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2021-12-31-accounts

ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH, BRENCHLEY

ANNUAL REPORT

AND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OF THE

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL For the year ended 31 December 2021

Incumbent:

The Revd Campbell Paget The Vicarage 8 Broad Oak Brenchley Kent TN12 7NN

Independent Examiner:

Mrs Susan Davis Parish Accounts Adviser Diocese of Rochester St Nicholas Church Boley Hill Rochester Kent ME1 1SL

ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH, BRENCHLEY ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2021

Administrative information

All Saints’ Church is situated in The High Street, Brenchley. It is part of the Paddock Wood area Deanery and Diocese of Rochester, within the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Vicarage, 8 Broad Oak, Brenchley, Kent TN12 7NN.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of All Saints’ is a charity registered with the Charity Commission (No: 1130911).

Structure, governance and management

The function and purpose of the PCC is outlined in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules 2020. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and are then eligible to stand for election to the PCC.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC of All Saints’ Brenchley has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Revd Richard Campbell Paget, to promote in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has responsibilities for maintenance of the church building and churchyard. It is committed to enabling as many people as possible, in all age groups, to worship at All Saints’. It maintains an overview of worship to ensure provision of a range of church services to suit different tastes of worship, with an overall aim to adhere strictly to the message of the Gospel. All members of the congregation are encouraged to play a part in services and there is a rota for bible readers and leaders of intercessions.

The main activities of All Saints’ PCC are the provision of church services, baptisms, weddings, funerals, youth and children’s work, and the teaching of adults by way of regular home groups throughout the year. A report on the various activities undertaken at All Saints’ is attached, each group or committee dealing with specific aspects of parish life.

All PCC members are jointly responsible for deciding how their funds are to be spent and are made aware of the liabilities involved in their role. They are required to be DBS checked and to undertake regular Safeguarding training.

PCC Membership

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio, elected or co-opted by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules 2020. During the year, the following served as PCC members:

Incumbent: The Revd Campbell Paget (Chairman) Reader:: Mr Joseph Champneys Wardens: Mr Peter Westley Mr Robin Brooks

Representatives on the Deanery Synod:

Mr John Garthwaite Miss Cherie Sargent

Elected members:

Mr Richard Beale (re-elected 2019) Mr Nicholas Woodcock (re-elected 2019) Mrs Moira Tunstall (elected 2019) Mrs Angela Boobbyer (re-elected 2020 Mrs Diana Brooks (re-elected 2020) Mrs Thelma Cunningham (re-elected 2020) Mrs Sarah Thorpe (re-elected 2020) Secretary Sir Robert Akenhead (elected 2020) Delegated Co-Chairman Miss Karen Maier (elected 2020) Mr Samuel Smithson (elected 2020) Mr Stephen Edler (elected 2021) Treasurer Mrs Ann Rabbitt (elected 2021)

PCC Committees

The PCC operates as a body, meeting whenever considered necessary but usually once a month up to 10 times a year (except in August and December) and through certain committees which may or may not co-opt members of the congregation and others to fulfil their tasks.

Standing Committee:

This is the only committee required by law. It consists of the Incumbent, Churchwardens, Treasurer and Secretary. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. Churchyard Committee

This attends to all matters relating to the maintenance and preservation of the churchyard. Other Committees

These attend to various other aspects of the life of the church on an ad hoc basis.

Achievements and Performance

Church attendance

On 31[st] December there were 141 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll, 45 of whom were not resident within the parish. Since the 2021 APCM, no names have been removed but 3 names added.

For the first three months of the year, restrictions on main services applied, with the 10am continuing to be streamed. On 19[th] July the first 10am service was held in the church according to government guidelines and safety measures agreed by the PCC. Streaming was still much appreciated especially by the ‘shielding’ and isolating, and also attracted new people. The Baby and Toddler Service met throughout the year. The church building remained open throughout the pandemic.

Review of the year

In addition to a short meeting following the APCM to appoint officers, the full PCC met 9 times during 2021, with an average level of attendance of 74%. At the start of the year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, meetings were held virtually, but from July, PCC meetings were held once again in person (socially-distanced where possible) inside the church. Where Committees met between meetings, minutes of their deliberations were received by the full PCC and discussed where necessary. Copies of the Minutes of each PCC meeting may be found in a folder on the Black Tomb by the North door . Members of the church family are warmly encouraged to keep abreast of these and to make their views known to either the Vicar or the Churchwardens.

The teaching of the Christian faith in its biblically orthodox form with its insights and challenges to contemporary personal, moral, and social issues continues to be a priority in the life of the church. Without such teaching at the heart of the life of the church, it is all too easy for churches to be distracted into private or corporate priorities that can serve to distract individuals or groups from the role and task of the Church given to us by Christ and his Apostles.

