Charity regish7tion nuniber.. 1130082 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Annual Report 8nd Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 Deceinber 2024 Lanliain & Francis Cliartered Accouiilants Church House ChurGlI Street Yeovil Sonierset BA20 1 HB The Parochial Chureh Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne Ivith Castleton Contents (continued) TrLlStees' Report Ito40 Iiidependent Auditors, Report 41to44 Statement of Financial A¢tivAti&q 45to46 Balance Sheet 47 Cash Flow Statement 48 Notes to the Financial Statements 49to64 The Parochial Church Council of the Kcclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report The trustees present ihe annual report together with the financial stateinents and auditors, report of the charity for the year ended 31 Deceiiiber 2024. Objectives Niid Activitles Olijecls uiiil diii The object of Ilie cliarity is to promote in the e¢¢lesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church. Objecllve.I,.I'lrlllegies fiii¢l acliviliej The objectives and strategies of the charity include: The advaiicement of the Chiirch of England by means of broad¢asling messages of a teaching nalure, within oiir five churches and thre¢ parishes. To see a greater celebration of diversity and a wider integration of all God's people inlo his family. Tlie provision of facilities for the celebration of Christian ivorship. Also. the mainlenance aiid improvement of those facilities for futLire generations to carry on the Christian Iradilions. The Inaintenance and support of reclors, leani vicars and others engaged iii cl)aritable works. Special consideration to developing lay ministry across the benefi¢e. encouraging and facilitating greater lay involvement with pasloral care. mission and ministry. Tlie support of all charitable works Ca￿led out within tlie Sherborne Abbey community. The conliiiued support of local, nalioiial and international orgai)isations engaged in Chrisliaii or other philai)thi'opic activity. tlirougli our Faitli in Action Coiniiiittee. Outside of Covid-19 restrictions the Holy Eucharist is offered daily in the Abbey, and at least twice on Sundays. Tliere is at least one service in botli Castleton Cliurch aiid at the Gryplion Scliool STPAULS(4THEGRYPHON - every Sunday. Castleton Church uses only the Book of Common Pl'ayer for the Eucharist and Mattiils. Tlie PCC also has niainlenance responsibilities for the Digby Memori81 Cliurch Hall. the Sherbori)e Abbey Shop. 2 Abbey Close and 'The Coltage, at 4 Abbey Close. The PCC rents ihe Parish Office and 67 Acreinan Street fix)In the Sherborne Castle Estates and has a 50150 Equity Share A8reeinent with the Diocese for 69 Granville Way. Sherborne. FiiiidiYil.IliiK dlsclo.1iire The chai'ity beiiefits from a number of areas, which enable us lo raise funds to meet our objectives, naii)ely tlie Abbey shop, Ilie Church Hall, the miisic Committee and the social Coinmittee. We are committed to using th￿¢ assets to lielp support our mission, lo¢ally and on a wider scale. The annual Abbey Music Feslival has specifi¢ objeclives to promole InLlSlC within tlie parish, with any funds raised bein8 iised for that aim, namely the financing of th¢ ¢hoir and general inusic within the Abbey. Aiiy other specific fuiidraising requirements will be engaged as necessary. Piiblic beitefil The truslees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 201110 have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by th¢ Charity Commission for England and Wales aiid, in particular. the specific guidance on charities for ihe advaiicement of religioii. Tlie reports tliat follow Iliis report are te5taii)ent to tlie ivide range of activities ¢alTied out in tlie Parish foi. tlie beiiefit of the whole of our community. Page The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (eontinued) Referenee And AdministrAtive DetAils Principal 0￿1¢¢. The Parish Office 3 Abbey Close Sherborne Dorset DT9 .3LQ Aiidiloi.: Lanh8m & Francis Chartered Accountants Church House Cliurch Street Yeovil Somerset BA20 1 HB Bankers and investment managers: Natwest Bank plc 2 Hendford Yeovil Somersel BA20 ITN Lloyds Bank plc 75 Cheap Sireet Sherborne Dorset DT9 3BD CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Mallin8 Kent ME194JQ CCLA Investment Managenient Limited Senator House London EC4V 4ET M&G Securities Limited Laurence Pountney Hill London EC4R OHH Page 2 The ParoLhial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Trustees And officers Tlie trustees and otficcrs serving diiring the year and since the year end were as follows: Trustees: The Revd Hugl) Bonsey The Revd Martin Lee The Revd James Edie Mrs Sandra Grdves Dr David Ferguson Mr Neil Grenyer Mr Robert Harris (died 24 October 2024) Mr Jonathan Rodd (resigned 26 May 2024) Mr PALII Boyd-Lee Mr Michael Keatiiige Mrs Yvonne Libbey Mr David Fifield Dr Chi'islopher Hamon Mr David Rayner Mrs Siie Bradshaw (resigned 17 October 2024) Dr John Crossinan Mrs Jacqueline Baker (resigned 26 May 2024) Dr John Bradshaw (resigned 17 October 2024) Mrs SLie Hawkett (resigned 26 May 2024) Mr Andrew Horsey (resigned 26 May 2024) Mr Steve Drew Mrs Julie-Ann Soul (resigned 26 May 2024) Mrs Jiilie Mahony {￿sIgned 26 May 2024) Mrs Harriet Chappell (resigned 17 Oclober 2024) Mr Tim Farr Mrs Rebecca McDonnell Mr Ni¢liolas Pas¢oe Mr Owen Hinder (appoint¢d 26 May 2024) Mrs Alex Mackenzie (appointed 26 May 2024) Mrs Henrielta Paul (appoinled 26 May 2024) MIE Leigh Fislier (appointed 26 May 2024) Mr John Keatiiig (appoinled 26 May 2024) Mr Peter Neal (appointed 26 May 2024) Page 3 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Sti'ucturei governance and mAllAgement 111 2024 there were seven meetings of ihe full Council during the year and five meetings of the Standing Comniittee. Rgporls from Comniittees and Working Parties were received by the Council and discussed where necessary. Fabi-ic Inatter5. Coiicerning all tlie properties for which tlie PCC Ilas maii)leiiance respoiisibilities. wei'e regiilai. agenda items. Tlie Council is very grateful to the Friends of Sherborne Abbey foi. their financial support in funding major projects and the ongoing routine maintenance at the Abbey. The Annual Parochial Church Meeling for the Parish of the Abbey Churcli of St Maiy the Virgin. St Mary Magdalene, Castleton and St Paul's Church was held on 26th May 2024. At tlie meeting to elect Churchwardens held on 26th May 2024, the following were elected to serve as Churchwardens.. Mrs. Alex Mackenzie. Mrs. Henrietta Paul, Mr. Robert Harris. Mr. Owen Hinder, Mr. Nick Pascoe and Mrs. Sandra Graves. Mrs. Alex Mackenzie and Mrs. Henrietta Paul were welcoined as the iiew Cliui'cliwardens for The Abbey and Mr. Owen Hinder welcoimed as the new Churcliwarden for St. Mary Magdalene chil￿h, Castleton. Grateful Ilianks were extended to Mr. Jonathan Rodd for his work and long-slanding as a Churchwarden in the Abbey for 12 years, and also to Mr. David Ferguson. Dr. Hamon was elected as Electoral Roll Officer. Mr. Sieve Drew, Mr. John Keating. Mr. Peter Neal and Mrs. Leigh Fisher were duly elected 10 serve for a Iliree-year term endiiig in 2027. Mr. David Ferguson was elected to serve foi. l year ui)til 2025 to fill a vacancy. Ele¢tions were held for laity to serve on the Sherborne Deanery Synod for one year. Dr. John Bradsl)ow and Mrs. Sue Bradshaw were duly elected. At the PCC Meeting held on 20th June 2024 the followin8 elections took place'.- Mr. David Fifield was elected as Lay Chair and Mrs. Susan Lee was elected as Secretary. Mr. Nigel Chappell agreed to conliniie in his role as Treasiirer for the Abbey. Co-opted member Rev. Hugh Bonsey was elected to serve for anoiher year. Mr. Mike Keatinge was appointed Chairnian of the Fabric Committee. In October 2024 Dr. John Bradshaw. Mrs. Sue Bradshaw and Mrs. Harriet Chappell resi8ned from the PCC. On a veiy sad note, on 24tli October 2024 Mr. Robert Harris, Cliurchwarden of St. Mary Magdalene, Castleton P115sed away. Robert will be very sadly missed. This leaves a vacancy at Si. Mary Magdalene. Naliire ofgoveriiliig ilociinieiit The Paro¢hial Church Coiin¢il of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castlelon (Shei'boi'ne Abbey PCC) is a body corporate established by the Cl)urch of England. Tlie PCC operates under tlie Paro¢liial Cliurch Council Powers Measure. The PCC'S Registered Charily Number 15 1130082. The United Benefice of Sherborne with Castleton and Lillington was created by an Order in Council in 1927. It wa5 fuither expanded in 2006 ivitli the addition of the Parish of Longburton. wliich was traiisferred from tlie Benefice of Dungeon Hill by a Pastoral Scheme made by the Cl)urch Commissioners in pursuance of tlie Pastoral Measure 1983. The Parishes of Lillington and Lon8burton retain their own Parochial Church Councils and publish their own Annual Reports. Page 4 The Parochial Chureh Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne Ivith Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) From l December 2016 the Benefice of Sherborne with Castleton. Lillinglon and Loiioburton was established as tlie Slierborne Teain Ministry by a Pastoral Scheme made by the Cliurch Cominissioners in pursuance of tiie Pastoi'al Measure 2011. Iii Septeinber 2017 St Paul's Churcli (dedicated in 1957) was designated by the Bisliop as a "Parish Ceiitre of Worship" raihei. tlian a "Mission Cliur¢h" Recriilliiieiil ftiid upijuittiliiieiil of Iriislees Meinbei's of the PCC are either ex oificio or elected al the Anniial Parochial Cliurcli Meeting in a¢¢ordance with Ilie Chui'ch Representation Rules. A full list of Ineinbers of th¢ Couiicil is contained in tl)is report. The PCC operates Ihrough a number of committees and working pai1ies between fiill meetings of the Council. The reports of their work during the year follow this report and should be read as part of this report, There are many different groups working wiihin the parish for ihe benefit of churcli members and the wider cominunity. Their reports. which follow, should also be read as part of this report. Reluiloiisliips wilh reldledpurlies Sliei'bori)e Local Eeuiiieiiical Pii'lneiship Tlie Parish 15 a full Ineinbei. of Ilie LEP, operating as Sherborne Churches Together. Miijor rlskJ uiill iiirtii(IKeipieiil of 1lio.fe rl$ks Risk maiiAgement The Ii'u51ee5 have examined the major strategic. business and operation81 risks which the charity faces. This involved prioi'itising the potential iii)pa¢t ai)d likelihood of occurrence, logellier wilh idenlifyii)g Ine8ns of iiiitigation. The Charity continiies to develop ils policies and procedures to reduce fir¢ and health and safety risk, and traiii all persoiinel as appropriate. Our safeguardiiig policy contiilues lo develop protection policies for childreii. youiig persoiis aiid vuliierable adults, aiid n)ainlains tlie trainiiig of all eiigaged individuals ivorking widiiii Ilie cliariti,. Specific iinportance is placed on eveiits held wiihin the Abbey's cominiiiiity. ovei. aild above iiormal worshippin8 Services, where procedures and detailed insur4nce are reviewed to mitigate any possible I'isk areas. Aclileijeiiieiils niirfperforiiiffliice Delllils of activities undertaken during the year. as well as future plans are contained within the individual repoi'ls that follow. Page 5 The Paroebial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne Trvith Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Rector's report In writing this report to you. it is important to slop and reflect on the year that has passed. As I write this report, I give Ilianks for the tremendous amount of dedication given to our benefice in su¢li a niyriad of ways and there is much to celebrate. This report enables us to not only celebrate the life of our Churcli in the past year, but also. to express on behalf of the parish my mosl sincere thanks for all that Is done and continues to be done. On a more personal note. l ftm sure that you will want to join me in this. to express our deep sense of gratillide to all our relired priests who have given uiistiiilin8ly during the past year. On a sad note. we also remember wilh great affection Robert Harris our churchwarden at Castleton, who sadly died in October. On a joyful iiole, it was wonderful to see The Reverend Rebecca McDonnell our curate. ordained as a Priesl. I would like also to express our sincere thanks to all our churChwarde￿ Vergers. and office staff. It is always dangerous to pull out things in th¢ past year Ihat have been parti¢ulai'ly special, for you easily miss 50melliing. so I won'l do tliat, but to all who have contributed to the various woiiderful eveiits in tl)e past year please know l)ow much you are appreciated. li is tliougli. appropriate Ihat we rel￿en)ber during tlie last year the Inoinentous occasions as well as soine of tlie sadder moments. Whilst an annual report is very much a time to look back and Tcflect, it is also 8 tiine lo ponder for a moinent on tlie journey Iliat lies ahead of LIS. From the many discussions Ihal I have been able to liave. I know Il)at Il)ere is real excitenient and enthusiasm for the future. We continue lo be very a¢live in endeavouring to build a toilet facility here in the Abbey. This is 8 journey on which we continue to be committed, and would like lo suggest tlial we may well be seeing ihe eiid in sight of gaining perniissioi) lo do so. There are many Ihii)gs ahead, wliicli I hope we will be able lo look back on nexl year with great excitement. It is a journey thal we will take togetlier. As a benefice we endeavour to disccrn the direction in which God is calling us and how he wants us to serve him and those around us in the commiinity in which we are so fortunate to live. So, to ihe year ahead, we look forward with enihusiasm and excitement, and I thank God Ihat we will walk Ihis journey together. seeking to grow in understaiiding of the nature of God's abundant love, and the grace he pours upon us as we serve liim in tliis beautiful place. The Revei'end Mai'lin Lee ITI Page 6 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Parish Sgfeguarding Report The PCC is coniniitted to Ilie promotion within the parish of a safe environment for children. young people and adults and to respond promptly to Safeguarding concems or allegalioiis. Et has managerial oversight of Safeguarding and in their capacity as trustees, PCC meinbers are reqiiii'ed lo hold Enhanced DBS certificales and coinplete safeguarding training. Safeguarding is an iteiii on all PCC Agendas. Siipport niidgiil(luiice 111 2024 a nuinber of significant safeguarding matters arose which required reference to aiid suppoi'l froin the Diocesan Safeguai'diiig Team. Further matters were dealt willi locally iii accordaiice witli the Abbey's policy and pi'ocedui'es. In 2023 fiv¢ safeguarding matters arose wliich were ofenough significance to reqiiire tlie advice and support of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. which was readily given. A further two matters were dealt with lo¢ally in accordaii¢e with the Abiw's policy and procedures. Cliolr In conjunction iyilh the Direclor of Music and ihe new Assistant Director we have reviewed Ilie safeguai'dinb policies aiid procedures sU￿0vI)dIng clioir activities (PTa¢lices, lessoiis and services). Revised arraiigeinei)ts h4ive been to PLIt in place, including the appoinimenl of Choir Chaperones who liave received Ilie necessary Sategiiarding training and DBS certificates. The Choral Scholars here for 2024125 have received Safeguardiiig clearance (DBS and training) from their positions at Sherbome School. Pfirlsli Dftsliboftrd.s We are still awaiting fomial agreement to the ¢reation of an individual Dasllboard for St Paul's. Tl)is oiiliiie resource is designed to enable PCC'S to easily oveisee Ilie current position of Safegiiarding requiirinei)Is (display of posters, review of policies. etc) by a 'tra￿lC lighl" display which ideiilifies where a¢lioii is necessary. Triiliiliix Tliei'e is iio automaled reiiiinder systein for Training renewals (due every 3 years) and therefore PSOS tlirougl)out Ilie Diocese are reqiiired to keep Inanual records. Toward5 Ilie end of 2024 the ColE national Online systein was enhanced so that PSO'S coiild have visibility of lrnining iindertaken by Ihose requii'ing it. By the end of the year 37 people had linked iheir records and this nuinber will increase as people reiiew theii. training Ilii'ougli 2025. Areftxfor rev1￿￿ 111 2025 A5 part of a progranime to cover safeguarding issue5 of the various activities in the churches we inteiid to revieiv support for Ilie Abbey Welcomers (fomierly Guardians), Servers. Sl)op lielpers aiid documeiilatioii for Hall rentals. There will also be a need to review procedures Covering the Abbey's activities undertaken in the Aliiishou5C. Dl.vclosiire ￿lId Barrlii2 Servlce (DBS) Siallslics Th¢ Church of Eiiglaiid's "Safer Recruitment" practice guidance defines those roles for which Disclosur¢ & Barring Service (DBS) Certificates are required.. Ttie CofE policy is Iliat Certificates niu5t be ￿neWed every 3 years if Ilie holdei. is still in a role which requires it. Within the Parish the numbei's during 2024 were as follows:. No of DBS at l Jan 40 Deletions & expiries Expiries Renewals New DBS No of DBS at31 Dec 40 Abbey Ca5tleton si Paul's (10) (i) (6) 34 26 TOTAL 76 (22) (io) 13 68 Page 7 The Parochial Church Council of tbe Eeclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Notes: Deletions includes those no longer in roles, & those with roles no longer requiring DBS. Numbers above EXCLUDE Clergy, Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMS) and Lay Pasloral Assistants (LPAS) for whom records are managed ¢enlrally by the Diocese. In addition to managing Parish DBS applications & renewals, the PSO'S also continue to verify applications on behalf of Salisbury Diocese in respect of Clergy ILLMslLPAs living in ihe area. David and Lyn Rajinei.. Pai'ish Safegiiaixling OfficeiJ Page 8 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Sherborne Abbey Churehwxrdens Our Abbey Church Continues lo be as busy as ever wilh the usual mix of regular eveiits and Services Ihat are tlie 'norm' foi- us. but also nicely peppered with some different plans and events as oui. oulreach continues to gmw. On Jiiiie 17th we hosted the Archdeaconry Visitation wliich was very well attended by church warden5 froni aci'oss tlie diocese. Later in Julie we were hugely proud to witness Becca, our wonderful Cui'ale's, oi'dination at Salisbury CRihedral on Saturday 29th. This was followed by her first Eucharist ihe following day, both of which we celebrated with a post-5ervice party iii the Lady Chapel, with food supplied by our woiiderful aiid evei'.geiierous Social Committee. topped up with contributioiis from our Abbey fainily. Jiily witnessed the Abbey's production of The Sound of Miisic, which ran for ihree nights. wa5 free lo the public and enabled furtlier mucl)-needed oiilreacli Ihroiigjioiit our commiinity. The feedback lias been wonderfLII and Ihe opporlLinity for the younger members of the community to hone their theatrical skills was well i'ewai'ded by amazing perforinances and bonds being well forged between young and old aiid every age iii between. It shoiild also be iloted that though the perfonnance5 were free to attend. post-perforn)ai)ce audieiice donalioiis raised over £3000 which ive were able to pul towards the produclion cost. On a sadder i)ole, on August 7th we were made aware of an overi)ight burglary in the Abbey with Ilie loss of valuable and significant pieces of our Iiistoiy. Apart froin tlie 5ho¢k at tlie iiilrusioi) aiid sl)ainele5s act of greed, it has led to miich soiil-searcliing and a realisalion that wlien you welcome people into yoiir spiritual home seven days a week, you never really know what their ageiidas are aiid while we appreciate that the vast majority ¢oine Io OLII. Abbey Cl)urcli lo enjoy all tliat it has to offer, tliere is a need for us lo be mindful of tlie iieed for heigl)ten¢d seciirity bToing foi'wards. This has been a lesson learned and lo this end, plans are in place lo heiglilen security significantly. In Septeinber we welcomed Dr Charlie Giirnham, in the new role of Assistant Directoi. of Music to furtlier the musical outreach of our Abbey Church. Among the various dulles, Charlie is working with members of the Glergy team througl)oul the Sherborne schools, and we warnily welwme ihe contribution Charlie lias aliegdy Inade to our talented Abbey musical team. On October 20th a pre-Eucharist service presentation was made to the oulgoii18 Churchw&rdeiis, David F¢i'8uson and Joiialhan Rodd, both of whom have worked tirelessly on belialf of our Abbey Cliurcli for iiiaiiy years, in Jonathan's case since 2012. We are very grateful to the much cherislied member of oiir Abbey fainily. Joan Biles, for inaking beautiful personalised coinmemoralion plates for boih Jonathan arid David. The service was Ilien folloiyed by 8 party witli coffee, tea and homemade cake ivhicli gave Ilie congregation tlie opportuiiity lo thank them in person and acknowledge the contribution they have both made to our ¢hur¢h con)munity over the years. Anotlier new addition to tlie Abbey in the last year is the introduction of QR codes. In wI￿l appeaiB to be an ever niore cashless society, these have been pul iiito every pew lo encourage further giving. li's a siinple but exciti1)8 innovation which ive hope ivill help with our inuch-needed fundraising aiid il's w'alifyiiig lo see they l)ave been PLIt lo good use. The Abbey chiirch continues to grow as a popular vi5ilor attraction thanks to our Welcomers and Guides the Abbey lias been awarded a 2024 Travelers Cl)oice Award by Tripadvisor for deslinalioiis tl)at consistently earn five star reviews and demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence with the Abbey now being the top attraction in Sherboi'ne. In 2024 we welcoined 64.469 visilors, this contrasts with 56.077 in 202.3. We tliaiik Jeniiifer Huitsoll profusely for collating the figures for us siiice 2012, btil we're sad to report that she is sleppiiig down froin this impoixant role. however we're pleased tliat Jeiinifer will retail) hei. role as knowledgeable Abbey Guide. Similarly, Sue Mor8an also retired al the end of 2024 and we sincerely Ihaiik her for all her SLlPPOrt ovei. Ilie years running the Guardians, Rota. Not an easy lask and one for which ive thank her siiicerely. 