## **Annual Report of the** ## **Parochial Church Council** **for the year ended 31[st] December 2021** ## **United Benefice of** ## **South Petherton with** ## **the Seavingtons and the Lambrooks** ## **1. Objectives and Activities** The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the United Benefice of South Petherton with the Seavingtons and the Lambrooks in the Diocese of Bath and Wells has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting throughout the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is a charity registered with the Charity Commission (no. 1128940). It also has maintenance responsibilities for - the church of St Peter and St Paul’s in South Petherton; - the church and churchyard of St Michael’s in Seavington St Michael; - the church and churchyard of St James’s in East Lambrook and the schoolroom; and - the churchyard at Seavington St Mary’s (the church was declared redundant in 1984 and vested with the Churches Conservation Trust). _Annual Report of the PCC_ _Jan-Dec 2021_ ## **2. Focus in 2021** The PCC sought - in accordance with Church of England guidance and Government regulation to manage the continuation of worship, private prayer and activities throughout the Covid-19 pandemic; - to manage the continuation of worship, private prayer and activities throughout the long-term absence of the Rector due to ill-health and the subsequent vacancy; - to support the retired clergy, reader, lay worship assistants and churchwardens in maintaining the work and presence of the Church in our communities through difficult times. ## **3. Activities during 2021** 2021 was another difficult year, wasn’t it? The continuing Covid-19 pandemic and the need of many for caution saw us still having to limit access to our churches, and yes, at times, close them altogether. However hard we might try, it’s not an appealing thing to put up with masks, hand gels and social-distancing, an absence of congregational singing (‘hums’ don’t quite cut it) and the loss of the warmth of simply being together. We waved vaguely to each other instead of passing the Peace; we spent much of the year unable or unsure of something as simple and communal as staying on for coffee and conversation; we struggled to hear each other through masks and couldn’t see the smiles. Yet somehow not all was lost. We were able to come and worship together most of the year. Once again we learnt just how important it is to each of us simply to be able to be in church and to keep in touch. We owe a tremendous debt to the love and commitment of our retired clergy: Andrew Callon, D Fyfe, Ian Gibson, John Tyler and Wendy Mitchell; to Geoff Wade our erstwhile Area Dean and near neighbour –a true friend beyond measure in our time of need; and to our churchwardens. Whatever the challenges from covid concerns and the ever-changing guidance, they rose to it all with a will to keep the light of God’s love visible in our benefice. What an answer to prayer John Tyler’s arrival was. Just at that moment a deterioration in Andrew’s health left him unable to continue to officiate, John moved to Ilminster and brilliantly came to our rescue at St Peter and St Paul’s. We really have been blessed by our wonderful retired clergy in hard times. Once again our usual activities were somewhat curtailed, though thankfully as the year went on – as the vaccine roll-out progressed, as the potency of changing virus variants waned, and as confidence in managing things safely grew – something like a previous normal began to reemerge. _Harvest Supper at St Peter & St Paul’s_ What is remarkable is the positivity and ingenuity that went into making it so. Services in church continued albeit being adapted where necessary. ‘Sunday Worship at Home’ augmented with newsy updates. continued to be distributed by e-mail or printed and dropped through letter boxes. Harvest suppers happened (‘parties’ being allowed again by October). The Parish Magazine continued. ‘Open House’ at St Peter and St Paul’s relaunched and was well supported. The plant sale went ‘virtual’ again rather than not going ahead at all and was a very successful fundraiser, as indeed was Gift Day. _Page - 2 -_ _Annual Report of the PCC_ _Jan-Dec 2021_ We even had our Autumn Fair at St Peter & St Paul’s; St James’s held their Christmas Fayre; South Petherton went ahead with its Christmas Lights Switch-On event, resulting in a glorious ‘Peel of Bells’ to decorate St Peter & St Paul’s. John Tyler held a 6-week course of talks on ‘ _Understanding the Bible Better_ ’. What is also remarkable was how the response to all these things showed a real thirst for the glue that holds us all together. _Autumn Fair: finding treasures in the bric-_ à _-brac_ Speaking of positive energy, what about the amazing staff of our Infants’ School! It and they, inspiringly and tirelessly led by Shan Weston, just kept going and going through every challenge. Term time and holidays, whatever the needs of the children Shan and the staff rose to meet them with energy and selfless care. The endless disruptions to teaching and learning were demanding for parents, children and teachers alike; to work well for our children it placed huge demands all round. As the extent of the impact all this has had on the lives, learning and well-being of our young people became increasingly clear, so too did the professionalism, care and love of an outstanding team. _Shan Weston leading collective worship in the School Hall_ _Page - 3 -_ _Annual Report of the PCC_ _Jan-Dec 2021_ ## **4. Significant Events** As if an on-going pandemic – closures, cancellations, isolation and heartaches – was not significant enough in itself, 2021 was a year of many significant events. So where to start? Much of the year was a shaped by the long-term absence of our Rector through ill-health. We’ll