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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Mary, Portchester

2024-12-31-accounts

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Mary’s Portchester

Charity Registration Number 1130090

2024 Reports and Accounts

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Mary’s Portchester

Charity Registration Number 1130090

2024 REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

Meeting for the election of Churchwardens and Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Tuesday 20[th] May 2025 ~ 7.00pm

Agenda

Those residents in the parish or on the Electoral Roll of the church may attend part A of the meeting. Only those on the Electoral Roll may attend part B.

  1. Opening Prayer

  2. Welcome and Apologies

  3. Presentation of Clerk and Tellers

PART A ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH

PART B ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (APCM)

PCC Members 5 vacancies: Nominations: Matthew Crosby, Steve Traer, Jenny Olding, Eric Standen, 1 vacancy

  1. Election of members to the Deanery Synod: Nominated: Steve Oliver & Peter Bradley

  2. Appointment of External Auditor

  3. Financial Accounts

  4. Reports:

  5. (a) Vicar’s general church report

  6. (b) PCC

  7. (c) Diocesan Synod

  8. (d) Deanery Synod

  9. (e) Safeguarding

  10. (f) Fabric

  11. (g) Sound and Technical Team

  12. (h) Children, Youth & Families Ministry

  13. (i) Seniors’ Ministry

  14. (j) Outreach

  15. (k) Tea Room

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ANNUAL REPORT - 2(Y2A PORTCHESTER PARISH HALL REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 249672 AIM The purpose OF the ch2rAt2ble trust is to proFide a well maintsined building for use by the people OE Portchester Eor religious purposes and use by the community in 2ccordance with the trust deed dated 1907 and the sub-joined deed dated 1915. The assets oFthe trust are vested m the Trustees, for the time bein& OF the ch2rirable twst. GOVERNANCE The ttust is governed by the Trustees For the time befftg in accordance WAth the purposes of the trust set out in the trust deed. The trustees a￿ an autonomous body whose prime duty is to fulfil the purpose OE the trust deed. The current Trustees can seeL ad￿ce where necess2ry from the Ch2rity CommissÈon to ensure their actions are in accocd with the current ch2rity12w and the trust deed. TRUSTEES The Trustees For 2024 were 28 follows:_ Revd 12n Mi eredith Mrs Denise Simmons Mr Fzic St2nden Cllr Dave IAliltshire Cllr Ntrs Chnssie Bainbndge Mr NTICL W21ker Mrs Elaine Emery Mrs Sue Walker Church 11-12rden Church Warden F2reh2m Borou￿ Council Fareh2m Borougli Council Co-OPtee Co-OPtee Co-optee HOW THE TRUSTEES OPERATE The Trustees have an annual obligation to present the 2ccounts at the Vestry meeting oFSt Mary's churdi. The Vestry meeting ivas discontinued by the Church of England An 1927 but St IL lary's Annual Parochial Church h,leeting is stnjcbjred in two P2rts. The first part allows the Parish Hall accounts to be presented as required by the trust deed. 2024 h2$ been 2 busy year for the hall. There has been the introduaion of 2 V2riety of new regular groups to the building and irregu13r bookings are 5tfady. We are booLed 365 days of the year. Improvement worLs indude new LED lights inst2lled in the main Iiall (rnam and side Ights) 2nd Litclien, 2nd 2 new gas boiler was instslled and all rad￿torS 2nd v21Yes serviced. Extern21 lighting around the building was improved. The kitchen had one tta um replaced. OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE The Trustees will continue to maintatn the H211 to a hgh standard and have a programme of improvements for 2025. All monies th2t h2Ye been placed in the COIF are ring Fenced Eor use For repairs 2nd renew21s for the F1211, ￿ requtred. POLICIES ON RISK Trustees have conlinued to fi3lly insure the building 2nd hold public liability insurance and comply with all he21th and safety requirements. 41Page

PORTCHESTER PARISH HALL ReGistered Charity Number 249672 STATEMEfrIT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE PORTCHESTER PARISH HALL for 2024 Expendituro -202r £6.172.20 £360.00 £3.307.17 £437.68 £6.383.39 £3,431.LMJ £453.99 £2276.56 £274.1) -2024" £6 037.C Windfr￿S Re rlSeN Waste Colkntton Ublibes Gardenin Su Insurance Pos a Offts su Refurbl Total Ex ndÈiu ft¥the 13.649.38 £462.44 £7.710.4S £3.745.00 £630.43 £116.80 £3.475.49 £38,551.74 £6.257.67 £44,815A1 £22.89728 £45￿93￿7 Rec8lpts Hireof Hau "2023" £1283. £13.650.00 £26.094.SO £1.699.56 £160. £300.00 £43 187.06 "2024" £382.00 £5.348.00 £34.455.00 £424.89 £160.(KI 00.00 £41.069.89 £234.00 (c Renlfrum CffKe Lease frcm Scouts Revenue frixn 8oknCwrtfl8ts SL Tol* Retu￿1 frtth Un￿GUard ds Inlwest COIF InietESt Tolal Re(xipts £185.74 £2.620.47 £45.993.27 £3257.87 £44815.41 OZJ" -21)24- COIF Uo £66.844.47 £91.495.17 £21294. 698.lyj £21,548.30 Plus ¢Jedrfs Less dirKt ¢redlls id fof 2025 Lèss payments & reftmds Bala￿ atend ofyear 450.(XJ 625.28 £1W601.77 333.12 BreakdoY4n of y￿leS. 2023 £4.382.62 £1.18227 £818.50 21Y24 £4.942.35 £1311.04 £1.457.06 51Page

Minutes of APCM meetings held in St. Mary’s Church Portchester on Tuesday 21[st] May 2024

1. OPENING PRAYER AND WORSHIP

Rev Dr Ian Meredith welcomed everyone to the meetings of the Parish and the Congregation of St Mary’s Portchester. He thanked so many people for making the effort to attend the church’s annual business meeting, particularly since it is now held in the evening, rather than following the Eucharist on a Sunday. He also welcomed the recently re-elected Councillor Chrissie Bainbridge and newly elected Councillor Dave Wiltshire who were in attendance for the Annual Parish Meeting.

Ian then opened the meeting with prayer.

2.APOLOGIES

Jackie Mitchell stated that the following had submitted apologies.

Sir Michael Moore Lady Penny Moore Hilary Dawson Sally Nguyen Marilyn Nash Liz Avery Ian Parker Rachel Standen Pauline Gennings Jane Baker Mike Baker

3.PRESENTATION OF CLERK AND TELLERS

Clerk – Rev Ian Meredith introduced Jackie as clerk. Tellers were not required as there were no nominations tonight.

A. ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

The first part of the meeting was open to any resident of the village of Portchester; the second part of the meeting is only for those listed on the church Electoral Roll.

4.MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING OF 2023 – tabled

Portchester Parish Hall accounts were presented; no questions were forthcoming regarding these.

The minutes from APCM held Tuesday 30[th] May 2023 were presented and accepted.

