OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2022-12-31-accounts

St Michael & All Angels, Bramcote

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Monday 27th March 2023

‘ Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing.’

A Year of Change:

Ministry, Training & Pastoral Care Committee Report

Members : Lillian Heptinstall, Cath Ortori, Jenny Biss, Christine Cleave, Liz Cardwell

The work of the Ministry, Training and Pastoral Care Committee includes prayer and prayer ministry, nurture and pastoral care.

Donna Snowden has recently agreed to join our Committee. We would welcome other new members.

We were sad to see David Curnock leave; he and Anne made an immense contribution to the life and ministry of St Michael’s. We were also sorry to see Sarah and Mike Elbourne leave us. Tom Clifford and Andrea Bradbury have also left the group, as of course has Paul Reynolds.

Many thanks to everyone for their contribution and hard work.

Prayer

We encouraged prayer, and the fellowship we have when we pray together, by:

Lent and Easter 2022

Walking the way of the cross, the cross was laid on the grass outside church during Holy Week, booklets were prepared with a separate one for children. It was well received. Maundy Thursday Agape meal was well attended and much appreciated.

Advent

Advent began with the Advent Prayer Labyrinth in church: Donna organised for the children from the church school to come into church, class by class, on Friday 25[th]

2

November. They found it a very good experience. On Saturday 26[th] it was also the Christmas fair and many who attended the fair also experienced the Prayer Labyrinth. Thanks to all who help set it up and were on duty during the two days.

Nurture

The Alpha courses and the Bible course are two courses available to nurture church members and new disciples. In discussion with Donna and at Ministry Committee, an Alpha course will be held in September. This will be mainly for carers - from Little Angels, who will organise child minding. The clergy team will help as needed.

Home Groups provide a venue for studying the bible, learning together, praying and caring for each other. Resources are provided for Home Group leaders and individuals; during the past year groups have had the opportunity to engage with studies such as, during Advent, ‘The Unexpected Jesus’. We have also had studies from the Beatitudes, the Prayer of Jesus, and Acts. The current Lent studies are ‘By His Wounds’.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care continues through the Home Groups and individual acts of care and kindness. The ‘In Touch Pastoral Care Network’ continues to operate; there are five groups each with a facilitator and 34 members of our church family are taking part.

We intend to update ‘Caring for Each Other at St Michael’s’ when needed. The ‘Caring for Each Other at St Michael’s’ leaflet is available to everyone and gives details of who to contact for Home Groups, in bereavement, prayer requests and much more. Very valuable to keep to hand.

New Initiatives

There are proposals for some new initiatives:

Younger adult group

A new project to encourage the younger members of the church (proposed 30+ year olds). To begin with the group would include single and married members of our church, those preparing for marriage, and those who have recently had children baptised. Currently we have a good number of people who fit these categories. The group would be an informal group, for friendship and fellowship, and maybe outings - and activities. Val Bird will co ordinate it with me, and it is proposed that we meet for cake and croissants on a Saturday morning toward the end of April. We hope - that the group will eventually run itself and provide a church based group for some who are currently feeling isolated.

3

The prayer room to become resources room

The prayer room can no longer be used as a prayer room because of safeguarding concerns. We hope to set it up as a resources room. This would provide a place to store resources for the Labyrinth, Christingle and Carols by Candlelight services, as well as materials for Alpha, Home Group studies and books, and other useful resources. This would mean that everything is kept in one place and is accessible to everyone. It would prevent the room from being used as a dumping ground for unused items. The Ministry Committee is willing to undertake the changeover and provide some storage.

New Welcome Pack

It is proposed that a welcome pack be produced. An A5 folder with colourful postcard sized information sheets. Each sheet to detail a church activity, information - and contact details. Claire Morrell Stone is currently working on this.

Space for parents with children

Following Pat’s suggestion of a safe and comfortable place for families with small children to be during Sunday services, members of the Ministry Committee spent a morning in church looking at the possibilities. The best space is adjacent to the bell tower area; there is room for a rug for children to play on, and by turning some unused chairs around there will be seats for parents to sit. It can be set up in a few - minutes. We would like to trial this. The bell ringing team are happy for it to be used this way and that there would be no risk to children or families by using that area.

Lillian Heptinstall March 2023

ooOoo

Bramcote Care Group Report

Bramcote Care Group is coordinated by myself, Elaine Morris, with the occasional - help of a deputy co ordinator. We promote the service on the church website and in the weekly newsletter, and leaflets are also available at Silver Surfers. Any relevant phone calls to church are passed on to me.

Requests for help were reducing prior to the pandemic, dramatically reduced during the pandemic and have not recovered since activities have returned to more normal levels.

Most of our requests are for lifts to clinical appointments, however volunteer drivers are often not available when the requests are made. Luckily, I have a lot of local knowledge and can signpost requests to other resources when we are unable to meet the request, or when the request is inappropriate for us.

All of our volunteers have a DBS check and are registered for online updates which I check annually.

Elaine Morris

4

Statutory Information

Parish Name: Bramcote, St Michael and All Angels Deanery: Nottingham South Archdeaconry: Nottingham Diocese: Southwell and Nottingham Address: St Michael and All Angels Parish Church Church Street Bramcote Nottingham NG9 3HD Tel: 0115 9430137 Email: office@bramcoteparishchurch.com Website: saintmichaelsbramcote.com

Parochial Church Council (PCC) The PCC is a registered charity (#1130798)

Bankers Barclays Bank

Insurers Ecclesiastical Insurance Group PLC

Independent Examiner TCP Chartered Accountants Church Architect Graham Renton MA (Hons) DipArch RIBA AABC MIDA Architect Associate BDP

All information believed to be correct as of 1st March 2023

5

Parish Staff Team

Vicar:

Associate Ministers:

Family Life Minister Readers:

Revd Paul Reynolds (until July 2022) Revd Canon Lillian Heptinstall Revd David Edinborough Revd Tony Cardwell Revd Jonathan Smithurst Donna Snowden Lalage Smithurst Alison Reynolds (until July 2022)

Principal Church Officers

Churchwardens:

Deputy warden: PCC Secretary: PCC Treasurer: PCC Accountant: PCC Lay Chair: Parish Administrator: Verger: Safeguarding Officer: Electoral Roll Officer:

Stan Heptinstall David Jones Wendy Willan Cindy Jones Alan Bateman Christine Langton Robert Cleave - Claire Morrell Stone Jonathan Portwood Tina Newton - Claire Morrell Stone

Committee Chairpersons

Standing: Mission & Outreach: Ministry: Resources:

Stan Heptinstall Revd Jonathan Smithurst Revd Canon Lillian Heptinstall Wendy Willan

6

The Parochial Church Council (PCC)

Introduction

The Church Representation Rules require ‘an annual report on the proceedings of the Parochial Church Council and the activities of the parish generally’ to be received in time for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). The contents of the report may be subject to discussion.

Aims of the Organisation

The PCC (Powers) Measure 1956 directs that the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Michael’s, Bramcote has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent in promoting within the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church; pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for all church buildings and grounds. Thus the prime purpose of the church is to maintain and develop the community of Christian believers and to use the strength of that community to promote the beliefs of and in Christ through outreach, care for those in need, and by contributing in practical and Christian ways to the whole of our local community.

