St Mary’s Stretton
Annual Report
May 2021
St Mary’s Stretton with Claymills Registered Charity No. 1130916
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Contents
| PCC members | Page 4 |
|---|---|
| Vicar’s report | Page 5 |
| Deanery Synod | Page 7 |
| Church Wardens | Page 7 |
| PCC | Page 8 |
| Treasurer | Page 10 |
| Planned Giving | Page 14 |
| Electoral Roll | Page 15 |
| Children’s Society | Page 15 |
| SAMS | Page 16 |
| CMS | Page 16 |
| Footprints | Page 17 |
| YMCA | Page 18 |
| Burton YFC | Page 19 |
| Baptsm | Page 20 |
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Contents
| Weddings | Page 20 |
|---|---|
| Bereavement Team | Page 20 |
| Pastoral Care | Page 21 |
| Safeguarding | Page22 |
| House Groups | Page 22 |
| Messy Church | Page 22 |
| Family Church | Page 23 |
| Holiday Club | Page 23 |
| Church Hall | Page 24 |
| Lunch Club | Page 24 |
| Helping Hands | Page 24 |
| Book Club & Not Just Sunday | Page 25 |
| Community Café | Page 25 |
| Other actvites during lockdown | Page 25 |
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PCC Members
October 2020—May 2021
Rev’d George Crossley Rev’d Ben Care Rev’d Dennis Warner Charles Pidsley Brian Cook Shirley Irons Jenny Knopik Kas Fearn Ruth James Pauline MacDonald Pauline Pidsley Andrea Tabberer Chris Rimmer Celia Hogg Tim Shambrook-Cox Christine Davenport Laura Spencer Paul Spencer Louise Burke
Minister—Chair Curate Associate Minister Church Warden Church Warden Licensed Reader Licensed Reader Licensed Reader Deanery Synod—Oct 2020 Deanery Synod—Oct 2020 Deanery Synod—Oct 2020 Elected October 2020 Elected April 2019—Treasurer Elected April 2019° Elected April 2019° Elected April 2019 Elected April 2019 Elected April 2019 Elected April 2018*
° standing down at the APCM
- up for re-election 2021
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Vicar’s Report
The Lord said to Abram 'Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to land I will show you.' (Genesis 12:1)
For the second time I am writing my report in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. The realities and uncertainties of the pandemic have coloured our actions and thinking for over a year now. At this point we think we can see the restrictions coming to an end, possibly at the end of June, but we are also aware that things can change and there is the high probability of a resurgence of the virus in the autumn, though probably not on the scale that we have seen in the last year. That backdrop makes 'looking forward' still a difficult task; the fog might have thinned a bit, but it is still a thick mist at best.
At our APCM last year I spoke of our being in a liminal place, in an in-between time. We are still
there and the uncertainty it engenders is difficult. I spoke then that we should not rush into making decisions as to what the church will look like postpandemic. That argument still remains – of course we would like a clear vision, of course we want to make plans. But we need to be cautious, our focus should be on what God wants us to do, not our own desire as to what we want to do. At this time we need to continue to focus on prayer and paying attention to the guidance of the Holy Spirit: this is a task for all of us, not just for those who are in positions of leadership. Whilst we wait we need to be both patient and expectant, which is a bit of a balancing act; looking forward with hope, listening for God but at the same time not letting patience become apathy or complacency.
At this point individuals and groups are meeting and praying what God's vision for our churches may be. It is important to bear
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in mind that vision is about receiving from God, rather than pressure to build good ideas. Until that vision is clear we need to proceed with caution, it is far better to take our time before we set off in the direction God is calling us than to rush ahead with a vision that seems good to us, one that makes us feel good and assures us we are doing something, but to head off in the wrong direction. Discerning what God's vision for our churches requires prayer, trust, reflection upon the last year or more and a consideration of the resources we have: do we have sufficient to build the tower (Luke 14:28)? Such considerations are as godly as having the desire to achieve for God. In all likelihood we will have to lay down tasks that we used to do in order to do fewer things, this can be painful as well as liberating.
I was privileged to take part in a bible study recently, in the context of discerning God's vision for his church, which focussed on the
story of the Valley of Dry Bones, in Ezekiel 37:
The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”
4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was
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prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.
9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.
We are going to have a short bible study on this text at the APCM, if you are unable to attend please give it some consideration yourself.
As always I am grateful to so many people who share in the ministry to the parishes of St Chad and St Mary – our clergy and reader team, church wardens,
treasurers, house group leaders all those who are faithful in prayer and worship, those who visit and make phone calls, those who just hold on in faith in difficult times. Your faithfulness and hard work is essential and appreciated by many, it is your service to God and neighbour, may you be blessed because of it.
George Crossley—Vicar
Deanery Synod Report
The Deanery Synod did not meet in 2020.
Pauline MacDonald
Church Wardens’ Report
Compared to the previous year to April 2020, the last year has been relatively uneventful. The big exception being that for much of the year, the Church and Church Hall have been closed!
Significant work has been required to ensure the Hall and Church are “Covid secure”. The
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wardens are grateful to Kas for her considerable input into ensuring this was effective and proportionate. We also note the grant from the Councillor’s Community Fund administered by Councillor Lamb which allowed the purchase of barriers to facilitate one way flow in and out of the Hall.
The advantage of closure is that wear and tear has reduced on the buildings and there has been little significant to report in terms of repairs and renewals.
This was confirmed by the recent Terrier that we carried out on 10th April. The item of significance being the loss of 4 traffic cones!
The Lightning conductor has been upgraded and now meets the performance recommended.
In the Hall there is a nonfunctioning light fitting which may require replacement. This may be expensive due to the roof containing sealed asbestos which could be disturbed during this
work.
General maintenance of the Church roof, bell tower, and organ has all continued. Electrical and Gas boiler checks have all been carried out according to recommendations.
Due to financial constraints, there has been no progress on nonessential work itemised in the last Quinquennial report.
The Churchyard has been maintained between myself, Brian and John the Stretton villager who tends to the Cremated remains section. The Church pays for professional cutting of the field and the Hall surrounds as and when required.
The old Horse Chestnut outside the North porch and the Yew tree in the front section have been cut back as recommended by the Diocesan tree advisor. I am aware of concerns expressed by one of our neighbours in Hillfield Lane regards the height of the trees lining this border. A view is awaited
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from the tree advisor although he had previously advised that they do not need crowning for their wellbeing.