Proposed Barbara Andrews Seconded Terry Gautrey

As there were no objections, the minutes were accepted.

5.MATTERS ARISING – none were raised.

6.ELECTION OF CHURCH WARDENS

Rev Ian explained that 2 Churchwardens are allowed for each parish, who are elected on an annual basis. We have received 2 nominations, both proposed and seconded: Denise Simmons and Eric Standen. Therefore, they stand elected.

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Rev Ian also explained a new rule that has been introduced this year to help prevent unsuitable nominees from being elected. The rule allows anyone to call for a vote from the floor; and then any nominated person would have to receive at least 50% of the votes. However, since there were no objections to our nominations, and Denise and Eric have served well for the past year, Rev Ian accepted that no vote was necessary on this occasion. He declared them elected as churchwardens for the Parish of Portchester for the next year and thanked them for their service. A round of applause followed.

7.PORTCHESTER PARISH HALL ACCOUNTS – tabled

The annual report and accounts of Portchester Parish Hall were presented as required by the 1907 Trust Deed. They are shown on pages 3 and 4 of the booklet and were noted and adopted as correct.

This meeting is held, and the parish are presented with the Parish Hall accounts. It is held historically as the annual meeting was held in the Parish Hall, but we are no longer the majority trustees of the Parish Hall.

Rev Ian explained that the Parish Hall is run by 7 trustees: 3 are from the church (vicar and churchwardens, who are there by virtue of their office); 2 are appointed by Fareham Borough Council – and these are Chrissie Bainbridge and Dave Wiltshire (so they were present at the meeting in that capacity, too); and the remaining 2 are co-opted by the other 5 trustees, to serve for 4 years (yet to be appointed). Rev Ian added that, as Chrissie and Dave have only just been appointed and haven't held a meeting yet, they may not be able to answer questions. No questions were raised.

Chrissie added that they are currently reading through the constitution, minutes, and accounts to get a better understanding. They have met Chris Hayes in the office and are looking forward to the future.

Rev Ian added that the Parish Hall is well run, with high standards of maintenance and cleanliness, and that the finances seem sound. He thanked the trustees for their work and looks forward to working with the new trustees.

8.AOB FOR THE PARISH OF PORTCHESTER – none.

At this point, anyone not on the church electoral roll was invited to leave. (Anyone on the Electoral Roll is the nearest we have to church membership and gives you the ability to vote at the meeting.)

The meeting was then closed.

NOTE: These minutes have been scrutinised by the PCC. The minutes are believed to be a true record of the meeting and are commended to the APCM 2025 for their acceptance.

B. ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

9. MINUTES OF THE 2023 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

These are on pages 7-9 of the document supplied. The minutes were accepted as a true record of the meeting held in 2023.

Proposed: Judy Sherry

Seconded: Elaine Johnson

10.MATTERS ARISING - none

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11.PRESENTATION OF ELECTORAL ROLL

Denise Simmons stated that last year, as per the minutes, there were 290 on the Electoral Roll. She was pleased to report that this year that, despite having to remove 32 names, there are now 300. This means that 42 new people have come on to the Electoral Roll. Denise thanked them for committing to becoming a member of this church.

She added that 71 people (24% of the Electoral Roll) live outside of the parish, so choose to travel to worship here – which means we must be doing something right.

Rev Ian commented that this is highest number on the Electoral Roll in his 11 years at St Mary's, which is very encouraging. He also thanked the new people for coming on to the Roll – most of whom have joined the church or come to faith very recently.

12.ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Rev Ian explained that there were 7 vacancies, and 7 nominations for the PCC: Michael Crate, Jeff Gennings, Elaine Johnson, Tanya Simpson, Dawn Traer, plus 2 vacancies to be co-opted by the PCC.

The 2 vacancies were created by Cheryl Owen’s resignation and Steve Oliver taking up Diana Bolton's place on the Deanery Synod, which means he is now an ex-officio member of the PCC (as are Peter Bradley and Gerry Anderson), thus creating 1 vacancy.

Rev Ian therefore invited anyone with an interest in the PCC to let him know if they would like to be co-opted to the PCC for a year, to see what it is all about – and then maybe stand for election in their own right.

13.ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO DEANERY SYNOD

As per point 12, Diana Bolton has left, and Steve Oliver offered to take her place on the Deanery Synod. Rev Ian declared that there were no other nominations, so Steve Oliver is elected, and joins Gerry and Peter as our Deanery Synod representatives.

14.APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Steve Oliver, Treasurer, advised that we would like to appoint Kevin Smith of KSL Accountants, Spur Road, Cosham, as our independent examiner. Rev Ian stated that the PCC would like to recommend this appointment.

Proposed: Peter Bradley Seconded: Michael Crate

Bryan Jerrard asked about Portsmouth University who used to supervise their senior students to examine our accounts at a reasonable cost. Steve explained that their turnover limit for this service is £200k; so, with our turnover now at £300k, this is no longer an option.

15.FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS

The Financial Accounts and a detailed report by the Treasurer, Steve Oliver, were included in the APCM Report and Accounts which had been previously circulated to those on the Electoral Roll via email (with printed copies also available). Steve invited any questions from the audience (none had been submitted prior to the meeting).

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16.REPORTS – tabled.

(a) Vicar’s general church report

(b) PCC

(c) Diocesan Synod

(d) Deanery Synod

(e) Safeguarding

(f) Fabric

(g) Sound and Technical Team

(j) Tea Room

(k) Churchyard

(l) Men’s Breakfasts

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(n) Friday Friends

(o) Choir

(p) Café Church

Rev Ian explained that this year, the above reports have accounted for everything that happens in the church, to give a better overview to the congregation. He asked for any comments.

Bryan Jerrard asked where copies of the PCC meeting minutes could be viewed. Rev Ian explained how, in the recent past during certain (legal) controversies, the minutes had been used against the church, so a decision was made not to display them. However, anyone who is interested can now make an appointment via Chris Hayes to view them in the Church office. Rev Ian added that most of what the PCC decides always appears in narrative form in the newsletter, as he uses the PCC agenda when he’s drafting the content – therefore, there should be no surprises for anyone who does read the minutes (as long as they have read the newsletter!).

Gerry Anderson asked if the time of the meeting could be published on the Report & Accounts agenda (which is attached to the document) in future.

17.ANY OTHER BUSINESS – none presented to the Chairman prior to the meeting.

18.VOTE OF THANKS

Jean Withinshaw proposed the vote of thanks.

At 7.40pm, the meeting was concluded by commending one another by saying the grace to one another.

NOTE: These minutes have been scrutinised by the PCC. The minutes are believed to be a true record of the meeting and are commended to the APCM 2025 for their acceptance.

Vicar’s Annual Report for 2024

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) presents its report for the year ended 31[st] December 2024

Introduction from the Vicar

Dear Members and Friends. You hold in your hands or are reading on your screen the report of our activities for 2024. This is the second year we have used this format, and it seems to have been received well.

We have made a few paper copies for those who still require this. The Annual Report also comes as one document whereas in past years it used to come as two.