Consequently, this will involve our engagement in such issues as Mis- sion, Pastoral Care, Teaching, Nurture and Christian Stewardship the giving of our time, talents and financial resources. All of this should be seen as part of our common Christian discipleship and not just for those who are particularly keen, willing and/or able.

In addition, our support of missionary activities, both at home and overseas, should form a clear and integral part of our communal life as the family of God in the ecclesiastical parish of Bramcote.

Membership

7

During the past year, the following individuals have served as members of the PCC:

- Ex officio members:

Vicar: Revd Paul Reynolds (until July 2022) Wardens: Stan Heptinstall David Jones

Synod members:

Cindy Jones (Diocesan/Deanery Synod) Liz Cardwell (Deanery Synod) David Ducker (Deanery Synod) Robert Cleave (Deanery Synod)

Elected members of the PCC:

Hillary Brian Christine Cleave Cindy Jones Andrew Hall Kate Prayle Liz Cardwell Alan Windsor Jenny Biss Cath Ortori Glynn Bannister Stan Heptinstall Robert Cleave Jimmy Smith David Ducker Alan Bateman Wendy Willan

Invited as needed:

Donna Snowden Tina Newton Revd Canon Lillian Heptinstall Revd Jonathan Smithurst Sarah Meredith

Warden Emeriti:

David Jones Victor Smithson Wendy Willan

8

PCC Committees

Standing Committee

This is the only committee required by law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. It also serves to establish the agenda of the PCC.

During the past year, the following have served as members:

Paul Reynolds (Incumbent until July 2022) Stan Heptinstall (Lay Chair of PCC & Churchwarden) David Jones (Churchwarden) Cindy Jones (PCC Secretary) Alan Bateman (Treasurer)

Christine Langton (Church Accountant) Lillian Heptinstall (Chair of Ministry Committee) Jonathan Smithurst (Chair of Mission & Outreach Committee) Wendy Willan (Chair of Resources Committee) Robert Cleave (Deputy Lay Chair of PCC)

Mission and Outreach Committee

Responsible for the mission of the church within our own local community, together with the support of missions overseas and at home.

During the past year, Jonathan Smithurst has served as chair.

Ministry Committee

Responsible for the development of faith within its people and their pastoral care.

During the past year, Lillian Heptinstall has served as chair.

Resources Committee

Responsible for resourcing the mission and ministry of the church through the regular maintenance and development of our premises, properties and equipment by means of an ongoing programme of Christian Stewardship.

During the past year, Wendy Willan has served as chair.

9

Membership & Attendance Statistics

Over the last year, the number of people attending church on a regular Sunday has continued to fall, as shown below, due to an ageing congregation. A typical Sunday in October saw an average attendance of 96 compared to 125 in 2021.

However, the number of children in our membership has increased slightly due to the implementation and/or continuation of a number of successful Fresh Expressions ventures (e.g. Dads ‘n’ Kids). This has increased the overall number of people in our Worshipping Community compared to 2021.

Electoral Roll

The number on the roll has remained stable since 2019. The total for 2021 was 161, for 2022 it was 166 and for 2023 it will be 157.

Festival Statistics

Festival attendance figures have dropped in many instances but have improved considerably in others, particularly for our Remembrance Service, Carols by Candlelight services and Christmas Eve Nativity.

Festival
2021		 2022
Mothering Sunday
(10am) 115 53
Ash Wednesday 47 42
Maundy Thursday 27 35
Good Friday (total) 103 95
Easter Day (8am) **- *** 10
Easter Day (10am) 142 71
Easter Day (6.30pm) **- *** 32
Ascension Day 68 29
Father’s Day (10am) 94 45
Bereavement 79 85
Service
Remembrance 139 250
Service
Carols (5.30) 63 115
Carols (7.30) 54 82
Nativity 59 163
Midnight Communion 31 46
Christmas Day (8am) 18 11
Christmas Day
(10am) 55 60
Christmas Day
(12pm) 15 15

*Information unavailable due to system failure

Occasional Offices

2021 2022
Weddings 1 2
Baptisms 4 2
Funerals
(inc. Memorials)		 19 18

10

PCC Annual Report 2022

This has been a year of Change, Challenge and Conservation at St Michael’s. With the retirement of our vicar in July changes were made in order to continue with our planned programme of Services, our Mission and Outreach events and activities and we had to face the challenges that come when a church goes into vacancy. We have been determined to improve our carbon footprint as a church and conservation has been high on our agenda.

The PCC and Leadership teams have met monthly to conduct the business of the church and to consider our vision for the future. The Mission and Outreach Com- mittee, Ministry Committee and Resources Committee have met bi monthly and their reports and recommendations have been discussed by the PCC.

With the help of our dedicated team of retired clergy and reader, our pattern of services continued as planned, including special services for Remembrance, Bereavement and Christmas. Baptisms and weddings have also taken place.

In September, the Wardens and PCC began the process for appointing a new incumbent with a preliminary meeting with our Archdeacon and a representative from CPAS. Both subsequently attended an open meeting for all members of the congregation and the formulation of a Parish Profile began.

Under the guidance of our Eco Team, improvements were made in the way in which we used our resources and we quickly gained our Bronze award under the A Rocha Eco Church scheme and by the end of 2022 we had achieved Silver.

It has been a busy year, as we have determined to establish a ‘new normal’ pattern at all times, focusing on our vision and objective of reaching wider, deeper and younger. The Social Reference Committee, under the auspice of Mission and Outreach, met regularly to organise and oversee events designed to encourage, attract and welcome members of our community from all backgrounds, ethnicity and ages. These events have included several Parish Brunches, afternoon tea concerts and evening Café Bramcote (with Hand Bell Ringers in the summer and the Salvation Army at Christmas). The annual Harvest Supper was well attended.

An evening Clarinet Concert, followed by a special service and Parish Lunch on the Sunday, gave us the opportunity to say thank you and goodbye to Paul and Alison and messages of goodwill and gifts were presented on these occasions.

The Mission and Outreach Committee has maintained strong links with our overseas partners encouraging them to visit us via Zoom or in person with their families. The proceeds from Harvest supported a water project in Berega, Tanzania and closer to home we have continued to give generously in supporting the Bestwood and Bulwell Food Bank as well as the Christmas Toy Appeal and the Teams4U Shoebox Campaign.

11

The Ministry Committee has continued to focus on deepening our prayer and spiritual lives. Monthly prayer meetings are held and subsequently a prayer diary is produced and circulated online and in church. During the week, groups have continued to meet for prayer in our church and school. A Prayer Labyrinth was held in church during Advent and was visited by members of the public and the pupils from the church school. Study material for Home Groups and members of the congregation have been available. Prayer and Care have been at the heart of their discussions and planning.

Under the guidance of our Children and Youth Worker, Donna, our work with children and families is growing and developing. Messy Church and Dad’s ‘n’ Kids - sessions have continued throughout the year; an after school club in the Church Centre and a new worshipping community in the Church School have also been initiated. The weekly Little Angels group has continued to be extremely well attended and it was good to see many children and families in church for the Remem- - brance Day Service, end of term school services and at the carol services. As a result of the children’s involvement in these, both local schools and the Scouts and Cub Troops held their own carol services in the church.

