Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council of St Alkmund's Church 5t For the year ended 31 December 2024 Ch8rity r8gistr8tion number.. 1129900 Page I
DIOCESE OF LICHFIELD Come follow Christ in the footsteps of St Chad The Parochial Church Council of St Alkmund's Church Trustees, Annual Report for the year ended 31$t December 2024 Charity registration numbor.. l 129900 Objectives and Activities The trustees of the PCC are aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit and have had regard to it in their administration of the Charity. The trustees believe that, by promoting the work of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish ofStAlkmund's, Whitchurch: it helps to promote the whole mission of the Church (pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical) more effectively, within the Ecclesiaslical Parish. and that in doing so it provides a benefit to the public by- Providing facilities for public worship. pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its members and for anyone who wishes lo benelit from what the Church offers., and Promoting Christian values and service by members of the Church in and to their Communities, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole. Achievements and Performance See elsewhere for all the mid-week activities and the ways in which the St Alkmund's community fulfils its remit for worship, pastoral care, outreach, community service and civic involvement. There are usually two services each Sunday, with the addition of an 8am service on the first Sunday of each month. All who live in the town have a right to the occasion81 offices. In 2024 there were 7 weddings and 20 baptisms. There were 32 funerals in church followed by burial or cremation land 10 cremations only). Financial Revlew Melanie Williams - Treasurer The arrival of Rev Chris Precious as the new Rector of St Alkmund's Church, along with his trainee curate Rev Pippa White in March was welcomed. The IDS fund was helpful in decoration costs of the Rectory (£3,200) and utility bills revealed a slight overcharge that was eventually resolved. At the APCM, I gave notice that I wished to resign from post and at the time of writing we are in the process of recruiting someone. This will be a paid position as there has not been any interest from volunteers. With this in mind, I have tried to promote Giving Direct- the most efficient system (for the Treasurer) for regular giving, administered on our behalf by Lichtield Diocese Board of Finance who claim Gift Aid on a monthly basis. There has been an increase in the number of donors from 8 in August to 17 in December. I would like to extend my thanks to all who have made the move to this method or have been prompted to start giving regularly in this way. The most significant single expenditure item was the CCTV system upgrade which was completed at a cost of £5,410. James Kellas, our Music Director, started Fridays@One organ & piano recitals in December 2023 and they continue to entertain audiences outside our traditional congregation. Income from donations from these is £2,201, expenditure £788 and a brought forward balance (transfer of income from James Kellas, first recital in December 2023) means these have generated so far a closing balance of £1,516. A generous legacy of £20,000 from a devoted parishioner was much appreciated. Total surplus for the year was £20,996, of which £2,187 was unrestricted. Page 2
Reserves Policy It is PCC policy to try to maintain a balance in the bank accounts of at least three months, unrestricted payments plus £10,000 for Restricted General expenditure. The purpose ofthe policy is to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. Total unrestricted expenditure was £145,013 in 2024, so 3 months equates to £36,253 (2023: £36,989), plus £10,000 is £46,253. The balance in the bank accounts at the year*nd was £76,309 (2023.. £55,762> which covers the required contingency. Safeguarding The PCC believe they have fulfilled their duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops, guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). Review of the Year Church Wardens Reports - John Stokes & Sheila Chase A very busy year following some minor works regarding reordering in hand with architects. Grand Piano loaned to us by VVhitchurGh Stown Council due to civic Centre being closed. New photocopier installed (on lease). Outstandin Some minor items and the accessible toilet, a faculty sent in to put in r8ar porGh instead of the vestry. Sorne tarmac work to entrance - work in hand. Some work to front pillars etc- work in hand. AOB PAT testing carried out on all electrical appliances. All fire extinguishers serviced and renewed where necessary, Roof alarm serviced. Security alarm serviced. Fire alami serviced. Gutters maintenance carried out by Mr Simon Dudleston. The church organ and piano underwent its regular tuning and servicing during the year. Old graveyard - grass cut and strimmed. Memorial Gardens - strimmed and maintained Rectory Garden - lawns mowed by SP mowing. All grave5 underwent the annual safety check. Various signs under Health and Safety ereded where appropriate around the church and grounds. Bridgewaler streets properties - The management of these two apartments is carried out by Barbers Estate Agents. Fire alarms tested weekly by John Stokes and Alison Dunne. Repairs to the boiler and seNiced. Safeguarding - Meriel Edge The PCC has complied with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to the House of Bishop's guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adultsl- Safeguarding is of immense importance in StAlkmund's Church. It features as an agenda ilem at every PCC meeting. In the past. Safeguarding policy and procedurès are reviewed annually at the January meeting. Moving forward, periodic reviews will also take place during the year. Photographs and contact details of Mrs Meriel Edge, Incumbent Reverend Chris Precious and Curate Miss Pippa White are displayed in the Church porch should anyone wish to make contact. Poge 3
The following groupslpeople undergo training and adhere to the safeguarding policy- Ineumbent, Churchwardens and Deputy Churchwardens, Tlme Together leaders and team, Bell Ringers, Baptism welcomers, Bible Study, Choir leaders, Homes Communion Teams, Residential Homes leam, Junior Church, Prayers for Healing, Bubble Church leaders, Pastoral visitors and Transport. DBS documenlation is continually reviewed, and persons ar8 contacted who need to updatelrefresh their DBS or Safeguarding training. Alison Dunne and Meriel Edge have supported people in achieving this. The required number of people have completed their leadership safeguaiding training which involves two meetings and additional written work. Safeguarding is at the centre of our faith, in our practice. in our worship, in our praying, and in our believing. In other words, safeguarding is an integral to Ihe very DNA of the Church rather than an appendage, with good safeguarding behaviours flowing naturally and intuitively. Theology, by which we simply mean clear thinking about God and the faith we share, has been interwoven into all our learning and thg development pathways. As IICSA identified, Ihis requires a significant shrft in the Church's culture as a whole system approach. Safeguarding support everyone in developing and maintsining the necessary values, beliefs, knowledge, and skills to safeguard and protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults as outlined in the 'Promoting a Safer Church. House of Bishops policy statement {2017). Copies of this Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework 2021- 2024 are available on request. Safeguarding meetings take place as and when required. The Churchwardens and Safeguarding Officer discuss relevant matters as and when needed. Considerations tak& place and solutions are reached. Resl assured, the Safeguarding team take thelr roles very seriously and act to the very best of their ability to keep the church and everyone in it as safe as possible. Electoral Roll - Paul Williamson At the 2024 APCM 146 names were on the list