The regular life of the church family which had been considerably interrupted and altered during the Covid pandemic, began to return to as normal an existence and pattern as safety and common sense directed. The church building remains in a very good state under the watchful eye of Peter Westley and aspects of the work identified in the last Quinquennial Inspection, which revealed that the church building is in a very good state of repair for a building of its great age, are being undertaken.

An Open Air Service in September, Harvest Festival, Remembrance Sunday, and Christmas services were conducted with not too many restrictions and the Carols in the Churchyard for families once again proved very popular. The Churchyard Committee continue to meet on a regular basis and employ their various gifts and wisdom in ensuring the churchyard continues as a very special jewel of our village.

We were very sad to lose our Youth and Children’s Worker, Mike King, after almost ten years of wonderfully inspiring service with us and with our Church school where he was Chaplain. The role has been assumed by Ruth Parnell who joined us in the autumn. Her report of her first 2 months can be found in the attachments.

The Vicar, Churchwardens, and PCC have continued to explore a closer link with St. Luke, Matfield, albeit Covid meant that our joint service of Café Church in Matfield Village Hall had to be put on hold.

We have continued to maintain our link with Saku and St. Lambertus Church in Estonia, and have agreed to support missionaries Father Kevin and Jen Cable, former members of our congregation, in Jaffa, Israel.

Many Church members continue to participate in extra-Church charitable activities and take on different roles within the Church, which are too many to mention individually, but serve to maintain a welcoming church family. Our website is there to be used. Please use it!

Page 1 of 1

file:///H:/PCC/2021/2%20image%20page%204.jpg

09/05/2022

All Saints' Church Brenchley

Report and Accounts

of the

Parochial Church Council

Year Ended 31st December 2021

Accrual Accounts using SORP 2015

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS, BRENCHLEY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

TOTAL TOTAL
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment FUNDS FUNDS
Notes Funds Funds Funds Funds 2021 2020
£ £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Voluntary income 2a 91,524 16,989 108,513 131,658
Activities for generating funds 2b 1,884 1,884 640
Investment income 2c 612 14 1,315 1,941 1,887
Church activities 2d 5,615 2,400 8,015 1,897
Other incoming resources 2e 16 16 12,227
97,751 14 22,604 120,369 148,310
Expenditure
Church activities 3a 83,383 7,990 44,140 135,512 113,708
Raising funds 3b 19
Other expenditure 3c
Total expenditure 83,383 7,990 44,140 135,512 113,727
Net income/(expenditure) before investment gains 14,368 (7,976) (21,536) (15,143) 34,582
Net gains on investments 9,501 9,501 4,274
Net income/(expenditure) 14,368 (7,976) (21,536) 9,501 (5,642) 38,856
Transfers between funds (19,139) 19,139
Net movement in funds (4,771) 11,163 (21,536) 9,501 (5,642) 38,856
Total funds brought forward at 1 January 2021 19,810 31,469 27,891 66,420 145,590 106,735
Total funds carried forward at 31 December 2021 15,039 42,632 6,355 75,921 139,946 145,590

Page 1

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS, BRENCHLEY

PRIOR YEAR STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES

TOTAL
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment FUNDS
Notes Funds Funds Funds Funds 2020
£ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Voluntary income 2a 97,407 0 34,251 131,658
Activities for generating funds 2b 36 0 604 640
Investment income 2c 591 27 1,269 1,887
Church activities 2d 1,252 0 645 1,897
Other incoming resources 2e 12,211 0 16 12,227
111,498 27 36,785 148,310
Expenditure
Church activities 3a 87,861 3,655 22,192 113,708
Raising funds 3b 19 19
Other expenditure 3c 0 0
Total expenditure 87,880 3,655 22,192 0 113,727
Net income/(expenditure) before investment gains 23,617 (3,628) 14,593 34,582
Net gains on investments 4,274 4,274
Net income/(expenditure) 23,617 (3,628) 14,593 4,274 38,856
Transfers between funds (22,323) 21,811 512 (0)
Net movement in funds 1,294 18,183 15,105 4,274 38,856
Total funds brought forward at 1 January 2020 18,516 13,287 12,786 62,146 106,735
Total funds carried forward at 31 December 2020 19,810 31,470 27,891 66,420 145,590

Page 1b

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS, BRENCHLEY

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2021

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
5
Investments
6
Total fixed assets
Stock - Memorial kerbstones
Debtors
7
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
8
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after one year
8
NET ASSETS
Funds
9
Endowment funds
10
Restricted funds
10
Designated Funds
10
Unrestricted funds
10		 2021
£
-
75,921
75,921
400
8,561
55,592
64,553
(528)
64,025
139,946
139,946
75,921
6,355
42,632
15,039
139,946		 2020
£
-
66,420
66,420
840
6,948
71,382
79,170
79,170
145,590
145,590
66,420
27,891
31,469
19,810
145,590

7th March 2022 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on ……………………………………... and signed on its behalf

Chairman Treasurer

The accompanying notes form a part of these financial statements.