2025 has seen another rise in visitor nuinb¢rs, being 1250 ahead of thi5 time last year. We are confident thal the addilioii of th¢ tearooms will also significantly help with enhanciiig the Abbey's reputalioii as a tourist destinatioii for all, let aloiie the Inost wonderful place to worship our God. Page 9 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) We would like lo acknowledge the incredible work and continiied support the Friends continue lo give to the Abbey, wliich I know the fabrie Committee Report covers. Among all the projects the Frieiids have aiid continlie to support. the Iransfomialion of tlie Abbey Shop has been very exciting lo witness and it is gratifying to see that all the hard work is being paid off by a healthy growth in sales. Thank you to one and all involved witli tliis project. masterminded by our own and mucli appreciated Dr Chris Hamon. December 2024 saw an even busier attendance than in previous years, From Christmas Eve to St Stephen's Day aloi)e, we liad over 2.000 people of all ages attend services. We held our annual Lent Lunch on 2nd Marcli. The wonderful Social Committee cooked the most delicious lunch and the FIAC'S ¢lio$en cliarities for this year are Confident Children Out Of Conflict and Ihe local ¢hai'ity is the Hilfield Community. both of wliich were represenled aiid tlie tslks given ivere inost illuminatiiig to all present and broLight both good cause5 to life. The lunch raised £500 which the Social Comniittee wei'e delighied to give to FIAC. On the 12th Ma￿h we opened our Sherborne Abbey Tearooms in the Almshouse. Championed and liard fought for by our Rector and the SATRCP committee, it is very gratifying to see the plans come inlo fruition. It is exciting to see God's work being perfomied and his word beli)8 shared with those in need of help, in this iniiovative way. In addition, last week it was confirmed that the Committee had been successful in theii, grant application to help with the renovation of the Community Rooms Project. As directed by the pcc. the Tear00n￿ {SATRCP) Coinmittee WO￿ independently of the PCC, but tlie syinbiolic natuir of both entities 15 obvious and the SATRCP Coinmittee are hugely gratefiil for the £50k loan that was offered and agreed to help get the project up aiid runiiing. The original concerns of the PCC were allayed by tlie severing oftlie financial 'connection' belw¢ei) Il)e Abbey and the SATRCP project, it's important that tlie leai'ooms are self-suppoiling at the very least, and going fonvards tliat they will pay for the community OLltreach work Ihat will go on in the three Cominunity Rooms. We very much hope to complete The Abbey Relief Projecl this year. As with all matters Fabric in our Abbey Chiirch, Mike Keatin8e leaps Ilie metaphorical hurdles with great aplomb and incredible diligence and is doing all he and his comniiltee can do to get the project over tlie line and created. In 2025 it does seeiii a Inatter of liuge sl)ame that we as an Abbey family cannot offer accessible facilities to young and old and t1105e willi disabilities. Heni'iellu Paiil andAlex Mackenzie Page 10 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Fxbric Commitlee Report The provisioi) of Toilets in the Abbey has again been the main issue of the year. Enquiries froin visitors, old and young, rep¢atedly emphasise ihe need for these facililies. After an exhauslive consideration of oplions diiring 2022 and 2023, led by our Ai'chilect Marcus Chanlrey, we subinitted in Januaiy 2024 a full Faculty Petition for tlie 'Abbey Facilities Upgrade, Ivitli Iliree Inain eleinenls: • Conversion of the existing vestries lo toilets. making use of an existing. main drain immediately outside. Reoi'dering of the north transept under the organ loft to Create a iiew vesty. includiiig relocation of the Horsey Moiiumeiit to the north quire aisle; Ci'ealion of a permanent hospitality unil in the Lady Cliapel to service the successful use of this as a Iiiulti-piirpose area, wilh a wheelchair lift to the north quire aisle. Early in the year we published delails of moniunents and memorials which will be affected and received miicli interest. particularly from descendaiits of the Horsey aiid Wyatt fainilies. However, hopes of early approval for Ilie project were frustrated by dilatory responses fr0111 statutory consultee5. Wishing to Inake every effort to avoid formal objections. we encouraged discussion including sit¢ VlSits and il was not until the end of October that we were finally able lo return to the Diocesan Advisory Cominittee (DAC) with a full response to the coinments re¢¢ived. With their endorsement. the foriiial public iiotice was displayed througli De¢einber and decision thereafter lies with the Cliancellor of ihe Diocese. We would hope to start work in the spriiig of 2025. Our PhD researcher Mr Francis Brown continued his work towards preparation of a Coiiservatioii Manageinent Plan (CMP). His Herilabye Siateinenls have been a valuable contribution to docuinents for Il)e Abbey Facilities Upgrade and oihei. planned woi'k. He condiicted a series of consultation interviews in lale May and we liope to liave a di'aft of the CMP early in 2025. Amoiig Smaller mattel's, the ¢handelier in tlie Lady Chapel lias been repaired and refurbished following an a¢¢ideiit with the winch. It will shortly be reinslaled with a new winch. W¢ continue lo use the Lady Cl)ap¢l for a raiib7e of siiialler Services, biit ils use as a flexible Imulti-purpose area. for coffee on Sunday Inoriiiiig5 and various other gatherings. has been generally welcoined. On an entirely differeiit hospitality tlii'ead, a set of iiesliiig boxes for Swifis was installed in a window of the lower. Iii the autumn a pair were spotted 011 the Inonitoring ¢ainera preparing a nest, and we liope to see a faniily in the spring. A sinall fall of stone at the SOLlthwesl corner of the Abbey prompted a delailed exaininalion of tliis ai'ea, wliei'e a decorated balustrade is heavily decayed. Loose material was rei)ioved and a detailed condilioi) repoit has been received. We also ¢ommis5ioned o coiidilion report on the gales to the porch and the ivesl dooi.. We liope to carry oiit the re¢ominend¢d work on masonry and ironwork in the coining year. Plans to turn tl)e cottages in the Close into a tea room were superseded by plans for ilie Almsliouse. No 2 lias been refurbished and is now occiipied by tlie Assistant Director of MLISIC. No I, foiThei'ly Ihe Sliop, will ieqiiire more radical work lo return it lo residential use. bul we retain li for the time being as a base for contractors working in the Abbey. Tlie Abbey Close is subject to Victorian legislation for closed chiirchyards under which the Abbey retains the freehold biit Sherborne Towii Council is respoiisible for niaiiileiiaiice. It thus fell to the Couiicil to iiiipleiiient the replailtiiig of the historic lime tree avenue, reduced by niid-2024 to just six lieavily decayed survivors. While sonie regrets al'e I'ecognised about the valiie of ihose survivors for wildlife. there lias been ovei'wlielining slippoit for replanting a complete aveiiue, which was carried out in Noveinber. The Abbey iiivited coiitributions, and we are grateful for a ivliolehearted response. to be recognised in a memorial book. Mike Kealinge Pagell The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (eontinued) Casllelon Church)vard¢n5 For Castlelon, 2024 has been a year that is tinged with sadness. In October Robert Harris, one of our Cl)Iii'chwardens, passed away. We will miss him and the contribution that he ii)ade lo Casilelon Church. Several oiliei- members of our coll￿.¢8at1OI) have also passed away and will be sadly missed. Tliere are otlier members of our congregation who are no longer able lo worship willi us oli a regular basis due to age and infirmity. We are an aging congregation but do our best to keep up with technological changes. most recently a smart Ineter l)as beeii installed. We are also trialiiig Ihe use of digiial tags to help with the loeation aiid identification of asli&s which have been interred in our cliurchyard. The chandelier has also been repaired. We continue to hold fellowship Sundays and are extremely fortunate to have a hard-working leam of volunteers, including flower arrangers and committee members who niake valuable contribution to the upkeep of the church. We are also blessed to have a talenled organist. John Mathew, a verger. Gordon Taylor and an experienced chaplain in Rev. Hu8h Bonsey. All these people contribute a great deal to Inake Castleton the cliurcli Iliat it 15 today. ven Hinder Page 12 The Paroehial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) St Paul's Churchwardens At the heart of St Paul's Church is the welcoming, inclusive and growiiig conimunity of people who coine togethei. to 'do life. in the week throiigh Life Groups and various activitie5 Rnd Ineet to woi'ship Jesus Lollectively on a Sunday. Si Paul's draws people from different walks of life and different church Iradilions froiii witliin Sherboi'iie and beyond and over tlie lasl year has some gr0￿h as iiew faces liave joiiied. The ongregation continues to meet weekly on a Sunday at ilie Gryplion School. to wliom we are grnteful for tlieir continued hospitality. Worslii & Dis¢1 leshi Siinday sei'vices continiie to have a pattern of Moming Worship. All Age Worship and Holy Comiiiunion over a iiionth delivered in & relaxed contemporary Style. In 2024, Sunday altendaiice has been about 95-100 oil avei'age aiid the total niimbers of those in the community sits at 130 adults aiid 22 cliildren. Young people 51iait feedback to the Congregation on their activities carried oiit at COSMIC (Sunday School). The sei'vices are live streamed so that those who cannot Inake ihe journey to church from home or wiihin our local care home5 Still feel a part of lh¢ Ch￿￿h family and community. Many visitors to St Paul's ofien comment on ihe atmospliere and welcome they receive, bui Sunday moi'niiig could iiot happen without a dedicated teani of around 25 volunteers each week who otTer their gifts and tiine to set up, welcoine, arrange floiyers, serve refi'esl)i)ients, read, pray, lead COSMIC aiid lead us in suiig ivoisl)ip. I'iin the audio and visuals desk and live stream. A great example of every member ministry which is what makes Sl Paul's Ihe family it is. A big thank you to all! One of the blessings at St Paul's is the different voices we hear from duc to a marvellous team of lay preachers who open up God's Word on a Sunday. Along with them this year we have also heard from visilin8 speakers inclLidiiig tl)e Teain Re¢tor Revereiid Martin Lee who preaclled al our Palronal Service at Ilie beginiiiiig of the yeai. (which was followed by a packed church lunch!). We have also lieai'd from Revei'end Becca McDonnell (Team Curate), Paul Gill from Christians Against Povety, Harry Vincent from Yolith for Christ, Revereiid Hugh Bonsey (PTO) and Reverend Martin Turner. Over the year we have had sem)on series with ilie theines of 'Tlie way of the Lord, and 'Conflict and calling. drawn from Il)e Lectionary (Yeai. B - Mai'k'5 Gospel). 'Tl)e I'esurrection and us., a inini-5eries on the letter the Ephesians, an Olynipic 'Goin¥ for Gold, sei'ics ovei. the suminer. In the autuinn a series on the Book of Revelalioii culminated in a joint service with Cheap Street Church for an 'AII Age, Ren)enibrance Sunday service with Revereiid Kate Koiirad, wliich was Iliei) followed by Advent. Amongst all this, fifth Sundays have been iised to hear more from ihe congregation As we have heai'd personal experience and testimony froin individuals in June and Deceimber. Discipleship through COSMIC on a Sunday (see report) for the churches young people and Life Gi'oups foi. adults diiring the week conliiiue lo be an important fociis (see report). This year Sherborne ChurL.hes Together also offei'ed Lent Groups which gave Ihe opportunity for individuals from churche5 across Sherboriie to come together and leam. Tlie course was 'Finding a Voice, which reflected on tlie film 'The Kings Speecl),. At tli¢ end of Api'il, Jiin and Becca Edie led an Alpha Course at the Mennaid Pub which had teii pailicipaiits. It was wonderfiil lo see God ivorking in all who attended (iiicluding the leadei's) as we reflected on what it is to be a follower of Jesus. This group becaine ils own Life Group following the course. lrt May St PaLII's relaunched Men's Breakfasts which hadn't happened since before Lock Down in 2020. We've liad two gatlierings lield at tlie Mermaid Pub iviih just uiider 20 Inen from across the Benefice alleiiding at eacli. It lias been a great opportunity lo share testimony and to provide support along with eating some great gnibl On Sunday 7th July. a number of chiirch members t(K)k steps in their discipleship jouriiey through a service of Baptisni and Confirmation. It was a blessing lo welconie llie Riglit Revereiid Karen Gorliani, the Bisliop of Sherborne, to a Sunday morning service at St Paul's for this. The service slarted at the Gryphon School wliere Bishop Karen preached and theii the service iiioved to the beach in Weyniouth where four cliildreii aiid oi)e adult were baptised in tlie sea, followed by five cliildren and two adults being confirimed. Mol'e Il)3n 50 people fiDin the congregation joined in the celebration with a pi¢ni¢ on the beach, it was a wonderful day. Page 13 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) In the summer New Wine returned to the Bath and West Show Ground and Si Paul's booked a plot. There were about 25 cainpers and some day visitors. A particular blessing wa5 the preaching from Tlie Rigl)t Reverend Ruth Biisliyagei., the Bishop of Horsham, who expoiinded the Gospel of Mark bringing new insight to Iliis well-known Gospel. Mission and Outreach Our regulai. gTrroLlPS' Tea & Chat. Meet & Eat, and Tums Tots & Tinies (see reports below) continue and the Friday Fareshare larder provides an averdge of 25 households (or so) a week with f(K)d at a much-reduced pi'ice, aloi)8 willi a developing place of fellowsl)ip as larder members lake advantage of coffee. tea aiid a bacon bulty and a spaGe lo chat in St Paul's Church. All weekly activities rely on a teain of volunleers. many of wl)om worship at si Paul's. but some who do not have a connection. Other groups using Si Paul's as a base iiiclude Rainbows, Brownies and Guides which help to support young people with activities outside of the scl)ool environment, The Comniunity Fun Day in early July was very successful. The rain held off and it was once again a woiiderful oppoitunity to engage with people in our area and build relalionships. Then, Ihis lime at tl)e end of Augusl, Ihe Dream Scheme took place again. Various projects were undertaken by ihe young people attending and once again we had a niix of church and local commuiiity participants and volunteers. Activilies included bike maintenance in pailnership with Hope2Cycle. Minecraft Church, prayer flag makin& baking, filniing. gai'denii)g. oiiidoor spirituality using the 'space maker, progrdmme. Ihe building of a huge 'bug hotel, to eiicoui'age insects in the grounds of the local primary school gardeii. On the final day all those who took part Celebrated willi pizza from Tamburinos, and ice cream from E¢0 Gelato, plus smootllies fiDin the smooil)y makin8 bike from Dorset Council. In September, two members of St Paul's; Sandra Miller and Bec¢a Edie, were commissioned by Bishop Karen as Lay Pioneei. Ministers. We look forward to seeing how God uses their calling to this minisliy in the fuluie. As Christinas approached, St Paul's hosted our annual Craft5 and Carols. a resounding success aiid packed to capacity. Tl)en the following Sunday our COSMIC team delivered a wonderful Nativity service (with particular thanks lo Andrew Bi'oadley who produced it). St Paul's continues to seek a church youth worker to support Sunday young peoples, work and support youth work across the town. Despite iwo roiinds of advertising, Iliere liasii'l beeii success yet. The Pastoral Team conliniies to qiiietly oversee. support and pray for botli chiirch Inembers and those in the coiiimunity experiencing difficulties in their lives whatever they might be. Docuinentatioii for the five Lay Pastoral Assistants was renewed at the end of Ihc year. As per parish policy, l 00/0 of St Paul's income gets directed toward the Faith in Action Committee (FIAC) each year and Ihrougli Il)is missional organisalions local and internatioiial are supported. Saying thi5, one Ineinber of our congregation undeilook a 72km run for Christiaii Aid and raised over £5.000 - what ai) achievement! Finance In 2024, St Paul's Comniittee lias stepped out in faith and increased its fiiiancial contribution to the parish ¢enti'al fund with the aim of ronlributing £50,000 in 2025 to subsidise Parish Share. Governance and O erations Api'il again saw a sliglit ¢han8e in the leadership al th¢ St Paul's AGM as some committee members and PCC meinbers stood down and others were elected onlnominated. In November we were delighted to welcome Angela (Suler) as a part tinie adminisli'ator lo work alongside Sai'ah, tlii5 has enabled us to have someone in the office every day. With this exli'a support we hope to launch Chuich Suite early in the New Year. this plalfonn will eiiable our nieinbers to comniuiiieate Inoi-e effectively and efficiently. 