and 12 of those lived outside the Parish. My thanks to Alison for her support. PCC Secretary- Elaine Bucknell At the beginning of 2024 it was busy with meetings involving the building Contractors and the Archilect, in relation to outstanding issues with the re-ordering work. Rev Chris Precious joined us on 10th March and took over that responsibility (much to my reliefj and is Continuing the battle to get approval foi the Accessible Toilet. The Annual Parish Meetings were delayed due to problems getting th& year end accounts approved, eventually taking place on 19th May. At thls meeting four of the five Deputy Churchwardens resigned, David Fisher, Pauline Green, John Castledine and Tom Rylands, with only one remaining on the PCC. Steve White unfortunately had to resign from the PCC later in the year due to health issues. On a positive note, three new members have joined, Sarah Radford, Irenè Daldry and Lynne Bowden, bringing us back to a total of 16. At a later meeting the role of Deputy Warden was changed to Worship Assistant, but the duties remain the same. Two members of the congregation are being trained to join Paul and myself in fulfilling this role. The problem of people using the Church Car Park on non-church business is on-going with several persistent offenders. We continue to be represented in Churches Together. Christian Aid, Friends of St Alkmund's, Time Together, Whitchurch Fairtrade Group, Whitchurch Relief in Need and the Higginson's Charities. Bargates Hall- Sheila Chase Bargates Hall continues to flourish with new bookings, though we are very sad to lose the Guides and Brownies, due to having no helpers to run the activities. A few of the bookings came due to the Page 4
closure ofthe Civic Centre, though others that are with us, enjoy the atmosphere that the Hall affords them. Maintenance is an ongoing issue, that is dealt with as and when n required, by Simon Dudleston and his team, always a pleasant gentleman and easy to work with. We have had to replaoe the rear door out to the playground as that had become rotten along the bottom and water was constantly coming into the hallway. All electrical appliances are PAT tested, and if found up to be faulty they are replaced. Alarm system is tested weekly, by John and myself, any issues are reported to ADTwho respond quickly, annual seNices are booked in for April of each year. All safely certificates are in place on the notice boards in the hall way and the rooms, ie . Fire Safety Certificates, Insurance Certificates, and Assembly points in the event of a fire. My contact details are also available for anyone to contact me if they encounter any problems. Churches Together in Whitchurch - Cella Churchill Our 2024 Churches TogetheT events started in January with a Christian Unty service hosted by St Georges. With the start of Lent in February there were shared Lent lunches each week with donations for Christian Aid. There was also a Christian Film "Undaunted" shown using St John Talbot School projection facilitie5 and open to all in the community. The Maundy Thursday SeNice was led by the Beacon Church and a Walk of Christian Witness took place on Good Friday led by St Johns. The Christian Aid Service in May was hosted by St Johns church using the materials made available by Christian Aid nationally. Pre *lection hustings in June were held in St Johns and hosted by Churches Together and chaired by Rev Chris Precious. The AGM took place in July followed by speakers Dr Isabel Carter and Moira Matthews from South Shropshire who gave a challenging talk entitled 'What does climate change mean for Christians and what can we do about it?" Beacon church hosted this event. As part of the Blackberry Fair Churche5 Together were invited to contribute to the Theme of, Unity through love Peace and Hope" and a range of lovely adivities on this theme took place in all four churches. There was a Churches Together coffee moming in October in the Market Hall providing a small fund to cover the cost of the hire of a Lent film Remembrance Day included remembrance al the Cenotaph and a special Civic Service at St Alkmund's with a good turnout of uniformed groups for this significant occasion. A further collaboration took place with Churches Together and the organisers of the Blackberry Fair and there was a "High Street Advent Calendar Event" with the churches depicting the biblical meaning of Christmas. A quiet rellective Advent Churches together seTvice was hosted by St Georges as an antidote to the business of domestic Christmas preparation A Churches Together Christmas card was designed, printed and should have been distributed to all residential addresses in Whitchurch. Unfortunately, the distribution by the Royal Mail was incomplete and Churches Together offer apologies for this. Important activities in the town continue to be undertaken ecumenically and they include-. Fair Trade, Christian Aid, The Food Bank, Time Together, The Hospital Chaplaincy, The Bible Society and Action on Climate Change Churches Together has had a busy year with several new events in the calendar all of which have been well supported by the four churches comprising Whitchurch Churches together St Alkmund's, St George's, St John's and The Beacon Church. Foundation Governors Whitchurch Church of England Federation- Jane Rylands In January 2024 Sarah Camacho became Principal of the Whitchurch Federation which comprises the Infants and the Juniors. Rev Chris has become a Foundation Governor, l am the other. Bolh Rev Chris and Rev Pippa take regular school worship sessions (as does the Methodist Church's Children's Worker) and have found many other ways to contribute to school life and particularly the aspects which relate to the Church of England foundation and our own church links with them. In May the Junior School had a Church School inspection (SIAMS) and received a very encouraging and affirming report. In the summer the Federation Page 5
was awarded the status of Growing Faith Leaming Hub, part of a national initiative wilh funding for two years so I look forward to reporting on the fruits of that next yearl Whltchurch Junior C of E Academy Experience Days - Wendy Darter We were delighted to welcome the student5 of the Junior Academy for four Experience Days this year, The Y5 came at Easter, the Y6 at Pentecost, Y3 at Harvest and the Y4 at Christmas. Each class comes for half a day and learns about five different aspects of the festival, in small groups led by volunteers. The class then gather in the chancel for a concluding session. We have been pleased to be led by Rev Chris, with the help of a great bunch of volunteers including Rev Pippa. Once again, we have had volunteers from St George's, Ihe Beacon Church and retired clergy in addition to those from St Alkmund's congregation. We would always be h8PPy to have more volunteers. We all enjoy these sessions, and they are well received by the students, who respond with ideas and questions. Vve hope that what they havè learned and discussed will in some way shape their future attitudes and that they feel God's presence while they are in church. Junlor Churchlsermon Slot- Jane Rylands Meriel, Jane and Wendy continued to offer a Junior Church session on all bul the first Sunday in term time supported by a small group of assistants. It is always interesting from a leader's perspective to focus on one element of the weekly readings to share and think about with our young people. Our young people seem to enjoy the challenges we give them thankfully they do come back for morel Reader's Report- Jane Rylands It's been fun to be part of our new rninistry team, also a blessing that with Tom's illness there has not been a pressure to be available. After a couple of months of doing very liltle for the Benefice, I have found much comfort from being involved again and am beyond grateful for the prayers and support that you have given Tom and me. Deanery Report- Pauline Stokes St. Alkmund's Re resentatives Elected Lay Members of the Deanery Synod.. John Stokes Pauline Stokes Sleve White Clergy Membèrs oflhe Deanery Synod.. Revd. Chris Precious Revd. Pippa White Revd. Sue Amislrong The annual Deanery Eucharist Service forAscension Day took place at St. Peter & St. Paul's Church, Wem, in May. and was attended by St. Alkmund's represent8tives. All parishes are invited to attend. Deanery Me@tings also took pla in Wem in March, Market Drayton in July, and Bargates Hall, in October.- Topics for discussion included "Shaping for Mission - Come follow Christ in the footsteps of St. Chad" Each parish was invited to be purposeful about evangelism in our communities, and we each chose 3 of the 9 goals which we felt most closely fitted with current priorities and activities within our parishes. Then, we were asked to consider which of the 3 of the 9 goals would we find most challenging, and what small steps could we take towards overcoming those challenges, and what support might help us? Page 6