Page 2

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS, BRENCHLEY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

1. Accounting policies

a Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP (2015).

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

b Funds

Funds held by the PCC are:

Unrestricted funds - general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes

Designated funds - monies set aside by the PCC out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects.

Restricted funds - a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest; b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year is carried forward as a balance on that fund.

Endowment funds - funds the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from the investment of the endowment may be used, either as restricted or unrestricted funds, depending on the purpose set out in the terms of the original endowment

c Incoming resources

All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

Voluntary income

Collections are recognised when received. Planned giving receivable is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised. Grants and legacies are recognised when receipt by the PCC is probable.

Income from investments

Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue.

All other income

All other income is recognised when it is receivable.

Gains and losses on investments

Realised gains are recognised when the investments are sold. Unrealised gains and losses are accounted for on revaluation on 31 December.

Page 3

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS, BRENCHLEY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

d Expenditure and Liabilities

Resources expended are accounted for on an accruals basis and are accounted for gross. Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal obligation and settlement is probable and quantifiable.

Grants

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded where the award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

Church Activities

The diocesan parish offer is accounted for when paid. Any parish offer unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet.

e Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2) of the Charities Act 2011.

Movable church furnishing held by the Rector and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's inventory which can be inspected. For inalienable property acquired prior to 1 January 2006 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Individual items acquired since 1 January 2006 have been capitalised in the accounts and depreciated over their useful economic life (see below).

All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings and individual items costing under £1000 are written off in the year they were incurred.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of tangible fixed assets, excluding freehold properties, over their expected useful lives. The rates generally applicable are:

Fixtures and fittings 25% straight line Computer equipment 25% straight line

No depreciation is provided on freehold property as it is the PCC's policy to maintain these assets in a continual state of sound repair. The useful economic life of these assets is so long and residual values so high that any depreciation would not be material. These assets will be subject to annual impairment reviews. Provision will be made if there has been any permanent diminution in value.

Investments

Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date.

f Current Assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown a debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible.

Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds, or at the bank.

Page 4

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS, BRENCHLEY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

2 Income from
a Voluntary income
Gift Aid - Bank
Gift Aid - Envelopes
Other planned giving
Collections
Church boxes
One-off gift aid gifts
Donations and appeals
Charitable Giving Collections
Gift Aid - tax recoverable
Grants
Legacies
b Activities for generating funds
Fundraising - General
Fundraising - Churchyard
c Investment income
Endowment Income
Bank and building society interest
d Income from Church Activities
Fees from weddings, funerals etc
e Other incoming resources
Furlough Grants
Other incoming resources
Total income		 Churchyard Restricted
Other
TOTAL
Churchyard Restricted
Other
TOTAL
Unrestricted Designated
Restricted
Mission
Restricted FUNDS Unrestricted Designated Restricted
Mission
Restricted
FUNDS
Funds
Funds
Fund
Fund
Funds
2021
Funds
Funds
Fund
Fund
Funds
2020
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
57,423
975
58,398
54,821
1,000
55,821
50
50
574
574
2,811
2,811
1,241
1,241
541
541
1,190
1,190
198
198
2,500
2,500
10,500
10,500
9,649
25
3,153
10,095
22,922
9,712
280
6,215
23,342
39,549
14,471
56
2,685
17,212
16,020
75
2,683
18,778
3,430
3,430
3,800
657
4,457
91,524
1,056
3,153
12,780
108,513
97,407
1,355
6,215
26,681
131,658
36
36
1,884
1,884
604
604
1,884
1,884
36
604
640
612
1,315
1,927
591
1,269
1,860
14
14
27
27
612
14
1,315
1,941
591
27
1,269
1,887
5,615
2,400
8,015
1,252
645
1,897
5,615
2,400
8,015
1,252
645
1,897
12,211
12,211
16
16
16
16
16
16
12,211
16
12,227
97,751
14
6,671
3,153
12,780
120,369
111,498
27
3,889
6,215
26,681
148,310

Page 5

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS, BRENCHLEY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