Links between the Church and the Church School have always been strong and Donna has done much to cement this. The foundation governors were pleased to report on a successful OFSTED inspection with the Church School continuing to be graded as ‘Good’. The PCC gave a bible to all new reception pupils and all Year 6 leavers received a book at the end of the summer term. The school has continued to be supported financially by an annual donation from church funds.

The Resources Committee has achieved much this year and has been at the heart of the eco work, encouraging all of us to look at our carbon footprint and consider ways in which to reduce it. Two major projects have been the reroofing of the - church and the repair of a stained glass window. Electrical work and plumbing have also been carried out and buildings and grounds have been well maintained.

Communication from St Michael’s is good. A weekly newsletter continues to be circulated to church members and to over 200 members of our parish and beyond. This includes notification, invitation and explanation of meetings and services and features local news and articles from various groups. It highlights future events and activities for all ages and has proved to be very popular. In addition to this, our parish website has been redesigned and updated over recent months, leading to a successful relaunch in February.

We have much to celebrate at St Michael’s, but sadly we have lost a number of very active and generous members of our church family. A few have died and some have moved to other parts of the country and their work and contribution amongst us has been greatly missed.

We continue to assess the many risks associated with people and buildings, finance and the reputation of the church. A new Safeguarding Officer was appointed in September and she is undertaking a critical task of updating our Safeguarding

12

The Resources Committee has carried out a risk assessment of the Church and Church Centre and a Risk Assessment and Safety Policy is now in place.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The state of our finances continues to be a matter of grave concern and much deliberation has been given to ways in which income can be generated and expenditure reduced. Expenditure has exceeded income this year. The proceeds from the sale of the curate’s house became available at the beginning of the year which enabled us to fund the reroofing of the church and to make up the shortfall in our parish share. It was agreed that the remaining funds should be allocated for the salary of our Youth Worker for the next 2 years and for any emergency repairs. Staffing and church running costs are to be considered in the near future.

The designated and restricted funds are detailed in the annual accounts and both the PCC and Standing Committee review these on a regular basis, together with our general income and expenditure accounts. A detailed annual budget has been produced, against which our income and expenditure are reviewed. Our reserve policy is now in line with the Charities Act and the PCC have agreed to the setting up of a Reserve Policy, namely that we should hold the equivalent of three months running costs as a General Reserve.

Cindy Jones (PCC Secretary)

13

Nottingham South Deanery 2022 Annual Report

This year we have said goodbye to Rev’d Paul Reynolds (Bramcote St Michael and All Angels) and Rev’d Colin Bourne who stepped down as Area Dean. We have welcomed Rev’d Jess Savill (Toton St Peter) and curates Rev’d Claire Tufnell and Rev’d Ryan Mellor (Christ Church, Chilwell), Rev’d Angelika and Daniele Bocchetti (Lenton Holy Trinity and The Priory), Rev’d Tasha Genk (St Nic’s) and Rev’d Bethan Resch (Trinity) to our Deanery. We were also pleased to congratulate Rev’d Jo Tatum who was appointed as Area Dean, Rev’d Tracey Byrne and Garreth Frank - - who were appointed as Priests in Charge at St John’s Carrington and Lenton Holy Trinity and The Priory respectively, and Grant Walton who - was appointed Co ordinating Chaplain at the University of Nottingham.

The Deanery Leadership Team has continued to meet during the year to - plan Synod and to discuss ways to support parishes in the Deanery particularly those in vacancy. We have held three Synods:

On 23[rd] March we met at St Nic’s in Nottingham and the theme of our meeting was “Is there a place for me in your church?”. The aim of this meeting was to recognise that racial justice and integration are vital issues for the church and to challenge churches to address this issue. Speakers shared their lived experience and the scriptural basis for addressing this. We then spent some time discussing the challenge and praying for each other.

On 13 July we met at St Barnabas, Lenton Abbey and our theme was mental health and wellbeing. Again, we had speakers share their lived experience on the impact of the pandemic and the role churches can play in supporting those with mental health issues. We also heard about the work of Renew Wellbeing and running wellbeing cafés in our buildings.

On 24 November we met at St Michael’s, Bramcote and our theme was Disability Awareness in our churches. Our speakers shared their lived experiences and we were challenged to consider ways we could make our churches accessible. We were also challenged to think how our churches could act as a link for disabled people and our communities.

Our November meeting was also our AGM and a report was provided on the work of the Deanery Leadership Team during the past year. Colin

14

Bourne stepped down as Area Dean, Gary Stephenson stepped down as Deanery Treasurer and Clive Burrows also stepped down from the Deanery Leadership Team. We thanked them for all they had done in these roles and also welcomed Jo Tatum as Area Dean.

Following the AGM the Deanery Leadership Team was made up of:

The Deanery paid managed to exceed the percentage of giving for ministry paid in 2021 (96% as opposed to 94.9%). Every parish is thanked for their generosity in these difficult times.

Elaine Hinchliffe (Lay Chair)

ooOoo

15

Resources Committee Report

Members : Alan Bateman, Ken Bird, Hillary Brian, Robert Cleave, John Hart, Stan Heptinstall, David Jones, Wendy Willan

Much of what we do as a committee goes unseen and unspoken but at its heart the committee has the safety and care of all who walk through the doors of the church buildings. As the latest Chair of this committee I should like to thank each member for their time, commitment and dedication to working on behalf of us all, without which we would not have the premises we have today.

Much of what we do is ongoing: tweaking, mending, clearing and cleaning, applying for a faculty or seeking financial support from the diocese - and/or community. The rest involves the following: arranging for the re roofing of the South Aisle; heating and lighting (uplighters and downlighters, spotlights and outside lights, kitchen); new fridge/freezer; replacement toilet seats; aging plasterwork around the South Door; notice- boards (repainting and re ordering); updating the website; smoke alarm replacements; maintenance of the Ashes Plot and car park; ‘wilding’ a part of the churchyard; acquisition of a digital card reader; discussion on the renewal of our energy contracts (going greener); maintenance of the sound system; liaising with all the other committees; staff contracts; Church Inventory (photographing and listing all church items such as font, collection plate, communion equipment, hoovers, cutlery etc); - mending cupboards; hanging awards (Silver status ECO award action now needed to obtain Gold status); planting trees in commemoration of the Queen’s platinum Jubilee; maintaining gutters on the Centre and Link Corridor; ensuring there are policies in place for Fire, Accident, Disciplinary & Grievance; Equality Diversity & Inclusion; Safeguarding; consideration of recording and broadcasting our services online; repair of both East and West Windows; and more recently the oversight of the Vicarage whilst it is unoccupied.

– new Hopefully you will have seen the results of some of the above roof, card reader and new fridge/freezer being three of the most obvious. Do watch out for other initiatives yet to be fulfilled.

It’s been a busy year!

Wendy Willan (Chair)

16

Mission & Outreach Committee Report

Members : Jonathan Smithurst (Chair), Lalage Smithurst (Secretary), Glynn Bannister, Hillary Brian, Claire Gee, Cindy Jones, Tina Newton, Jonathan Portwood, Kate Prayle, Jimmy Smith

Over the past year, the Mission & Outreach Committee has continued to meet by Zoom approximately every two months. Our Mission Partners are part of our church family and we play a vital role in their work by praying for them and supporting them financially. Every year we maintain the principle of the tithe by giving a tenth of our church annual income to support mission and charitable work outside the parish boundary. In 2022 the PCC giving was £10,143 . We have continued throughout the year to hear from and prayerfully support our Mission Partners .

