups grew and I approached the PCC to ask for funding to run a third one on a Wednesday morning. As a result of that meeting my hours were increased from 19 to 27.5 / week to be worked 30 hours / week term time and 19 during school holidays. This came into effect on May and 1[st] allowed both the expansion of the 3[rd] group and to cover the other work I had already been doing beyond my hours. Many thanks to the PCC for this decision. I am continuing to run; -Little Shipmates Stay and Play Toddler Group -Three Play and Praise groups -Shipmates Café After-school Drop in for school age children and their families. And these continue to run on a weekly booking basis through our Facebook group. We also continue to offer our facilities to the local childminders for a self-led group between our groups on a Tuesday. They are very appreciative and enjoy a soft play session followed by lunch. On a Sunday we continue with Shipmates at 9.30 on a first Sunday and the ‘soft start’ allowing the two congregations to mix between the services has worked really well for the families. They no longer feel they are being shushed and asked to leave as the 10.30 service begins. The All Age Service on the 3[rd] Sunday and Café Church on a fifth Sunday continues to receive positive feedback, and it’s been pleasure to start working alongside Jackie on these. Our Easter Garden event was successful and I’m happy to report that on Easter Sunday one of our Little Shipmates families joined us for the first time on a Sunday and have been attending Shipmates Services regularly throughout the year. Over the Sumner we had 3 events as part of the Summer Fun series along with St Jude’s and St Mags. We hosted a Summer Celebration Picnic at Cumberland House and Play and Praise and Shipmates Cafe Taster sessions which were well received. 2022 came to an end in a flurry of activity as I'm sure you can imagine. A new activity this year was inviting Southsea Infants into the church to look around and hear the Nativity Story. We had 60 year R children for 1 session, 60 year 1 for another and 6 children from their Special Needs Language Unit on the final afternoon. We were able to tailor our provisional for each class and teachers, parent helpers and the children all responded very enthusiastically. Christmas at St Simon's consisted of Christmas Parties at our 5 children's groups where thanks to the generosity of the CCT the children all received a gift. We hosted a Wreath Making Workshop for parents who attend Shipmates Groups and the children's ministry volunteers led by our own talented Chris Teuten and Christmas Craft Morning for families both of which gave great opportunities for conversation and relationship building. Jackie attended both which was great and reinforced the feeling that our community groups are part of the church family. The children and congregation enjoyed our traditional Nativity Service and the plan to do 2 Crib Services on Christmas Eve was really successful with an even split of about 80 people at each service. PCC Annual report for APCM April 2023: Rev Jackie Twine [Chair PCC]; Fran Sherren [Church Warden] & Paul Jenkins [Church Warden] I have attended local Scripture Union Retreat and Gather Days at St Mary's Portchester across the year. I have also had the opportunity to attend the two-day South East Gathering at the London School of Theology and the Care for the Family Playtime Conference in Cardiff. Both offered lots of opportunities to reflect and share ideas and information alongside worship and seminars. I have also updated my Safeguarding and First Aid Training and have attended joint quiet days with St Jude’s and St Mags. With John’s support we have safely recruited a couple more volunteers and ensured that all current volunteers have the correct training. Without their help and support the ministry would not be able to operate and I would like to pass on my grateful thanks to everyone who helps with Shipmates. ## **6. Sunday Suppers annual report for 2022- Francesca Sherren** ## NUMBERS of GUESTS This year we have seen a steady increase in the numbers of guests attending each week. These guests are almost all living in poverty, recovering from or living with addiction or living in temporary accommodation. Very few of our guests are street-homeless. This year we regularly fed between 55 and 70 guests each Sunday, an increase from 40-50 last year. Most of our guests come every week and we have built up friendly relationships with many guests. The volunteers know many of the guests by first name. ## FOOD We continue to offer our ‘signature’ dish – baked potatoes usually with a freshly cooked beef or chicken stew/curry/casserole, which is very popular. We always offer a vegan alternative. We offer a smaller goody bag to each guest with higher priced items they might not choose to buy for