not dwell on a Diocesan machinery that did not seem to us to grasp the issue at all well; there was little by way of urgency or strategy leaving both Tom and the benefice with too little support for far too long, or at least that is what it felt like. We continue to pray for Tom Handy and his family and we wish him well following his resignation in 2021. Thankfully in August we were able to give him and the girls a bit of a farewell with a tea for 50+ people and gifts for Tom and the girls. _Farewell to Tom Handy_ We are immensely thankful that a resolution to Tom’s predicament did finally emerge such that we could formally move on and begin to think of the future. Central to that was the process of finding a successor, and we must give credit to the Diocesan machinery that at this point they did not hold out for the usual length of a vacancy but recognised the need of the benefice not just to make the right appointment but to be able to get on with making it in a timely way. There was a lot to do. Words alone cannot express the PCC’s gratitude to Jane Ward for coming forward at this point, getting her head around an intricate process and, crucially, masterminding the task of creating the Parish Profile. We really do feel the Profile represented the whole benefice and did so extraordinarily well – what it is, what it has been through, and what our aspirations are. The way Jane went about it was exemplary, ensuring that all areas and all interests were consulted and included. The final document was warm and inviting, very informative and above all an open and honest portrayal. It certainly earned many plaudits from the Diocesan representatives who read it and commented on it. We must remember that the Profile is not now, post appointment of our new Rector, a done thing consigned to a dusty shelf. It is a blueprint for the benefice and for the new Rector in the years to come and something we will frequently refer to as a yardstick for how well we are achieving our ambitions. The whole appointment process reached its conclusion at the start of October with interviews for our Rector. The rest, as they say, is now history. Suffice it to say that the decision was made easy by an outstanding candidate that we were delighted to offer the post to, and even more delighted when Rev Tracey Hallett accepted it. _Words alone are not enough, but flowers may help_ And so onwards to the not inconsiderable tasks of working with the Diocese’s Property Services Department (and with Tracey and Dean) to turn a very run-down rectory into a warm a and welcoming home, and planning for a licensing service in January. _Page - 4 -_ _Annual Report of the PCC_ _Jan-Dec 2021_ Our three churches largely managed the challenges of the year in their individual ways to suit the availability of clergy and their own preferences for worship. However, all the members of our combined PCC worked together to get through the difficulties and look forward to the future. A great determination to come out of the challenge strong, invigorated and united in the one desire of furthering God's purpose across the benefice was revealed in the process. The early challenge for 2022 for our new Rector is to build on that determination so that our benefice achieves the goals set out in the profile while maintaining the unique character of each of our three churches There were three other important personnel changes in 2021. Our Parish Administrator of many, many years, Shelley Langdon left us in October for new challenges working full-time in the NHS. Cue more flowers and warm words in recognition of the dedicated service that Shelley gave us. The administrator role is a vitally enabling one, and the PCC was keen to ensure that our new rector was fully supported from the start. Fortunately we were able to appoint an excellent replacement, Renira Rutherford, who hit the ground running at the start of December and is now proving just how crucial to making things work this role is. Another post thankfully filled is that of PCC Secretary. Janet Strugnell has kindly taken this on. Previously it has been a persistently vacant position that we have muddled along without for several years; it is really good to have someone to give it the focus and attention it needs. The third change is problematic. In October, Hamish Arnold resigned as PCC Treasurer having tried manfully for 18 months to fit in all that needs doing alongside his day job. It became too much, but we thank Hamish for stepping into the role at short notice and for doing all that he was able to do for us. Some eight months on we are still - despite our best efforts and one very near miss- still without a Treasurer. This is simply not sustainable. The one thing we cannot get by without is someone with a proper handle on the accounts. We are muddling along by dividing up the role into chunks that various volunteers can manage, but the present is **not** an acceptable or long-term solution. There is too much risk to our reputation and to our viability. On a much more positive note, it is a relief as well as a please to report the completion of the restoration of the south aisle roof at St Peter & St Paul’s. The work began in February 2021 and completed in June. Our contractors, Ellis & Co, were excellent to work with and their workmanship – to judge by the lack of leaks on that side of the church since – is exactly what we had hoped it would be. Seen from above the new roof is bright and shiny, but it will weather to look just like lead and until it does it is only the local crows and the occasional passing hot air balloon or microlite that will see that it is not lead. No mention of the new roof can be made without thanking: everyone for the enormous fund-raising efforts that took place _A bright and shiny new south aisle roof_ and the generosity of the many who contributed; the Friends of South Petherton Church whose very generous grant made up nearly half of the funds we needed; the Diocesan Board of Finance who accepted our 6-month suspension of Parish Share payments without question. We now have a roof alarm in place which improves our insurance cover in the event of another lead theft in the future; we thank the All Churches Trust for contributing 50% of the costs of its installation. _A bright and shiny new south aisle roof_ Thanks to all of that, the impact of the roof replacement on our finances has not been as devastating as we had first feared it could be. Nevertheless, the headache of our finances remains a constant. 