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2023-12-31-accounts

All Saints’ Church, Hartley St Mary’s Church, Fawkham Fawkham and Hartley Church Centre, Hartley

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS OF THE

FAWKHAM AND HARTLEY PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

For the Year Ended 31st December 2023

Incumbent :

The Parish is in Vacancy

Treasurer : Robin Bennett

of 10 Cherry Trees, Hartley, Longfield Kent

Independent Examiner :

James Colwell

of The Firs, Fairby Lane, Hartley, DA3 8DA. Bankers

The Co-operative Bank Plc of Dartford, Kent

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF FAWKHAM AND HARTLEY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

For the Year ended 31st December 2023

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For the Year ended 31st December 2023
2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 # 2022
ITEM Notes Unrestricted
 Funds Restricted Funds TOTAL
 FUNDS
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Voluntary Income (Direct Giving) 2a 53483 54237 15500 1267 68983 55504
Activities for Generating Funds 2b 10119 11721 0 0 10119 11721
Income from Investments 2c 1956 409 0 0 1956 409
Incoming resources-Charitable activities 2d 27450 26450 0 0 27450 26450
Other Income 2e 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL INCOME 93008 92817 15500 1267 108508 94084
EXPENDITURE
Fund Raising - Trading Expenses 3g 1692 2813 0 0 1692 2813
Church Activities 3h 89037 60437 26342 474 115379 60911
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 90729 63250 26342 474 117071 63724
NET INCOME (Prior to 2279 29567 -10842 793 -8563 30360
Recognised Gains and Losses)
Gains on Investment Assets
Realised (on Sale/Disposal) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Unrealised (Revaluations) -Fixed Assets 0 0 0 0 0 0
Unrealised (Revaluations) -Investment Assets 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sub Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 2279 29567 -10842 793 -8563 30360
Balances B/Fwd at 1st January 2023 603118 573551 33806 33013 636924 606564
Balances C/Fwd at 31st December 2023 605397 603118 22964 33806 628361 636924

The notes on the following pages form part of this account

Page 2 of 25

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF FAWKHAM AND HARTLEY

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023

2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 # 2022
ITEM Note **Unrestricted ** **UnrestrictRestricted ** Restricte TOTAL TOTAL
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed Assets 5a 520000 520000 0 0 520000 520000
Investment Assets 5b 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sub Total 520000 520000 0 0 520000 520000
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock 0 0 0 0 0 0
Debtors 7 14806 5471 0 0 14806 5471
Deposit-Diocesan Loan Fund 0 20224 20873 0 20873 20224
Short Term Deposits(Repair funds) 47301 48335 0 0 47301 48335
Cash at Bank and in hand 26113 10929 2091 33806 28204 44735
Sub Total 88220 84959 22964 33806 111184 118765
LIABILITIES:AMOUNTS FALLING
DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 8 2823 1841 0 0 2823 1841
NET CURRENT ASSETS 85397 83118 22964 33806 108361 116924
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
TOTAL NET ASSETS 605397 603118 22964 33806 628361 636924
PARISH FUNDS
Unrestricted 9 605397 603118 605397 603118
Restricted 9 22964 33806 22964 33806
Endowment 9 0 0
TOTALS 605397 603118 22964 33806 628361 636924

The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standards

APPROVED BY THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF FAWKHAM & HARTLEY ON 19th MARCH 2024 AND SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY :

Christine Hoad - Church Warden

The notes on the following pages form part of these accounts

Page 3 of 25

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF FAWKHAM AND HARTLEY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st December 2023 (continued)