The faculty for a memorial bench to be sited nearby the existing bench in the Churchyard has been applied for and granted. Its installation is expected in the next 4-6 weeks. This was at the request of the family of Tammy Minshall and previous MP and Ben Robinson.
The fundraising activity for the development at the back of the Church has ceased and funds will be returned to the donating organisations. It has proven very difficult to obtain monies for this kind of project and all funding for the last year has been clearly earmarked for Covid related support.
Regrettably our insurance has not covered business interruption due to Covid, but the furlough scheme administered by the Diocese has been very welcome for our salaried staff.
Health and Safety documentation
has been brought up to date together with review of Church policies to ensure we have ready access to those we are required to keep up to date.
Looking forward, we welcome the anticipated opening of the Church in May, the appointment of a Kickstart apprentice to assist in Churchyard and general maintenance, and the completion of clearing of the under croft where there are still a lot of discarded organ parts.
Your Churchwardens, Charles Pidsley and Brian Cook
PCC Report
“ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” Colossians 3: 17.
This past year, via Zoom, we have discussed and made decisions on a wide range of agenda items.
Items can include: church hall, churchyard trees, benches, scout
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hut, etc. etc. as well as the reports on Finance, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and from the church wardens.
Some items/decisions may seem small or trivial; however, taking the scripture above as a guiding principle, we aim as a PCC to make every decision in the best interests of all who (in the Covid world) currently virtually ‘attend’ our church, whilst not compromising our beliefs and our mission statement: ‘Making a difference in the community’.
nities we have coming out of lockdown, and the setting up of a working group to take a fresh look at all aspects of church life and practice, following the model set out by Ben to the PCC and to the church as a whole, we as a PCC can be brave, have renewed vision, and look forwards to how to continue to be the church. Let us not be like Lot’s wife, who looked back, and thereby, was unable to go forward.
Celia Hogg
On behalf of the PCC
Following the last APCM, the PCC has grown in number, and we don’t necessarily all share the same view on all things – which I believe is healthy and challenges us all to see things from another P.O.V. I believe we have a strong, committed and diverse PCC membership, which well represents the full church family at St. Mary’s.
Personally, I hope and pray, going forward, that given the opportu-
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Treasurer’s Report
We have had a good year in our accounts and managed to pay all our invoices within a few days of receiving them.
I would like to thank Revd. Dennis Warner for his commitment and work as Planned Giving Officer. He has managed our ‘weekly envelopes and offering plate giving’ to process our quarterly Gift Aid tax claims, which boosts our regular income by a further 25% for all eligible ‘Gift Aided’ giving.
Without doubt the last year has been an exception one but we continue to have blessings as well as difficulties during this period of pandemic. It goes almost without saying that we will need to raise our level of income if we are to increase our mission and continue to meet our commitments in 2021 and beyond. We trust in God’s provision and I give thanks that He never fails us.
Negotiations and funding plans have had to be placed on hold towards the Disabled Toilet at the rear of church.
I am pleased to confirm that despite the financial difficulties due
to losing a large part of our generated income and reduced income from donors we have been able to end the year very close to meeting the terms of our reserves policy referred to above. This is largely due to our donors sacrificially giving what they can while themselves facing financial difficulty due to the pandemic. This together with a measure of reduced expenditure have resulted in an acceptable level of financial security. Through the generosity of the Diocese in rebating 15% of our Parish Share we were able to make the decision as a PCC to support our sister parish of St Chad’s financially by making a grant of £3,809 towards payment of their parish share. A grant of £500 was made to Burton CAP (Christians Against Poverty) to support their vital work. These together corresponded to the Parish Share rebate.
The PCC tithe their income. This means that we calculate the amount of applicable income during the year and grant one tenth of this to the following charities. CMS - 25%; Footprints Orphanage - 25%; Burton YFC - 25%; Burton YMCA - 25%. This year this is
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Income 40.DNJ 35.000 JO.D 2S.DDD 10.000 IS.OOD 10.0 Expenditure 35C ioD)J 12
ia. othw Iorn. £L20L. 2 A2 -Tradin 11- Fee5: 10. DNidend5.' £87: OY6 g- FundraisinE* £S6: 7. Lozacies: £lTr. l-Tax EffKient £4L317:48% 6-Tax £11316; 1616 4- £3.236,. 496 26.Governance Costs.. 27. Major r•pair5 t¢>dHwth: £0: 0% 17.Gonwat¥¥ Fund5: 25- Costs of TradmK E7160: 18. Miwa Gr¥ir•g and Chawitsble: £1161Y: 1416 24- fhurcb Utility bqts; £2497.. 3% 21. Regulaf (hur¢h Pen$. £132 16% 12- Mrssiofi & evan£eliv• costs: £414: 1% 21- Expenses £4973: 6% 19 Parish havè pa•J to 20_ Salarbos I hrKK•Triia' £37. 37Y6 £iini. ts96 13
£1,776 each with a total tithe of £7,104.
The outcome of this difficult year has led to a decrease in our Unrestricted Reserves to £7,024. This figure was £11,582 for 2019. Previous years Reserves going back from 2018 to 2010 were £12,933, £5,907, £5,188, £12,066, £16,412, £14,362, £9,365, £9,929 and £9,781.
As indicated earlier as we emerge, hopefully soon, from the effects of this pandemic we will need to continue to try and increase our income if we are to expand the mission of the church that we all desire and pray for.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of you for your much appreciated giving. Whether it is regular or not, gift aided or not, it is vital to the work of our church. Without this commitment to Christ’s church, we would not be able to serve God and our community in the way that we do. Remember that God allows us to keep the rest of his provision beyond our giving for ourselves.
Can I ask you to pray regularly for the financial ministry of our
church? I believe that God has responded to our prayers regarding our finances. Many of you tithe your income, thank you, but if you do not already, please prayerfully consider doing so. Especially, please also pray for the funds to cover all our work planned for this year.
Chris Rimmer - Treasurer
January 2021
Planned Giving
The year 2020 has been both the best of times and the worst of times. We can view this year not simply as one crisis after another but as challenging opportunities for individual church members and congregations.
Faithful stewards, formed and fuelled by the Gospel, are the medium God uses to bring the best results even from the worst of times. God calls us to faithful stewardship for such a time as this.