2021 was such an untypical year that comparison of the accounts this year with previous years gives little insight. The profile of our income remains noticeably reliant on a few very generous regular donors. Our expenditure is dominated by our Parish Share equivalent to a cost of around £500 per church member. In among all the _Page - 5 -_ _Annual Report of the PCC_ _Jan-Dec 2021_ numbers on the balance sheet that leaves less than we might like to drive the initiatives that will support our new rector in her drive to realise the ambitions in our Parish Profile. Sadly, we lost or otherwise said ‘goodbye’ in 2021 to several much loved people in our congregations:- - The congregation at St James is small so it was with great sadness we lost Harold Faulkner in January, followed by his wife Pat moving nearer to her son, followed by Morar Lucas who moved into a home near to her children. - At St Peter & St Paul’s we lost Ivor Male, Heather Pearne and James Abery; there were covid-delayed thanksgivings for Daphne Blake, Joan Raikes and Charlotte Carlisle. Mary Sidwell moved to residential care. Daphne and Brian Holden moved back towards the south-east England to be nearer to family. We have been greatly blessed through the love and faithfulness of these lovely people. ## **The view from St James's Church** ## **Susan Ogilvy** We at St James's surfaced from the trials and tribulations of 2020 with an air of relief that the worst was over, and so it has proved to be. Even the usually dreary period of an interregnum was much cheered by the need to get on with jobs that had had to be postponed by the pandemic; the preparation of the Parish Profile, so ably masterminded by Jane Ward; and by the belief that we were heading out of the doldrums. There was an air of rolling up our sleeves and getting on with things. The faithful congregation of St James's Church emerged into this period of renewal gladly, but cautiously. We continued to have all our usual services, but curtailed by Covid rules and liberally seasoned with hand sanitiser, and for these we are truly grateful to all the retired clergy who have looked after us so kindly and generously for so long. We have been blessed to have them. We have also been blessed to have all the other people who help to keep our much loved little church ticking along – all those who clean, arrange flowers, play the organ, make rotas etc, – all unseen and unsung heroes playing their parts in the life of the church. In September came the wonderful news that we now had a new Rector, Reverend Tracey Hallett, and we knew that our long wait only had three more months to run. Even those three months were supported by Tracey, as she kept in touch with us while completing her notice period with her previous parish. For myself, I have been enormously grateful to so many people for their help in looking after St James's Church, but in particular to Mark Stainer. Mark has quietly taken on more and more of the running of the church and has been a Godsend to me. It has been a huge privilege to be St James's churchwarden for so long, but I know it is time to go. I am quite sure that Mark will pick up ably where I leave off and will be a wonderful churchwarden for us all. ## **The view from St Michael’s Church** ## **Manda Jaggers** St Michael's was fortunate to remain open throughout most of the pandemic, a decision taken by the churchwardens which reflected the needs of the people in Seavington. We are indebted to the retired clergy, in particular Canon Ian Gibson, who took on the role of Honorary Rector during the vacancy, at the request of the Archdeacon of Taunton, and Rev Sue Hounsell, who for the past 12 years has led worship on most of our major feast days as well as many weekly services. In 2021, we resumed weekly services in St Michael's, including Easter Communion in the garden. At this service, two beautiful candlesticks, formed from one of the damaged millennium oaks by Peter Thomas, a local craftsman and kindly donated by the Parish Council, were blessed, as was our new green season lectern cover, made by Carol Talbot, one of our congregation and a member of the PCC. We also had a _Page - 6 -_ _Annual Report of the PCC_ _Jan-Dec 2021_ village Remembrance Sunday service at the village war memorial on the Playing Field, which was attended by more than 30 villagers. Services were also held in St Mary's Church, including Christingle and Rogation. In the autumn, two beautiful weddings were held at St Michael's, both blessed with a lack of covid restrictions and wonderful sunshine. We are grateful that the "Flower Ladies" were able to continue their stunning floral arrangements during this difficult period. Vic, our wonderful bellringer, calls us to worship every Sunday, we are so grateful to him making the journey from Westport to do this. We are very excited to look forward to our church continuing to grow within our community in the care of Rev Hallett, we wish her a warm welcome and every happiness. St Michael's will continue to provide a wide range of worship forms, including less formal and fresh expression and Café Church