3 Resources expended
a Church Activities
Missionary and charitable giving:
Ministry costs:
Diocesan Offer
Working expenses
Vicarage expenses
Youthworker Salary
Youthwork Expenses
Other ministry costs
Church running expenses
Utilities and cleaning
Insurance
Church maintenance
General repairs
Organ maintenance
Church major repairs
Upkeep of services
Music
Altar Supplies
Service Sheets
Other service costs
Upkeep of churchyard
Mowing
Gardening/General Mtnce
Tree/Hedge Cutting
Kerbstones
Path
Education and Training
b Raising funds
Stewardship costs
Fundraising costs
c Other costs
Total resources expended		 Restricted
Restricted
Other
TOTAL
Restricted Restricted
Other
TOTAL
Unrestricted Designated Churchyard
Mission
Restricted
FUNDS
Unrestricted Designated Churchyard
Mission
Restricted FUNDS
Funds
Funds
Fund
Fund
Funds
2021
Funds
Funds
Fund
Fund
Funds
2020
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
314
2,250
3,153
5,560
11,277
220
6,215
3,819
10,254
51,226
51,226
49,400
49,400
8,108
8,108
6,457
6,457
5,467
5,467
3,989
3,989
2,736
2,736
14,302
6,991
21,293
700
700
51
51
5,383
5,383
4,500
4,500
4,634
4,634
4,675
4,675
1,428
5,610
7,038
1,227
1,227
1,048
1,048
974
974
5,740
20,625
26,365
3,655
3,655
1,257
1,257
1,111
1,111
96
96
46
46
602
602
356
356
235
235
322
322
3,168
3,168
4,129
4,129
814
814
678
678
1,270
3,500
4,770
440
440
120
120
240
240
151
151
231
231
83,383
7,990
5,692
3,153
35,295
135,513
87,861
3,655
5,167
6,215
10,809
113,708
19
19
19
19
83,383
7,990
5,692
3,153
35,295
135,513
87,880
3,655
5,167
6,215
10,809
113,727

Page 6

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS, BRENCHLEY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

4 Staff costs

a
Wages and salaries		 2021
2020
£
£
3,621
23,061

The PCC employed a Youthworker, Organist and Cleaner and made PAYE deductions on their behalf.

b Payments to PCC members and related parties

No payments, apart from reimbursment of expenses, were made to any PCC member or related party.

The total amount of monies donated to the PCC by PCC members during 2021 was £33,420 inc Gift Aid reclaimed, (2020 was £46,175 (incl. Gift Aid reclaimed).

5 Tangible fixed assets

The PCC does not have any tangible fixed assets.

6 Investments

Investments
Units Valuation (p) £
At 1st January 2021 3,242 20.49 66,420
Disposals at carrying value
Purchases at cost
Net gains and revaluation 9,501
At 31st December 2021 3,242 23.42 75,921

The investment is held as units in a CBF Investment Fund.

Page 7

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS, BRENCHLEY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

7 Debtors

Income tax recoverable
Prepayments and accrued income
Other debtors
8 Creditors: amounts falling due in one year
Accruals for utilities and other costs
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Creditors		 2021
2020
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
2021
2020
£
£
528
-
528
2021
2020
£
£
-
-
-
-

9 Analysis of Net assets by fund

Fixed assets for church use
Investment assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Total Funds
Total Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2021
2020
£
£
£
£
£
£
75,921
75,921
66,420
15,566
42,632
6,355
64,553
79,170
(528)
(528)
15,038
42,632
6,355
75,921
139,946
145,590

Page 8

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS, BRENCHLEY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

10 Statement of funds

Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
Designated Funds
Church Repair Fund - Diocese
Church Repair Fund - PCC
Vicarage Redecoration Fund
Web Services Fund
Mission Partners Fund
Youthwork Fund
Restricted Funds
Churchyard Fund
Friends
Clock Fund
Mission Fund
Hardship fund
Endowment Funds
Brotherwood
Davidson-Hooker
Levett
Total funds		 done
Transfers
At
Investment
between
At
1 Jan 2021
Income
Expenditure Gains/(losses)
funds
31 Dec 2021
£
£
£
£
£
£
19,810
97,751
(83,383)
(19,139)
15,039
6,818
14
0
1,600
8,432
440
0
(5,740)
8,000
2,700
6,000
0
0
2,000
8,000
4,000
0
0
0
4,000
2,000
0
(2,250)
3,250
3,000
12,211
0
0
4,289
16,500
31,469
14
(7,990)
19,139
42,632
500
6,671
(5,692)
0
1,479
9,519
3,912
(9,110)
0
4,321
11,757
8,868
(20,625)
0
0
0
3,153
(3,153)
0
0
6,115
0
(5,560)
0
555
27,891
22,604
(44,140)
0
6,355
6,925
990
0
7,915
35,279
5,047
0
40,326
24,216
3,464
0
27,680
66,420
0
0
9,501
0
75,921
145,590
120,369
(135,513)
9,501
0
139,946

The restricted funds comprise:

The Churchyard Fund can only be used on items specifically relating to the Churchyard.

The Friends Fund has been set up for donations specifically for Church Maintenance projects.

The Clock Fund is for monies donated towards the restortion of the Church clock. This project was carried out during 2021.

The Mission Fund is created for donations made to the PCC, which will be passed on the Charities as chosen by the PCC.

The Hardship Fund is used for monies donated for distribution to local causes at the discretion of the Vicar.