ITEM Note Unrestricted **Unrestrict ** Restricted _Restricte_TOTAL _Restricte_TOTAL TOTAL
2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 # 2022
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Voluntary Income (Direct Giving)
Regular Donations 32558 30993 0 0 32558 30993
Tax recoverable 7800 8338 0 0 7800 8338
Other Income-Longfield PCC 5423 2056 0 0 5423 2056
Collections (open plate) 2543 2289 0 0 2543 2289
Gift days 0 0 0 0 0 0
Grants 0 3612 0 0 0 3612
Donations,Appeals,Transfers etc 5159 2949 15500 1267 20659 4216
Legacies 0 4000 0 0 0 4000
Sub Total 2a 53483 54237 15500 1267 68983 55504
Activities for generating funds
Summer Fete/Christmas Fayre et 10119 11721 0 0 10119 11721
Sub Total 2b 10119 11721 0 0 10119 11721
Income from Investments:
Dividends & Interest 2c 1956 409 0 0 1956 409
Income from Church activities
Church hall lettings 14909 13210 0 0 14909 13210
Fees 12541 13240 0 0 12541 13240
Sub Total 2d 27450 26450 0 0 27450 26450
Other Income: Insurance Claim 2e 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL INCOME 93008 92817 15500 1267 108508 94084
EXPENDITURE
Raising Funds
Summer Fete expenses 1692 1568 0 0 1692 1568
Other 1245 0 0 0 1245
Sub Total 3g 1692 2813 0 0 1692 2813

Page 4 of 25

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF FAWKHAM AND HARTLEY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st December 2023 (continued)

ITEM
Note **Unrestricted ** **UnrestrictRestricted ** RestricteTOTAL TOTAL
Church Activities including Grants Given Out 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 # 2022
Missionary & Charitable giving:
"-Missionary Societies 600 380 0 0 600 380
"-Church overseas 0 0 0 0 0 0
"-Secular charities 500 0 0 0 500 0
"-Home Missions & Other 500 0 0 0 500 0
Restricted items-Expended in year 0 0 26342 474 26342 474
Donation to Diocese 24000 12000 0 0 24000 12000
0 0
Rectory Maintenance 1253 2831 0 0 1253 2831
Ministry Team Expenses 543 2133 0 0 543 2133
Church Main/Repairs & Insurances 19643 9504 0 0 19643 9504
Upkeep of Services 3612 3827 0 0 3612 3827
Churchyard upkeep 904 608 0 0 904 608
Church hall running costs 10707 11129 0 0 10707 11129
Other-KATCH/Nurture of Faith 54 77 0 0 54 77
Sub Total 62316 42489 26342 474 88658 42963
Church Activities-Administrative costs
Parish Administrator-Total Cost 20701 16475 0 0 20701 16475
Printing, Stationery & Bank Charges 2692 950 0 0 2692 950
Computer & Other 3328 523 0 0 3328 523
Sub Total 26721 17948 0 0 26721 17948
Sub Total-All Church Activities 3h 89037 60437 26342 474 115379 60911
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 90729 63250 26342 474 117071 63724
NET INCOME (Prior to 2279 29567 -10842 793 -8563 30360
Recognised Gains and Losses)

Page 5 of 25

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF FAWKHAM AND HARTLEY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st December 2023 (continued)

ITEM

ITEM
Note **Unrestricted ** **UnrestrictRestricted ** RestricteTOTAL TOTAL
2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 # 2022
STAFF COSTS
Wages and Salaries 20261 16304 0 0 20261 16304
Social Security Costs 200 164 0 0 200 164
Pension costs 240 6 0 0 240 6
Total Staff Costs 20701 16474 0 0 20701 16474

The only direct employees of the PCC in the year were the Parish Administrators and a part time cleaner for church buildings. No employee of the PCC earned £50,000 or more.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS &PAYMENTS TO PCC MEMBERS

In total, PCC members claimed £389 for travel expenses during 2023. These were in relation to the priests only in connection with their travels in the course of their religious duties.

No other payments or expenses were paid to any other PCC member or persons closely connected to them

or related parties. In total, members of the PCC gave £6,124 as donations towards the work of the Church.

There were no transfers between Restricted and Unrestricted funds during the year.

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible:

Church Hall: Valuation

Depreciation

At 1st January 2023 520000 520000
Additions at cost 0 0
5a Total at 31st December 2023 520000 520000
At 1st January 2023 0 0
Less Disposals 0 0
Add Charges for year 0 0
Total at 31st December 2023 0 0

The Church hall is shown at its valuation on 31st December 2001. No depreciation is charged.

