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2023-12-31-accounts

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Registered Charity No 1130239
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(Part of the Ouzel Valley Team Ministry – Diocese of St Albans)

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT

AND STATEMENTS

OF THE

LINSLADE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 DECEMBER 2023

TEAM VICAR

The Reverend Dr Bernard Minton

The Vicarage Vicarage Road LINSLADE Beds. LU7 2LP

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER David Thompson

PCC TREASURER Vernon Smith

St Barnabas’ Accounts 2023

Page 1 of 12

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE PCC OF ST. BARNABAS’ CHURCH LINSLADE

Introduction

This report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31st December 2023, which are set out on pages 2 – 12, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (“the Regulations”) and Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner

As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. You consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and section 144(2) of the Act does not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulations.

Basis of this report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church Guidance , 2006 edition, issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishops’ Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

DAVID THOMPSON Chartered Accountant Signed: 30 High Street Leighton Buzzard Date: Beds. LU7 1EA

St Barnabas’ Accounts 2023

Page 2 of 12

Linslade PCC – St Barnabas’

Registered Charity - 1130239

Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA)

01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Endowment
funds
 funds funds funds 2023
 2022
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 61,599.29 4,767.50 0.00 0.00 66,366.79 74,320.20
Income from charitable activities 4,237.00 0.00 942.29 0.00 5,179.29 7,641.98
Other trading activities 36,986.20 0.00 119.00 0.00 37,105.20 34,726.58
Investments 521.91 3,899.53 4,179.97 1,400.78 10,002.19 3,826.17
Other income 16,376.15 1,451.75 612.20 0.00 18,440.10 19,846.46
Total income 119,720.55 10,118.78 5,853.46 1,400.78 137,093.57 140,361.39
Expenditure on:
Costs of generating funds
Costs of generating voluntary income 7,291.66 3,323.21 528.98 0.00 11,143.85 11,392.36
Expenditure on charitable activities 101,055.13 8,730.91 2,759.37 0.00 112,545.41 101,785.19
Other expenditure 7,665.86 0.00 91.00 0.00 7,756.86 8,000.31
Total expenditure 116,012.65 12,054.12 3,379.35 0.00 131,446.12 121,177.86
Gains / losses on investment assets 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,441.96 4,441.96 (6,213.40)
Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer 3,707.90 (1,935.34) 2,474.11 5,842.74 10,089.41 12,970.13
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in 1,024.08 0.00 1,400.78 0.00 2,424.86 2,384.60
Gross transfers between funds - out 0.00 0.00 (1,024.08) (1,400.78) (2,424.86) (2,384.60)
Other recognized gains / losses
Net movement in funds 4,731.98 (1,935.34) 2,850.81 4,441.96 10,089.41 12,970.13
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 63,978.82 99,575.29 93,245.64 46,804.25 303,604.00 290,633.87
Total funds carried forward 68,710.80 97,639.95 96,096.45 51,246.21 313,693.41 303,604.00

Page 3 of 12

St Barnabas’ Accounts 2023

Registered Charity 130239

Linslade PCC – St Barnabas’

Balance Sheet as of 31 December 2023

2023
2022
Fixed assets
D001: Investments[Note A]
51,246.21
46,804.25
D002: Equipment Owned
0.00
0.00
Total Fixed assets
51,246.21
46,804.25
Current assets
Z05: Accounts Receivable[Note B]
3,298.86
3,820.68
ZZZ011: Linslade Community Hall a/c
96.94
96.02
ZZZ11: Barclays current a/c
64,652.13
68,992.32
ZZZ12: CBFIF (CCLA) deposit fund
196,016.41
187,415.92
Total Current assets
264,064.34
260,324.94
Liabilities
Z04: Accounts Payable[Note C]
1,617.14
3,525.19
ZZZ200: Current liabilities
0.00
0.00
Total Liabilities
1,617.14
3,525.19
Net Asset surplus (deficit)
313,693.41
303,604.00
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted
68,710.80
63,978.82
Designated
97,639.95
99,575.29
Restricted
96,096.45
93,245.64
Endowment
51,246.21
46,804.25
Total
313,693.41
303,604.00

Page 4 of 12

St Barnabas’ Accounts 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011, and follow the accounting and reporting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable (Charities SORP) and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (FRSSE) 2015.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Funds

Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from investment of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established.