In Christ we have a new self: forgiven, child of God, cleansed, and destined for life everlasting. St. Paul encourages us to “put on the new self” and consciously exert
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effort to cling to Christ in faith and claim our new identity in Him. Coming to the Lord’s House, faithfully supporting the ministry, and praying and reading Scripture daily are the works of the new self.
Church members are still giving faithfully over the year, with the total only a few hundred pounds less than last year, even though a few longstanding members left us during the year. The number of givers gift aiding their gifts was 38, and about 8 regular givers were not using Gift Aid.
Although giving fell slightly compared to 2019, using Gift Aid enabled us to claim just over £12,000 in tax refunds from the Government. If you're a UK tax payer you can Gift Aid your donations, making them worth 25% more to us, at no extra cost to you and with no obligation. This additional income makes a real difference.
I am very happy to talk to anyone about giving regularly, using envelopes or Standing Orders, and about Gift Aid especially.
Dennis Warner—Planned Giving Officer
Electoral Roll
The statutory notice period this year was from 9 April to 25 April 2021. Due to Covid and the
church not being open during this time, the revision of the roll was advertised on the church door, in the newsletter, and on Facebook.
The roll lists 89 people as members (which is 4 less than last year): 25 men and 64 women.
The roll will open again on 26 May after the APCM.
Kas Fearn—Electoral Roll Officer
Justice and Care
Children’s Society
The Children’s Society is a registered charity that runs 70 projects up an down the country to support vulnerable children who have no where else to turn. These include young runaways, neglected teenagers, children in care and young carers.
Some members of St Mary’s Church have a collection box at home to collect any spare loose change which is collected once a year to pay into the Children’s Society charitable account. This year £325.00 was collected. Anyone
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who would be willing to have a box please ask me; every penny counts. Thank you.
Pauline Pidsley
SAMS
Mags Southern has been awarded a BEM for services to education in Paraguay.
We do not support Mags financially now, but keep in touch. She is now living in England at Thornton Cleveleys with her friend Gwen. They had been hoping to go back to Paraguay this year with their friend Claire Holmes and her church from Richill, but Clare has been ill and unable to go.
Janet Wedd
CMS
Throughout the pandemic I have kept in touch with Jason, Tracy, Ruby and Libby Day in Thailand, by email, What’s App and more recently Zoom. In 2020 Covid numbers were low with only 64
deaths. However due to illegal border crossings, the country are now in a third lockdown. The children are educated on line. Tracy continues her Thai language study, which she says is not easy. The family are coming to the end of a 12 month dormitory parent contract. Once a month they have supported a modular study group of teenagers who meet in Chiang Mai. They are mission families children from rural settings who have one week of intensive study with qualified Maths, English and Science teachers. Tracy says it has been a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel.
I plan to continue zoom meetings with the family and hope others will join us.
Thank you to the church and individual members of the congregation for their financial support.
Ruth James
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Footprints
Kerry and Patrick have continued to make some changes to the Childrens Home in Kenya whilst maintaining all 20 buildings and looking after the staff and Children. Another 4 children were rescued in the last year. They are settling in well at the home and having the care they deserve. There are now over 40 children and adults in the care of Footprints.
Work is going on to prepare a piece of land near the Diani Beach area which has recently been purchased to give the 11 children who are over the age of 18 some independent living accommodation. The money for the land has been given by some generous donors. A bore hole has been drilled to give the site pumped water and a wall surrounding the site is
home as there has been no normal charity fund raising events and only a few online fundraisers, and Footprints has suffered greatly. However, in spite of the setbacks and having to home school all the children, the home is surviving and we are planning for the future. Please pray for the decisions that have to be made on a weekly basis and for the future direction. A big thank you to the PCC for their tithe gift this year
The charity is now known as “The Footprints Family” and is looking for new Trustees. If you feel able to become one, further details can be obtained by E mailing Paul at pspencer@uwclub.net or contacting the Footprints Website.
Paul Spencer—Trustee
nearing completion. The plan is to build units of 4 flats as finance becomes available. The past year has been very challenging for the
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YMCA
First and foremost I can confirm that the YMCA is most appreciative of the continued support from St Mary’s Church both in the donation given each year as part of the Church tithe and in the volunteering of Church members.
As with all charities, Covid has presented major challenges to fund raising and operations. The YMCA is no different but has been aided by hugely well motivated staff, volunteers and leadership.
Although fundraising events were considerably curtailed, the sleep out did continue but remotely with those involved keeping in touch via social media and
streamed links, Over £40,000 was raised and the model has been used by many other YMCA’s in England and Wales.
cial health,
For the time being, I am acting Chair of the Board of Trustees who have continued to meet via Zoom and have been busy with ensuring continued development of the organisation through the lockdowns.
The shops operated by Burton YMCA were opened on April 12th.
The YMCA was very saddened to learn of Clive Bestall’s passing as we all have, and remembers well the considerable support he and Val have given to the foodbank. It should not be forgotten that Mary Jones was instrumental in the setting up of this vital service.
A big thank you to all at St Mary’s who support the Burton YMCA.
Charles Pidsley—Trustee
The BYMCA has been helped considerably by a substantial grant from the National Lottery Fund for Covid support, which means it has ended the year in good finan-
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Burton YFC
Throughout this last year God has been faithful. He’s provided for all our needs and continued to open up new opportunities in which to serve Him. We’ve been able to support several schools and have adjusted by working more on a one-to-one basis with young people who’ve been most vulnerable at this time. We’ve been training up volunteers and offering virtual listening and mentoring by zoom or telephone, as well as walk and talk. These have proved successful and some of our best conversations have been whilst walking through mud, climbing trees, or eating a bag of chips. Our primary school work has continued through delivering online and prerecorded assemblies.
We have also continued to support the alternative education charity Eagles Nest, supporting small groups and individual young people with their learning and development. This is through
climbing, cooking and one to one activities.
It has now been more than a year since we were able to run a full youth club session. Having piloted and re-opened one youth club in September alongside Riverside Church and the help of some brilliant young people - we closed 6 weeks later! Since then, we have offered a weekly online gaming club and a general youth club with time to chat and play games.
Our Church youth event has come to a stand still at the moment, with also having to cancel our residential weekend twice! We are currently looking at how to reengage with the Christian young people in the town as well as supporting the local churches in their mission to reach children and young people.