CMS Mission Partner, Azaria Spencer , has updated us throughout the year about her work with street children and young people at risk in Guatemala City where she is now coordinator of a mentoring centre, the Centre Opp. She and her boyfriend, David, spent Christmas in the UK and since then she has been visiting her link churches, with St Michael’s being the last one on Sunday 12[th] March before her planned return to Guatemala on 15[th] March.

Kate and Paul and their family were able to return to the UK from the Middle East in the summer of 2022 and visited St Michael’s on Sunday 24[th] July when they shared some of their joys and frustrations. During the year Kate was appointed director of the new university medical education centre.

In June, before they left Bramcote for a new home in Northumberland, David and Anne Curnock were commissioned as Associate Mission Partners for health education and children's work with OneCollective . In February this year they visited Stara Zagora in Bulgaria and in March plan to be in Berega in Tanzania, their first visits for 3 years following the lockdown.

We continue to support the Bestwood & Bulwell Foodbank with Cindy and David Jones keeping us updated with the most urgent needs, which have markedly increased in the current economic situation. The trolley in the south porch of the church - has often been near to overflowing so a HUGE thank you to all who have donated produce.

The practice of having a Mission Sunday on the second Sunday of each month was reintroduced this year and so far we have heard about The Leprosy Mission in January and T4U in February. We will hear about Azaria’s work with CMS in Guatemala in March.

17

For the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June, 320 copies of a special souvenir publication Our Faithful Queen were purchased and distributed, many at the Hemlock Happening on Saturday 4[th] June and at a special Songs of Praise service at Pentecost (Sunday 5[th] June). Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September, a companion book, A Life of Grace, was published. It highlights how her Christian faith shaped her vision for her role and empowered her to be the inspiring example she was and remains. 40 copies were purchased and made available for sale.

At our Harvest Thanksgiving weekend, we again organised a very successful and enjoyable Harvest Supper . Money donated in thanks amounted to £571.03 and was sent to the BREADtrust to provide clean water for the villages and hospital in Berega in - Tanzania. Non perishable goods donations were taken to the Bestwood & Bulwell Foodbank .

The Children’s Society

Despite the current economic situation, generous donations at the Toys, Gifts & Christingle Service in December meant that a large number of toys were taken to the Great Notts Christmas Toy Appeal and £100.30 was sent to The Children’s Society , two organisations which help children and young people in disadvantaged situations.

As part of our outreach and mission, we have supported Christian Aid, Teams4U, - and Traidcraft these reports follow.

Jonathan Smithurst (Mission & Outreach Committee Chair) February 2023

ooOoo

- Christian Aid Week 2022 Hungry for Justice

Penny & Graeme Coe

18

- Teams4U What has been achieved in the last 365 days?

Not expecting to meet again after December 2021’s T4U shoebox campaign, the Nottingham team of volunteers unanimously agreed to respond to the unfolding crisis in Ukraine by collecting, sorting and shipping what turned out to be nearly 5 - tonnes of aid foodstuffs, blankets, medical aid, toiletries and so much more, donated by many here at St Michael’s and all over Nottingham. On behalf of those who received your gifts, thank you. Everything was sent to Suceava where Profes- sor Lucian Pascut set up a shop for Ukrainians crossing no man’s land into Roma- nia could pick up essential supplies on a daily basis nappies, baby milk, food, - bedding, bandages and some of the aid went on to those on the front line with local people making the extremely dangerous crossing into Ukraine to deliver it.

120 days into the war, staff from Great Ormond Street Hospital accompanied Dave and Simon Cooke to an orphanage in Chernivtsi, northern Ukraine, to assess the needs of the children there with special needs and to plan what they needed. T4U has already funded a shower block for them.

In other parts of the world, T4U have also been actively supporting local communities to help them improve their situation. In Sierra Leone T4U have created Vocational Skills Centres in two rural regions where tailoring, carpentry, catering and hairdressing courses are offered, providing not only a means of earning a living, but essential survival strategies and how to be financially secure in a consistently fragile economy.

During November we were back collecting and processing shoeboxes for children in Eastern Europe and I was privileged to join a distribution trip to Suceava in December, visiting several centres for special needs children as well as a school on the Romanian/Ukrainian border and Roma families living in rural areas of the coun- try in very primitive conditions and with next to no personal possessions. The overarching memory of this trip is the graciousness, thanks and generosity of all - who received shoeboxes such a simple gift but with such a resounding message that someone somewhere cares enough to send a shoebox of gifts to someone they will never meet. This indeed is faith in action.

Thank you to each one of the 3227 Nottinghamshire people who have given of their time, money and/or a filled shoebox, without which such trips would not be possible - be assured your gifts were the cause of great excitement, smiles and shrieks of joy!

Wendy Willan T4U Regional Coordinator

19

Social Reference Group Report

Members : Cindy Jones, David Jones, Stan Heptinstall, Christine Cleave Wendy Willan, Fiona Maxwell, Elaine Morris, Pat Ashworth, Nicky Lake, Donna Snowdon, Hillary Brian, Sally Cresswell

The Social Reference group was formed after Covid restrictions were lifted, as the Church began once more to reach out to the Parish and its members. The group comes under the auspice of the Mission and Outreach Committee. It is made up of representatives from all the church groups and a number of community groups. The group’s remit is to oversee the events which make up the church calendar. This is essential to prevent clashes of dates and opportunities.

The group decides who is to take ownership of each event. This is usually the person who has had the idea, or someone who has a specific interest or experience in that field. That person will then request help from the group; it may be in catering or communication, front of house, welcoming, ticket selling or other specific roles that lead to the success of any event.

In 2022 we coordinated the organisation of Parish Breakfasts and Brunches, Afternoon Tea Concerts, Café Bramcote evenings with entertainment, Harvest Supper, drama and special services for Easter and Christmas. We also had a presence at Hemlock Happening, with various stands including children’s activities, strawberries and cream and church information. We gave out bubbles to children and a book celebrating the Queens Platinum Jubilee to over 100 adults. It was a very successful afternoon.

Thank you to all members of this committee for your enthusiasm and dedication throughout the past year. I hope that we will continue to flourish and develop as we plan our future calendar.

Cindy Jones (Chair)

20

Report from the Clergy & Reader Team

The Clergy and Reader team (Tony Cardwell, Lillian Heptinstall, David Edinborough, Lalage Smithurst, Jonathan Smithurst) have been meeting on a regular basis since Paul Reynolds left. We have more recently also met together with David Hanford (musical director) Jonathan Portwood (Verger and PA operator) and Donna Snowden (Family Life Minister).

We have met to organise the Sunday and weekday worship rotas and special services: Remembrance Sunday, Carols by Candlelight and other services with a special focus i.e. our second Sunday service which has a Mission focus. third Sunday evening which can be Taizé, Healing or Celtic prayer, and fifth Sunday evening service which is Choral Evensong. Also Harvest, Safeguarding Sunday and our annual Bereavement Service.