The endowment funds comprise:

Brotherwood (1941), 338 units in the CBF Investment Fund. Income can only be spent on the maintence of the Church and Churchyard.

Davidson-Hooker (1959), 1,722 units in the CBF Investment Fund. Income can only be spent on the maintence of the Church and Churchyard.

Levett (1970), 1,182 units in the CBF Investment Fund. Income can only be spent on the maintence of the Churchyard.

Page 9

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ALL SAINTS, BRENCHLEY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

11 Donations made to Charitable Organiations

Bishops Kondoa Appeal
*
Church Mission Society
Christmas - Barnabas Fund
Christmas - Fegans
Christmas - Nourish
Christmas - Love Russia
Children's Society
Mayor's Charity Day
Poverty and Hope Appeal
Readycall
Royal British Legion
Others
Total		 2021
0
2,250
726
726
726
0
744
58
100
130
200
56
5,716		 2020
2,311
690
0
0
690
690
355
0
0
1,480
200
20
6,435

Page 10 

All Saint’s Church, Brenchley
The PCC Secretary
12 Church Close
Brenchley
Tonbridge
TN12 7AA

5[th] April 2022

Independent examiner’s report to the PCC of All Saint’s, Brenchley

I report to the PCC on my examination of the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31st
December 2021.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in
accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’) and the Church
Accounting Regulations 2006.

I report in respect of my examination of the PCC accounts carried out under section 145 of
the 2011 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, and also those found in
Church guidance, 2017 edition.

Independent examiner’s statement

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

1. accounting records were not kept respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

2. the accounts do not accord with those records

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

Diocesan Office, St. Nicholas Church, Boley Hill, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1SL tel 01634 560000 email enquiries@rochester.anglican.org The Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 140656 Registered Office: St. Nicholas Church, Boley Hill, Rochester, Kent ME1 1SL - Registered Charity No. 249339

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.

Yours faithfully,

Sue Davis BSc (Hons) ACCA Parish Accounts Adviser Email: sue.davis@rochester.anglican.org Diocese of Rochester St Nicholas Church Boley Hill Rochester Kent ME1 1SL

ALL SAINTS’ BRENCHLEY

OFFICER, COMMITTEE & CHURCH GROUP REPORTS FOR 2021

Churchwardens’ Report

This has been a year of quiet progress. For the first few months we were unable to hold the normal 10a.m. service in church due to COVID-19 restrictions, so the service was relayed on ‘Fuze’. However, after that we were able to hold our services inside the building again and this has been a very welcome improvement. Thanks to the efforts of Di, Robin and Leo, we have been able to stream the services to a high standard and a pleasing number of people outside the parish have joined with us by this means. Now that this system has proved so effective (and we thank Sam and Adam as camera-operators), we can move onto the next stage of purchasing dedicated cameras (as opposed to the mobile phones used to date) and other more professional equipment to enhance the streaming system still further.

The 8a.m. Communion Service has also been held in church and whereas during the previous year the communion offered wafers only, from September 2021, communicants could also take the wine safely using individual disposable paper cups. From May, Communion also took place at 10am once a month, on the second Sunday and also on the fifth Sunday when this occurs. In view of the numbers attending, this has involved a new queueing system and the churchwardens are grateful to the congregations for their patience and understanding in maintaining a safe and orderly route to and from the chancel.

At the same time as we started having the 10 o’clock service back in church, the Junior Church also returned, though not to the village School where it had been before the pandemic. Initially the Junior Church used the north porch, but this was deemed unsuitable in cold weather and in addition, the numbers outgrew the porch. This meant the Junior Church then had to be housed within the church building and, as the small meeting room is used by the Creche, the older children have had to use the south-west corner. Given the number of children now attending Junior Church, it has become imperative that better arrangements are made to accommodate them. The churchwardens have suggested three possible areas: the north porch enclosed with outer glass doors, and either the south-west corner or the south transept, separated from the rest of the church using glass, soundproofed screens. The south transept was the preferred option as it has more heat and natural light as well as being comparatively easy to construct. The screen would have glass doors enabling this area to be used for other purposes such as a larger meeting room or overflow for more popular services. We need approval from the Diocese for whatever is done, and a site meeting will be held in May 2022 so we can get the views of the relevant diocesan committee before spending money on drawing up architectural plans for a formal application. It must be appreciated that this will take considerable time before work can be undertaken, so in the meantime, we ask for your patience and acceptance in having children in church with us. We are very grateful to Henrietta and her helpers for their success in keeping the children as quiet as possible. We also commend their achievement in building Junior Church up to its current numbers of around 30 children.

No joint services with Matfield took place during 2021 again due to COVID-19 restrictions.

As for the church building, the work required in the last Quinquennial Survey has continued, and will finally have been completed by the time the next Quinquennial Inspection takes place, in September 2022.