The report is in readiness for our APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) on Tuesday 20[th] May at 7.00pm in the church and which I hope as many as possible will attend.

This is part of our stewardship and accountability, firstly to God – have we used the gifts and talents he has given us, to the best of our ability? Have we been prudent and wise with the finances, as well as being generous and equipping a well-resourced church? Secondly, our

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accountability to you as a congregation, or rather to each other, as it’s not a case of ‘us and them’ but all of us together.

The Financial Report is always of great interest, and we as a PCC are grateful to Steve Oliver for keeping us up to date and for producing it in an easy-to-understand manner. If you have any questions on this, it might be prudent to send them to Steve beforehand, thus you will be better assured of getting the answer you require.

It is in this area that we face our greatest challenge. Due to the lack of volunteers, we are increasingly having to rely on paid staff. This is not to put pressure on any of our staff, as we realise that with a church our size – (which also punches beyond its size!), we cannot expect all our ministry to be done on a voluntary basis. The building has also required some re-ordering and repairs this year, all of which has meant that the expenditure continues to rise.

However, I am sad to report that for the third year running our income has decreased: 2022 (£356,825); 2023 (£317,477); 2024 (£294,248) and of particular concern – our giving has particularly decreased: 2022 (£143,825); 2023 (£138,250); 2024 (£137,475). We are down £6,000 from two years ago.

For the second year running we ended the year with a deficit, and this year it was a whopping £30,983.

We obviously cannot sustain such a situation for too long before our reserves are used up on running the church. We are keeping an eye on things. Some people think that the Tea Room pays for St Mary’s, therefore they don’t have to give. As much as we rely on the Tea Room (more than we ought, and we are grateful for it), the largest part of our income is from regular giving.

Part of the reason for this decrease is that several of our older and very generous givers have died this year or have moved away. Although the church is actually growing in numbers attending, this is mainly made up by newer and younger people. Several of these are new to the faith, and regular generous giving has probably not yet become part of their discipleship. Perhaps they think the Church of England supports us financially! It is the opposite – we support the Church of England.

A glimmer of hope is that those giving through the PGS (Parish Giving Scheme) is seeing a small increase each year: 2022 (£50,690); 2023 (£54,098); 2024 (£56,808) with its corresponding Gift Aid.

Despite our challenges, we are still able to give away a tithe of our offerings.

Our two Churchwardens, Denise Simmons and Eric Standen have served us exceptionally well, often working away in the background on so many different projects. This year Eric is standing down after two years, although Denise has offered to stand for re-election. This means we will be looking for a new Churchwarden. There are also vacancies on the PCC. Applications for any of these roles must be with me 2 weeks before the APCM 20[h] May.

In thankfulness for a good year, and in anticipation of what is to come, I wish you all a successful and harmonious APCM.

Rev. Ian Meredith (Vicar)

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General Church Report for 2024

By Rev Ian Meredith

January. This month we held a survey to see what people felt about taking Communion now that the worst of Covid is over. The majority preference was for the common cup to be restored, although we still retain individual glasses for those with health concerns. We reintroduced the prayer ministry during Communion at the 9.30 service.

February . In February I also became Priest-in-Charge of St Peter’s Church, Titchfield. This was to enable them to appoint an Associate Priest to live in the Vicarage. With the possibility that this might not be an experienced priest, they asked me to take on this role. It is also part of our Deanery’s commitment to be more collegial and mutually supportive. I hope you see this as part of St Mary’s ‘giving’.

March . We held a series of Sunday evening services during Lent on ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ by John Bunyan. These were very well attended with 50 people some nights, which means we have one of the largest evening services in the diocese (one of the only ones!). This month saw another batch of candidates being baptised by full immersion which is becoming more regular now, particularly now that we have our own baptismal pool, kindly donated by one of our members. Four of our members were confirmed at Portsmouth Cathedral.

April. This month we learned of the death of Rev Michael Cooper, a former Vicar of this church. We published the results of a congregation wide worship survey, which in the main showed a very positive response to our worship patters and variety of styles.

May . The Rogationtide Prayer Walk which had fallen away since Covid was revised, with increasing numbers this year. The D-Day service was again held but with a diminishing number of veterans.

June. This month we introduced ‘Church Suite’ which is an online hub allowing members of St Mary’s to access details of people, book tickets for concerts and events and generally know what’s happening. On 6[th] June, Rev Penny Thatcher was licensed as the Associate Priest at Titchfield. On 29[th] June Rev Elizabeth Pearn was ordained as a deacon, and she has been appointed as our new Curate. David and Jan Palmer saw an article on Facebook that we needed help with the church gardens. They gladly volunteered and have done a great job. What’s more, David and Jan aren’t even members of St. Mary’s so we greatly value such goodwill from the wider community.

July. A first of our summer concerts was held with Alistair Goodwin. This was well supported and raised money for the church.

August. Another two concerts were given by classical guitarist Jonathan Pragg and later that month by Russian pianist Angelina Kopyrina. The Portchester Gala Day which had been planned for June but had to be postponed was held this month. Members of the Good News Christian Fellowship (formerly Free Church) led our service on the Bank Holiday Sunday.

September. We saw an increasing number of young families join the church so on the seventh a family event was held in the Parish Hall. This was good fun and was well supported. Relationships between the young people were made and others strengthened. Our new Curate, Rev Elizabeth along with Jenny Olding started a new Thursday afternoon women’s bible study at the Hub. The Alpha Course has now become a regular feature of St Mary’s calendar and saw a good number of people attend. This month we began using the Hub as a venue for mid-week teaching series, “Growing in Faith.” Rev Celia Jones led the first course which was on Saturday mornings.

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October. We welcomed back the praise band from the Calvary Apostolic Assembly, a black Pentecostal Church from Portsmouth. We raised the roof with God’s praise that night! What a variety of services we put on at St Mary’s! We held an ‘All Together Service’ on 4th October at the Community School. Roger Millard retired as our church Verger, and Ray Norman was appointed as our new Verger. This month we saw a major re-ordering of the chancel and crossing, giving us a very useful new space and the high altar being used a lot more in worship.

November. Our new website was launched this month, which has been the fourth incarnation in 12 years. This is the best so far and has many amazing features, particularly a direct link to our YouTube channel where our recorded Sunday services can be found. Another confirmation was held at the Cathedral when seven of our members were confirmed. A new portrait of HM King Charles III, donated by the Government, was displayed in the nave. On All Saints Day, a new book written by me called “Haunted Portchester” was launched. This was very much a community project with several residents and others contributing stories and personal experiences. We printed 400 copies which had all sold out by the end of the year, raising £1,800 for the building fund. Three members were baptised by full immersion.