will resume in March 2022. _Easter Day service at St Michael’s_ _Flowers at a Seavington Wedding_ _Harvest Supper at the Seavington Millennium Hall_ _Page - 7 -_ _Annual Report of the PCC_ _Jan-Dec 2021_ ## **5. Looking Forward** ## **Rev Tracey Hallett** This year the APCM will mark a fresh start in the life of our Benefice, it offers us an opportunity to recommit ourselves to work together to seek new ways in which we will journey to bring God’s kingdom here in the communities that we serve. And so, as we look forward and begin to think strategically about where God might be leading our Benefice, essentially our starting place is to pray and to discern wisely! Therefore, I am looking forward to our PCC praying together regularly to seek God’s vision for moving us forward. Here are some questions I’d like us to consider as we aim to move forward: - Do we see a bigger picture beyond our everyday routine? - Does our Church look beyond maintaining Sunday worship and finances? - How can we work with God to build the kingdom in our lives and community? Interestingly I was asked again only this morning ‘what is your vision and where will we be in five years’? We need to find an answer to this together! Yes, I do have a sense of vision which has been undergirded in regular prayer and reflects the calling God placed on me being appointed as your Rector. However, this is a vision that is gradually developing and needs in us discerning God’s direction. It would be wrong of me to impose my view and vision on the PCC and to determine a direction of travel without corporate prayer. To look forward without us working together in mutuality and partnership, in relationship with each other and God, would be unfair and not at all honouring to God’s mission. It is evident within the Parish Profile that a great deal of prayer and discernment has already taken place and so as we pray together. - we will review the Parish Profile - we look at our hopes and dreams - we will determine where we are now, where we would like to be and how we will get there - we will go forward together and I look forward to building good strong and positive relationships in the Church and it’s community I look forward to things looking very different as God reveals the next step of our journey for this Benefice and let’s LOOK FORWARD TOGETHER. ## **6. Membership** In April, 2021, there were 158 members registered on the Church Electoral Roll and 130 in our ‘worshipping community’ as declared on our Parish Share Survey. Essentially, the latter is the same as 2020 which, given the difficulties in the context of Covid closures and restrictions, is the only practical means of estimation. In truth, these numbers represent only our best guess. Going forward, given the financial consequences of over-estimating our church membership, we need to take a much more robust look at calculating this number in time for the 2022 Parish Share Return. ## **7. Charitable Giving** The policy for making grants and donations (as a proportion of our regular income) is reviewed annually. Members of the congregations are encouraged to suggest to the Charitable Giving Committee (chaired by Alastair Fyfe) suitable charitable organisations that we might support. The list of charitable causes we supported this year is attached to the annual accounts of the PCC. _Page - 8 -_ _Annual Report of the PCC_ _Jan-Dec 2021_ ## **8. Volunteers** Volunteers play a significant role in the work of the church — indeed they are the church and a logical response to our Lord, the Servant King. In all, it is estimated that in the normal course of events over 100 people would be involved in one way or another. That’s too many to list by name but thank you all for what you do; without volunteers we cannot do anything. The more volunteers we have, the sooner we can address the issues that will take us forward. Our many church volunteers are also involved with organisations in the local secular community: there has been a particular need this year for volunteers to join in community efforts to support people self-isolating and those living on their own. Apart from the incumbent, one part-time employed Parish Administrator and the part-time Director of Music, all those involved in the work of the parish are unpaid. ## **9. Safeguarding** Our benefice is committed to and will champion the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Everyone who meets us, comes to us, or works with us should feel safe and cared for irrespective of their social background, culture, their abilities, religious belief or any other factor. It is the responsibility of all of us, individually as well as collectively, to make these aspirations real, to look out for one another and to pass on any concerns. As required by the Church of England, we have a designated safeguarding officer (Sue Harrison) and an approved policy to guide our actions. Sue’s role is to support, advise and deal with certain specific issues for which she has been trained – but she does not ‘do safeguarding’ for us; we are all responsible for doing the right thing and for acting if things fall short. The PCC is responsible for ensuring the benefice has a safeguarding policy which is agreed, understood and enacted. We have approved our own Safeguarding Policy and will keep it under review both to keep it in line with current expectations and also to customise it to meet our own needs. The PCC routinely receives reports in particular to enable us to track the safe recruitment of volunteers where their roles bring them into contact with children and/or vulnerable adults in their ‘official’ capacity. (‘Safe recruiting’ involves a DBS check, the uptake of references, a clear role description, an induction interview and an assessment of training needs.) Further information about