2024 lias also seen a review of St Paul's vision and. sitting alongside ihis. the St Paul's website. Therefore, vrntch for excittng changes and busy tinies are ahead for St Paul's in 20251 Revei'endJini Edie, Mi3 Sandi'a Graves andMI' Nick Pascoe Page 14 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecelesiastieal Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) ChAplAincy At the Gryphon SeeondAry School In 2024. Jim continued to balance the two roles of vicar and chaplain. leading and speaking at fortnightly acts of woi'ship. m¢ntoi-ing, Class support, developing the Christian Union (CU) and supporling Ilie Gryphon Adventure Training (DotE and Ten Tors) department on occasion. During L¢nt, it was great to see the school I'espoiid to an appeal to twin the school toilet5 tlirough Toilet Twinniiig. Pupils raised eiiough to twin 15 of the scliool toilets whicli ivas far beyond anyone's expectations. Jim also continued to support tlie actii)g head leaclier and otl)er staff and was particularly pleased to see the acting headteacher appointed a new Headteacher in April. In late May it Wds Outlined to Jim that. due to the financial situalion the Gryphon School and academy trust were in, they were going lo have lo cut ihe Chaplain's funding lo a third for the approacliing academic year. This was rather a blow but has meant that Jim has had more time to focus on ihe life of St Paul's Church ai)d on coii)munity activities williin tlie Slierborne commiinity. Jiin would like lo express particular thanks to ihe Churchwardens and to Bishop Karen for their siippoit dui'ing thi5 period of transition. September broughi the launch of the Gryphon School's 'LIFE' vision and school values (Leadership, Integi'ity, Fcllowship. Exploration) which was a developmeiil of the school's vision taken froin Jolii) l O'.10. It was gi'eal to see Il)is Coine lo fi'uilioii parliculai'ly because. along witli otliers, tlie CU liad liad a key iiiput iiilo il. Siiice Septeinber, fortnightly Acts of Worship have then had a fociis on these values which Jim co-delivers with Imeiiibers of school's Senior Leadership Team. The 2025 aiiluinn finished on & high as Jim led the Gryphon Carol Service once again followed by a last day of back-lo-back asseinblies covering the whole school and the opportunity to reflect on tlle wonder of Einmaiiuel 'God will) us, Ivitl) a Helium ballon and a cardboard box. Reveirndjiin Edie Page 15 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) St Paul's Church "COSMIC" (Sunday School) Cr¢ehe With the exception of the nionthly All Age Services and other special seasonal All Age Scrvi¢es. COSMIC ("Cliildi'en on Sunday Meeting in Church") meels every Sunday morning at StPauls@TheGryphon. We liave 21 on the register between the ages of 2 and 16. Atteiidance lias varied bdween 9 and 16 ea¢h week. We run three groiips.. Rockets (school yeai's Reception lo y￿r 3). Excel (school years 4-6) and Revelation (school years 7+). We also run a crèche, as required. We have continued to use the Energise material this year, produced by Urban Saints, coverin& for the older cliildrei). thematic topics such as guilt. doubi, evaiigelisn). the influence of musi¢. and bullying. The younger group has been looking at Old Testament ¢hara¢ters and the mird¢les of Jesiis. From linie-to-time members of COSM IC take part in the monthly All Age services and Communion servi￿ and all of our children and young people took a role in this year's Nativity play. We have been delighted to welcome new members to our team this year whicli has ¢i)abled us lo liave a leader and a helper in all three groups every week. As always, ive are ind¢bied lo our dedicated leain of leader5 aiid helpers who devote their lime, energy and entliusiasin week by week to give the cliildren and young people a well-folinded and biblical understanding of the scriptures and of what il means to be a Christian. Kini Diinning St Pfiiil',T Llfe Groiip Tlii'ougl) its life gi'oups. St Pauls provides the opportunity for fellowship, bible study. prayer and pastoral G&re for its own members aiid folk fi'om other churches too. We have seven life-8roups, each meetin8 at different times and on various days in the week. Son)e rneet weekly* oil)ers fortnightly. Currently group leaders steer their study topics to meet tlie needs of their own group. Each Meeting across the groups has a similar fonnat of refreshments, with sharing of i)ews and prayer needs, followed by study and prayer, or prayer and siudy. Groups mttt for 90 minutes lo a couple of hours. Dui'ing 2024 our groups variously sludied: Ecclesiastes. Luke with Tom Wright, The Bible Course, Psalms, Integi'ity, whole Life Worship, Ruth and John's gospel. We liave a library of resources that all Can borrow. During Leiil, most groups joined in with the Sherbome Churches Together Lent Course studying 'The Kiiigs Speecli, Inovie. We like to think thal, with encouragement, more chur¢h members would participate in a group with the obvious benefits to the Christian journey for the individual and an enricl)ed church family as relationships are deepened and strengthened. If anyone is interested in joining a life-group. they should please make theinselves known to Jim or our Church Wardens Sandra & Nick. ,8arah Fyickei. Page 16 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) St Pgul's Church Community Groups Meet and Eat Lunches Food prices ¢ontinue lo rise bul we have managed, just, to balanre the books agaiii this year aiid keep the price ot"oui' two-course lunch at £4 a head. We have provided i)ieals to arouiid 24 people on tenn-tiine Moiidays with tlie meniis raiiging froin the someivliat adventiirous Moroccaii laimb witl) cliickpeas and rice io Ilie ratliei. iiiore ti'aditional cottag¢ pie. Our nienibers tell us thai ihey appreciate the variety of food on otTer. Tliei'e are now foiir of lis sliaring tl)e plaiiiiing. sl)oppii)g and cooking. Many tlianks to Sarah Kempson and Kim DLinning wlio have broiight new energy (and recipes!) lo Ihe leam. We also extend our Ihanks to all oiii. woiiderful volunteers who cheerfully chop. stir aiid wash up, each week. Tlie Ilincli club 15 at capacity for numbers but if you woiild like to join our waiting list, do contact St Paul's ChLirch Office. New volunt¢ers are always welcome Contact Jill or Hester via the office for iiioi'e infoi'nlalioi), Jill Thoi'ley and Hesler GiYenslo¢k Tea ai Tea & Cliat is a group for over 60's. We nieet every Monday afternoon between 2 & 4pin at Si Paul's Cl)urcli (except foi. August & a couple of weeks around Christmas & Easter). Tlie group started in November 2007 and has a focus on healtli & activlty. On average l 0 - 20 people atteiid. We begiii each meeting will) a Cup of tea or coffee & then once a fortnighi Norma Purnell leads us in an houi. of ii)e daiicing. On 11)e altei'nate weeks we participate in a variety of activities, in 2024.. The ukulele baiid came to eiitertain us twice and great fvii was had by all. We liave lieard fas¢inatii)g & eiilertaining talks al)oul: Tlie Pod witli Lynn Heaton Ridgewater Energy with Chris Denman, Pi'ison Volunteei'ing & Bavaria with Sandra Cuttin& Herbs aiid potions witl) Bridget Kiiley, Plaiinins funerals, wills & POA'S iyiih Silvertime, Ballroom Dancin8 with Rachael Hardin Nutcrackers with Carol Northover, Cycling across Europe willi Johii Crossman Sherborne Abbey Part I with Roger & Harold We did chair exercises with Connie & had a Beetle Drive We Inade Easter sock rabbi15 & Cl)rislii)as table decornlions We wei'e deliglited to have an outing again tliis year, visiting Edward Heath's home, Arundells in Salisbury on a glorious afternoon in May. And we also enjoyed afternoon lea at the hoine of the Broadley's. We conclude our afternoons with a second cuppa & a delicious slice of cake, supplied by Pam Tayloi.. Every week we have out books to borrow, a jigsaw puzzle to have a go at. Aiid there is always a word searcli or quiz to get tlie brain ce115 working. l am helped in the kitchen by Becky Brake & Pat Batten. We charge £21w¢ek. Do Come and join us, we'd love to see you. We'd also love to hear froin you if you would like to come and speak lo us about what you do or an adventui'e yoii've been on, oi. if you have pliotos or newspaper cuttings for the St Paul's arcliive. ,gai'ah Fi'ickei. Page 17 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne Ivith Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Tums Tinies and Tot$ It is a joy and deliglit to have parents. grandparents and carers arriving with their pre-school cliildren, to enjoy 2 houtB of play and interaction. Everyone is welcoine to attend tlie whole session. which starts at l 0am. Tealcoffee and toast are offered until 10.30am when the Mothers Union Ladies in the kitchen have a break from serving lo prepare the snacks for later. Tl)e moming continues with a tliemed craft activity offered from I lam, in 2024 tlie themes were Colours. Tlie Body & Shape5. Snack tiine of fresli fruit & toast follows for the children and the adults and after further free play the session ends with 15 minutes of singing and story time. At the end of th¢ sumn)er lemi, we held the session outside with a bouncy castle. The leaders and helpers, whilst providing peer support. as well as a shoiilder to lean on when needed, continLie to ei)courage the families to speak lo their health visitors if they I￿ve any conceriis about their children. More volunteers are always being souglit to lielp spread the work (this can be from half ali l)our to all moming), and so if anyone is interested in joining the group please do get in touch. We regularly pass on baby and toddler clothing plus toys and equipment to families in need. so donations are always gratefully received at the St Paul's Church oifice. Thank5. as always. must 80 to all the volunteers who help before, during and after the session, to the Sherborne Mothers Union volunteers who work in the kitchen every week providing hot drinks. toast And lieallhy snacks Ihi'oughout the morning. As rrr enters ils nineleenih year we give thanks to God for all the families that have passed through Sl Paul's doors since it first started, and we place the conlinued siiccess of the group into His hands. We always value prayer for the 8roup, especially on Wednesday momings durin8 temi time. Sai'ah Fiickei. EciimenlcAI Bible Study Resjiilar bible study is a wonderful way of keeping our faith alive and sharing and deepening our knowledge of God, Faihei., Son and Holy Spiril. Our ecumenical bible study group was started, organised and hosted by Ann Sinait and her husband, David for over 50 years. Ann's illness and subsequent passin8 in November was a time of gi'eat sadness but we shall contiiiue. The group will iiow meet, at 117 Leniliay Road aiid. aloiig with its sister group wliicli meets on Friday aftemoons, we will continue to craft our studies to ihe needs of the gi'oup, inspired by Ann and David. Dui'ing the year we also 58dly lost Margreta Andrews of Reborn Churcli. This year we have sttidied Malachi and Habakkuk. Ihen tlie passion iii Mark's telling. and in tlie Auluinii tlie first of two courses on ihe Acts of the Apostles (chapters 1 -12). We were also delighted to hold a hoiise coininunion, pre5id¢d over by the Rector. If yoii woiild like to join lis in 2025 then please ask the office to put you in touch with me for a chat. John Ci'ossnian Page18 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report {continued) Sherborne Deanery Synod The Deanery Synod met thrice during the year. twice face to face and once by Zoom. On 20111 Api'il they gatl)eied at Tliornford Scliool a few days prior lo ihe Coronation so members were encouraged iiot only io niark the occasion with miisic and readings on Ihe day followin& but also to do somethiiig else in their cominiinities such as bellringiiig. The Bishop of Salisbury had beeii present at a receiil nieetiiig of Lay Chairs where he reininded Iiiembers Ilial a previous Diocesan Plan had receiv¢d a low raliiig and needed lo be iii)proved. Towards this end he intended to Ineet with civic organisalions lo work logetlier in nieeting oiir objectives. In 2024 Sherborne Deanery held three meetings. The April meeting wos the last to be chaired by our Rural Dean. Tony Gilbert. li was a lovely opportlinity to recogiiise his contribution to the life of ihe church, l)oih in the Three Valleys Benefice and Inore widely in ihe Sherborne Deanery. and for us to express our thanks aiid best ivishes to both liim aiid Nicola in their r¢tii'enienl. Tony reflected on tlie challenges of rural Ininistry in the face of declining congregation sizes and finaiicial pressiires. At Ilie same Ineeting, Ricliard Kirlew and Canon Richard Hancock bmuglit us up to date iyill) tlie latest developnienls within agi'iciililiral chaplain¢y. Agricultiiral chaplains are now well known and a regular pr¢sence at sevei'al ii)arkels. Faniieis, both young and old. are increasingly taking the opportuiiity to engage with tlieir Ininislry. The July meeting began with Bishop Karen licensing Tim Greenslade as our new Riiral Dean. We wei'e also deliglited to welcome AD Antony Macrow-wood who gave us a rep)rt on the financial situation in Ilie Diocese and explained the new method for ¢alciilaling Parish Shore. Parish Treasurers ivere invited to Iliis nieeling. Every oppoilunity was given lo all in attendance to seek clarification from Antony. We were 8rateful lo him for his open and frank engageinenl. The new method for calculating parish sliare. which will be phased in over 4 years beginning 2025, will be based not only on coiigregalion size. but also on Clergy deploymeiil. Rural benefices require mol'e clergy pei. pai'isliioiier because benefices have Inany parislies. and tlieir worsliippiiig coiniiiunilies are Inore widely disti'ibuled than in larger Iirban churches. Anlliony cl)allenged those parishes who are in a stronger financial sitiiation to use their'savings" under the new scheme to assist their stNggling neighbours. Ai our third and final meetin& in November we were blessed to welcome Brother John and Richard Tiioi'nbury froin Hilfield Friary. They brought us up lo dale with the wonderful environmental work which they are doing, iiol only 01) Ilie land oivi)ed by the Friary, but also in partnership iviih iheir neighbours. Tliey re-iterated their opel) invitalioii to everybody lo visit Ihem and engage with what tliey are doii)g. The Diocese continues to eiicourage parishes lo use the Energy Footprint Tool aiid io register with Eco Church. Across the Deanery 8 ¢liurches liave broi)ze awards and I has a silver award. Hiifield Friary lias received a gold ward. Tlie Deanery continues to be active iii ils support - spiritual, moral and financial for Bisliop Isaac aiid tlie Ezo Diocese in South SLidan. Andreiy Tomkins is an indefatigable link and we are graleful to Iiim foi. his efforts. We are inspired by the news from Ezo in the face of all their difficiiliies. Pai'isli sliai'e payments across Sherbome Deai)ery in 2024 registered a welcomed improvement on previous yeai's. Tlioiigh the Deanery as a whole was 82.4% paid lip. Iliere was nonetlieless a shortfall of £105.000, eqiiivalent to the cost of einploying 1.5 full time clergy. John andsiie Bi'adshaw Page 19 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) FAlth in Action Committee (FIAC) 2022 FIAC is the sub-committee of the Parochial Church Council responsible for handling our giving, especially our suppoi't for Cliarities, both Christian and secular, locally, nationally and iiileniationally: just one pail of our pai'isli witness of Christian love and support for people. espec&ally those in need. The three churches iii the pai'ish alloLale ten percent of their inconie to this purpose. We are respoiisible for identifyiiig suitable organisations lo support. evaluating applications, making donations. building partnersliips and understaiidiiig with those we support and liearing about how our donations have been used. Any parisliioner is welcome to join us. FIAC has long-standing relationships wilh particular organisalion5 ai local, national and international level, making regular donations to support ihem, as well as supporiing others engaged in Christian or other philantliropic activity. In line with our declared policy over the past two years we are generally giving out fewei., larger donations. We a150 make occasional one-off donations to eligible orBanisation5 and individuals. Our work is only possible because of the generosity of present and earlier members of tlie parish and the iiniiiense work done by staff and volunteers in creatiiig income. We Iliaiik iliein all profusely. Tliis year has seen OLII. liirnover return to near pre-covid levels. The 2024 grant wa5 £47,000 of which £7,400 was conti'ibllted by St Paul's Chui'oh and £39.600 by the Abbey. includiiig a contribution froiii St Mary's Churcli, Castletoii. Geiierally oiii. gyiving lias been in line willi expeclalions. However the demand for fundii)&i continues lo grow, reflectii)g Ihe increasing levels of demand abroad and continuing levels of hardship in the UK. This was tlie first full year of our 5UPPOrt for Sam Malish, our mission partner at CMS Africa. who works in U&y8nda, as did Helen. our pitvious partner. We decided also to make li15 work the overseas beneficiary of our Lent appeal as well, cementing the relationship which we hope will grow in the coining years. We are plai)nii18 to hold a Zooii) meeting early in 2025 wilh personnel froni CMS Africa, iiicluding Joaii Busolo, CMS Regional Manager for Africa, who visited Sherborne in 2023. We have continued to 8ive moral and prayer support lo Helen, who is now settled back in this counlry and we were delighted to catch up with her earlier in the year. Our links with Sl Saviour's Anglican Churcl). Latvia Coiilinue to flourisli. The Reverend Eliza Zikmai)e was able to visit us while in the UK for a conference, and in the summer one of our Iiieinbers took our greeting5 in person to si Saviour's. reporting back on an active Church, biit one feeling the threat of its Russian neighbour as we reported last year. We sent tl)em £5,000 for their Seniors Club, their soup kitchen outreach and tlie upkeep of Iheir church. South Sudan remains an unstable country. With conflict and nearly 10 million people in need of support, including 5 million children and 300,000 displaced people from Ihe civil war in Sudan, its neighbour lo the Noilh. You can rind out mol'e about the situation at Human Rights Watch. httP5.'/lwww.hiiv.orWworld-rcport120241¢ounlry-chapterslsoulh-sudan. Robert Hayward has agaiii been active and look out donations to Juba Diocesan Model Secondary Scliool ￿1cC during the year (Oiie was a late doi)ation fi'om 2023). In addition Robert look a donation to Confident Children out of Conflict, which wa5 oiir Lent appeal charity in 2020. Iii South Sudan we continue to support the Bishop Alison Theological College and tlie Salisbury Diocese Medical Link to train niirses. Foi. many years FIAC made annual donations to ihe deanery EZO appeal.. that has been reinstated And we donated £1030 (raising the figure in line with inflation). The parish separately contributed to the deaiiery Clirislmas appeal for Ezo. We continue to allocate substantial funds to support Ukrainians affected by the conflict. This year we switched our support to two cliarilies wlio are partners of Christian Aid in Moldova whicli has been overwl)elined with Uki'aini4n refu8ee5. Our donations will help specifically those who need diabete5 testing and medication {Ihroiigh DIA, Asocialia Tinerilor cu Diabet) and disabled people, especially those with visual oi. aural iiiipairmeii15. {AudiViz'. littps'.1/￿W.faeeb0Ok.