Restricted funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis.

Designated funds are part of general funds which are designated for specific purposes, although this can be changed for PCC ordinary purposes.

Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.

Incoming resources

Planned giving, collections and donations are recognized only when received. Tax refunds are recognized when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognized when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

St Barnabas’ Accounts 2023

Page 5 of 12

Resources expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognized when it is incurred for gross.

Fixed assets

Consecrated property is not included in the accounts in accordance with section 10(2)(c) of the Charities Act 2011.

Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time).

No equipment assets are currently held by the PCC which require depreciation.

Investments are valued at market value as at 31 December 2023.

2. INVESTMENTS

Endowment funds

Held by the Central Board of Finance of the Church of England.

£
Lawford bequest (upkeep of Lawford Memorial Chapel) 6,261.67
Hadley bequest (care and upkeep of St. Barnabas’ clock) 700.76
Biley bequest (upkeep of St. Mary’s churchyard) 10,421.04
Gamble bequest (upkeep of St. Mary’s churchyard and specific graves) 5,040.98
Merry bequest (upkeep of St. Mary’s churchyard and specific graves) 7,369.33
Oakley bequest (upkeep of St. Mary’s churchyard and specific grave) 7,979.67
Roberts bequest (upkeep of St. Mary’s churchyard and specific graves) 1,175.48
Vickers bequest (upkeep of St. Mary’s churchyard and specific graves) 12,297.28
_____
Endowment Investment values at 31 December 2023 51,264.21

St Barnabas’ Accounts 2023

Page 6 of 12

3. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment 2023 2022
Fixed Assets
(Investments)		 51,246.21 51,246.21 46,804.25
Current
Assets		 70,327.94 97,639.95 96,096.45 264,064.34 260,324.94
Liabilities &
Acc Payable		 (1,617.14) (1,617.14) (3,525.19)
TOTAL NET
ASSETS		 68,710.80 97,639.95 96,096.45 51,246.21 313,693.41 303,604.00

4. CURRENT LIABILITIES

Creditors

TOTAL LIABILITIES		 2023
2022
(1,617.14)
(3,529.19)
(1,617.14)
(3,529.19)

5. DESCRIPTION OF FUNDS

General fund:

General Fund – For Ordinary purposes for PCC Income and expenditure, covers St Barnabas, St Mary’s and Linslade Community Hall day to day Income and costs.

Designated funds:

Church – designated money for future ongoing upkeep Maintenance and Repairs to St Barnabas & St Mary’s Churches

Hall - designated money for future ongoing upkeep Maintenance and Repairs of Linslade Community Hall

Teach – designated money for Youth Worker and Christian teaching within the Church Outreach – mission giving both at home and overseas, money raised from Outreach fundraising and matched by PCC funds

Choir – for the provision of music, robes and other requirements

St Barnabas’ Accounts 2023

Page 7 of 12

Restricted funds:

Bells – maintenance of the Bells and Belfry

Biley St. Mary’s – maintenance of the fabric of St. Mary’s church.

Chapel - upkeep of Lawford Memorial Chapel, Interest from Lawford Endowment. Clock fund - upkeep and maintenance of St. Barnabas’ tower clock, Interest from Hadley Endowment.

Dorothy Hall bequest – for the use of St. Mary’s church, and formerly St Barnabas, ( Note £30000 of remaining fund has now been allocated by Dorothy Halls Executor for St Barnabas, as would be in keeping with her wishes, as per letter received by PCC).

Friends of St. Mary’s – upkeep and maintenance of St. Mary’s church and churchyard. Special projects – other worthy causes identified as of need, smaller bequests/donations for one off items.

St Mary’s Churchyard - upkeep and maintenance of St. Mary’s churchyard, Endowment Interest from the St Mary’s Endowments.