The church clock is now working once more and the hourly day-time chime has been restored.

The new churchyard extension was not needed during 2021 as there are still a few plots to be filled in the existing churchyard, but it is anticipated that this will be brought into use during 2022 and a new path is being laid to allow safer access. During the year, the Churchyard Committee continued its fine work to keep our churchyard looking so well-tended, but decided it was time for the committee to stand down and be replaced at the end of the year. The churchwardens are extremely grateful to the members of that Committee who have

worked tirelessly for about 30 years and we very much appreciate their hard work and dedication throughout that time. We are pleased to say that a new Churchyard Group has now been formed and started work in 2022.

No refreshments were served in church during 2021 due to COVID concerns, but the flower arrangers continued their hard work which was especially appreciated at Harvest Festival, so a big thank you to them. We also maintained (with some difficulty on occasions) a rota of readers at the main services and we are grateful to the volunteer Creche guardians and to the families welcoming you to the services. We have continued to enjoy the music provided by Sheila, the choir and Leo and are delighted that our new Youthworker Ruth has joined Leo to provide more variety to the modern songs.

Finally, in the hope that COVID will be less of an intrusion in the church’s life in future, we thank all of you for continuing to support us in all sorts of ways and look forward to building on this in 2022.

Peter Westley and Robin Brooks

Treasurer’s Report

2021 was a fairly steady year financially for the PCC, although income has overall reduced as a result of fewer one-off large donations, while we continue to see expenditure increase. For those interested the Financial Review which accompanies the Accounts provides a much more detailed explanation of the finances, which I shall attempt to only summarise briefly here.

Starting with the positives, during 2021 the remaining funds required to repair the tower clock were raised and this work was carried out, and towards the end of the year we again started employing a youth worker, which by all accounts has been an immediate success.

Overall, the PCC ended 2021 with £15,039 in Unrestricted General Funds, £42,632 in Designated Funds and £6,355 in Restricted Funds. There are also Endowment Funds with a total value of £75,921, although note that here only the relatively modest income generated on these funds may be utilised by the PCC, while the underlying capital cannot be touched. Excluding the Endowment Funds, overall funds are £15,145 lower than what we had at the end of 2020. However, having started the year with £11,757 partially raised towards the clock repair, the correct approach to gauge our finances for the year is to ignore the clock repair completely, in which case our funds are £3,388 lower than what we had at the end of 2020.

It is the policy of the PCC to hold between two and six months’ expenditure in free resources. It is estimated that the Church’s average general expenditure is in the region of £10,500 per month. The current level of free reserves (Unrestricted and Designated Funds totalling £57,671) represents 5 and a half months of average expenditure.

Looking ahead to 2022 the PCC’s finances have the potential to become strained unless income can be increased or expenditure can be reduced. A notable proportion of income is received from a relatively small and decreasing number of generous benefactors. This cannot be relied upon indefinitely. Expenditure during 2022 is very likely to be higher than 2021, given that we are now again employing a youth worker, and unfortunately like everybody else facing soaring energy costs and general levels of high inflation when it comes to goods and services. We therefore need to focus our efforts on continuing to increase the level of regular giving and limiting expenditure wherever possible.

Having decided to step down as treasurer (after only 2 years I’m ashamed to say) owing to work commitments, I leave by thanking all those on the PCC for their unwavering commitment to All Saints Brenchley. If anyone has any specific questions on the finances, please feel free to email me on stephen.eldler@gmail.com.

Stephen Edler

Safeguarding Report

I can confirm that the PCC has complied with the duty to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding |Policy and Practice Guidelines. During the past calendar year, I am delighted to report that we have had no incidents to refer to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.

The PCC members, Secretary, Captain of Bellringers, Organist and Helpers of LOGS and Junior Church have completed the relevant online Safeguarding Trainings C0 and C1. The Incumbent, Churchwardens and Leaders of LOGS and Junior Church are also up to date with their C2 training.

A thorough risk assessment has been conducted by LOGS and Junior Church and this is regularly monitored. The Leaders are particularly mindful of the appropriate use of e-communications which has been the main channel of support for LOGS during COVID. Junior Church sessions now take place at the Church rather than at the school. Suitable minor adaptations to the Church building are greatly needed to improve the accommodation for the many children involved.

Scrupulous attention is given to the recruitment of our employees and volunteers, including seeking references, issuing role descriptions, checking the understanding of Risk Assessment and the completion of DBS clearance. An example of this is the thorough way in which the searches were conducted for the appointment of our new Youth and Children’s Worker. All staff are up to date with their DBS checks.

The PCC made specific arrangements for streaming of services during the COVID restrictions for those unable to attend Church and for the re-opening of the Church subsequently. The CoE Guidelines for Safeguarding during COVID have been followed, with continuous review of local circumstances. Social distancing, distribution of elements at Holy Communion, hand-sanitization and mask-wearing being the chief precautions exercised. These steps have enabled all members of the Congregation to participate in worship in a way in which they feel safe.