Thank you so much for your support as a Church family. We value your giving, your prayers, and your ongoing encouragement.
Sue Garb– Burton YFC Director
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Baptism
As it was for a lot of people, baptisms have meant an extremely challenging year since March 2020 when William Bailey was baptised. Our one and only service for well over a year.
I kept in touch with couples who had baptisms booked by calling them a couple of times and sending them a Christmas card to let them know we hadn’t forgotten them. By the the end of the year “off” I had 14 babies/people on our waiting list. This next year will be a much busier one.
Cheryl Broom—Baptism Coordinator
Weddings
Following the outbreak of the virus, most of the weddings booked for 2020 were postponed and in the end there were just 3 couples who got married at St Mary’s. All the services were conducted by George and verger’s duties were shared between myself, Val and
Sue Jones. For one wedding, the groom’s father played the organ, and Roger Sharp played for the other two services.
Many weddings have been rearranged and we currently only have 3 booked for 2021. We have been unable to hold our annual Marriage Preparation Day due to the restrictions.
Please look out for notices about the banns of marriage and forthcoming weddings in the Newsletter and pray for the couples and their wedding services. All the wedding couples are personally invited to come and hear their banns being read so if you should meet them in church, please make them welcome.
Laura Spencer—Wedding CoOrdinator
Bereavement Team
It's been a very difficult year for many people, not only here in St Mary's but Nation Wide and
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indeed World Wide. In our own Family of St Mary's we have lost a number of loved ones,we shall miss their presence enormously. During these times of Covid, Friends and Family have experienced added grief through necessary separations from their loved ones, followed by restricted Funeral arrangements. Of course the love and support of Friends and Family is always a Blessing. May those who are Bereaved find the strength of their Faith, that has, and will carry them through. It is comforting to know, that the God who loves us, strengthens and comforts us during times of need, promising never to leave us.
Sue Jones.
Bereavement Co-ordinator
starting the role we had Covid-19 so the way visits were able to go ahead changed. I drew up a list of everyone from the congregation who weren’t part of a house group and asked the pastoral visitors to make phone calls to everyone they had been allocated to see if they wanted calls throughout the crisis then if it was a yes to offer an ear. It’s been a longer crisis than anyone could imagine so my grateful thanks to the team for their Stirling work, and hope that once things slowly get back to any normality that they will continue in this very important role and of course we will welcome anyone who feels that this may be a role they feel able to do.
Andrea Tabberer—Pastoral Coordnator
Pastoral Care
I took over this role from Mel Siner near the beginning of 2020, so grateful thanks to Mel for the great job she did. Shortly after
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Safeguarding
I took over the role of Safeguarding Officer in November 2021. Firstly, thanks must go to Celia Hogg for the Stirling work she did. Because of Covid-19 with the Church being closed there has been very little for me to report on. However, what has been done is we now have a definitive list of Church roles and the training and/or DBS certification each role requires. I’ve also concentrated on the roles still in operation and anyone who needs training and DBS which are now up to date. Once the Church re-opens we will then look at who needs what and work out how best to offer training for anyone who is taking up roles for the first time or continuing in their chosen roles, for which we are all grateful for their service.
Andrea Tabberer—Safeguarding Officer
House Groups
All groups have kept in touch with each other. Carol Wheale’s group have done various subjects, the last one being a follow-on from Ben’s sermon on peace. The Wednesday group continue to zoom and presently doing Zechariah.
Lynette Yates– House group Coordinator
Messy Church
It is now over a year since Messy Church has taken place in person. Along with most other groups we are still not able to meet and we still have no clear picture if/when we will be able to hold Messy Church at William Shrewsbury School again.
We continue to post out copies of ‘Messy Church at Home’ to all the children who came to Messy Church before lockdown. The sheets follow our normal pattern; a bible story with some kind of commentary, 3 activities, a
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Prayer etc. Each session has a main theme and we are still trying to keep these relevant to the childrens’ changing circumstances. The session material is in colour and is posted out by Kas to each child individually. Each envelop also contains any specialist materials needed to complete the activity tasks. Session material is sent out each month.
We are doing our best to maintain contact with our Messy Church children but we are acutely aware that by September 2021 there will be 2 cohorts of children who have had no contact with Messy Church.
All we can do is leave this in God’s hands.
families (some 70 adults and children). Unfortunately the February meeting clashed with halfterm and a number of families were away and the March meeting was held just as the country was going into lockdown.
On-line videos have been posted on the 3rd Sunday of each month, and appear to have been well received. We don’t know yet
whether this is something we can pick up again or not, but as Sue said about Messy Church, we are just trying to keep in touch with everyone. 2021 is going to be an exciting new adventure with God, but we are not quite sure where yet!
Kas Fearn
Sue Stokes
Family Church
This new ministry was launched in January 2020 with personal invitations sent to each child who attends Messy Church or who had been baptised in the last 5 years. The January meeting attracted 15
Holiday Club
Although Holiday Club could not meet up in person in 2020, we did deliver activity packs, including craft materials to make a bird feeder, and a photo quiz encouraging families to explore Stretton, to each child that came to the
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2019 Holiday club—52 children in all.
Church Hall
2020 has been a very quiet year due to Covid-19. The hall had to close at the end of March, and remained closed until August, when a couple of regular hirers returned for the autumn and early winter. In preparation for the partial return of some hirers a one -way system has been put into operation, along with restricted use of certain facilities.
The financial implications of the hall been closed, or restricted in use, have been severe and I look forward to the hall being open again for all hirers, and having some parties again!
Kas Fearn—Hall Manager
Lunch Club
Unfortunately to the current pandemic we have been unable to meet together since March 2020.
Helping Hands
As you can image Helping hands has been really busy this year, it’s been great to be there in the community showing God’s love for all in a year where it couldn’t be more important. The jobs include collecting doctor forms to swap surgeries, food shopping which at times proved problematic as at times the shops didn’t also have the brand or item available! removal of a dead bird! There have been many hospital appointments and due to the volunteers, the people have managed to attend these important appointments. There have been dentist visits and also taking people to get their vaccinations. As always, a big thank you to Andrea for manning the phone calls and thanks goes to all the volunteers as this would not succeed without their support.