Endowment funds

Lawford bequest - upkeep of Lawford Memorial Chapel. Hadley bequest - care and upkeep of St. Barnabas’ Clock. Biley bequest - upkeep of St. Mary’s churchyard. Gamble bequest - upkeep of St. Mary’s churchyard and specific graves. Merry bequest - upkeep of St. Mary’s churchyard and specific graves. Oakley bequest - upkeep of St. Mary’s churchyard and specific grave. Roberts bequest - upkeep of St. Mary’s churchyard and specific grave. Vickers bequest - upkeep of St. Mary’s churchyard and specific grave.

Note, The Interest from the Endowment funds was transferred to respective Restricted funds (Chapel, Clock and St Mary’s Churchyard) at year end.

Endowment Interest for 2023 by Fund, allocated to respective restricted funds, amounts transferred at year end:

£
Lawford– Chapel Fund 171.17
Hadley– Clock Fund 19.16
Biley– St Mary’s Churchyard 284.85
Gamble– St Mary’s Churchyard 137.78
Merry– St Mary’s Churchyard 201.43
Oakley– St Mary’s Churchyard 218.12
Roberts– St Mary’s Churchyard 32.14
Vickers– St Mary’s Churchyard 336.13
Total 1400.78

St Barnabas’ Accounts 2023

Page 8 of 12

Linslade PCC- St Barnabas’

Registered Charity 1130239

Analysis of Income and Expenditure 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023

Total Total
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment 2023 2022
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
ZZZ103 - Planned giving[Note D] 54,503.52 0.00 0.00 0.00 54,503.52 59,828.90
ZZZ104 - Collections St. B 2,901.68 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,901.68 2,689.71
ZZZ105 – Donations[Note E] 2,825.59 4,120.00 0.00 0.00 6,945.59 10,436.24
ZZZ106 - Gift aided giving 610.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 610.50 648.00
ZZZ112 - Charitable donations 377.00 647.50 0.00 0.00 1,024.50 495.00
ZZZ116 - Don. - Church costs 214.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 214.00 193.85
ZZZ126 - Collections St. Mary 167.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 167.00 28.50
Donations and legacies Totals 61,599.29 4,767.50 0.00 0.00 66,366.79 74,320.20
Income from charitable activities
ZZZ118 - Fees St. Barnabas 2,040.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,040.00 2,811.00
ZZZ119 - Fees St. Mary's 1,775.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,775.00 2,882.00
ZZZ122 - Messy Church & Toddler Gps 422.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 422.00 612.00
ZZZ127 - Friends - St. Mary's 0.00 0.00 942.29 0.00 942.29 1,336.98
Income from charitable activities 4,237.00 0.00 942.29 0.00 5,179.29 7,641.98
Totals
Other trading activities
ZZZ117 - Fund raising 1,023.81 0.00 119.00 0.00 1,142.81 4,680.26
ZZZ120 - Fetes & bazaars 6,889.55 0.00 0.00 0.00 6,889.55 5,870.53
ZZZ121 - Hall income 23,851.74 0.00 0.00 0.00 23,851.74 20,134.79
ZZZ131 - Magazine income 746.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 746.60 858.50
ZZZ136 - St Barnabas (Use of Church) 4,199.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,199.50 3,182.50
ZZZ137 - St Mary's (Use of Church) 275.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 275.00 0.00
Other trading activities Totals 36,986.20 0.00 119.00 0.00 37,105.20 34,726.58
Investments
ZZZ108 - Interest on deposits 521.91 3,899.53 4,179.97 0.00 8,601.41 2,433.09
ZZZ109 - Endowment interest 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,400.78 1,400.78 1,393.08
Investments Totals 521.91 3,899.53 4,179.97 1,400.78 10,002.19 3,826.17
Other income
ZZZ110 - Tax recoverable[Note F] 14,612.42 1,396.75 414.20 0.00 16,423.37 17,289.81
ZZZ123 - Choir income 0.00 55.00 0.00 0.00 55.00 0.00
ZZZ124 - PCC Bells 160.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 160.00 802.33
ZZZ135 - Bells Restricted Account 0.00 0.00 198.00 0.00 198.00 260.00
ZZZ138 - Renewable Energy (Solar) 1,603.73 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,603.73 1,494.32
Other income Totals 16,376.15 1,451.75 612.20 0.00 18,440.10 19,846.46
Income and endowments 119,720.55 10,118.78 5,853.46 1,400.78 **137,093.57 ** 140,361.39
Grand totals