At the Meeting held in Whitchurch following on from the previous meeting, representatives were invited to talk about one thing that was going well in their parish, and one thing that parishes were worried about. Representatives then had the opportunity lo share their Concerns. Tlme Together Report- Wendy Dartor In 2024 we were saddened by the deaths of of our longest serving volunteers, Pauline Green and Marianne Hughes. They both played important roles and are very much missed. Working in partnership with AgeUK the purpose of th& Tim8 Together group is lo provide social, spiritual, physical and emotional support for those with Memory Loss or Dementia and their family members or carers. The group continue to meet twi a month on Wednesday afternoons when we enjoy a range of activities and entertainments. Boccia is a favourite, though the floor at Bargates is a challenge, being very uneven. We play games, have discussions and share memories. We have lots of fun with singing and are amazed at how our friends remember words. We also devour quite a lot of cake and biscuits along with tea and coffee, and twice a year have parties with even more treats. The great team of volunteers all enjoy our sessions as much as those we sewe. Donations from grateful participants and from community organisations allow us to provide a full and varied programme. Pastoral Care Group Report- Jill Wallace Communion at Home ... for those unable to attend services in Church Revd Chris and a few of us are happy to bring Communion to your homes if you would let Revd Chris know or Alison in the Church Offi. Vlsiting . Any who would value a visit when ill or unable to attend church there is Ihe pastoral team who will gladly visit as required. There is a box under the Prayer Board for you to put in any names and addresses of any who would wish this or phone Alison in the Church Office. Streaming Servloes . How thankful we are to John Stokes and Mel Williams for working the sound system lo enable this to happen, and Alison Dunne puts the link in the Pew Sheets to allow anyone at home to watch most of our regular services. The Prayer Board . This is used by many who visit the Church as well as our own members and prayer requests can be left at any time. They are remembered at the Sunday services and also in Ihe Fauls, Tilstock and Whitchurch Prayer Link that is sent to any who would like it by Judy Bellingham. Bible Reading Notes . For those who would like to share in reading daily notes to help us to deepen our love for Jesus. there are regular notes available, samples at the back of church, so just let Jlll Wallace know rfyou would like any ofthese if we send for them as a group, we have free postagel Music Report- James Kellas It has been a busy and fruitful year for the music department liturgically as well as extra-liturgi¢ally. The musical resources of the church with its beautiful organ and acoustic enable the choir and organists to explore varied and rewarding repertoire within the services. The organ tuner, Philip Cartright, has continued to do an excellentjob of maintaining the instrument and the tuning has continljed to settle in more and more since he began his contract in 2023. Some mechanical faults have also been seen to such as silent pipes and stiff piston levers. With the Chappell piano having been moved from the civic centre in July 2024 and being sympathetically restored by piano technician, Paul Pickering, and our own Dennis Edwards carpentry skills, we have been enjoying bi-monthly concerts as part of a new recital series - Fridays@1. It has so far proved popular with local classical music lovers, regularly attracting 30+ audience members (sometimes as many as 80) and has brought more footfall into th6 church at the same time as raising money for the music department. With the money raised by the recital series we have purchased a lighter keyboard that one person can easily carry at choir practlC8 - although the large Poge 7
stage piano sounds clearer it was proving impractical to carry it from behind the organ. especially now the civic centre piano is in the way. We have also put the money towards new hymns books and payment for organists at services where I need to conduct. Liturgically we have added 2-3 new mass settings to the 10am services.. the Nardone Mass, an Advenl Mass and the Macmillan Mass. The Nardone is more challenging being rhythmically and melodically more mobile than the Rizza and Inwood we have been accustomed to - for this reason I have limited it to 1-2 times a month and I feel it provides a pleasing contrast. The Advent Mass is simple and effective and similarly the Macmillan Kyrie was picked up recently quite easily by the choir and congregation, both providing a more 501emn atmosphere for Advent and Lent. The choir numbers are holding steady, and we have w81comed a few new members over the year. Given some recent shuffling around we also now have two tenors and basses quite consistently for evensong! Unfortunately, we sadly lost the wonderful Marianne. The choir are to be fully commended and appreciated for their hard work and commilment which keeps the wheels of the music department moving each week. We continue to meef on Wednesday evenings for an hour to prepare for the Iwo Sunday s8Nices. These practices are proportioned roughly 113 towards the morning service and 213 lowards evensong due to the weighti8r repertoire for the evening. For the g Lessons & Carols in December Alison helped produce an attractive service booklet which contributed to slightly more formal and special feel. The choir prepared some challenging repertoire for several weeks in the run up and were boosted by some local "extras" on the day, especially in the bass and tenor sections. Henry did a fabulous job as organist on the day. I want to finally take this opportunity to thank the various musicians who have Govered me on various occasions when my full-time job as Lead Accompanist at Shrewsbury School has overlapped with my responsibilities at st Alkmund's- principally Stewart, Sam, Angela and Helen. I am extremely grateful to them all for their professionalism, enthusiasm and willingness to help on a consistent basis. It has also been a pleasure working with Reverend Chris and Pippa throughout year and we are fortunate they both are very supportive of the music department. Church Office- Alison Dunne The Church office continued to be busy throughout 2024, with the welcome addition of Rev Chris and Rev Pippa joining us to enable me to resume to my normal duties of pewsheets, posters, rotas etc. Throughout the year we saw many funerals, sadly many of whom were known personally to us. Also. bookings for baptisms and weddings, and an increase in enquiries for the booking of the church. With the introduction of the online LED system to enable all funerals, weddings and baptisms to be recorded electronically, and providing the facility for enquiries to be made directly to us via the St Alkmund's web51te. Our DBS and Safeguarding courses kept me busy with new volunteers joining us and the ongoing renewals. Our live streaming of services has been received well with numbers of people watching increasing throughout the year. The office continued to be open from Monday to Friday from 9am-2pm throughout 2024. Wednesday FTW Blble Study group - Jill Wallace This past year we have mainly looked at the life of Jesus in Luke's Gospel with the help of Tom Wrighys Study notes. However, some of us found it difficult to understand Tom's questions, so have decided to mainly read the Bible passage chosen and discuss it, taking it in tums to lead the group and discuss the Bible notes from our various translations. At present we are looking at the shorter Epistl&s beginning with James. For the winter we have been meeting in the Church Vestry (when there was no funeral or church function) for warmth but will continue in Bargates once the warmer weather comesl How much we do miss Pol Green following her sudden death just before Christmas. We welcome all who come and share in with us as we learn together and discuss informally, enjoying a cup of tea and biscuit5 at the end. Page 8