¢oM/aUdlV1Z.MdO. We have budgeted for a fui'dier £5,000 to suppoit Ukn'ainians during 2025. Page 20 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) At our November meeting we had an excellent presentation by students from Leweston School who will be the latest students to V15it their partner school. Shree Jana Jyoti Secondary Scliool in the Gandaki Proviiice in Nepal in late 2025. This is a partnership 80ing back over 30 years. We have given them £1.500 towards the cost of Inaterials and resoiirces they are buying for the school (while they fund their own travel and other costs). You an fiiid out Inore ai https:l/www.partnersforprogress.co.ukl. We 5UPPOrted a requesi from 8 pai'ishionei. to suppoit International China Concern, https'.l/chinacon¢ern.o@, a small organisation working willi children wilh disabilitie5. especially ihose who have no families. Oiie of tl)e national charilies we support is Fanning Community Netivork. We atteiided a preseiitatioii li) Ilie vicarage about their work during ihe year and have ensured that our donations are applied within Dorset wlieir there is considerable hardship. especially p¢x)r Inentsl health, within the famiti)g coinniuiiity. Diii'ing 2024 the Abbey and St Paul's Church received Iheir bronze Ecochurch award. this involved hard work by volLiiileers in both Churches, ably siipported by the coininittee led by Sue Bradshaw who did an am8ziiig job eltii)g Iliis up aiid ruiiiiinu. Part of our cominitment as ECOchurche5 is to support charilies workiiig to pi'oinote sustainability. Aro¢ha is a very active Christian charity tliat does excellent woi'k, including setting up Ilie Ecochurcli scheme so our donation will be the first of our annual contribulions. Locally we n)ak¢ regular contribiitions to a number of organisations, including those working with young i)eopl¢. Siiret Pasto13, the Food Bank and Christians Against Poverty. For a secoi)d year we are holdiiig fuiids to help relieve local hardship. Council figures show that 2 in 5 people in our town abolit 4,000 people. have difficulty payii)g all their bills. £2,500 of tliis fund lias been given to the Cliristiiias Box appeal I'uii by Slierborne Primaiy School PTA, ably proinoted by Dave Burley and lan Baille. Since Ilie latter's pi'omolion to liead of several priiiiary schools, the boxes were distributed more widely wilh nearly 200 being disli'ibuted at Clii'isti)ias 2024, all to families who are identified througli iheir school$ as in greatesl need. This year we were delighted to be pi'esent at the launch by Lord and Lady Fellowes. Every year FIAC undenyriles the cost of buying leavers presenls (books) for those leaving Sherboriie Abbey Pi'imary School. Payment for this and for 2025. which will include presentations for all leavers fi'om both our primary schoo15. will be made in 2025. Tlie Lent appeal raised an excellent £4.467 lo be shared between Sl)erborne Food Bank and CMS Africa. ￿lIS is little less than in previous years, no doubt reflecting the ciirrenl financial climate. On the other liand the Hai'vest ¢01 lections, lunch and appeal raised a magiiificeni £2.262. up froi)) £732 iii 2023. Bolh of Ihese eveiits are I￿uC1) enliallced by a parisli liinch (Sl)rove and Harvest) we are migl)lily indebted io tlie Social Coii)Inittee and all their vollinteers. All th￿e donations were rounded up 10 £2,500. During 2024 the committee agreed to integrate our bank account into the parish Xero system. Tliis iiiakes it easier for the treasurer to rnonitor overall finances. We have Iwo further issues to Inanage diiring 2025. The closure of the lasi bank in Sherborne will make it Inore diffi¢iiSt lo resolve some iSSLies (for example a persoiial visit is sonietiiiies needed to progress oversea5 payments) and w¢ have beeii informed that our Ireasiiry accouiit will be I'eclassified and that transaction charges may apply. However our level of activity is iiiilikely lo iiicur very much cost, if any. We have also added a third signatory to the a¢¢ount giving us more flexibility and eiisuring we are not stranded should one of us not be available. I rinish my report by notin8 the sad passing of Ann Smart. Ann was a great supporter and friend to FIAC, especially in the many years her husband, David was chair. Sh¢ was 8 friend and supporter to maiiy of tliose we funded aiid only ￿centlY hosted a guest for us. She ivill be greatly niissed. John Ci'assiiian Chaii. Faiih in Action Coiiiiiiillee Page21 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) DonAtions InternationAI Cliina Inleniational Concern (for parishioner) Christian Aid (from harvest 2023) Church Mission Society (Sam Malish CMS Africa partner) EZO Deanery Fund Lalvia St Saviour's Church, Riga Leprosy Mission Lewiston School Appeal for Nepali School partner S Sudaii.. Confident children out of conflict S Sudaii.. Juba Diocesan Model Sec School (inc for 2023) Salisbuiy Diocese - Sudan General Fund Salisbuiy Dio¢es¢ - Bishop Alison Training College Salisbury Diocese Sudan Medical Link (Nurse training) Uki'aine support {DIA and Audiviz Moldova £2.500 each) 500 205 5.700 1.030 5.000 515 1.500 800 4,500 1.240 1.450 5.000 TOTAL 28,590 Doiiatiojis NatioDal Arocha F.COchLirch Bible Society Cliildren's Society Church Homeless TrLlSt Farming Community Network 500 400 400 400 1,250 TOTAL 2.950 DonAtions LOCAI Chi'istians Against Poverty Dorset Historic Cliurcl)es TNst Fi'iends of Guys Marsh FLlture Roots Moilier5' Union (subsidised holiday) Rendezvous Sherborne SAYCC (Tinneys Youth Centre) Sherborne Area Refugee Support Sl)erboriie P.S. parcels (hardship fund - £2,500 still to allocate) Weldmar Hospice Yeovil Street Pastors .250 570 520 2,500 350 2,500 2,500 1.030 2.500 1,250 310 TOTAL 15,280 Page 22 The Parochial Church Collncil of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne Ivith Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) The Abbey Shop Aftei. Inany yeatE of stalwart service Phil Prout relinquished his role as Shop Manager on the 31 December 2023 liaviiig seeii tl)e shop flourish and n)aslerniiiiding its move from l Abbey Close to ils i)ew location iii tlie back of the Abbey. His hard work has been much appreciated, and we wish him well in his retireinenl. He was Irplaced by Mark Prideaux who had lots of ideas lo lake ihe shop forward but for personal reasons he was uiiable continue as manager and ceased role at tlie eiid of May. The shop coiitinued trading with the Abbey Treasurer ordering stock aiid the band of volunteers continuii)g the day to day I'iiiining. The situation was not ideal aiid after discussioii ai)d a full stock lake ilie shop passed over lo The Fi'iends of Shei'borne Abbey on the I st of August with a slatemeiit of iinderslandinbF and the Irsidiial stock was bought by the friends. Tl)e trading lip to Il)e I st August shown in these accolints is income of £31,899 (including £7.916 for the 'sale' of stock to the Fi'ieiids) aiid expenditure of £20.531 a suiplus of £11,368. That and the casli balances relating to tlie Shop were trai)sferred to the Parisli General Fund. A Report on the period l Augiist to 31 December will be presented at the Friends AGM and will be available for piibliL exaiiiiiiation after their AGM. C'lii'is Haiiion, Shop Manager Digby MtmoriAI Church HAII I l)ave no idea where 2024 went to but it has. li has been very busy, once again. iii Ilie Digby Memoi'ial Cliurch Hall with a variety of classes, lectures, Ineelings and other events. Tli¢ new cooker. dishwasher and fan systein were installed during Ihe year, and tliese have been well received and well used. Tlie Pai'king Area outside the hall has been levelled aiid relarmacked with very smart white lines. Inside the Main Hall Floor was reoiled in the slimmer and there is now "Mood Lighting" in The Studio. The lattei. is i)iucl) appreciated by the Yoga and Pilate's classes, as they no longer have to slare up into bl'ight lights when lying on their mats. We would like lo thank David Ferguson for his support over the lasl few years and wish him well as he steps down a Cliairman of tl)e Hall Comniittee. We welcome Etla Slickland aiid Alex Mackenzie as joiiit chairnieii and we very miich look forward to working with them bolh. Kate Bi'ay, Managei. Page 23 The Parochial Church Council of the Eeclesiasti¢al Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Sherborne Abbey Mother's Union MU Committee Secrelary/Leader Jo Higgs Cliaplain Rev Lesley Mccreadie Treasurer.. Christine Byfield Others.. Jakki Dickson - Smith and Marilyn Davi&s Membership Started Ilie year with 32 ended with 41. Eni-olled 10. Deceased - Sylvia Brick 29.11.2024 Bi'hncli Aellvities Involvement overseas We liave maintained our conneclion with ihe Sudans - Gizo in S Sudan via the Diocese and both Sudan aiid South Sudan via Robert Hayward. To both these areas we have sent monetary gifts and other items. Local The Wave of Prayer - this is a worldwide event in which the MU prays round Ihe clock. Our slot for pl'ayer came on Feb 5th.: we are indebied to The Rector for the use of Ihe Vicarage. Moihei'ing Sunday.. l 00 primroses obtained from the Garden Centre were wrapped in ECO friendly plastic and distributed at the Motherin8 Sunday Service in the Abbey. Mary Sumner Day Aug 9th A quite day was held in the Vicarage Garden. The Carol service aiid Christingle making: 175 oranges were purchased from The niarket Town Garden and the Clirisliiigles pirpared after our Carol Service. Well attended and with visitors froin Yeovil MU. Tlie Christinas Tree Festival - we obtained a tree which vns decorated with our usual white angles and thi5 time had the addition of Crosses with Ihe MU logo placed cenlrally. SI.PAuls' Church Members have continued to help with the church's outreach to young families by assisting in the kitchen, at the Wednesday moming sessions. The MU board in the Abbey. This has been much appreciated by visitors form far and near. Blizabelh Prichard has changed the displays to fit with the seasons and ihe situalions rouiid the world. Activities in the Dio ese Spring and Autun)n Councils - not well attended due largely to transport issues and ageing membership. Salisbiiiy CAihedral Service diiring the 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence. This was well attended And followed by an excellent lunch in Sarum Colle8e. Gifts for the Salisbury Women" Refuge were takeii. Nov. 19th. Away Fi'om It All Holiday (AFIA). The MU Sali5biiry Diocese r]ow lias a new caravaii. It was fully booked dui'iiig the lioliday season. Those using it are faniilies who have beeii referred and would not be able to afyord a holiday ollierwise. Oiit of season the lioliday liome can be rented al a realistic price by anyone. The Virtual Baby project. Salisbury Diocese now ovms 12 virtual babie5 which are tak¢ii iiilo a nuniber of scliools in the area. Tlie piirpose of this is to help youngsters realise iliat babies need a lot of atteiitioi) - day and night! A Trustees, member brought several babies to one of our meetings and demonstrated how ihey work. Page 24 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) In addition to the above our members are actively involved in many of the charitable organisatioils iii the towii. We also make a point of visiting those who live alon< are in care homes or hospilals and anyon¢ else wlio is brought to OLir attention. Ai our AGM on 24.1.2025 two oFihe Committee announced their retirement:. Christine Byfield diie to relocatiiig to Yorkshire, Marilyn Davies after many years of service. Botl) were thanked and presented with gifts. Sarah White and Elizabeth Prichard have accepted to conie onto the committee for 2025. Now we look forward to 2025 and the theme of Join US and Join In PROGRAMME 2024 Jan 26 AGM witli Eucharist Feb 5 Wave of Prayer 2.30- 3.30. Venue TBC Feb 23 Miiseum Talk- Luke {Mai'cli l O - Motl)ering Siinday) March 22 Nick Pascoe (retired prison Governor). Prisons March 31 (Easter Sunday) Api'il 26 Quiz (Elizabeili in the absence of Lesley. Cl)ristine aiid JO) May 24 (Slizanne Walers Tnistee and Diocesan Treasuirr). MU activities - Virtual babies and AFIA. June 28 Music and Sue Bradshaw's poelry Jiily 26 MU Suniiner Luncli. St. Paul's Church Hall Alig 9 Maiy SLininei- Day. Possible TBA by Lesley Sept 27 Friends of the Yealman. John Stokoe Oct 25 Illusli'aled talk of the Walk to Rome Nov 22 Creative Day Dec 13 Carol Service and Christingle making Jo Higgs Bl'anch Leadei. Page 25 The Parochial Chllrch Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) The Social Committee Our first event of 2024 was serving tea, coffee and biscuits for the Wedding Conference on Saturday 13111 January. It wag a pleasure to meet all the happy couples who were planning their weddiiigs in the Abbey tliis year. Sunday I I tli February: Shrove Lunch The number5 vKre lower tlian usual because tlie iiiei)u was not popular. biit we managed to top lip tlie profits from our own funds so thal we Could give £500 to FIAC for th¢ Lent Projects. Satiirday 24th March.. Messy Chui'cli We provlded tea and colyee to welcome parents who brought their cliildren to enjoy the crafts at this very well-attended evenL Suiiday 26th May: APCM liome-niade scones. jam and clotted cream were served witli tea and coffee at the APCM in Ilie Digby Memorial Hall, Sunday 30th June.. Celebration for Rev. Bec¢a M¢Donnell's Ordination to the Priesthood Rosé wine and canapés were served on the green oulside the Abbey after the Eucharist for a very happy celebration of ihis special o¢c&sion, July 18th, 19th, 20th The Sound of Music Soft drinks and bis¢uils were served durin8 the interval of each performance of this year's very siiccessful production. The Abbey was packed full of parents and children every night aiid il was a delight to watch tlieir enjoyment and the entliusiasm of tlie eiitire cast. Sunday 29th September.. Harvest Lunch We decided that we would have to increase the Cosl of the tickets for oiii. pai'isli Iiiilclies if we were lo provide inleresliiig menus as well as wine aiid soft drinks, and niake a profit to donate lo cliaritable Causes. The cost increased froin £10 to £12.50 for adult tickets. The menu proved popular and once again we Served lunch for 90 people. Unfortunately two Membe￿ of our cominitlee had resigi)ed. so we were struggling for cooks, but luckily two menibers of tlie coiigresyalion responded to Mailin's plen on our behalf and a third offered to clear and wash up. This was invaliiable, and saved the day. As well as our profits from the lunch and the raffle. there were & number of generous donations for the Sudan Medical Link, so that the final amount was well over £1,500. Monday 14th October: Pack Monday Café Once again, we were deligliled by tlie generous response for Iielpers at this all-day evenl. It is a huge task to order all tl)e supplies, to prepare ihe food, set up the Iiall, cook the food to order, keep the hot water urn5 topped up. clear lables. wash up. take the Inoney elc. bul ihe comn)uiiity spirit which keeps everyone going and creates such a welcoming almospliere is tremeiidous. and being able to liaiid over profits of £ 1,000 at the end of the day makes it all wortliwliile. This year the profits went towards setting up tlie area of the Alms House wliich 15 to be used as a space for young people of the town. Cooker and Dishwaslier The Committee ivould like to record their appreciation of th¢ new Cookei. and dishwaslier in the Hall kitchen wliich have improved the faciliti￿ enonnously. Fi'aJvce.f Walk¢i' (Chaii'ipian) Jo Hague (Tyeasiiiyi), Jane Coliiian, Helen Cooinbs. Ella Paul. Siizanne Short Page 26 The Parochial Church CouncRI of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Director of Mu$i¢'$ Report There are now four choirs in the Abbey. the boys. choir. girls, cholr. children's choir. and the adult Choir that sings under the name 'adult members of the back rows" bul mighi iii thture be eonsidered to be Sl)erboriie Abbey Chamber Choir. Tlie niimber of boy choristers was this year maintained at the same level (14) with the addition of three boys fi'oiii Leweston when two choristers left in the slimmer of 2024 to go to their secondary schools-and n Ihii'd left the area. The Abbey seems to be bucking the natioiial Irend with its nuinber of boy choristers, and they sing i))agiiificently. Elseivhere boys, choirs have Inerged willi girls, clioir5 or at tl)e very least the cliurcli lias sti'iigg?led ivith recruitment. Of course. this positive situalion could change at any moinent and there is still in¢reased recruitinent work to be iindertaken in the primary schools wh¢r¢ the pupils are always very willing. eagei. and enthusiastic. but their parents are not citing the size and lenoh (all year) of the commitnieiit as being sonieihing of an impasse. A CD delayed in nianufacture that slioiild have beeii released at Easter 2024 finally appeared in Novenibei. 2024. Missa Brevis: cl)oral Inusic froin Sl)erborne Abbey includes several well-ki)owii antheins by Wesley aiid Stanford. the famous Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in G by Stanford: and the setting of the niass by Mattl)ew O'Donovaii. The choir's repertoire has continued lo expand, most notably with two further sixteenth ceiitury Elicliarist settiiigs. Herbert Howells's beautiful Gloucester Service canticles. contemporary music by Jiidilli Bingliain and Jlidiili Weir, and vai'ioLIS compositions by me. l Consider myself to be fortunate that a Ghoir as good as ours is ready and willing to perfonn Inusic hot off iny pressl Tlie Abbey Gil'ls. Clioir is now well established and 80&$ froni strength to strength. The repertoire is besyji)nin8 to appi'oach tlial of the boys. although numbers attending still varies a little-and of course. that affects progress. A small bul iiici'edibly loyal congregation turns out ii) all weatlier conditionsl Often, the girls are joii)ed by most of tlie back row singers. Four girls left in tlie sun)nier of 2024 for their secondary schools. wl)i¢l) is iiot a iiecessity because their voices don't 'break', but for now ihey and their parents seem l)appy to follow the tradilion of the boys, choir in that respecl. A rotation of boys aiid girls over weekeiids and Thursdays has iiot foLind favoLir with tlie girls, parents who do not [yet] wish to COlllTllit to Sundays-but iii aiiy case, the ¢uri'eiit mood of the boys, parental body is supportive and happy as long as the commilmenl is not grown! We enjoy an incredibly supportive and very loyal parent body. The appearance in the Abbey Festival of the Abbey Choir for a second year runnin8 saw an oppoitiinity to pei'forin plaii)chant from Ihe Sherborne Missal-and a CD recording was made of the concert that contained iiiusic possibly being performed ii) Ihe Abbey for the first time since being written here in the eai'ly fifteeiith cenliiiy. Tlie Abbey Clioir's concert is a ticketed event Ilial is cost-free. providiiig Ille clioir witli ali oppoi'luiiity to raise some revenlie for the Abbey Festival/PCC that has done so much to support the Choir's developi)ient through paying for si118ing lessons and providing chorister pocket-moneylRSCM niedal-associaled pay. As always. the back rows deserve special mention ft?r the very high quality singing that they produced during 2024, with a wonderful blend and musical phrasing to rnalch. Largely volunteers. they give mai)y hours to the Abbey's Inusic. but tliey are gradually decreasii)g in nuii)ber because il seems tlial Ilie iiext generatioii of good ii)atLlI'e singers tend to be fec-ba5ed in their expectations. Meanwhile Ihe 8ap-y¢ar Or8an Scliolar and three Choral Scholars-a scheine Ihat I personally put in place back iii 2005. and which Sherborne School has Iinfailii)gly and entirely funded (and provided acconimodation for)-do Inuch for tlie quality of Ilie back mw singing. Mab7nus Busl)by, Louis fielcher and Liani