themselves, e.g. tinned meat, tinned fruit and puddings. The procurement team continues to work brilliantly and ensures the supplies never run out. This team comprises Dinah Walters, Dave Howell, Anthea Howell, Mel Mason and Jerry Brown. ## FUNDING We are so grateful for God’s provision for Sunday Suppers. We have been blessed with significant funds to allow this work to continue. Special thanks go to Jerry Brown for the immense time, effort and work he has done in this area. ## EQUIPMENT This year we purchased an instant water boiler and the fantastic new oven with induction hob was installed. Jerry Brown also secured funding to replace the aluminium pans for high-quality stainless-steel ones, suitable for the induction hob. (Next year’s annual report will show that in April 2023, a replacement dishwasher and new fridge were purchased and installed) ## TEAM TRAINING We held a very successful training session in January 2023 focusing on our aims and what attributes and behaviour we hope guests see in us. We also discussed Safeguarding issues. It was a very useful time and was a great opportunity for most of the volunteers to meet and discuss issues with each other. ## FAITH & BIBLES We continue to offer a short Christian faith talk every week. Currently 7 volunteers have chosen to PCC Annual report for APCM April 2023: Rev Jackie Twine [Chair PCC]; Fran Sherren [Church Warden] & Paul Jenkins [Church Warden] deliver the talk at different times of the year. Volunteers have had faith conversations with, and prayed with, several guests over the year. Bibles and New Testaments are always available for guests to take. Three bibles have been given away this year. ## VOLUNTEERS 2 volunteers left this year, 2 previous volunteers returned, and 4 new volunteers have joined the regular team including the Interim Priest-in-charge Jackie and her husband John. This means we have a total of 31 volunteers. This ensures that each volunteer only need to participate once or twice a month, with the exception of Jerry and me who attend 3 or 4 times every month. ## **7. Social Committee 2022– Dinah Walters** The Social Committee in 2022-23 comprised the following members of the congregation: Gail Chipperfield, Phil Gower, Andy Taylor and myself as Chairman. Michelle McGannan and Louise Roulston took a break from the Committee and I would like to thank them for their contributions over several years of membership. We have been fortunate that John Twine has readily agreed to join our group. Activities in 2022 revolved mainly around going out to local cafes and restaurants to join in fellowship over meals together. Destinations included a curry night at the Balti House; lunch at the Brewhouse and Kitchen; men’s breakfast at the Tenth Hole and a ladies’ afternoon tea at the D-Day story café. We also held, on separate days, a men’s and ladies’ crazy golf evening. We also had a Christmas Grub Club at the Spice Island Inn. In April Andy organised a highly successful Quiz Night in the church, in conjunction with the Sam’s Place, the charity shop which supports the work of the Portsmouth Samaritans group. The proceeds were split between that charity and our church funds. In October we started a new initiative, “Souper Seniors”, led by John, to try to encourage seniors to come along to a warm space on Friday lunchtimes and share not only fellowship but a light lunch. However there was little take-up of this and so we called a halt before Christmas. John is working on ways to support senior members of our church by way of social opportunities. Though not exactly a happy social event, we opened the church in September for people to join together to watch the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II. This was much appreciated by those who attended and has inspired us to do a similar event for the forthcoming coronation of King Charles III. So far in 2023 we have had our traditional New Year’s Day walk along the sea front, a men’s breakfast, a ladies’ afternoon tea, a curry Grub Club and lunch at Café Fresco. Thank you to everybody who supports our activities, by helping to organise or by attending our events. ## **- 8. Pastoral Ministry annual report 2021 Michael Piper, Home group coordinator** The Pastoral Team has met monthly to consider and pray for church members in any special need and for any recent newcomers to the church. The team is chaired by Rev Bob Mason, and has included Rev Jackie Twine, Michael and Sue Piper, Phil and Julie Gower and Diane Melikian. As we have been able to meet face to face again, the effectiveness of the group has grown, enhanced by Jackie’s presence and Bob’s very helpful notes each month. A further blessing was when John Twine became an Anna Chaplain and accordingly joined the group. PCC Annual report for APCM April 2023: Rev Jackie Twine [Chair PCC]; Fran Sherren [Church Warden] & Paul Jenkins [Church Warden] After a considerable interval when visiting care homes was prevented, the provision services of worship have picked up again, although not to the extent and frequency that the homes would appreciate. We are grateful for Percy and Gill’s faithful cover of Braemar Care home over many months, which have now sadly come to an end because of their ill health. Bob and Mel Mason, Michael Piper and Sue Bussey have picked up the responsibility of taking services again, and now Corinne Toma and John Twine have strengthened the team. We would be interested to learn of anyone who would like to participate in this important ministry. The 5 Home Groups continue, now enjoying being able to meet in person. Millie French was a great supporter of a home group in Tudor Rose Court, but sadly her illness and recent death brought that to a close for the time being. There is a need for one or two more groups to provide for newcomers to the church, and it would be good to learn of anyone who would be willing to lead a group, for which training could be provided. ## **9. Mission Team annual report 2022- Ruth Warner and Geraldine Poulter:** - ‘God loves a Cheerful Giver’ (2 Corinthians ch. 9 v 7) • From March 2022 to March 2023 our support in alms giving (unrestricted fund) and prayer has been greatly appreciated and thankfully received by the following five charities. - Flame international - Joshua Radio - Beyond the Streets - Frontline Debt - Bereaved Families Holiday Each charity received £1621. - Unfortunately despite our efforts we were unable to contact ‘Faith and Football’ therefore - they have not been in receipt of any funding. - On September 25th 2022 we had the greatest pleasure of welcoming Jan Ransom from - ‘Flame International’. Jan has a long standing connection with St Simon’s and as always her preaching was inspirational. - A description of each charity is displayed on the notice board in the church centre. - ‘Mission’ is at the heart of St Simon’s so your prayers and encouragement are appreciated. ## **10. Friday Friendship Coffee Morning 2022 – Linda Jenkins & Louise Roulston** In March 2022 St Simon’s started a Friday Friendship coffee morning in response to two main international events. The UK Home Office had temporarily housed a number of people who were seeking asylum, fleeing their home countries through fear of persecution and other events, and they have since been living within St Simon’s parish at the Royal Beach Hotel. Secondly, the onset of the war in Ukraine meant the arrival in Portsmouth of people seeking refuge, some of whom were hosted by local families. Both prompted us to offer a compassionate welcome to anyone seeking asylum or refuge thorough simple coffee and chat. Friendship Friday coffee morning aims to be part of our church outreach mission and offers support for refugees & asylum seekers and for all those who are displaced and/or seeking sanctuary. We meet every Friday at St Simon’s church lower hall. We offer a space to chat serving hot drinks, cake and biscuits and we play card games, table tennis or some art or craft activity. We offered conversational English sessions which were supported by an English tutor. We have about 10 volunteers overall and two leaders/administrators of the group activity. We have on average about 12-15 people attending each week and have had guests from Afghanistan, Iran, Algeria, Eritrea, El Salvador and Ukraine. PCC Annual report for APCM April 2023: Rev Jackie Twine [Chair PCC]; Fran Sherren [Church Warden] & Paul Jenkins [Church Warden] We have developed an induction booklet based on the one used by the Sunday Suppers team which guides our activities and have had a training session with our safeguarding officer on aspects of safeguarding and managing the kitchen area for serving of refreshments. So far we have been using the tea and coffee resources of the general church and Sunday Suppers stores, and funded our own cakes and biscuits etc. As we are now starting a new year and the project is proving to be successful, we would like to build on this. We are planning to include simple cooking sessions for 2023 and engage guests in showing us some of their traditional recipes and meals. In this way we can all learn from each other, improve English skills and develop relationships. We are seeking funding to take these activities forward. We have joined the national Christian initiative ‘Welcome Churches’ network who provide resources and we will be contributing to the refugee Sunday services in future. We continue to be blessed by the connections we make and are widening our understanding of wider issues faced by this group of vulnerable people. ## **11. Church Administrator’s Report 2022– Craig Fisher** - Major activities over recent months Staff changes: We welcomed Rev. Jackie