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment

Page 9 of 12

St Barnabas’ Accounts 2023

Total Designated Restricted Endowment 2023 2022

Unrestricted

Expenditure

Expenditure
Costs of generating funds
ZZZ204 - Fetes & bazaars 692.18 0.00 0.00 0.00 692.18 121.50
ZZZ205 - St. Mary's expenses 0.00 408.00 381.44 0.00 789.44 2,122.89
ZZZ206 - Hall expenses 5,420.99 2,009.90 0.00 0.00 7,430.89 6,387.03
ZZZ227 - Fundraising 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,915.38
ZZZ235 - St B Expenses 1,178.49 905.31 147.54 0.00 2,231.34 845.56
Costs of generating funds Totals 7,291.66 3,323.21 528.98 0.00 11,143.85 11,392.36
Expenditure on charitable activities
ZZZ201 - Altar Requisites 1,055.24 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,055.24 1,164.31
ZZZ208 - Magazine expenses 1,458.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,458.00 1,210.00
ZZZ210 - Organist' s fees [Note G] 5,004.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5,004.00 5,274.00
ZZZ212 - Parish share
 [Note H] 66,881.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 66,881.00 65,979.00
ZZZ213 - Parish activities 195.90 0.00 254.40 0.00 450.30 0.00
ZZZ214 - St. B. repairs [Note J] 19.48 2,469.18 2,167.20 0.00 4,655.86 5,551.42
ZZZ215 - St. M. repairs [Note J] 0.00 2,110.74 0.00 0.00 2,110.74 905.00
ZZZ217 - Charitable giving [Note K] 2,477.00 700.00 0.00 0.00 3,177.00 2,500.00
ZZZ220 - PCC Bells 160.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 160.00 936.40
ZZZ222 - Verger's fees 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 36.00
ZZZ224 - Friends of St. M exp 0.00 0.00 337.77 0.00 337.77 394.81
ZZZ225 - Choir own exp. 0.00 127.00 0.00 0.00 127.00 110.00
ZZZ233 - Ouzel Valley Team [Note L] 4,200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,200.00 4,200.00
ZZZ234 - Hall repairs 0.00 3,323.99 0.00 0.00 3,323.99 579.60
ZZZ236 - Utilities Office Cottage 1,845.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,845.03 1,394.93
ZZZ237 - Utilities St B [Note M] 11,121.31 0.00 0.00 0.00 11,121.31 7,539.99
ZZZ238 - Utilities Hall [Note M] 6,064.63 0.00 0.00 0.00 6,064.63 3,563.62
ZZZ239 - Utilities St M 573.54 0.00 0.00 0.00 573.54 446.11
Expenditure on charitable 101,055.13 8,730.91 2,759.37 0.00 112,545.41 101,785.19
activities Totals
Other expenditure
ZZZ209 - Office / Admin expenses 891.49 0.00 0.00 0.00 891.49 1,508.79
ZZZ230 - Insurance St B 4,056.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,056.30 4,032.37
ZZZ231 - Insurance St Marys 1,293.48 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,293.48 1,024.08
ZZZ232 - Insurance Hall 1,424.59 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,424.59 1,344.07
ZZZ240 - Bells Expenses 0.00 0.00 91.00 0.00 91.00 91.00
Other expenditure Totals 7,665.86 0.00 91.00 0.00 7,756.86 8,000.31
Expenditure Grand totals 116,012.65 12,054.12 3,379.35 0.00 **131,446.12 ** 121,177.86

Page 10 of 12

St Barnabas’ Accounts 2023

Registered Charity - 1130239

Linslade PCC – St Barnabas’