Aii)erton sang Inagynificenily Il)rougliout tlie yeai. aiid weiil on, respectively, lo Edinburgh to read English. Lincoln College, Oxfoi'd. to read Miisic. aiid DLlI'liain to read Music. Arthur Hope Barton, our Organ Scholar for the year and iyho went on to be Organ Scholar (Trf The Queen's College. Oxford. proved io be an exceptional organist and we will no doubl hear Inore of Iiiiii iii tl)e fLltiire. The VE Award-Hold¢rs Jacob. Oscar and Danny, conlinue to lead the siiperb-bul very yoiing)_bass sectioii of the Abbey Choir whilsi beiiefittiiig fiiiancially from the scheme that created froni iiilei'e5t 01) the legacy left by Vincent Evans. We continue to be very grdteful for both scl)emes. Page 27 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne Ivith Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) A 5ignifirant addition lo the team in late 2024 took place wilh the arrival of Dr Charlie Gurnham in the newly created 'Assistant Director of Miisic, role, a post with specific responsibility for musical Outreacli. We are very rJtefiil to the PCC for this excellent appointment being made possible. Charlie. who is on a full-time fixed-lei conlract of 2 years. and who lives in Collage 3, is an ex-cainbridge Choral Scliolar who now provides the vast majority of one-to-one singing lessons for all ¢I￿risterS. some piano lessons for choristers, and wlio above all has started the new Children's Choir as part of the Abbey's Musical Outi'each pmBramme. Charlie deplilises in early moming Chorister rehearsals o¢¢asionally and is also a good organisl who holds the FRCO diploina. So far, he has undertaken some fine accompanying in the Abbey and given some exceptional organ recilals-mosl notably of a Messiaen iiativity cycle. Peter Bray, wilh ihe assistaiice of Ilie highly taleiited Organ S¢liolar and more recently with that of Charlie Gurnham. lias conliniied to play throughoul the year and our thanks go to him-as always-for his support and his very c0115iderable con)Initment. Peter has now been the Assistani Orgaiiist in the Abbey for 23 years. The &ppoinlment of voluntary Choir Chaperones, drawn from the back rows and the parent body, has seen all reliearsals of botli girls, and boys, choirs now covered by a rota of cliaperones. In addition to a DBS clieck. all nieinbers of the Choir aged 18 and above have also undertaken Basic Level safe8uai.ding Training provided by the CotE. Although Inany teachers and some other back row members already had a signifi¢aiitly liigher level of ti'aining tlirough oilier orgaiiisations. all found il lo be very lielpful as exlra support. David and Lyii Rayi)er kindly pi'ovided an excellent briefing session for the new Cliaperones: tlje session was found to be very helpful and rea5siiring. Looking ahead. Music Outreach needs to continue to be gmwn througliout 2025, and probably Ihe size of the Children's Choir increased in landem. Consideration needs to be given to contributing lo Choral Scholai. pay, whilst also there will be an increasiiig need lo consider payin8 back row singers a sniall stipend in ordei. to attracl similarly high level musicians lo those who in ihe past were liappy lo be volunteers. Janies HencleiJo Dii'ecloi. of Miisic & Oiganisl Page 28 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) IT44, SHERBORNE ABBEY stival Festival 2024 Repoi't The beautifiilly designed Festival biDchure. bearing the stunning cover photograph of headline artist Leia Zhu. landed on doormats, shop shelves aiid information poinls around the Slierborne area at the end of January, givingF everyone a lieads-up of tl)e varied and exciliiig array of concerls in place for Ilie 2024 Festival. Foi. those Iiicky eiioiigh to hear 16 year old prodigy Leia play Brahins. Violin Coiicerto, the It)¢inory will live long; tl)al niglit Ilie Abbey liosted a future musical star in Il?e makin& and we will liear niucli iiiore of l)er in the coming, yea13. The Festival's long-eslablislied relalionsliip with tlie Leader of tlie London Mozart Players. Ruih Rogers. coiilinues to ensure that the very best and most exciting concerto soloists perform in Sherborne, and all are veiy gi'aleful lo Ruth for her hard work and dedication to our Festival. As well as leadiiig the orche5ti'a for the concerto concert, Riiih perfomied a sluiining progranime of chamber n)usic with her Aquinas Piai)o Ti'io ii) a omplelely sold-oui Gransden Hall. Meanwhile Ex-calhedra presented Ihe ever-popular Rachniaiiinov Vespers in the Abbey. with the beautifiil addition of off-stage lubular bells proving to be a haunting aiid powei'ful experience. Slierbori)e Abbey Clioir Inade history by perfonning newly traiisci'ibed plaincliaiit fi'oiii tlie Sherboi'ne Abbey Missal, written for the Abbey between 1399 and 1407: the concert was an illiislralioii of the Abbey's Inusical h¢rila8e perforiiied by the Choir that continues to this day Inu$i¢glly to educate young people of the town wl)ilst 5ingiiig for services througl)out mosl of Ihe year. Tlie eveniiig coiicerls ii) the Abbey were bookended by 8 rousing opening concert performed by the Sherborne Festival Chorus and an engrossing perloi'inaiice by the world-renowned baroque 0￿h¢Stra, The Acadeiny of Anciei)t Music. The Festival continues to sti'ive to offer as many free concerts as possible and is enoriiiously grateful to the local s¢hools tlial lake parl and make this possible: as always. enseinbles froin The Gryphon. sherbol￿e School, Sherborne Girls and Leiyeslon School offered wonderful niusic from many varied enseiiibles, oiice again l)igliliglitiiig tlie sigi)ificant musical talent so obviously thriving locally. There was a wonderful bun of energy and ex¢ilement around the Abbey throughout the eiitire Festival, aiid this was driven and carried in no small part by the n)any volunteers who coiitributed so Inu¢li of ilieir liine li) ol'der to ensure that the Festival worked well and ran smoothly. Our grniefiil tlianks goes to all of the voliinteei's, as also it doe5 to the staff of the Abbey aiid the vergers in particular. In addilioi) lo the Inany concerls iii Il)e Abbey, tlie Festival a150 presented ¢oncerts in Cheap Street Church, Ilie cliurcli of St Aldllelm and Sacred Heart, Sherborne School Big School Room. the Gransden Hall at Sherl)orne Girls and, of course. in The Plume of Featliers for the incredibly popular opera dinners. It is this corning together of all the venues that makes the Festival truly uiiique in Ihe lown. The aim of the Festival 1$ to raise money in order to support musi¢-Inakiiig and Inusicians in the Abbey and loral ai'ea. This yeai. graiils ivere awarded lo the Abbey ¢liorister6 for singiiig lessons. to tlie youili sectioi) of the Slierboriie Town Baiid for developiiient costs. tlie Sherboriie Douzelage for tlie event lield in Slierboriie iii tl)e early part of April, and to the parents of a local school pupil lo defray the cosls of participation in a holiday singing ¢ourse. Tlie Festival was foiinded 25 years ago by Chaimian John Baker and il cannot 80 unmentioned that, without his Vision. drive and determination, the event would not be where it 15 today. His retirement at the end of the 2024 Festival. together ivith that of Assistant Artistic Director Sainmy Heiidersoii, was marked by soiiie tou¢liin8 speeches witli presentations. With Chairniai) John Jenkins now in place. alongside new Artistic Dii'eclor Aiia Manero. the future of the Festival 15 undoubtedly secure and will surely conlii)ue lo go from sti'eiigth to sli'eiigth. Soniuniha Hendei'son Page 29 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Shei'borne Abbey CompAny of Ringers Tower CAPtains Report 2024 2024 has been another busy year with extra teaching being provided to both adult leaTners and another tranclie of six schoolboys, and the usual range of social and ringing events. 11 was willi great pleasure tlial we welcoined back Catherine Cooper after a few years away. 42 people paid a subscription to the Guild. While eight young people in tlieir A-level yeai. left 5cliool for University aijd otlier delights. and one or two otlier learners gTav¢ up. we still liave sufficient dedicated ringers for the wider ringing events we support. Up to 20 people ar¢ available on Sundays and we alinost always ring all eight bells. Tlie ovei'head of teaching remains liigh and I am particularly grateful to Ricl)ard. Tiin. David and John Fly for Ih¢ir support with the leariiers. Apart froin the Abbey. we have. through Richard and John, been able to support regular Wednesday practices and Sunday Service ringing at Longburton. This year too. on a few occasions, tliere has been a sufficient supply to ring at Lillii)glon and it is hoped to continue in 2025. Tl)e Abbey Ringers have also SLlPPOrted two teaching half-days at Longbiirton organised by the West Dorset Branch of tlie Guild. where members of the bands at Shipton Gorge and South Pe￿0(1 have been helped tlirough Plain Hunt. We rang for 8 weddings, including one at Longburton. and scored two quarters (although several niore were attempted!). Four peal attempts took place by visiting bands, with three successfully brought rouiid, includiiig one of 12-spliced Major. willi all the nielliods named after pubs in Bristol. T])e events leadiiig up 10 tlie Choice of methods are probably the stuff of legend.... Talking of quarter peals, it would be wrong if I didn't mention one rung at Yeovilton in September to celebi'ate the 5011) Anniversary of Jan's joining the WRNS. The methijd was Jenny Wren Delight Miiior! The DoLibles aild Minor Group has met fortnightly at Longburton and some recent progress has been Imade with a defined prog71.am of learning. Book sales have been light as most are now sold through the Abbey Shop, but £45 has been realised and we have just 3 copies remaining unsold from a total of 769. £22.50 lias beeii distributed to eacli Cliai'ity. The social side of life for the Abbey band followed a by now familiar pattern. with our "Christmas" Ineal in January at tlie Rose & Crown in Longburton, a Ringers. Supper in Holy Week. our suinmer barbecue at David and Barbara's home in Acreman Street where Nick cooked burgers and sausages on the barbie and Inucli food and drink was consumed in the lovely rear garden. Some of us also ¥all)ered al Gainsborougli Drive in December. Our outing this year was in East tkvon and South Somerset, when around 30 people cai)ie. Grateful thanks are due to Jan. as ever, for organising another wonderful day. And finally, I must niake mention of our latest trip abroad to Dordrecht. Organised by Andy, around ten of us froin tlie Abbey band and friends from Upwey met in Holland to ring the ten bells in the Catliedral and tl)e eight in Ilie Clock House, a small building in the Catliedral courtyard. Another great adventuffj to foieign lands. All in all, anotlier successful year. from ivhicli we can look forward with confidence to 2025. Tiiii Phillips Page 30 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne Ivith Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Abbey Guides The year 2024 has proved to be a busy year for the guides, who showed over 1,200 Visito￿ around our beautiful buildiiig. I sliould also like to welcome Juslin Chapnian to our 'merry band, Justin is a pracliciiig architect and lectures at the School of Architecture, Oxford Brookes University. Between 2nd April and 29th November. giiided tOUTS were offered on Tuesday mornings. Wediiesday afternoons. ThLirsday moi'nings and Friday afternoon¥ and 781 visitors attended these toiirs. This was an increase of 446 when coinpared to 2023. The increase in nuinbers can be directly related to the increase iii the iiun)ber of weekday toiirs on offer. In previous years lours ivere only offered on Tuesday niorniiigs aiid Friday afternoons. Leaflets advertising Abbey lours ivere again disli'ibuted io local hotels and toiirisl alti'aclions. would like to thank the 8uides as they took an active role in the distribution of these leaflels. Diiring Jiily and August and on the first weekend of September tours ivere offered oli Saturday momii)gs and on Sundays (after the 9.30 service). and 73 visitors altended. Numbers were down coinpai'ed to 2023 - this may well reflect a geiieral doivnturn iii niimbers due to the niixed summer weathei.. Whei'ever possible wheii there was a baptism iininediately following the Sunday morning service tlie tour ivas moved to tl)e afternoon, There were 17 private booked tours during the year. with a total of 257 visitors. In addition to the above: l. Guides have also 8ssisted with visits to the Abbey by local schools and youih organisations. In these five visits 205 young people attended. The lai'gesl group consisled of 60 children from a local primary school which is part of Sherborne Area Schools, Trust (SAST). 2. Sherborne Abbey participated in Dorset Architectural Heritage Week with ￿served places for each of tlie tours being 'sold-oul'. The Abbey received a high number of votes from visitors, indicatin8 il was one of the 11105t enjoyed events during the week. 3, On Monday 14th Oclober 2024 as part of the Pack Monday Fair celebrations guides weir on duty in the Abbey to welcoine visitors, show people around, and generally answer any questions. 4. Shei'boime Abbey, alonfjj with Sherbome Casile & Gardens, has received the Trnvellers, Choice Awail foi. 2024. The Travellers, Choice awards are based on the reviews and opinioiis collected fi'om Iravellers around the world oli Tripadvisor over a 12-monih period and recognise destinations that earli consisteiitly five-star reviews arid deiknonslrale a commitinent to hospitality ex¢ellen¢e. Tl)e aivdrd-winners are among tlie top l O per ¢eiit of listings on Tripadvisor, reflecting the enthusiasm and professionalism shown by both guides and Abbey welcomers alike. 5. Giiides hav¢ also 8iven illustrnted talks at local organisations, including history 8roups and a liinchwn ¢liib. 6. Jouriialisls froin national neivspapers and magazines have toured the Abbey, a top regional tourist atlractioi), as parl of a promotional Campaign for the ar¢a. I woiild like to thank all the guides for their support during 2024 and for their conltnued professional 8iid eiithusiastic approacli to the role of SliertM)me Abbey Guides. I would also like to register my appreciation for the support received from the vergers. from Joanna Sanis and Sue Lee in the Parisli Office, and from tlie welcomers wlio actively promote our tours. Hai'old Clai'ke Heud Giiide Page31 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Abbey Servers "We are the servants of the servants of God" St Gregory Despite having losl almost half of its members eiiher during or in the aftermath of the Pandemi¢. the Serving Team has continued lo fulfil it5 core requireinent lo support worship events in the Abbey during the past year. The addition of severdl new recruits of school age has helped the Team enormously in meeting the Abbey's needs aiid the enihiisiasin, quick learning and efficient service of these young people has impressed and been heartily welcomed by all, We ¢ontinue to look for new volunteers to join the team and encourage anyone with an interest to contact the Head Server. Training will be provided. and the frequency of duty days is entirely in accordance witli the wislies of tlie volunteer. All of u5 in the Team consider Serving to be both an honour and a privilege. John Kealiiig Hecicl Seijiei. Abbey Giihrdians 2024 lias beei) another developing year for the Guardians whose numbers have peaked at just uiider one hundred. This is against a considerable increase in visitor numbers. brought about by soine clever marketing and television programmes which featured the Abbey. We were Inost fortunale as well, to have the opportunity lo host Jacqui Parkinson's Threads Through Creation exl)ibition. which proved hugely popular, if somelliing of a ¢liallenbFe 10 5Lipervise. Tl)e Abbey lias followed fasliion in allowing pet dogs to accompany visitors. llappily willi no ¢anii)e di'aiiias to date. Tlie Christmas tree (even largcr than usual) was a musl see with all ages whilst the tasteful expansion of the Abbey Shop has proved & 8reat attraction for visitors. especially over the fc5tive season. Tl)e Ii'aining of Guai'dians lias been greatly assisted by Ihe Abbey Guides who liave kindly provided special fociiscd toui's Ihrou8liout the year to ensure everyone is reminded of the Abbey's history. It) April we were treated to a Inost infonnative and moving talk by Professor Andreiv Toinpkins on tl)e Children in South Siidan. followed as ever by a delicious tea. October saw a well-altended Coffee morning for both Guardtans and Abbey Guides and further small meetings with newly appointed Guardians have tsken place over the year. Guardians stepped in to undertake sidesperson dutie5 when the new Girls, Choir was established, atlendiiig suiig evensong service5 on Thursdays. Guardians have frequently been on hand io assist v15itors witli tlieir pur¢liases in Il)¢ absence of shop staff, whilst several, when on diity, have happily helped the Ver8ers with cleaning and tidyiiig, At the end of the year, retiring after over six very memorable years as Head Guardian, Sue Morgan handed over the reli)5 to Suzanne Short and Philip Laiigridge. Sue thanks all the Guardians for their woiiderful support lo her aiid devoted work for the Abbey during lier teiiure. Siie Moigan. Head Giiai'dian. Page 32 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastieal Parish of Sherboyne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) HeAd Verger's Report The Abbey continues to be as busy as alivays witli services. concerts and oiher events. It is becoming niore and niore the centre of Ihe comniuiiity shoiving itself to support many causes and being far more a part of local events siich as Pack Monday Fair and the various markets. charilies and evenls ihat take place throiighoul ihe year. Visitor numbers continue to increase and attendance numbers for many spe¢ial services at Christmas and Easter have shown a sharp rise, particularly our Crib services. the Midnight Mass aiid Parish Eucharist oli Cliristinas Day. 4.133 people attended services diiriiig Ihe Christn)as week, we liosled twenty carol services aiid aliiiosl 7000 people attended school carol services diiring December. The Abbey appeal's to be welcoming iiioi'e and Inore youiig people. which can only be a good thin8 as that is Whe￿ ihe future lie5. The verger team comprises of myself, Cliris Hamon. Graham Winter, Catlierine Zvengintzov. Tim Lee and Stuart McCreRdie who looks after the Boys School services on a voluntary basis for wliich we are extreniely gralefiil. We al'e all part-liiiie but strive to provide continuity of care and support for the Abbey. Swift boxes have been installed in the bell chamber and ihere are cameras, and a live feed linked lo a computer so that iii the eveiil of the Swifts nestiiig they can be observed. Tlie Abbey Festival wa5 & big Sliccess as always. A5 was Ihe prodii¢lion of 'The Soiind of Music, which encoui'aged many youn8 people iiito the Abbey, some of whoin liave joined the serving teain or tlie choii. as a result. The West End of the Abbey has undergone a Small reorganization in order lo lidy il up, rediicing the clutter and ii)akiiig various leaflets elc. easier to find. The shop has undergone a coinplele ti'ansfoi'malioii thaiiks lo Cliris Hamon and is proving to be a huge success. At present we are wailing for the grnnling of a faculty lo build a new vestry and toilets for the Abbey, InLicII needed aiid long overdue. At present many Inembers of our coipiiiunity are prevenled froin coiniiig to ¢l)urch diie to the lack of facilities And we are one of the few, if not only. Greater Churches reinaining that doesn't provide Inoderi) and accessible facilities for its congregation and visitors. Once the faculty is granted