Twine. Andrea increased number of hours after introducing Wednesday ‘Play & Praise’. Staff Team: Staff Team meetings and one on one meetings with Rev. Jackie Twine are held fortnightly and more concentrated. Hall lettings: Loss of ‘Local Vocals’ regular fortnightly booking. Portsmouth City Council agreed and signed to use St. Simons as a polling station for the next two years. Mayville School have increased from coming to St. Simon’s for exam times & Harvest Festival & Christmas, and will now be using St. Simon’s for Easter services. The number of requests for use for private ‘one off’ bookings has shown an increase although many have not resulted in concrete bookings. Some have quoted costs, although we are competitive with our pricing Events: Arrangements for Standing Committee, PCC, Staff Team Meetings and social events are all now held in the Church building. More social events and increase with church use and activities Finance: Moving all Room Hire payments to BACS has been successful. Car Park: After a lot of misuse of the church car park the management has now been handed over to Creative Car Parks with a camera vehicle recognition system. This is a recent installation and is already showing to be a positive acquisition with less confrontation and misuse. - Future plans Energy Costs: Noticeable increase in costs which with the help of Elly Mulvany, Oyin Alonge and Phil Gower we are moving to a different supplier and addressing cost of room hire and savings. AV: The computer set up in the Church office needs an upgrade along with the printers as it has become slow and struggles with updates. We are also looking at Church Suite software and spending time with St. Jude’s to familiarise ourselves with it. Website: The new church website, whilst a vast improvement on our previous website is still cumbersome and doesn’t show all edited and added entries. This can be frustrating, whilst also trying to get more people to engage with it. Building works: A number of repairs and improvements have been made to the building with some ongoing. We continue to be indebted to Ken, Gorik and Michael and others for a large number of minor repairs around the building. PCC Annual report for APCM April 2023: Rev Jackie Twine [Chair PCC]; Fran Sherren [Church Warden] & Paul Jenkins [Church Warden] Rotas: Preparing the Sunday rotas can still be challenging at times due to a shortage of volunteers. It should be noted that we place a large work load on a core number of volunteers although in recent weeks we have had more people come forward for refreshment duties & welcoming and we have asked for people to read prayers, which has made it easier to cover this task. Perhaps a volunteer day to thank and encourage others to come forward may help. ## **12. Treasurer’s Report 2022- Phil Gower Treasurer with Oyin Alonge** 2022 was a very interesting year learning so much as treasurer in a short time with the help of Gail Chipperfield (previous treasurer) and things are now getting back to normal after lockdown the previous year. This year we have again paid our Parish Share in full to the Diocese and are grateful to have had Rev Jackie Twine as our temporary minister. Lettings have increased over the year to above pre Covid levels, thanks to the hard work of our church administrator Craig Fisher. Unfortunately this year we only paid five of the six nominated charities from our unrestricted income as we had trouble contacting the sixth (Faith in Football). This amount will be paid to a new charity in 2023 once chosen. The south roof works were completed and fully paid for from the Coffee Tavern Trust. The kitchen has seen some improvements and with thanks to the Sunday Suppers team a new cooker and water heater were installed. This year we have been under pressure with an increase in gas and electricity costs but the bills have always been paid despite a very large direct debit in November 2022. The Diocese also helped us with a special payment from government. We have been considering securing a new power supplier in 2022 and this will happen in 2023. Once again Sunday Suppers has been well funded thanks to the efforts of Jerry Brown and others who have obtained grants to keep this great work going. Other churches and individuals have also been generous. We also received a generous bequest in the will of Thelma Winchester, partly for the work of Sunday Suppers and for a new lectern. Thank you to all who give to the church whether through standing order, direct debit or the Parish Giving scheme. Everyone has been generous and made my job as treasurer easier. We are grateful to the Coffee Tavern Trust and the Waverley Trust for their support. Also thanks to Gail Chipperfield for getting me thorough this first year as treasurer. ## **13. Annual Accounts 2022** ## **[see attached]** PCC Annual report for APCM