Donna plans and runs a monthly, Sunday afternoon ‘Families Together Worship’. She also organised a very successful, well attended Nativity service.

Among the items discussed have been Safeguarding, matters of a pastoral nature, ‘Living in Love and Faith’, Church motto, visiting preachers, a proposed Alpha course, Advent labyrinth and much more.

At our next meeting we will be planning for Holy Week, Easter and beyond.

Our services have been mainly covered by the Clergy and Reader team, but we have had visiting preachers, Colin Bourne and Richard Hanford, and some Mission Partners. Pippa Scott led a Taizé service for us. We are looking forward to the visits of Jo Tatum (Area Dean) in May and Phil Williams (Archdeacon) in July as well as further Mission Partners.

The staff team continue to take weddings, funerals, burial of ashes, Baptisms and other occasional offices as requested.

With grateful thanks for your prayers and support.

Lillian Heptinstall

21

Children, Youth & Families Report

Introduction

Many thanks to all the members of the Church family who have been so generous with their prayers, knowledge, wisdom and time volunteering. Particular thanks to Lillian who has been given the task of being my line manager since the departure of - Revd Paul Reynolds in July 2022 and Claire Morrell Stone who always says ‘ yes’!

1. SCHOOLS

Bramcote C of E Primary School

I am very grateful for Sarah Meredith’s collaboration as Headteacher and all staff at the Bramcote C of E Primary School, building a strong connection with Children and Families, sharing and growing Faith.

Weekly Wednesdays:

Bramcote Hills Primary School

Bramcote Hills Year 5 used St Michael’s for their Carol Service in December. Having met the Headteacher Peter Taylor in person at this event, I was invited to lead a Key Stage 2 Assembly in January and put on the ‘Visitor List’ for future assemblies.

Having asked the school ‘how can I serve?’ the response was supporting with read- - ing so I have committed to do this 1 hour a week (Wednesdays 1 2pm).

Year 1 class are visiting church in March 2022 on the topic: How Do Christians Use the Church as a Place of Worship?

2. FAMILIES

After collating initial feedback from families since May 2022 I have offered a shorter, - more informal, interactive service with modern worship songs every third Sunday 3 - 3.45pm. Average attendance is 3 4 families. In November I asked families attending if they wished to continue with this option or attend other services? The children voted to keep this service, so we will keep and review in the summer.

I meet parents every Wednesday in Bramcote C of E playground as well as meeting parents/carers at Little Angels on Thursdays.

22

Nativity Christmas Eve

Attended: 120.

We made Christmas star decorations out of salt dough to hand out.

Great church family participation: volunteers supported meet and greet; Eddie Prayle narrated; young people read prayers; Little Angels sang; Dads from the Dads ‘n’ Kids group read ‘dad jokes’!

Baptisms

Being part of the Baptism service is a real joy. I have developed a good relationship with Leah and Ollie Elliott who had sons Rupert and Felix baptised in February.

Brunch

We invited families to January’s Parish Brunch. Some new faces attended and feedback was how much they enjoyed it.

3. LITTLE ANGELS

Amazing mum volunteers: Nicky, Ruella, Jane, Laura, Carla, Emily plus Rachel and Nicky’s mum who do an incredible job planning and delivering Little Angels. Many of these volunteers will be unable to continue in September so we are actively spreading the message and recruiting now so the group can continue.

4. MESSY CHURCH

We are without a Volunteer Messy Team (I currently plan, buy resources, set up and deliver). Parent/child volunteers who attend on the day may be assigned to an activity to supervise.

Having reflected on the costs of food and potential wastage as numbers varied we - moved from meals to a ‘grab bag’ sandwiches and snacks in a bag to take away. Following families feedback Jan 2023 consensus was to just offer snacks and juice so we now provide oranges, apples, bananas and grapes.

Current charge £1 per child.

Themes 2023:

Sat 4th Feb Sat 4th Sat 3rd Sat 30th Sat 4th Nov Sat 2nd Dec
March June Sept/7th TBC
Oct TBC
God is Love Who is the The Lord’s Harvest I am the Messy
Holy Spirit? Prayer Light of the Christmas
World

23

5. DADS ‘N’ KIDS

Dads volunteered to do ‘Dad Jokes’ as part of the Christmas Eve Nativity which was very well received. Dads/carers have volunteered to buy food for the sessions and either donate or claim back.

6. YOUTH GROUP - Rooted

Having built a good relationship with Year 6 last academic year I offered a focus - group session to find out what they would like. Hence Thursday 4.30 6pm with simple games and space just ‘to be’. Currently offered to Years 5 and 6 (Primary) and Year 7 (Secondary). Average attendance is 4 children.

Having reflected on 2022 and not wishing to lose the few that are engaged, I have invested in Scripture Union Rooted Journal for each young person attending. The - aim is to work through journal together to ‘Grow into who you are, and all that God has planned for you’.

7. EASTER EXPERIENCE

8. FAMILY FUN DAY - Saturday 15th July

Summer 2023 TBC. Working collaboratively with Lindy from St Leonard’s to offer a ‘summer experience’.

9. ALPHA 2023

Volunteers at Little Angels expressed a desire to offer something to parents/carers who were ‘exploring’ what it is to be a Christian witnessing their discipleship. After consultation and discussion through the correct channels it has been agreed to of- fer 6 weeks of Alpha from 14[th] September to 19[th] October, 11.30 1pm in church.

This will take the form of a light lunch together while watching a 25 min video, followed by 25 min reflection and discussion. Little Angel volunteer mums have offered to look after the children during the sessions.

24

10. SAFEGUARDING/HEALTH & SAFETY

I have current DBS and complete Diocese Safeguarding Training. I have completed a Food Hygiene Certificate and have a current First Aid certificate. Marc Holliday from Dads ‘n’ Kids has a Food Hygiene Certificate but we may need more volunteers to complete this plus First Aid training.

I am working with Lillian and Tina to ensure volunteers have DBS. I am also in the process of writing Risk Assessments for Children Youth and Family Activities (drafts to be completed by Easter).

Issues have been raised regarding safety of doors into/out of the Church Centre and children ‘escaping’. Resources Committee have been made aware of this and it is to be discussed further with upcoming visit from the Fire Service to seek advice. Agreed a higher sliding bolt can be fixed to the lounge area door.

11. BUDGET

Expenses £528.60. Young people £165.38. Messy Church £613.47. Main costs are food and drink, which will be significantly reduced with offering fruit and juice at Messy. Aim to plan arts and crafts around what resources we already have to keep costs as low as possible.

12. SCRIPTURE UNION COLLABORATION - mission enable Dom Conti

‘Revealing Jesus to the 95’: 95% of Children and Young People across England - - and Wales are not in a Church (‘Gen Z’ those born between 1995 and 2010 - and ‘Generation Alpha’ those born since 2010).

Strategy:

25

Conclusion

My role is 23 hours a week which means a balance of working efficiently to achieve planning, delivery and reviewing Children Youth and Families work.

Looking at the ratios of workers to young people it is evident that to grow any future engagement without parent/carers present will require more volunteers.

I am looking forward to building on all of the above in 2023.