December. The Christmas Fayre organised this year by Elaine Johnson raised over £3,000 for church funds. Again, this brought in so many friends and supporters from the local community. The month was clearly dominated by Christmas services, and the WI started the Christmas season with their carol service held at St Mary’s. ‘Narnia’ was the theme of our Christmas services, and it was great to have the support of Portsmouth’s Sea Cadets, Spinnaker Brass and the Community Choir. Andy Economides was our guest speaker at a new informal carol service, and the Christmas celebrations ended with a visit from a choir from Holland who sang Schubert’s German Mass as the setting for the parish Eucharist on 29[th] December. Numbers attending our Christmas services were the best for the past few years. The year ended with sadness as Roger Millard died on 27[th] December.

The Church Magazine ‘St Mary’s News’ was published about 9 times in 2024. It is so full each issue, reflecting the bustling life of our church. The colour photographs on the front are mainly from Trevor Harmon, another good community friend of St Mary’s who generously allows us to use all his photos. We send out 458 by e-mail and a further 100 paper copies are printed, all of which are taken.

Moved away . This year several of our very active and generous members moved away, and we are the poorer for that. These included: Diana Bolton, Roger and Enid Bazeley, Tim and Penny McIlroy, Helen Thompson and Sandra Marris.

Died . This year we also reported the largest number of deaths in any one year, the equivalent of one each month: Peter Webb, Pam Ide, Joan Searle, Hazel Griffiths, Penny Wood, Susan Hubbard, Jean Baker, Tricia Purchase, Sadie Battley, David Edwards, Jan Shephard and Roger Millard.

New members . We have been encouraged at the number of new people joining us this year, many of them at the younger age. We hope that they will soon fill the gaps. Numbers at all services are mainly static. At least we’re not declining, but we need to engage in a lot more outreach and evangelism if we are going to see more people become Christians – that is, converted Spirit-filled disciples of Jesus (not just nice people who believe in God!)

What a great team we have of clergy, paid staff, volunteers and those who give, attend, love and encourage in so many ways. Despite the challenges, I continue to be very happy here – what’s not to like! We do the best we can to provide good teaching and sermons, inspiring worship, loving pastoral care and compassionate outreach through our Pastoral Assistants, youth leaders, Tea Room staff and volunteers, literature, social media, website, our 10% charity giving

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and the Farmer & Ruel Fund. All that we take in is to enable us to give out. Freely we have received, freely do we give.

Diocesan Synod Report

The Diocesan Synod in which our own Gerry Anderson is a Diocesan Synod Lay elected member for the Fareham Deanery met three times in 2024 and discussed and voted on a series of local Portsmouth Diocese issues, topical & General Synod matters including

Full details of discussions in Diocese Synod meetings held in 2024 can be found on Diocesan Synod - Diocese of Portsmouth

Deanery Synod Report

The Fareham Deanery Synod elected representatives for St Mary’s in 2024 were Peter Bradley and Steve Oliver

There were 3 formal meetings of the Deanery Synod, 8 February at Holy Trinity Church Fareham, 27 June at Holy Rood Church Stubbington and 7 November at St John the Baptist Locks Heath - all chaired by Revd Richard England (Area Dean).

New clergy were warmly welcomed to the Deanery: Rev Dr Sam Cullen (Holy Trinity with St Columba, Rev Luiz Lima (St John’s Locks Heath), Rev Penny Thatcher (St Peter’s Titchfield) and Rev Henry Kendal (St John’s Fareham).

The main theme for agenda items throughout the year were the Deanery Plan and the review of the Parish Share.

Deanery Plan – this is an essential tool for planning, supporting and developing the Fareham Deanery.

Three elements were agreed to underpin the plan namely: Prayer – how do we pray for and with each other? Partnership – which is growing across the Deanery and the Bishop is keen to use our Western wards Partnership as a possible model for other churches and breaking away from

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being insular is key to successful partnerships. Planting – as a Deanery we would want to be seen to be keen to try out new ideas, embracing a ‘pioneering spirit’.

Parish Share Review – PCCs have all been involved with this review completing several questionnaires (Fareham Deanery was the most responsive in providing answers). As a result of the Parish Share Review St. Mary’s 2025 annual Parish Share is expected to rise by 5%. A further 5% increase is projected for 2026

Other topics covered throughout the year included discussions on Eco Church and the way forward to net zero targets set for 2030 & church planting in the Fareham Deanery led by Rev. Henry Kendall

Safeguarding

Tanya Simpson who had served the Parish of St. Mary’s so well for two years as the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) decided to step down from the role in 2024 and in late 2024 Steve Oliver the Church Operations Manager took on the PSO role as he recognised the importance of safeguarding with regard to the overall compliance of the church which he is responsible (health and safety, data protection etc). The PCC thanked Tanya for her hard work in the role and managing the transition of safeguarding from a localised reporting system to a Diocese led portal backed by Thirty-One Eight the DBS application portal. To enable Steve Oliver to add safeguarding to his existing responsibilities a Safeguarding Team was formed with a Deputy PSO and an administrator

Andy Hawkins was appointed by the Diocese in 2024 and was assigned St. Mary’s Church Portchester as part of his patch

There were no major safeguarding issues that arose in 2024. There were some concerns raised with the management of ex-offenders attending St. Mary’s Church, but these were addressed in cooperation of the DSO (Diocese Safeguarding Office).

The importance of safeguarding within the parish continues to be recognised by the PCC and is now the first item on the agenda to be discussed at PCC meetings. It is hoped a PCC & Staff Safeguarding Away Day can be arranged in 2025 to enable PCC & staff members can have further training to enable them to undertake their roles in St. Mary’s with an even deeper understanding of safeguarding within our modern & diverse church and wider community.

Fabric

The Fabric team considers it to be a great honour to oversee the day-to-day maintenance of the beautiful historic building of St. Mary’s Church and they would like to thank all the members of the team and volunteers for all their hard work this year.

Over the past year the Fabric team have continued with all of the normal annual maintenance issues such as:

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In the past year the Fabric team are pleased to say that they have completed the third shed in the Paddock. This shed is mainly to be used for the storage of equipment used by the younger members of our congregation.

The Fabric team report that the fruit trees which were planted last year in the Paddock in the main are doing well, all but one have survived and the team are looking forward to harvesting fruit in the next year or so.

During the past winter a large baylor tree was blown down in the Paddock. The Fabric team had intended to use the tree and branches in the ongoing construction of the natural fencing along the northern border of the Paddock.

Last year a large amount of plaster came down at the West Wall of the church which meant there had to be scaffolding erected so repairs could be undertaken. The repair work on the West Wall were planned to be completed in early 2025.

Towards the end of 2024 work was carried out at the crossing and chancel and this has provided a very useful additional space which has enhanced our worship and greatly improved our ability to host concerts, sacred dance and plays etc.

Over the past year the Fabric team have continued to engage with new technology such as drone surveys of the church building, which has enabled the team to see broken tiles and replace them before they cause any problems. They have been able to see into the gutters and see any obstruction and deal with it before they block and cause damage to the building.

Sound and Technical Team

Over the past year the Sound and Technical team have endeavoured to continue to improve both sound and visual aids within the church. Week to week the team finds more uses for the new Church projector screen which we installed in 2023 as well as regular worship it is also uses for social events and visual reflections for funerals.