Page 6 of 25

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF FAWKHAM AND HARTLEY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st December 2023 (continued)

ITEM
Note **Unrestricted ** **UnrestrictRestricted ** RestricteTOTAL TOTAL
2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2 2022
Investments:
Market Value at 1st January 2023 0 0 0 0 0 0
Disposals at carrying value 0 0 0 0 0 0
Purchases at cost 0 0 0 0 0 0
Revaluation Gain/Loss 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sold and Transferred in year 0 0
Total at 31st December 2023 5b 0 0 0 0 0 0

The market value of investments at 31st December 2023 was £0 as they were all sold in 2020. These investments were previously for Endowment fun

Unrestricted funds 605397 603118 605397 603118
Restricted funds 22964 33806 22964 33806
Endowment funds 0 0
Sub Total 605397 603118 22964 33806 628361 636924
Debtors (Unrestricted funds)
Gift Aid Recoverable 12000 4200 0 0 12000 4200
Prepayments and accrued interest 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other Debtors 2806 1271 0 0 2806 1271
Sub Total 7 14806 5471 0 0 14806 5471
Liabilities
Amounts falling due in one year (unrestricted funds):-
Accruals for utility and other costs 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other Creditors 2823 1841 0 0 2823 1841
Parish Share 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sub Total 8 2823 1841 0 0 2823 1841

Funds

The balance on restricted funds at 31st December 2023 relates very largely to moneys held for improvements to the three buildings.

Page 7 of 25

Summary of Fund movements

Balance at 1st January 2023 603118 573551 33806 33013 636924 0 606564
Incoming resources 93008 92817 15500 1267 108508 94084
Resources expended 90729 63250 26342 474 117071 63724
Investment gains/losses 0 0 0 0 0 0
Less Sold in Year
Balance at 31st December 2023 9 605397 603118 22964 33806 628361 636924
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND
Tangible fixed assets 520000 520000 0 0 520000 520000
Investment fixed assets 0 0 0 0 0 0
Current assets 88220 84959 22964 33806 111184 118765
Liabilities:-
Amounts falling due in 1 year 2823 1841 0 0 2823 1841
Amounts falling due after 1 year 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 9 605397 603118 22964 33806 628361 636924

Page 8 of 25

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF FAWKHAM AND HARTLEY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs and with the regulations “true and fair view” provisions. They have been prepared under FRS102 (2016) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP(FRS102)).

ASSETS

Consecrated and benefice property

In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of “charity” by section 10(2) (a) and (c) of the charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements.

Moveable church furnishings

These are capitalised at cost where the cost exceeds £10,000 and then depreciated over their useful life. All items are included in the church inventory in any case.

Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £10,000. They are valued at cost or, for gifts in kind, at a reasonable estimate of their open market value on receipt

Depreciation is calculated to write off the capitalized cost of fixed assets less their current anticipated residual fair value

Land Nil Fixtures and Fittings 10 years. Computers 3 years

Investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange or whose value derives from them are valued at market value at the year end.

Short term deposits

These represent the cash held with the Rochester Diocese.

Page 9 of 25

FUNDS

Unrestricted Funds

These funds represent the income funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restriction regarding their use and are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC including amounts designated by the PCC for fixed assets for its own use in spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its “free reserves” as disclosed in the trustees’ report.

Restricted funds

These are those income funds that have been given or raised for specific purposes and must therefore only be spent on those items and not used for general PCC work.

Endowment funds

These are restricted funds that must be retained as trust capital either permanently or subject to a discretionary power to spend capital as income and where the use of any income or other benefit derived from the capital may be restricted or unrestricted. These were all sold during 2020.

The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include financial statements of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Incoming resources

Voluntary income and capital resources

Collections are recognised when received on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving is recognised only when received.

Tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is brought to account in the same year as that in which the Gift Aid is received.

Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain.

Funds raised by the fete, any garden parties and similar events are accounted for gross.