and work begiiis it ivill be a big uplleaval biit lyell wortli it in tlie long rui). Dogs are iiow wel¢oine in the Abbey which lias also made a huge difference lo visitors. No longer must soilieoiie wail oiitside wilh their dog while their partiier looks rouiid the Abbey 11)en swap over. Visitors have ofteii arrived wilh a dog in the pasi but left as tlie dogs were not welcome. Yet anoilier positive step for¥vai'd in the welcoming ministiy. It is always a privilege to serve the Abbey 8nd its community as a verger and to 5UPPOIt Fr Martiii ii) l)is endeavoi's lo bring the Abbey into the 21 sl centiiry. Andiyiv Ci'oss Page 33 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Abbey Floiver Arrnngers We welcomed two new menibers to our team during 2024 and we now have four groups of arrangers. We change the flowers every Friday and the groups follow a rota. Tl)¢ leams have had the joy of doing large pedestals for severdl weddings and we always have fun at Easter, Harvest and Christmas, allowing each aTranger to Creale their own style. From now on, we are offering to do special anngements for tliose who wisl) to remember the anniversary of a departed loved one and are very much looking forward to this privilege. We coiitinue lo be as environmentally frlendly as possible, only using oasis wlien absolutely iiecessary which is also financially beneficial. Our tlianks, as ever, go to all ihose ladies WIK) give their time to decorate the Abbey, to the Vergers who are very patient coping with our constant requesis and 'iness" each Friday and to Occasioiis Florisi for Ilieir continiied 5LlPPOrt. Bai'bai'ci Fifield Page 34 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (contin ued) mployment Workiiig Group Pur ose.. The EWG convened in its new format in September 2024 to address outstanding HR issues. following initial woi'k carried out by Ihe Diocesan HR Consiiliaiit. and to ei)sure reconimendations were iinplenieiiled. In addition, the gjoup's remit was to conduct a wider review of HR practices. some of which ne￿SsI1&t¢d immediate Change lo comply with employmeni legislation and Diocesan policy. Aims and Ob'ectives: Ensui'e all staff have an upto-date job description and Contract of employment. Review salarie5 and ei)sure aligniiient wilh curreiit market rale for relevaiil roles. Review peiision sclieine coiilributions to confinn coiiipliaiice with irgulator. linpleinent best practice foi. recruitment and 5eleclion to evidence fair process. Create aiid iinplement best practice d￿umentation for induclion of new starters to facilitste clarity around role requireineiils and releiitioii. Siippoi't the I'ecruilment process when the need for a new role is identified and approved. Addi'ess employin¢nt issues when raised to ensure compliaiice with legislation and Dio¢esan policy. Pi'o l'ess.. Coiili?ctii Forn)ing part of the consultstion process. meinbers of the EWG Inet with all staff to outline the next steps following initial discussions witl) the HR Consiiltaiil. The new Staff Handbook was introdiiced lo staff and each member of staff received an online version of the H81)dbook following the meeting. All slaff were sent drafts of their job descriptions for disciission and update. along with a copy of tlieir Contract of Fmployment for perusal. ahead of individual meetings wher¢ any queries coiild be i'aised and changFes aurLed, prioi. to Signing all documentation. Sigiied conli'acls are i)ow beii)g lield securely on the relevant personnel fil&s, in accordance with GDPR. Salai. Review Furtl)er to a I'eview of salaries against similar roles wilhin and outside of the Diocese, tlie EWG recomiiiended Iliat tl)e PCC approve a 50A stsff salary iiplift for the 2024125 FY. backdated io I st January 2024. A proposal to bl'ing tl)e date for staff salary reviews into line with the clergy was also approved and will ensure tliere is no further di'ift oli salary reviews. All salary uplifts foi. 2024 were a¢tioned accordingly. As pai't of Il)e salary review process. issues around compliance were idenlified and steps I￿ve beei) tsken to en511re that all the chiirches in the benefice are in line willi HMRC riiles and employment law. Pension Sclieme To assist with recruitment, the benefits package has been enhanced to open the autoweni'olmenl pension sclieme to all staff, with no exceptions. A review of the pension scheme has confimied that it is compliant with regulatory requirements. Re iitment and IndLlCtion A new recruitment and inteiview process has beeii iiiiplemeiited lo eiisure fairness and transpaiEiicy in the seleclioii process Ihiis protecting against poteiilial discrimination ¢lainis. A new indiiclion process has been rolled out for iise during Ilie n¢w starter's probationary period to ensiire Ihei'e is clarity aroLind expcctalion (enabling perfonnance to be inaiiaged effectively) and to maxi1￿15¢ the likeliliood of retentioii. Tliis include5 a formal eiid of probalioii ii)eeliiig lo confirni eiiiployineiit. The folloiving appointmen15 have all been siibject to the new HR prd¢tices t1)rou￿Out parts or all ihe selection pi'oces5, enbFBgeinent. and induclion: Assistant Director of Miisic. Bookkeeper. Miscellaiieous Issues Issiies around overtime and time off in lieu for members of the verger team have been addressed and a i)ew system put in place. effective 1st January 2025. Regiilar moiiihly reviews will pi'ovide a sense-check lo deterinine whether any further changes need to be implemeiited. Page 35 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Goin Forward • Staff salaries are to be reviewed in line with market rate and any suggested guidelines, with a view to applying an aLyi'eed iiplift in April 2025. • Liais¢ with staff and devise a relevant and fair appraisal system for roll out in 2026. EWG.. Recloi;. Nicholas Pascoe.. Alex Ma¢kenzie.' DebO1￿h Cari'inglon Page 36 The Parochial Church Council of the Eeclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Treasur¢r's Repoi't for the yeir ended 31 December 2024 2024 was a very busy year for Ilie PCC with work on core activities and on new projects. I started 8s bookkeeper in Noveniber 2024 and was very pleased lo be recenily elected Treasurer. It has been a steep leariiing curve but I was struck by the start by ih¢ vibrancy of the PCC Community and I love being able to walk up ihe aisle of the beautiful Abbey when all ihe figures get too niuch. The audit has gone well with a clean audit report and I would like to thank the staff of L&nhan) and Francis for their patience and historical knowledge of Ihe charity. There are definitely improvements that I would like to niake for the 2025 financial slaleiiients in coiljunction witli tlie audilors in order to increase tl)e clarity of tlie rigLlI'es. The auditors are fully in ay'eemenl wilh this approach. FliinnciAI revie Tl)e PCC lias elided tlie year with net a55els of £7.7 million an increase of £58k on 2023. Tlie comp051tioii of the net assets is shown oli the Balance Sheet on page 47 of the fiiiancial slaleinenls. 50ts/0 of the n¢t assets are unrestricted.. 60/0 are reslricled and the remaining 440/0 held as endowinent funds. Tlie PCC is fortiinate at 31 December 2024 to have substantial assels mainly comprising £1.5m buildings, £5.7m of ii)vestiii¢iils with CCLA and M&G, aiid cash of £652k. The buildings coiiiprise The Digby Memorial Hall. St Paiil's Cliiirch: a 50Yo share in a property ai Glanville Way in Sherborne and Nunibers 1.2 and 4 Abbey Close. £59k of inve51menls were sold in tlie yeai. realizinb¥ cash of £62k lo fund Ilie creation of the Sherboi'ne Abbey tearooms at the Almshouses in Sherborne and to pay for the chandelier repair at Casileloii Chur¢h. £2.1 In are lield with M&G and £3.6in iviih CCLA witli M&G outperfomiing CCLA in 2024. £224k of iiicoine was generated in Ihe year from these investments a very significant part of the total incoine of tlie year of £98.3k. £2.46m (2023 £2.45in) of these investments are held as eiidowment funds by tlie Salisbury Diocesaii boai'd of fiiiai)ce as custodian trustee. Highlights of the yeAf- In¢ome And ExpenditMr¢ Lookiiig at the Siateiiient of FinanGi81 Activities on page 45 the net Inoveinent in fijnds of £58k includes overall gaiii ii) iiiveslinenls of £117k $0 if tliat is reinoved theii Iliere is gn excess of expeiiditure over inconie of £59k ¢oinpared lo £27k in 2023. Tliere are a niimber of funds contributing to the overall perfonnance of the PCC - tljese are highlighted in iiote 22 Incoine and Expenditure by Fund. They are summarized into General. Designated. Restricted and Endowment Funds - an explanation of Ihe different types is at the bottom of the report. Tl)e General Fund benefited from a gain in investments of £53k and Ilie transfer of reserves froin tlie Sliop of £48k - without these the iinderlying performance showed an excess of expenditiire over incoine of £92k (2023 £48k) The slight worseiiing ii) position was primarily diie to a fall li) iiicome froin giviiig and a rise iii costs, pi'edominaiilly in utilities and staff costs. However Ilie PCC is immensely grateful Illat in dI￿]clI]I tiiiies tlie iving figiires have lield up 50 well and woiild like to thank all donors for all the very 8eneroLlS contributions Inade. The Friends very kindly pay for much of the fabric r¢pair to the Abbey and this figure cali vary siibslantially from year to year, distortiiig tlie other donations and tlie repair costs in tlie financial 5tateiiieilts. Tlie Utilities billing from SSE has been nothing slioit of appalling in 2024 and the accounts for el¢clricity aiid gxs held within SSE are being reviewed at the highest level currently wilhin SSE. There sliould be a substantial refund in 2025. The Parish Share continue5 to be the major expense of the General Fund. Share was paid in full in 2024 arid 2023 by Ilie PCC. These costs are included in Minislry in note 7 of the accounts. Page 37 The Parochial Church Council of the Eeclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Report (continued) Designated Funds There were a number of new funds in 2024 - The Almshouses. Lime Trees and Swifts over Slierborne. It was agreed in 2024 that the PCC would loan £50k to the project to convert the Almshouse5 into tearooms in 2024. This was fuiided by a drawdowii froni Eiidowment Investments of £50k. The PCC also paid foi. some stait-up costs - £5k - foi- this project towards the end of 2024, while the company and bank account were being set up. In 2025 Sherborne Abbey Tearooms Ltd Wds incorporated and trading started iii Marcli 2025. Any payi)ieiils made on its behalf by the PCC have been repaid in 2025 so thal the only iiivolvement of ihe PCC in this venture going forward is the Tnitial agreed loan of £SOk. Generous donations towards ihe Lime Trees Projects were received in 2024 and 2025 this project is now coiiiplete and tlie monies received will be paid to tlie Council in April 2025 towards the costs of the project. Monies were also received wilh Ihanks towards the Swifts Over Sherborne project. Otlierwise the Sherbome Abbey Festival; the Digby Hall and FIAC coiitinued tlieir very good work. The Shop was taken over by the Friends during 2024 following ihe relirement of the shop manager and is shown as a discontinued operation in the SOFA. Any residual reserves were traiisferred to the General Fund. Restricted Funds Work on the AFU project continued during 2024 with very generous donations from the Friends; froni a bequest and from individLials. The project is currently on hold while an objectioii froni the Victorian Society is addressed. Eiidowment Fuiids Tl)is comi)I'ises the increase in the market value of Endowment investments and the Iransfer lo the Almsl)oiise Tearooins project as described above. Lookliig toivAI'ds the futui'e m looking lo improve budgeling and ¢ashflow reporting. There will be a consideiTrble call on cash and inveslnienls i f permission for the AFU project is granted. Dr8w down on investiiients will significantly iinpact on Ilie investment incoiiie and there will be a lot of work to do on grant applicatioiis and iii)proving giviiig. A finaiicial strategy is needed to try to increase income and reduce cosls where appropi'iate. The PCC is foitLinat¢ to have a strong fiiian¢ial basis at the end of 2024. It would be go)d to create a financial strategy for 2025 and 2026. Liz Ats,hiiiead Tivasiii'ei. Appendix to Tr¢Asurer'$ report . ExplAnAtion of terms Unrestrleted fiinds - split into General Hnd Deslgn#ted. Geiieral fui)ds - there al'e iio reslriclions as lo the use of these fund5 and the PCC is free to use these within its cliarity policies Desigynated fiinds - Ihese are fund5 earmarked foi. specific purposes but there are no legal restrictions as to ihe us¢ of these fui)ds and these can be Iransferred back to the General Fund at any time Resti'ieted fiinds - the use of these funds is restricted to purposes set by the Donor and these funds cannot be used for other piirposes Permanent endowment funds - are created when a sum of money is received from a donor who specifies tliat it must not be spent as if it were income. Usually the donor will instruct that the sum of moiiey (the 'capital' or the 'pem)anent endowni¢nt') must be invested and the incom¢ generated must be spent on certain specified pui'poses. Page 38 The Pai'ochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Pai'ish of Sherboi'ne with Castlcton Trustees, Rcpoi"t (continued) riinaiiciAI I'eview The pai'isli accounts show a n¢t surplus in funds for 2024 of £58,175 (2023 . £239,543). Ai 31 Decembei. 2024 lolal funds amounted lo £7,694.003 (2023 . £7,635,828). Of the￿ fimds £ (2023 £433,460) were restri¢ted funds. The spe¢ifi¢ use of these fimds is outlined in note 22. Tlie lolal ￿lld& also includ¢ endowment funds of £3,409,858 (2023 £3,402,826), wliich coniprise investments lield by tlie Diocesan Board of Finance. as custodian Iruslee, for any future Abbey inveslnient- naiiiely for Ilie upkeep of the Cl)ancel and the Abbcy. Funds from tliose investhients are used during tlie year to covei. directly related cxpcndilurc, Inainly tlie insurance of the Abbey. Uni'estricted funds are available for the PCC to use witliin its charity policies. Policy oil reserves It is the chai'ity's policy lo maintain a balance on unrestricted funds. These reserves allow interest and divideiids lo forni a major part of tlie income generated in any given year, wliich is essential to cover col'e expenditure incui'red. The reserves held also allow maintenance and improvement of the buildings under the clwity's control. Priiicipalfi4iidliig,soiérces The principal funding sources of the eharily are don8tions through parish collections, plaimed giving and otlier donations and legacies. The charily also benefits from gift Jid relief on certain donalions. Tliere are 514 members of the Church Electora5 Roll. Jiiv¢sÉiiieiilpolicy aiid objecilves The investment assets comprise units I sharcs in the CBF Church of England IDv¢stment Fund and the M&G Charifund and M&G Charibond charity funds. These funds aim to generate capital appreciation and rising income and a totsl return in exc￿ of their benchmarks. whilst adopting an appropriate Ethical Investment Policy. Page 39 The Parocliial Church CouncAI of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Trustees, Repoi't (continued) Statement of I'i'ustecs, Responsibilities Tlic triistees al'e i'esponsible foi. i)i'eparing the trustecs, report ond the financial slalements in accordance wilh tli¢ United Kingdom Accounting Standards (Unil¢d Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulatiolls. 'I'l)e law applicable lo charities requii'es the lrnslees to prepare financial stalenients foi. each financi81 year whicli give a li'ue and fair view of the stale of affaiiE of the charity and of tlie inconiing resouices and applicalion of resources of the cliarity for 11)al pei'iod. In pi'eparing Illese financial slateinenls, tlie Injstees air requiiEd 10: select suitable accounting policies and then apply thein consistently; observe thc meiliods and principles in the Charilies SORP- make judgcnicnls aiid esliinates ihat are reasonable and prudenl. slate whether applicable accounting slandards have been followed, subjecl to any material depailui'es disclosed and explained in the financial stalemcnts. and pi'epaic the financial statements on the going concern basis Unl￿ it is inappropriate to presume tI￿t tlie charity will continue in business. The tNslees are irsponsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any tinie the financial position of the charily and enable theni to ensure that the financial ststenients con)ply willi Il)e Chai'ities Act 2011, the Chai'ilies (Accounls and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provi8ions of th¢ conslilulion. The Iruslees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charily and hence for taking i'easonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregul8rilies. Tlie tru8lees are responsible for Ilie maintenance and integrily of tlle corporate and financial inforinalion included on Ilie chai'itable company's websile. Legislation governing the preparation and disseinii)alion of rinancial statcments may differ fiY)m legis18tion in olher jurisdictions. Dlsclosure of Informatlon to audltor .acli li'uslee l)as tskcn steps Iliat tliey ought to have taken as a trnslee in order to Inake themselves awAre of any relevant Audit information and lo establisli that the charity's auditor is aware of that infomiation. The trustees confimi that there is no relevant infomiation that they know of and of which they know the auditor is unaware. The annual report was approved by the ttwstees of the charlty on .2. q A.t(:l. and signed on its behalf by: Dr Christopher Hamon I ruslee Page 40 The Parochial Church Council of the Eeclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of The Parochial chui.ch Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne Ivith Castleton Opinion We liave audited the financial statements of The Parochial Cliurch Council of the Ecclesiastical Pai'ish of Sherborne with Castlelon (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024, whicli comprise the Sialcinenl of Financial Activities. Balaiice Slieel. Cash Floiv Statenient. and Notes lo the Fiiiancial Statemenls. iiicludiiig siiininary of significaiil accouiitiiig policies. The fiiiaiicial reporting framework ilial lias been applied ii) their preparation is United KinLpdom A¢¢ounling Standards. comprising Charities SORP - FRS 102 'Th¢ Financial Reporliiig Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and applicable law (United Kiiigdoin Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinioii the financial staleinenls: give a Iriie and fair view of Ilie state of the charity's 8ffairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its incoming I'esoLlI'ces and application ot resoiirces, in¢liiding ils income and expenditure, for tlie yeai. tlien ended. have been properly prcpared in accordance wilh United Kingdoin Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. and liave been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. BASIS foi. opiiiion We conducted our audit in accordance with Inlei'nalional Siandards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and pplicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described ii) the auditor responsibilities for Ilie audil of the finai)cial slaleinents section of our report. We are indepeiidenl of the ¢harily in accoi'daiice iyilh Ilie ¢tl)ical requirements that are relevant to our audit of Ili¢ financial slalenienls in tlie UK. in¢ludiiig Il)e FRC'S Ethical Slaiidard. and we have fulfilled oiir other ethical responsibililies in accordan¢e with these reqiiireineiits, We believe that the audit evidence we have obtsined is sufficient and appropriale to provide 8 basis for our