The team are grateful for the additional people in the church who have stepped in to help with the technical production for the 11.30am LMS services.

The Church have recently received a grant from Cllr. Roger Price the Hampshire County Councillor to purchase a new mixing desk to be used for community events and outdoor services, such as the annual Portchester Remembers Service in the Precinct etc. We are grateful to Cllr. Price for his continued support of St. Mary’s Church and the wider Portchester community.

The Sound and Technical team continue to film many of the weekly Church services throughout the year enabling those people who are unable to get to church through ill health or away on holiday to still enjoy and take part in St. Mary’s Church services via our streaming on You Tube.

In 2025 the Teams are hoping to improve the technical and broadband capabilities to be able to live stream services from the church. The team continue to look for new improved software to aid our weekly worship such as Presenter a program that we have used for the 11.30 LMS services. The team are also looking to put together a proposal to the PCC for a new sound desk cabinet to store and use the ever-growing equipment required for filming & presenting of services etc.

If any member of the congregation feels that they may be able to contribute to the Sound and Technical team, please speak to one of the team and who will be very pleased to tell them about the work that is carried out week on week.

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Children, Youth & Families Ministry

This was led by the Youth, Children’s & Family Minister Tanya Simpson who led the weekly Connect & Momentum young people’s groups helped by her team of Leroy Osborne, Dillon Simpson, Lyn Wilson & Rob Rolfe. A successful Panto was put on in early December by the whole Children & Youth team along with the children and young people attending both Connect & Momentum. The team were grateful to Will & Amy Yates and Annabel Barr for their acting & costume support roles, Lyn Wilson for helping to provide the costumes & set design and Eric Hanley for producing and painting the set props and to Eric Standen and Ray Norman who provided the audio visual.

During 2024 Rev. Elizabeth Pearn the Curate took responsibility for developing the outreach to the families.

St Mary’s Lambs, the Wednesday toddler, group continues to grow led by Amy Sparks with helpers including Jenny Olding, Kate Hanley & Holly Broderick.

Junior Church continues to be provided at the 11.30am LMS service and was led by experienced Junior Church leaders including Tanya Simpson, Valerie Agar, Terry Gautrey & Amy Sparks

A Family Day event was held in the Parish Hall in September 2024 with similar events planned for 2025 and beyond. St. Mary’s is grateful to Jenny Olding and Holly Broderick and their team for arranging and putting on these events.

Seniors Ministry

Our Seniors Ministry Pastoral Team led by Eric Standen & Sue Oliver who are also both Anna Chaplains visited those in our congregation who live alone or are residents in the various care homes in the Parish and the wider community. The team is made up with around 10 dedicated volunteers in the Pastoral Team to enable people in need within our parish to be visited or even just to receive a phone call or greetings card.

Events like The Different Day and the annual summer afternoon tea ensure that the seniors in our church enjoy a time together.

The Pastoral team also distributed over 20 hampers at Christmas to those in our parish who would otherwise spend Christmas alone

Outreach

St. Mary’s held its annual Alpha Group in the Autumn in 2024 attended by nearly twenty people beginning their journeys of faith. The Alpha Group was led by Penny McIlroy & Carol Gay.

A Newcomers Meal was held on 8[th] March 2024 in the Parish Hall where people who had joined the church within the previous twelve months or so were invited to enjoy a meal & fellowship.

Easter Eggs containing the Easter Story were distributed to all children & teenagers attending St. Mary’s or one of the young people’s groups or those families attending St Mary’s Lambs.

Advent Calendars containing the real story of Christmas were distributed in November 2024 to similar young people’s groups & families.

St. Mary’s sees this as a unique opportunity to get the Easter & Christmas messages into the homes of people who may not know or have heard about the life & death of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

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In June 2024 thirty, mainly unchurched people, attended the Glorious Outreach Dinner at the Village Hotel in Portsmouth organised by Faith & Football which was followed by a buffet a few weeks later and an outreach curry night in Portsmouth in October.

The annual Hightide summer youth event was held in St. Mary’s church when over 100 young people from churches across the Solent Region congregated in the church to play games, enjoy & participate in uplifting Christian worship and hear the gospel preached by the Minister @ Paulsgrove Baptist Church with many young people becoming born again Christians that night.

The Pastoral Team had a tent & table at the annual Portchester Gala held in August (postponed from the usual date in June due to inclement weather) to promote the church pastoral work and to sell the 900th anniversary & history of Portchester books written by Bryan Jerrard.

Prison outreach work continued to be provided by Tim Mcllroy but following Tim & Penny’s move to Wales in late 2024 it is not envisaged that this work will continue unless anybody from the congregation steps forward to offer to take over the work.

The use of social media to promote the church and its weekly services & activities was further enhanced in 2024, and the tearoom sponsored a weekly show on Angel Radio which has enabled the church to be “advertised” to effectively a worldwide listening audience via the internet.

Tearoom

Since the 2010’s St. Mary’s has had an active tearoom that sells teas, coffees, cakes, pies & snacks to the congregation & the wider community 7 days a week 52 weeks a year. All profits from sales are used to support St. Mary’s Church. The Tearoom has a full time Catering Manager (Ron Prior) ably assisted by Dillon Simpson and over 20 volunteers who give up their spare time to support this valuable Christian resource and vital financial support for the church. The tearoom which was set up as a limited company in 2023 is managed by two Directors namely Ian Parker & Steve Oliver who report monthly to the PCC with financial and operational matters

Churchyard

The churchyard is maintained by the Sexton; Ian Parker with assistance from Steve and Dawn Traer who have taken on responsibility for the Rose Garden located behind the Labyrinth, Julia Gay and Fareham Borough Council who are responsible for cutting the grass. David and Jan Palmer offered to maintain the churchyard gardens, and the Church is very grateful to these two very kind people for making these gardens look so nice, colourful and weed free! After the work to restore the artists graves was carried out in late 2023 and January 2024 no further large works were required in 2024 just the usual maintenance of the Churchyard grounds as and when required. Steve and Dawn ensure the rose garden is kept well maintained and will plant any roses requested to be planted in memory of loved ones. This often involves obtaining an engraved plaque and wooden stake.

A bench to remember Chris Rees was placed in the graveyard in early 2024 with funds raised from donations from members of the family and the congregation of St. Mary’s. A number of families also requested that their loved ones’ ashes be buried in the church graveyard during the year

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Men’s Breakfast

Around twenty men meet each month for 10 months of the year on the second Saturday of the month for breakfast and fellowship followed by a range of speakers and topics including the work of Street Pastors in Portsmouth, the Christian roots of professional football clubs, the work and history of Royal Navy Chaplains and Rev Trevor Hubble who spoke about his life & mission in South Africa.