safeguarding including contact details for reporting (in confidence) any concern is available from the church website: _https://southpethertonbenefice.org/safeguarding/_ ## **10. Financial Review** At the end of 2020, the PCC held funds of £100,255. The full accounts are reported separately. ## **11. Reserves Policy** The PCC’s policy is to accumulate unrestricted funds from legacies and one-off donations in a ‘Memorial Fund’ for use primarily on capital projects. The PCC’s policy is to hold reserves across all its unrestricted funds which are equivalent to four months’ general expenditure. The PCC last reviewed this policy in July 2010. The policy of investing fund balances in the Central Board of Finance Church of England Deposit Fund has been standard for at least the past ten years. _Page - 9 -_ _Annual Report of the PCC_ _Jan-Dec 2021_ ## **12. Administrative Information** The correspondence address is The Rectory, Hele Lane, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5DY. |**During the year, the following served as members of the Parochial Church Council:**|**During the year, the following served as members of the Parochial Church Council:**| |---|---| |Incumbent:|_In vacancy_| |Readers:|Geoffrey Abery| |Wardens:|Steve Harrison (PCC Vice-Chairman), Amanda Jaggers, Susan Ogilvy, Anne| ||Shaw, Mark Stainer, and Daphne Woodhouse(Churchwardens are elected| ||annually)| |Deanery Synod Reps:|Phil Andrews, Amanda Maggs, Mike Armstrong(Term of office: 2020-23)| |Elected Lay Members:|Penny Armstrong(2023), Hamish Arnold(resigned 10/2021), Richard Brooks(2023),| ||Alastair Fyfe(2024), Caroline Ireland-Jones(2024), Debbie Jones(resigned 05/2021),| ||Janet Strugnell(2024), Carol Talbot(2022),| ||(APCM at which members complete their term of office and may next seek re-election)| |Co-opted members:|Jane Ward (Profile Co-ordinator), and Shan Weston (Headteacher of the| ||C of E. V.A. Infants School and Pre-School),| ||| |Other Key Contacts:|Independent Examiner of Accounts: Tim Farley, Manor Farm Cottage,| ||Lopen, South Petherton, TA13 5JP Bankers: NatWest Bank plc.| |Safeguarding Officer:|Sue Harrison, 9 Lampreys Lane, South Petherton, TA13 5DU| |Gift Aid Secretary:|Julia Lear, Toad Hall, 14 St. Michael’s Gardens, South Petherton, TA13 5BD| |Parish Administrator:|Shelley Langdon(resigned 10/2021), Renira Rutherford(from 12/2021), Parish Office| ||(office@southpethertonbenefice.org)| |Website Manager:|Stephen Carp| ## **Structure, governance and management** Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected Deanery Synod representatives with a term of three years or elected lay representatives with a term of three years elected by thirds at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules and after due notice. The PCC works through and in co-operation with a number of committees/informal groups (see below). ## **Leadership Team** The Leadership Team met occasionally this year to support the churchwardens, to ensure the continuation of worship and to guide the benefice through the particular challenges we faced in 2021. It has consisted of Rev’d Geoff Wade (chair), Canon Ian Gibson, and the churchwardens. ## **Standing Committee** The Standing Committee has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to directions given by the Council. (This is the only committee required by law). It normally consists of: the Rector, the churchwardens, the Hon Treasurer, the Hon Secretary, the vice-chair of the PCC. _Page - 10 -_ _Annual Report of the PCC_ _Jan-Dec 2021_ ## **Finance Committee** A Finance Committee was formed to advise the PCC on budgetary matters and the overall financial management of its affairs. Both the Friends of South Petherton Church and the St Michael’s Church Seavington Trust were represented on the committee. The Committee did not meet during 2021. Delegations are in place in respect of the Rector and Churchwardens for authorising small routine expenditures. ## **Church Committees** These are ad hoc groups at each church which may meet under the chairmanship of a churchwarden to discuss matters pertinent to that church locally rather than the whole benefice. They may, for example, discuss matters of house-keeping or maintenance and they have powers of expenditure limited to that available to the churchwardens without PCC authorisation. ## **Charitable Giving Review Group** The PCC made donations to some 25 charities, organisations and societies in 2021, amounting to onetenth of the annual regular income received by the Parish in the previous financial year. The Charitable Giving Review Group (chaired by Alastair Fyfe) was responsible for recommending which charities and charitable organisations might be deserving of financial support. Prior to the meeting, the Review Group had sought the views of members of the Parish, many of whom responded with suggestions. The Review Group then presented its recommendations to the PCC. This year, the total amount dispensed was £4,800. The PCC also made a donation to the Zambia Parishes (Chibaya Mulala, Katuta and Museba) of £1,500. As before, beneficiaries were selected by the Charitable Giving Review Group across a broad spectrum of society, including the Church and Christian Societies, Hospitals and Medical units, the Third World, Agriculture, local schools and charities supporting the elderly and young people. There have been regular collections of food donated to ‘The Lord’s Larder’ foodbank in Yeovil, and also regular collections of unwanted spectacles and used postage stamps which help to provide benefit to those in need. Finally, the Parish fulfilled 50% (i.e. nearly £31,800) of its commitment to the Diocese through its ‘Parish Share’ (the other 50% being retained to help finance the roof replacement at St Peter & St Paul’s and to keep the PCC solvent through