Louise Burke
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Book Club and Not Just Sunday
Both groups were unable to meet in 2020 so have nothing to report.
Community Café @ St Mary’s
The Community Café has been unable to meet since 13 March 2020.
Claire Goodwin—Café Organiser
Other activities during lockdown
In April 2020 we were donated around 100 plants these were distributed throughout the village to most St Mary’s members, helping hands contacts and others known throughout the village. A big thank you to Ian manager of Berkley garden centre for the donation, and Colin who helped me to deliver the plants.
200 packs of flowers, vegetable seeds were delivered in May, In June little packs of tea, coffee and hot chocolate were given out to enjoy a cuppa on us.
July 100’s of cookies were delivered around the village as well as some lemon drizzle cake, I know these were really yummy, and much enjoyed. A big thank you to Janet Jarvis who baked the goodies. We also kept in touch with all our messy church, family church and holiday club families by hand delivering 100 activity packs for them to take part in.
August little bags of bible verses were given out to some people in the village.
We were also able to deliver food parcels to some of our venerable, elderly, single people and thank you to Mrs. Poulos who provided most of the food.
In December we managed to deliver 4,200 Christmas cards to the whole village, we also hand delivered to all the messy church, family church, baptism families and holiday club children a book that we normally give out at our
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Christmas services.
In February 2021 we delivered valentine’s cards to the whole village to keep in touch with them all, hopefully showing God’s love is for all. We then also sent out Easter cards showing what Easter means to every Christian.
Louise Burke
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St Mary’s Church Stretton with Claymills
Trustees Annual Report incorporating End of Year Financial Statements
Year ending 31 December 2020
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Stretton with Claymills
St Mary’s Church, Church Road, Stretton, Burton upon Trent DE13 0HD
01283 564216 parishoffice@stchadstmary.org.uk
Vicar: Revd Dr George Crossley, Registered Charity No. 1130916
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Reference and Administration Details
Structure, governance and management
Governing Document
Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as amended, and Church Representation Rules that came into effect on 2 January 1957.
How the charity is constituted
Church Representation Rules 2 January 1957
Names of Charity Trustees - PCC Members
Revd Dr George Crossley Minister – Chair Revd Dennis Warner Minister Mrs Karen Fearn Licensed Reader - Secretary Mrs Shirley Irons Reader Emeritus Mr Brian Cook Churchwarden - elected October 2020 Dr Charles Pidsley Churchwarden - elected October 2020 Mrs Pauline Pidsley Deanery Synod Representative – elected October 2020 Mrs Pauline Macdonald Deanery Synod Representative – elected October 2020 Miss Ruth James Deanery Synod Representative – elected October 2020 Mrs Celia Hogg elected for 3 years April 2018 Mrs Louise Burke elected for 3 years April 2018 Mr Chris Rimmer elected for 3 years April 2019 – Treasurer Mr Tim Shambrook-Cox elected for 3 years April 2019 Mr Paul Spencer elected for 3 years April 2019 Mrs Laura Spencer elected for 3 years April 2019 Mrs Christine Davenport elected for 3 years April 2020 Mrs Andrea Tabberer elected for 3 years April 2020
Public Benefit Statement
The trustees of the Charity are aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit and have had regard to it in their administration of the Charity.
The trustees believes that, by promoting the work of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary’s Stretton with Claymills it helps to promote the whole mission of the Church
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(pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical) more effectively, within the Ecclesiastical Parish, and that in doing so it provides a benefit to the public by:-
-
Providing facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its members and for anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers: and
-
Promoting Christian values, and service by members of the Church in and to their communities, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.
Objectives and Activities
The trustees are committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at Stretton with Claymills. The trustees maintain an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.
Achievements and Performance
St Mary’s, as a lively and outward looking church, continues to put it’s objectives into practice with good effect. This is reviewed on a regular basis through it’s bi-monthly trustee and other business meetings.
Future plans
Alongside, and as part of, this Trustees Annual Report an Annual and Finance Report is produced giving more detail on the year’s achievements and our future plans.
Financial Review
Reserves Policy
The trustees operate their finances on an unrestricted reserve equal to the anticipated highest expenditure within any one month.
Restricted Funds
We operate a number of restricted funds where donors or grant making bodies have given money for a specific (restricted) purpose. The full list is included in the financial statements that follow.
Funds Materially in Deficit
There are no funds materially in deficit.
Investments
The day-to-day financial reserves of the charity are held in a CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) Bank cash account. All other reserves are held in a CAF Bank deposit account except that Standing Order donations are directed to a general account held with Lloyds Bank. All income into this Lloyds Bank account is transferred to either of the two CAF Bank accounts monthly.
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Due to the minimal levels of these reserves no other form of investment is deemed necessary.
Financial risk management
Two persons are needed to authorise all mandate or online transactions on behalf of the charity. Four persons have online access to the CAF Bank accounts for authorisation and oversight purposes. This online access requires input of three levels of information, all unique to each person. In addition to this a Debit card is held in the name of the Treasurer, Administrator and Church Warden for other occasional payments. These debit cards are only used for small payments and when confirmed with another mandated person. The treasurer prepares a monthly report to the trustees for their information and oversight. This procedure helps to ensure that any unusual financial transactions are noted at the earliest opportunity and the day-to-day cash-flow is satisfactory.
Safeguarding
‘Safeguarding is God’s agenda & everyone’s responsibility’.
The trustees will take all reasonable steps to work towards ‘The protection of Children and Adults within the Diocese of Lichfield, its churches and parishes.
The trustees will work towards adopting the recommendations of the House of Bishops as published in the Policy for Safeguarding Children Protecting All God’s Children (2010) and Promoting a Safe Church (2006).
The trustees will work towards complying with: The Diocese of Lichfield Safeguarding Policy 2017 and the Safer Recruitment; application of DBS & Training Policy as relating to Safeguarding 2017.
The trustees will ensure full compliance with Health and Safety Guidelines.
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Independent Examiner’s Report to the trustees of St Mary’s, Stretton with Claymills
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2020 which are set out on the following pages.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s 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.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I 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:
- accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any 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.