A Ladies Breakfast is planned to be launched in early 2025

Men’s Dinners

Launched at the Eat Out to Help Out campaign during August 2020 at the end of the first lockdown Bryan Jerrard has continued to arrange monthly “Men’s Dinners” at the Delme Arms for eight months of the year which helps encourage the men of the church to meet to get to know each other from all four Sunday services and the other services held during the week

Friday Friends

A weekly group of mostly ladies who meet every Friday in the church for fellowship and support and who help at Christmas time to assemble and wrap the Christmas Hampers

Choir & LMS Music Group

The Church Choir led by our Church Organist Judith Williams made up of ladies from the church who mainly sing at the 9.30am Sunday Services and at the annual Christmas services.

The LMS Music Group led by Pauline Gennings is the music group & singers who provide the 11.30am Sunday morning service live worship for two to three Sundays per month.

Café Church

A monthly afternoon service & gathering starting at 4pm aimed at families with children which usually meets in St. Mary’s Church on the third Sunday of the month (term time) and provides a cooked evening meal followed by games, sung worship, prayer and a bible story. Café Church provides an opportunity for families who don’t attend a traditional church service to attend a service that is very family orientated and to enable them meet other parents and guardians for friendship and fellowship.

Altar Servers & Welcomers

St. Mary’s is fortunate to have a dedicated team of Readers, Servers and Communion Assistants who help support the Clergy at the 8am & 9.30am at communion services.

St. Mary’s Welcomers welcome the congregation and visitors to the three Sunday morning services and for the 11.30am service also serve the teas & coffees at the end of the service.

Tea & Company

A group set up originally by Sheila Marsden and now ably run by Eric & Rachel Standen to support the recent bereaved or those in our community who are suffering from the long-term effects of a bereavement such as loneliness. The group meets on the first Sunday of the month.

Concerts, Christmas Fayre & Social Events

Throughout the year St. Mary’s are blessed with an array of concerts and social events. These events include a visit by the Solent Fellowship Band (Salvation Army), the annual skittles evening held in the church, the annual Harvest Supper held on the last Saturday in September,

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special concerts/events to raise money for the building fund including the annual BBQ held in the summer.

The church also held a series of lunchtime concerts that included sessions by folk artist Alistair Goodwin, classical guitarist Jonathan Pragg & classical violinist Fumi Otsuki.

The church hosts the annual Christmas Fayre at the end of each November and is major fund raiser for the building or for urgent building repair bills (such as the West Wall repair). The tearoom also participates in the annual Portchester Summer Gala by providing the best BBQ of the day.

Other groups who regularly meet in & around St. Mary’s Church include:

Jennifer’s House Group

A house group of over 15 people meeting & attending each Tuesday in the North Chancel.

Contemplative Prayer Group

A silent prayer group who meets every Thursday morning in the Chancel who pray for the various events of the day.

Morning Prayer Group

A said prayer and reflection time that meets each week on a Wednesday & Friday morning at 9am

Women’s Bible Study

A bible study & fellowship for ladies of all ages that meets each Thursday at 1pm in The Hub in Portchester Precinct

Connect & Momentum

Children’s & Youth groups that meet every Friday in the Parish Hall Portchester. Connect meet at 6.15pm – 7.45pm & Momentum 7.45pm to 9pm

Castle Hand Bells

Hand bells group that meets every Monday at 7.30pm in St. Mary’s New Room (Tearoom)

Aim and Purposes of the PCC

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent. The Reverend Dr. Ian Meredith in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of the church building and its fabric and 24 Jute Close Portchester.

Objectives and Activities

The primary objective of the PCC is the formation of a community of people who are seeking to grow in faith, to live out that faith, and to share the good news of Jesus Christ through our service of, and engagement with those who live in the Parish of Portchester. The PCC does this in accordance with the teaching and practices of the Church of England.

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Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission. The Trustees have taken account of such guidance when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives, and in planning activities.

Achievement and Performance

In 2024 there are 300 (290 in 2023) parishioners on the electoral roll of whom 20% live outside the parish Boundary. The average weekly attendance counted in October 2024 was 211 of whom 22 were children (240 counted in October 2023 31were children).

Safeguarding

St. Mary’s recognise the importance of a safe Church and place where the congregation & visitors will know that their children and the vulnerable will be protected. St. Mary’s safeguarding is led by Steve Oliver the Parish Safeguarding Officer assisted by Linda Johnson the Deputy Parish Safeguarding Officer and Sue Oliver the Parish Safeguarding administrator. All PCC members, those in leadership roles, those who are responsible for children’s and young people’s groups & those who are involved in pastoral and other roles in the church have all had safeguarding training and those in appropriate roles have DBS Enhanced checks.

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Parochial Church Council of St. Mary’s Portchester

Ex- Officio Members

Incumbent: The Reverend Dr. Ian Meredith Curate: The Reverend Elizabeth Pearn

Readers: Mrs. Carol Gay

Churchwardens: Mrs. Denise Simmonds (30[th] October 2021– present)_ Mr. Eric Standen ( 16[th] May 2023 – 21st May 2025)

Elected Members:

Diocesan Synod Representatives: Mr. Gerald Anderson (June 2018 – present) Deanery Synod Representatives: Mr. Peter Bradley(1[st] April 2019 – present) Mr. Stephen Oliver (February 2024 – present) Laity Representatives: Mr. Ian Parker (1[st] April 2019 – present) Mr. Ray Norman (2[nd] April 2017 – present) Mrs. Dawn Traer (15[th] April 2018 – present) Mr. Stephen Traer (15[th] April 2018 – present) Mr. Chris Hayes (25[th] October 2020 – present) Mrs Tanya Simpson (23[rd] May 2023 – 20[th] May 2025) Mr. Michael Crate (30[th] October 2021– present) Ms. Elaine Johnson (21[st] May 2024 – present) Mr. Mark Woods (21[st] May 2024 – present) Mr. Jeff Gennings (30[th] October 2021– present) PCC Secretary: Mrs. Jackie Mitchell (31[st] May 2022– present) PCC Treasurer: Mr. Stephen Oliver (1[st] September 2022 – present)

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Trustees

Chair: The Reverend Dr. Ian Meredith (16[th] June 2013 – present) Others: Mr. Ian Parker (1[st] April 2019 – present) Mr. Ray Norman (2[nd] April 2017 – present) Mrs. Dawn Traer (15[th] April 2018 – present) Mr. Stephen Traer (15[th] April 2018 – present) Mr. Chris Hayes (25[th] October 2020 – present) Mrs Tanya Simpson (23[rd] May 2023 – 20[th] May 2025) Mr. Michael Crate (30[th] October 2021 – present) Ms. Elaine Johnson (21[st] May 2024 – present) Mr. Mark Woods (21[st] May 2024 – present) Mr. Jeff Gennings (30[th] October 2021 – present) Standing Committee: Chair: The Reverend Dr. Ian Meredith (16[th] June 2013 – present) Members The Reverend Elizabeth Pearn (September 2024 – present) Mr. Ian Parker (1[st] April 2019 – present) Mrs. Dawn Traer (15[th] April 2018 – present) Mr. Peter Bradley (1st April 2019– present) Mr. Stephen Oliver ( 1[st] September 2022 – present) Mrs. Denise Simmons (30[th] October 2021 -present) Mr. Eric Standen (16[th] May 2023 – 21[st] May 2025)