Other income

Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when received.

Page 10 of 25

Income from investments

Dividends are accounted for when due and payable and interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same accounting year.

Gains and losses on investments

Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold.

Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of the investments at the end of the financial year.

Volunteer help

The value of volunteer help received is not included in the accounts but is referred to in the Trustees Annual Report.

Expenditure and Liabilities

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation and settlement is probable and quantifiable

Grants and donations are recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made externally and there are no preconditions still to be met for entitlement to the grant that remain within the control of the PCC.

ASSETS

Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment

Equipment costing over £10,000 and used within the church premises will be capitalised and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their anticipated useful economic life. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £10,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

I nvestments

Investments are valued at market value at 31[st] December.

Current assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31[st] December by way of fees or other income are shown as debtors less provision for any amounts that may prove uncollectable.

Other current assets include cash held on deposit either with the Rochester Diocesan office or at the bank.

Page 11 of 25

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE PCC OF FAWKHAM & HARTLEY

I report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31[st] December 2023, which are set out in the attached pages.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PCC AND EXAMINER

As members of the PCC you are trustees and are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). The Church’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s account carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity commission under section 145(5) (b) of the Axct.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT

Since the gross income for the year exceeds the amount provided in section 145(3) of the Act, I confirm that I am qualified to act as Independent Examiner under the provisions of that section of the Act and that my qualification is shown below.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which give me cause to believe that in any material respect:.

I have examined the Bank statements, invoices and cash deposit vouchers given to me and can confirm that I have not seen any material matters to report. However, I cannot confirm that the accounts accord with the records as required in point 1.3 of the Independent statement as I have not been given sight of the detailed accounts which I am told are not now available because the accounting system has been changed.

(Signed) ………………………. James Colwell. Accountant

Page 12 of 25

Fawkham and Hartley Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2023

Aim and Purpose

Fawkham & Hartley PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent (when applicable) 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 All Saints, Hartley, St Mary’s, Fawkham and the Fawkham and Hartley Church Centre in Ash Road, Hartley.

Objectives and Activities

The Parish Mission Statement affirms that:

We exist: to spread the Gospel; to advance God’s Kingdom.

We seek to do this by:

praying for the renewing love of the Holy Spirit; providing opportunities for worship; enabling people to grow in faith; seeking to serve those among whom we live and work; encouraging a sense of community; proclaiming the word and work of God.

We encourage others to: ‘Come and See’ ‘Come and Discover’ ‘Come and Share’ ‘Come and Be’

Achievements and Performance

Worship and Prayer

The Parish of Fawkham and Hartley has been able to offer a regular pattern of services during 2023 at all three of the places of worship in the parish with the help and support of the Clergy within the Rural North West Kent Group (‘RNWK’). A variety of opportunities for worship are provided which we hope our community find beneficial and spiritually fulfilling. These include services of a quiet and reflective nature such as Morning prayer as well as Holy Communion and Morning Worship. A monthly Songs of Praise service has a less formal approach. A Childrens Sunday Club takes place during the morning service on the 4[th] Sunday of every month and two services each month are live streamed and are then available for viewing on YouTube. We are also pleased to join with other parishes in the RNWK Group of Churches on special occasions for joint worship.

Page 13 of 25

Our Churches have been open daily for Individual Prayer and Morning Prayer services take place twice a week. We look forward to continuing to embrace the innovative opportunities that technology can provide and further explore new ways of offering spiritual support to the housebound, care homes, schools and our Parishioners in future years.

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.

----- Start of picture text -----
90
02/01/2022
80 13/01/2022
30/01/2022
70 06/02/2022
09/02/2022
60 13/02/2022
27/02/2022
50 06/03/2022
27/03/2022
40 03/04/2022
01/05/2022
30 15/05/2022
22/05/2022
20 03/07/2022
17/07/2022
10 24/07/2022
11/09/2022
0 25/09/2023
Live Service Viewing Figures 2022
----- End of picture text -----

Electoral Roll Revision

A Revision of the Electoral Roll has taken place preceding the 2023 APCM. The figures reported are as follows:

There are 109 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll of whom 26 are not resident in the Parish. Four names were added during the year. Sadly 10 were removed due to death.