the project). In previous years our Parish Share was met in full. ## **Zambia Link** The Anglican Church in Zambia grew out of the missionary impetus of David Livingstone and others in the second half of the 19th century. Today, Anglicans are around 2% of the population of 13 million in Zambia, ie around 260,000 people. Our Diocese of Bath and Wells has enjoyed a Companion Link with the Anglican Church in Zambia since 1978. There are five dioceses in Zambia, each covering an area at least the size of England. We have a particular link with the Diocese of Luapula (in the area to the north). ## **South Petherton Church of England Voluntary Aided Infants School and Pre-School** The majority of governors of the school (ie the foundation governors) are nominated for appointment through the PCC. Our Foundation governors in 2020 were Kirsten Carp, Sue Harrison, and Richard _Page - 11 -_ _Annual Report of the PCC_ _Jan-Dec 2021_ Killen. Vacancies for Foundation Governors occasionally arise (there are several vacancies at the time of writing): anyone interested in the role should contact Shan Weston (Head Teacher) for further information. ## **Parish Magazine** Articles for inclusion should be sent to office@southpethertonbenfice.org by around the 17[th] of each month (earlier in February). We do our best to ensure that articles are printed as they are written but reserve the right to edit copy where necessary. Julia Lear manages the advertising in the magazine. We are grateful to our advertisers whose support enables us to keep our costs to readers down – we do ask our readers to support our advertisers in return. ## **South Petherton Mothers Union Branch** An active branch of the Mothers’ Union (in normal times) meets monthly; contact Judith Riley for more information. ## **Fund-raising Group** This group meets to plan and co-ordinate a range of fundraising events. These events make a huge difference to our balance sheet and therefore to the extent to which we can invest in the activities through which we can reach out to our community. Volunteers are needed to share the load this group bears. Whether or not you can volunteer, new ideas for events are always welcomed. _For and on behalf of the Parochial Church Council (May 2022)_ _Page - 12 -_ _Annual Report of the PCC_ _Jan-Dec 2021_ ## **Reflections of a new church warden for APCM 2022** For several years I have stood in awe of Steve Harrison and how he performs his duties as churchwarden, with such skill and commitment. I was prompted to consider the role a number of times previously but never felt it was quite right for me. However, last year, when prompted again, I had a sense that God had a role for me as churchwarden and I can say it is a joy and a privilege to complete my first year. There has been a lot to learn but, as you would expect, Steve is an able teacher. He has also encouraged me to focus my efforts on those aspects where my gifts are strongest. Our gifts are often discernible by looking at what we most enjoy or, put slightly differently.... what gives us joy. Some churches give to one of their wardens the title ‘People’s Warden’. This idea combines well with my role as pastoral care co-ordinator but makes writing a report rather more difficult! As a result, this is more a reflection than a report on the events since I began as church warden. At the time of last year’s APCM our benefice, of necessity during the vacancy, consisted of three separate church entities. God was at work in all three churches, of course, having provided each with wonderful clergy support and faithful praying congregations. Here at Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s, we were supported by Reverend Andrew Callon, who for health reasons was followed by Reverend John Tyler. In my view, the ministry of all the retired clergy provided us with stability, encouragement and healing kindness, all of which set us up for the future. We were then ready to begin the shared task of finding a new rector. This process was magnificently navigated by our more experienced churchwardens and, thanks to the generous and skilful services of Jane Ward, our benefice profile was prepared, following surveys of the congregations, the schools and the communities. All this work was blessed by the Lord and contributed to his call on the next step in the life of Rev Tracey Hallett, who responded eagerly and pursued the path to our benefice. There were hurdles along the way relating to the rectory but, undeterred by having to commute from Taunton for a month, Tracey began her ministry among us in January. We are grateful to her husband Dean for his part in making this happen. Tracey has brought with her a clear sense of vision which aligns amazingly with our vision expressed in the benefice profile. Only God could match the gifts, talents, experience and personality of a person to the needs of three such different communities and congregations. The term ‘vacancy’ is officially applied to the position of rector but, for a period we had vacant posts of treasurer and administrator as well as rector. This was a particularly busy time for Steve and his wife, Sue, who both stepped into numerous aspects of administration, in addition to their respective roles as warden and benefice safeguarding officer. Several people have taken on parts of the treasurer’s role to maintain the smooth running of the benefice and their willingness to help is much appreciated. This is ongoing as there are still some difficulties with regard to the appointment of treasurer. It was a great delight to welcome Renira Rutherford to the team as benefice administrator, just in time to provide the invaluable admin support that enables Tracey to lead us as an outward-facing benefice, as we emerge from the difficulties of the past few years. Some of the