Flower Arrangers - Shella Chase With Sue Fawcett stepping down as team leader, we were left with no one at the helm, so Rev Chris and I, stepped in to keep the group together and up to date with various dates for displaying their wonderful Greations, with the weekly rota on display in the FlowerVesty- We always receive many compliments about how beautiful the flowers in St Alkmund's always look. Especially the displays for Easter and Christmas, our Church comes alive with the scent and display of seasonal colours. Well done great Teamwork. Bell ringing - Malcolm Monie Despite a severe shortage of our own ringers, we have managed to ring for most Sunday moming setvices thanks to ongoing support from two members of the Malpas band: Chris and Sarah. Our numbers have been further reduced by injury [Malcolm Airdl and ill-health Imikel. In addition, Paul has had to pause his bell-ringing due to work and family commitments. On a more positive note, we have welcomed a new learner to the band. Helene had just slarted to ring on Sundays when winter approached, and she and her husband decamped to the Canary Islands. We look forward to their return in the spring. Practices have been held on most Thursday evenings. As well as thosè mentioned above, we have frequently been joined by Peter and Ray from Ellesmere along with Guy from Hanmer. We have also welcorned a number of visitors during the year and rung for several weddings. The band is still very low on numbers, and we are actively recruiting both new and experienced recruits. The Whitchurch Gossip kindly gave us a half page feature in the December issue. Baptisrn Welcome Group - Wendy Darter We have had a steady flow of baptisms over the past year, led by Rev Chris and Rev Pippa, who have both introduced new features to the service. We continue to visit the families at home so that we volunteers can talk to the parents about the service and the promises they are going to make. These meetings sometime5 take place in church, but we still talk about the Godparents and their important role in nurturing the child as well as the practical aspects of the seNice. Unfortunately, few families retum to church services, but it is good to greet them when we meet in town and show them that they are remembered. Anyone who would like to volunteer to make home visits or assist at baptism services please contact the church office. Social Working Group Easter Breakfast- We started our yearwith our Easter Breakfast in Bargates Hall, al which we offer a full English, with toast, fruit juice and teal coffee, many thanks for all th8 hard work of the team thal prepare this, those that came certainly enjoyed it. Coffee Morning-we held our Coffee Morning in the Sports Hall, this year due to the closure of the Civlc Centre, though Ihe morning started early forthe helpers, by mid-morning we were really busy with over £500 being raised. Parish Outing-we made our usual outing to Llandudno ,with so many wanting to join us ,we had to have a large mini bus on hand to get everyone there, This was the first outing for Rev Chris, Laura and family joined us ,on arrival many rnade their way for refreshments, the sun shone for us and everyone enjoyed the visit, a Prize Draw was done on the relurn journey, thanks to Elaine and team on coach ovie ,and Alison and team on coach two ,and to all who provided draw prizes. Harvest Lunch was served in Bargates Hall, our menu consisted of Jacket potatoes with various fillings, and various fruit crumbles offered as a dessert, along with the usual refreshments. Thanks to all helpers and congregation that joined us.Christrnas Eve-This year we served light refreshments of teal coffee, sausage rolls etc at the back of Church, due to all of our helpers involved with assisting at both of our Crib SerViS.ThiS takes us to the end of 2024. looking forward to seeing you all in 2025. Page 9
After Servlce Refreshments - Dorothy Cartlidge & Wendy Darter Throughout 2024 the refreshments team made good use of the new servery. We have served coffee, tea and biscuits after morning service and after each Memorial service. We also served mince pies after several December services as well as the Crib Festival. We were able to add some new names to the rota allowing one team to stand back for the winter months. We would be delighted lo have more volunteers to take a turn every six weeks orto be on standby to cover a holiday or illness. Meanwhile we are very graleful to all our volunteers. The Chlldren's Society - Rebecca Sims As a church w& support the work of the Children's Society through individual collection boxes and our annual Chrislingle service. Collection boxes are emptied on a yearly basis in September, or sooner if requested. The total raised this yeaF was £1002.99. Thank you to everyone who generou51y contributes in this way. Also, to the people who don't hold a box but like to make a yearly donation instead. An additional £50 was also sent, which came from the sale of the 'Christmas tree hals,. Thank you to Doreen, Wendy and Sarah for the donation and all your hard work. We held our annual Christingle service in December. The service was better supported this year and a total of 78 Christingle oranges were given out. Children and adults alike made up their own Christingles throughout the seNice, so everyone had a bag of materials to collect on their way into church. Everyone seemed to enjoy this. Huge thanks to Rev Pippa who wore an inflatable orange suit and becarne our'human Christingle, through the servicel Donations at the service totalled £149.82. The Chi5dren's society does wond2rful work supporting deprived children, especially helping children in family trauma, runaways, refugees and child carers. A big thank you to everyone who supports this very important work. The box collection is invaluable to what we contribute to the society, so if you haven't got a box please do consider it. Just ask me if you would like any more information on becoming a box holder. Many thanks to everyone. Hospital Chaplaincy Team- Rov Pippa White It has been a pleasure to lead the hospital chaplaincy team since March 2024, with the ladies providing spiritual and pastoral support to Ihe patients and staff of WhitGhurGh Community Hospital. Our team currently stands at three members, after the sad passing of Pol Green in December 2024. The team is purely voluntary, wilh the hospital no longer paying us for this service, and therefore there are no minimum contractual hours to fulfil. Each volunteer usually visits the hospital for an afternoon per week, delivering spiritual and pastoral care, prayer cards, holding crosses, or Holy Communion (reseNe bread and wine kept in the chaplaincy locker at the hospital) when appropriale. It was great fun to provide Christmas carolling around the hospital on the afternoon of the 18th December 2024- this replaced the Crib servi previously held in the hospital and was an ecurnenical affair. Together with Christmas cards for all patients and staff, and visiting on Christmas Day, the hospital was very grateful for our seNices around Chri5tmastime and continues to thank us for our work year-round. A5 our numbers of volunteers have become small, we are currently in the process of recommending to the hospital six new candidates to join our team.. three people from St. George's church, and three people from Ihe Beacon Church. The team meets every 4-6 weeks, to support one another and to share stories. and any changes in COVID regulations. Residential l Nurslng Homes, Servlces - Paullne Stokes Each month, our small team visits Greenfields, and starting in the autumn we began to visit Weston House once again after a break of two or three years, following Covid. We also visit our friends in St. John's Park, too. Either the Rev. Chris our Rector, or Rev. Pippa takes the Page 10