Julie Wilton

Cobham Deanery Synod Report

Page 14 of 25

At the meeting of 6 February held in Ash Village Hall a vote of thanks and presentations were made to Rev’d Canon Alyson Davie (Rural Dean) and to Rev’d Elizabeth Robertson (Assistant Rural Dean) at the end of their five year term of office. Rev’d Helen Reeves has been appointed as the new Rural Dean for Cobham Deanery and chaired the meeting.

The Cobham Deanery includes the parishes of Cobham, Luddesdown, Meopham, Nursted, Istead Rise, Southfleet, Ash, Ridley, Fawkham and Hartley, and Longfield. Following prayer, Rev’d Helen divided us into mixed groups from across the Deanery and asked that we discuss our vision for the Deanery and how we might work more closely. Most felt we could improve communication and liaison between congregations, sharing events, resources and expertise. Following the meeting Rev’d Helen sent round an enquiry about the provision for teens in our parishes and questioned if this was an area we could work on as a Deanery. In further discussions it was suggested that a poster might be made of all the places offering safe spaces for people to call into for a hot drink and company, largely as a development of the warm spaces initiative. In sharing with each other we discovered that there is somewhere offering this every day Monday to Friday. Following the meeting Helen produced a poster which has been put up in all the churches and church halls.

Rev’d Helen shared with the meeting arrangements for this year’s of ‘Thy Kingdom Come’- a prayer and bible reading project running from 9-19 of May (Ascension to Pentecost), and hoped that all the parishes in the Deanery would encourage people to become involved. The reps were then asked to share any news from their churches with the Synod. This demonstrated what a lot was going on across the Deanery which was most encouraging.

Just to mention a few: the Confirmation Group was most successful with candidates asking for an ongoing bible study group. We were reminded that the Deanery confirmation service would be held at Southfleet in Feb ‘25 and all were most welcome to come along to support the candidates. A grant had been realised to refurbish the ‘Tin Tabernacle’ in Sole St. This is an important resource for the community and although once prolific there are very few of these worship and meeting places still standing. Fawkham and Hartley and Longfield were pleased to report that after a long interregnum they are looking forward to Rev’d Joss Walker coming in April as Priest in charge. Other initiatives discussed included work in local primary schools, and a very successful bible study series on Romans run at Meopham by Martin Davie. Martin is happy to repeat the series if there is an interest across the Deanery. The four parishes of Cobham, Luddesdown, Nursted and Meopham are now working much more closely and this is going well. There has been an increase in contact with some of the primary schools in the Deanery. Other business Papers have been received outlining the process for nominating and appointing representatives from Deanery Synods to serve as members of the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027. Deanery reps to ask congregations if anyone is interested in standing as a representative. Closing date 2 September 2024.

As a result of the appointment of a new Area Dean and in accordance with the current Bank Mandate the Treasurer asked the Synod to formally approve the signatories for the Bank Mandate as follows. Area Dean – Chair – Rev’d Helen Reeves Lay Chair – Pauline Foster Treasurer – Jan Becket. The signatories were unanimously approved.

Page 15 of 25

The meeting ended with prayer. This was a very encouraging and enjoyable meeting. The date of the June Synod meeting will be circulated through Notice Board in due course.

Carol Stone

Page 16 of 25

Buildings Committee Report

Now we are nearly clear of the Covid delays etc. the Church’s are now fully open and services continue. Being open again we aimed to catch up on some of the work highlighted in the 2122 report. Much of this work may appear to take some time but this is due to the requirement of faculties and fund raising for nearly all the improvements we wish to make. These can take many months to get through the Diocese. There has been a mixture of work across the three church buildings and we feel that during the year we continue hopefully to be pro-active rather than re-active in these difficult times especially with the loss of a number of volunteers. I hope that during 2024 with the New Priest-in-charge we will re-activate the Buildings committee meetings which ceased during covid.