features of our profile were to regain and further develop the unity of our benefice, and to grow in depth of fellowship and in numbers. I see these aspects of unity and growth as indivisible from one another. Reaching out to our communities with God’s love depends on solid footings within. We will grow in capacity as we follow Jesus and his commandment to love one another... “by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35. We have congregations with wonderful people who readily join together to serve and now we are increasingly drawing together under Tracey’s leadership as we look to grow God’s kingdom in our communities. Exciting times! Praise God! Daphne Woodhouse _Page - 13 -_ PCC of South Petherton with the Seavingtons and the Lambrook< Charity Registration Nurnber 1128940 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS for the year ended 31 December 2021 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2021 Note 2021 2020 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors and Pre-payments Short Term Deposits Cash at Bank 16,603 33,641 59.454 9,113 33,623 33,250 75.986 109.698 CURRENT LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year 9.443 4.143 4.143 9,443 NEf CURRENT ASSErs NET ASSErs IIXl,255 IIXl.255 71.843 71.843 FUNDS Unrestricted General Fund Memorial Fund St James Fund Restricted 99.322 665 28,616 43.227 267 100.255 71.843 The notes to the accounts stsrt on page 3 Page I STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31st DECEMBER 2021 Note Unrestritted Restricted Funds Funds Totsl 2021 Funds 2020 INCOMING RESOURCES From Donors Other Voluntary Income Charitable and ancilliary trading Other ordinary in¢orne From investments 40 4b 105.299 37.368 25.314 2,227 32 105.299 37.636 25,314 2,227 32 73,024 28,810 11,889 22.705 252 267 4d TOTAL INCOMING RE50URCE5 170.240 267 170,507 136,680 RESOURCES USED Grants l Donations Artivities directly related to the work of the church Churches management and administration 5a 8.672 8,672 2.412 5b 133.298 133.298 125,309 sc 125 125 Contra sd TOTAL RESOURCES USED 142.096 142,096 127,721 NEf INCOMINGI OUTGOING RESOURCES 28.144 267 28,412 8.958 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 28.144 267 28.412 8,958 BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD at 1st JANUARY 2021 71,843 71,843 62.885 BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD at 31st Decembfrr 2021 99,987 267 100.255 71.843 Page 2 PCC OF SOUTH PETHERTON WITH THE SEAVINGTONS AND THE LAMBROOKS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31" DECEMBER 2021 ACCOUNTING POLICIES The finanGial statemerrts have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounttng Regulations 2016 together ￿ryth applicable ac￿ntIng standards and the Charities SORP. This involves the produ¢tion of a balance sheet, and the adjustment to the Cash figures of both opening and closing a¢¢ruals, now shown on the statement of financial activities for the year. The financial statements this year havé been prepared under the historical cost convention. The accounts indude transadions. assets arKI liabilittes for whtch the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of i*urch memters. Funds General (unrestricted) furKIs represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restriction regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds which are subject to restrirtions as to their use are shown separately. The Memorfal Fund was established by the PCC in November 2003 to hokl monies gtven to the PCC und8r bequests or legacies, or in memory or thanksgNing for God's grace. The PCC is free to use these funds as it deems appropriate. Major works items (not covered by Grants) have been charged to the Memorial Fund. St James Fund holds funds which We￿ provided speafically for the maintenance of St James Church. Restricted Funds relate to tharities and other funds vthich are considered independent of the PCC funds and are, therefore, a¢￿Unted for separatety. Incomlng Resources Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under Grft Aid is recognised only when recetved. Income tax recoverable on grft aid donats'ons is recognised ￿ffien the income is recognised. Grants and legacies to Ihe PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notffied of ts legal entttlement and for the amount due. Income from investments is accounted for when receivable. Realised gains or losses on investments are recognised vthen investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses on investments are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31st December. Resourcos Used Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over. The Diocesan quota (Parrsh Share) is a voluntary contribution lo the costs of the Diocese but not a legal liability and is accounted for when payable. Fixed As8ets Consecrated and beneficed land and buildings a￿ excluded from the accounts by virtue of Section 10(2)(c) of the Charities Act 2011. No value is placed on rnovabFe church fumishings held by the churdmiardens on special trust for the PCC and bvhich require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expendtture incurred during the year on consecrated or benefi buildings and movable thurch fumishings, whetrter maintenance or improvement, 15 WTitten off as expendlture in the Statement of Financial Activiti8s (on page 2). Page 3 Notes to the Financial Statements l¢ontinued) I DEBTORS and PRE-PAYMENTS Unrestrirted Restrirted Funds Funds Income Tax Recoverable Prepayments 16,513 90 16.603 2 LIABILITIES Magazine Athiert5 prtrpaid for 2022 HMRC Other payments due Due to Charities 2,545 698 6.200 9,443 3 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND Unrestricted Re5trirted Totsl Current Assets Current Liabilities 16.603 9,443 16.603 9,443 Fund Balan 7.160 7.160 Page 