Signed:
Date:
Name: Mark Desmond Vickers Address: 50 Stanton Road, Stapenhill Burton upon Trent, DE15 9RP
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Statement of Financial Activities
| Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Total Prior year funds funds funds funds funds total funds |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Total Prior year funds funds funds funds funds total funds |
|---|---|
| Income and endowments from: Incoming resources from donors Other voluntary incoming resources Activities in furtherance of the councils objects Income from investments Total income Expenditure on: Costs of generating funds Grants Activities relating to the work of the Church Church management and administration Total expenditure Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer Transfers Gross transfers between funds - in Gross transfers between funds - out Other recognised gains / losses Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Represented by Unrestricted General fund Designated Bell Tower Upkeep Churchyard Upkeep Designated Projects Helping Hands Welfare Organ Maintenance Restricted Bell Tower Upkeep Churchyard Upkeep Community Events (PCC) Disabled Toilet Fund Organ Maintenance Organ Restoration |
66,171 — — — 66,171 67,911 — — 10 — 10 5,750 10,471 973 146 — 11,591 33,024 37 50 — — 87 76 |
| 76,680 1,023 156 — 77,860 106,762 72 — — — 72 170 11,613 — — — 11,613 8,942 69,482 1,176 1,230 — 71,889 88,908 70 — — — 70 70 |
|
| 81,237 1,176 1,230 — 83,644 98,091 |
|
| (4,557) (152) (1,074) — (5,784) 8,670 — — — — — 405 — — — — — (405) |
|
| (4,557) (152) (1,074) — (5,784) 8,670 |
|
| 11,582 3,348 11,390 — 26,321 17,650 |
|
| 7,024 3,196 10,316 — 20,537 26,321 7,024 — — — 7,024 11,582 — 210 — — 210 165 — — — — — 74 — 304 — — 304 304 — 290 — — 290 290 — 2,391 — — 2,391 2,515 — — 91 — 91 91 — — 20 — 20 10 — — 230 — 230 230 — — 9,974 — 9,974 9,974 — — — — — 912 — — — — — 172 |
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Balance sheet
| Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year Net current assets less current liabilities Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets less liabilities Represented by Unrestricted General fund Designated Bell Tower Upkeep Churchyard Upkeep Designated Projects Helping Hands Welfare Marriage Preparation Organ Maintenance Altar Frontal Restricted Youth Project Worship Projects Summer Club (PCC) Bell Tower Upkeep Church Hall Project Churchyard Upkeep Community Events (PCC) Disabled Toilet Fund Messy Church (PCC) Organ Maintenance Organ Restoration Funds of the church |
Total funds Prior year funds |
|---|---|
| 9,813 6,442 22,323 29,998 |
|
| 32,137 36,440 11,600 10,119 |
|
| 11,600 10,119 |
|
| 20,537 26,321 |
|
| 20,537 26,321 |
|
| 20,537 26,321 7,024 11,582 210 165 — 74 304 304 290 290 — — 2,391 2,515 — — — — — — — — 91 91 — — 20 10 230 230 9,974 9,974 — — — 912 — 172 |
|
| 20,537 26,321 |
Statement of assets and liabilities
| General Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year |
|
|---|---|
| Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand PCC Cash in hand - PCC CAFCash - PCC CAF GOLD - PCC Lloyds - Diocese Vicarage Decoration - Totals Current assets - Debtors Accounts Receivable - Totals Liabilities - Creditors: Amounts falling due 1 yr. Accounts Payable - Accounts Payable - Totals Grand total |
285 (173) 12 — 124 74 38,113 (26,989) (5964) — 5159 6,099 (29,546) 30,308 15,521 — 16,284 20,571 (2) — 50 — 48 2,544 708 — — — 708 708 |
| 9,558 3,146 9,619 — 22,323 29,998 9,763 50 — — 9,813 6,442 |
|
| 9,763 50 — — 9,813 6,442 12,298 — — — 12,298 10,817 — — (698) — (698) (698) |
|
| 12,298 — (698) — 11,600 10,119 |
|
| 7,024 3,196 10,316 — 20,537 26,321 |
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Fund movement by type
| General - General fund Unrestricted Sub-total for General DBells - Bell Tower Upkeep Designated Restricted Sub-total for DBells HallProjct - Church Hall Project Restricted Sub-total for HallProjct DChurchyar - Churchyard Upkeep Designated Restricted Sub-total for DChurchyar Community - Community Events (PC Restricted Sub-total for Community DProjects - Designated Projects Designated Sub-total for DProjects Access - Disabled Toilet Fund Restricted Sub-total for Access DWelfare - Helping Hands Welfar Designated Sub-total for DWelfare DOrganMain - Organ Maintenance Designated Restricted Sub-total for DOrganMain OrganRest - Organ Restoration Restricted Sub-total for OrganRest Worship - Worship Projects Restricted Sub-total for Worship Grand total |
Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gains/losses Closing 11,582 76,680 81,237 — — 7,024 |
|---|---|
| 11,582 76,680 81,237 — — 7,024 165 45 — — — 210 91 — — — — 91 |
|
| 256 45 — — — 301 — — — — — — |
|
| — — — — — — 74 225 299 — — — 10 10 — — — 20 |
|
| 84 235 299 — — 20 230 — — — — 230 |
|
| 230 — — — — 230 304 — — — — 304 |
|
| 304 — — — — 304 9,974 — — — — 9,974 |
|
| 9,974 — — — — 9,974 290 — — — — 290 |
|
| 290 — — — — 290 2,515 753 876 — — 2,391 912 146 1,058 — — — |
|
| 3,427 900 1,935 — — 2,391 172 — 172 — — — |
|
| 172 — 172 — — — — — — — — — |
|
| — — — — — — |
|
| 26,321 77,860 83,644 — — 20,537 |
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Analysis of income and expenditure
| General Desig nated Restrict ed |
Total Endow ment This year Last year |
|---|---|