Below is shown what have managed to achieve and what is in the pipeline: -

Fawkham and Hartley Church Centre (FHCC)

General Repairs : the following improvements and general repairs have been made in the year

Provision of a new shed for Little Hartley based adjacent to our old garage.

Following a Health and Safety audit the large ladders have been secured to prevent occasional use by hirers and can only be unlocked by Buildings team.

Kitchen lights have been replaced with LED versions.

Extra internal handle to the main door to ease the closing.

Following discussions with one of our neighbours, the Silver Birch tree in the carpark has been removed.

Replaced the sign in the car park that parking is at own risk - the old one couldn’t be read. Provided a more secure entry system to the FHCC, with use of cameras at all 3 entrances.

Future Works still being considered:

Additional storage cupboards to be provided in the garage for hire. New notice board to front following entrance modifications and age.

Investigating the replacement of the stage curtains to replace those worn out.

All Saints’ Church (ASC)

General Repairs : the following general repairs and improvements have been made in the year

General tidying and general maintenance; a crack has been located in the vestry this has been inspected and seems to be due to changes in the subsoil, advised to keep an eye on it. A small leak was found over the organ, this was a broken roof tile which we have had repaired. A retrospect Faculty was prepared for the New Staircase to the mezzanine and this has been agreed.

A deep clean of the church and kitchen has been actioned to remove mildew from the kitchen area.

Page 17 of 25

Replacement of failed microphone.

The water boiler in the kitchen failed and following checking the cost of replacement was high and kettles will be used.

The movable altar rail brass hinge has broken and is with the repairs the delivery of part of the hinge was lost by royal mail so the other half was sent sign for, we await replacement. The Lych Gate has been repainted with the cost shared between PCC and FOAS.

Future works being considered:

Following Quinquennial inspection external work is needed on the belfry and spire at considerable expense.

Replace broken ridge tiles lost in the storms.

Major works to the roof and belfry is under discussion with very high expenditure.

St Mary’s Church (SMC)

General Repairs : the following general repairs and improvements have been made in the year

General tidying and general maintenance.

The payback team has continued to visit and work on the grave areas.

Failure of one of the new LED high level lights.

Following a rejection of CIL funding alternative funding has been obtained and at a cost of £30,999 the carpark has been fully resurfaced making a much safter environment.

LED floodlights in the carpark have been replaced.

Two of the clip-on microphones have had their heads replaced.

Future Works being considered:

Work continues on recording the grave yard records.

Work still needed on Porch and Lych gate to protect it against the elements.

Work has started on quotes to replace the carpark entrance gates to replace exactly what was there in the early 90’s,

Spring Cleans

It’s that time again. Can you help? Would you be willing to lead one of the Teams in the coming months? Please let Lucie or Liz in the Parish Office know and look out for further information in Noticeboard. We can then agree the various dates:-

The plan is to enable volunteers to sign-up to one-hour slots in order to spread the workload between helpers who are willing to donate their time for the spring-cleaning.

Page 18 of 25

Finally, I would also like to extend thanks the FOAS and FOFC committees for their support in a number of projects during the year.

Malcolm Harris

Chair Fawkham & Hartley PCC Buildings Committee

Pastoral Report

The names of people to be prayed for are recorded on an electronic list, distributed by the Parish Office on the Noticeboard, and they are prayed for by the church family. Those requesting prayers are contacted regularly to ask how they are and whether they want to stay on the list.

People who are unwell or housebound but not on the list are contacted by the Pastoral Team and we rely on the congregation to let the us know where there is a need.

Home Communion is available at the request of those who are housebound.

The Women’s Fellowship Group led by Carole Harris meets monthly in the Church Centre and the group enjoys an annual holy communion, a singalong with hymns and interesting guest speakers.

Pop In is led by Chris Menzies and held at the Church Centre weekly enabling people to meet together and have coffee and cake. This is well attended and there have been new people joining this year who have moved recently to the Parish and now come regularly.