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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the Parochial Church Councll of the Parlsh Church of St. Mary's Portchester. I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31" December 2024 which are set out on pages 27 - 30 Responslbllltles and basls of report A5 the charity's trustees St. Mary's PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 I report in respert of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and to carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent Examinerfs statement Charities with gross income exceeding £250.000.00 must be examined by a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confinn that l am qualifi'ed to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination: I confi'rm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: l. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by sertion130 of the Art: or 2. The accounts do not accord with those records,. or 3. The accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirements that the accounts give a, true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Kevin Smith Chartered Accountant KSL Accountants Vinnetrow Business Park Chichester P020 IQH 241Page

Treasurer’s Report

Income

Once again St. Mary’s annual income in 2024 dipped by around £21k against 2023 and we had to again rely on the reserves built up over many previous years however we were still able to do the many ministries and works that St. Mary’s provide for the church and the wider community.

Clearly however we need to address the shortfall in income and the PCC led by the Treasurer & The Vicar are again on a mission in 2025 to encourage the many new members of our church who may not contribute regularly to the church finances either through the Parish Giving Scheme or by monthly standing order. The PCC also recognises in this increasingly cashless society when the baskets go around the church many people do not carry cash with them and so we have increased the methods of which to pay by card or phone by introducing QR payment codes in the weekly notices and on posters around the church.

If any member wishes to donate a one-off donation in addition to their regular giving, please arrange to pay into the church bank account or see the Church Treasurer. Thank you for your continued financial support.

No significant legacies were received in 2024, but we are expecting a significant legacy in 2025. If any Church member wishes to leave a legacy to the church they should speak to their solicitor, family, financial advisor or speak in private to The Vicar.

Sales of books are detailed in Publishing of Books in the income section of this report. We are grateful to both Rev. Ian & Bryan Jerrard for their book sales which have helped with the income.

We are also indebted to St. Mary’s Tearoom Ltd for their donations in 2024 amounting to £62k which has contributed to St. Mary’s income and has allowed the church to maintain its annual Parish Share commitment of a £100k pa.

Expenditure

During 2024 the PCC decided to invest in the building by reordering the Chancel cross over. One reason was to eliminate the many trip hazards the previous arrangement was subject to and to give the church a platform for music groups, choirs, dance groups even plays to be performed in the church and also as importantly to provide another worship area for prayer and worship. The reordered Chancel has also provided a safer space for the St Mary’s Lambs to meet.

As is known St. Mary’s is looking to build a £1.5million Heritage Centre and the long road of planning & grant applications have started in earnest which inevitably leads to professional Architect fees being incurred

There was an increase in Staff numbers and living wage rises in 2024. To support those in need financially there was the usual discretionary donations given by the Vicar as indicated in the Farmer & Ruel expenditure column.

St. Marys have continued to provide many hospitality teas, good quality of biscuits for after services (and more hygienic as they are individually wrapped). Spend on outreach, mission & discipleship has increased due to the church recognising Jesus call on the Church to spread the Gospel to the world (Mark 16 : 15) St. Mary’s have started to do more outreach and mission in the community which has led to many new people joining St. Marys Church. These new people are often completely new and unchurched Christians.

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The PCC took the decision in 2024 to purchase our own baptistry and following a request for a donation to purchase the baptistery a very kind single donation enabled the PCC to purchase the item and it was used for the December 2024 baptisms.

The Paddock sheds have all been erected and within budget.

In 2024 Rev. Ian’s book Haunted Portchester was published and after printing and set up costs the profits that the sales of the books are generating are being put into the building fund. Bryan Jerrard’s books and other books and card sales are continuing to add to the church income.

The Parish Share continues to be our single biggest monthly expenditure, and the Parish Share increased in 2024 by £4k pa. The St. Mary’s Parish Share is not the highest in the Deanery. The Parish Share is used to pay our Vicar, support the Diocese and help other churches in the Diocese who are not as fortunate as St. Mary’s to have income from the church members, attenders and visitors and of course the Tearoom meaning many churches simply cannot afford to pay all or even some of their Parish Share.

To enable St. Mary’s to publicise events better we are now advertising more widely social events, Christmas services and the Christmas Fayre etc on social media, the monthly Stay Local magazine and noticeboards across the village which has meant we have seen post Covid record attendances at Christmas services and another increase in the annual Christmas Fayre in November.

Like last year we now include the Anna Chaplain wages in the Seniors Ministry column and the Youth & Families Minister in the Youth & Children section. This way we can demonstrate to the church and the wider community our financial, pastoral & spiritual commitment to the Young & Seniors in our communities.

The vicarage increase in 2024 was as a result of the need to purchase a new petrol mower for the garden and paddock.

As the tearoom turnover had exceeded the limit required for VAT registration in 2023 it was necessary to register the tearoom for VAT. After financial advice it was decided to separate the tearoom from the church and set it up as a limited company. St. Mary’s Tearoom Ltd is now a registered company and registered for VAT. The two employees in the tearoom (Ron Prior and Dillon Simpson) have been TUPE across as employees of the PCC to employees of St. Mary’s Tearoom Ltd. The PCC are considered the (only) shareholder of the company and the PCC appointed two members to be Directors of the company namely Steve Oliver and Ian Parker. Limited Company accounts for the first full year of trading (year ending 2024) will be published later this year.

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St. Mary’s Church

Portchester

Annual Accounts December 31[st] 2024

Income

Title Description 2024 £ 2023 £ 2022 £
PGS Parish GivingScheme 56,808 54,098 50,690
PGS Gift Aid PGS Gift Aid 13,196 13,406 12,226
Regular giving Standing Orders &
Envelopes		 40,866 39,359 53,019
Gift Aid Regular giving not under
PGS		 10,889 13,406 12,506
Collections Plate/Basket Offerings 16,104 17,981 15,384
Sub Total 137,883 138,250 143,825
Interest Bank & investments 2,740 1,622 285
Bells Fund Weddings & New bells 0 0 520
Building Fund Monthly Giving, Off
Donations Blue small
collection boxes		 3,388 2,967 240
Collection Boxes
(Cash)		 Pillar safe, candles, 4,440 5,640 2,312
Contactless Sum
Up,Just Giving		 Church Card Machine 5,004 4,599 1,768
Donations Alpha Course, Specific
Purpose		 2,884 6,100 2,611
Farmer & Ruel Fund One Off Donations 500 0 1,190
Funerals &
Churchyard		 Funeral Fees Includes
Roses,Labyrinth,		 21,714 30,228 13,543
Weddings Wedding Fees 20,996 21,188 40,362
Fundraising &
Social events
(general)		 Events, Concerts, Gala,
Christmas Fayre,
Soundwave, BBQ,
Harvest Supper, Int Food
Fest		 6,478 6,286 7,304
Grants & Insurance
Claims		 Fareham Borough
Council & Hants County
Council		 1,306 1,699 2,700
Legacies Bequests not for specific
purposes		 0 5,000 0
Jute Close Jute Close Rental
Income		 12,982 11,523 12,578
Church & New
Room		 Church & New Room
Hire Fees Including
Spinnaker Brass,AA		 1,888 1,585 965