sèrvice, with Rev Pippa usually leading the littte service at Weston House, duly accompanied by Freddie her dog, which goes down a treat with the residents at Weston House! (I came acr055 a report written back in 2018, when we visited 5 Homes in Whitchurch in the same week each month, but sadly Edgeley House & Court, and Cloverfields, are no longer in existence.) However, we visit during the second week in each month- Weston House on a Wednesday afternoon, and St. John's Park followed by Greenfields on Thursday mornings. We start our service with a well-known hymn, continuing with a shortened Communion Service, during whiGh one of our team will read, usually, part of Sunday's Gospel, followed by a short reflection by Rev. Chris or Rev. Pippa. Following the distribution of Communion to the residents, we end our little service with another hymn. It is humbling, when some of the residents who cannot read the service booklet or follow the words of the hymns because of their poor eyesight, remember parts of the setvice, or they will join in with the singing - wonderfull Aftemards, we circulate and have a chat with the residents, whom l am sure appreciate the time w& spend with them- some we have known for quite some time on our visits each month. If you can spare a little time each month to join us, we would be delightedll Later in the month we have a'songs of Praise" at Greenfields, led by our Reader, Jane Rylands, accompanied by the "songsters" (she says with tongue in cheek!11 from church to help with the slnging. Once again, it is something which the Residents do appreciate, for some regularly attended church, wherever that mlght have been in the country, before rnoving to Greenfields, and we very often ask Ihem about that time, and it brings back memories for them. Do join us. rf you canll Crib Festival - Doreen Ashurst and Wendy Darter We were pleased to be able to celebrate our Annual Crib Festival in November last year. We had 85 cribs on display and many visitors passing through Church during the day, not all of whom were regular attenders. As ever Ihis year the festival was a valuable outreach event which was supplemented by the 'The Green Hat Tree, which raised donations for the needy both locally and nationally. Fairtrade Report- Mrs Judy Bellingham Sl Alkmunds continues to be a Fairtrade Church. This means Ihat we agree lo serv6 Fairtrade tealooffee al our services and events and other things like sugar and biscuits if possible. We also agree to support Fairtrade Fortnight. We have done this in the past by having a Big Brew in church. This year we had it in the Market Hall and it was very successful. The Christmas Card and Gift Coffee Morning in October was held in Bargates H211 and was well supported. Thank you lo all who attended. I continue to have a stall in the Whitchurch Market each Friday and have had stalls al Blackberry Fair and the Christmas Lights Switch on. We also have a represenlative al Vvhitchurch Fairtrade Town Group and Churches Together. Every time we choose to buy a Fair trade produGt, we are helping someone less fortunate lo make a decent living for their family. If you can't come lo the market on Fridays, I can let you have goods either in church or other place. The Friends of St. Alkmund's, Wlch - Alex Williamson, Chair The Friends of St Alkmund's Whitchurch is a standalone charity with the principal objective of raising funds to support the pres@Nation, repair, restoration and improvernent of the fabric of St Alkmund's. The Friends raise funds through annual memberships and fundraising events. During 2024 we held a number of evenls including.. Quiz & hotpot supper, raising over £400., Strawberry Tea (courtesy of Mr & Mrs R Hutchinson-smith), raising over £400., Opera for the Peopla concert by Nicola Mills raising over £1,300., and raffles at th6 above events and at other events. The Friends AGM was held on 14 May. We welcomed two new trustees at the AGM, Rev'd Chris Precious and Sarah Matson. After the business of the AGM, we were entertained by James Kellas, Director of Music for St Alkmund's, who enlightened us on the workings of the church organ and Page Jl
played two pieces composed by Bach to demonstrate the full capability of the organ. We are thrilled to confirm that Nicola Mills has agreed to come back to Sl. Alkmund's on 17 October 2025 to perform her'spoonful of Julie, musical. Information on booking will be made available nearer the time. I would like to extend a huge 'thank you, to Hilda Francis-Roberts and Allison Haycox who have overseen the raffles at numerous events and finally, a sincere thank you to all of you who are members of The Friends and those who have supported our events, making them enjoyable occasions at the same time as raising funds. Rector's Report StAlkmund's, Whitchurch Mothering Sunday back on iolh March 2024 was an unusual day to begin a new ministry, and of course by that time the wonderful St Alkmund's congregation knew there were two priests joining Ihem, not just the new rector but his curate too. The welcome my family and I have received coming to Whitchurch has been exemplary, and we are so grat8ful to you all for your Christian warmth and hospitality. 2024 has been an exciting year as we have strengthened relationships with our local schools and The Blackberry Fair, meanwhile continuing the exlSent community support we offer through the hard work of the St Alkmund's family. 2024 has also been a tough year as we have said farewell to dear congregation members who have died or moved away from the area to be nearer to family. St Alkmund's Church building is beautiful and attracts people from far and wide to come and appreciate it's splendour. Vvhat I want to really Trlebrate in this report is the church of St Alkmund's, that is, all the wonderful people who worship in the building and give so freely of their time and talents all through the year in loving service to their church family and the community of Whitchurch. There are too many people lo thank individually here each and every year, but please know that you are appreciated for being you- whatever your role in our church family. My particular thanks go to our church wardens John and Sheila, to Pauline and Alison in the office, who have put up with an incoming new boss with good humour and tireless dedication- to you a heartfelt thank you. An extra note of thanks to Mel our oulgoing treasurer, for her dedication over 10+ years and for her patience with an extended recruitment period for our next treasurer. All the wonderful activities that have been mentioned in the pages of this annual report are grounded in prayer. As a church we pray together, help together and give together our time and our talents in Christ's seNice. The challenge we face going forward is to move away from a culture of service to a culture of participation, with Bubble Church starting in the New Year and other intergenerational initiatives to follow, 2025 will be an exciting time for us as a Church. Structure. Governance and Management The PCC is a Body Corporate established by the Church of England {PCC Powers Measure 1956, and the Church Representation Rules 2006) and is a Charity with the Charity Commission. The PCC is governed by the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as amended that came into effect on 2nd January 1957. and the Church Representation Rules. The method of appointment ofthe PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The Council comprises the Incumbent, the Churchwardens, a representative of the Readers, those elected to the Deanery Synod, and other members who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, by those on the Electoral Roll. The PCC members receiv8 training from courses run by th@ Diocese. Members of the congregation are always urged to join the Electoral Roll, and to sland for election to the PCC. The PCC m8mbers are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance in the parish, and for all financial matters. The PCC meet 6 times a year. IGiven its responsibilities, the PCC has a number of sub committees, each dealing with a particular aspect of Page 12