April 2023: Rev Jackie Twine [Chair PCC]; Fran Sherren [Church Warden] & Paul Jenkins [Church Warden] St. Simon's Church, Southsea - 1128695 Receipts and payments Selected period: 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2022 From To 01 January 2022 31 December 2022 01 January 2021 31 December 2021 Note Alms - Alms Fund (Restricted) Fund Expendlture Expenditure on charitable activities Alms Funds plus others Total Expenditure on ch8n'table activities 8,207 9,906 8,207 9, 906 Totsl expenditure 8,207 9,906 Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure Brought forward balance Totsl carried fonmard balance (8,207) (66,624) (74,831) (9,906) (56,718) (66,624) Breakthru - Breakthru (Restricted) Fund Expendlture Other expenditure Church General Maintenan Breakthru expenses Additional Expenses 740 132 180 Total Other expenditure 920 132 Total expendlture 920 132 Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure Brought foward balance Totsl carried forward balance (920) 6,117 5,197 (132) 6,249 6,117 Help- Help Fund (Restricted) Fund Brought forward balance Total carried forward balance 282 282 282 282 Insurance - Insurance (Restricted) Fund Income and endowments Other income Coffee Tavern Trust 5,648 5,441 Total Other income 5,648 5,441 Total Income and endowments 5,648 5,441 Expendlture Other expenditure Church Insurance 6,834 5,648 Total Other expenditure 6, 834 5,648 Totsl expenditure 6,834 5,648 (.4QL JChJO,AS 154-1> ere may be minor discrepancles in the totals if the pence are not belng shown 29 March 2023 Page 1 From 01 January 2022 To 31 December 2022 01 January 2021 31 December 2021 ote Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure Brought forward balance Totsl carrled forward balance (1,185) (7,016) (8,202) (207) (6,808) (7,016) OC - Open Church (Restrictsd) Fund Brought fO￿ard balance Total carried fonmard balance 108 108 108 108 Suppers - Sunday Suppers (Restricted) Fund Income and endowments Donations and legacies Gift Aid Sundry Donations Legacies 1,520 1,880 20 1,666 Total Don8tions and18g8cies 3,186 1,900 Other income Tax Recoverable Sum Up payments Coffee Tavern Trust Sunday Supper Donations 52 648 350 16,468 400,. 25,178 Total Other income 16,875 26,226 Total income and endowments 20,061 28,126 Expendlture Expenditure on charitable activities Sunday Supper Expenses Total Expenditure on chan"table activities 14,959 19,038 14,959 19,038 Total expendlture 14,959 19,038 Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure Brought forward balance Total carried forward balance 5,101 18,043 23,144 9,088 8,955 18,043 Youth - Youth Fund (Restrictsd) Fund Income and endowments Other income Coffee Tavern Trust Youth Work crr 400 14,000 400 Total Other income 14,400 400 Total Income and endowments 14,400 400 Expenditure Other expenditure Youth Work Allocation Youth Work salary Nl and pension Youth Work Expenses Conferences, Away Days etc 7,000 14,936 712 99 12,270 899 172 Total Other expenditure 22, 748 13,341 Total expenditure 22,748 13,341 There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown 29 March 2023 Page 2 From 01 January 2022 To 31 December 2022 01 January 2021 31 December 2021 Note Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure Brought forward balance Totsl carrfed forward balance (8,348) (74,163) (82,511) (12,941) (61,221) (74,163) rep - Repayment Fund (Restricted) Fund Income and endowmonts Other income Deposits for hall hire 99 Total Other income 99 Totsl income and endowments 99 Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure Brought forward balance Totsl carried forward balance 99 (600) (501) (600) (600) wlndows - Wlndows (Restricted) Fund Brought forward balan Total carrled forward balance (13,993) (13,993) (13,993) (13,993) General - General fund (Unrestricted) Fund Income and endowments Donations and legacies Gift Aid Special Collections collections Sundry Donations Wallsafe Legacies 30,450 207 4,117 2,676 125 3,334 40,910 28,080 2,557 7,982 18 Total Donations and leg8cies 38,637 Income from charitable activities Income from Charitable and Auxiliary Tra Total Income from chan'table activities 165 165 Other trading activities Church Centre Lettings Banns 14,932 144 5,113 180 Total Other tr8ding activities 15,076 5,293 Investments CBF-CCLA 1,768 1,710 Total Investments 1, 768 1,710 Other income Waverley Trust Parish Giving Scheme Tax Recoverable Sum Up payments Regular givers non gift aid FuneralNVedding fees Coffee Tavern Trust Gains Road Rental Social Events Fees to Diocese Repayment from Waverley Trust 10,000 14,832 10,144 435 3,360 2,147 5,250 10,562 290 11,500 10,627 7,917 4,530 5,200 10,830 1,007 1,345 Total Other income 58,367 51,611 There may be minor discrepancies in the totsls if the pence are not being shown 29 March 2023 Page 3 From 01 January 2022 To 31 December 2022 01 January 2021 31 