opiiiioi). Conclusioiis relAting to going concern Iii aiiditing Ilie fii)aiicial slaleiiiei)l& we l)ave concluded tliat the trustees use of the goiiig concern basis of accoiinting in the prepai'ation of the financial Statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relaliiig to events or coiidili0115 11)at, iiidividually or colleclively, may cast sigii)ifi¢81)t doubt on Ilie cliarity's ability to coiitiiiue as a goii)g concei'n foi. a pei'iod of at least twelve months from ivhen tlie original financial slalements were autlioi'ised foi. issue. Our iesponsibililies ai)d tlie responsibilities of the trustees with respeci to going concern are described in Ilie relevant sections of Iliis report. Other infoi'inallo Tlie Iruslees are I'esponsible for the other inforniation. The other infomiation compi'ises the infomiation iiicluded in ihe annual report, other than ihe financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. Our opinioii oli the financial statenienls does iiot cover tlie other infonnation and, except to ihe exteiit olh¢rwise explicitly staled in our report, lye do not express any fomi of assurance conclusion thereon. In conn¢¢tion with our audit of the financial statements. our responsibilily is to read the otlier infoi'niation aiid, iii doiiig so. coiisidei. whether the other inforiiialioii 15 lllaterially inconsisteiit with the finaiicial statemeiits or oui. knoivledge obtaii)ed ii) tl)e aiidit or otlierwise appears lo be Inaterially Inisslaled. If we idei)tify 5ucli malcrial inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements. we are reqiiired to deteiThine whethei. Iheie is a matei'ial Inisstatemenl it) the financial stateinents or a Inaterial misstateinent of the other inforination. If, based oli the woi'k ive liave perforined, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of Iliis otlicr inforniation, we are requii'ed lo I'eport tliat fact. We have iiolhing lo report in this regard. Page41 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne Ivith Castleton Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton (continued) Matters on wljicli we are required to report by exceplion In the light of our knowledge and underslanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the aiidil. we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees, Report. We have nothiiig to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounls and Report) Regulations 2008 requires us lo report lo you tf. ii) our opiiiion.. adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received fi'om branches not visited by us. or Ilie finaiicial slatenienls are not in agreement with tlie accounting records and returns. or eitain disclosures of ti'ustees remunerdtion specified by law arc not made. or we have not received all tlie infomiation and explanatioiis we require for our audit. Responsibilitie3 of trustees As explained moit fiilly in the Stalement of Truslees, Responsibilities , Ihe trustees are responsible for the pi'eparalion of the financial slatemeiits and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such inlei'i)al coi)trol as tlie ti'uslees detennii)e is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are fl'ee from material mi5Statement. whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial slalements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosin& as applicable, matters related (o going concern and using the goiiig conceni basis of accoiintiiig unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations. or have no I'ealistic alieriiativc but lo do so. Auditor Responsibilities for the Audit of the finaneiftl 5tntementS Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a wl)ole Are free froiii material iiiisstalemenl, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assLirance is a high level of assurance. but is not a guarantee that an audit conducled in accoi'dance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a malerial misstalement when il exists. Misstatements ¢an arise froin fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the econoii)ic decisions of us¢rs takeii on the basis of these financial stslements. The exteiit lo wliicli oiir pro¢edures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fvaLid is detailed below: We have considered the nalure of the sector, coiitrol eiivironnjenl and fii)ancial perfori)ian¢e' We have considered the results of enqiiiries with management and members in relation lo their own identification and assessment of the risk of irre8ularities withiii the entity and We have reviewed the documentation of key processes and ¢onlrols and perfornied walkthrouglis of Iransaclions to confirm that the systems are operating in line with documentation. For any matters identified we have obtained and reviewed the charity's documenlation of Iheii. policies and procedures relating to: Identifyiiig, evaluating, and complying with law5 and regulations whether they We￿ aware of any instances of non-compliance: Delecling and responding to the risk of fraud and iyhether they have knowledge of a¢tual. suspected. or alleged fraiid- and of the internal controls establishd to Initi8ate the risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulalions. Page 42 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton (continued) We have considered the matters discussed among the audit engagement leain regarding how and where fraud Inight occur iii the finaiicial slateinei)ts and potential indicators of fraud. As a result of these procedures, we l)ave considered the opportunities and iiicenlives ihat may exist williin the orgaiiisation for fralid aiid idenlified tlie highest area of risk to be in relation lo reveniie recognition. In conjiinction with 811 aLidits under ISAS (UK) we al'e also required lo perfonn specific proceduirs to respond to the risk of Inaiiagement override. We have also obtained iinder5tanding of the legal and regiilalory fi'ameworks Ihat the charity operales in. fociising on provisions of those laws and regulalions thai l)ad a direct effect on the det¢rininalion of Inalei'ial amouiits aiid disclosures in the financial slatenjenls. The key laws aiid regulations we coiisidered ii) tliis coiitext included the Charities Aci 2011. Charity SORP 2019, FRS 102 and the lenns and Conditions attacl)ing to Inaterial grants received by the charity. In addilioii. we Considered tlje provisions of other laws and regulations tl)at do not llave A direct effect oli tl)e rinancial statenients but compliance with which may be fundainental lo the charity's ability to operate or avoid a i)iaterial penalty. These included data proleclion regulations. health aiid safety regulatioiis aiid eniployinent legTislatioii. Olir pi'ocedures to respond to risks ideiilified included the folloiying: Reviewiiig the fiiiancial statement disclosures and lesling to supporting docum¢iilalion to assess compliance witli provisions of rclevant laivs and regulations described as having a direct effect on Ilie fiiiaiicial slaleiiiei)ts; Peifoi'ming analytical procedures to identify unusual or Unexp￿led relationships that may indicate risks of Inalerial misstatement due to fraud: Reviewing Triislees, meeting rniniiles. Enquiring of manageinent in relation to actual and potential claims or litigatioi)s' Perforining detailed transactional testing in relation to the recognjtion of revenue, specifically graiits, and- In addressing the risk of fraud through managemcnt override of controls: testing Ilie appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments: ssessing wlietlier tlie jiidginen15 made in accounting esliniates are indicalive of potential bias and; evaliiatiiig the business ratioiiale of significant transactions ihat are uiiusual or oiitside the normal course of busines5. We also communicated identified 18ws and regiilations and polential frnud risks to all members of the ei)gagement team and reniained alert to possible indicalors of frdud or non-coinpliance with laws aiid regulations throughout the aiidit. A fiirthei. description of our responsibilities is available on Ilie Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uklauditor5responsibilities. This description fonns part of our audilor's repoit. Page 43 The ParochAal Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Independeiit Auditor's Report to the Members of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton (continued) Use of our report This report is made solely to the charity trustees. as o body, in accordance with section 144 of the Chai'ities Acl 201 l and iegulations made linder section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been Linderlaken so tliat we might slate to the trustees those matters we are required to state to trustees in an auditors, report arid for no other piii'pose. To tlie fullest extent pemiitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility lo anyone otliei. Il)an the Charity and ils trustees as a body. for our audit work. for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. lan Dodds (Senior Statutory Auditor) Foi. and on behalf of Lanham & Francis, Statutory Auditor Chui'¢h House C.Iiiii'ch Street Yeovil Soiiiei'set BA20 IHB 30 Api'il 2025 Page 44 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastieal Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Statement of Financial Aetivities for tlie Year Ended 31 December 2024 Continuing Discontinued oper#tions opei'xlioiis Unrestricted Restricted Elldowmellt funds funds funds TotAI 2024 2024 2024 Note Incomo Endoivments from: Doiiations aiid legacies Chai'itable activities Otliei. Iradiiig aclivilies Investment income 374.240 186.113 96.625 18,863 470.865 204.976 470,865 204.976 33.423 230.038 45 12,293 33.468 242.331 31,807 92 65,275 242.423 Total iiiconie 823,814 127,826 951.640 31,899 983,539 Expenditur¢ on: Raising funds Charilable activities (40.609) 874,229 (40,609) 982.081 (20.531) (61.140) 982,081 107,852 Total expenditure Gain￿(lOsses) on iiiveslmeiit assets (914.838) (107,852) (1,022,690) (20.531) (1,043,221) 52,592 ,233 57.032 17,857 117.857 Net (expenditiire)lin¢ome Net ti'ansfei's betweeii funds (38,432) 28.207 57,032 46,807 11,368 58,175 40.000 10,000 (50,000 Net Inoveinent in fiinds 1,568 38,207 7,032 46.807 11.368 58,175 Recoiielliatioi) of fuiids Total fiinds brought rorward 3,799,542 433.460 3.402.826 7,635.828 7,635,828 Total funds carried forward 22 3,801,110 471,667 3,409,858 7,682,635 11,368 7.694.003 The notes on pages 49 to 64 forni an integral part of ihese financial staleinents. Page 45 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne Ivith Castleton Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued) Continuing Diseontiiiued opei'Ation$ operatioiis Unrestrlcted Restricted Endowment funds funds funds Total 2023 2023 2023 Note Income ind Endowmenls from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other ti'adiiig activities Investment income 662.695 194,952 17.897 18,123 680,592 213,075 680,592 213,075 35.644 218,435 45 8.494 35,689 226.929 35,227 86 70,916 227,015 Total inconie 1.111.726 44.559 1.156.285 35.313 1.191,598 Expendilure on: Raisiiigy fuiids Charitable activities (32,356) 1.121.782 (32.356) (27,056) ,158.463 (59,412) .158.463 36,681 Tolal expenditure Gains/(losses) on inveslment assets (1.154.138) (36,681 > (1,190.819) (27,056) (1,217,875) 28,173 26.487 211.160 265.820 265.820 Nel (expenditureyincome Nel transfers between funds (14,239) 34.365 211,160 231.286 8,257 239,543 1,298 (1,298) Nel movement in fiinds (12,941) 33.067 211.160 231,286 8.257 239,543 Recoiiciliation of funds Total fuiid5 brought forward 3,804,226 400,393 3,191,666 7,396.285 7,396,285 Total funds carried forivard 22 3,791,285 433,460 3,402,826 7,627.571 8,257 7,635,828 The notes on pages 49 to 64 fomi an integral part of these financial stal¢menls. Page 46 The Parocliial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Olegisti'ation numbei.: 1130082) Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Note ri Ixed Assets Tangible assels Investments 14 15 1,505,035 5,609,975 7,115,010 1,506,245 5,554,118 7,060.363 Current 9sse¢s Stocks Debtors Casli at bank and in hand 16 17 18 11,935 25,378 594,816 32.882 652.158 685,040 632,129 ci.edltoi￿: Amounts falllng due ivlthln one ytar 19 106.047 56,664 Net current assets 578,993 575,465 Net assets 7,694,003 7,635,828 iunds of the chai'lty: Endoivment funds 22 3,409,858 3,402,826 Restricted Ineome funds Restricted funds 471,667 433,460 Unrestrlcted income funds Unrestricted funds 22 3,812,478 3,799,542 Total funds 22 7,694,003 7,635,828 The financial statements on pagcs 45 to 64 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on . and signed on tlieii. behalf by: Mr David Fifield Trustee Thc notes on pages 49 to 64 fomi an integral part of these financial statements. Page 47 The Parocliial Church Council of the Ecclesiastic21 ParAsh of Slierborne with Castlcton Casli Flow Statcmcnt foi" the Year Ended 31 Deceinbei. 2024 2024 2023 Note Cash flows from operating activities Net cash income 58,175 239,543 Adjustmenls to Cash flows from non-cash i¢ems Depreciation Investment income Pi'ofit on disposal of investments Revalu&tion of investments 1,210 {242,423) (2.204) 115,653 1,210 (227.015) 265.820 {300,895) (252,082) Worklng capltal AdJustments Decirase in stocks (Increase)Idecrease in debiors Increase/(decrease) in creditors 16 17 19 11,935 (7,504) 49,383 2,461 57,421 20,910 Net cash flows from operating activities Cash Ilows from investing activities Interest receivable and similar income Purchase of tangiblc fixed assets Sale of investments 247,081 213,110 242,423 227,015 {8,467) 14 62,000 Nel casli flows from investing activities 304,423 218,548 Net increase in cash and cash quivalents Cash and cash equivalents at l January 57,342 5,438 594,816 589,378 Casli and cash equivalenls at 31 December 652,158 594,816 All of the c8$h flows are derived from continuing operations during the above two periods. The notes on P4gges 49 10 64 forn) an intcgral part of these fin4nci81 statements. Page 48 The ParoLhial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 l Accounting policies Statement ol eompliAnce The financial statements have been prepared in accordance witli the second edition of the Chai'ities Sialeiiient of Recoinmended Practice issued in October 2019. the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kiiiudoin and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and ihe Cliarities Act 201 Bxsis of pr¢pArAtion Tlie Parocliial Cl)urcl) Council of ihe Ecclesiatical Parisli of Sherborne witli Castleton Ineeis 11)¢ defiiiilion of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial slalemenls) have been prepared undei. Ilie liislorical Cost ¢onveiilion with items recogiiised at Cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the I'elevant nol¢{s) to these accounts. Tliese financial statements are prepared in Sterling, which is the run￿lOnal currency of the charity. Moiietary ainounts iii these financial statements are rounded lo the nearest £1. Tl)ese financial siateinents are prepared in Sterling. wlii¢l) ig Ihe functional currency of tlie charity. Monetary amoiints in tliese financial statenienls are rounded to tli¢ nearest £1. Going concern The Irustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue os a going concern, Re¢la$sificAtion of comphrAtive Amount5 Income froin the Sherborne Festival tolalling £100,288 has beeii reclassified as income from charilable activities. rdther than fmm other trading activitie5. Tlie principal reason is that Ilie Inaiii aim of tlie Feslival is to raise fiinds for Sherborne Abbey. The rcclassifi¢alion has had no effecl on Ihe result for ihe year ended 31 December 2023. Income And endowments Voluiilary iiicome in¢liiding donati011s. gifts, legacies and grants that provide Core funding or are of a general iialiii'e is recogiiised ivlien the chai'ity lias eiititlemenl lo tlie iiicoiiie, it is probable Iliat tlie income will be I'eceived and Ilie amounl can be measiired with siifficienl reliability. Doliffli￿IiS iiiid le¥ucle$ Donations and legacies are ffcognised on a receivable basis wl)en receipt is probable and the #mount can be reliably IMea511red. Glfl aiil Incoming resources from lax reclaims are incliided in the Statement of Financial Activities at the same time as the gift to which they relate. liivesliiieilt liicoiiie Divideiids are re¢ogiiised once Ilie dividend lias been declared and notification has beeii received of tlie dividend dLIe. Expenditure All expeiidilure is r¢cognised once there is a legal or wnstru¢tive obligation to thal expenditure, it is probable settl¢i))ent is required and the amount can be IneasLired reliably. All costs are allO￿ted to the applicable expenditiire lieading tliat aggregate similar costs to Ihat category. Where ¢osts cannot be directly attributed to paitlCLilar headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of re5ouI'ces. witli central slaff costs allocated on the basis of lime spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the proportioii of the asset's use. Otlier support costs are allocaled based on the spread of staff costs. Page 49 The Parochial Church Council of the Eeclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued) l Accounting policies (continued) R(Il,siiigfiiiid These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income. the management of inveslments and tliose incuiTed in trading activities that raise funds. Cliiirlluble aclivilie Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities and services for ils beneficiaries. It includes both costs ihal can be allocated directly lo such activities and ihose cosls of ali indirect nature necessary to support thein. Governance costs Tl)ese inGliid¢ the cos15 attriblltable to the charity's compliance witli constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trusitts, meetings and reiinbursed expenses. TaxAtion Tlie charity is considered to pass the lests set out in Parngraph I Schedule 6 of Ihe Finance Act 2010 aiid tlierefoi'e it Ineets Ilie definition of a charitable con)pany for UK corporatioii tax purposes. Accordingly, tlie Chai'ity 15 Potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categoi'ies covered by Chapter 3 Part I l of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charilable purposes. T*nglble fixed assets Conseci'aled and beiieficed land and property and inalienable chU￿h fumishin8s and equipment are excluded from the financial statements. All expenditure incurred on maintenance or improvcmcnt of such property or fumishings is written off in the financial statements. Other land and buildings in the beneficial ownership of Ilie charity are included in tlie financial stateineiils at cost. Under the transitional rules of FRS102 paragraph 35.10, the land and buildings were revalued at tlie date of traiisitioii. The basis of this valuation was market value, which was established by the charity. Thi5 value has beeli carried forward as the deeined cost. Annual reviews of Ilie properties are undertaken to delerinine wheilier oi. not theie lias been any impairment, which would reduce the market value of the land and buildings. Tlie value of all office and miscellaneous eqiiipment is written off in the financial year in whicli it is acquired, except for assets Costin8 in excess of £5,000, which are capitalised and depreciated. The value of Consumable goods in hand is considered immaterial. Depi'eciHtion Mnd NmortlSAtlon Depi'¢ciatioii is pi'ovided al the following annual rate in order to write off each asset over its expected useful life., Asset elASS DepreciAtion method rAte Fui'iiitiire and fittings 7 years straight liiie Fixed asset investment5 Fixed asset investments, other than programme related investmenls, are included al market valiie at the balance sheet dale. Realised gains aiid1055¢s on investments are calciilated as the difference beliveeii sale5 proceeds and Ilieii. i))arkel value ot Ilie start of the year, or tlieir subsequeiil Cost. aiid are charged or credited lo Ilie Sialemei)t of Financial Activities in the period of disposal. Unrealised gain5 and losses represent the movement in market values during the year and are credited or ¢liarged lo tlie Statement of Financial Activities based on the market value at the year ¢nd. Page 50 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 {continued) Accounting policies (continued) Stock Stock is valued al the lower of cost and estimaled selling price less costs lo complete and sell. aftei. diie irgai'd for obsolete and slow Inoving stocks. Cost is delerniined using the first-in, firsl-oul (FIFO). TrAde debtors Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. Th¢y are subsequently measured at amortised cost using Ilie effective interest niethod. less provision for impaimienl. A provisioi) for the impairmeiit of trade debtors is establislied wlien tliere is objective evidence Iliat tlie Cliarity will not be able lo collect all amounls due according to the original terms of the receivables. C*$h and CRsh equivAlent$ Cash and casli equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid iiiveslinents I118t are readily convertible to a known aniount of casli aiid are subject to ali iiisignifi¢aiit risk of cliange in valiie. Borrowiiigs Intei'esl-bearing bori'owinbs are inilially recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs. Inlerest-bearing borrowings are subsequeiiily carried at amortised cosl. with the difference belwttn Ilie proceeds, iiet of trdnsaclion costs, aiid the aiiiount due on redeinption being recognised as a charge to the Statement of Fiiiaii¢i81 Activities over the period of the relevant borroiving. Interest expense is re¢o8nised on the basis of the effective interest Inethod and is included in interest payable nd siniilai. cliai'ges. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the charity has an unconditional right to defer settlement of Ilie liability for al least twelve Inoiill)s after the reportiiig date. Fiind sti'uclure Unreslricled income funds are general funds thal are available for use at the trustee5' discretion in furthet7nce of the objectives of the chai'ity. Designated funds are iinrestricled funds sel aside for specific piirposes at the discretion of the truslees. Reslricled income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is i'esli'icted to tl)al area or purpose. Pensions And other post retiremenl oblig#ilon$ Tlie Charity operales a defined contribution pension scheme ivhi¢h is a pension plan under wliicli fixed coiili'ibLilion5 are paid into a pension fvnd and the charity has no legal or constructive obligation to pay fuiilier coiitribulion5 even if the ILind does iiot hold sufficieiit assets to pay all einployees tl)e beiiefils relatiiig to employee seivice iii 11)e C￿￿ent and prior periods. Coiitriblltioiis lo defined coiitribiilion plans are recognised iii the Slatenient of Financial Activities when they are dLie. If coi)Iributioi) payinents ex¢¢ed ilie coiitributioi) due for service, tlie excess is recognised as a prepayn)ent. Page51 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castletoj) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued) l Accounting policies (continued) FinAiiciAI instj'uments Cliis'sifiLiilioii Finaiicial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to tlie conti'actual pi'ovisions of the instrliment. Financial liabilities and equity inslrumenls are classified according to the substance of the contractual ai'rangements entered into. An equity inslruinent 15 any contract that evidences a residual inleresl in ihe assets of the Ghai'ity after deducting all of its liabilities. Reco&iiillloii aiid iiieftsiireiiienl All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction ¢osts). except for those financial assets classified as ai fair value through profit or loss, which ale initially measured at fair valLie (wliich is normally the Iransactioii price excluding Iraiisaction costs), unless ilie ari?i)genienl constiliiles a fiiiancing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing ti'ansaction. the financial asset or financial liability is Ineasured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a mad(et rnte of interest for a siiiiilar debt instruiiient. Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when tliere exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the charity inteiids either to settle oil a net basis, oi. to realise the asset and settle the liability simLiliaiieously. Fiiiaiicial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the conlractual rights lo Ihe cash flows from Ihe fiiiaiicial asset expire or are setiled. b) the Charity transfers to anollier party substantially all of tlie risks aiid rewai'ds of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the charity, despite having IElained sonie, bul nol all. significant risks and rewards of ownership, has Iransferred control of the asset lo another party. Financial liabilities are derecogni5ed only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled oi. expiiEs. Jiiijej'liiieiils Investments iii non-coiivertible preference shares and non-puttable ordinary or preference sha￿$ (wliere shares are publicly traded or their fair value is reliably measurable) are Ineasured at fair value through profit or10sS. Wl)ere fair value cannot be measured reliably, inve5tinents are measured at C05t less impaimient. Page 52 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parlsh of Sherborne Ivith Castleton Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued) 2 Income from donations And leEacie5 Unrestricted funds Desigiialed GeiierAI Restrieted fuiids TotAI 2024 Donatioiis aiid legacies. Parish giving Chui'ch collecting Doiiali01is to appeals Gift aid reclaiined Otliei. in¢ome froin donattons and legacie5 61.478 1.820 6,654 14.643 178.635 16,162 240,113 35.201 85,294 44,542 17,219 78.640 766 29.133 3.712 62.003 65,715 88,307 285.933 96,625 470,865 Unrestrleted funds DesignAled Cenernl Restricted funds I'ot41 2023 Donations and legacies; Parish giving Cliiirch collecting Donalioi)5 to appeals Gift aid reclaimed Regiilai. giving and capital donations other income from donations and legacies 57,321 ,133 410 18,761 199.452 67.944 950 36,635 256.773 7.3,537 12,265 55,396 4.460 10,905 50 50 2,397 277,692 2,482 282.571 80,022 582.673 17.897 680,592 3 Income from chAI'it&ble 4elivities Unrestricted funds DesignAted Geiieral Re5trieted fuJid$ TotAI 2024 Paro¢liial services Festival 10,565 111.059 64,489 18.863 93,917 111,059 121.624 64.489 18.863 204,976 Unreslricted funds Desigiialed GenerAI Reslricted fund5 Total 2023 Parochial services Festival 15.905 100,288 78,759 18,123 112,787 100,288 116.193 78,759 18,123 213,075 Page 53 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne iyith Castleton Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued) 4 Income from other trading activities Unreslricted funds Desigjiated Re5tricled fuJ)ds TotHI 2024 Trading inconie. Sales ofgoods and services Digby Memorial Church Hall Other events 31.807 29,412 4,011 45 31,852 29,412 4,011 65,230 45 65,275 Unre8tri¢ted funds De5ignAted Genernl Restrieted fuiids Tolal 2023 Ti'ading income: Sales of goods and services Digby Memorial Church Hall Concerts Ollier events 35,227 32.286 1.766 455 45 35.272 32,286 1,766 1,592 1,137 69,734 1,137 45 70,916 S Investinent income Unrestricted funds Designated Genernl Restricted fuJid5 TotAI 2024 Interest receivable and similar in¢oine' Interest receivable on bank deposits Other income from fixed asset investments Income from rents 8.603 1.130 431 10,164 212,897 7,500 1.862 224,759 7,500 8.603 221.527 12.293 242,421 Unrestricted funds Designated Genernl Reslricted funds Total 2023 Inlei'est receivable and similar incoine. InleiEsl receivable oil bank deposits Other iiicome from fixed a55et inveslinenls Income from rents 5,805 235 257 6,297 204,981 7.500 8,237 213,218 7.500 5,805 212.716 8,494 227,015 Page 54 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued) 6 Expenditiii'e on rnising funds Unresti'icted fund5 D¢signated TotRI 2024 Fiindi'aising trading costs. Cost of goods sold Shop overheads Digby Memorial ChLirch Hall Meinbersllip subscriptions 18,547 1.984 23.856 784 18,547 1,984 23,856 784 Staff ¢osts 15.969 15.969 61.140 61,140 Ullj'eslrieted fiivds Designated TotAI 2023 Fundraising trading costs: Cost of goods sold Shop overheads Di¥by Meniorial Chiirch Hall M115ic Cominiltee 18,756 1.874 18,780 60 18,756 1.874 18,780 60 Staff costs 19,942 19.942 59,412 59,412 Page 55 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued) 7 Expenditure on charitable activities Unrestricted funds Deslgnated General Resti'ieled funds Total 2024 The Ministry Worsliip Faitli in Action Committee - grants paid Church in the Community Fabi'ic Manageinent and Administration Flower arrangers oihei. events Projects Festival Staff costs Governance cosls 237,133 25,719 660 21,654 237.793 52.970 5,597 54.893 7,985 17,675 7,302 7,985 230,057 54,715 3,519 3.840 36,360 99,955 180.482 19.512 182,035 44.897 30,347 2,516 3.519 652 48,504 3,188 5,017 99.955 5,910 (17,161) 174,572 19,512 207.522 666,707 107.852 982,081 Unr¢$li'i¢l¢d f¥nds De$lgnAted G¢n¢rnl Restj'icted funds Total 2023 T]ie Ministry Worship Faith in Action Committce - grants paid Church in the Cominunity Fabi'i Mai)agetnent and Adininistration Flower ai'rangers Other events Festival Staff costs Govei'nance costs 2.885 1,671 221.654 24,471 983 16.915 225,522 43,057 64,097 22,048 17.692 1,863 64.097 22.048 477,799 61.845 2,680 505 94.191 147,557 19.162 447,548 56,943 12,559 3.039 2,680 505 94,191 6,209 141,348 19.162 210.656 911.126 36,681 ,158,463 Page 56 The Parochial Church Council of the Eeelesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (eontinued) 8 Analysis of goverllan¢e And support costs Goveriiance eosts Unrestricted fullds GeiierAI Tot4ql fuiids Audit fees Audit of Ihe financial stateiiients Otlier fees paid to aiiditors Ollier governance costs 9,532 2,000 7,980 9,532 2.000 7,980 TotAI for 2024 19.512 19.512 TolAI fol. 2023 19,162 19,162 9 Net incomiNg/oii¢going resources Net outgoing resources for the year include: 2024 2023 Audit fees Other noi1-audit services Profit on disposal of investmenls Depreciation of fixed assets 9.532 2,000 (2,204) 1.210 9,162 2,000 1,210 10 Trustees I'emunerlltion find expenses During the yeai. the charity made 11)e following transactions witli trustees: Mrs JoAnne Hague Mi's Joaiine Haglie received remuneration of £Nil {2023: £1,966} during the year. She was reinuneraled for accounling services provided to the charity prior to her resignation in March 2023, Dr Clii'istophei. HAmon Dr Cliristoplier Haii)on received remunerntion of £12,725 (2023: £13.364) during the year. He was paid for his services as a verger. Payment for these services is permitted under the Parochiul chU￿h Coiincil Powers Measiire. Diiring the year 6 trustees were reiinbursed expenses totalling £12,225 (2023 7 trustees were reiinbursed £9,346). No Iriistees have received aiiy other benefits from the c17arity during the year. Page 57 The Parochial Church CouncAI of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne Ivith Castleton Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Knded 31 December 2024 {eontinued) l A Staff costs Tlie aggregate payroll costs were as follows: 2024 2023 Staff co$t$ durinE the year were: Wage5 and salaries So¢ial se¢ui'ity costs Pension costs 187,666 6.015 2.770 156,717 ,533 2,249 196.451 167.499 The montlily average number of persons (including senior Inanageinent I leadership team) eimployed by the Charity dui'ing the year expressed a5 full time equivalents was as follows: 2024 2023 Worship Management and admintstration 12 7 (2023 - 4) of the above employees participated in the Defined Contribution Pension Schemes. Conli'ibiitions to tlie employee pension schemes for the year totalled £2.770 {2023 - £2,249). No en)ployee received emolunients of more than £60,000 during the year 12 AuditoiJ' remuneration 2024 2023 Audit of the financial statements 9,532 9,162 Other fees to auditorg All other non-audit services 2,000 2,000 13 Tilation The cliarity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation. Page 58 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Notes to the Fiiiancial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued) 14 TAngible fixed assets Land buildings Furniture and equipment Tolal Cosl At l January 2024 1,498.988 8,467 1,507.455 At 31 December 2024 1.498.988 8,467 ,507.455 DepJ'¢oiation Al l January 2024 Chai'ge for the year 1.210 1,210 1.210 1.210 At 31 December 2024 2.420 2,420 Nei book value At 31 December 2024 1,498.988 6.047 1,505,035 At 31 December 2023 1,498,988 7,257 1,506,245 15 Fixed Asset Investments Other investments Listed investments TotAI Cost oi. VAluAtIo At l January 2024 Revuluatioi) Disposals 5.554.118 5.554.118 115,653 59,796) (59,796 At 31 De¢ember 2024 5,609,975 5,609.975 Net book value At 31 December 2024 5.609,975 5,609,975 Ai 31 December 2023 5,554,118 5,554.118 16 Stock 2024 2023 Sto¢k$ 17 Debtova 2024 2023 Prepayinents Oihei. debtors 3,962 28.920 25,378 32,882 25,378 Page 59 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (eontinued) 18 C4sh and eish equivalents 2024 2023 Casli oil hand Casli at bank Short-terni deposits 1.166 305,758 -345,234 428.096 165.409 652,158 594.816 19 Credltors: amounts falling due within on¢ y¢4r 2024 2023 Oiher taxation and social security Other creditors Acci'uols 2,629 36,035 18,000 24.094 81,953 106.047 56.664 20 ObligAtions under leases And hbre purchAse contrActs OperNting leHSe commitments I'olal future minimiiin lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows". 2024 2023 Lnnd buildings Within one year Between one and five years After five years 3,900 15,600 6.825 2,288 26.325 2,288 21 Pension and other s¢hem¢s Defined conti'ibulion pension scheme Tlie charity operates a defined contribiition pensioii scheine. The peiision Cost charge for the year represeiits ¢oi)tributions payable by the ¢hai'ity to the scheme and ainounted to £2,770 (2023- £2,249). Page 60 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastieal Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued) 22 Funds Balanee At 31 Balaiice nt Otlier l Jaiiuxry Incoming Resourees recognised Defember 2024 resources expended Transf¢rs gaii)s/{losses) 2024 Uniystricted funds Geiieral Parish Central Funds 3,506.259 571,949 (666,707) 50,703 52,592 3,514,796 De.flgiifiled St Paiil's Church Digby Memorial Church Hall Sherborne Abbey Shop Sherboi'ne Festival FIAC Social Fund Miisi¢ Fund Almsliouse Liine Trees Swifts Over Sherbome 122,791 95.785 (44,589) (45,973) 128,014 22.863 43,654 75.518 20,970 29,957 31,899 115.195 124 4,011 107 (39.825) (20,531) (99,955) (55,169) (784) (10) (5.017) 12.995 (55,022) (12.310) 54.189 (3,148) 78.448 20,114 79 7,584 44.983 4,405 1,060 7.487 50,000 4,405 2,281 (2,782) 268,662 .561 293.283 283,764 10.703 297,682 TotAI iinre8trlcted funds 3,799,542 855,713 (935.369 40,000 52,592 3,812.478 Restricted fiinds Caslleloi) Cliiircli Abbey Clioir Fuiid Abbey Floral Flind Slierborile Abbey Bellringers AFU 404,958 13.015 1.743 34.573 (34.805) (18,971) (3,519) 8.233 412,959 12,155 1,863 10,000 J,639 2.874 10,870 2,984 78.519 {2,053} 48.504) 3,805 40.885 TotAI restricted fund$ 433.460 127,826 (107,852) i 0,000 8,233 471.667 EndowmeDt funds Periii(iiieiil Ei)dowment Fund 3,402,826 50.000 57,032 3,409,858 TotAI fiinds 7,635.828 983,539 1.043.221 117,857 7,694.003 Page61 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Notes to the Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 {continued) 22 FuDds (continued) B&l4nee At 31 Balance at Other I JAlluAry Incoming Resources recogiiised D¢eeniber 2023 r¢sourc¢s expended Transfers gainsl(losses) 2023 Unrestricted funds Geiieriil Parish Central Fiinds 3,514,889 875.285 (911,126) {962} 28.173 3,506,259 Desigiiftled St Paul's Church Digby Memorial Church Hall Sherbome Abbey Shop Sherborne Festival FIAC Miisi¢ Fund 122,062 98,014 (52.285) (45,000) 122,791 22,554 28.762 76,692 35.693 3,574 32,605 35,313 102.859 1,197 1.766 (32,296) (27,056) (94,191) (64.180) 60 22.863 43,654 75,518 20,970 7,487 6.635 (9,842) 48.260 2.207 289.337 271,754 270.068 2,260 293.283 TotAI unrestricted fund5 3.804.226 1,147,039 1,181.194) 1,298 28,173 3.799.542 Restricted Castleloii Chiirch Abbey Choii. Fund Abbey Floral Fund Slierborne Abbey Bellringers AFU 377.926 17,988 ,827 20,296 8,473 2.236 (17.780) {13,918) (2,721) (1.971) 472 401 26,487 404.958 13,015 1,743 2,652 2.684 (2,262) (200) 2.874 Total restileted funds 400.393 44,559 {36.681) (1,298) 26.487 433,460 Endowment funds Periiiniieiil Eiidowment Fund 3,191,666 211,160 3,402,826 TotAI funds 7,396,285 1191.598 1,217,875 265.820 7,635,828 Page 62 The ParochAal Church Council of the Ecclesiastieal Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued) 22 Funds (continued) The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows: Casileton Cliur¢h ruiid I'eslricted to the general purposes and objects of tlie Casilelon Cominittee. Abbey Choii. Fund Fuiid I'esli'icted to Ilie general purposes and welfare of ilie Abbey Choir. Abbey Floral Fiind Fiiiid restricted to purpose5 associated with the floral decoration of the Abiw. The company of Sherborne Abiw Bellringers Flind restricted to the geiieral purposes of ihe company of riiigers. AFU FLlI)d restricted lo the project lo instal toilels in the Abbey. If the project does not proceed. these doiiations are to be refunded. The desi8nated fiinds are shown separately io highlight the contribution of each fund and the purpose to which Ilie fuiids are designated to be used. Tlie funds lield may be used for any purpose deemed suitable by Ilie Ii'Lislees. 23 Analysis of net assets between funds TOIRI funds at31 Deceiiiber Eniloivnient fuiids PeJ'mAiient Unreslrlcted funds General DesignHled Restrlcted funds 2024 Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Curi'ent liabilities 557.755 2,791.767 255,440 (90.166) 947.280 2,462,578 1,505,035 5,609,975 685,040 106,047 355,630 122,837 6,800 306.763 (9.081) Total net assets 3,514,796 297,682 471.667 3.409.858 7.694.003 TotAI fund8 At31 December 2023 Endowment funds PermAiient Ilnrestri¢t¢d funds General DesignAted R¢$tricted funds Tangible fixed assels Fixed asset inve5tinents Ciirrent assets C.uri'ent liabilities 558,965 2.739.175 257.153 49.034 947,280 2.455.546 1.506.245 5,554.118 632,129 {56,664 359.397 75.828 ,765 299,148 5.865 Total nel assets 3.506.259 293.283 433.460 3.402.826 7,635,828 Page 63 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sherborne with Castleton Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued) 24 Analysis of nei funds At31 Deeember 2024 At l January 2024 FinAnciiig cash Ilows Cash at bank and in hand 594,816 57.342 652,158 Net funds 594,816 57,342 652.158 A131 December 2023 Ai l J4nuAry 2023 Fiiianclng ¢nAh flows Casli at bank and in hand 589.378 5,438 594.816 Net funds 589,378 5,438 594,816 25 RelAted pfirty trAllSACtions During the year the charity made the following related party transactions: MrsSu$an Lee (Mrs Susan Lee is the wife of the Reverend Martin Lee, a trustee.) During tlie year Mrs Lee received remuneration froni her employinent as tl)e rectorfs PA amounting 10 £23,992 (2023 £17,745). Mi. Timotliy Let {Soii of tlie Reverend Martin Lee, a t￿Ste¢) Duriiig the year Mr Lee received ien)Iineration from his employment by the charity amounting to £1 0,565 (2023 £4,360).. Ti'ustees Expci)ses reiinbursed to trustees are shown in note 10. These were for travel aiid subsislence, as well as for expenses necessarily in¢Lirred in carrying oiil their duties. Page 64