We now have two Anna Chaplains in the RNWK Group , Stephanie Perfitt and Rev Elizabeth, who are particularly concerned with helping us meet the spiritual needs of the oldest members of our community. Rev Elizabeth visits residents and leads services in Fairby Grange and Old Downs every month.

Mission

We have continued to support the Diocese work in Tanzania by donating uniforms for Girls in Lukole to attend senior school.

In the past year the PCC has donated: Local: £500 to Phab Kids Crises : £500 to Turkey and Syria earthquakes (Plus Gift Aid) International: £500 to End Polio Now (Made up to £1500 by Gates Foundation) Christmas Collections: £300 was collected for the Red Cross Lent Collections: The Ladies Fellowship raised £500 for the Porchlight Charity.

Suggestions for donations in the coming year are welcomed.

Stewart Grainger and Carole Harris

Page 19 of 25

Ecumenical Relationships

Our ecumenical connections with our brothers and sisters in Christ at St Francis de Sales RC Church continued to be cordial and inspiring.

We hosted the Service for Christian Unity in January and Rev Jayne presided and it was well attended by local people from both our Christian traditions.

The World Day of Prayer theme country for 2023 was Taiwan and the service was held at St Francis Church with readers from the laity from the host church and the RNWK group. A collection of £130 was taken for the WDP charity.

Our prayer breakfasts were held during the year at the St Francis meeting room , our Church Centre and the Jubilee Hall at St Mary Magdalene Church. In February the collection, after food expenses, meant we could send £50 to the Red Cross Turkey/Syria Earthquake Fund. We also had enough surplus funds at the end of the year to donate £50 to the Community Cupboard.

Looking forward, in addition to our regular ecumenical gatherings, we are planning to reinstate our ecumenical Chorus of Praise in the autumn of 2024. There will be a retiring collection for a charity yet to be nominated.

Amanda Malas

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Safeguarding Policy

The Parish Safeguarding policy is in operation and is implemented by our Safeguarding representative, Lucie Sleeman. This is monitored by the PCC .

The Parish is committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance.

The PCC have complied with their duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 and will continue to adhere to this.

Risk Management

The cataloguing of the Parish Plate took place in June 2023 in preparation for re-valuation and a full inventory will take place in 2024.

Quinquennial repair works continue under the management of the PCC’s Buildings Committee in order to ensure the safety of the buildings and maintain these in good order.

Volunteers

We would like to thank all the many volunteers who work so hard to make our Parish function. They include those who help to organise our services, maintain our buildings, support the Church Centre hiring, raise funds, financial administration, safeguarding activities and many, many more voluntary roles for which we are very grateful. Special thanks are given to Malcolm Harris and the buildings committee who maintain our buildings in such excellent condition. Malcolm’s many successful grant applications are also very much appreciated. Fundraising has raised approaching £10,000 this year and we are very grateful to the small band who have baked cakes, grown or made other produce and of course those who purchased the items on sale. Thank you also to the Fete Committee who organised the very successful Summer Fayre.

Our thanks also go to The Friends of All Saints’, Hartley and The Friends of Fawkham Church. Both organisations are established with their own charitable status and bring together those in the community who have an interest in and a concern for the two historic churches in the parish. Through various events they also raise funds for the purpose of assisting the PCC in the care, maintenance and preservation of these churches.

Structure, Governance and Management

The PCC

The function and purpose of the PCC is outlined in the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure 1956 and Church Representation Rules 2006. The PCC met five times during the year with an average attendance of 13.