From January 2022, Mrs Alex McCaskill will take over from me as Parish Safeguarding Officer and we worked together in the Autumn to affect a smooth transition. I wish Alex well, knowing that the Parish is in her safe hands.

My thanks to all parishioners and Officers of All Saints’, Brenchley for their loyal support, co-operation and understanding over the several years since I took up this appointment.

Cherie Sargent, Parish Safeguarding Officer

Paddock Wood Deanery Synod Report

The Deanery is made up of the following churches/parishes: Brenchley, Capel, Collier Street, East Peckham, Five Oak Green, Hadlow, Horsmonden, Laddingford, Lamberhurst, Matfield, Nettlestead, Pembury, Tudeley and Yalding. Brenchley has two Deanery Synod Representatives: John Garthwaite and Cherie Sargent.

Deanery Synod Meetings

There were 2 online meetings of the Deanery Synod during the 2021 calendar year.

The July meeting held on the 14th July included a presentation by Canon Bryan Knapp about the distribution of wine from a common cup. The emphasis was that we should be able to distribute holy communion with individual cups recognising the issues created by Covid 19 and at the same time respecting Canon Law, an historical requirement for use of a common cup. A resolution was put forward to the Deanery and passed. This resolution reflected the practice of many churches in the Deanery. It was agreed that the resolution should be passed to the Diocesan Synod with a request for approval.

There was inevitably a significant focus on other issues arising from Covid. Rev Andrew Axon was concerned that full time clergy should be encouraged to take holidays and the Deanery should come together to ensure that there was adequate cover.

In view of vacancies on the Diocesan Synod, Chris Walters and John Garthwaite were appointed as Lay Members.

The November meeting held on 4[th] November included 2 presentations, the first ‘Called Together’ presented by Claire Boxall, focused on evangelism, growth enabling mechanisms. Initiatives such as anointing lay people who are called to particular work in the church, Bishop Simon has been involved in the anointing and blessing of lay ministries which has been empowering. Engaging in communities through projects such as the setting up of food banks and green environmental focus for churches and clergy.

The second presentation by Reverend Canon Pamela Ive, Vicar of Tudeley, was on Vocation and Ministry; she is the Director of Ordinance and Vocations in the Diocese. She emphasised that recognising a vocation is not limited solely to ordination. She explained how she has helped ordinands to recognise both their gifts and weaknesses so they can serve more effectively. There was also a focus on courses such as the “Bishop’s Certificate” course. For those who are interested, these talks were posted on a Youtube link https://youtu.be/WRyIbrxMIAk

John Garthwaite

Brenchley Ready Call

We are very grateful to our many volunteers, but could always do with more. During 2021, we continued to arrange transport to doctors for appointments, surgery runs for prescriptions, hospital visits and diabetic optician appointments.

Our venue for the monthly Ready Call lunches has now changed from the Castle Inn to Grays in the village. We are very grateful to Kirsty and her team for welcoming us. From April 2022, we will be changing the lunch day to a Wednesday and these will be on the third Wednesday of every month.

For transport details or for offers to volunteer, please contact Christine on 01892 722789. For details for the monthly lunches, please contact Helen on 722885 or Jill on 722434.

Christine Churchill, Jill Sturgeon-Lewis and Helen Brown

The Children’s Society

As we came out of the pandemic restrictions and could meet again, we were able to hold a sale of cakes, books and produce for the Society, under the oak tree in Brenchley, which raised the sum of £360.95. As usual, people have been very kind having a box in their homes, so the total raised for the year was £743.71, this despite the absence of coffee donations after Church services.

Thank you all very much for your support and hopefully we can continue to help children through the Society who are in need more than ever after Covid.

Margaret Maw

Churchyard Committee

During 2021, COVID-19 continued to exert its influence on Churchyard matters and the Committee were unable to have regular meetings.

Following a series of interviews, Capel Groundcare took over the mowing from KCCLS. When they did the first mow, the grass had grown so high it looked an impossible task, but they rose to it magnificently and indeed continued to do a very good job throughout the mowing season. It was unfortunate that there were complaints of grass on graves and it is impossible to avoid this, especially when the grass is long. We also received the usual complaints about the Conservation Area looking untidy and neglected. Unfortunately, social media has exacerbated this.

Various bouts of windy weather caused storm damage which was dealt with by Tamilek. They also dealt with other damage including the removal of the Weeping Ash which was diseased and thus a potential danger as it was so close to the footpath. The cherry trees and magnolia have a splendid display of blossom in the Spring.

Tamilek carried out the bi-annual trim of the yew trees. They have been doing this for some years now and this time their work received many compliments. The yews are indeed looking especially good.