| Income and endowments from: Incoming resources from donors 01Env - GA Reg Envelopes 9153 - - 01EnvNGA - Non GA Reg Envelopes 1756 - - 01SO - GA Reg Bank SO 28308 - - 01SONGA - Non GA Bank SO 2110 - - 03Card - Contactless Card Donations 255 - - 03EnvGAS - Gift Aid envelopes at services (One Off) 6542 - - 03EnvNGAS - Non GA Envelopes at services 832 - - 03Plate - Loose plate Donations 1562 - - 04CP - Donations to Church Project - - - 04GAYL - Give as you live donations 165 - - 04Gen - Donations to General Fund 3171 - - 06Gen - PCC Tax Recovered on GA 12316 - - Incoming resources from donors Totals 66171 - - Other voluntary incoming resources 08GNR - Non-Recurring or One-Off Grants - - - 08GR - Recurring Grants - - 10 Other voluntary incoming resources Totals - - 10 Activities in furtherance of the councils objects 09Gentd - Generated Funds 56 - - 11Fees - Fees Weddings Funerals 3116 250 - 12CCAFE - Community Cafe Income 851 - - 12Hall - Hall Income 5920 - - 12OffInc - Office income Printing etc - - - 12Reimb - Reimbursements to PCC 51 - - 13InsC - Insurance Claims Church NOTE Relates to church flooding due to blocked drain 478 723 147 Activities in furtherance of the councils objects Totals 10472 973 147 Income from investments 10BInt - PCC Bank Interest 12 - - 10VDSB - Vicarage Decoration Scheme Bonus 25 50 - Income from investments Totals 37 50 - Income and endowments Grand totals 76680 1023 157 |
- 9153 11780 - 1756 1471 - 28308 27401 - 2110 1880 - 255 75 - 6542 4247 - 832 689 - 1562 4351 - - 2500 - 165 - - 3171 1513 - 12316 12005 - 66171 67911 - - 5000 - 10 750 - 10 5750 - 56 2612 - 3366 8472 - 851 884 - 5920 17471 - - 2 - 51 919 - 1348 2664 - 11592 33024 - 12 14 - 75 63 - 87 77 - 77860 106762 |
| Expenditure on: Costs of generating funds 17Env - Collection Envelopes - - - 17FREv - Fundraising Events 50 - - 17Stew'p - Contactless / Stewardship Costs 23 - - Costs of generating funds Totals 73 - - |
- - 118 - 50 - - 23 53 - 73 171 |
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Grants
| Grants | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18NTONSec - Other Non-secular Grants (Non-tithe) | 4309 | - | - | - | 4309 | - |
| 18NTTTrust - Transformation Trust(CiB) | 200 | - | - | - | 200 | 200 |
| 18TBYFC - Burton YFC - (tithe) | 1776 | - | - | - | 1776 | 2186 |
| 18TCMS - CMS - (Tithe) | 1776 | - | - | - | 1776 | 2186 |
| 18TFoot - The Footprints Family (Tithe) | 1776 | - | - | - | 1776 | 2186 |
| 18TYMCA - Burton YMCA (tithe) | 1776 | - | - | - | 1776 | 2186 |
| Grants Totals | 11613 | - | - | - | 11613 | 8942 |
| Activities relating to the work of the Church | ||||||
| 19Share - Parish Share (Purse) | 30667 | - | - | - | 30667 | 34404 |
| 20Admin - Administrator | 10802 | - | - | - | 10802 | 10506 |
| 20Clean - Cleaner | 495 | - | - | - | 495 | 1435 |
| 20DioAdmin - Diocese Salary Admin Charge | 120 | - | - | - | 120 | 120 |
| 20SS1 - Daniel Ortiz Sunday School Session | 200 | - | - | - | 200 | 970 |
| 20SS2 - Rachel Ortiz Sunday School Session | 120 | - | - | - | 120 | 665 |
| 20VisMus - Visiting Organist/Buglar/Musician | - | - | - | - | - | 135 |
| 20VisSp - Visiting Speakers | 35 | - | - | - | 35 | 50 |
| 21CExp - Curate - Expenses | 118 | - | - | - | 118 | 515 |
| 21Gift - Gifts (Flowers & 80+) | 23 | - | - | - | 23 | 117 |
| 21OEquip - Office Equipment (Small) | 56 | - | - | - | 56 | 30 |
| 21OS/W - Office Software Materials | 301 | - | - | - | 301 | 23 |
| 21Post - Postage Stamps | 191 | - | - | - | 191 | 123 |
| 21Print - Printers - Lease - Toner - Maint. | 3550 | - | - | - | 3550 | 3778 |
| 21SS1 - Daniel Ortiz Sunday School Expenses | 29 | - | - | - | 29 | 102 |
| 21SS2 - Rachel Ortiz Sunday School Expenses | - | - | - | - | - | 42 |
| 21Stat - Office Stationery | 101 | - | - | - | 101 | 148 |
| 21VExp - Vicar - Expenses | 213 | - | - | - | 213 | 252 |
| 21VRes - Vicar - Resources Books/Software | 36 | - | - | - | 36 | - |
| 21VTel - Vicar - Telephone | 355 | - | - | - | 355 | 369 |
| 22CHC - Children's Holiday Club | 98 | - | - | - | 98 | 316 |
| 22EvMat - Evangelism Materials | 165 | - | - | - | 165 | 195 |
| 22Family - Family Church | 133 | - | - | - | 133 | - |
| 22Messy - Messy Church | 18 | - | - | - | 18 | 119 |
| 23ABankCh - Bank Charges | 60 | - | - | - | 60 | 60 |
| 23ABells - Bells Belltower | - | - | - | - | - | 667 |
| 23ACClean - Church Cleaning | 254 | - | - | - | 254 | 159 |
| 23ACIns - Church Insurance | 4191 | - | - | - | 4191 | 4370 |
| 23ACInsRep - Insurance Repairs - Church | - | - | - | - | - | 4077 |
| 23ACSecu - Church Security | 1120 | - | - | - | 1120 | 1214 |
| 23ACYard - Churchyard Upkeep | 225 | 300 | - | - | 524 | 2907 |
| 23ADeanSub - Deanery Subscription | - | - | - | - | - | 24 |
| 23AHMaint - Heating Maintenance | 74 | - | - | - | 74 | 864 |
| 23AMinRep - Minor Repairs / Maint. / Equip. | 1929 | - | - | - | 1929 | 1806 |
| 23AOffTel - Office - Broadband Telephone | 492 | - | - | - | 492 | 459 |
| 23APub - Publicity | 642 | - | - | - | 642 | 620 |
| 23AQuin - Quinquennial | 625 | - | - | - | 625 | - |
| 23AReimb - Reimbursible Expenditure | - | - | - | - | - | 780 |
| 23ASubs - Subscriptions (General) | 105 | - | - | - | 105 | 105 |
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| 23AWeb - Website | 90 | - | - | - | 90 | - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23PBapt - Baptism Confirmation Preparation | 97 | - | - | - | 97 | 177 |
| 23PComm - Community Events | - | - | - | - | - | 160 |
| 23PMPrep - Marriage Preparation | 108 | - | - | - | 108 | 159 |
| 23PTrain - Training Courses Materials | - | - | - | - | - | 51 |
| 23WGEqu - Worship Equipment General | 110 | - | - | - | 110 | 213 |
| 23WHosp - Services Hospitality | 48 | - | - | - | 48 | 182 |
| 23WInst - Instrument Organ Piano Maintenance | - | 876 | 1231 | - | 2107 | - |
| 23WLic - Licences - Copyright etc. | 475 | - | - | - | 475 | 462 |
| 23WLitMus - Liturgy Books Music | - | - | - | - | - | 21 |
| 23WMat - Services Materials | 162 | - | - | - | 162 | 122 |
| 23WMEqu - Worship Equipment Major | 1006 | - | - | - | 1006 | - |
| 23WSacr - Sacristry | 96 | - | - | - | 96 | 319 |
| 23WSSRes1 - Daniel Ortiz Sunday School Resources | 58 | - | - | - | 58 | 344 |