4 INCOMING RESOURCES Unrestrirted Restrirted Funds Fund5 Total 2021 Funds 2020 Incoming resources from donors: Gift Aid Income tax recoverable Non Gift Aid CollectK)ns at service5 Gift Day Sundry donations Roof Appeal Misc 38,649 24.184 3,144 10.146 12,013 8.025 9,137 38,649 24.184 3,144 10,146 12,013 8.025 9.137 36.114 10,179 3,917 8,244 11,795 2,775 105,299 105,299 73,024 4b Other vouluntary incoming resources= Grants Legacie5 Fundraising Zambia Priest Training Bath &Wells 23.669 23.669 5.435 4.651 18.604 120 6.054 6.054 267 7.646 37,636 267 37.368 267 28,810 Income from charitable and ancillarytrading: Magazine sales Magazine advertising revenue E Lambrook School Room Book l Gtft stall Fees VAT and tsx recovered 3.423 193 920 14 6.581 14.184 3.423 193 920 14 6,581 14.184 3,511 2,240 420 5,718 Z5,314 25.314 11,889 Other ordinary incoming resources". insurance Claim l Rent Contra 2,227 2.227 22,705 2.227 2.227 22,705 4e Income from Investments". Dividends & Interest 32 32 252 32 32 252 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 170,240 267 170,507 136,680 Page 5 RESOURCES USED Unrestricted Restrcied Fund5 Total 2021 Fund5 2020 Grants l Donations: Misslonary & tharitabltgiwng: Zambia Home Mis55on5 Soryetle5 Zamkna PriestTraining Misc l5fA) 6.457 6.457 812 215 L6tKI 215 8.672 8,672 2,412 Acknwtie5 dire¢tlyrelated tothe workofthe thureh.. Mlnlstry.. iliocesaft quota. etc aerByexpen5e5 Church runnin8 expenses Church malntenar 31,774 557 12,140 7Ln7 3L774 67W6 557 1,935 12,140 39.$81 71.727 L592 Expenditure on.. Parfjsh magaline Upkeepofchurchyard5 3.333 3.672 2.740 3.333 1970 3,672 3,049 1740 1 Remuneration.. Dof Mus¢cand (tr8ani5ts 5eCrrt￿al services Fund iaislng Books/Gifts L795 2A22 232 L795 L705 1422 3580 232 Is 1981 2307 2,907 133.298 133.298 125.309 5¢ thureh Man)￿ment & odministr*ion: Printer. statitinery. ett. 125 125 125 125 Cmtrd ItL)IleEtion5 for dwtie5. et¢) TOTAL RESOURCES USED 142.096 127,722 Page 6 Goffey Chartered Certified Accountants Manor Form Cottage, Lopen, South Petherfon, Somerset. TA13 5JP t.. 01460 250798 m.. 07970 868202 e: hello@goffey.ntst w: www.goffey.net rndependent Examlnees Reportto the members/truSt￿ of s￿ PethertoTr wtth the Seavlngto and Lambrooks Parochial Churth Coundl I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 De￿mber 2021 which are set out on pages I to 6. Respectlve respon51blllties of the Trustees and Indépe￿Tht Examlner As trustees of the charity. the members of the PCC a￿ responsible for the preparatFon of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Chartties Att 2011 (The Charities Act) and that an independerrt examination is needed. It is my fesponsibillty to examine the accounts under settion 145 of the Charities Act follow the procedures laid down in the General Directlons given by the Charity Commissioners sectton 14515)(b} of the Charities Act," and stste whether particular matter5 have come to my attention. Basts ot Independent Examlnerfs Statement My examination was carried out In accordance with the General Dirertions given by the Charlty Commission. An examination indudes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented wtth those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or dlsc105ures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the members and trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provlde all the eviden￿ that would be reqUI￿d in a full audlt. and consequently no opinion is glven as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fail view and the ￿port 15 limited to those matters set out in the statement below. I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent Examlnerfsstatement In connectlon with my examination, no matters have come to my attention: whlch give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance wtth S130 of the Charities Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records and compty with the accounting requirements of the Charitles ACL have not been met. I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to whlch attention Should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. rim Farley FCCA 13 May 2022 Goffey Limited Registered in England Company number 7785504 ACCA rim Fadey FCCA Goffey Chartered Certified Accountants Monor Farm Cottage, Lopen, South Petherton, Somerset. TA13 5JP t.. 01460 250798 m.. 07970 868202 e: helloQgoffey.net w: www.goffey.net Independent Exarninerfs Report to the membersltrustees of South Petherton with the Seavingtons and Lambrooks Parochial Church Council I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 De￿rnber 2021 which are set out on pages I to 6. Respective responsiblllt5es of the Trustees and Independent Examiner As trustees of the charity, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Att 2011 (The Chartties Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under 5ettion 145 of the Charities Act follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 14515llbl of the Charities Act- and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examinerfs Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination inclijdes 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 distlosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the members and trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fairf view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent Examinee5 Statement In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention: which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with $130 of the Charities Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act. have not been met. I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understandirTrg of the accounts to be reached. Tim Farley FCCA 13 May 2022 Goffey Limited Registered in England Compony number 7785504 ACCA Tim Farley FCCA