Donna Snowden Family Life Minister

ooOoo

Food Bank Report

Since we became part of the Trussell Trust Food Bank scheme I am pleased to report that we have delivered 12 Tons of food from St Michael’s to the Bestwood and Bulwell Food Bank. During 2022 we have supplied them with 1½ Tons of food.

We were asked by our diocese to help this Food Bank, as it is situated in one of the most deprived areas of the country and is not surrounded by affluent neighbourhoods. We are one of the largest donors and our support is greatly appreciated by Nigel Webster and his team of volunteers who run the operation.

Many people ask me how the Food Bank works. Those who are in need of help are sent by a social worker, medical professional or care worker who will give them a food allocation form. They are supplied with enough food to last for a few days and the amount depends on the size of the family. Their pack may include cereal, soup, tins of beans or spaghetti, meat or fish, fruit, puddings, rice or pasta, tea or coffee, long life milk and fruit juice. Biscuits, snacks and chocolate are added when available, as are household items and toiletries. This will enable them to eat until other benefits or work becomes available.

Sadly, with the cost of living crisis the need for Food Banks has increased. Many - working families are living in poverty if they rely on non contact hours of work or receive the basic minimum wage. Unfortunately, the rise in food prices has meant that donors are unable to give as much.

Members of St Michael’s Church and the parish have continued to be very generous in their giving of both produce and money. I do wish to thank you so much for this. I also wish to thank my team of dedicated helpers who deliver the food each week to the Food Bank.

Please continue to support those who are in such desperate need.

God Bless you all.

David Jones

26

Bramcote C of E Primary School - Report 2022 23

It has been a very busy year, after finally coming out of COVID measures it has been fantastic to be able to reconnect with the church and the school community.

We enjoyed welcoming Donna Snowden into school after February half term and she has continued to lead our Wednesday worship, which has been enjoyed by all of the children. Donna has become a valued member of our worship team.

We also launched a family worship in school after Easter and this has been a great opportunity for families to meet together to praise and worship with songs, the word and prayers. The highlight for the children has to be the ‘breads and spreads’ being able to make jam or chocolate spread sandwiches and have a drink of water or squash in the school hall, while parents & Carers have a hot drink and biscuit.

Also, during the summer term we celebrated the platinum Jubilee for the late Queen Elizabeth II. This came at the end of our history curriculum theme week where each class learned about a decade from the 50s to the present day. It was great to set up our own history museum in the school hall consisting of children’s work, pictures and many memorabilia sent in by parents and grandparents. The Jubilee Jamboree took place on the afternoon of Thursday 26[th] May and this was a - fantastic community event. Our Friends PTA made cream teas to pre order and it was well attended by families of the children, governors, ex members of staff and members of St Michael’s.

Our end of term summer service was held at St Michael and All Angels and we finally had parents/carers back in church with us too.

During the Autumn term we continued to be blessed by Donna’s commitment to lead Wednesday Worship and give time to pastoral support to some of our Year 6 pupils.

We visited the church again to welcome our new reception children where they were presented with a first Bible that had been kindly purchased by the PCC.

27

We had another curriculum theme week after half term with a focus on courageous advocacy. The children learned about how they too can be advocates for change and support something they strongly believe in.

As the term drew to a close, we welcomed families back into school to see the first Infant Nativity and Year 3/4 play since 2019! All the children did so well and the performances were enjoyed by all. Christmas fairs, parties and dinner were all back as was our Christmas Service. Contributions from all the classes and Donna sharing the message of Christmas brought 2022 to an end.

A massive thank you to the PCC for their generous contribution in support of the school. This has been used to purchase First Bibles and leavers books, as well as the purchase of a new oven for our school kitchen, enabling the children to take part in cooking activities.

Sarah Meredith (Headteacher) March 2023

Open House Report

It has been a fragmented year for members of Open House to be together and undertake some form of study together. Despite Covid restrictions having been pretty much lifted, some members living with vulnerable adults were uncomfortable meeting up indoors, so in order to keep in touch and share concerns/help for one another we met in each other’s homes. Some members are still working so can only get together in holiday times. In September it was hoped that Gill Wilmot would be well enough to resume leadership of the group, but sadly this was not the case, thus a ‘fresh start’ was postponed until the new year. So, in February we rebooked the Church Lounge and have recently been enjoying returning to study and worship together.

Wendy Willan

28

Parish Safeguarding Report

I was appointed to this role on 20[th] July 2022. Previously in my role as a Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher I was the Senior Designated Person for Safeguarding and so my experience is very pertinent to this post.

Since appointed I have been getting policies, procedures and training in place in order to ensure that St Michael’s is compliant with current safeguarding rules and therefore fully insured.

This has involved ensuring that everyone who needs safeguarding training has it, i.e. PCC members and all those with responsibility for children and young people and any vulnerable adults. As you will see, that encompasses many people in the church. We are 75% compliant in training terms so far.

I have also presented 3 policies to the PCC for approval:

These are all essential and necessary policies to have.

I have ensured that I am up to date with my own training: Basic Awareness in Safeguarding; Foundations in Safeguarding; Training for Parish Safeguarding Officers; Modern Slavery; and Leadership in Safeguarding.

I also delivered the talk on Safeguarding Sunday.

I have liaised with the Parish’s Lead Recruiter, Revd Canon Lillian Heptinstall, to ensure all Disclosure Barring Checks (DBS) are completed for all those who need them.

I am very thankful to the PCC members who have supported me in this task and also the Churchwardens, Revd Lillian and Donna Snowden who have all given support.

If you see me around and have any questions with regard to Safeguarding do not hesitate to ask.

Tina Newton

(Parish Safeguarding Officer)

29

Little Angels Report

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Chair: Ruella Parkinson Vice Chair: Jane Goodfellow

Laura Carla Rachel Nicky Emily Theresa Donna (pastoral care)

Our Community Rainbow we made out of the handprints of all the children.

Little Angels is a group for babies, tod- dlers and pre schoolers along with their parents, grandparents and carers to come and play, learn and meet other families in the community around Bramcote. We meet on a Thursday morning in the Church Centre of St - MichaelÕs during term time. We are a group run by a committee of volunteers, which includes parents, grandparents and church members.

For an entrance fee of £1 per family, we offer refreshments throughout the morning of tea, coffee, toast and sometimes a sweet treat. We also provide a snack at an allocated time for the children, which allows them a time to sit together and share.

Some examples of the types of messy play activities we do during the morning session.

The number of attendees at Little Angels has grown considerably over the last year with around 40 families on our register currently. Below is a photo of a typical Thursday morning at Little Angels.

During the morning we have a craft activity for the children to take part in which links to the bible story we are learning about that morning. We also have a messy activity that links in to the bible story. This allows the children to explore with all their senses. This is usually a very popular table.

Little Angels endeavours to be a relaxing, fun, safe and supportive environment with a Christian ethos, reaching out to people in the community and welcoming them to the church of St Michaels.

Ruella Parkinson 08.02.2023

30

Choir Report

The choir continues to lead the singing at the 10am and 6.30pm services each Sunday. Also, we have sung at a number of other services, including several weddings and funerals.

In a wider context, we maintain our membership of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) and attended an uplifting Choir Festival in Southwell Minster with other affiliated choirs in October.