Fund Movement Summary

01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023

Fund
Fund balances
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers
Gains and Fund balances
Brought forward
Resources
Resources
Losses
Carried
On Investments
forward
1,024.08
63,978.82
1,024.08
63,978.82
0.00
68,051.91
0.00
7,715.54
0.00
19,141.63
0.00
3,895.37
0.00
770.84
0.00
99,575.29
(1,024.08)
9,981.18
0.00
3,313.49
0.00
3,016.32
0.00
56,119.06
0.00
14,279.94
1,210.45
5,851.65
171.17
592.97
19.16
91.03
376.70
93,245.64
(284.85)
9,517.76
(19.16)
640.02
(171.17)
5,718.91
(32.14)
1,073.59
(201.43)
6,730.56
(137.78)
4,604.04
(218.12)
7,288.00
(336.13)
11,231.37
(1,400.78)
46,804.25
0.00
Unrestricted
General - General fund
119,720.55
116,012.65
0.00
68,710.80
Sub-totals
119,720.55
116,012.65
0.00
68,710.80
Designated
Church – Maint & Repair fund StB & StM
8,206.54
6,790.61
0.00
69,467.84
Teach - Youth, Mission & Teaching
354.06
0.00
0.00
8,069.60
Hall - Linslade Community Hall fund
529.66
4,436.51
0.00
15,234.78
Choir - Choir Fund
228.96
127.00
0.00
3,997.33
Outreach - Charitable donations
799.56
700.00
0.00
870.40
Sub-totals
10,118.78
12,054.12
0.00
97,639.95
Restricted
Friends - Friends of St. Mary's
1,482.67
371.10
0.00
10,068.67
Bells - Bells Fund
384.48
91.00
0.00
3,606.97
S.proj - Special projects
250.08
401.94
0.00
2,864.46
Dhall - Dorothy Hall bequest
2,782.66
2,167.20
0.00
56,734.52
Biley-M - Biley St. Mary's fund
655.31
0.00
0.00
14,935.25
Stmchyd - StM Churchyard(End Int)
266.02
348.11
0.00
6,980.01
Chapel - Lady Chapel(Lawford End)
27.97
0.00
0.00
792.11
Clock - Clock Fund (Hadley End)
4.27
0.00
0.00
114.46
Sub-totals
5,853.46
3,379.35
0.00
96,096.45
Endowment
Biley - St. Mary's church
284.85
0.00
903.28
10,421.04
Hadley - Clock fund - Hadley
19.16
0.00
60.74
700.76
Lawford - Chapel fund - Lawford
171.17
0.00
542.76
6,261.67
Roberts - St. Mary's fund - Roberts
32.14
0.00
101.89
1,175.48
Merry - St. Mary's fund - Merry
201.43
0.00
638.77
7,369.33
Gamble - St. Mary's fund - Gamble
137.78
0.00
436.94
5,040.98
Oakley - St. Mary's fund - Oakley
218.12
0.00
691.67
7,979.67
Vickers - St. Mary's fund - Vickers
336.13
0.00
1,065.91
12,297.28
Sub-totals
1,400.78
0.00
4,441.96
51,246.21
Totals
303,604.00
137,093.57
131,446.12
4,441.96 313,693.41

St Barnabas’ Accounts 2023 Page 11 of 12

6. SUMMARY OF FUND TRANSFERS

A Transfer of £1,024.28 from Friends of St Mary’s to General Funds for Payment of the St Mary’s Insurance for 2022/2023 Year

(For Endowment Interest transfers see Page 8)

7. EXPLANATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR 2023

Vernon Smith Signed: Linslade PCC Treasurer Date: 21 February 2024

St Barnabas’ Accounts 2023

Page 12 of 12

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Registered Charity No 1130239
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(Part of the Ouzel Valley Team Ministry – Diocese of St Albans)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

LINSLADE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 DECEMBER 2023

TEAM VICAR

The Reverend Dr Bernard Minton

The Vicarage Vicarage Road LINSLADE Beds. LU7 2LP

Linslade PCC Trustees Annual Report 2023

Page 1 of 7

1. AIM AND PURPOSES

St Barnabas Church - Linslade Parochial Church Council (PCC) as elected trustees have the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, The Reverend Dr Bernard Minton, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church of St Barnabas’ Linslade, the Church of St Mary’s, Old Linslade and the Linslade Community Hall.

2. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at St Barnabas.

The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.

When planning our activities for the year, the incumbent and the PCC have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

3. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Worship and Services

The PCC are keen to offer a range of services during the week and over the course of the year that our community find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling.

Every Sunday there are 2 Services of Holy Communion, one said Service at 8am and the main Parish Communion at 10am, Evening prayer provides a quiet, intimate and reflective environment for worship whilst opportunities are provided for other services during the week, with regular weekday communion services and both Morning and Evening Prayer. We have Family Worship on the morning of the 3rd Sunday each month at 10am, other services are regularly held to cater for the young children of the parish.

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Baptisms are conducted as required and are usually held on last Sunday of each month, when members of the congregation and of the PCC are invited to welcome new people to the Church.

As well as our regular services, we enable our community to celebrate and thank God at the milestones of the journey through life. Through baptism we thank God for the gift of life, in marriage public vows are exchanged with God’s blessing and through funeral services friends and family express their grief and give thanks for the life which is now complete in this world and to commend the person into God's keeping.

Further enhancement of the online recording systems were made and will allow for future streaming of services, which includes Baptisms and Funerals as well.

At present there are 110 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll.

Deanery Synod

Currently 2 members of the PCC sit on the Deanery Synod. This provides the PCC with an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the church.

Pastoral Care

Normally Regular communion services are held at the local old people’s home Elm Lodge in Linslade each month, with regular volunteers to assist in this work. Some members of our parish are unable to attend church due to sickness or age.

Both The Revd Dr Bernard Minton and Revd Wyn Jones and have visited those church members who have requested it, to celebrate communion with them either at their homes or in hospital, Other Lay readers and nominated members also assist with Pastoral care and assist with home communion services in homes and local care homes.

We have a small team of volunteers to visit all who are sick or unable to get out for any other reason to keep them in touch with church life.

The Community Hall provides a facility for the local community and is used every day of each week, with Keep fit classes, Dance groups, Dog Clubs, Children’s playgroups, and many other bookings.

Mission and Evangelism

Helping those in need is a demonstration of our faith. The Outreach committee is to be congratulated on their fund-raising efforts. The PCC has agreed to match this fundraising with at least an equal amount, to support our Mission Giving, and is reviewed by the PCC Trustees each year.

In 2023 we continued supported the Leighton Linslade Homeless, Kids Out, and The Rukungiri Orphanage; it is good that these efforts on behalf of others can be combined with opportunities for fellowship together.

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Our parish magazine is distributed monthly, and available to all parishioners. The magazine keeps our parishioners informed of the important matters affecting our Church and articles that help develop our knowledge and trust in Jesus.

Ecumenical Relationships

The Church is Part of the Ouzel Valley Team Ministry, which is formed by the Parishes of Leighton Buzzard, Linslade, Heath & Reach, Billington, Hockcliffe and Eggington, where regular joint services are held and Clergy regularly attend each other’s parishes to undertake services.

The church is a member of Churches Together in Leighton Buzzard & Linslade, and supports the other Ecumenical Churches within the Towns parishes. Regular joint services are held throughout the year.

4. FINANCIAL REVIEW

Our Income, with some fundraising activities have reduced through the year, but have fared better than expected, although rising costs of energy are particularly difficult to fund. Our General Fund at year end was £68,710 compared to £63,947 in 2022.

The Parish Share of £66,881 was paid in full,

Our finances have recovered, but Income and Expenditure being about equal. Gift aided giving has allowed us to reclaim £16,423 from the Inland Revenue in the past year.

Reserves policy

It is PCC policy to try and maintain a balance on unrestricted funds, which equates to at least two months unrestricted payments, equivalent to £20,000 to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time.