December 2021 Note Totsl income and end0￿￿ents 116,288 97,252 Expenditure Expenditure on charitable activities Help Fund 72 Total Expenditure on chan'table activities 72 Other expenditure Church Office printing Church Office telephones Alpha and other courses Diocesan Quota Deanery Fees Visting Speakers Church Water Cleaner salary Church GaslElectricity Church General Maintenance Cleaning Materials AV Equipment Flowers and Christmas Tree Copyright Licence |Church Services Gains Road Insurance Youth Work salary Nl and pension Church Office general expenses Church Office Expenses Church Office PC expenses Bank charges Administrators salary, Nl and pension Architects Fees and expenses Additional Expenses Payroll Expenses Fees to Diocese Conferences, Away Days etc Staff costs hospitality etc. HMRC payroll payments Repayment of deposits 278 277 533 180 39,577 98 15 77 6,773 1,605 5,214 254 78 485 600 432 453 40,063 244 82 7,063 8,277 2,230 347 349 550 630 298 494 66 1,958 540 886 171 127 7,636 3,826 5,410 356 1,010 166 8,695 1,987 360 962 106 127 1,719 2,013 79,891 1,188 764 Total Other expenditure 77, 763 Total expendlture 79,963 77,763 Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure Brought forward balance Gains & losses 36,324 306,107 618 19,488 286,618 Totsl carrled forward balanco 343,050 306,107 There may be mlnor dlscrepancies in the totsls if the pence are not being shown 29 March 2023 Page 4 From 01 January 2022 To 31 December 2022 01 January 2021 31 December 2021 Note Devcam - Development Campaign Fund (Restricted) Fund Income and endowments Other income Coffee Tavern Trust 45,000 Total Other income 45,000 Total income and endowments 45,000 Expenditure Other expenditure Church General Maintenance Architects Fees and expenses Development work inc roof 7,416 4,784 36,249 Tot81 Other expenditure 48,449 Total expendlture 48,449 Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure Brought forward balance Total carrled forward balance (48,449) 49,283 833 45,000 4,283 49,283 There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown 29 March 2023 Page 5 St. Simon's Church, Southsea - 1128695 Statement of Financial Activities For the period from 31 December 2021 to 31 December 2022 Unrestricted Designated funds funds Restricted Endowment funds funds Total funds Prior year totsl furtds Income and endowments from." Donations and legacies Income from charitsble activities Other trading activities Investments Other income 40,910 165 15,076 1,768 58,367 3,186 44,096 165 40,537 15,076 1,768 95,390 5,293 5,387 128,678 37,023 Totsl income and endowments from: 116,288 40,209 156,497 179,897 Expenditure on.. Expenditure on charitable activities Other expenditure 72 23,167 84,602 23,239 164,493 28,944 97,369 79,891 Totsl expenditure on: 79,963 107,769 187,733 126,313 Net income l (expenditure) 36,324 (67,560) (31,235) 53,583 Transfers Gross transfers between funds - in Gross transfers between funds - out Net Income l (expenditure) 36,324 (67,560) (31,235) 53,583 Other recognised gains / losses Gains I losses on investment assets Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charitys own use 618 618 Net movement in funds 36,942 (67,560) 130,617) 53,583 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 306,107 (82,913) 2a3,194 163,961 Total funds carrled forward 343,050 (150,473) 192,876 217,545 There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the penee are hot being shown 25 April 2023 Page 1 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinér's report on the accounts SeLtioii A Ii)dL'PL'iidc'iit ExcJlTiifiL>r % Rc'poit Report to the trusteesl members of r. 4. 5 CLwJ.I On accounts for the year endod Charlty no (If any) I")1 II2¥L I Set out on pages I report to the trustees ￿ my examination of the accounts of the at)ove charity (Xhe Trust") for the year ended b i I l . lo Ll Responsibilitles and As the charty trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basls of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. I have completed my examinatlon. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that dlsclosed below ') In connectlon wlth the examination whlch gives me cause to believe that In, any materlal respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examlner's statement I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examinats'on to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please d818te the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Slgn8d: Date: Name: fvkle 6t)¢.'c I 71nrti 6iJ£lCC. Relevant professional quallflcatlon(s) or body (If any): ":ioonL W'l IlLsifylUh Il-L( Ck)11-IYlyrr Address: I Cfthl L) )C Fb2 qLI IER October 2018 Section B Discloil.JlL" Onty complete rf the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brlef details of any Itams that the examlner wlshes to disclose. IER October 2018