parish life. These include Worship, Mission 8nd Outreach, Buildings and Finance and Youth Work. Each reports back to the PCC with the minutes of their meetings.] Related Donations from related parties (PCC members) included £7,250 for the Renewal Project. Reference and Administrative details The Church is situated in Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 1LB and is part of the Deanery of Wem & Whitchurch, in the Diocese of Lichfield. The correspondence address is the Rectory, Church Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire. SY13 1 LB. Registered charity number l 129900. Our website address is.. www.stalkmLinds com PCC members who have served from 1st January 2024 until Ihe date this report was approved were: Ex Officio Members The Incumbent The Reverend Christopher Precious (Chairman) The Reverend Philippa White {Curate) Reader Jane Rylands Churchwardens John Stokes Sheila Chase Deanery Synod Raps John Stokes Pauline Stokes steve White Elected Mombers Elaine Bucknell (Secretary) Melanie Williams (Treasurer) Linda Martin Meriel Edge John Castledine Sarah Radford Hilda Francis-Roberts Paul Williamson Lynne Bowden Irene Daldry Bank Barclays plc Investment Managers CCLA Independent Examiner Jonathan Hill, Lichfield Board of Finance Page 13
Approved by the PCC on .iU)... 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Reverend Chris Precious (Chairman) Mrs Elaine Bucknell jsecretaryj Page 14
The Parochial Church Council of St Alkmund's Church, Whitchurch Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2024 Accounting Policies The PCC is a public benelil entity within the meaning of FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charitles Act 2011 and in accordanGe with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCS, and with the Regulations true and fair view provisions. They have also been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102}. The financial stalernents have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless othenrvise slated in the relevant notes lo these accounts. The financial statements include all IransaGtions, assets and liabililies for which Ihe PCC 1$ responsible in12w. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation lo anolher body nor those Ihat are informal gatherings of Church members. There may be minor discrepancies in the totals as the pen are not being shown. Cashflow Statement Th8 Charity has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS102 from the requirement lo produce a Cash flow statement on Ihe grounds that the in¢ome does not exceed £500,000. Going Concern There are no material uncertainties relaled to events or conditions Ihat cast signrficant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going ¢oncem. Accounting Estimates and Prior Year Errors No changes to accounting estimates have occurred In the reporting period. No material prior year errors have been identified in the porting period. Description of Funds Unrestricted funds are income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC for fixed assets for ils own use or for spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its "free reserves" as disclosed in the trustees, annual report. Restrictèd funds comprise of two elements= a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the term5 of the trust or bequest b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. Thè funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were giv8n. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of eaoh year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis. Endowment funds are restricted funds that must be retained as trust capital either permanently or subject to a discretionary power to spend capital as income, and where the use of any in¢ome or other benefit derived from the capital may be restricted or unrestricted. Full details of all their restri¢tion5 are shown in the noles to the accounts. Incorne Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received or when the PCC becomes entitled to the resource and the monetary value ¢an be measured with sufficient reliability. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and Legacies are accounted for when the PCC Is legally entilled to the amounts due and Ihe monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. Dividends are a¢¢ounted for when receivab16, interest is accrued. All other income is recogni58d when it is receivable. All incoming resour¢e8 are accounted for gross. Page 15
Accounting Policies continued Expenditure Grants and donations are accounted for wh&n paid over, or when awarded. if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PGC. The diocesan parish share is a¢counted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as reslricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incLfffed and is accounted for gross. Governance and Support Costs Support costs should be allocated between govemance costs and other support. Governan costs comprise all costs involving public accountsbility of Ihe PCC and 11$ Compliance with regulation and good practice. Support costs include ntral functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources eg by allocating staff costs by time spent and other costs by their usagè. Fixed Assets cons8craled.and benefice property is not included in the accounts by $.10(21(al&(Cl of the Charities Act 2011, Moveable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special Irusl for Ihe PCC and which requlre a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the Church's inventory, which can be inspected lat any reasonable lime). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are nol valued in the financial Statements. No depreciation is provided on buildings as the currently estimated residual value of the properties is not less than their carrying value and the remaining useful life of these assets exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charges would be immaterial. Investments Investments in quoted Shares. traded bonds and similar inveslmenls are valued initially at cost and subsequenlly al market value at the year end. Investments held for re-sale are treated as current asset investments. Debtors Debtors are measured on initial reGognition al settlement amount. Subsequently they sre measured al cash expected lo be received. Creditors and Accruals Creditors are measured al settlement amounls less any trade di8¢0unts. Accruals are measured on best estimate of the amounl required to sellle the obligation at the reporting date. Page 16
Independent Examiner's report to the trusteeslmembers of The PCC of Whitchurch Registered charity number.. 1129900 I report on the accounts for the year ended 31" December 2024 whi¢h are Set out on the following pages. Res ectlve res onslbilities of the Trustee5 and Inde endent Examlner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is nol required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 Ith8 Charities AGI) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my respon5ibilty lo examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charily Commission (under section 145151(b} of the Charities Act, and to state whether particular matters have corne to my attention. Basi8 of Inde endent Examiner's Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commlssion. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kepl by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts,and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence Ihat would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fairt view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the slalemenl below. Inde endent Examiner's Statement In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attenlion which gives me cause to believe that in any malerial respect.. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charitie5 Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in Ihe Charities (AcGounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement Ihal the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which altenlion should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed.. Jonathan Hill FCMA CGMA Lichlield Diocesan Board of Financ8 St Marys Hou58, The Close, Lichfield. WS13 7LD Date.. Page J7