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PCC Membership

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

During the year the following served as members of the PCC:

Rector & Incumbent In vacancy Chairperson John Waller Churchwarden (John passed away on 26[th] January 2024) Vice Chairpersons Reverend Elizabeth Robertson Minister Christine Hoad Churchwarden RNWK Group Ministers The Revd. Helen Reeves The Revd. Elizabeth Robertson The Revd. Jayne Shillitto

Churchwardens

Christine Hoad John Waller ( passed away 26[th] January 2024 ) Treasurer Robin Bennett (until September 2023 ) PCC Secretary Lucie Sleeman ( from May 2023 ) PCC Members Malcolm Harris 2023-2026 Amanda Malas 2023-2026 Louise Smith 2021-2024 Carol Ballard 2022-2025 Frances Kinnear 2022-2025 Bob Kneller 2022-2025 Stewart Grainger 2022-2025 PCC Casual Members Gill Cramp 2022-2024 Brian Jelley 2022-2024 Robin Bennett 2023-2024 Carole Harris Co-Opted 2023

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Deanery Synod Lucie Sleeman 2023-2026 Carol Stone 2023-2026

Safeguarding Officer Lucie Sleeman

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PCC Committees

Committees met between meetings and minutes of their deliberations were received by the full PCC and discussed where necessary. The PCC operates through a number of committees and teams, which meet between full meetings of the PCC. These are detailed below:

Ministry Team

The task of the Ministry Team is to: Pray for the needs and people of the Parish.

Serve in an advisory capacity to the PCC in terms of liturgical developments & service patterns. In addition, with the Churchwardens and Parish Administrators, we also discuss any pastoral news and business related to other Parish matters.

Buildings Committee

The Buildings Committee, chaired by Malcolm Harris, maintain our two churches and the Church Centre. We are very fortunate to have several committee members with extensive building trade knowledge and expertise. We are very appreciative of the amount of time and materials which they generously donate to the parish.

Fete Committee

Members of this committee have the responsibility of organising the annual parish fete which is held at St Marys Church Meadow, Fawkham in June. We usually have around 40 stalls covering a variety of foods, drink, items to buy and entertainment for all ages. We encourage our schools to perform in our arena, where grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles can admire what they can do. This is a community event where we like all villagers and the surrounding areas to come and join in the fun whilst meeting up with friends and family in a fantastic open space.

Fundraising and Social Committee

The following activities were organised by the Fundraising and Social Committee in 2023/24:

Harvest Lunch (£200)

Church Cup Quiz and Supper (£457)

Advent Raffle (£1000)

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (£513)

After expenses a total of £2170 was raised and transferred to church funds.

Several new members volunteered to join the committee and are extremely welcome and much appreciated. Although we are a small group we are wonderfully augmented by others who volunteer to help out in preparation for and on the day of our events. We would like to recognise and thank all those who worked to make the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party such a happy event. Special mention of the ‘Carmellos’ who not only entertained us but also helped in so many other ways.

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The Committee meets on the first Friday (10.30-12) of February, May, August and November, and anyone is welcome to join us. Due to moving away Christine Hoad is no longer able to be on the Committee. Thank you Christine for all you have done and for your support.

Future Fundraising and Social Committee Events

Church BBQ Sunday July 21st

Flower Festival St Mary’s Church weekend 28/29 September

Harvest Lunch (provisionally Saturday October 12th but date to be confirmed)

Possible Christmas event in December -still very provisional

Possible Advent Raffle-to be confirmed.

Thank you all for supporting the events.

Carol Stone (chair) and the committee: Valerie Campbell Marion Smith, Dorothy Loomes and Chris Best

– Stewardship Officer currently vacant

We have in the past discussed the theological meaning and belief of Stewardship on a dedicated Sunday, to remind us all that God wishes us to be his collaborators in the work of Creation and the resources of treasures, time and talent. It is hoped that a suitable Sunday can be identified when the role of Stewardship Officer has been filled.

Administrative Information

The Fawkham & Hartley Parochial Church Council (PCC) is part of the Diocese of Rochester within the Church of England. The correspondence address is:

The Rectory, 3 St. John’s Lane, Hartley, Longfield, Kent DA3 8ET.

The PCC is a charity registered with the Charity Commission under registration number 1130791.

The Parish Administrators for Fawkham and Hartley are Lucie Sleeman (who returned from maternity leave in May 2023) and works 20 hours per week and Liz Houlding who works 2 hours per week for Fawkham and Hartley and 8 hours per week for Longfield)

Lucie Sleeman took over from Phyllis Conroy in coordinating the bookings of the Church Centre in December 2023.

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