Numerically, we have remained fairly stable throughout the year with 15 regular members in the group, rising to around 20 for special musical presentations.

We particularly enjoyed preparing for and singing at the 2022 Good Friday evening service ‘The Way of the Cross’, Christmas ‘Carols by Candlelight’ services, and Choral Evensong each quarter. It was especially pleasing to receive many words of encouragement from those who attended.

We practise in the Church Centre on Wednesday evenings and additional voices, both junior and adult, are always very welcome. It is great to share and develop our work with new members.

Please continue to pray for our spiritual and musical growth as a group, as we sing and worship together week by week.

David Hanford (Organist & Choirmaster)

ooOoo

Silver Surfers Report

Our weekly meetings continue to be well attended. Recent advertising (including on the new church website) has increased our guest attendance each - week to 20 25, with many also joining us for lunch. The fortnightly meal out ‘Social Surfers’ is also increasing in popularity.

Unfortunately, our appeal for volunteers and coaches has been less successful.

The current committee are listed on our noticeboard at our meetings.

Elaine Morris

31

- Bell ringers Report

The current officers are:
Tower captain: Christine Langton
Secretary: Lesley Hill
Treasurer: Christine Langton
_Ringing master: _ Christine Langton
Communications officer: Richard Portwood
Steeple keeper: Tom Langton
Assistant steeple keeper: Richard Portwood
Education officer: Anne Sladen
_Social secretary: _ Fiona Maxwell
_Spiderman: _ Richard Portwood
_Register keeper: _ Richard Portwood

Our Friday practices have been well attended by our ringers, although the average has dropped to 7 ringers from an average of 8.5 ringers in the previous year. We held 51 practices during the year, only missing the practice during Holy Week. Thanks to our visitors who help out at the practices. We welcome Eddie as our newest recruit. It was sad to have to say goodbye to Murray and Sarah. Murray has moved to Wales and Sarah has moved to Devon. They had both been ringing with us for a number of years.

We rang the bells before the 10am Sunday service almost every week (excluding first Sundays), usually ringing at least four bells. We thank Richard Black and his family from Nuthall for joining us on Sunday mornings.

It has been a busy year for the bell ringers. We rang for the 70[th] anniversary of the late Queen’s accession to the throne in February and rang for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June. The death of the Queen in September was marked by - Christine tolling our tenor bell 96 times followed by some half muffled ringing. It was lovely to have an audience listening to us ringing. Later in the month we also rang - directly before the Queen’s funeral with some half muffled ringing, which included ringing the change ‘Queens’ (1,3,5,2,4,6) 96 times.

This year we hosted the Nottingham District Bell Ringers’ AGM at St Michael’s. Many ringers from across the district had a chance to ring on our lovely bells whilst enjoying tea, coffee and cakes made by the St Michael’s ringers. This was then followed by the AGM in the church.

We held our annual ‘Christmas Drinks with the Neighbours’ event at the beginning of December. It was great to see so many neighbours enjoying mulled wine, eating mince pies and several people even had a go at ringing. It was a good turnout with 26 guests.

In June the bell ringers hosted a stall at the Hemlock Happening, as part of the St Michael’s stand. We provided mini hand bells for the public to have a go at ringing some well known tunes and had a ‘Guess the Name of the Corgi’ competition in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The winner of the corgi competition was an

32

In July we rang before Evensong for Paul Reynolds’ last service to thank Paul and Alison for all the good work they had done over many years at St Michael’s. The bell ringers presented a certificate of our ringing to Paul and Alison.

We also rang before the Berega dinner in February, rang in solidarity with all those - suffering due to the invasion of Ukraine in March, and rang half muffled on Remembrance Sunday.

Over the Christmas period we were able to ring for the Carols by Candlelight services, for the Nativity service on Christmas Eve and for the 10am service on Christmas Day.

Lesley welcomed 6 groups of visiting bell ringers during the year, 3 of which rang quarter peals (continuous ringing for 45 minutes). They all gave us donations, which have gone into our Bell Fund.

Should anyone wish to have the bells rung to mark a special occasion (e.g. birthdays and anniversaries) then please do get in touch with Christine Langton.

We are always looking for new recruits so if you are interested in learning to ring or just want to come along to see what we do, you are very welcome to join our practice on a Friday evening from 7.30pm to 9pm or contact Christine Langton (christine@nuscr.org or 0115 877 9439).

Christine Langton March 2023

33

Wednesday Coffee Morning Report

What a joy it has been to continue to see new faces coming along and sharing a couple of hours together on a Wednesday morning!

Regular attendees have been delighted to welcome new faces on Wednesdays, offering a warm welcome and a boost to numbers. For many, the lure of either jacket potatoes or a fish and chips lunch once a month has added to the attraction of attending!

The Lending Library, managed by Hillary, continues to provide a source of bedtime reading and is as popular as ever! In October 2022 we put on a special afternoon - - tea to celebrate Barbara Brown’s 100[th] birthday our first centenarian with music, cake, balloons and a few visiting friends together with 24 members of the current group. She was delighted to be one of the first to receive a card from the King!

Over the year we have had to say goodbye to one - - or two members either through death, long term - ill health or moving away which reminds us all of our own fragility and dependence on others. Thus we have celebrated the life of Rita Portwood, the - long term past leader of this group; Rita Keenan passed away before Christmas and just recently Dorothy Roberts. Lesley Law has moved to Devon to live with her family and due to diminishing health reasons both Brenda Evans and Joy Hawkins are sadly no longer able to join us.

Cynthia Slater, Carol Kemsley, Janice Wilson, Elenor Wild, Sue Parkin, Barbara Morton, Liz Wiseman, Eileen Coe and Pat Frame have all joined during the year and we are delighted to have them as part of the group.

For many living on their own this regular meeting is a highlight of their week and a means of getting out and keeping up with friends. It’s an open group so please do come and join us any Wednesday from 10 until 12 for friendship, fun and food (well, - - tea, coffee and biscuits!). Stan’s newsletter keeps us up to date with forthcoming events and even a ‘looking back on the past week’ for those who have missed a week.

It’s a loyal group and thanks must go to Maureen, Pat and Elizabeth who continue - to manage the kitchen side so well. Thank you all so very much for your support.

Wendy Willan & Hillary Brian

34

Traidcraft Report

Thanks to the loyal Traidcraft customers in the Bramcote community, this was a good trading year for the St Michael’s stall. At least £150 of sales were taken at Easter and £150 worth of Christmas cards were ordered. As the year went on, an array of chocolate and biscuits in the church vestibule proved tempting to - passers by, who used an honesty box to pay for their purchases. Those at Wednesday Coffee Morning also

enjoyed the convenience of access to a tray of goods in the Church Centre. Stalls were held at St Michael’s Christmas Market and at Café Bramcote with the Salvation Army. An extremely successful Christmas stall was also held at Beeston Methodist church. At least £3000 worth of goods (both gifts and consumables) were sold in 2022 and income continued to exceed expenditure.

In January 2023, there was a surprise announcement that Traidcraft plc was going into administration. In company with other retailers, its sales had been hit hard by a combination of factors: the Covid pandemic, followed by the combined effects of the war in Ukraine, rising energy prices and increased transport costs. At the time of writing, it is not clear whether Traidcraft itself will survive in any form in the future. The announcement coincided with my decision to cease organising the Traidcraft stall due to other commitments. This means that the existing stock level will not be maintained; goods will gradually be sold on the stalls at St Michael’s and through other traders.