Clear-up days took place in April and October and were fairly well attended. Also in October, we had a fundraising Sale which raised a welcome sum of money.

In August, the Committee had what turned out to be its final meeting. At this meeting it was proposed that the Committee be disbanded and the care and maintenance of the Churchyard be handed over to the Vicar and the PCC. This to take effect from October 31[st] 2021. This decision was not taken lightly, but with the majority of the Committee members now being very “senior” (over 70 up to 90 years old) it was felt that the time had come to ‘hand over the baton’. Younger people with fresh ideas were needed. We are fortunate that this plea has now been answered.

It would be impossible to end this report without mentioning Sally Hogg who died in March. She was a founder member of the Committee when it was set up in 1990. She contributed so much for so many years. Our meetings were always held around the kitchen table in ‘Old Broad Oak’ which was also the venue for Christmas wreath-making. Weeks of hard work ensued and deposits of holly, berries and various other bits of trimming had to be swept off the kitchen floor before the finished wreaths emerged ready to be taken down to the church for the sale. Sally played a key part in all our sales and also, when the Church Fete was held at ‘Portobello’, as well as the well-stocked churchyard stall, there were rides on Sally’s donkey. She was an enthusiastic ‘clear-up day’ member and her contributions to the mid-morning refreshments were legendary. Her involvement in the Churchyard cannot be measured and she is very sadly missed.

Members of the retired Committee are happy to lend all possible support for the future.

Margo Thompson, Secretary

Flower Committee

During 2021, due to the pandemic, the majority of flower arrangements in Church have been from our store of beautiful artificial flowers and foliage. At present, we will be continuing in a similar vein due to the rising cost of fresh flowers and fuel for our arrangers.

Very few weddings took place in 2021, but we have several booked for 2022 and many of the flowers are by visiting florists, but we are obviously still involved with the side-chapel pedestal arrangements in most cases, as well as the preparation and clearing of previous arrangements in readiness for the wedding florists.

We hope to resume our rotas some time in 2022 and would love to welcome anyone who would like to join us – no previous experience required and on-the-job training will be available on request. Please have a go as we always say that all our flowers are arranged with love.

Please contact one of the Committee for more information.

Helen Brown (722885), Jill Sturgeon Lewis (722434) and Pam Playfoot (722165)

Brenchley Summer Fete

Unfortunately, for a second year running, due risks imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Summer Fete was unable to take place. We are however, hopeful it will be resumed in Summer 2022.

Hannah Smithson

The Ladies’ Study Group

Once again, the Ladies’ Group was unable to meet for a substantial part of the year. The first meeting was at the beginning of June and meetings were then held monthly in July and August. Following a break, the Group meetings resumed at the beginning of October, and from then onwards we met on a more regular weekly basis once again. This was welcomed by all, especially the more vulnerable members who had been isolating for so long due to the ongoing Covid restrictions. We mostly studied the Bible passages read at the Sunday morning family services. A frank and meaningful discussion usually ensued, although this was interspersed with some more light-hearted social news and chat. It is always valuable to hear the personal experiences, interpretations perspectives and views of the various members of the Group, accompanied by mutual moral support.

We met mainly at the Vicarage and on a few occasions enjoyed a delicious cooked lunch kindly provided by Henrietta. It was appreciated that the room was sufficiently large for us to be able to keep a comfortable social distance from one another, to reduce the risk of Covid. Our grateful thanks go to Henrietta for organising these valuable sessions together. Any new members are always welcome to join us.

Sarah Thorpe

Junior Church

This has been an eventful year for Junior Church. During the Covid lockdown period we were so grateful to Karen Maier for providing activities for the children to do to complement the online service. She still continues to do this.

In the summer we began to meet in the Church porch and spent as much time outside as the weather permitted. When the weather became too cold to continue there we moved to the back of the Church. Again, wherever possible the children have had some activities to do outside. Both the children and the Church family have been extremely understanding about this arrangement.

We have almost forty children on our books and it is extremely challenging for both the Junior Church leaders and the children. On a recent Sunday there were thirty or so children crammed into a very small space. The children’s behaviour has been exemplary throughout.

The Junior Church leaders must be congratulated on how they have kept volunteering, sometimes standing in at very short notice. They have provided stimulating and thought-provoking activities for the children to do, generally based on the Bible passage for the week. As always, we would be very grateful if other people felt able to join the team.

We are awaiting the result of an application for a faculty to provide two sound-proofed, glassed -in areas in the Church. This will transform how we are able to run Junior Church. At the moment we have a group of children ranging from four to eleven. When we have additional appropriate space, we will be able to divide into smaller groups according to age.

Henrietta Paget (on behalf of the Junior Church Leaders)

Youth-worker’s Report

November (2021) :

December :

Ruth Parnell