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Refunds Solicitor (2022),
Overcharges		 534 1,672 4,609
Sales of books &
merchandise		 Bryan Jerrard & Rev. Ian
books &postcards etc		 2,696 2,802 0
St Mary’s Lambs WeeklyDonations/Subs 255 452 140
Misc Monday Market, Sale of
Church Equipment,
Hampers, Men’s
Breakfast,Xmas Trees		 1,188 927 0
Tea Room Tea Room Transfers 62,203 72,316 107,158
Youth Connect & Momentum,
High Tide & Fireworks &
Panto		 2,609 2,621 2,430
Artist’s memorials Artists Exhibitions 0 0 4,125
Refugee Project Refugees Support 0 0 7,960
Sub Total 158,365 179,227 213,000
GRAND TOTAL £296,248 £317,477 £356,825

Annual Accounts December 31[st] 2024 Expenditure

Title Description 2024 £ 2023 £ 2022 £
Altar & Sanctuary &
BaptisteryPurchase		 Communion, oil, books,
Cloths,		 3,199 1,961 397
Artists Memorials Repair & restoration of
artistsgraves		 1,185 4,125 0
Bank charges Bank & Card Payment
Machines		 1,091 1,700 658
Bells Bell Tower Survey & H&S
Report		 0 350 600
Existing Church
BuildingProjects		 TV, AV & Church Lighting
Improvements,		 6,541 37,862 5,632
New Building Project Architects, QS fees, New
Platform construction costs		 32,561 14,397 7,616
Charity Giving (10%
Fund)		 Charity Support 3,263 5,962 3,752
Churchyard
maintenance		 Faculty for Exhumation,
Rose Garden		 352 286 459
Church Cleaning Cleaner Fees & Materials 57 90 200
ClergyFees Weddings & Funerals 4,077 5,218 2,105
Concerts & events Calvary Church, Lunchtime
and EveningConcerts		 1,267 404 2,150
Diocese Parish fees For weddings & funerals. 9,317 12,943 15,442
Employees tax & NI &
NEST Pension		 Statutory Deductions &
Pensionpayments		 21,023 15,198 9,628
Fabric & Building
maintenance		 Cess pit cleaning, Boiler
Maintenance,Toilet Door		 13,788 4,739 4,346

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Repair & Janitorial, West
Wall Repairs Scaffolding,
Jute Close
Farmer & Ruel Vicar’s DiscretionaryFund 900 2,750 500
Fees Legal, accountants 1,753 5,218 2,505
Flowers Church Flowers 628 664 621
Hospitality & Social
events		 Biscuits after services
Receptions, meals &
accommodation.		 2,665 4,214 839
High Tide (Youth) Summer Residential costs &
support of other churches in
the Diocese		 2,100 681 1,260
Insurance & licenses CCLI,Ecclesiastical 4,042 3,952 3,722
Organist’spayments Church Organists Fees 7,225 6,630 3,950
Organ replacement &
maintenance		 Including piano tuning 40 0 120
Outreach, mission and
discipleship		 Alpha, leaflets, house group,
teaching material, Wedding
Fayres,Glorious Dinner		 899 1,811 888
Paddock Clearance of Paddock Area,
Purchase & Erection of
sheds		 2,432 6,633 0
Parish Hall hire Evening & Day services &
church events		 2,270 1,610 2,660
Other hall rent St Andrews, Hayling Isl. The
Hub		 1,454 200 100
Parish Office rent etc Office Admin Office 1,300 1,925 3,058
Printing & Publishing
of books		 Bryan Jerrard’s & Ian
Meredith, Post Cards,
Posters,Xmas Cards etc		 5,445 5,097 397
Office expenses Phone, IT, photocopier,
postage		 5,123 8,659 7,604
Refugees Syrian Refugees 0 0 12,000
Parish Share Diocese 103,893 99,108 99,108
Refunds Weddings,bells,etc. 150 730 0
Salaries & Wages Admin & Ops staff. 26,353 29,810 43,180
Seasonal Expenses Xmas Trees, Mulled Wine
etc		 2,089 420 350
Tearoom Cross Charges (NEST &
PAYE)		 3473 0 0
Thanksgiving for
ministry		 Including donations to
visitingspeakers		 563 688 541
Training & Workwear PCC Away days, staff
training,First Aid,		 1,019 423 655
Utilities Gas, Electric, Water,
Broadband		 14,427 11,581 10,181
Vicarage Vicarage Gardener & Utilities 4,708 2,050 1,800

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Vicar’s & Curates
expenses,		 Mainly travel; training,
retreats,		 2,181 1,056 2,643
WeddingExps. WeddingFayres 677 320 0
WorshipResources (Hymn & Prayer Books etc) 450 310 0
Youth & Children Youth, Cadets,
Schools, monastic, & Youth
Worker salary		 20,503 19,262 4,885
St Marys Lambs Lamb’s resources 284 849 84
Seniors Ministry Anna Chaplain Wages,
Expenses & Training		 10,464 9,830 3,600
TOTAL £327,231 £333,932 £261,486
Total Income 2024: £296,248
Total Expenditure 2024: £327,231
Income over expenditure:
 (£30,983)
Bank Balances (Year End 31/12/2024):
Current Account: £23,149
Treasurers Account: £10,000

Deposit Account: £200,555

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St. Mary’s Church Portchester

List of Investments 31[st] December 2024

Name Description Total £
Jute Close Curate’s house 400,000
Dore Avenue Former Curate’s house & church room. 22,829
Ascension Church Former church in White Hart Lane 7,405
North Boarhunt Land sold in 1901 948
M&G Investments Investment 252

List of Designated Funds 31[st] December 2024

Name Description Total £
10% Charity 10% of collections & regular giving
(includes carryover from 2023		 18,768
Bells Repair and purchase of new bells 75,000
Building New Build (including Architect Fees) 59,587
Farmer & Ruel Vicar’s discretionary hardship fund 3,465
Legacies Legacies given for general purposes 6,845
Organ Replacement Purchase of next organ 4,374
West Wall West Wall Repair (includes legacy) 2,660
Kneelers Replacement Kneelers 1,000
TOTAL DESIGNATED FUNDS 171,599

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St. Mary’s Church Portchester

Charities Supported In 2024

Name Description of Funds Used for Gift Total £
The Children’s Society Christingle 2023 Collection 500
Release International Annual Charity Giving 500
Society of St. James Annual Charity Giving 300
Faith & Football Annual Charity Giving 300
Soteria Trust Annual Charity Giving 500
Bible Society Annual Charity Giving 500
Urban Saints Annual Charity Giving 252
Street Pastors Annual Charity Giving 500
TOTAL 3,352

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