PCC of Whitchurch Flnancial Statements forthe year ended 31 December 2024 Statement of Financial Actlvilies Unresti'lcted DesnAted Re5trtcted Endowment fund$ fuiids (ui)d$ funds TotAI Prior year funds iotal funds Rec01pts Donation$ and189ac5 Income Irom thorilable a¢tivllies Other trading act8$ In¥85trnents Dlher IrKomo Totsl iftGorne 93.214 13,840 22,822 17,324 3.759 19,993 116,968 f3,840 23,974 27,081 104.15) 17,561 22,662 31.120 1.152 9,757 147,200 3.769 30,902 181,B61 176,689 Paymenls Raising fullils Expenditure on Ghalilab aGbvrtie5 T¢Jtal expondlluro 3,343 141.670 f45,D13 3,641 f57 225 160.866 3.390 362.241 364632 1N17 14A36 Not Income I lexpendllurel resources befoT¢ transfer 2.187 2,343 16,466 20.998 1188,9431 Transfers Gr05s Iranslers between fund5- In Gross transfers b8lween funds. out other recognlsed galn8 119$58s Gains Ilosses on inv8slmerrt 8SS8ts Net mDvgrnenl In funds 2,512 11.7831 103 1,680 12,5121 4,295 14,2951 2,012 12.614 33.610 7,485 1441 23,679 1134.B261 Total fund8 br¢uuht forward 1.132,508 2,461 363,977 1A9B.966 q.633,793 Totsl funds carried foNRrd 1,139.993 4.927 387,656 1,532.576 1,49B.9e6 Repented by Unr5trl¢ted Gen8ral Fund 1,139,993 1,139,WJ 1,132,508 D¢slgnated 8ell Oesignaled Pianol Organlst Vac8ncy Support Fvnd 2,557 1.516 654 2.557 1,510 2,512 Restrfcted Church Buiklings Fund Scheft Fabric Re51ricted Growin9 Fallh Foundallon Lgarnlng InlwB)r OecorAllng Schgffle LèGterD Reslrlcléd TlmeTogeiher 220 3fj7.820 TO,000 1,627 1,000 6,989 220 367,820 10,OOD 1,627 1.000 6,989 220 351,654 4,077 1,000 7,028 Page J8
PCC of Whitchurch Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 Balance sheet TotBI Prior ¢ai' fuiids Flxed assets Tangible assels Inve$lm?n15 892.300 563 727 1,456,027 692,300 551 113 1A43.413 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and hand 3,163 7.143 55.762 62,905 79,472 Ll8blSltl•8 Creditor8.' Amounls falling due In one yEar 2.923 T,352 Nèt 4ssel$188? Gurrent118b151tles 76,649 55.553 Total assets le55 Ettrrent IlablllUe5 1,532,876 1,49B,966 Total nelasseig Ilabllltl89 1,532,576 1Ng8,966 RèpTe&ènied by UThrBStrlctgd Goner81 Fund 1,139,9WJ 1,132.508 Dgslgnaled Beil Designated PianolOrganlBt Vac8ncy Support Fund 2.557 1,516 854 2.512 Restrlctèd Growing Faith Foundallon Learniny Hub Fabrlc Reslrfcled Tim8 Tagelher Church BuHdings Fund Schème Inlerfor Deeorallng Schern LeclBrn Reslricled Agancy colbctto 10.000 367,820 6,969 220 1,627 1,000 351,854 7,028 22Q 4,077 1.000 Funds olthe church 1532 S75 Approved by the PCC on ..l+lli.h-l*H.... 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Page 19
PCC of Whitchurch Financial Statements forthe year ended 31 December 2024 statement of assets and Ilabllltles - 2024 G¢iierAI Desi at¢d R¢slri¢t•d Endowment This
or
Last ear Flxed ass8t8. InveJtrner>ts CCLA InveslmeTrl Fund CB300B499- CCL4 Investment Fund C83028464- CCL4 Inve51tnenl Fund CB3028465- 62.801 52.257 89.138 204,197 62,601 52,257 446 669 563,727 61,396 51.088 438.629 061.113 359 531 359,531 Totals Flxad assgts. Tanyiblo a$50t5 8grgal6s Hgll- 38 efidgewalèr sir88t- 3b grldgewater Stet- 584.282 154,009 154.009 892,3DO 584.282 154,009 154.009 892,300 584.282 154.OU9 Totals 892.300 Currant assats-cash at bankand In hand Barclays CUrientA0unl. Barclays DèFx)sllAttotsnl- Petty Cash- Flowers Petiy Cash- 1,194 44,101 2,415 2,512 7.909 10,660 45.ODO 84 18 65,762 64.725 26 41 76.309 41 46,362 Totsl8 4.927 26.020 Current assets- Debtors Iniwior D$G¢raiing 8therne- Church au1Ing Fund Schenw- Sundry Debtors- PrepaymeRts. ArLounls Recdvabio- 1.W27 220 1,627 220 4,077 1,675 137 137 1.172 7,143 TotalB 1,316 1.847 3.163 Uabllltle$- Agency accounts Ag8ncy collectbns. 258 258 12581 Totals 1802) Llabilitles- Credllor8: Amounts falling due In on8 year rual5- Accounts Payable- 4,247 Totals 3.182 3,182 8,153 Grand toial 1139993 1 532 676 1498.966 Statement of Assets and Llabilities - 2023 Clas$ 8nd nomlngl ¢ode Genaral Deslgnatgd Ro$trl¢ted Endrjwment Total Lpst yèar FSxed A$$et- Invesfmenfs 6450.. CCIA Investment Fund C83008499 6455." CCLA lave51rn&nl Fund C83028484 6460.. CCLA Investmènt FutMI CB3028465 Total Flxed As$èt- Tanglble Assets 6430.. Bargates Hall 6441., 3a Brldgewaler Street 8442.. 3b Bridgewater Streèt Total Current Asset- Cash At Bank And In Hand 6501.. Balay$ GJrrenlArxount 6505.. eardays Deposit Account 6530.. Petty Cash 8531.. Flowers Pelly Cash 81,396 51,088 87,143 199,627 61,396 56,116 51,088 46,695 438,629 594,185 551,113 696,996 351,486 351,486 584.282 154,009 584.282 584,282 IS4,009 154.009 154,009 154,009 892,300 892,300 892,300 10.339 35,376 84 18 40 2,512 282 7,111 10.660 45,000 84 18 16.880 25,024 Page 20
Total CUrnt Asset. Debtors 6560.. Int81ior Decorating Sd)eme 6561.. Church Building Fund Scheme 6565.. Suncsry Debtors Z05.. Accoun15 RecEivable Total Llablllty- AgènGy AGcounts 6699.. AgerY collection8 Tolal Llabllity- Creditors- Amounts Falllny Due In One Year 6601.. Accruals 4,176 Z04.. Accoun15 Payable 3.906 Total 8,082 45P16 2,552 7,393 5S,762 41.993 4,077 220 4,077 220 1.675 1,172 7,143 3.514 220 53 786 4,573 1.675 1.172 2,B47 4,297 802 18021 802 18021 1.660 11,6601 71 4.247 3.9 8,153 884 71 3.730 Nettotsl assets 1132508 2481 363 977 1498,966 1.633 793 Fund movement by type - 2024 eni Ittcomiii Out oln Ti'ansfei's Gain%ao5ses Clos5 GFF. Growong Falth Founda Reslrtc18d fo.000 10,000 Sub4tsts1 lor GFF 10.000 General- Generdl Fund Unreslrlcled 147 200 147.20tI 145013 145,013 729 729 1 139993 1,139.993 Sub4otal for G8nfyral 1.132.508 4,669 Bpll Bsll Deslgnated Deslgn#iÈd 45 4S 2.607 2.657 sub.total for Be 2.612 Pleno- Planol Organ181 Designated 788 788 103 103 SU10t01 for Plano 1201 1,516 VSF-V8cancy Support Fund Ue5ignal8d 31 1.513 1,513 628 628 854 864 Sub-total forVSF FabG. Fabrlc Restrlctod Restricted 351.654 351,654 367 820 367,820 Sub.tot81 lor Fabric 28,206 10.084 B,046 TlmelogBt. Tlma TouètheT R85tricl8d 7.026 7,026 2.447 2,447 Sub.tot81 forTlme Toggt 1,162 11,9321 6,989 CBFS. Church Bulldlng8 Fun Restricted 220 220 220 220 Sutstotal for CBFS IDS- Intsrior Decoratlng R8$lricl8d 4,077 4,077 250 250 Sukhtotal for IDS 3,200 500 1,627 Lectern- L8¢tern Restrlcied Reslricled Sub4otal for Lectem q,000 1,000 Gra[ total 1 498 966 161861 1 632 576 Page 21
Fund movement 5ummary- 2023 Fund Opening Incomlng Outgolng Tr8n8fers General 1,106,257 142,346 1,106,257 142,346 G8lnslLo$se Journals Closin Unreslricled Sub-totals 147.954 147.954 30.848 30,848 1,132,508 1,132,508 1,012 Boll 2.512 2,512 De8i8nated Sub-totals 2.512 2,512 VSF Desi9nalgd Sub-total$ 1.988 1.988 31 1311 2,019 Fabrlc 514,061 514,061 ReStrted Sub-tof8ls 28.651 211,651 214.328 214,328 351,654 351.654 23.269 Tlme Together 6,229 6,229 Reslricled Sub-totals 1.512 11,5121 7,026 7,026 3,642 1.332 CBFS 220 220 Restilcted Sub-totals 220 220 IDS 3,514 3,514 Restricted sub.totals 63 600 soo 4.077 4,077 Lectern Restricted Sub4o¢als 1,000 1,000 f,000 Totsl$ 1633 793 176,689 365 632 1,498,966 Analysis of income and expenditure for the year onded 31 December 2024 Total t&r Unrestricled Desl nated Restricted Endownieiit This La51 exr INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacles Planned Givlng- Gift Ahd- Sank Planned Giving- Gift Atd IC8rd Machinel Other alled giving Loo58 plate collections Other Donatlons eg Funerals Giving through church boxes One-off Gift Aid gifts Tax G0verable on Gift Aid Lag8G1è5 31,814 1.059 31,814 1,059 38,e46 5.867 4,665 2,511 1,597 779 7,451 20.0 300 6.167 4.665 11,999 1,597 779 7,451 20,0 4.680 5,831 5.864 1,767 958 9,395 11,(M)O 45 9,443 Page 22