| 23WSSRes2 - Rachel Ortiz Sunday School Resources | 35 | - | - | - | 35 | 163 |
| 24Elec - Church Electricity | 200 | - | - | - | 200 | 1234 |
| 24Gas - Church Gas | 2163 | - | - | - | 2163 | 2007 |
| 24Wat - Church Water | 133 | - | - | - | 133 | 93 |
| 25CCMan - Community Cafe Manager | 363 | - | - | - | 363 | 472 |
| 25CCOth - Community Cafe Costs | 127 | - | - | - | 127 | 581 |
| 25Clean - Hall Cleaning materials | 164 | - | - | - | 164 | 741 |
| 25Elec - Hall Electricity | 309 | - | - | - | 309 | 533 |
| 25Equip - Hall Equipment Fittings | 136 | - | - | - | 136 | 585 |
| 25Gas - Hall Gas | 692 | - | - | - | 692 | 1050 |
| 25Ins - Hall Insurance | 950 | - | - | - | 950 | 873 |
| 25Mow - Hall Field Mowing | 445 | - | - | - | 445 | 150 |
| 25Rep - Hall Repairs etc | 318 | - | - | - | 318 | 727 |
| 25SalCle - Hall Cleaner salary | 2183 | - | - | - | 2183 | 3413 |
| 25SalMan - Hall Manager inc. mobile phone | 1336 | - | - | - | 1336 | 1267 |
| 25Wat - Hall Water | 138 | - | - | - | 138 | 286 |
| Activities relating to the work of the Church | ||||||
| Totals | 69482 | 1176 | 1231 | - | 71889 | 88908 |
| Church management and administration | ||||||
| 23AIndEx - Independent Examiner | 70 | - | - | - | 70 | 70 |
| Church management and administration Totals |
70 | - | - | - | 70 | 70 |
| Expenditure Grand totals | 81238 | 1176 | 1231 | - | 83645 | 98092 |
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Conclusion
Without doubt the last year has been an exception one but we continue to have blessings as well as difficulties during this period of pandemic. It goes almost without saying that we will need to raise our level of income if we are to increase our mission and continue to meet our commitments in 2021 and beyond. We trust in God’s provision and I give thanks that He never fails us.
Negotiations and funding plans have had to be placed on hold towards the Disabled Toilet at the rear of church.
I am pleased to confirm that despite the financial difficulties due to losing a large part of our generated income and reduced income from donors we have been able to end the year very close to meeting the terms of our reserves policy referred to above. This is largely due to our donors sacrificially giving what they can while themselves facing financial difficulty due to the pandemic. This together with a measure of reduced expenditure have resulted in an acceptable level of financial security. Through the generosity of the Diocese in rebating 15% of our Parish Share we were able to make the decision as a PCC to support our sister parish of St Chad’s financially by making a grant of £3,809 towards payment of their parish share. A grant of £500 was made to Burton CAP (Christians Against Poverty) to support their vital work. These together corresponded to the Parish Share rebate.
The PCC tithe their income. This means that we calculate the amount of applicable income during the year and grant one tenth of this to the following charities. CMS - 25%; Footprints Orphanage - 25%; Burton YFC - 25%; Burton YMCA - 25%. This year this is £1,776 each with a total tithe of £7,104.
The outcome of this difficult year has led to a decrease in our Unrestricted Reserves to £7,024. This figure was £11,582 for 2019. Previous years Reserves were £12,933 in 2018. £5,907 in 2017, £5,188 in 2016, £12,066 in 2015, £16,412 in 2014, £14,362 in 2013, £9,365 in 2012, £9,929 in 2011 and £9,781 in 2010.
As indicated earlier as we emerge, hopefully soon, from the effects of this pandemic we will need to continue to try and increase our income if we are to expand the mission of the church that we all desire and pray for.
A separate Annual and Finance Report contains further information and reports that form part of our Trustees Annual Report.
This report dated 31 January 2021.
Adopted at meeting of the PCC on 9 March 2021
Vicar 9 March 2021
Treasurer 9 March 2021
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Addendum to Treasurers report for 2020
In my main report I stated that “as we emerge, hopefully soon, from the effects of this pandemic we will need to continue to try and increase our income if we are to expand the mission of the church that we all desire and pray for”.
However, the effects of Covid 19 on all areas of our income has continued to the effect that as at 30 April this year our general (unrestricted) reserves were in a negative balance by £3,937.
I have now analysed in detail our income trends over the last 2 years and as you might expect our income from the church hall together with weddings and funeral fees have taken a big hit during the pandemic, hopefully these will recover as the effects of lockdown are lifted. The analysis of our voluntary giving trends has shown that this area of income has been declining, most markedly in the last 4 months.
To address this the PCC have agreed a strategy to try and redress these difficulties by the end of this current financial year. Church members will be receiving more information on this strategy soon.
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Independent Examiner’s Report to the trustees of St Mary’s, Stretton with Claymills
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2020 which are set out on the following pages.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s 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.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I 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:
- accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any 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.
Signed:
Date:
Name: Mark Desmond Vickers Address: 50 Stanton Road, Stapenhill Burton upon Trent, DE15 9RP
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