The Financial Report and Statements or the year ending 31 December 2023 are appended with this report, and are available to view on the Charity Commission Website.

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5003532

5. VOLUNTEERS

The PCC would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to make our church the lively and vibrant community it is. In particular we want to mention our Churchwardens who have worked so tirelessly on our behalf, The Treasurer who keeps the church’s accounts and its finances in order, and all the other members of the PCC for their valuable contribution to our ministry and for keeping the church running, and for those looking after the Community Hall and Hall Bookings and also to our Friends of St Mary’s who help keep our other Church

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in good order, along with the Churchyard, which enables us to open the Church on summer Sunday afternoons for all to enjoy the beautiful setting of this ancient church.

6. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St Barnabas the membership of the PCC consists of the Incumbent (our Team Vicar), Churchwardens, the Lay Readers and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church.

All those who attend our services / members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent.

The full PCC met six times during the year with an average level of attendance of over 80%, the Standing Committee also met 6 times this year, to discuss issues in advance of each of the PCC meetings.

Given its wide responsibilities the PCC has a number of committees dealing with a particular aspect of parish life. These committees, which include worship, mission and outreach, stewardship, fundraising, are all responsible to the PCC and report back regularly to the full PCC and discussed as necessary.

The PCC has adopted policies on safeguarding of vulnerable adults and children, domestic abuse, with Trustees required to complete several online certificated safeguarding courses. Compliance with GDPR regulations, and Reporting of serious incidents to the Charity Commission, which have been agreed by all Trustees and are all reviewed on an annual basis. All PCC trustees have been DBS Checked, along with other volunteers as and when this is required by the trustees and current regulations.

7. DECLARATIONS

In Addition to the Accounts and Financial Statements as produced under the Charity Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 (Charity SORP), under the Financial Reporting Standard of Smaller Entities (FRSSE) the following declarations are made:

Note): Except for Mr David Emerson, Position of Choirmaster, (Trustee), and Mrs Katherine Emerson Position of Church Organist (Spouse of Trustee) where Normal agreed RSCM Rates of remuneration have been agreed by the PCC Trustees. (The Charity Commission have been notified and responded “As a result of changes to the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 the Commission’s authority is

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no longer required. The trustees must however comply with the requirements of the measures in respect of employing connected persons or trustees.”

8. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

St Barnabas’ Church – Linslade PCC

In the Diocese of St Albans within the Church of England, (In the Deanery of Dunstable) Part of the Ouzel Valley Team Ministry.

The correspondence address:St Barnabas’ Parish Office, Church Cottage, Waterloo Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 2NR.

Website: www.stbarnabaslinslade.uk Email: linsladeparishoffice@gmail.com

The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and a Charity registered with the Charity Commission Number 1130239

9. LIST OF CURRENT TRUSTEES AND APPOINTMENT DATES

PCC Members serving and elected during 2023 were as follows:

Ex Officio: Revd. Dr Bernard Minton Team Vicar Revd. Wyn Jones Assistant Priest Mr Ian Woodward Reader (co-opted) Mr Charles Amis Reader (co-opted) Mr Nick Butler Churchwarden Mr Michael Woodhouse Churchwarden

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Elected members: Mrs Janet Miller Elected 2021 for 3 years Mr Vernon Smith Elected 2021 for 3 years Mrs Jenny Bewick Elected 2021 for 3 years Mrs Ann Tracey Elected 2022 for 3 years Mrs Pam Morris Elected 2022 for 3 years Mr John Tigg Elected 2022 for 2 years Mr Simon Soper Elected 2023 for 3 years & Deanery Synod Member Mr Winston Forde Elected 2023 for 3 years & Deanery Synod Member Mrs Carolyn Birch Elected 2023 for 2 years Mrs Barbara Appleyard Elected 2023 for 3 years Mr David Emerson Elected 2023 for 3 years Mrs Sarah Woodward Elected 2023 for 3 years

This Report Approved by the Linslade PCC Trustees - February 2024

Signed:

Linslade PCC Trustee and Charity Correspondent Mr Vernon Smith

Date: 21[st] February 2024

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