Recurring gr&nls- LDBF IDS & CBFS Bonus Recurring grants- LDBF Extra Parishes Recurring granls- Fauls Admtn Contribut Recuriing grants- Tilstock Admin Contri Recurting Grants- LDBF Vaeancy Support Recurring Grants- Glowing Faith Found81 Non-recurring one-off granls Other fijnds generated 250 250 63 36 2,400 2,400 2,261 2,400 2,400 2.256 1,513 1,513 1.988 10,0 lo.0 10,3&3 2.309 93.214 10.363 4,510 116.*6 16,127 Tolal 3,759 19,993 104,150 Incom8 from charltablg activitles Stalulory Fees for wèddings Stalulory Fees for funerals Local Fees for weddings Loeal Fees for funer81$ Hospital Chaplaincy 2,423 6,820 770 3,827 2.423 6,820 770 3,827 1,100 7,883 348 S.366 2,864 17,561 Tot81 13,840 13.840 Other tradlng actlvltles Rummage sal25 elc Church hall lelliNgs Hire irf Church Parish rnagazine ar other income Totsl 9t 20,401 918 599 22,822 365 19,955 1,372 990 22.682 1.152 2t.553 916 599 23,974 1.152 Investments Dividends Bank and building society intereal R9nl from 3a Biidgewaler Streel Rent from 3b BTidgewal8r Street 5,541 542 5.640 9,757 15,298 542 5.640 5.800 27,081 19,750 269 5,640 Total 17.324 9,757 31.120 Other Income Insuranc8 dalms Totat INCOME TOTAL 147,200 30,902 181.861 176,689 EXPENDITURE Ralsing funds C05t5 of fole¥ & other ever¢ts Investment managem8nlc05ts 1,859 1,484 3,343 298 2,158 1.925 1,465 3,390 Total 2g8 3.641 Expendlture on charltable actlvlties Glvlng Io missionary societies 1.000 Page 23
Home mi88ion Secular CharleS Parish Share Salary of parish adminlstralttr Rector expenses - mileage Rector expenses- p08tage aj other n7iSC Reelor e¥penses- publications R8clor expenses- h08pilality Reclor expènses- telephonè Reclor expenses- compu19T Rector expen5e5- house in$uranc8 Rector expon$e8- training Rector expenses- Rectory 98iden Read8rlDeanery Synod and other expenses Eduoallon Parish Ifainiru and ttxssion Bubble Church ChurGh iunfjing. insuran¢e Church offi¢e- lelephone Oigan I piano luning and organlst Church maintenarKe Cleaning Upkeep of services Upkeep of churchyard Upkeep of cor parks PrinlinglPholoeopyiFhg P051age & Stallonèry offi Equipmenl Annual Subscriptions B8nk Charges Wislting spoak818 1 locums Memori818ook Church rLJnning- elèclrtc Church running- gas Church running- water Church running- healing and lightiNJ Hall running- eleGlri¢ity Hall running- g45 Hall running- insurance Hall running maintenance H811 running- wot6r Hall running- consurnabjes Govarnance costs ex8min81ionlaudit fe& Church major repairs- slructure Church rnajor r9pairs- professional fe88 Church interior 8nd exterior decorating 8rldgew8ler SIet pmperty ¢0sls Total EXPENDITURE TOTAL 160 150 2,000 40,673 16,319 180 10 41.486 17,943 852 11 41,486 17.943 852 84 18 190 40 41 414 64 18 190 40 41 414 95 80 292 80 825 12781 318 3.200 3.240 21 474 1.974 6.461 2,132 10,225 10.361 3,718 3,347 6,008 1.798 2,254 984 2,978 7,542 523 1.332 1,353 474 1.974 6.461 2.132 10.715 75,771 3,718 3.657 6.008 1,798 2,074 984 2,978 1,542 523 1.512 225 6,127 2,223 7,322 11,819 3.270 3,501 4.788 49 2,961 1,003 2,807 918 604 180 705 5,025 7.142 250 3,710 2,261 3,032 388 4,957 490 5.410 311 11801 560 4,546 8,072 273 580 4,546 8,072 273 2,131 2.475 388 3.109 441 163 175 2,131 2.475 388 3,109 441 163 175 150 45e 4,219 456 4.219 196,762 16.515 2,545 3,597 141 670 145013 3.S97 157.225 160.866 6,318 362,241 365.632 1,118 1.417 14.436 GRAND TOTAL 20.996 188 g43 Allocation of Support Costs Support costs comprise Trustee Training and Governance Costs etc. Due to the nature of the financial activities of the PCC, these would be allocated across Charitable Expenditure whlch comprises the majority of its expenditure and as such are automatically charged there. PogE 24
PCC ofwhitchurch Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 Staff Costs 2024 2023 es & Salaries £ 24,042 £ 19,517 Average number of employees During the year the PCC employed an administrator and church cleaner (both part-time). Our organist James Kell85 is now on an employment contract (from August 2024). The administrator's salary attracts additional employer pension costs. There were no employers Nl contributions a5 the PCC benefits from Ihe Emp5oyers Nl Allowance. The PCC uses the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) for its pension payments. There were no employee benefits to key management personnel in the previous or current year. Trust8es' Ramuneration & Expenses No trustee was employed and no trustee received remuneration during the year. 1 Trustee has been reimbursed £1,060 (2023.. £552) for travel and phone expenses incurred during the year. Related Parties No other expenses were paid to any other PCC member, persons closely connected to them, or related parties. Donations from related parties (PCC m8mbers) totalled £7,996 {2023- £10,335). This is the total of all givingldonations made by PCC members who served during the year ie. includes plannedlregular giving as well as any one-off donations. Page 25
Fees for the examination of the accounts 2024 2023 Independent Examiner's fees 245 175 Other fees (eg accountancy services) paid to the Independent Examiner Analysis of Transfer bètween Fund5 Analysis of Transfer between Funds 2024 Description Unrestrirted Designated Restricted Total Transfer to Interior Decorati ng Scheme Hlre of Church Hall- Time Together Photocopying Recharge- Time fogether Plano Recital Dec 23 15WI 1,152 180 11031 500 11,1521 11801 103 Total 729 103 18321 Analysis of Transfer between Funds 2023 Descriptlon Unrestrfcted Deslgnated Restricted Total Transferto Interior Decorating Scheme Hire of Church Hall - Time Together Photocopying Recharge- Time Together 15QOI 1.152 360 500 11,1521 13601 Total 1,012 o I1,0) Page 20
Fixed Assets Tangible Fixed Assets Costlvalue 0110112024 Addltlons Dlsposals R•valuallon Deprectation C05t/value 3111212024 B8ry8t88 Hall 3a Bridgewalerslrepl 3b Brid98water Slreel 584282.00 154,009.00 154.009.00 584,282, 154,009. 154.009.(0 Totsl 8913(K).( The Tangible Fixed Assets are shown at historical cost and are not revalued each year. The properties are well-mainlained and an impairment review is carried oul persodically. Fixed Asset Investments CCLANQ CosVVHlue Addltlon5 oyoi/2024 Disposals Revaluatlon Costlvalue 3y1212024 UnrÈstrlcted Fund CCLAIn$fyen1 Fund Sh8r8S CCLAknMisknènl Fufid Shares CCLAknva51fflenlFund Shar¢5 rDtulLlnrestricted CB3028464-(M)I CB3028465-(QI CB3008499.(QI 51.088 07.143 1,169 1,995 1.405 4.569 52.257 89,138 62,801 204,196 199,627 Restrttted. General FabTIc CCLAkn¥eslmenlFund Shares C83QO84654K)I 351.486 351.486 &045 8,045 359,531 359,531 TotolRestrKted Totsl Inve51meThts 551,113 IL614 561727 Current Assets a. Debtors 2024 2023 IDS & CBFS Gift aid recoverable Prepayments and accrued income Olher debtors- Church Hall lettings Dec 2024 4,297 1,615 80 137 1,179 1,172 Total Page 27
Liabilitles a. Amounts falling due in one year 2024 2023 Acciuals Accounts able Agency paymentsl collections 4,247 3,906 (8021 3,182 (2581 Total Prior Year Comparative statement of Flnancial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2023 Unre5trict?d Deslgnated RastrFCtod Endowm8ffl Total funds funds funds fund¥ funds Prlory¢ai total funds ReGelpt8 Donations and legacies Income from charitable aclwilie8 Other tradiNg activities Invèstments Other income Total Ineom• 85.155 17.561 27,530 16.925 1,176 142,346 1,988 17,008 104.150 102.915 17.561 12,185 22.682 19,421 31,120 31.832 1.152 14.1 1.988 32,355 176,689 166,353 Payments Raising ILtnds Expendltuwe on charitable acilvlls Other expenditure Total •xpandrlure 3.390 144,564 3,390 1,663 362,241 160,056 2.019 215,658 147,954 2,019 215.658 365.632 161.720 Not Income I lexpendlturel resources before transfer 15,6091 1183,3031 1188,94314,633 Transfers Gross transfers baiween funds- h) Gross transfers belwe6n fund5- out Other reoognl8ed galns I losse8 Gains11055es on investrnenl assets Gaivs on ievalualion, fixed assetg. tharivs own use Net movement in funds 1,512 {S(KJl 500 11,5121 2.012 2,932 {2,0121 12,9321 30,848 23.269 54.117 (92.9951 26,251 1311 (161,0461 1134,8261188,3621 ReconGlllatlon of lund$ Total fund5 brought forward 1.106,257 2,S42 525,023 1.633,793 1,722,154 Total funds tArried lorward 1.132,508 2,481 363,977 1.498,966 1.633,793 Page 28