However, at St Michael’s it is proposed that we continue our commitment to be a Fairtrade Church through support for Transform Trade, formerly Traidcraft Exchange. This organisation campaigns for a better deal for traders and provides help for those starting businesses in poorer countries.

This year, the refreshments after services have been Fairtrade and other items such as toilet rolls have been bought for use in the Church Centre. We expect this to continue, using other online and local suppliers.

Traidcraft has played a pioneering role in paving the way for fairly traded goods to be more available, e.g. in supermarkets. The Traidcraft directors said in a letter that the company ‘has been a major force for good in the ethical retail sector for over 40 years’. Robert Cleave was one of the first volunteer reps to sell Traidcraft goods and he was succeeded by other familiar names, continuing in an unbroken line until the present day! During that time, the goods purchased in the

Bramcote community have enabled scores of poorer families to earn a livelihood and for that you have their thanks.

Christine Cleave

35

Financial Report for the Year Ending 31st December 2022

This report should be read in conjunction with the full set of Financial Statements that are displayed in the following pages.

Compared to 2021, our spending is up and our regular giving slightly - down. In fact, we have lost some of our long standing church members through passing or moving out of the area.

The year started with the sale of the former curate’s house, which meant that a capital asset became an accessible capital sum. This has been and will continue to be significant in enabling us to improve our record on matters such as paying Giving for Ministry (Parish Share), for which we have paid our full allocation (£69,000) for the first time for several years.

Below is a simplified summary of our general funds for 2022 (i.e. excluding specially designated and restricted funds which appear in the full set of accounts in the following pages). You will see that the figures for 2022 are balanced by enabling some spending to be paid for from other funds:

Church Running Costs
Giving for Ministry
Sub-total
General Reserve Transfer
10% Mission Transfer
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Regular Giving/Collections
Income Tax Reclaimed
Other Income
TOTAL INCOME		 2022
53,000
39,000
92,000
5,000
10,000
107,000
80,000
17,000
10,000
107,000		 2021
47,000
50,000
97,000
(4,000)
10,000
103,000
81,000
18,000
4,000
103,000		 INC/(DEC)
6,000
(11,000)
(5,000)
9,000
-
4,000
(1,000)
(1,000)
6,000
4,000

36

We are grateful to Ken Bird for his work as Planned Giving Officer. He makes the Gift Aid claims on our behalf, and maintains databases of donations and organises regular and occasional giving through envelopes. Towards the end of 2022, visitors were able to donate by bank card or phone app for the first time, and Ken has plans to provide additional choices for digital giving in 2023.

We are also grateful to the counting team, who continue to be the unsung heroes because their work is not seen. They count and keep records of the collections and deposit funds at the bank. Many thanks go to Victor Smithson, John Hart and the counting team members.

As Treasurer, Alan relies on the correct presentation and accuracy of the accounts as provided from the input of Christine as volunteer Church Accountant. Her role in auditing monthly accounts is crucial, and she has a wider remit in overseeing financial matters generally, including in specific areas such as preparing the annual budget.

Alan Bateman (Church Treasurer) Christine Langton (Church Accountant)

37

P4r0¢h1￿ ¢hu¥Bh CounGII ol 8t Mkhl&AJI Ar0•, Brnn¢ots st4t•montol FINncl•l A¢t1¥￿ Forth• >wr￿dI￿ 31 D•Mmb•rJ) TOTAL FUNDS Unr•bthEW D8yignW R￿tIbLI EnJortnATrt R411uatwJn Fundi IN¢OMlhlG RESOURCES Volunljry In￿rImI •7.337 22.941 120.778 4.724 783 13.497 115.0 112,329 In￿rne TTOM Inv￿￿17&1 Church •¢lMh Jrplui on diwul otin¥•th•n14 1¢) lQ 85 73 11.453 Y.903 115.OD) TOTAL IPICOMINO REBoufl¢e• RE80URCE8 EXPENDtD Colt Df gI￿•11n9 wlunt•ry InE4m• 73 13.042 112.8e4 9,1 79.410 3,34B 24.76 12.450 203.801 Chw¢h •¢l¥ii TOYAL Ae80UACU EXPENDED 216 35? 128 OBI Nty ICilTaoiNGII IN¢OM1140 IIEBOVRce8 12,842 Jl.579 37,610 TPAf48feA 8en¥EEN FUNDS 112.0421 14.t37 NET MOVEMENTS IN FiIN 48.710 37,890 11.7011 FUND &&IMCE8 BROUgNT FORWARD AT 1 J4UARY 2022 .￿ >2. 2,142 115.(ts) 372.880 314.SS1 FUND BALA14CE8 CAARieD FOW•l￿D AT 31 OECEklBER 2D12 •.10 Xs.J7e 24.142 2.222 115.LW 410.710 Y2.880 mtym•nl IUniMl•dl 1115,tr)JI 1116,0ts)1 TOTAL FUNOI WINCES CARRIED FOR￿AlID AT JI DE¢eMBER 2022 295 740 3n 860 Th• •n F•o•• 3 ta 7 fom p•rtDftheM •Beount•. Page I 38

2021 CURReiifAWT• ejio 219,137 2230 200,113 76,411 37J 295,740 87,￿0 FUN 9.10 9.376 223,￿0 9,10 24.142 9,10 2222 2.142 5,740 2J7.89) 115.C The nutu on p•w 3bJ 7 lomi p•rt Page 2 39

Th•PCC dthrkn•JtythpPCC Page 3 40

iorALFUNDS FL¥% 14,574 75,IWJ 19,415 18. i?.L 2A47 2,14) 2.14) $1 1.1 1,1•) Fw• 1171 957 IU7 Paue 4 41

TOTAL FU14 FLWI Fw ¥ts} ii•J 2,l•J 197 107 TEAP fL•N1 paKwv 1,2ts1 ,oio lQ.C i0,L •,3 12.lJ4 3,41) J,4t3 14,2•4 2.M7 014 I,S7S R• 1.473 613 .272 Z4.272 ,4 I,sJi 1.379 1.319 2,231 212 22Jl ce1 Page 5 42

TOTAL 7 DE•T(XI• Fw 57J 2W.378 24142 2•2 1lJ 3ni P,373) 142 Page 6 43

746 4.107 Iw,r* P.4lJ> 2,213 P,4ts1 1475 12 J.ic4 1h)sra InwwTaY

3111fA

170 ij, 114,7411 2,197 2119 IlJir12 1Tr)ThY 3IIIV2 11s,rxv) -Ii*c 11S1)Yl IM tyj•1￿ 31 ￿#•£1,7￿￿ Ji• £X6169w Ixw £1.￿4 i• EZ3JWI pw Page 7

Independent Examiner’s Report

To the PCC of St Michael & All Angels Church, Bramcote

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Church for the year ended 31 December 2022 which are set out on pages 1 to 7.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in 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 Examiner’s Statement

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

  1. the accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable accounting requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an Independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

tcp (gb) group ltd 10 the triangle ng2 business park Nottingham ng2 1ae

45